Playbooks

Comebacks

I Form·Pro·21

Comeback Pass Play

Play diagram for Comebacks from I Form Pro in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationI Form

SetPro

Personnel

212 RB · 1 TE · 2 WR

In 1 playbook

Madden OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Comebacks out of the I Form Pro 21 personnel sends both outside receivers vertical before snapping their routes back toward the sideline at intermediate depth, creating a true comeback route on each side of the formation. The middle of the field shows a seam route from the inline TE working vertically up the hash, giving the quarterback a three level stretch with two comebacks on the perimeter and a clock beater up the middle. This is a man beater concept at its core since the comeback routes attack trail technique and off man leverage, though the seam route also gives you a answer versus single high zone shells. Primary read progression starts with the seam route to see if the defense bites on the vertical stem, then works to either comeback based on the leverage of the cornerback and any user controlled defender flowing to that side.

Defensive Reads

Watch the depth of the corners at the snap since off man or soft zone corners will give up the cushion needed for the comeback route to work, while press man corners can disrupt the timing before the break. Key the flow of the middle linebacker and any user controlled defender dropping into the intermediate zone, since a lurking defender sitting on the comeback break can jump the route and create a turnover opportunity. Identify single high safety shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1, since the seam route from the TE has a clean throwing window against those coverages if the underneath defenders bite on run action or short routes. Versus two high shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4, the comeback routes have to win outside the numbers before the corner can sink under the route, so a quick break is critical against those zone drops. Beware of aggressive blitz packages that bring extra pressure off the edge, since the seven step timing on the comeback routes needs a clean pocket, and a well timed blitz can force an early throw or a sack before the routes fully develop.

Usage Tips

Use pre snap motion or a hard count to identify if the corners are playing off man or a soft zone shell before the snap since the comeback routes are most effective against off coverage that gives a big cushion.

If the safeties show a two high shell with corners playing outside leverage, key the seam route from the TE since that window will be open against most zone drops.

Hot route the backside comeback into a hitch or speed out if you are getting a hard press man alignment, since the comeback needs separation off the break to be effective.

Best called on second and long or third and medium to long situations where the defense expects a checkdown or a quick game concept, since the double comeback look punishes aggressive zone drops that jump underneath routes.

Pair this play with Curls or Slant And Go's out of the same formation to keep the defense guessing between comeback breaks and vertical shots, forcing linebackers and corners to respect both the sit down route and the deep speed route.