Playbooks

Verticals

Pistol·Open Flex·11
Four VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 BeaterDeep CrossCrosserFadeStreak
Play diagram for Verticals from Pistol Open Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

In 1 playbook

Pistol OffenseOffense

Receiver routes

Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.

See this play with a team's players
PlayerSideRoute
HB1MiddlePass Block
WR3RightDeep Cross
WR2LeftFade
WR1RightStreak
TE1RightStreak

Read progression

  1. WR1 right, Streak
  2. TE1 right, Streak
  3. WR3 right, Deep Cross or WR2 left, Fade

Breakdown

Verticals out of Pistol Open Flex sends both outside receivers and the TE (from the slot) straight up the field on vertical routes to stress the deep coverage, while the backside receiver runs a deep dig/crossing route underneath to sit in the middle void. This is a classic four verts concept built as a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater, designed to overload the deep safeties and attack the seams before they can rotate over the top. The primary read progression starts with the inside vertical (TE) working the seam, then works outside to the boundary vertical, with the crossing route as the checkdown against zone drops underneath.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, look for two safeties splitting the field evenly, that Cover 2 shell is vulnerable to the seam and outside verticals stretching the deep zones. Single high safety alignment with corners playing off indicates Cover 3, attack the seam away from the safety's help since he can only cover half the field. Post-snap, watch for a user-controlled safety sinking into the deep middle, that lurk defender can jump the inside seam route if you stare it down too long. If linebackers show blitz depth and disguise a Cover 0 look, the crossing route becomes your hot read since there is no deep help and the ball needs to come out fast. Tight man coverage on the outside receivers with a bracket safety over the top signals Cover 4 or Cover 6, in that case the crossing route underneath is your best answer instead of forcing the verticals.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see two deep safeties split evenly this play is designed to split them with the inside seam routes.

Against Cover 3, target the seam runner opposite the single high safety since the flat defender cannot get enough depth to help.

Use the crossing route as your outlet against zone coverage that drops linebackers deep, it sits in the throwing lane created by the vertical stems.

Pair this play with HB Zone Wk or Inside Zone Split in your play-calling sequence so defenders start respecting run action, opening bigger throwing lanes on the verticals.

Save this concept for second and long or third and long situations where defenses commit extra bodies underneath, since it needs time for the routes to stretch the field.

If you see man coverage with no safety help, hot route the crossing route to a slant or curl to beat aggressive press corners quickly.

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