Playbooks

Drive

Pistol·Wing·12
DrivePass PlayCover 4 BeaterBlock and ReleaseComebackPostDragCrosserIn
Play diagram for Drive from Pistol Wing in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol
SetWing

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
HB1MiddleBlock and Release Hook
TE2RightDrag
WR1LeftComeback
WR2RightDeep Post
TE1RightSpeed In

Read progression

  1. TE1 right, Speed In
  2. TE2 right, Drag
  3. HB1, Block and Release Hook
  4. WR1 left, Comeback or WR2 right, Deep Post

Breakdown

Drive out of Pistol Wing with 12 personnel is a five man protection concept built to attack zone coverage with a true drive route combo. TE1 runs a Speed In behind TE2's Drag underneath, while HB1 chips before releasing on a Hook and both WR1 and WR2 stretch the deep zones with a Comeback and Deep Post. With every offensive lineman staying in to block, this play buys enough time for the crossing routes to clear out linebackers and hit soft spots against Cover 4 shells.

Defensive Reads

Watch for two high safeties pre-snap, this signals Cover 4 or Cover 2 and opens up the drive combo of TE1 Speed In and TE2 Drag underneath. If linebackers walk up to the line of scrimmage showing blitz, expect the five man protection to hold up but be ready to check to HB1's Hook route as a quick outlet. Man coverage with a single high safety means the WR2 Deep Post has a chance to win over the top if the corner opens his hips early, but the QB needs a clean pocket to let it develop. Zone defenses that sink their linebackers deep can undercut the Speed In and Drag routes, so look for a defense that keeps its second level shallow to know this concept will hit. A user controlled defender sitting in a lurk spot underneath can jump both crossing routes, so recognize a spy or robber technique pre-snap and lean on the outside routes instead.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment pre-snap, if you see two deep safeties split wide with corners playing off, this is a strong Cover 4 beater thanks to the drive combo underneath.

Use the Speed In and Drag stacked concept to layer your reads, throw with anticipation on the TE1 Speed In before the underneath defenders can drive on the throwing lane.

On third and medium, let HB1 chip the edge rusher before releasing on the Hook to give yourself a checkdown if the deep crossers are blanketed.

Pair this play with PA Boot or PA Ctr Waggle from the same set to keep linebackers honest on run action before hitting them with this drive concept later in a series.

Against man coverage, prioritize the WR1 Comeback since the deep in breaking routes take longer to develop and are more exposed to a trailing corner jumping the route.

Other Plays in Wing