Playbooks

Cheat TE Hitch HB Seam

Shotgun·Bunch TE·11

Hitch Seam Motion Pass Play

Play diagram for Cheat TE Hitch HB Seam from Shotgun Bunch TE in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetBunch TE

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 7 playbooks

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Breakdown

Cheat TE Hitch HB Seam lines up from Bunch TE in Shotgun and sends the two outside bunch receivers on deep crossing routes to the far sideline while the inside bunch receiver runs a quick hitch just past the sticks. On the backside, the TE releases up the seam and the HB runs a wheel/vertical route up the numbers after motioning out of the backfield, with the offensive line sliding to protect. This is a man beater built around natural rub picks from the bunch alignment, with the primary read starting on the HB seam route against a blitzing linebacker or matched-up safety before working back to the hitch as the quick underneath outlet.

Defensive Reads

Watch the second level pre-snap for man match defenders lined up over the bunch, since the rub concept is designed to beat man coverage. Key the safety over the seam side, if he is rotating down pre-snap the HB seam route will be contested and you should check to the hitch or crossers instead. Look for a linebacker blitz off the edge on the HB motion side, since a blitzing backer opens a wide throwing lane up the seam. Against zone coverage, identify if the flat defender sinks with the crossers or stays home, this determines whether the deep sideline crossers or the underneath hitch is the better answer. Beware a lurking safety sitting in the middle of the field in zone shells, as he can jump the seam route if the quarterback holds the ball too long.

Usage Tips

Motion the HB before the snap to check if the defense shifts a linebacker or slot defender with him, confirming man coverage. Attack this against man or single high safety looks since the natural bunch rub can spring the HB up the seam for an explosive gain. Use the hitch as your safety valve on third and short if the deep routes are covered, since it settles quickly for an easy completion. Pair this with Bunch Levels or Mtn Return Flood Stick in your call sheet so defenses cannot key on the deep seam shot every snap. If you see two high safeties pre-snap, be ready to hot route the crossers deeper or check to a different concept since the seam window shrinks against zone.