Playbooks

Cross Screen

Shotgun·Bunch Wide·11
Screen PassPass PlayCrosser
Play diagram for Cross Screen from Shotgun Bunch Wide in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 5 playbooks

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Breakdown

Cross Screen out of Shotgun Bunch Wide is a designed screen pass built to bait aggressive pass rushers and blitz packages. The bunch releases two receivers vertically upfield as clear-out routes while the backside receiver runs a deep crosser to occupy underneath defenders, and the offensive line sets up a wall of blockers on the perimeter for the screen target running flat to the sideline. The primary read is the screen receiver working behind the line, with the QB looking to get the ball out quickly to that flat target as blockers escort him upfield.

Defensive Reads

Watch for user linebackers spying the backfield or shooting gaps immediately after the snap, which signals they have not respected the screen action. Key the flow of the offensive line, if blockers release upfield instead of engaging, that is the tell for the screen and defenders should stay put. Check safety depth pre-snap, a two-high shell with soft corners often bites on the vertical releases from the bunch, opening the screen lane. Look for cornerbacks pressing at the line, since man coverage on the outside routes can leave the flat area vacant for the screen blocker to seal. Beware of a defensive lineman dropping into a designed screen-read zone or a spy assignment, as that defender can blow up the play before it develops.

Usage Tips

Call this play when you see pre-snap blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line or safeties rotating down, since the screen action punishes overpursuit.

Use it on early downs or after a big pass play to slow down aggressive user blitzers who are keying on the QB drop.

Hot route the deep crossing receiver into a shorter drag if the defense is playing soft zone underneath, since that clears space for the screen blockers.

Pair this play with Verticals or PA Post from the same Bunch Wide set to sell vertical route concepts first, making defenders bite harder on the screen fake later in a series.

Avoid calling this against disciplined zone defenses that sit their linebackers, since screen plays die quickly when defenders read and stay home.

Other Plays in Bunch Wide