Playbooks

Post Spacing

Shotgun·Bunch Wide·11
PostSpacingPass PlayCover 3 BeaterCover 4 Beater
Play diagram for Post Spacing from Shotgun Bunch Wide in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

Shotgun MixVikings OffenseOffenseNFL Live Vikings OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Post Spacing out of Shotgun Bunch Wide (11 personnel) attacks the field with a three-level stretch from the bunch and a post from the backside X. The bunch releases into a deep post that clears the top of the defense while the underneath receivers settle into a spacing combo (flat, shallow cross, and hitch) to stretch zone defenders horizontally. The lone backside receiver runs a deep post to attack the middle of the field, giving this play the label of both a Cover 3 beater (sitting in the seams created by the spacing route) and a Cover 4 beater (the post working behind the safety rotation). Primary read progression starts with the post read against single high safety looks, then works down to the spacing concept underneath if the post is capped, finishing with the checkdown flat route as the last resort.

Defensive Reads

Watch the single high safety pre-snap: if he stays deep middle without rotation, expect Cover 3 and attack the post since the corner has to respect the flat and shallow routes underneath. Look for two deep safeties splitting the field evenly, which usually signals Cover 4 or Cover 2, meaning the post will be defended over the top and the spacing routes underneath become your friend. Post-snap, track the middle linebacker's drop: if he sinks deep into the post lane, that is a lurk threat that can jump the throw, so be ready to reset to the spacing concept. If the defense brings a blitz from the bunch side, the shallow cross and flat routes become quick answers against man coverage since defenders in man will have trouble navigating traffic in the bunch alignment. Beware of Cover 1 robber concepts where a defender sits in the middle of the field to take away the post, this coverage neutralizes the top read and forces you to check down.

Usage Tips

Check the safety count before the snap: if you see one high safety, key the post route immediately since it is your top priority read against Cover 3.

Against two high shells, be ready to work the spacing concept underneath since the post will likely have safety help over the top in Cover 4.

Use the shallow crossing route out of the bunch as a quick answer to underneath zone drops or if you see a blitz coming from the bunch side.

Pair this play with Spacing or Slant Spacing Dig from the same set to keep defenders guessing between vertical shots and horizontal stretches.

Best used on 2nd or 3rd and medium when you need a explosive gain but still want a safe underneath outlet if the defense disguises coverage well.

Other Plays in Bunch Wide