Playbooks

HB Choice

Shotgun·Bunch Y-Flex·11
Option RoutePass Play
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.
Play diagram for HB Choice from Shotgun Bunch Y-Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

Not in any team playbook.

Breakdown

HB Choice out of Shotgun Bunch Y-Flex sends the bunch trio into a vertical clear-out and a corner/flat combo on the right while the HB runs an option route out of the backfield, breaking either to the flat or up the seam based on the leverage of the second level defender covering him. The two outside receivers on the right stem into a corner and seam combo that occupies the safety and corner, while the far left receiver runs a deep crosser to hold the backside. This is a man beater first and foremost since the HB choice route is designed to create a natural pick and leverage mismatch against a linebacker or slot corner in man coverage, but it also holds value against zone thanks to the vertical stretch on the right side. Primary read progression starts with the HB option route out of the backfield, then works to the corner/seam combo on the right if the backer or nickel widens with the back.

Defensive Reads

Presnap, check safety depth and alignment since a single high safety shading toward the bunch side signals cover 3 or cover 1, which softens the HB choice read but opens the corner route behind it Watch the slot corner or nickel defender's leverage on the bunch formation, if he is playing outside shade the HB should break inside on the option route for easy separation Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exploited by the natural rub from the bunch releases, so tight man alignment across the board is a green light to attack quickly Zone blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge get neutralized by the quick HB option route since it acts as a built in outlet against pressure Watch for a lurking linebacker sitting in the shallow flat zone, since a disciplined defender staying home in that area can jump the HB choice route and turn it into a turnover opportunity

Usage Tips

Presnap, identify whether the defender aligned over the HB is a linebacker or a slot corner since that matchup determines whether you throw the option route hot or let it develop

Against man coverage, throw the HB choice quickly off the break since the natural picks from the bunch alignment create instant separation

Against zone shells with the underneath defenders sitting flat footed, look immediately to the right side corner route since the seam runner will occupy the deep defender and open up a throwing lane

This play works best on third and short or second and medium since the HB option route gives you a built in checkdown against blitz looks while the corner route provides an explosive play answer

Pair this with Curls Y Swirl or Z Shallow Cross from the same set to keep the defense guessing between quick option concepts and deeper crossing patterns, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits

Use RPO Alert Out from this set as a changeup call so the defense cannot sit on the HB option route every snap

Other Plays in Bunch Y-Flex