Playbooks

Texans Curl

Shotgun·Bunch·11

Pass Play Flat Post Corner In

Play diagram for Texans Curl from Shotgun Bunch in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetBunch

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 3 playbooks

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Breakdown

Texans Curl out of Shotgun Bunch lines up three receivers tight to one side with a single receiver backside. Off the snap the bunch releases with the outermost receiver running a deep curl that settles around 12 to 15 yards, the middle bunch receiver runs an out breaking route to the flat, and the backside single receiver runs a deep crossing route away from the bunch. This is a zone beater designed to layer routes at different levels and horizontal spots, with the curl sitting down in the intermediate zone hole while the crosser stretches the field behind it, so the primary read starts with the curl route and works to the deep cross if the underneath defenders sink into that window.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap check the depth of the underneath linebackers and the shell of the safeties to determine if this is a zone or man call This concept is most vulnerable against zone coverage because it relies on defenders sinking into the curl and flat windows rather than mirroring receivers in man Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk position over the middle bunch receiver, this can jump the flat route or undercut the curl and turn into a pick six If the defense shows Cover 3 with a curl to flat defender on the bunch side, expect that defender to widen with the flat route and open the curl window behind him Man coverage with press corners and a deep half safety can shut this down quickly since the curl has nowhere to sit down, look to bail into the deep crosser as your answer against man

Usage Tips

Pre-snap identify whether the defense is showing zone or man by checking linebacker depth and safety alignment, this concept punishes zone coverage far more than press man

If you see a two high shell with linebackers sitting in shallow zones, target the curl route since it will settle right in the seam between the underneath zone and the deep half

Hot route the flat route to a quick out or speed out if you are facing a Cover 2 look that has a corner sitting on the curl window

Use this on second and medium or third and short to medium since the curl and flat combo gives you a high low read that is easy to full progression against zone drops

Pair this with Bunch Verts or Bunch Sail in your play calling sequence, showing the same bunch alignment forces the defense to declare their shell before you decide whether to attack underneath or push vertical