Playbooks

HB Off Tackle

Shotgun·Cluster·11

Off Tackle Run Play

Play diagram for HB Off Tackle from Shotgun Cluster in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetCluster

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

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Breakdown

HB Off Tackle out of Shotgun Cluster is a designed run play that sends the HB on a downhill path toward the tackle box, aiming to hit the alley off tackle rather than bouncing outside. The diagram shows the back taking a lateral step before cutting upfield behind the offensive line, reading the off tackle gap as his primary lane. This is a run play with no route combo attached, so the blocking scheme up front (down blocks and double teams at the point of attack) does all the work, with the primary read being the first true crease off tackle before bouncing outside if it closes.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth before the snap since stacked or crashing linebackers signal a run blitz that can beat this play to the point of attack. Identify whether the defense is in a one high or two high safety shell, since a single high safety often means the box is loaded and this run will have less room to operate. Key the defensive end and outside linebacker assignment on the play side, since a hard crash inside opens the cutback lane while a wide alignment forces the back to find the cut sooner. User controlled defenders flowing downhill immediately after the snap indicate the defense has diagnosed the run, so be ready to cut back against the grain. This play struggles against gap control fronts with disciplined linebackers who stay square and fill their lanes, so avoid calling it into heavy run commit defenses or overload fronts.

Usage Tips

Run this early in a series to set up HB Counter and HB Mid Draw from the same Cluster formation since all three hit different levels and angles but look identical at the snap.

Check the box count before the snap. If the defense has six or more in the box, consider audibling to Mesh or Z Spot to attack light coverage instead of forcing this run into a stacked front.

Use the Cluster bunch alignment to disguise your intentions since defenders often have to communicate assignments against bunch sets, which can create hesitation and late fits.

Bounce this play outside if you see the defensive line crashing hard down the line, since Off Tackle naturally sets up a cutback lane when the front overpursues.

Pair this with HB Slip Screen on the next snap if the defense starts sending extra blitzers to stop the run, since the screen punishes an overaggressive pass rush.