Playbooks

PA Deep Curls

Shotgun·Deuce Close·12

Play Action Pass Play Curl

Play diagram for PA Deep Curls from Shotgun Deuce Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

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SetDeuce Close

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

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Breakdown

PA Deep Curls out of Shotgun Deuce Close uses play action to hold the linebackers before releasing three vertical stem routes into curls. The diagram shows the outside receiver running a straight vertical curl at the numbers, an inside slot receiver breaking off a quick out to the flat, and a TE releasing up the seam before settling into a deep curl near the hash, while the backfield fake occupies the front seven. The primary read progression starts with the deep curl on the right (red route) as the first look versus off man or two deep, then works down to the seam curl in the middle before checking the flat route as the underneath outlet against zone drops.

Defensive Reads

Read the linebacker depth at the snap, if they bite hard on the run fake the curl windows open up immediately behind them. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in a lurk position near the seam, this play is vulnerable to a jumped curl route if the defense sits a robber underneath. Against Cover 3 the deep curl and seam curl can settle in the soft spots between the deep third defenders and the underneath zone, look for hesitation from the flat defender before throwing. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the best matchup for the outside deep curl since the receiver can create separation at the top of the stem. Cover 4 or a two high shell with disciplined linebackers can shut this down since it forces you into the flat route as the only quick answer, so avoid this call if the defense shows quarters pre snap.

Usage Tips

Use this on second and medium to second and long when you need a chunk gain but still want the play action threat to hold linebackers off the LOS.

Check the safety depth pre snap, if both safeties are sitting deep in a two high shell the curls will settle in soft spots between zone drops so throw with anticipation.

Hot route the flat runner into a deeper option or a drag if you are seeing aggressive underneath zone drops jumping the curl routes.

Pair this with RPO Read Mtn Stick or Mtn Stick earlier in the game plan to condition the defense to bite on the play action fake, then hit the deep curl when linebackers start flowing hard on run action.

Against man coverage the seam curl becomes your best rep since the TE can win with body positioning at the top of the route, so bracket your eyes there if you see man match traits pre snap.