Playbooks

Stick

Shotgun·Deuce Close·12
StickStick ConceptPass PlayBlock and ReleaseFlatHitch
Play diagram for Stick from Shotgun Deuce Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

Browns OffenseOffenseSim Veritcaltespine Ph OffenseOffenseNFL Live Browns OffenseOffense

Receiver routes

Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.

See this play with a team's players
PlayerSideRoute
HB1RightBlock and Release Hook
TE2LeftFlat
WR1LeftHitch
WR2RightHitch
TE1RightFlat

Read progression

  1. WR1 left, Hitch
  2. WR2 right, Hitch
  3. HB1 right, Block and Release Hook
  4. TE2 left, Flat or TE1 right, Flat

Breakdown

Stick out of Shotgun Deuce Close is a classic quick-hitting stick concept run to both sides with a middle read underneath. Both outside receivers run corner routes stretching the sideline, the two inside tight ends run stick routes settling at five yards, and the diagram shows an in-line release with no visible run action, confirming this as a pure dropback pass beating both man and zone coverage. The primary read progression starts with the stick route to the play side, working from stick to corner as the QB reads flat defender leverage, then works backside to the second stick if the first read is covered.

Defensive Reads

Watch the flat defender or curl to flat player on both sides since his leverage tells you whether stick or corner is open. Against man coverage, look for the stick route to win quickly against linebackers who lack the athleticism to stay in phase at the break point. Cover 2 shells struggle with this concept because the corner route stretches the deep half defender while the stick sits underneath the cushion. Beware of Cover 3 sky or buzz calls where a safety rotates down to take away the stick, since that forces the corner route to be the answer instead. User-controlled linebackers who spy the middle stick can jump the route, so check pre-snap safety depth and be ready to work backside if the underneath defender shows aggressive positioning.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, identify whether the flat defender is sitting on the stick or bailing with the corner route because that dictates your first read side. Use the stick route as your hot route answer against blitz looks since it settles fast and gives the QB a quick outlet before pressure arrives. Against zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4, throw off the flat defenders leverage: if he widens with the corner, throw the stick underneath, if he sits on the stick, throw the corner behind him. This play pairs well with Both Stick and Mtn Stick in your play-calling sequence since the routes look identical pre-snap but attack different spacing, keeping defenders guessing. Use Stick on early downs or third and short since the quick stick route provides a safe checkdown with easy conversion yardage.

Other Plays in Deuce Close