Playbooks

Combo HB Option

Shotgun·Doubles Y-Flex·11
Option RoutePass Play
Play diagram for Combo HB Option from Shotgun Doubles Y-Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Dolphins OffenseOffenseNFL Live Dolphins OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Combo HB Option is a pass play out of Shotgun Doubles Y-Flex with 11 personnel. The outside receiver to the field runs a deep vertical to stretch the defense, the inside slot receiver runs a dig that breaks across the middle, and the HB releases out of the backfield on an option route that can settle, sit, or turn upfield based on the leverage of the nearest defender. The backside receiver runs a straight vertical seam to hold that side of the field, while the backside TE/receiver on the left is not shown running a route in this diagram, indicating a protection or blocking stay. This is a man beater on the HB option route since it gives the runner room to break away from man leverage, and it also functions as a zone beater against underneath zone coverage because the dig sits behind linebackers and in front of safeties. The primary read progression starts with the HB option out of the backfield, moves to the crossing dig, and finishes with the two verticals as clear out or shot options if a bust occurs.

Defensive Reads

Read the depth of the middle linebacker or nickel defender aligned over the HB, since a shallow alignment signals man coverage and a deeper drop signals zone responsibility on the option route. Watch for a lurking safety or linebacker sitting in the shallow middle zone, since this defender can jump the dig route if he reads quarterback eyes quickly. Identify single high safety shells such as Cover 1 or Cover 3, since these shells leave the HB option route isolated against a linebacker who typically cannot mirror the break. Beware of Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined underneath zone drops, since two deep safeties can help squeeze the vertical routes and allow linebackers to sit on the dig. Look for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the HB option becomes the automatic answer against pressure if the back stays in to read leverage rather than releasing immediately.

Usage Tips

Check the HB option route first since it is the built in answer against both man and zone coverage and it is the easiest way to get a free access throw versus blitz looks.

Use pre-snap motion or a hot route on the outside vertical to bait single high safeties into rotating, which opens up the dig route working underneath.

This play excels on third and short to third and medium since the HB option and dig give multiple completion windows short of the sticks.

Pair this with Curl Flats or Stick from the same set to keep the defense guessing between quick game and this option based concept, since the formation and personnel look identical pre-snap.

If the defense shows two high safeties, prioritize the dig route since it will find grass between the honey hole and the underneath zone defenders.

Other Plays in Doubles Y-Flex