Playbooks

Deep Post Switch

Shotgun·Doubles Z Close Wk·11
PostPass Play
Play diagram for Deep Post Switch from Shotgun Doubles Z Close Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

Deep Post Switch is a shotgun 11 personnel man beater built around a switch release on the outside. The X and Y (slot) receivers cross paths at the top of their stems, with the X running a deep post and the Y (originally aligned inside) breaking outside then vertical, creating natural traffic against man coverage. On the backside, the Z runs an out breaking route while the RB releases on a wheel route out of the backfield, and the FB or TE works a shallow drag underneath. The primary read progression starts with the deep post off the switch concept, then works down to the wheel route if the safety jumps the post, and finally checks down to the underneath drag or out route against zone drops.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check for a single high safety since this play is designed to exploit Cover 1 and Cover 3 with the switch release creating separation at the top of the route stem. Watch the cornerback alignment on the X and Y receivers, if they are playing tight man with no help over the top, expect the post to win off the natural rub. Post-snap, key the flow of the safety, if he stays deep middle and does not bite on the wheel or post fake, this play can get shut down quickly. Look for a user lurk defender sitting in the shallow zone, since the drag and out routes underneath can be jumped if the defense drops a linebacker into that throwing lane. Against zone coverage like Cover 2 or Cover 4, the deep post is riskier, so prioritize the wheel route or underneath drag as the safer answer.

Usage Tips

Look for single high safety pre-snap since the switch concept at the top is designed to confuse man defenders and create a natural pick against Cover 1 or Cover 3.

If you see two deep safeties, be ready to work the underneath drag and out route quickly since the post will be capped.

Hot route the RB wheel to a flat route if you are getting quick pressure and need a faster outlet against blitz looks.

Pair this play with Dagger Z Comeback or Double Post in the same set to keep defenses guessing between deep shots and comeback breaks off similar formation looks.

Best called on second and long or third and medium when the defense is more likely to sit in man coverage and bite on the underneath traffic.

Other Plays in Doubles Z Close Wk