Playbooks

Angle Smash

Shotgun·Doubles·11
AngleSmashPass PlayCover 2 Beater
Play diagram for Angle Smash from Shotgun Doubles in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

Fix OffenseOffenseAir Raid OffenseOffenseRun N Gun OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Angle Smash out of Shotgun Doubles combines a smash concept on the right with an angle route out of the backfield. The outside receiver on the right runs a corner route while the flat receiver runs a short out underneath, creating the classic high low smash read on that side. On the left, the receivers run a deep comeback and a quick hitch, while the running back releases into the angle route out of the backfield, giving you a built in check down against pressure. This is a Cover 2 beater by design since the corner route on the smash side sits behind the cornerback and in front of the safety, and the primary read progression starts with the smash concept (corner to flat) before working back to the angle route as the outlet.

Defensive Reads

Pre snap, identify if the cornerback on the smash concept side is aligned with outside leverage and shaded toward the sideline, that usually signals Cover 2 or Cover 4 and opens the corner route throwing window. Watch the flat defender or curl to flat linebacker at the snap, if he sinks under the corner route without respecting the flat receiver you have an easy pitch and catch to the flat. Key the middle linebacker or nickel defender assigned to the angle route out of the backfield, if he blitzes or widens too fast the angle route becomes uncovered space for a quick completion. This play struggles against Cover 3 or Cover 4 with a deep half safety sitting on the corner route, since that defender can undercut the throw if the quarterback does not hold the corner route long enough to influence him. Beware user controlled safeties who sit in a lurk position over the smash concept, since they can bait the quarterback into an interception on the corner route if the read is rushed.

Usage Tips

Attack Cover 2 shells first since the corner and flat combo on the smash side is built to stress the flat defender and the deep half safety at the same time.

Use the angle route out of the backfield as your answer versus blitz because it releases quickly and gives the quarterback a rhythm throw when the pocket collapses.

Motion or check the coverage pre snap by looking at the corner depth on the smash side, if the corner is playing soft and deep you have room to hit the flat route immediately for easy yards.

Pair this play with Curl Flats or Spot Smash in your play calling sequence so the defense sees similar flat and corner route distribution and cannot key on the angle route as a tell.

Best called on second and medium or third and short since the underneath angle and flat options give a high floor if the corner route is not open.

Other Plays in Doubles