Playbooks

Slant Flat

Shotgun·Doubles·11
FlatSlantSlant FlatPass PlayCover 3 BeaterCover 4 Beater
Play diagram for Slant Flat from Shotgun Doubles in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

Bengals OffenseOffenseMadden OffenseOffenseNFL Live Bengals OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Slant Flat out of Shotgun Doubles is a quick-hitting 11 personnel pass concept built for fast rhythm throws. The diagram shows the backside receiver running a deep drag across the field while the frontside receiver runs a slant into the middle and the outside receiver in the flat area runs a corner route to clear space, with the running back or slot releasing to the flat underneath the slant. This is a Cover 3 and Cover 4 beater designed to attack the flat to curl and hook to curl zones, with the primary read progression going from the flat route to the slant, then working backside to the drag if both are covered.

Defensive Reads

Identify a single high safety pre-snap to confirm Cover 3, since the flat defender will struggle to cover the slant and flat simultaneously in that shell. Watch the underneath linebacker or nickel defender's initial drop, if he sinks too deep the slant window opens immediately for a quick throw. Against Cover 4, key the outside cornerback's flat drop speed, a slow reroute leaves the flat throw open for an easy pitch and catch. Man coverage with inside leverage on the slant receiver signals a natural pick opportunity, look to exploit the rub against the flat defender. Watch for a lurking linebacker sitting in the shallow middle zone, since he can jump the slant route if the quarterback holds the ball too long before releasing.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs and in third and short situations because the flat and slant combo hits fast before pressure arrives.

Check the corner and safety alignment pre-snap, if you see a single high safety expect Cover 3 and prioritize the flat to slant read since the flat defender cannot cover both.

Motion the flat receiver or send a quick hot route audible if the defense shows man coverage to force a natural pick between the slant and flat defenders.

Pair this play with Curl Flats or Curl Combo in your play-calling sequence to keep the defense guessing between flat concepts and curl concepts out of the same Doubles look.

Use the backside drag as a answer against zone drops that flood the frontside, especially versus Cover 4 shells that widen the outside cornerback.

Other Plays in Doubles