Playbooks

Smash Post

Shotgun·Doubles·11
PostSmashPass PlayCover 2 Beater
Play diagram for Smash Post from Shotgun Doubles in Madden 27

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

Smash Post out of Shotgun Doubles is a classic Cover 2 beater built on the smash concept combined with a deep post from the backside. The diagram shows the backside receiver running a corner route while the second backside receiver runs a flat, creating the traditional smash high low read on the outside cornerback and safety. On the playside, the outside receiver stems vertically before breaking into a deep post, with the inside slot receiver running a quick pivot or option route underneath to occupy the shallow zone defender. The primary progression starts with the smash side, reading the corner route against the flat defender, then works to the post if the deep safety bites on the corner or flat.

Defensive Reads

Versus Cover 2, key the flat defender and corner on the smash side first since the corner route is designed to sit down behind him while the flat defender is stuck low. Versus Cover 3 or Cover 4, the post becomes the primary answer since it can split the seam between the deep third or quarter defenders if the safety widens with the corner route. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, a shallow drop from the middle linebacker signals underneath zone coverage that opens throwing lanes to the option route in the middle of the field. If the defense shows man coverage with a single high safety, expect the post to win against most linebackers or safeties who cannot match speed with the receiver vertically. Be alert for a disguised blitz where the slot defender crashes on the snap, since that removes a shallow underneath threat and forces a faster decision between the corner and post routes downfield.

Usage Tips

Presnap identify if the defense is showing two high safeties, since this play is designed to attack Cover 2 by stretching the flat defender and corner vertically. If the safety cheats over the top to help on the corner route, immediately reset your eyes to the post breaking open behind him. Use motion or a hot route on the shallow option route to convert it into a hitch versus soft zone or a speed out versus man coverage to give yourself a quick outlet. Pair this play with Curl Flats or Double Outs in the same set to keep defenders honest on shorter zone drops before hitting them with the double vertical shot from Smash Post. Best called on second and long or first down shots when you want to test a two high shell before switching to a run heavy or quick game sequence.

Other Plays in Doubles