Playbooks

Z In

Shotgun·Doubles·11
InPass Play
Play diagram for Z In from Shotgun Doubles in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

Air Raid OffenseOffenseSim Focusedtargeting Ba OffenseOffenseSim Focusedtargeting Ph OffenseOffenseSim Focusedtargeting Rn OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Z In is a five man route concept out of Shotgun Doubles with 11 personnel that attacks the middle of the field with a deep in route from the boundary Z receiver. Both outside receivers on the top of the formation release vertically up the seams, the TE runs a corner route from the slot, and the backside receiver runs a quick out breaking route while the running back releases into a check down flat route out of the backfield. The in breaking route from the Z sits down in the throwing lane created by the two vertical routes, making this a man beater that also has zone beater elements against split safety shells, with the primary read progression starting on the deep in route, then working to the corner route from the TE, and finally checking down to the running back in the flat.

Defensive Reads

Identify whether the defense is in a two high or single high shell before the snap, since single high safeties leave the deep in route vulnerable to a lurking linebacker. Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he sinks into the throwing lane of the in route you need to move to your second read on the corner route immediately. This play struggles against pattern match zone coverages that can sink a defender under the in route while still respecting the vertical threats. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exposed by the natural rub created between the outside vertical route and the in breaking route. Watch for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the running back's check down flat route becomes your outlet against pressure looks.

Usage Tips

Use this play on second and medium to second and long when you have room to work the intermediate middle of the field.

Read the safeties before the snap, if they are showing a two high shell, expect the corner route from the TE to be open behind the in breaking route.

Against man coverage look immediately to the in route, since the two verticals occupy the deep defenders and create natural rub leverage.

Hot route the backside out breaking route into a deeper comeback if you are facing a soft cornerback who sits underneath.

Pair this call with 45 Quick Base or Curl Flats earlier in a drive so the defense respects the quick game, then hit them with the delayed in route for an explosive gain over the middle.

Other Plays in Doubles