Playbooks

Four Verticals

Shotgun·Empty Base·11
Four VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 Beater
Play diagram for Four Verticals from Shotgun Empty Base in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Four Verticals out of Empty Base Shotgun spreads five eligible receivers across the formation with no running back in the backfield, sending four vertical routes and one shallow crosser underneath. The three outside receivers on the left and the far right receiver stem straight upfield to attack the deep thirds, while the inside slot receiver runs a vertical release that breaks into a crossing route underneath the two right side verticals, giving the quarterback a shallow outlet if the deep routes are covered. This is a pass play built to beat both Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells, and the primary read progression starts with the seams before working outside to the boundary verticals, using the underneath crosser as the checkdown against tight zone drops.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify whether the safeties are showing two high or one high, since this route concept is specifically designed to stress both shells but the QB progression changes based on the shell. Watch the slot defender at the snap, if he sinks with the crosser instead of jumping a vertical it usually means the defense is playing zone underneath with a linebacker spy over the middle. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, if he opens his hips to run with the crossing route it can vacate the deep middle and open up the inside verticals for a big play. This play struggles against a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone, since that defender can jump the crossing route and bait a turnover if the QB stares it down too long. Man coverage with press corners and a deep safety over the top of the crossers is the toughest look for this concept, so be ready to check into a shorter route or throw the vertical with the most separation immediately off the snap.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment before the snap, two deep safeties splitting the field evenly signals Cover 2 and you should target the seams between the corner and safety before the safety can rotate over the top.

If you see a single high safety showing Cover 3, work the deep outside verticals on the numbers where the corner has to run vertically with no help underneath.

Use the shallow crosser as your immediate answer against zone blitzes or when the defense shows six or more defenders near the line of scratch, since the middle of the field opens up quickly if a linebacker vacates to blitz.

Pair this play with Stick or Curl Flats from the same set to bait linebackers into shallow drops before coming back to Four Verticals on the next snap, punishing them for jumping underneath routes.

Best used on second and long or third and long situations where you need explosive yardage, and against man coverage look immediately to whichever vertical route has the biggest cushion at the snap.

Other Plays in Empty Base