Playbooks

Verticals

Shotgun·Empty Base·11

Four Verts Pass Play Cover 2 Beater Cover 3 Beater Deep Cross Crosser Fade Out Streak

Play diagram for Verticals from Shotgun Empty Base in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetEmpty Base

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 2 playbooks

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Breakdown

Verticals out of Empty Base in Shotgun sends five eligible receivers vertical to attack every level of the deep field at once. The diagram shows the two outside receivers running straight verticals up the numbers, the TE and inside slot receiver both pushing vertical with one breaking outside on an over route to clear the middle, and the far left receiver running an in route that crosses the field underneath. With no back in the backfield to check release protection, this is a true five-man vertical stress concept designed to be both a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater. The primary read progression starts with the deep outside verticals against single coverage, then works to the crossing in route as the underneath outlet if the safeties rotate to take away the deep shots.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, count the deep safeties, if you see two high you are likely dealing with Cover 2 or Cover 4, if you see one high it is Cover 1 or Cover 3. Watch cornerback depth at the snap, corners playing off coverage with outside leverage are conceding the seam route, corners pressing at the line are vulnerable to the vertical release beating them deep. Post-snap, key the safeties' first two steps, if they bail hard to the deep middle it signals zone drop and the crossing in route becomes the answer, if they stay flat footed reading the quarterback it signals man coverage. This play struggles against a two deep shell with disciplined safeties who stay home in Cover 2, since it removes the deep middle throwing lane and forces the ball into tight seam windows. User-controlled lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field between the hashes can bait the quarterback into the in route throw, so watch for a defender sinking into that zone before committing to the crosser.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment before the snap, two deep safeties tells you Cover 2 or Cover 4 is in play and you should target the seams between the corner and safety on the outside verticals.

If you see a single high safety, that is Cover 3 or Cover 1, work the vertical on the side away from the safety's leverage since he can only help one deep third.

Use the crossing in route as your answer against zone drops that sink the safeties deep, it sits underneath linebackers and gives you a quick completion when the verticals are covered.

This play pairs well with Stick or Curl Flats in your play-calling sequence, since defenses that start sitting on shorter routes after seeing those plays will get gashed by the verticals shooting past them.

Best called on second and long or third and long situations where the defense is more likely to play soft zone or two deep shells, since man coverage without safety help gets exposed by the double vertical stress.