Playbooks

Four Verticals

Shotgun·Flex Y Off Wk·11
Four VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 Beater
Play diagram for Four Verticals from Shotgun Flex Y Off Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

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Breakdown

Four Verticals out of Flex Y Off Wk sends all four eligible receivers vertical to stretch the field and attack every deep zone landmark at once. The two outside receivers push straight up the numbers, the slot runs a seam up the hash, and the TE releases up the middle from a tight alignment, while the RB stays in as a check release or blocker off the backfield. This is a classic Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater built to overload deep zones and create one on one leverage against man coverage, with the primary read starting on the seam route before working to the boundary vertical based on safety rotation.

Defensive Reads

Pre snap, identify two deep safeties for Cover 2 or Cover 4 versus a single high safety for Cover 3 or Cover 1, since that dictates which vertical route has the best matchup. Watch the strong side safety at the snap, if he widens to the seam route the deep middle post window opens for the far outside vertical. Against Cover 3, target the seam sitting between the flat defender and the deep third corner since that zone is the natural soft spot in a three deep shell. Beware of a robber or lurk defender sitting underneath the seam in Cover 1 or Cover 3 match looks, since a jumped route there can turn into a pick six. If the defense shows a two high shell that rotates late into man coverage or brings a delayed blitz, get the ball out on the first clean vertical read rather than holding for the deepest shot.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment before the snap, two high shells tell you to attack the seam and hole shot the middle of the field while single high tells you to work the outside verticals against the corners. Use the TE seam route as your first read since it forces the Cover 2 safety to widen or get run off, opening the post safety window for the outside verticals. Hot route the RB into a checkdown or quick flat if you sense pressure, since this concept takes time to develop and needs a clean pocket. Pair this play with Curls or Double Slants earlier in a drive to bait linebackers into sitting shallow, then hit Four Verticals to expose the vacated deep middle. Best called on second or third and long when defenses are more likely to sit in zone shells rather than bring exotic pressure.

Other Plays in Flex Y Off Wk