Playbooks

Smash

Shotgun·Flex Y Off Wk·11
SmashPass PlayCover 2 Beater
Play diagram for Smash from Shotgun Flex Y Off Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

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Breakdown

Smash is a classic two-man route concept run to the trips side (right) paired with a corner route to the backside X receiver, built to attack Cover 2 shells. Off the diagram, the outside receiver to the right runs a deep corner route while the slot receiver underneath runs a flat/hitch, creating a high-low stretch on the flat defender and deep half safety. The backside X runs a vertical corner route into the void, the TE releases on a corner or seam-clearing route, and the RB checks down to the near flat off the backfield. Primary read progression starts with the flat-to-corner smash combo on the trips side, then works backside to the X corner route if the safety rotates away, with the RB as the checkdown valve versus pressure.

Defensive Reads

Watch the flat defender post snap, if he sinks with the corner route the flat throw is open immediately underneath him. Check safety rotation before the snap, two deep safeties sitting at depth confirms Cover 2 and green lights the smash concept. If the corner jumps the flat route aggressively, the corner route behind him should be wide open for a big gain. Beware of Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with a single high safety, since the deep corner route can get taken away by a rotating corner or safety help over the top. Look for a user lurk defender sitting in the passing lane between the flat and corner routes, which signals the defense is manually sitting on the smash combo.

Usage Tips

Identify Cover 2 pre-snap by checking safety depth and corner alignment, since Smash is designed specifically to attack the flat defender and deep half safety with a high-low read.

Use the flat route to hold the corner or force him to squat, then throw off his leverage into the corner route behind him if he jumps the underneath route.

Hot route the RB to a wider release or check him down quickly against pressure to keep this play on schedule versus blitz-heavy defenses.

Pair this play with Curls or Four Verticals in the same set to give yourself a Cover 3 and Cover 4 answer, forcing the defense to declare shell before the snap.

Best used on second and medium to second and long when defenses lean on Cover 2 shells to protect against explosive plays downfield.

Other Plays in Flex Y Off Wk