Playbooks

Pivot In Seams

Shotgun·Normal Off Close Wk·11

Pivot Pass Play Seam Hitch Streak

Play diagram for Pivot In Seams from Shotgun Normal Off Close Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Off Close Wk

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 6 playbooks

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Breakdown

Pivot In Seams lines up in Shotgun with a bunch look to the closed side and one isolated receiver to the open side. The two inside receivers from the bunch run vertical seams up the field while the outside bunch receiver runs a deep out that pivots back inside toward the flat, giving quarterbacks a natural pivot read against man coverage. The lone receiver runs a deep crossing route from the backside that sits behind the seams, giving a horizontal stretch element, while the backfield stays in to protect on what is designed as a play action drop back pass. The primary read progression starts with the pivot route working outside to inside for the quick separation against man defenders, then climbs to the two seam routes attacking the middle of the field, with the deep cross as the last resort if the safety bites on the seams.

Defensive Reads

Read the middle linebacker depth at the snap, since a shallow drop signals he can jump the seam routes and take away your top read. Watch for safety rotation post-snap, if both safeties stay deep and split the field it is a two high shell that can help wall off the seams but leaves the pivot route open underneath. Identify man coverage by cornerback press alignment on the bunch receivers, this play is designed as a man beater and the pivot route will win versus tight man technique. Look for a user controlled defender sitting in the intermediate middle of the field, known as a lurk threat, since that defender can undercut both seam routes if he reads quarterback eyes. Beware of overload blitzes off the closed side, since the backfield stays in to pass protect and a numbers disadvantage there can force a quick, off schedule throw before the seams develop.

Usage Tips

Check pre-snap for single high versus two high safety alignment, since the seams are much more effective versus single high shells where the middle of the field is open.

If you see man coverage indicators like tight cornerback alignment on the bunch, prioritize the pivot route immediately off the snap for a quick, high percentage completion.

Against zone shells, look to hit the deep cross late in your progression since it settles in the void behind underneath zone defenders and in front of deep safeties.

Use this play on second and medium to second and long situations where the seam routes have room to work vertically without immediate pressure.

Pair this play with Slants or RPO Peek Slant earlier in a series to set up defenders expecting quick game, then hit them with the seam shots off Pivot In Seams once they start jumping short routes.