Playbooks

Slants

Shotgun·Normal Y Off·11

Slant Pass Play

Play diagram for Slants from Shotgun Normal Y Off in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Y Off

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 1 playbook

Balanced Pass OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Slants out of Shotgun Normal Y Off is a quick-hitting man beater built on double slant routes from both outside receivers, with the two remaining receivers running short flat clear-outs underneath to occupy the corners. Both slants break inward at the same depth, creating a natural pick/rub concept against man coverage while giving the QB a horizontal stretch read against zone. The primary read progression starts with the boundary side slant, working to the field side slant if the first is taken away by a flowing linebacker or safety, with a quick check down to either flat route as the outlet against a hard blitz.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check corner depth and alignment, since press man corners get beaten instantly by the inside release on the slant while soft zone corners can sit on the route and jump it. Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, because a shallow drop into the slant window signals Cover 3 or Tampa 2 and forces the QB to hold the ball a tick longer. User the underneath defender over the slant to jump the route if you anticipate the QB locking onto his first read too quickly. This concept struggles against Cover 2 with disciplined corner reroutes and against a nano blitz that collapses the pocket before the slants fully develop. Watch for a lurking safety cheating down into the throwing lane, since that is the classic counter to the double slant read and can bait a costly interception.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap, identify if the cornerbacks are playing tight man or sitting in a soft zone, since the slants win instantly against man press but need a beat longer to develop against zone drops. Use the flat routes as hot route conversions to speed outs versus teams that squat their corners on the slant window. This play excels on second and short or third and short because the timing forces a decision before underneath defenders can fully sink. Pair it in your play-calling sequence with Double Slants or Slant Flat to keep the defense guessing on which slant window you are attacking, then mix in RPO Peek Slant from the same set to punish linebackers who key run fits too aggressively. Snap the ball quickly on the throw since the slant window closes fast against disciplined Tampa 2 or Cover 3 sink linebackers.