Playbooks

HB Off Tackle

Shotgun·Split Slot Open·20
Off TackleRun Play
Play diagram for HB Off Tackle from Shotgun Split Slot Open in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

HB Off Tackle out of Shotgun Split Slot Open is a straightforward gap run play designed to attack the edge of the offensive line. The diagram shows the HB taking a lateral step before pressing upfield off the outside hip of the tackle, with the offensive line executing down blocks and the tackle sealing the edge to create a running lane. This is a run play, not a pass concept, so the primary read progression is a one cut decision: press the tackle box hole first, and if it is clogged, bounce outside to the alley the tackle is sealing.

Defensive Reads

Key the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment before the snap, since a wide 9 technique or an OLB crashing hard inside signals the edge will be tough to seal. Watch for run blitzes off the slot side, as a linebacker firing downhill pre-snap often means the play design gets blown up before the tackle can climb to his block. If the safety rotates down into the box on a run key, expect the alley defender to fill fast, so be ready to cut back rather than force it outside. Look for cornerback press alignment on the boundary, since press man usually means the corner will not be in position to help in run support on the perimeter. Base fronts with light boxes and off man coverage on the outside are the ideal shell to attack, while heavy run blitz packages or a crashing 3-4 front with an extra man in the box shut this down.

Usage Tips

Run this out of a run heavy personnel count when the defense shows base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with linebackers at standard depth, since off tackle thrives when the front six is not stacked to one side.

Use your pre-snap alignment check to confirm the defensive end and outside linebacker are not crashing hard inside, because that removes the edge seal the tackle needs to spring the HB.

Hot route the fullback or extra blocker to seal the edge defender if the play call allows it, and manually user the lead blocker into the first threat off the edge to control the point of attack.

Pair this play with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Zone Peek from the same set so the defense has to respect both the inside run action and the quick perimeter throw, keeping linebackers honest.

Best used on early downs in normal or run heavy down and distance situations, and mix in HB Sweep Wk or Power Read afterward to keep defenders guessing on edge run direction.

Other Plays in Split Slot Open