Playbooks

HB Off Tackle

Shotgun·Split Y-Flex·21

Off Tackle Run Play

Play diagram for HB Off Tackle from Shotgun Split Y-Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetSplit Y-Flex

Personnel

212 RB · 1 TE · 2 WR

In 2 playbooks

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense Power Run OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Off Tackle out of Shotgun Split Y-Flex is a designed run play that attacks the edge with the offensive line blocking down and the tight end sealing the off tackle hole. The diagram shows the offensive line executing a down block scheme while the HB takes the handoff and presses the hole outside the tackle box, with the receivers at the top of the screen running vertical stems to occupy the corners and safeties instead of blocking. Your primary read is the frontside gap: press the mesh point, key the down block from the offensive line, and decide between hitting the crease inside the tackle or bouncing outside if the edge defender gets sealed.

Defensive Reads

Watch for stacked box alignments with a linebacker walked up over the guard, which signals a run blitz designed to beat your down block scheme. Identify whether the defense is running a 4-3 under front or 3-4 odd front, since odd fronts with a nose lined up over center can clog the off tackle hole before the HB can press it. Key the safety depth before the snap: if both safeties are deep in a two high shell, the box is likely light and this run has a strong chance to hit for positive yards. Post snap, watch for a user controlled linebacker flowing hard to the play side gap, since aggressive user pursuit can be countered by cutting the HB back against the grain. This play struggles against aggressive edge blitzes off the tight end side, so if the defense consistently brings pressure from that alignment, switch to Jet HB Off Tackle or HB Draw to change the timing and angle of attack.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and only run this into light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the tackle box to avoid a stacked run fit.

Use your fullback or lead blocker (if assigned) to identify which linebacker is unblocked and let the HB press that gap before making his cut.

Motion or shift pre-snap to see if the defense shows man or zone coverage on the outside receivers, since a soft cover 2 shell often leaves extra numbers in the box for the run fit.

Pair this play with Jet HB Off Tackle and Read Option from the same set to keep defenders honest on outside zone versus true off tackle downhill runs.

Best used on early downs (first and ten or second and short) when you want positive yardage without exposing the play call to a predictable third down passing situation.

Avoid calling this against heavy blitz looks with safeties crashed down pre-snap, since the extra gap defenders can beat the down blocks before the HB reaches the hole.