Playbooks

Deep Curl

Shotgun·Spread Dbl Flex·11

Curl Pass Play

Play diagram for Deep Curl from Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetSpread Dbl Flex

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

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Breakdown

Deep Curl out of Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex sends the outside receiver on a vertical stem that breaks off into a deep curl at the top of the route, while the inside slot runs a quick out to the flat and the backside receiver runs a short flat route to that side. The running back releases into a flat route as the checkdown option on the play side marked with the number 1. This is a zone beater built to sit the curl route down in the soft spot between the cornerback and the deep safety, with the primary read starting on the deep curl and working down to the flat routes if the window is closed.

Defensive Reads

Pre snap identify single high versus two high safety looks since Deep Curl thrives against two high shells and struggles against a robber sitting underneath in single high. Watch linebacker depth at the snap because a linebacker sinking hard into the curl window can bait the quarterback into a turnover. If the cornerback presses at the line in man coverage, expect the quarterback to look off the curl quickly and dump to the flat or the running back. User a safety or linebacker to sit in the throwing lane of the curl route since this is the primary and most dangerous read on the play. Bring pressure off the edge on third down to disrupt the timing of the deep curl since the route takes a full breakdown before coming back to the quarterback.

Usage Tips

Look for two high safeties pre-snap because the curl route sits perfectly in the hole between the corner and the safety in split zone shells.

User the deep curl receiver immediately after the snap if you see Cover 2 or Cover 4 to snatch the ball out of the air before the safety can close.

Hot route the backside flat receiver into a deeper drag against man coverage since the curl route will get squeezed by press man corners.

Use this on second and long or third and medium since the curl sits right around the sticks and gives you a built in checkdown to the running back.

Pair this with Four Verticals and PA Slot Post from the same set to keep defenses honest, then come back to Deep Curl once they start jumping the vertical routes.