Playbooks

Mtn HB Swing

Shotgun·Spread Dbl Flex·11
SwingMotionPass Play
Play diagram for Mtn HB Swing from Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Broncos OffenseOffenseNFL Live Broncos OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Mtn HB Swing out of Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex sends the two inline flex receivers on a vertical and deep crossing combo while the HB releases out of the backfield on a swing route to the flat, giving the quarterback an easy checkdown with room to run after the catch. The two flex receivers on the left run a crossing route and a deep vertical, stretching the defense horizontally and vertically to hold linebackers and safeties away from the swing. This is a man beater and zone beater in one package, designed to attack blitzes and man coverage by getting the HB into space quickly while the crossers occupy the second level defenders. Primary read progression starts with the HB swing as the checkdown, then works to the shallow crosser, and finally to the deep vertical route if the coverage bites hard on the flat.

Defensive Reads

Watch for user controlled linebackers flying downhill on the swing, this play dies quickly against aggressive user lurk defenders sitting in the flat. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with a spy are the toughest shells against this concept since the flat defender can squat on the HB while the crossers run into traffic. Man coverage with no underneath help is where this play wins big, the HB swing turns into a footrace once the flat defender is beaten off the line. Check linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are sitting shallow expecting a quick throw, look to the deep vertical route as the defense may be selling out on the swing. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge get exposed by the swing, the HB releasing to the flat serves as a built in answer to pressure.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs or third and short when you need a safe, high percentage completion with YAC potential.

Check the pre-snap alignment of the flat defender and slot corner, if they are sitting in the flat the swing gets taken away so be ready to progress to the crosser.

Motion the HB before the snap if available to get a free release and diagnose man versus zone based on whether a defender follows across the formation.

Pair this play with HB Sweep and HB Counter in your play-calling sequence since the swing action mirrors the run action and forces linebackers to hesitate on run fits.

Combine with Four Verticals or Mtn Fades H-Choice to set up the defense expecting the swing, then hit the deep shot when safeties creep down to defend the flat.

Use hot routes to convert the deep vertical flex receiver into a shorter option if you face a two high shell that discourages the deep throw.

Other Plays in Spread Dbl Flex