Playbooks

Four Verticals

Shotgun·Spread Y-Flex Wk·11
Four VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 BeaterFadeOption RouteSeamStreak
Play diagram for Four Verticals from Shotgun Spread Y-Flex Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Four Verticals out of Shotgun Spread Y-Flex Wk sends all four eligible receivers vertically up the field, with both outside receivers pushing straight up the sideline and the slot receiver plus the TE running seams up the middle of the field. The HB stays in to check release out of the backfield and pass protect, keeping the pocket clean for a full five step or seven step drop. This is a zone beater designed to stretch Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells vertically by putting four threats deep and forcing safeties to declare, with the primary read progression working from the inside seam routes out to the numbers based on the safety rotation.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing two high safeties or a single high safety, this dictates which vertical route will be open. Watch for safety rotation post-snap, if both safeties bail deep and stay split, the seam routes from the slot and TE become the priority throws. Key on user controlled defenders sitting in the deep middle, a lurking safety or linebacker dropping into the seam can jump the inside routes and bait an interception. This play struggles against a true Cover 4 or quarters shell where four defenders can match up vertically with the four receivers, look to check down to the HB if all verticals are blanketed. Man coverage with press corners can disrupt timing on the outside verticals, so watch cornerback alignment before the snap, if they are pressed up look to layer the ball outside their frame or work the middle seams instead.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep this is a great shot to attack the seams before they can get depth and collapse the middle.

Against single high looks, work your eyes to the boundary corner route first since Cover 3 defenses are more vulnerable on the outside vertical than the inside seams.

Use the HB check release as your outlet against pressure, if the defense brings extra rushers, dump it off quickly rather than forcing a throw into a covered seam.

Pair this play with Slot Fades or Vert Comebacks in the same set to keep the defense honest, if they start jumping the verts early, come back with a comeback route breather.

Best called on second or third and long when you have time to let routes develop, or as a shot play on first down when the defense shows two deep safeties trying to sit on shorter routes.

Other Plays in Spread Y-Flex Wk