Playbooks

Bubble Slants

Shotgun·Spread·10
SlantPass Play
Play diagram for Bubble Slants from Shotgun Spread in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Run And Shoot OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Bubble Slants out of Shotgun Spread lines up two receivers to the left running vertical slants that break inside underneath, while the outside receiver to the right runs a bubble screen behind a blocking release from the inline TE. This is a classic RPO style quick game concept that combines a run beater bubble with man beater slant routes, giving you a horizontal stretch on one side and a vertical stretch on the other. The primary read starts with the bubble screen if the flat defender bites on the run action or widens late, then progresses to the inside slant which sits down in the void created by underneath zone defenders or wins quickly against man coverage on a free release.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the slot corner is playing outside leverage, which signals he is sitting on the bubble and daring you to throw the slant Watch linebacker depth at the snap, shallow linebackers crashing down on the bubble create a wide open throwing lane for the inside slant Man coverage on the two inside receivers is a green light for an immediate slant throw since the free release beats most man matchups before the defender can react Cover 3 sky or buzz looks are vulnerable because the curl to flat defender has conflicting run and pass responsibilities on the bubble side Watch for a user controlled defender crashing down early on the bubble action, which usually means the slant window is wide open behind him Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge opposite the bubble can be an issue since the quick game timing may be disrupted before the bubble catch develops

Usage Tips

Check the flat defender and slot corner alignment before the snap to decide between bubble and slant as your primary target

Use this against Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells where the underneath defenders have to respect run action and often widen out of position for the bubble

Hot route the backside slant into a flat or out route if you diagnose Cover 2 to avoid throwing into a sinking corner

Pair this with HB Option or RPO Alert Bubble in your play calling sequence so the defense has to respect both run and bubble screen threats equally

Best used on early downs or in third and short situations where defenses are more likely to sell out against the run and open up the slant window

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