Playbooks

Bench

Shotgun·Tight Flex Wk·11
BenchPass PlayBlock and ReleaseCornerOut
Play diagram for Bench from Shotgun Tight Flex Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Receiver routes

Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.

See this play with a team's players
PlayerSideRoute
HB1LeftBlock and Release Hook
SLWRLeftCorner
WR1LeftOut
WR2RightOut
TE1RightDeep Corner

Read progression

  1. SLWR left, Corner
  2. WR1 left, Out
  3. TE1 right, Deep Corner
  4. WR2 right, Out
  5. HB1 left, Block and Release HookCheck-down

Breakdown

Bench is a classic Sail concept run from Shotgun Tight Flex Wk, and it is a true Bench route to both sides of the field, making it a strong zone beater against Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells. Both outside receivers run flat routes while the tight end and slot to the closed side stem vertical before breaking into corner routes, stacking three levels on the boundary. The lone running back checks protection and releases up the middle on a check release, giving the quarterback a fourth option if the corners on either side are covered.

Defensive Reads

Watch the cornerback depth pre-snap since soft corners playing off coverage signal Cover 3 or Cover 4, both of which Bench is designed to exploit. Key the flat defender after the snap since if he sinks with the corner route the flat is open, and if he stays low the corner should be uncontested behind him. Identify user controlled safeties rotating late since a lurking user defender jumping the corner route can bait a turnover if the quarterback does not process the rotation. Man coverage with underneath robber support is the primary counter to Bench, since it eliminates the flat and clogs the seam behind the corner route. Look for blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge since the check release back can help identify pressure, but a hard edge blitz can beat the tight end’s vertical release before the corner route develops.

Usage Tips

Attack Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells since the high low read on either side stresses the deep quarter or third defender before he can get depth.

Use the flat route as your first read against zone since it opens up fast versus flat foot defenders sitting too deep.

If the safety shows two high pre-snap, target the corner route away from the rotated safety since it removes a defender from that side of the field.

Pair Bench with Mtn Y Cross or Go Y-Choice in your play calling sequence to keep defenders guessing between vertical shots and horizontal stretch concepts.

On third and long, hold the ball a beat longer to let the corner routes climb the ladder rather than settling for the underneath flat.

Other Plays in Tight Flex Wk