Playbooks

Bench Swirl-Return

Shotgun·Tight Open·11

Motion Bench Pass Play

Play diagram for Bench Swirl-Return from Shotgun Tight Open in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetTight Open

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 8 playbooks

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Breakdown

Bench Swirl-Return is a five man pass concept out of Shotgun Tight Open with 11 personnel. On the left side the tight end runs a swirl route, releasing outward before bending back inside and up the seam, while the slot receiver next to him runs an in cut across the middle at a shallow depth. On the right side the two receivers run a return concept, with the inside receiver sitting on a quick out and the outside receiver working a deep corner route up the sideline. This is a man beater concept, using the swirl to shake off trail defenders and the corner route on the outside to stress a defender playing tight coverage, with the primary read starting on the swirl route working back to the flat out before progressing to the deep corner on the backside.

Defensive Reads

Look for man coverage alignment with defenders shaded tight to the line over the swirl and out receivers, since this concept is designed to exploit man leverage with the swirl double move. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since a linebacker sitting shallow in a zone drop can undercut the swirl route before it works back inside. Identify single high safety shells, since a deep middle defender can help over the top on the corner route and force the quarterback to check down early. Key on cornerback press alignment on the outside receiver running the corner route, since press man leaves that defender vulnerable if he does not get a clean jam. Watch for user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow flat area, since a heads up user can jump the out route and the swirl route if the quarterback stares down the left side too long.

Usage Tips

Check pre snap for man coverage indicators like a defender lined up tight over the swirl route receiver, since the double move nature of the swirl is built to create separation against man.

If you see a single high safety rotate to the deep middle, prioritize the flat out on the right side since the corner route may be capped over the top.

Use the swirl route as your first look on quick pressure looks or against blitz heavy calls, since it settles underneath and gives you a rhythm throw versus extra rushers.

This play works well on second and medium to second and long, since the swirl and out combo can pick up chunk yardage while the corner route threatens over the top if the defense sells out to stop the shorter routes.

Pair this call with Bench Return or Bench Z Spot in your play calling sequence, since the shared formation and initial route stems create hesitation for defenders trying to jump routes based on tendencies.