Playbooks

Curl Y-Option

Shotgun·Tight Open·11
CurlOption RoutePass Play
Play diagram for Curl Y-Option from Shotgun Tight Open in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

Buccaneers OffenseOffenseFalcons OffenseOffenseNFL Live Buccaneers OffenseOffenseNFL Live Falcons OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Curl Y-Option out of Shotgun Tight Open (11 personnel) sends both outside receivers on vertical takeoffs that break hard toward the sideline, clearing space underneath, while the inline TE runs an option route breaking outside against the flat defender. The backside slot runs a quick out and up read, and the fullback or slot works a shallow drag/option route across the middle underneath the coverage. This is a zone beater at its core: the levels concept (verticals clearing out, curl/option settling underneath) attacks zone drops by putting stress on the flat and hook defenders, with the primary read being the TE option route against man or zone leverage, checking down to the option route in the middle if the TE is covered.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check safety depth and count defenders in the box; a two high shell with soft corners signals the verticals will occupy the deep defenders and open the option route underneath. Watch for a linebacker or nickel defender sitting directly on the TE option route depth, which tells you the defense is keying that route and you should look to the backside option or drag instead. Post-snap, identify user controlled defenders flying toward the flat or curl area since aggressive user peels can jump the option route and lead to a pick if you force the throw. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 look for the underneath zone defenders sinking into the curl windows, which can clog the option route and force a check to the backside vertical or out route. Blitz heavy fronts with man coverage behind them are the most dangerous look for this play since the option route depends on timing, so recognize A gap or B gap pressure quickly and get the ball out on rhythm to the option or drag.

Usage Tips

Attack soft zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 where the corners bail deep, since the outside verticals will hold the deep defenders and open the curl and option routes underneath.

Pre-snap, identify if the flat defender is sitting on the TE option route; if he is, hot route the TE to a corner or flat conversion to counter.

Use this on second and medium to long third down situations where the sticks sit right around the option route depth, giving you an easy conversion read.

Pair this play with Bench or Bench Z Spot in your call sheet to keep defenders guessing between flood concepts and option based reads out of the same formation look.

Against man coverage, key on the option route TE since he can settle, sit, or break away from underneath man defenders, making him a reliable man beater when the initial verticals stretch the corners.

Other Plays in Tight Open