Playbooks

Speed Option

Shotgun·Tight Open·11
Speed OptionRun Play
Play diagram for Speed Option from Shotgun Tight Open in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Speed Option out of Shotgun Tight Open is a true option run with the QB reading the edge defender while the HB rides alongside him. The diagram shows the backfield action flowing horizontally toward the sideline, with the QB and HB working in tandem before the ball carrier cuts upfield off the read. This is a pure run play designed to attack outside contain, forcing the defense's edge player to commit to either the QB or the pitch man.

Defensive Reads

Watch for the defensive end or outside linebacker crashing hard on the QB, which is your signal to pitch to the HB immediately. If the edge defender sits and reads instead of attacking, keep the ball and cut upfield before the second level closes. User linebackers flowing fast to the pitch key will erase the option, so look for delayed second level pursuit as a green light. Overload blitz packages from the defense's field side can outnumber the option and should be avoided as pre-snap reads. Check for a safety rotating down into the box pre-snap since that usually signals extra run support on the edge you are attacking.

Usage Tips

Run this on early downs when you have a mobile QB who can actually threaten to keep the ball, otherwise defenses will crash down without fear.

Check the defensive edge alignment pre-snap and pick the side where the DE or OLB is playing upfield rather than sitting in a contain position.

Use manual motion or a strafe to bait the edge defender into declaring before you commit to keeping or pitching.

Pair Speed Option with HB Draw and Read Option in the same set so the defense cannot key on backfield spacing tendencies.

Avoid calling this into heavy blitz looks with extra defenders outside the tackle box since the pitch lane gets clogged fast.

Other Plays in Tight Open