Playbooks

Verticals HB Burst

Shotgun·Tight Open·11
Four VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 Beater
Play diagram for Verticals HB Burst from Shotgun Tight Open in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Verticals HB Burst is a four vert concept out of Shotgun Tight Open with 11 personnel that stretches the field from sideline to sideline. Both outside receivers run straight verticals up the numbers, the slot receiver runs a vertical seam from a reduced split, and the TE releases up the seam on a vertical as well, while the HB runs a burst route out of the backfield that crosses the field underneath as a checkdown or man beater against trailing linebackers. The primary read progression starts with the seam or TE vertical against Cover 3 middle of field closed, works to the outside verticals if the safety rotates to one side in Cover 2, and comes down to the HB burst route as the built in answer versus man coverage or if the underneath defenders sink deep.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap identify single high versus two high safety alignment since this determines which vertical route becomes the primary shot. Watch cornerback depth at the snap, if they play soft with a big cushion the verticals will win off the release but if they press expect the throw to come out late once the receiver stacks them. Post-snap key the middle linebacker or any user controlled defender dropping into the deep middle, if he sinks hard on the seam route the outside verticals open up on the perimeter. Look for safety rotation immediately after the snap in Cover 2 shells since a hard flat foot safety cannot fully cover the sideline vertical, giving a throwing window before he closes. If the defense shows Cover 4 or a two deep two under look with disciplined deep quarter defenders, check down to the HB burst route rather than forcing a contested deep throw.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a look at safety depth to confirm two high versus one high before the snap since this play is designed to punish both shells differently. Against Cover 3 attack the deep middle seam route first because the single high safety cannot cover the entire width of the field. Against Cover 2 target the outside verticals in the space beyond the corner and in front of the safety, throwing with anticipation before the safety can get over the top. Hot route the HB burst into a quick flat or check it down early on man coverage snaps to beat a linebacker in space and pick up positive yardage. Pair this play with HB Slip Screen or HB Draw from the same set so defenses respect the run action and cannot sit on the vertical shell every down. Best called on second and long or third and medium when you need a explosive play but still have a safety valve if the deep shots are covered.

Other Plays in Tight Open