Playbooks

Verticals

Shotgun·Trio Y-Flex·11
Four VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 Beater
Play diagram for Verticals from Shotgun Trio Y-Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 7 playbooks

Browns OffenseOffenseCowboys OffenseOffenseRaiders OffenseOffenseShotgun MixNFL Live Browns OffenseOffenseNFL Live Cowboys OffenseOffenseNFL Live Raiders OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Verticals out of Shotgun Trio Y-Flex sends three receivers on vertical routes up the field from the two outside receivers and the flexed Y (TE), while the boundary X releases outside then breaks back to the flag as a fourth vertical option after stemming inside. The HB stays in to check release before working out to the flat as a checkdown against blitz pressure. This is a classic four verticals shell built to attack Cover 2 and Cover 3 by stretching the field vertically and forcing safeties to pick a lane, with the primary read starting on the seam route (red) working to the middle of the field before working outside to the true verts.

Defensive Reads

Watch for two deep safeties rotating late, since that usually signals Cover 2 or Cover 4 match and tells you to work the seam versus the hole in the zone. If you see one deep safety pre-snap with corners playing off, expect Cover 3 and target the seam or the flag route away from the middle field defender. Man coverage with a single high safety and no underneath help is where this concept is most dangerous, especially if the flexed TE draws a linebacker on the seam. Watch for a lurking linebacker or nickel defender sitting in the hole underneath the seam route, since a smart user controlled defender can jump that throw. Disguised pressure or a nano blitz off the edge can collapse the pocket before verticals develop, so account for extra rushers by keeping the HB in as a check release before releasing him outside.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment before the snap, two high safeties tips Cover 2 or Cover 4 and one high safety tips Cover 3 or Cover 1, both of which this concept is designed to punish.

Key the seam runner first since that route will win against single high looks by splitting the safety and the hook defender, then work to the boundary flag route if the safety jumps the seam.

Use the HB release as your answer against man pressure or blitz looks, since he can settle into the flat for a quick outlet if the four verticals get bracketed.

Pair this play with Curl Flat or Mesh Dagger in your play-calling sequence so that defenses cannot sit on the deep shots without opening up underneath throwing lanes.

Best called on second and long or in two minute drill situations where you need explosive plays and defenses are more likely to play soft zone shells.

Other Plays in Trio Y-Flex