Playbooks

Middle Slam

Shotgun·Trips HB Wk·10
Pass PlayPlay ActionCornerOutSeamHb ScreenFloodQuick PassMan BeaterCover 3 Beater
Play diagram for Middle Slam from Shotgun Trips HB Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Middle Slam is a play-action flood concept out of Shotgun Trips HB Wk that stresses three levels of the field on one side while the backside receiver runs a deep comeback. The HB releases into a screen route underneath, a slot receiver runs a corner route into the flat area, and the third trips receiver runs a seam up the numbers, creating a natural high low low read on that side. Backside, the isolated X runs a comeback that beats aggressive corners playing off man or squatting zone. The primary read progression starts with the seam route working against the middle of the field, then works down to the corner and HB screen if the linebackers or safety drop deep, giving this play strong scheme fit against both man and Cover 3 zone shells.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety alignment since Middle Slam is designed to exploit single high shells like Cover 3 and Cover 1 with the flood side overload. Watch the flat defender or outside linebacker: if he sinks with the corner route, the HB screen and seam route behind him will be wide open. Against man coverage, key the underneath defender assigned to the HB; if he bites on the play-action fake, the screen becomes an instant explosive gain. If a user controlled defender lurks in the shallow zone or sits on the seam, take the checkdown to the HB screen or throw the backside comeback instead. Cover 2 with a hard flat defender and deep half safety can take away both the corner and seam, so be ready to reset to the backside comeback route as your outlet.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a look to the flood side to bait a linebacker or safety into overcommitting before the snap.

This play shines on third and medium to third and long because the flood concept gives you three distinct levels to attack depending on the drop depth of the underneath defenders.

If the corner squats hard on the comeback route, hot route the backside X into a fade or hold him at the top of the stem to freeze the defender before the break.

Pair Middle Slam with Zona Fade or Curl Flat Corner in your play calling sequence so defenses cannot key on the flood concept and start jumping the corner route.

Against Cover 3, key the flat defender: if he widens with the corner route, the HB screen and seam are wide open behind him.

Other Plays in Trips HB Wk