Playbooks

Mtn Slot Curls

Shotgun·Trips HB Wk·10
MotionCurlPass Play
Play diagram for Mtn Slot Curls from Shotgun Trips HB Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

Bills OffenseOffenseRams OffenseOffenseNFL Live Bills OffenseOffenseNFL Live Rams OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Mtn Slot Curls is a trips based curl concept out of Shotgun with the HB motioning to the weak side before the snap. The outside trips receivers run a curl and dig combo on the right while the motion HB releases into a flat route underneath, giving the QB a high low read against zone drops. The lone backside X on the numbers runs a vertical release that occupies the deep defender, and the primary progression starts with the outside curl, works down to the middle dig, then checks to the HB flat as the checkdown against pressure.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, watch how the defense reacts to HB motion, a defender following the back out of the backfield confirms man coverage and opens up the dig sitting in the vacated middle zone. Zone coverages like Cover 3 or Cover 2 sink underneath the curl route, so user linebackers need to get depth quickly and stay disciplined on their landmarks rather than crashing downhill. Cover 4 or quarters shells can be a problem for the outside curl since the corner sits on top, so sim pressure or a nano blitz that removes underneath defenders is more effective than a standard drop coverage look. Watch for a user controlled safety lurking in the middle of the field, since the dig route crossing behind the curl is vulnerable to a jumped throw if the QB does not see the safety flow late. Man coverage with underneath help struggles against the HB flat release, so if the defense shows blitz look to bail the linebacker into coverage on the back rather than sending him after the QB.

Usage Tips

Use the pre-snap HB motion to identify man versus zone, if a linebacker or safety follows the back across the formation you are getting man coverage and can key on the dig sitting behind it.

Against zone shells, work the curl to dig progression from outside in, the curl will settle in soft spots against Cover 3 and Cover 4 for an easy pitch and catch.

Hot route the backside X into a hitch or slant on obvious passing downs if the defense shows single high safety rotation, since the vertical alone rarely wins against a deep half shell.

Pair this play with Mtn Slot Cross or Dragon Stick in your play calling sequence, the similar motion and formation disguise the route concept differences and force defenders to guess.

Best called on second and medium to third and medium, giving the curl and dig windows enough time to develop while keeping the HB flat as a safety valve against a delayed blitz.

Other Plays in Trips HB Wk