Playbooks

Verts Choice

Shotgun·Wing Slot Offset·12
Option RouteFour VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 Beater
Play diagram for Verts Choice from Shotgun Wing Slot Offset in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

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Breakdown

Verts Choice lines up out of Shotgun Wing Slot Offset with 12 personnel, sending both outside receivers on vertical seams to stretch the deep middle and stress the safeties. The inside slot receiver runs a choice route off the line, breaking based on the leverage of the underneath defender, while the tight end works a short corner breaking pattern to occupy the flat, and the backside receiver runs a quick out toward the sideline to hold off flat defenders. The primary read starts with the choice route to identify man or zone leverage, then progresses to the two verticals for an explosive shot play against Cover 2 or Cover 3 shells.

Defensive Reads

Check safety depth before the snap, two high safeties sitting deep signal Cover 2 or Cover 4 and tell you to attack the seam away from help. Watch the flat defender assigned to the tight end's corner route, if he sinks too deep it opens a throwing lane underneath for the choice route. Identify man coverage by seeing corners turn and run with the verticals at the snap, this is your green light to throw the seam with timing before the safety can rotate over. Look for a lurking linebacker or safety sitting in the middle of the field, this is the biggest threat to the choice route and can bait a pick six if you force it. Beware of a Cover 3 buzz with the strong safety dropping into the deep third, this defender can take away one vertical and force you to work the choice route as your outlet.

Usage Tips

Use this play on second or third and medium when defenses are still respecting the run and safeties are playing traditional depth.

Read the choice route first since it adjusts to the defender leverage, giving you a built in answer versus both man and zone coverage.

If you see two deep safeties pre-snap, key the seam that lines up furthest from the safety help and throw with anticipation before the window closes.

Pair this play with Double Cross or PA Dig earlier in a drive so defenders start cheating toward crossing patterns, opening up the verticals when you come back to this call.

Against aggressive user blitzes, get the ball out to the choice route quickly since it acts as your built in hot route against pressure.

Other Plays in Wing Slot Offset