Playbooks

Four Verticals

Shotgun·Wing Stack Wk·12

Four Verts Pass Play Cover 2 Beater Cover 3 Beater

Play diagram for Four Verticals from Shotgun Wing Stack Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetWing Stack Wk

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 3 playbooks

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Breakdown

Four Verticals out of Shotgun Wing Stack Wk sends four receivers vertically up the field, with both outside receivers and the two inline stack receivers all pushing straight downfield past the sticks, while the running back releases to the flat as a check down and blocker outlet. This is a classic Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater, designed to stretch the deep safeties horizontally and overload the middle of the field with vertical stems. The primary read progression starts with the seams (the two inside verticals), works to the deep middle void if a single high safety bites, then works outside to the boundary verticals if the corners are playing off or in soft zone.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify safety depth and width since a two high shell that stays disciplined and does not bite on the seams will shut this play down by forcing checkdowns. Watch for corners playing press or bump technique, which signals man coverage and means the outside verticals need to win with speed releases against user controlled defenders. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or mike backer drop, since a fast vertical drop into the deep middle can take away the seam throw and force the quarterback to hold the ball longer. Beware of a user controlled lurk defender sitting in the intermediate zone, since he can jump the seam route if the quarterback telegraphs the throw. This concept is vulnerable to disguised blitzes and Cover 0 looks since all four receivers running vertical routes means there is minimal help against pressure, so recognize blitz indicators like linebackers creeping to the line pre-snap.

Usage Tips

Attack this play against two high safety shells since the four verticals concept forces both safeties to choose which seam to help on, opening a throwing lane for the other seam route.

Use pre-snap motion or a quick shift to identify if the defense is in man or zone, then hot route the running back to a flat route or check him into a blocking assignment if you see a blitz look.

Against Cover 3, target the deep middle void where the single high safety cannot cover both seams, especially if the middle linebacker drops flat footed instead of matching the seam route vertically.

Pair this play with RPO Peek Slant or RPO Read Bubble from the same set to keep defenses honest on quick game concepts before hitting them with the deep shot off similar formation and personnel.

Best used on early downs or obvious pass downs with favorable field position, since the deep routes take time to develop and require a clean pocket from the four man protection.