Playbooks

Post N Cross

Shotgun·Y Off Trips Wk·11
PostPass PlayCrosser
Play diagram for Post N Cross from Shotgun Y Off Trips Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Balanced Pass OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Post N Cross is a trips-based passing concept out of Shotgun Y Off Trips Wk that stacks a deep post over an intermediate crosser to attack both man and zone coverage. From the trips side, the outermost receiver runs a deep post that clears the top of the defense while the inside slot receiver runs a crossing route underneath it that works all the way across the field, creating a natural high low read. The backside receiver runs a short drag while the running back checks release into a flat route, giving the quarterback a built in outlet if the post and cross are covered. Primary progression starts with the post for the explosive shot, then works down to the crosser as it clears the middle, and finally checks down to the flat or drag against pressure.

Defensive Reads

Identify if the defense is in man coverage by watching the corner over the post receiver, if he turns and runs with no help over the top the post should win Look for a deep half safety rotating late, this is the biggest indicator of a zone shell that will squeeze the post window and force you to the crosser Watch the middle linebacker or mike at the snap, if he sits and reads the quarterback instead of dropping with the crosser you have a soft spot in the underneath zone Beware of a user controlled safety lurking in the deep middle since he can jump the post route if you telegraph the throw too early This play struggles against a tight cover 3 shell with disciplined underneath defenders since the crosser and post both funnel into the same deep third, so switch to a boundary concept if you see this look

Usage Tips

Take a pre-snap look at the safeties before the snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep the crosser will be your bread and butter route since the post is more likely capped

Against single high looks, trust the post route to win over the top especially if the corner is playing with inside leverage

Use hot routes to speed up the crosser into a shallow drag if you are facing an aggressive underneath zone or a Tampa 2 shell that has a linebacker sitting in the passing lane

This play works best on second and long or third and medium since it takes a moment to develop the deep post and full crossing route

Pair this play with Mtn Y Cross or Dig Cross from the same set to keep the defense guessing between deep shots and intermediate crossers, forcing linebackers to respect multiple crossing angles

Other Plays in Y Off Trips Wk