Playbooks

Mtn Smash HB Angle

Shotgun·Y Trips Wk·11
AngleSmashMotionPass PlayCover 2 Beater
Play diagram for Mtn Smash HB Angle from Shotgun Y Trips Wk in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Bengals OffenseOffenseNFL Live Bengals OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Mtn Smash HB Angle is a trips based Smash concept out of Shotgun Y Trips Wk with pre-snap motion into the backfield. The backside X runs a deep corner while the outside trips receiver runs a hitch underneath, creating the classic high low Smash read to that side, while the slot runs a deep crossing route and the TE/Y works an out breaking flag route on the strong side. The HB releases into an angle route out of the backfield as a checkdown and man beater against linebackers, making this a passing concept built to attack Cover 2 with the corner/hitch combo while giving the QB a built in answer versus man coverage through the angle route.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense shifts a linebacker or safety to follow the HB motion, this tells you whether you are facing man or zone coverage. Key the flat/curl defender on the smash side, if he sits on the hitch route, throw the corner route over the top, if he bails deep, hit the hitch for a quick easy completion. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in the shallow crossing route's lane, this is a common lurk spot that can bait quarterbacks into a costly interception. This concept is most effective against Cover 2 and Cover 3 zones since it stretches the flat and deep defenders vertically and horizontally with limited answers. Against man coverage with an aggressive blitz, the HB angle route becomes the primary read almost immediately since it beats linebackers in space and provides a fast release from pressure.

Usage Tips

Use the pre-snap motion to identify man versus zone, if the defender follows the motion man into the backfield, target the HB angle route immediately for a quick easy win.

Against Cover 2 shells, work the smash side first, reading the corner defender's depth to decide between the deep corner throw over the top or the underneath hitch if he sinks too deep.

On third and short or third and medium, the angle route is a great built in checkdown that can pick up positive yardage against blitzes or when the primary reads are covered.

Pair this play with Mtn Smash Choice or Mtn PA Smash Scissors in your call sheet, since they look similar pre-snap but attack coverage differently, forcing defenders to respect multiple concepts from the same formation.

If the user drops a defender into the shallow crossing lane, look off that route and come back to the angle route or the flag route on the strong side for an easier throw.

Other Plays in Y Trips Wk