Playbooks

Dual TE Flat

Singleback·Ace·12

Flat Pass Play

Play diagram for Dual TE Flat from Singleback Ace in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

SetAce

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 1 playbook

Power Run OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Dual TE Flat lines up from Singleback Ace 12 personnel with both TEs releasing outside to the numbers on flat routes, one running a wide flat to the left sideline and the other stemming outward before settling into the flat on the right after crossing the formation. The lone WR out wide runs a deep corner/go route stretching the sideline vertically off the flat concept, while the RB stays in as a check release blocker before working a shallow release up the middle. This is a quick horizontal stretch designed to beat man coverage by putting flat defenders in conflict with the vertical stretch, and the primary read progresses from the near flat route to the far TE flat, working outside in based on which defender widens with the flat threat.

Defensive Reads

Watch the flat defenders at the snap, if a CB or LB widens immediately to the flat, the QB should climb the progression to the vertical corner route for the explosive play. Pre-snap, identify safety depth and count defenders in the box, a two high shell with soft corners signals the flat routes will be there quickly against off coverage. Post-snap, key any user controlled defender flashing down into the underneath flat zone, this is a lurk read designed to jump the quick flat throw, so the QB needs to reset to the opposite side TE. Cover 3 zone drops will funnel a defender under the flat routes but leave the deep corner route in a natural seam, exploit this if the CB sinks too far inside. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets beaten by the corner route stem, but disciplined Cover 4 or Cover 2 shells with safeties overlapping the sideline shut down the vertical shot and force the QB to live underneath with the flats.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs or third and short since both flat routes hit quickly and give the QB a rhythm throw option before the pass rush arrives.

Check pre-snap for man coverage indicators like CBs pressed on the TEs, since the flat releases are difficult for man defenders to jump without safety help over the top.

Hot route the backside TE into a corner route if you see single high safety look, this turns the flat concept into a man beater with a vertical shot against a Cover 1 or Cover 3 shell.

Pair this play with PA Sprint HB Flat or PA Boot Roll in your play calling sequence, the flat action and TE releases look nearly identical pre-snap and will freeze linebackers trying to key run versus pass.

Against zone shells, throw off the flat defender's drop, if the corner or safety sinks to cover the flat route, the underneath crosser or shallow RB release becomes open in the void underneath the zone drop.