Playbooks

Flanker Drive

Singleback·Ace·12
DrivePass PlayCover 4 BeaterBlock and ReleaseComebackDragCrosserInStreak
Play diagram for Flanker Drive from Singleback Ace in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback
SetAce

In 10 playbooks

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Receiver routes

Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.

See this play with a team's players
PlayerSideRoute
HB1MiddleBlock and Release Hook
TE2LeftStreak
WR1LeftComeback
WR2RightDrag
TE1RightSpeed In

Read progression

  1. TE1 right, Speed In
  2. WR2 right, Drag
  3. HB1, Block and Release Hook or TE2 left, Streak or WR1 left, Comeback

Breakdown

Flanker Drive out of Singleback Ace 12 personnel shows a full route tree designed to stretch the field horizontally and vertically at the same time. The X receiver runs a deep vertical up the seam, the flanker (yellow, off the left side) breaks outside on a comeback, the slot TE (red) runs a drive route crossing underneath from right to left, and the backside TE (blue) works a shallow drag into the flat area while the outside receiver on the right runs a corner breaking route. This is a pass play built as a Cover 4 beater, using the drive concept to create natural picks and rubs that clear out underneath zones and isolate the deep seam and comeback against quarters defenders. The primary read progression starts with the seam route against the safety, works down to the drive route crossing the middle, and checks down to the flat/drag combo underneath if the deep options are covered.

Defensive Reads

Check for two deep safeties pre-snap since Cover 4 shells are the primary vulnerability this play attacks with the seam and comeback combo. Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he sits shallow to jump the drive route the seam route behind him becomes wide open against zone drops. Identify if a user is lurking in the shallow crossing lanes since the drive route and drag route cross paths and a rangy user defender can jump both underneath throws. Against man coverage, key on the flanker's cornerback leverage, if he plays with outside shade the comeback route wins easily to the boundary. Beware of Cover 2 or Cover 6 shells where the corner sitting on the flat can undercut the drag route and the safety over the top can close on the seam before the ball arrives.

Usage Tips

Look for two high safeties pre-snap since this play is specifically labeled a Cover 4 beater and thrives against quarters shells that widen the safeties. If the corners are playing off man coverage, hot route the flanker's comeback into a fade or speed out to attack the cushion. Use this play on second and medium to third and medium situations where the defense is likely to sit in zone match coverages expecting a conservative call. Pair this with HB Pump Draw or Curl Flats from the same set to keep defenses honest after they start jumping the drive route in the middle of the field. If the middle linebacker is sitting low and clogging the drive route, work the seam to flat progression instead and use the crossing traffic to spring the drag route for extra yardage after catch.

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