Playbooks

Four Verticals

Singleback·Wing Slot·12
Four VertsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 BeaterFadeOption RouteSeamStreakWheel
Play diagram for Four Verticals from Singleback Wing Slot in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

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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
HB1MiddleOption Route
TE2RightWheel
WR1LeftFade
WR2LeftSeam Read
TE1RightStreak

Read progression

  1. WR2 left, Seam Read
  2. TE1 right, Streak
  3. HB1, Option Route
  4. WR1 left, Fade
  5. TE2 right, Wheel

Breakdown

Four Verticals from Singleback Wing Slot sends four receivers vertical to stretch the field horizontally and vertically, with the two outside receivers (one on each side) running seams and the two inside receivers pushing straight up the numbers. The lone running back stays in to help protect against the interior rush while the offensive line sets up standard pass protection. This is a classic zone beater built to attack Cover 2 and Cover 3 by overloading the deep middle and forcing a single deep defender to choose between two vertical threats, and the primary read progression starts with the seam route matched against the safety, working to the inside verticals if the safety commits outside.

Defensive Reads

Watch for two deep safeties pre-snap, since Cover 2 is exactly what this concept is designed to exploit by putting the corners in conflict on the seams. If the safety shells show one high pre-snap, be ready to attack the middle of the field where a single safety cannot cover both inside verticals. Man coverage with press corners is the biggest threat to this play since there is no natural rub or pick to create separation off the line, so expect contested catches if the corners jam at the snap. Look for a lurking linebacker or nickel defender sitting in the intermediate middle zone, as this defender can undercut the inside vertical routes if he reads the quarterback's eyes early. Blitz packages that bring five or six rushers put heavy stress on this play since the backfield stays empty in protection, so identify blitz alignments before the snap and be ready to check into a quicker throw.

Usage Tips

Check the pre-snap safety alignment before the snap, two high safeties tells you Cover 2 is live and the seams will be your bread and butter against the corners playing underneath. If you see a single high safety rotate late, expect Cover 3 and target the inside vertical route that splits the safety and the flat defender. Hot route the running back into a checkdown or shallow drag if the defense brings extra pressure, since the naked backfield leaves this play vulnerable to blitzes. Use this on early downs or third and long when you need an explosive shot play, since the routes take time to develop and can get you beat if your protection breaks down. Pair this with Y Stick or Quick Slant earlier in a drive to soften up underneath coverage, then hit Four Verticals once the defense starts sitting on shorter routes.

Other Plays in Wing Slot