Playbooks

Texas

Split Backs·Pro·21

Texas Texas Concept Pass Play

Play diagram for Texas from Split Backs Pro in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSplit Backs

SetPro

Personnel

212 RB · 1 TE · 2 WR

In 2 playbooks

Madden OffenseOffense Two Back OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Texas out of Pro Split Backs shows a five man route concept built on the classic HB Texas route. Both outside receivers run vertical seams to stretch the deep zones, the slot runs a shallow drag underneath, and the backside back runs a swing check release to the flat while the frontside back releases into the Texas route, angling out and then breaking back to the ball as a built-in man beater against linebackers. This is a pure dropback pass with no play-action or RPO look, and the primary read progression starts with the Texas route out of the backfield against linebacker coverage, works to the shallow drag as the intermediate answer, then climbs to the vertical seams if the underneath defenders sink or the safeties bite on the shallow crossers.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap identify if the defense is showing man coverage with a linebacker walked out over the backfield, since that alignment is exactly what the Texas route is designed to exploit. Watch for Cover 3 sky or Cover 4 shells with deep safeties splitting the field, these shells can bracket the vertical seams and force the quarterback to check down early to the drag or Texas route. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, if he sinks hard into the shallow drag zone that signals a zone coverage look and the Texas route becomes the favored answer underneath. Look for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow middle zone, since a smart user can jump the drag route or undercut the Texas concept if the quarterback stares it down too long. Disguised blitzes with the linebacker crashing the A gap pre-snap are the biggest threat to this play, so recognize hot blitz indicators and be ready to get the ball out quickly on the frontside back's route.

Usage Tips

Use Texas on early downs or third and short when linebackers are showing man coverage on the running backs, since the Texas route is designed to win against a slower defender in man. Check the pre-snap alignment of the middle linebacker, if he is stacked tight or shows blitz, hot route the frontside back to a quick flat or hitch to protect against a nano blitz up the A gap. Against zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4, key the flow of the underneath zone defenders, if they widen with the drag route the Texas route should sit down right behind them for an easy pitch and catch. Pair this play with HB Draw or Power O in your play-calling sequence to keep linebackers honest on run fits before coming back to Texas once they start cheating downhill. In two minute or hurry up situations, Texas is a reliable chain mover because the backfield route creates natural separation without needing a deep shot.