The Singleback Deuce Close – PA X Post Cross in Madden 25 forces the defense to make tough choices. The play-action fake to Saquon Barkley makes linebackers hesitate, giving my receivers a chance to get open. If the safeties playing deep, A.J. Brown has a shot at breaking free on the post route.
If the defense is sitting back in zone, DeVonta Smith’s crossing route to attack the open space underneath. Having extra protection from Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra keeps Jalen Hurts comfortable in the pocket. If pressure does come, use Barkley in the flat as a check-down. Use this play when needing a big gain or want to catch the defense off guard. It’s a reliable option that works well in different situations, keeping the offense unpredictable.
Receiver Alignment:
In the Singleback Deuce Close – PA X Post Cross, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense lines up in a tight formation. Brown (X) is positioned on the left side of the field, slightly outside the tackle. Calcaterra (Y) and Goedert (A) are tight ends lined up on either side of the offensive line. Smith (B) is the right-side receiver, positioned just outside the right tackle. Barkley (RB) is directly behind Hurts, set to fake the handoff before releasing into the flat. This compressed formation helps disguise both the run and pass, making it harder for the defense to predict the play.
Play Diagram:
Playbooks Found In:
- Bears
- Broncos
- Chiefs
- Eagles
- Falcons
- Jaguars
- Jets
- Lions
- Packers
- Panthers
- Raiders
- Saints
- Seahawks
- Steelers
Default Pass Routes:
- Brown (X): Post
- Goedert (A): Pass Block
- Calcaterra (Y): Pass Block
- Barkley (RB): Flat After Play Fake
- Smith (B): Cross
Pass Progression Reads:
- Brown (X): 1
- Smith (B): 2
- Barkley (RB): 3
Key Strengths:
The Singleback Deuce Close – PA X Post Cross play excels due to its deceptive play-action and diverse receiving options. By faking a handoff to Saquon Barkley, the defense gets tricked into thinking it’s a run play. This opens up passing lanes for A.J. Brown on the deep post route and DeVonta Smith on the crossing route.
Additionally, Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra provide extra blocking, giving Jalen Hurts more time to make an accurate throw. Moreover, the flat route by Barkley offers a safe option if the primary receivers are covered. The combination of play-action and varied routes makes this play highly effective for gaining significant yardage and keeping the defense guessing.
Key Weaknesses:
While the Singleback Deuce Close – PA X Post Cross play has many strengths, it also has some weaknesses. The reliance on play-action means that if the defense doesn’t bite on the fake, the play can fall apart quickly. Additionally, if the offensive line doesn’t hold up, the quarterback could face pressure before the routes fully develop. This can lead to hurried throws or sacks. Furthermore, the tight ends staying in to block means there are fewer receiving options downfield, limiting the play’s versatility. If the defense is prepared for the PA X Post Cross, they can cover the deep and crossing routes, making it difficult to gain yards. These factors can expose the play’s vulnerabilities.
Situational Usage:
The Singleback Deuce Close – PA X Post Cross play is best used in situations where the defense expects a run. This makes the play-action more effective in drawing defenders toward the line of scrimmage. It’s especially useful on early downs when the defense is less likely to anticipate a pass. Additionally, using this play after successful running plays can enhance its effectiveness. However, it’s less effective in obvious passing situations, such as third-and-long, where the defense is expecting a pass. Mixing this play with actual running plays keeps the defense guessing and maximizes the potential for big gains. When used correctly, it can be a game-changing play in your Madden playbook.
Passing Concept Breakdown:
The PA X Post Cross is a play-action passing concept designed to exploit deep and intermediate coverage. The play-action fake to Barkley forces linebackers to hesitate, creating space over the middle. Brown runs a deep post route, attacking the safeties. If the defense plays man coverage, Brown’s route has a chance to get separation deep.
Smith’s crossing route provides an intermediate option, attacking the space behind linebackers and underneath safeties. His pass route is the play’s primary route and is effective against zone coverage because defenders must pass him off, creating potential mismatches. If defenders drop deep to cover Brown, Smith can find soft spots in the defense for a solid gain.
The running back, Barkley, leaks into the flat as a check-down option. If pressure collapses the pocket or deeper routes are covered, dumping the ball to Barkley in space allows for easy yardage. Since defenders might be pulled upfield due to the play-action, Barkley can take advantage of open lanes underneath.
The offensive line provides pass protection for the deeper developing routes. Both tight ends, Calcaterra and Goedert, stay in to block, ensuring a clean pocket. This added protection allows for more time to hit the deep post or crossing route, giving the quarterback multiple options.
Madden Tips:
- Read the safety coverage. If the safeties drop deep, look to hit Smith on the cross. If they bite on play-action, target Brown.
- Use a rollout. If under pressure, roll right with Hurts to extend the play and find Smith breaking across the middle.
- Check down to Barkley. If the defense covers deep routes, hit Barkley in the flat for easy yards.
Video Breakdown:
Final Thoughts:
The Singleback Deuce Close – PA X Post Cross is an effective play-action concept that stretches the defense at multiple levels. By faking the run, linebackers hesitate, allowing A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to exploit soft coverage zones. This play is especially dangerous against aggressive defenses that overcommit to stopping the run. In Madden, success with this play depends on reading the safeties and recognizing whether to attack deep or settle for an intermediate gain. With extra blocking from the tight ends, the quarterback has enough time to let routes develop. The combination of route spacing, play-action deception, and multiple receiving options makes this a versatile and effective play in Madden NFL 25.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best defense to stop PA X Post Cross? A: Use Cover 4 or a deep zone coverage to prevent the post and cross routes from developing.
Q: How can I make this play more effective? A: Hot route Barkley to a wheel route or put a tight end on a quick out to add another quick-read option.
Q: When should I use PA X Post Cross? A: Use it when the defense is aggressively playing the run or in medium-to-long passing situations.
Q: Does this play work against man coverage? A: Yes, the crossing route by Smith can create separation, and Brown’s post route can beat single coverage deep.
Q: What teams have the best personnel for this play? A: Teams with a strong-armed quarterback, fast receivers, and a reliable offensive line, like the Eagles, will execute this play well.
