In this Madden Plays passing concept’s breakdown, we look at the I-Form Slot Flex – PA Dagger. We show how we like to run this play action play to attack various zone coverages found in Madden.

Play Diagram:

I-Form Slot Flex - PA Dagger 1

Playbooks Found In:

  • Bears
  • Chargers
  • Chiefs
  • Panthers
  • Ravens

Default Pass Routes Assignments:

I-Form Slot Flex - PA Dagger 2

Position Assignment
SE Deep In (Inside Release)
SL Post
TE Pass Block
FB Flat
RB Delay Curl

Quick Setup:

I-Form Slot Flex - PA Dagger 3

  1. Hot route the TE on a check & release to the flat.

Coaching Points:

I-Form Slot Flex - PA Dagger 4

  • The I-Form Slot Flex – PA Dagger works against most zone coverages. However, Cover 4 Palms can give it some trouble.
  • Ideally, the play action fake to the halfback will draw the linebackers up.
  • The I-Form Pro Slot Flex – 95 Mike is a good run play to call to complement the I-Form Slot – PA Dagger.
  • When making the throw to the receiver breaking over the middle, throw a high bullet pass. This way the football will clear the underneath linebackers.
  • Slot receiver’s post route will clear out the deep safety.
  • Hot routing the tight end on a block and release flat is a good choice to make as it allows for another receiving option to throw the ball too.
  • The I-Form Slot Flex – PA Dagger takes time to develop.

Video Breakdown:

Final Thoughts:

The PA Dagger is a proven passing concept that many high school, college, and pro football teams run as it’s provides the quarterback solid options to throw the ball.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Your explanation and breakdown of the PA Dagger against the the games most often used base defensive sets is excellent. My concerns are that in Madden facing an opponent who blitzes play action can put your QB in a compromising situation such as being hurried pass or taking a sack. What is your answer to the blitz.

  2. Michael, thanks. To answer your question, consider hot routing the tight end on a flat route. If a blitz is called, he would be the hot receiver.

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