The play illustrated above is a key passing concept in Madden 25, run out of the I Form Close formation. The offense sets up with tight spacing, which creates confusion for the defense. First, the quarterback fakes a handoff to the running back, drawing defenders in. Next, the deep cross route (B) comes into play, while the streak route (X) stretches the field vertically. Meanwhile, the flat route (RB) helps provide a quick short option. This balanced combination of deep and short routes forces the defense to cover multiple areas of the field at once. As a result, the offense gains an advantage, especially when facing zone defenses. Additionally, the blocking assignments keep the quarterback protected long enough for these routes to develop. This play is especially effective on second and long situations where defenses might anticipate a run, but the offense catches them off guard with a pass.
Playbooks Found In:
- 49ers
- Broncos
- Chargers
- Chiefs
- Dolphins
- Falcons
- Jets
- Lions
- Raiders
- Rams
- Texans
- Titans
- Vikings
Default Pass Routes:
- Justin Jefferson (X): Streak
- T.J. Hockenson (A): Pass Block
- Jordan Addison (B): Deep Cross
- C. J. Ham (Y): Pass Block
- Aaron Jones (RB): Flat
Passing Concept Breakdown:
The passing concept in this play focuses on combining play-action and vertical stretches. The deep cross route by Jordan Addison (B) takes advantage of the defense’s tendency to bite on the play-action fake. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson (X) runs a streak, which serves to clear out defenders and open space for the deep cross route underneath. This combination works especially well against Cover 3 or Cover 4 defenses, where defenders may vacate the middle of the field to cover deeper threats. It’s also very effective against any type of man coverage.
(RB) provides the quarterback with a quick and safe option if the defense brings pressure or if the deep routes are well-covered. This short route works particularly well against blitzes or man coverage, where linebackers or safeties may struggle to cover the tight end in space. Moreover, the fullback and tight end remain in pass protection to ensure the quarterback has enough time to survey the field and make an accurate throw.
Overall, this passing concept thrives on attacking multiple levels of the defense. The offense puts significant stress on defenders to both respect the run and cover deep passes, creating mismatches. Additionally, it forces defenders to make split-second decisions, often leading to breakdowns in coverage. The key to success lies in the quarterback’s ability to read the defense and deliver the ball to the open receiver based on coverage adjustments.
Video Breakdown:
Video Summary:
- Play Overview: The PA Deep Cross out of the I Form Close formation in Madden 25 targets a deep crossing route that excels against man coverage.
- Primary Receiver: The primary receiver, Addison, runs a deep crossing route and is often open due to a seven-man pass protection.
- Hot Route Tip: Jefferson’s streak route can be hot-routed to a post route for added versatility, drawing away defenders.
- Coverage Adjustment: Against certain coverages, such as cover one or zero, players can exploit Addison’s route for big yardage gains.
- Additional Tips: The play action can hold linebackers, and Jefferson’s route can be used in case of a QB spy setup or if Addison is covered.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, this play from Madden 25 utilizes play-action to fool the defense and create open passing lanes. The combination of the deep cross and streak routes ensures that the offense can stretch the defense both vertically and horizontally. Moreover, the flat route provides a reliable safety valve for the quarterback, making this play versatile. Not only does it exploit aggressive defenses looking to stop the run, but it also takes advantage of defensive coverage schemes. As a result, this play becomes a vital tool in an offense’s playbook, especially when executed with proper timing and recognition. Furthermore, the blocking assignments provide enough time for the quarterback to make an effective read and deliver the pass efficiently.
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