Madden NFL 26: I Form Y Off Close – Sft Mtn PA Flood
Want to light up the scoreboard with the Los Angeles Chargers? This play is an absolute game-changer.
The Madden NFL 26 Sft Mtn PA Flood is a potent play-action pass from the I Form Y Off Close formation designed to create a high-low read on the defense’s left side. It uses play-action to slow down the rush and a combination of routes to flood a specific area of the field, making it difficult for linebackers and defensive backs to cover multiple receivers.
Introduction:
In this Madden NFL 26 tips breakdown, we’re taking a deep dive into the I Form Y Off Close – Sft Mtn PA Flood. This play is a fantastic way to stretch the field with a run-heavy look. It utilizes the play-action fake to freeze the defense just long enough for your receivers to get open. Our quarterback Justin Herbert fakes the handoff to the running back Omarion Hampton, then he looks for his primary reads. This particular Madden NFL 26 play is about creating mismatches and exploiting coverage deficiencies.
Our players get to work in this play, with Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey running two different deep cross routes. Tight ends Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin will assist with the blocking and route running. Pay close attention to how the routes unfold and you’ll see how this play can be a big-time winner in Madden NFL 26.
Play Details:
- Play Name: Sft Mtn PA Flood
- Formation: I Form Y Off Close
- Play Type: Pass
- Concept: Play-Action Flood
- Personnel Group: 11
Playbooks Found In:
- Chargers
- Cowboys
- Patriots
- Seahawks
- Steelers
- Texans
Receiver Alignment:
- Allen (X) WR: Lines up outside wide left
- Dissly (A) TE: Lines up tight right
- Mcconkey (B) WR: Lines up tight right
- Matlock (RB) FB: Lines up behind quarterback
- Harris (Y) HB: Lines up behind fullback
- Herbert (QB) QB: Under Center
Default Pass Routes:
- Allen (X) WR: Fade
- Dissly (A) TE: Auto Motion, Deep Cross
- Mcconkey (B) WR: Deep Cross
- Matlock (RB) FB: Pass Block
- Harris (Y) HB: Flat, play fake
Passing Concept:
This play is all about using the play-action to open up the field for a deep shot. When you call the Sft Mtn PA Flood, you’re looking to sell the run to catch the defense off-guard. That gives the deep cross routes time to develop. The quarterback will read the defense’s reaction to the two deep crosses, allowing them to hit the open receiver.
This play is very effective against both man and zone coverages because of the different route speeds and depths. The flat route by Harris holds the defense to that side of the field, creating a high-low stretch with the deep crosses. The Sft Mtn PA Flood really forces the defense to make a difficult choice. Ultimately, this play is about getting your best players into space and letting them win their matchups.
Pass Progression Reads:
- Allen (X) 1
- Mcconkey (B) 2
- Dissly (A) 3
- Harris (Y) 4
Against Man Coverage:
- Allen (X) Fade: This route can absolutely cook a defender in man coverage. If the cornerback is playing press, a quick fade can create a step on them and lead to a huge gain.
- Mcconkey (B) Deep Cross: The deep cross is a fantastic route against man coverage. The player will be running horizontally across the field, which makes it very difficult for the defender to keep up. It can be a great option for a big play.
- Dissly (A) Deep Cross: Much like Mcconkey’s route, this deep cross forces the defender to run. The tight end has the size advantage, so a good throw can be a touchdown.
- Harris (Y) Flat: This route can serve as a simple check-down. When the man coverage is tight, a quick dump-off to the flat can result in a short, easy gain.
Against Zone Coverage:
- Allen (X) Fade: A fade can get into the open space behind the deep zone defenders. If the safeties are playing shallow, this is a perfect opportunity for a bomb.
- Mcconkey (B) Deep Cross: This route is excellent for finding the soft spot in the zone. You will see him settle between the linebackers and the safeties, creating an easy throwing window.
- Dissly (A) Deep Cross: This is the high-low read with the flat route. This route can stretch the zone horizontally and force a defender to choose between the two.
- Harris (Y) Flat: A flat route will get into the short, open space on the sideline. This route pulls the zone coverage towards the flat. This is a quick and easy way to get a first down.
Key Strengths:
- Play-Action Deception: The play-action fake freezes the defense, giving the deep routes time to develop.
- High-Low Stretch: The combination of a deep cross and a flat route puts a huge strain on zone defenders.
- Multiple Reads: You have several options to throw to, which makes it difficult for the defense to predict.
- Deep Play Potential: This play is built for a big chunk of yards or even a touchdown.
- Versatility: The Sft Mtn PA Flood works well against both man and zone coverage, making it a reliable call.
Key Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to Blitzes: A fast, well-timed blitz can disrupt the play-action and force a sack.
- Bad Reads: If you misread the coverage, this play can lead to an interception.
- Can Be Slow to Develop: The deep routes take time to get open, so it can be a problem against a good pass rush.
- Limited Immediate Options: There aren’t many quick, short throws available if the defense is swarming.
- Underneath Routes: The flat route can be easily covered, so it’s not a reliable first read.
Situational Usage:
- 2nd & Long: Use this when you need a big gain to get back on track.
- Late Down Situations: This play can be a game-winner on third or fourth and long.
- Against an Aggressive Pass Rush: A play-action fake can slow down a pass rush that is getting too comfortable.
- When the Run Game is Strong: If you’ve been running the ball successfully, this play will be even more effective.
- Red Zone: If the defense is playing the run heavily, a quick play-action can lead to a touchdown.
Adjustments and Hot Routes:
- No adjustments.
Five Tips for Success:
- Practice the Reads: Go into practice mode and learn the pass progression.
- Use Against Tired Defense: This play works best when the defense is gassed and can’t cover the deep routes.
- Be Patient: You need to give the play time to develop. Don’t force a throw before the routes have fully unfolded.
- Read the User: Watch the user’s defensive player and throw away from them.
- Master the Play-Action Fake: A good play-action fake is the key to this play’s success.
Recommended Player Skills:
- QB (Justin Herbert): Needs good Throw on the Run, Play Action, and Deep Accuracy.
- WR (Ladd McConkey): Should have high Speed, Route Running, and Catching.
- WR (Keenan Allen): You want a player with high Route Running, Catching, and Release.
- HB (Najee Harris): Needs to have good Catching, Speed, and a high Juke Move rating.
- TE (Will Dissly): A tight end with solid Route Running and Catching is a plus.
Five Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What is the best defense to run this against?
- A: This play is great against Cover 3 defenses because the deep crosses can find the open seams. It’s also good against man coverage.
- Q: What if the defense is running a blitz?
- A: If a blitz is coming, look for the quick throw to the flat or throw it away. The play-action may not give you enough time to let the deep routes develop.
- Q: Can I use this in the red zone?
- A: Yes, it can be effective in the red zone. The play-action can draw defenders in, and the deep cross routes can create a lot of space for a touchdown.
- Q: What’s the best way to practice this play?
- A: Go into practice mode and set the defense to different coverages. Practice making your reads and getting the ball out quickly. Pay attention to how the defense reacts to the play-action.
- Q: What is the best time to use this play?
- A: This play is a fantastic call when you’ve been running the ball successfully and the defense is stacking the box. You’ll catch them off-guard and can get a big play downfield.
Final Thoughts:
The Sft Mtn PA Flood is a powerful passing play from the I Form Y Off Close formation. It is a fantastic way to take a deep shot when your run game is working. The play is built to deceive the defense and create a high-low read that’s tough to stop. When executed correctly, this play can be a game-changer.
We’ve broken down this Madden NFL 26 play, and you can buy the game today from this link: Buy Madden NFL 26.
