Pittsburgh Steelers

Offensive eBook

Formations:
Singleback Bunch [3]
I-Form Tight Pair [9]
I-Form Tight [4]
Strong Close [6]
Weak Flex Twins (Close) [3]
Gun Y-Trips Wk [4]
Gun Trio [16]
Gun Bunch Wk [7]
Gun Snugs [7]
Gun Empty Steeler [2]

Play Count:
61
 Formation Explanation
Gun Trio Singleback Bunch Gun Bunch Wk
Inside Cross [2 setups] End Around Stick !
Steeler Dig ^ PA End Around PA Post !
X Spot [4 setups] ^ Verticals ! Verticals !
Pitt Smash [2 setups] Spacing $
Scat Mesh
Curl Flat $ Gun Y-Trips Wk Steelers Cross
PA Slot Corner! [2 setups] PA Steeler In
HB Slip Screen Steeler Slant
WR Screen Steeler Y Trail
Mesh
Strong Close
HB Draw ! Quick Toss
Y Trail !
I-Form Tight Pair Gun Snugs Steelers Zone Wk !
FB Dive $ Inside Post !
WR Hooks [2 setups] ^
HB Sweep ^ PA Pitt Cross [2 setups] !
HB Power O ! Stick !
PA Power O ! Mesh $
Counter Wk ^
Zone Weak $
TE Post !
Weak Flex Twins (Close)
X Slant ! Mesh [3 setups]
PA Spot $ Spacing
Counter Wk
PA Counter Wk
I-Form Tight
FB Dive Gun Empty Steeler Key:
^ = Normal Audible
PA Boot [2 setups] $ Steeler Switch $ ! = Quick Audible
HB Power O ! Steeler Shake ! $ = Play(s) you come out in
Flea Flicker
 Quick Glossary
RC: Rocket catch
SC: Spectacular catch
LOS: Line of Scrimmage

[Note: The force defender is just for Cover 3 defenses. Basically defenses that have both CBs dropping back in coverage. There are
Cover 2 defenses that drop both CBs in coverage, like 3-4 Over - Sting Pinch Zone. It's called Cover 2 invert.]

Force defender: I just created the name, but I call him this because he "forces" us to make our
decision. I base my plays off of the "flood concept." I will describe the "flood concept" next. A
force defender is the player that is in either a flat zone or a purple zone. In the 3-4, it's the
OLB.. If it's Nickel Normal, it's the nickelback [aka 3rd CB]. The way I use to read if he's in a
purple or flat is to just watch him once the ball is snapped. On my first X Spot setup in this book,
my outside left WR is on a curl. My inside right WR is on a flat. If the force defender is in a flat
zone, he will move forward slightly, then he will drop back for about .5 seconds.. During that
time, neither WR is open. If you wait 1 full second, square will be wide open because the force
defender is in a flat zone covering my flat WR.

To read if your force defender is in a purple zone, just look at him as usual. If he drops back
instantly to the sideline, no steps forward, he's in a purple zone. If the force defender takes ANY
amount of steps down, he's in a flat zone.

This will help a lot when it comes to making reads vs. zone. Most of my Trio formation is based
off of reading what coverage the defense is and taking advantage of it.
 Flood Concept and Zone Defense

You may have seen the plays called "Flood" in all playbooks. The play "Flood" is in Gun Trio.
The "Flood" play does exactly what it sounds like, it floods the zones. There is a flat route, a 10
yd out route, and a streak. The flat route is to pull any flat defender to that WR, if there is no flat
defender, you just throw it to him.. If you've ever heard the expression "take what the defense
gives you," this is the best time to do that. This will put in the mind of your opponent that you
won't hesitate to throw short and now he has to defend the entire field (trust me, there are
people that don't use flat zones and I win games by just "nickel and diming"). The 10 yd out
route is there to beat the defense if they have no buzz zone. (aka purple zone) I love to take
advantage of the buzz areas. It's the rarest zone.. Usually your opponent will actually have to
hot route a buzz zone just to defend your flood concept. The final route of the basic flood
concept is a streak. This streak is a clearing route for the 10 yd out route. In Cover 3, the two
CBs are in deep blue zones as with the FS. The streak is there so you force the CB that's
covering the streak to move far down the field. It prevents him from trying to intercept/swat
down the 10 yd out route.
Flood Concept and Zone Defense
The main reason why I like to build my offense around zone defense is because man is so easy to beat
with just drags.. If you just make plays to beat man, and your opponent comes out in zone, you may not
know what you are looking at when it comes to zone defense. It's extremely easy to beat zone defense
this year because the hook (yellow) zone defenders do not play their zones correctly. There are also
subtle little hints on what type of zone it is.. Cover 2/Cover 3/ Cover 4.

Here are a few questions I ask myself before I snap the ball:
What formation is the defense in?
What is the depth of the CBs?
Where are the CBs staring?
Where are the safeties?
What type of coverage have they been running?
Is there someone over my slot WR?

If you know the formation, it helps a lot. The 4-4 defense has no CBs in flat zones.. you can take
advantage of that by throwing to a slot WR that's on a flat route since you have slow LBs covering the
flats. The 3-4 Cover 2 has two purple zones which are dangerous against our offense so you want to
watch for that.
The depth of the CBs are very important. If they are only 2 yards off the LOS AND looking at the WR in
front of him, they are more than likely in press...Check your slot WRs to see if they are in man press or
zone press. Man press will have all your WRs covered by a CB that is only about 2 yds from them,
staring directly at their face. Zone press will more than likely be Cover 2, you just check to see if anyone
is over your slot WR If they are about 4 yds off the LOS, they are not pressing. It could be any
defense.. If the CB is 4 yds off the LOS, that means it's probably not Cover 2 because Cover 2 has both
CBs in flat zones pressing the WRs.
 Flood Concept and Zone Defense
Where are the safeties?
What type of coverage have they been running?
Is there someone over my slot WR?

I ask myself where the safeties are because they are a big clue in reading what type of zone coverage.
Here are a few images describing how to read Cover 2 or Cover 3.

As you can see, I drew a line between the FS and SS. That line is also represented on the field by the yard
marker. You can see that the two safeties are nearly parallel.. There's a yard between each of them compared
to the line, but it's not as big as Cover 3, which I'll explain later. There is no force defender in this defense
because the CB is in a flat zone. You can easily read Cover 2 by knowing that both CBs are staring at WR and
only 2 yards off the LOS. AND both safeties are nearly parallel. You don't want to use a flood concept against
Cover 2. It can work, but it would be better to send 3 people on streaks, block 7, sit back and throw to the deep
middle for a 20 yard gain.
 Flood Concept and Zone Defense
Here is the way to read Cover 3:

Now you can see that there is a HUGE gap between the FS & the SS compared to the line. The SS rotates
down to almost linebacker level. It's a dead give away that it's Cover 3.

First make sure it's zone. If no one is over your slot, it's zone. If the safeties are NOT even, it's Cover 3. If the
CBs are at about 4 yd depth, not 2 yd depth, it's Cover 3.
This slide is an example that explains the format of this eBook.

Formation Name
Play Name - Substitution Package - Coverage you should use this play against
Adjustments: Exact adjustments you should make
Reads: Description of what you should do on the play.
Comments: My comments on why it works.

(If the substitution package is left blank, no package is necessary

unless instructed so in formation description.)
 Things that were excluded
There are several more formations & plays that I like that I haven't added to this
eBook. It takes a lot of time to do, and I don't have a lot of time. So here are some
things to check out:

Pitt Doubles - Pitt Doubles has a lot of nice plays from it. There is the Pump Fake Draw named "Steeler Draw." Slot
Shake is a good play vs. man coverage. The Shake route absolutely destroys man coverage. The PA Quick Audible - PA
Steeler is a nice play too. You block your RB, then you can put Circle on anything you want. I would probably motion Circle
to the left, then drag him so he creates a Mesh concept with your TE. The TE's route is excellent vs. man.. it's instant
separation. The Post and the Corner routes will beat Cover 2 or 3 easily.. If it's Cover 2, throw to the Post, if it's Cover 3,
throw to the Corner route. Steelers Fade is a play that can be used as a QB Draw, it has one of the shortest auto-drop
backs ever.. Just drag your WRs/Streak your RB to get more blockers once you cross the line of scrimmage. HB Power O
is a really good run, and HB Cutback is a run to the opposite side so you can confuse your opponents. The Quick Pass
formation audible Curl Flats is a good flat pass if your slot WR is uncovered (no one in front of him.) The Deep Pass
formation audible is WR Corners. It's a popular play in other formations, and it works exactly the same. If your opponent
calls BNR coverage, Motion the outside right WR one step left, then snap the ball & quickly throw it to him. He will be wide
open & may get you a TD if he's fast enough. The WR Screen from this formation is actually good. You want to motion the
screen WR to the left until he's halfway to the offensive line. Snap then throw. This screen is really good vs. zone. You'll
want to use this motion on your running plays like the draw so people can't tell what is coming. Finally, my favorite play is
Slot Hook. The slot WR does a hook route, but he is delayed for a split second. You want to throw as soon as he starts
moving forward. You will have to time this correctly, but once you get the hang of it, it's easily a 5yd gain.. It works vs man
or zone.. especially zone, but it's useless vs. BNR.
 Things that were excluded
Singleback Jumbo - Singleback Jumbo is another good undercenter power running formation. It has Inside Zone,
HB Toss Strong, HB Misdirection, HB Dive, HB Power O, AND a Counter Wk. You have a run for each direction and gap
nearly.. It also has a very useful Deep Pass formation audible in the play "Mesh." The left WR is on a corner route. You can
motion snap him just like you can with Pitt Doubles WR Corners. If they are just playing regular man, you can throw to
either of those drag routes. There are 3 PA plays. A play action Dive, a play action Counter, and a play action Inside zone it
looks like.. which all three of those plays are in this formation.. so that's extremely helpful. Something I like to do with my
depth chart is I put my FB at TE #2.. I usually have a backup RB at FB because FBs are typically slow.. I put Michael Bush
at FB because his higher carry than Marcel Reece. I put Marcel Reece at TE #2. In the Jumbo formation, the left TE is
TE#2.. When you come out in this formation, it looks exactly like you are coming out in I-Form Tight Pair. With a FB at TE,
it counts the FB as a HB.. So my opponent will see 1 WR, 2 HB, 2 TE.. if I come out in I-Form Tight Pair, they still see 1 WR,
2 HB, 2 TE.. so it's a good way to disguise things.. Also you can motion your left TE to the right so you have 3 TEs on one
side.. it's a HEAVY formation when you do that lol..
 Gun Trio
Gun Trio is my favorite formation out of this book. There's so much versatility with this formation.
There are screens, stick routes, corner routes, quick throws, runs, swing routes, and a
comeback route. Stick routes are great especially with fast WRs. You'll be able to take that 5 yd
stick route for a 50 yd touchdown. The comeback route is one of my favorite routes in the game.
You can RC it against any defense without buzz zones.. the flat zone just completely ignores it.
There is a HB Slip Screen and a WR Screen.. There's also a Swing Screen to the slot WR.. It
can get you a solid 10 yards when you need it. There are quick throws to TEs.. So much out of
one formation

One thing that you must do to run a successful offense is to not be afraid to run. If you see 5
people in the box, like against Dime Normal, audible down to the draw. Take any yards you can.
You only need 3.33 yards per a play if you don't go for it on 4th downs. You only need 2.5!!
yards a play if you go for it on 4th downs.

Remember, you can also use motion to read man or zone. You can motion your RB to the right
then back to the left on EVERY play to read man or zone if the guy following him sprints.

REMINDER: ON EVERY PLAY YOU SHOULD USE THE SUBSTITUTION PACKAGE 4WR
UNLESS YOU HAVE A GREAT TE OR YOU JUST HAVE A REALLY BAD 4TH WR. YOU
TYPICALLY WANT TO USE A LOW OVR BUT VERY FAST WR AT YOUR 4TH SPOT IN THE
DEPTH CHART. A PLAYER LIKE JACOBY FORD IS IDEAL FOR THIS PACKAGE. THERE
ARE MANY PLAYS THAT HE WILL BE MANNED UP 1V1 VS A LINEBACKER.. THAT'S A
BIG MISMATCH.. MANY PLAYS HAVE CORNER ROUTES FOR THE TE TO GO ON, SO
YOU WILL GET SEPARATION TO RC.
 Gun Trio
Inside Cross - Anything but BNR
Adjustments: None
Reads: Quick Throw to A when he cuts inside.

Inside Cross - Man & Zone

Adjustments: Drag A
Reads: If it's zone, wait for LB to make cut over middle and throw.
If it's man, Throw to A or B

Steeler Dig^ - Zone

Adjustments: Block A&Y Curl LB Streak B
Reads: Cover 2: Pass lead to the inside while throwing to B once he's passed
the LB in a yellow zone.
Cover 3: LB will be open at times, but your main target is the comeback route by X
Comments: Flat zones ignore the comeback route. You want to RC/SC it. Also, you want to be closer to the
right hash, the closer the better.
 Gun Trio
X Spot^ #1 - Zone
Adjustments: Block Y Fade X
Reads: Read the "force" defender.
If flat zone, wait and throw to X
If purple or yellow zone, quickly throw to B
Look for A over middle, he may be open in Cover 3. His post route takes advantage of the
seams between the LBs and deep FS.

X Spot^ #2 - Zone
Adjustments: Block Y or A Slant left B Streak LB
Reads: Primary read is ● against Cov 2 / Cov 3 without purple zones. Pass lead southwest when throwing to B
Comments: This works well vs. Cov 2 / Cov 3 because the streak clears away the areas B will be wide open &
in deep blue zone has no chance to pick it.
You can very much user catch this route by holding the left stick southwest AND holding the catch
(Triangle). This will allow you to catch a ball that may be overthrown.

X Spot^ #3 - Zone
Adjustments: Block Y Streak X Out Route & Smart Route LB
Reads: If zone coverage without a purple zone, RC LB's route.
Quick Throw to B if there is no flat zone.
Comments: This is the flood concept. It's an actual play, but you can create it with X Spot. Defenses
like Cover 2 Sink from Nickel 1-5-5, Nickel Odd Split/Sub Cover 3, and Nickel Normal -
Cover 3 are bad against this play because there is no flat coverage. You need a flat, a purple,
and a deep blue zone to defend this play correctly.
 Gun Trio
X Spot^ #4 - Zone
Adjustments: Block Y Out route and Smart Route X
Reads: If force defender in flat zone, RC X's route.
If force defender is in a purple zone, throw to B

Pitt Smash - Zone

Adjustments: Block Y Curl B
Reads: LB is open against most zones. X is open vs. any zone defenses without a flat zone. If X
is covered, LB should be open.
Comments: X will be open vs. Cover 3s that have a player over your slot WR because the CB drops back
into a deep blue zone which leaves a space perfect for a stick route. If X is covered by a flat
defender, LB will be open because the flat defender has to cover two players, but it's not
possible. Sometimes a yellow zone will try to cover LB, but they won't be able to
because they have to cover B. It's almost a guarantee that one of the 3 short routes will
be open. This is "spacing" concept.

Pitt Smash #2 - Zone

Adjustments: Block Y Streak LB Slant left B
Reads: X should be open vs. D w/o flat zones like Cover 4.
B will be open vs D w/o purple zones like Cover 2 and Cover 3..
Comments: This play works because it counters common defenses. Most zone defenses have only a
flat zone or only a purple zone on one side. There are only a few plays with a flat zone and
purple zone already in the play. Either B or X will be open during the play. B could be a big
gain down the sideline because your opponent called a normal Cover 2 or 3. X could be a 10
yd gain from a stick route. Either way, it's a gain.
Side note: Cover 2 from 3-4 has a purple & flat zone on both sides, so watch out for it!
 Gun Trio
Scat - Zone
Adjustments: Streak LB Fade X
Reads: If force defender in flat zone, throw to X
If force defender is in a purple zone, throw to B
Comments: This play is almost identical to my first X Spot setup, but the difference is the flat route.. There is
the normal flat route in X Spot and then there is this swing route. When you catch the swing route, you can
instantly run up field, usually you have to outrun a defender to the sideline then you can turn up field with the
typical flat route.

Curl Flat - Zone

Adjustments: Block Y Streak LB
Reads: B should be open over the deep middle between the LBs and the deep safety.
Comments: I run this play often. It's one of my favorite plays against zone from Trio. You may want to
pass lead a little bit to avoid that deep safety or a LB in the middle of the field.

PA Slot Corner! 4WR - Man

Adjustments: Block Y Smart Route LB Drag B Streak X Drag A
Motion X between LB and B & snap
Reads: B will be wide open on his drag route on the right side of the field.
A will be open too.
Comments: You want B to be your fastest WR or RB. You can use the substitution package HB Slot to put
your #1 HB at B. If you setup your depth chart by the guidelines I provided, you'll be fine.
This play uses motion with a mesh concept. You will want to block your RB if your 4th WR is a fast
have Jacoby Ford at 4th WR. He's awesome on drags. It's definitely a better play if you drag the
TE.It's better because the two drags cause the man defenders to run into each other.
PA Slot Corner! - Zone Gun Trio
Adjustments: Block Y& A Streak X Slant left B
Reads: Circle will be open if the defense has NO purple zone.
Comments: This is a great play vs. Cover 3. The streak distracts the deep safety. The slant to the left goes
to the buzz area. If there is no buzz zone, it's a big gain.. 3 WRs out in routes and
7 blockers.. It's like a discount.. you only have to send 3 WRs out for a 15 yd gain lol.

HB Slip Screen - Zone

Adjustments: Drag B LB X Block A Motion left Y
Comments: I will sometimes come out in this play. You want to get rid of the ball quickly.. The auto-drop back
is long & the blocking is extra bad on this screen [as if blocking on screens can be good.. :)] You
those players so they all run to the right, then once you complete the pass, they
become blockers.. 9 blockers sounds good :)

WR Screen - WR Flip - Zone

Adjustments: Motion X to the right and snap after he takes one step
Comments: You 'quick motion snap' him because this makes him stand still at a better angle, allowing him
to head up field a lot sooner than without it. Remember to use the WR Flip package with this
play. You want your fastest WR here because he will be able to make more yards after the
catch than a slower WR.

HB Draw! - Any coverage - Quick Audible DOWN

Adjustments: Motion X between LB & B then snap
Comments: You want to fake like you are hot routing receivers. If you remember the first play that uses motion
snaps in between LB and B, it's called PA Slot Corner. It has quite a few hot routes. If you do a
few hot routes, then use the same motion, it looks exactly like that play.It will fool
your opponents. If they see that you make your whole offense look the same, then they
will be nervous to what's coming next. You want to audible to this play when the middle or the
right of the field is open. If there is a 3 down line, this is excellent to use.
 I-Form Tight Pair
Run Scheme

The following slide will contain my scheme from I-Form Tight Pair. It's my main
running scheme.. It's how I pound the rock.. There are also some nice passing
plays in this formation too.. just if you know where to look!

You should come out in any of the following plays: FB Dive, FB Fake HB Flip,
Iso, Zone Weak, or PA Spot..

Two of my main audibles come from this formation. I have the HB Sweep and
the Counter Weak in my main audibles. The formation audibles from this
formation are HB Power O, PA Power O, X Slant, and TE Post. I use just about
every play in the formation in all of my games. It's probably one of the best
power run formations in the game. It also has some overlooked passing plays
that are great vs man or zone..
 I-Form Tight Pair
FB Dive
Reads: If the line is pinched, run the Power O, HB Sweep, or PA Power O.
Comments: This is a really great FB Dive. If you want, you can use motion. I will use the inside TE, motion him
the left so he becomes a Wing TE, then I'll motion him back to the right. Snap the ball once he is in
the A-gap you are running the FB Dive into.

HB Sweep^
Reads: If the line is pinched, run this play. Also, if there is no one outside of your furthest TE, run this play.
Comments: This play is a regular audible. It's one of my most frequently used audibles. It's very easy to run,
I get to the edge a lot.. especially with fast RBs.. like McFadden.

HB Power O!
Reads: You can basically run this at anytime. I wouldn't run it if there are like 8 people on the LOS, but it's a solid
play like any other Power O.
Comments: This is a formation audible so you can get to this play at anytime because you have I-Form
Tight Pair - Counter Weak and HB Sweep as a regular audibles.

PA Power O! - Dual HB OR [Sub in a fast RB at FB]

Adjustments: Block LB
Reads: Check to see if it's man or zone. If it's man, you want to run this play. It's a great play.
Comments: This is an awesome play action play I found while messing around in practice mode. For
some reason, if you run this play against man coverage, the Y receiver [FB] will be wide open
in the flats for about a 10 - 15 yd gain.. more if you put a RB here. This is great to run in the
redzone, try it out yourself.
To maximize this play, you want to use the Trio formation, and put your fastest WR as the middle WR
thats on the line of scrimmage. Audible down to I-Form Tight Pair, then quick audible to PA Power O.
Another formation you can do this with is Gun Y-Trips Wk - Formation package - Strong
Slot. Particularly with the play "Steeler Slant."
That play is best vs. zone, but if it's man, audible to this play and run for daylight!
 I-Form Tight Pair
Counter Weak^ AND Zone Weak
Reads: If there is only four players on the left side of the field [not counting CB], run this play.
Comments: These two are great plays to use when you have your opponent stacking the right because of
your Power O/HB Sweeps
TE Post! - Zone
Adjustments: Block LB left & Y right
Reads: You want to throw to A, he's your main read the whole way.. if he's not open, try to throw it away or RC
one of the streak routes.
Comments: This play works vs Cover 2 or Cover 3. Cover 2 has a huge void in the deep middle. The Post
route takes advantage of the hole. Against Cover 3, the post route again will take advantage of
the void between the LBs and deep safeties.

X Slant! - Man & Zone

Adjustments: Block LB Motion & drag Y right Curl B Slant left X
Reads: If it's man, the dragged FB will be a main read. The slant out will be a read vs man too. Slant outs to
the sideline bounce the WR off, giving him huge separation. This should give you a huge gain..
especially if Cover 1.. If it's zone, the stick route by A will be open because the curl occupies the flat
defender.
Comments: This is a solid play that you will use to throw in every now and then..
PA Spot$ - Man & Zone
Adjustments: Block LB Slant left X
Reads: If it's man, the FB will be wide open. It's the same concept from PA Power O. FB Flat routes are
money in this formation. The slant to the sideline by X will be open a lot.. especially since he's your
fastest WR. Slant outs bounce off the sideline giving huge separation.. it's crazy good.
Now against zone, you have a few reads.. It's another flood concept.The corner route distracts the
zone, causing the stick route to be WIDE open.. If they have no purple zone, A is open for a big gain,
you can easily user catch this route. If there is no flat zone, the flat route by the FB is wide open.
Comments: I absolutely love this play. It takes advantage of both coverage types & will always have
someone open..
 I-Form Tight

The I-Form Tight formation is basically a running formation I like to use as a

way to QB Draw.. I like to use the FB Dive or QB Draw, then I will run the
Power O.. It doesn't have much, but the QB Draw can pick you up a first down
or two.. especially with the user catch opportunity.
 I-Form Tight
PA Boot$ - Man (QB Boot) and Zone
Adjustments (Zone): Drag A Streak X Motion left B
Adjustments (Man): Slant right A X B Motion Y right then drag him
Reads (Zone): If A is open, take a quick 5 yds. If he's not, look to RC to B [Roll out left]
Reads (Man): I use this play as a QB Boot. Use this play with fast QBs.. Vince Young is great. [Roll out left]
Comments: You want to wait for half a second to roll left. It's a designed roll out right, but it's too slow to right.
If you roll left too quickly, you'll go into a weird animation where the QB runs very slowly.
Against man you will want to dump it off to your FB if he's open.. if not, just run.

FB Dive!
Reads: If the line is pinched, audible to HB Power O.
Comments: Motion the TE that's on the LOS to the left so he becomes a wing TE, then motion him to the
right and snap once he's in the A-gap you are running the play through.

HB Power O - Quick Audible DOWN

Reads: Motion the TE that's on the LOS to the left so he becomes a wing TE, then motion him to the right and
once he's in the A-gap you are running the play through.
Comments: Mix this play in just to keep your opponent honest. You don't want him to just pinch the line &
stop your FB Dive.. Make him think that you are doing something else on every down.

Flea Flicker - Man BNR

Adjustments: Smart Route B Block Y LB Streak X Drag A Motion left B and snap
as he sets
Reads: B is your unbumpable route. If there is no safety help, it's a TD.
Comments: You want to use this sparingly. If you happen to see your opponent calling man bump and
run when you are in any of the two I-Form formations, come out with this play & see if you
can get yourself a touchdown.
 Singleback Bunch

I like to run Singleback Bunch in the redzone. I will run the End Around once or
twice on a 2nd and 1 situation where I know I'll be able to get the first down on
3rd or 4th down.. You'll want to run this play in those situations so your
opponent will know what you are calling.. I've seen a lot of people run the End
Around only.. like 5 times.. it will get shut down every time.. There are people
that do End Arounds all game.. you can take advantage of this.. You can be the
one person that actually pulls out the fakes.. The PA Fake End Around is a
GREAT play because of the fake.. It looks like the WR has it but really the QB
has it :) The QB is also about to throw a flat pass for a TD ;-)
 Singleback Bunch

End Around - Strong Tight - Any

Comments: This play can get you a big play when you need it, but that's not the reason why I use it. I use this
to setup the following play action play. The opponent will fall for the play action most of the time,
leaving a hole where you can throw it in for a TD.

PA End Around$ - Zone

Reads: Y should be open in flats. If not, look for the other two crossing routes.
Comments: This play works great in the redzone. The reason I like this play is because it follows the WR
that goes in auto-motion. It looks like you handed it off to the WR, but really you have the ball
and are about to complete a touchdown pass.

Verticals!
Adjustments: StreakY
Reads (Zone): B will be open in defenses w/o a purple zone. A is open too.
Reads (MAN BNR):Motion B out and as soon as he sets snap the ball. Throw the ball with pass lead
as necessary.
Comments: This is a really popular play that's very effective. You can audible to this if you see your opponent
in man bump and run to get a TD.
 Gun Y-Trips Wk
This formation has two of my favorite plays from the entire book in it. First I love
Steeler Slant. Steeler Slant allows you to throw a quick pass for a 10 yd gain.
The faster the player, the better the chance of you getting a first down.

The second play is Steeler Y-Trail. The Trail route is one of the best routes in
the game. It has a unique cut where it just leaves the defender in his dust. It's
run by a slower TE but it's still super effective. You can also dump it off to L1 or
throw it to both of the two outside WRs that I put on hot routes to rocket catch
with.

I would say that this formation is basically a first down machine.

Flat passes to a slot WR and Trail routes = first downs.
 Gun Y-Trips Wk
PA Steeler In - Strong Slot - Man
Adjustments: Drag X Block LB
Reads: Wait for Y to get open on the drag route. If he's not open, look to X
Comments: The auto-motion confuses the CB covering Y. If that isn't enough, X is on a drag so it also has
a crossing concept going on.

Steeler Slant - Strong Slot - Zone

Adjustments: Block LB Smart Route B
Reads: Throw to Y at the snap.
Comments: This works vs zone even if your opponent uses a flat zone. The WR that does the flat route is so
from the flat defender that he can beat him around the corner to gain some big yards. This
is one of my favorite plays in the book. You want to be throwing to the "green side" of the field.
The side that has the most room. If you are on the right hash, you want to flip it so the left side of
the field is where Y is running. Remember: Quick Throw.. as fast as possible. Sometimes you
get bad snaps so look for A to be open underneath the yellow zones.

Steeler Y Trail - Strong Slot - Man and Zone

Adjustments: Out route and Smart Route X
Reads (Zone): ■ and ● are bail out rocket catch routes vs. zone. Look for Y's slant route or A's trail route.
Look to LB before you try to RC to B or X
Reads (BNR): Throw to A The trail route he runs destroys man bump and run.
Comments: This is a really great play. You can use it against any coverage.. If you really need a first down,
look to A. His trail route will be open against almost every coverage unless it's user covered. It
beasts bump and run because of it's cut, and it beats zone because of the slant route above it.
 Gun Y-Trips Wk
Mesh - Normal - Man and Zone
Adjustments: Streak X Block LB
Reads: The auto-motion drag route is excellent vs man. This will be a primary read. Also look for A over the
vs. man.
Comments: I love using this play against man. It's apart of 3 hidden formation plays that have the outside
left WR closer than normal. I love that all 3 of those plays have auto-motion. The auto-motion
drag route in this case beats man because he gets a head start. I want the WR to be as open
as possible so I clear the left area of the field by streaking X and blocking LB. The drag
route really benefits from these two moves.
 Gun Snugs
When I first took a look at this formation, I saw nothing.. It really didn't have any unique plays to me.. What
changed my mind was using motion.. When you motion a WR or the RB to either side, he becomes a Wing
player.. It just looks cool, but it's also super effective. It basically gives us a new mini Trio formation

I don't provide as many plays for the Snugs formation as the Trio formation because I want you guys to
create some of your own material. I'm making this as a building block for you to get better.

This formation takes advantage of man and zone very well. The drags in this formation beat man incredibly
easily. I thought it was a mess up in practice mode but when I took it into a game, I was still able to beat
man by just putting a WR on a drag..

Remember to take advantage of every play in this formation. Even the HB Draw is effective.. especially if
you use motion and fake like you are hot routing.. your opponent will think pass.. Pass defenses are usually
not good against runs :) especially when at the snap you look like you are passing.

Use the package WR Strong LT to get your #1 WR as your left WR that's off the LOS. Make sure you have
your depth chart set so you have your #1 as a speed receiver, #2 is a beast WR, #3 is a CIT/RC WR, and
#4 needs to be your next best WR.. preferably really fast.. when I use the WR Strong LT package, I have
exactly who I want on the field at all times.

One more thing, remember that slant outs work very well vs. man coverage. You
want to slant out your left WR that is OFF the line of scrimmage. For some
reason when you slant this WR out, the guy covering him does a weird
animation & trails him the whole way.
 Gun Snugs
WR Hooks^ - Man
Adjustments: None
Reads: Throw to A
Comments: This route in WR Hooks is great against man. If you watch closely, you'll notice that the
LB covering him will stay behind him, allow you to throw it straight into your WRs chest
for a 5 yd gain. It's perfect against man.

PA Pitt Cross! (Flip) Fastest WR or RB = X Man BNR

Adjustments: Motion X to the left and after he takes about 3 steps, snap the ball
Reads: X should be wide open against man BNR.
Comments: X will be open because the CB in BNR will miss & start running behind the line of scrimmage,
will cause him to not be able to catch up to your WR. You MUST pass lead or you'll be picked
off. Don't run this too many times because your opponent will catch on and user pick it.

WR Hooks^ - Man and Zone

Adjustments: Motion right X Block LB Curl B Slant right X
Reads: If it's man, A should be open over the middle..Y will also be open vs man. If it's a zone
coverage without a purple zone, then X will be wide open for a good RC/SC for 10 yds.
Comments: This is a really great play to use if you need a first down.. The defense will be either man or zone of
If it's man, you have the A WR open.. if it's zone, B and X will be open. B will be
open because there will be only one yellow zone covering A and B. The LB in the yellow zone
will cover A, leaving B wide open underneath that yellow zone.. X is open if there is no purple
zone.. which most plays don't have purple zones.

Stick! - Zone
Adjustments: Motion right X Streak X Slant Right A Slant left LB
Reads: Look to ● first, then A. RC with A... A becomes a blocker on quick flat passes
Comments: This is a solid flood concept. If your opponent is using A-gap heat, block Y
PA Pitt Cross! Man or Zone
Gun Snugs
Adjustments: Drag B Slant left X Block Y
Reads: L1 has a unique crossing route that will be open a lot. X will be open if CB runs into player when LB
& X cross.
If zone coverage with no purple zone, B is open for a RC.
If Cover 2 or 3, A's weird seam route will be open, but you need to pass lead.
lead.
If it's man, X will be open if the CB does his slow turning animation. You have to pass lead up too.
LB will be open vs man if he gets enough separation on his cut.
Comments: I love to use this vs Cover 2 because of the big gap in the middle of the field.
The seam route is wide open.This play is good vs. man or zone which is very
helpful.

Curl Weak Flood$ - Man or Zone

Adjustments: Motion right and drag right B Block Y (Optional) Smart Route X
Reads: Against man you want to look to the two drag routes. Against zone, you want to look to B. If you didn't
block your RB, B will be wide open because the RB's route pulls away the flat zone leaving your WR open.
Also against zone if there is no purple zone, throw to X
Comments: This is a nice play.. It's also effective vs. man or zone.

Mesh$ - Man or Zone

Adjustments: Motion right LB Block Y (Optional)
Reads: So many reads on this play.. Against man, the two mesh routes are open.. LB may be
open depending on the defensive formation.
Against zone, the route by LB is a good seam route. X should be open vs. Cover 3 because
the two WRs on the right have routes that clear the yellow zones.. and the RB clears the flat zone
so no one is there to defend him. Against Cover 2, the seam route [LB] is wide open with pass lead.
Comments: On this play I put my two fastest WRs on the outside. The tall WRs a LB / A. There are tons of
Plays that beat man and zone are very valuable.
 Strong Close

The Strong Close formation has 4 useful quick audibles. I don't include the play
action play because I don't like to have a lot of filler plays. I do want to leave
room for you guys to create your own plays. I don't run this as often as I used
to. It's also optional to include the Quick Toss as a normal audible. I used to
have it in my audibles, but it does take away from your ability to run in any
direction with the I-Form Tight Pair.
 Strong Close
Quick Toss$
Reads: If there is only one player outside of your right WR, run this play. If the outside is stacked, audible to FB
Comments: This is the best toss in the playbook. It goes great with the FB Dive audible too. I usually have
a huge gain because the players in man coverage line up directly over each player, which
leaves the outside wide open.

Y Trail! - WR Flip - Man and Zone

Adjustments: Motion left X Out route & Smart Route X
Reads: A is open vs man and zone. B will be open at times. X is your RC/SC route
Comments: I mix this in when I just need a first down on a 3rd and 3.. If I have the lead, I'll definitely run
this. The whole formation allows me to be conservative while still gaining good yardage.

Steelers Zone Wk!

Comments: This is the quick audible down. I will flip the run with the right stick so it's basically an inside zone.
If you guys have never tried Inside Zone in this year's Madden, you are missing something.. Inside
& Outside Zone are both great plays..

Inside Post! - Zone

Adjustments: Slant right B Block LB
Reads: Y B and A are your main targets. B will beat any zone coverage without a purple
zone. A goes underneath the yellow zones in zone defense.
 Strong Close

HB Slip Screen$ [QB DRAW/HB SCREEN!]

Adjustments: Drag WRs to left; Slant left if your WR can't be dragged left .
Reads: LB is basically your only read. If you have a fast QB, run with him. Roll out right.
Comments: I love using this play. I use it as a QB Draw.. You have 3 lineman blocking for you. When you use
this play, you basically act like you are the RB following your blockers. I get EASILY 10 yds when I run this play
with Tony Romo! It's a great play.

Alternate: Slant out both WRs. Drag FB, Streak TE. Roll left, and throw to FB or the screen if the RB is open.
 Weak Flex Twins (Close)

The Weak Flex Twins (Close) is a really good formation. It has a very unique
play in Mesh.. There's multiple things you can do with it. It's actually a hidden
formation. That's why I put parenthesis around Close. It's not listed as a
formation. You can tell it's Close because the two WRs are moved in..
close. There are about 6 plays total from Close. The toss play is something I
use in almost every game. It's probably the 2nd best toss in the game.. The 3rd
best toss is in the same formation.. it has the exact same name except the
WRs are split out wide.

Remember to mix this with Strong Close so that you have a toss on both sides
of the field..
Quick Toss will go right, Toss Weak will go left. I like to run Quick Toss then do
hurry up and audible to Toss Weak.
 Weak Flex Twins (Close)
Mesh #1 - Man and Zone
Adjustments: Block LB
Reads: X is wide open vs man. Look for other crossing routes.Y may be open in the flat.
Comments: For some reason, the drag route by X gets wide open a lot.. This is a good play to throw in there.

Toss Weak
Reads: If defense has no one outside your two left WRs, run this play.. it's a solid play.
Comments: This is a good toss play.. it can get eaten up if they overload the left side, but you can come out
the first play of the game and run this.. Don't run it often.. Strong Close - Quick toss is better. Make
sure you have your fastest RB in on this play. Use the Dual HB Swap package if your #2 HB is
your fastest.

Mesh #2 - Man and Zone

Adjustments: Motion right LB Snap ball after he passes the TE, block Y
Reads (Man): If a LB is covering the RB, like in a 3-4 formation, you want to motion LB to the right and
snap once you pass the TE. He will be open for a quick flat pass because he can outrun the
LB covering him. X will be open on his drag possibly so look for him too.
If a CB or Safety is covering the RB, you want to motion LB until he gets to the painted
numbers on the field. Snap once he gets there. Don't quick pass it this time. Wait til he runs up
the sideline.. when he goes up the sideline, he should get separation. Make sure you
pass lead!! If you don't, you may get intercepted by that CB if he catches up.
Reads (Zone): Now if it's zone coverage, look to "force" defender. He will be the OLB in 3-4 or the Nickel CB
in Nickel.. or the Dime CB on the right side of the field in Dime.. If he is in a flat zone, you have a
play in the works. Wait for the RB to run up the sideline then throw it. He will be wide open for a
15 yd gain. X will be wide open in the flat area because LB pulls that flat defender in Cov
3 away from X.
Comments: This is a really good play because it works vs man AND zone.. You have two ways to run this play.
 Empty Steeler
Empty Steeler is a formation I will use when I see a tendency of when my
opponent will or will not use pressure. If I see that he never blitzes on 2nd down
& short, I will throw in these two plays. Both of these plays work off of each
other... You can easily tell if it's man or zone because if it's man, there will be a
man directly in front of each WR. I like to run this to spread out the defense.

If it's man, you have a play that works 100%.. If it's zone, you have another play
that's 100%.. the best thing is that you have access to both when you come out
in the Steeler Switch play. Steeler Shake is a quick audible.

Anyway, I have something uniquely interesting about the Empty Steeler

formation.. Have you ever wanted to put your backup QB at WR or RB?
YEAH!! Neither have I!! But guess what! YOU CAN!!

Use the substitution package "Strong LT." It will put your 2nd QB on your depth
chart at the X WR. If you audible down to any formation, it will put him at RB.
Not very useful, but it can really confuse your opponent.. and make you laugh.
It's so funny when you see Kerry Collins running a Quick Toss AS THE RB!!
 Empty Steeler
Steeler Switch$ - Preferably Zone Man works too :)
Adjustments: If you think pressure is coming, block a WR and motion him to block the pressure.
Reads: LB is your main read. Let him take one step, then rifle it in there.
Comments: You will notice LB doesn't move at the snap.. he just stands still.. well if you throw it at the
snap, the ball will be over thrown, but if you time it correctly, you have a wide open WR and a 5
yd gain. This is a great play to convert on 3rd down.
I really prefer to use this play against zone, because if it's man, the following play works way

Steeler Shake! - Man

Adjustments: Block LB Drag X Slant out B & Y
Reads: Throw to A's shake route once he's open.
Comments: This shake route gets open vs. man no matter what.. The defender just falls for the fake
every time.. It does take a few seconds to develop that's why I block LB. Make sure you look
to X ... I drag him because drags beat man easily.
 Gun Bunch Wk
I love the Gun Bunch Wk formation... There are so many things you can do with it.. Most people think you
are going to throw to the bunch side.. well you can put your best RC WR on the left side on a 10 yd out
route. You'll be able to rocket catch it for a 10 yd gain.. possibly more if you come back to the ball and turn
around for a big gain.

The HB Draw is deadly in this formation because most people think you'll pass it.. because you have 4
WRs on the field. There's a great unbumpable flat pass to the inside WR of the Bunch. Usually a TE is in
this position, but you definitely want a fast player here so you can take it the distance.. especially if you are
playing against a slower secondary. Make sure you use the "Strong Tight" substitution package on all plays
unless noted. This puts your fastest WR in the unbumpable spot.

If that sounds good, there is more.. against zone you have some quality middle of the field passes.. like Z
Spot.. and Stick.. The Bunch Wk formation is like the Trio formation.. you use route combinations to beat
zone. You flood zones to find a place to throw it.. The basic play "Verticals" take advantage of the seams..
2 inside WRs of the bunch go up the middle of the field, then the outside WR goes on a wheel route.. The
wheel route takes advantage of defenses without purple zones.

On every play you will come out in WR Rotation then put the following players in each spot: Beast WR =
Middle of the Bunch WR; Best CIT WR: Left of screen WR Fastest WR: Inside WR; 4th WR:
Outside Right WR can be anyone.

You'll want to figure this out in practice mode, but NEVER manually substitute anyone in at the inside left
WR of the Bunch.. if you do this, you'll never be able to put a WR in that spot until a new game is started. It
takes some time, but you will get it.. You just need to keep subbing people in. I have Schilens at left WR,
Inside WR: Jacoby Ford, Middle WR: Heyward-Bey, Outside WR: Louis Murphy..
 Gun Bunch Wk
Stick! - Slot Tight - Man & Zone
Adjustments: Curl B Out Route and Smart Route X
Reads (Zone): A is your main target.
Reads (Man): Y is an unbumpable route. It can also be open vs. certain zones.
Comments: This is a great play because it's also a quick audible. You can get to this play if you just audible
to Steelers Cross then audible to Quick Pass.

PA Post! - Strong Tight (Quick Audible Left) - Man, BNR, & Zone
Adjustments: Block Y Drag B
Reads: B is open on his drag vs man. If it's BNR, LB will be open in the flats.
A is open over the middle, pass lead to Y & move to the ball as necessary.
Comments:

Verticals! - Strong Tight - Man & Zone

Adjustments: Drag Y Out Route and Smart Route X Motion right B and snap when he sets
Reads: B is open once he goes down the sideline vs man; PASS LEAD AWAY from CB
B is open if there is no purple zone vs. zone coverage.
X is your rocket catch route vs. zone with no purple zone on X 's side.
Comments:
 Gun Bunch Wk
Spacing$ - Slot Tight - Man BNR and Zone
Adjustments: Curl A Out Route and Smart Route X
Reads: Y is an unbumpable route. It can also be open vs. certain zones.
A & B are reads vs. zone.
Comments: This play works well against zone because it forces one player to defend two WRs. Against
the Y receiver forces the flat zone to run to the sideline. That leaves B wide open on his stick.
If B isn't open, A will be. The yellow zone defender has to defend A and B which is
very difficult, nearly impossible.

Mesh$ - Slot Tight - Man and Zone

Adjustments: Streak A Block LB
Reads: If it's man, you'll drag A instead of streaking him. Look to quick throw to Y. A & X should be
open because of picks by the WRs.
If it's zone, quick throw to Y if he's open. X will be on a drag over the middle. B is open for a RC if
no purple zone.. A is a bail out route.
Comments:

Steelers Cross$ - Strong Tight - Man and Zone

Adjustments: Streak A Block LB Drag B
Reads: Against man coverage, B is wide open on the drag.. when I say wide open, he's WIDE open. Look
for X if your main read isn't open. Y's blue route is also great.
Against ZONE coverage, X and B will be open over the middle at some point.. watch each side to
sure you don't throw it straight to a LB in a yellow zone. Practice this play in practice mode before
running it in a game. I advise you to do that with all the plays I give you. PRACTICE!! :) Y's blue
route is also open vs. zone coverage.
 Gun Bunch Wk
Flanker Drive - Man
Adjustments: Streak A Drag X Block LB
Reads: A is your main target. Look to X & B.. They are on drags which put two drags together and you have a
mesh concept :)
Comments: This is my favorite play from this formation.. It looks dumb.. looks like nothing special until you
try it vs. man. It doesn't work every time, but if you use this vs. certain man coverages, your A WR will be
WIDE open.. What happens is the two CBs covering Y and A will swap assignments. This will leave a LB on
your beast WR, which is definitely a mismatch. You want a fast player here so if your beast isn't that fast, I
would put your fastest WR here. This play works best when the CB covering A is really close to the WR. Look
to dump it off to your two drag routes.

Stick! - Man BNR

Adjustments: Streak A Slant left X Slant right B
Reads: Just your flat route WR..
Comments: You want to throw to Y as fast as possible. He will be open because defenders cause traffic that
make it difficult to cover the flats.