Supercross

Description

If you like crossing up defenses (especially man coverages) as much as I do then Supercross might be a great play for you. Crossing routes on each side of the formation along with an unconventional blocking assignment will stymie man coverages, surprise pass rushers, and possibly get one of your halfbacks running uncovered in the flats. In addition simple motions can let the offense pick up obvious blitzes and expose any glaring weaknesses in the defensive coverage, particularly on the outsides.

The biggest advantages Supercross offers is against man coverages. The crossing routes are an obvious plus here, but the blocking by the flanker is also a nice touch I feel. Many man defenses do not cover both players in the backfield, so a linebacker or Nickel cornerback may end up squatting just a few yards off of the line of scrimmage, manned against the flanker but essentially covering nobody, while the 2nd RB jogs out into the flats uncovered. The left RB is my favorite target though. When on or near the right hash marks I love to put the left RB in motion left and snap the ball just before he would come to a stop. An isolated CB will usually follow the split end, leaving the RB wide open. Even in zone the CB will still be overmatched by inside-outside slant routes, forced to pick one player or the other to cover.

Other motions are most effective in blocking. The quarterback naturally has the ability to roll out behind the flanker. The flanker can be put in motion as well, which will look like a natural preliminary to a pass play and can take a DB or LB out of position to cover. In addition, this is a good opportunity to take advantage of the Madden 2005 feature where players in motion behind the O-line when the ball is snapped will block instead of run their normal routes. If the defense shows blitz use this feature to bring in blocking help to let the WR routes develop.

Player Assignments

See the Madden Playbook Guide for a description of these symbols.

Read Progression

1. Left SE quick slant
2. Left RB slant out
3. Right RB swing
4. Right SE post

The default reads are pretty straightforward. Basically scan the field in a U shape from left WR, down to the RB, over to the other RB, and up to the SE post. This is one play where you don't want to get too comfortable with this stock progression though, because I find that at least 75% of the time I like to put a player in motion to exploit a specific weakness I spot in the defense. My favorite is the left RB motion out which is well documented above. Many other options are also available. Moving the left RB to the right side next to the flanker makes for dual quick slant routes. Sliding the left SE over into the slot can get him away from press zone coverage. Finally, sliding the right SE over to the left slot makes for a wicked three route combo on the left that will make defenders' heads spin.

Analysis

Pros:

• Huge number of motion capabilities
• Blocking WR will confuse defenses and make for natural QB rollouts
• Straight line routes eliminates much of the need for precise timing, speeding up the learning curve and adding flexibility

Cons:

• A hard rush from just outside the tackles may beat the blocking flanker into the backfield with no additional help to protect the QB
• Left slant route is often roughed up by tight CB coverage
• Play relies heavily on good pass catching RBs