Doublecross

Description

Doublecross is a great play to run if your team has a good receiving starting halfback and fullback. The backs each run swing routes to the opposite side they start on, forcing linebackers in man coverage to chase across the line right past each other. In general the speedier halfback is the better option of the two, but fact that fullbacks are often not well covered to begin with makes the fullback in Doublecross a viable threat for easy short yardage.

Besides running past the HB, the FB swing also cuts under the drag route of the split end, making even more traffic for coverage to get stuck in. This drag route gets open easily if not jammed and makes an easy primary read and throw for short yardage. On the right side we get more crossing routes, though these take a bit more time to develop. The tight end out slides under the flanker post. Because these routes cross a bit deeper you have to be more careful with your throws here. The post in particular can be dangerous because the TE can actually draw coverage right into the passing lane. However, the post can make a good deep option if the QB has time. This pair of receivers can often draw enough coverage to get the HB open early in the right flats on his swing route.

The versatility of Doublecross is where the play really shines. It's a simple matter of quickly assessing the defense to decide where to make the throw. Against man coverage throw the SE drag. If the wideouts are bumped at the line against a Cover 2 zone, hit the TE. Use the swing routes against any coverage, though they will probably get the most yards against man. Against the blitz any pass but the post is a possibility. Finally, if you have time and want the big play look for the post over the deep middle, splitting the safeties.

Player Assignments

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

Read Progression

1. SE drag
2. RB swing
3. TE out
4. FB swing
5. Flanker post

The read progression here is simple despite the heavy use of crossing routes and all five eligible receivers running routes. The SE drag should get open immediately except against press coverage and is the first look. Then glance right to the HB swing, and up to the TE out. Look back to the FB swing on the other side. You usually want to get rid of the ball by this point since you don't have blocking help, but if the defense is blanketing the short zone to take away the early reads you can throw late down the middle to the flanker post. Just make sure to put some zip on this pass to prevent interceptions.

Analysis

Pros:

• Works effectively against man and zone coverages as well as blitzes
• Crossing swing routes will easily get away from man coverage
• Quick execution and easy reads

Cons:

• No blocking support means the QB has to get rid of the ball quickly
• Post pattern is a potentially dangerous throw early
• Press coverage on outside will disrupt both wide receivers and may limit yards gained on swing routes