The Shotgun Normal Slot QB Sonya Check is a play that can destroy man or zone defense. This play provides you with one quick and consistent read every time your opponent comes out in man to man coverage. Furthermore, when adding motion to the mix it creates an overload that defenses simply cannot defend against if they aren't getting pressure. Read below to discover how this play works.
Shotgun Normal Slot - QB Sonya Check
Console(s)
XBOX 360 / PS3Quick Setup
Step 1 - Motion the tight end to the left.
Step 2 - Hot route the tight end to perform a slant or drag over the middle of the field (360 - Y + receiver's icon + right analog stick right or down / PS3 - Triangle + receiver's icon + right analog stick right or down.)
SportsGamer tip: Using a taller running back, or simply audibling to get a tall wide receiver in the backfield will make the quick throw underneath that much more difficult to stop.
Play Breakdown
In the first image you can see the offensive assignments for the QB Sonya Check. This play has a great design from the outset because there are reads all over the field. First, we're provided with two deep streaks on the outsides to pull the safeties deeper downfield. Additionally, the inside receiver is running a deep crossing route that is difficult to guard. And finally, the most effective route belongs to the running back out of the backfield. To make matters worse for the defense we can use motion to create consistent problems for man and zone coverages. In this example, the defense has come out in the Dime Normal Man Cover 2.
The intial change that we always make on this play is motioning the tight end to the left. Even if the defense is in a zone the motion of the tight end to the left helps us create two great crossing routes underneath. If you'll take a look at the second image you can see that the tight end stops just to the left of the tackle after being sent in motion.
Look at the defensive assignments after we have sent the tight end in motion to the left. We want you to notice that the linebacker who was supposed to guard the running back is now matched up on the tight end. This now means that the nickelback on the back side of the field is responsible for guarding the running back. There's no way possible that this defender can run all the way across the field to get there in time to knock away a pass out of the backfield. Even if our opponent tries to freeze the defense it won't matter because he'll always be out of position before the play begins. We make the final step by hot routing our tight end to perform a slant over the middle of the field. Now we're ready to begin the play.
As quarterback Marc Bulger takes the snap you can see running back Steven Jackson exiting the backfield at an angle. You can see in the second image just how far away the defender (on the far right hand side of the image at the 25 yardline) is from the running back.
As the defender (#20) continues to chase near the 20 yardline we make the throw to the wide open target out of the backfield. Jackson goes into a half circle animation to haul in the easy reception for a quick gain of 5 yards.
Your other options include hitting the tight end (far right hand side) on the slant, or hitting the slot receiver as he crosses deep down the field. Also, don't forget about the two streaks on the outside if your opponent is leaving himself vulnerable over the top.
Final Thoughts
The QB Sonya Check is definitely one of the bets plays offered in Madden 2008, especially when you throw in the motion before the snap. Protection may be the only issue regarding this play, but with an outlet pass as effective as the route that the running back performs it's hardly a concern. We'd recommend perfecting the timing of the throw to the running back in practice mode before heading out onto the field.
