There are many aspects of Madden on XBOX and PS2 that can carry over to the 360. In this tip, SportsGamer is going to showcase one way that we like to beat the bump n' run that has carried over into the next gen version of Madden. The WR Cross is a solid play because it already provides you with a couple reads after your receivers beat the bump. However, you can create two more easy reads by making two simple adjustments before the snap.
Playbooks
Buf, Chi, Dal, Den, GB, Hou, KC, Pit, Sea, Run Heavy, West
Figure 1 - If you'll take a look at the offensive assignments we want you to know that the slot receiver will be your most consistent read on this play. We would recommend placing your fastest player in at this position on the field to get as much separation as possible from the defense. The corner route that the fullback is running is an effective route, but tougher to complete when the opponent is bumping. We know that our opponent has been bumping our receivers the entire game, so we need to find another way to get him open.
Figure 2 - The two changes that we made was hot routing both running back to perform up and outs. The key to making these changes is to make sure that these route criss cross each other. For example, we have hot routed the fullback to go up and out to the right, while the running back is going up and out to the left. This combination of routes causes confusion among the defenders and allows our running backs to get open.
Figure 3 - As soon as the play begins all of our receivers get jammed at the line of scrimmage. Fortunately, our running back head upfield untouched.
Figure 4 - Our fullback comes through the offensive line first, making his break to the right. Next, our running back moves upfield before cutting to his left.
Figure 5 - The criss crossing of routes in the backfield causes the linebackers to get mixed up on their assignments.
Figure 6 - We make the throw to the wide open running back as he moves into the left flats. Also, notice how open our receiver is breaking over the middle of the field. If you are unable to make the throw to one of these first few options on the field, then your last option is the receiver running the deep post in the upper left hand part of this picture.
Figure 7 - The running back makes the catch as the defender try to recover.
Figure 8 - The defense finally closes in, but not before we;ve already picked up 10 yards on the play.
Final Conclusion
Placing as much speed as possible in the backfield will be the deciding factor of just how much separation you get from the defenders when running the WR Cross play. The great thing about using the Weak-I formation is the fullback dive is a running play that is very effective for picking up quick yardage as well. Take this principle on to the practice field to see exactly how it works.
