THE BAYOU SPREAD OFFENSIVE GUIDE

INTRODUCTION:

Spread is back baby! The Bayou Spread Offensive Guide is the kind of offense that lights the world on fire. This offense gives you the ability to pass the ball like a seasoned pro, as well as have access to some of the most dominating runs available in Madden 18. Everyone feels like they have a good offense this year, but this is a GREAT offense with every play setup to have multiple progression based reads to destroy any defense that your opponent thought he was in.

Below you will find each formation with its own section laid out within tabs. When possible we will also go over an advanced strategy that may require more adjustments, a complete understanding of the formation, or quicker fingers to complete the play. Make sure to learn the entire body of content to ensure that your offense is running on all cylinders.

So lets jump into it, and start learning The Bayou Spread Offense. Thanks for checking out the guide and be sure to tweet us @maddenturf or review us on http://facebook.com/maddenturf after you have gone through the guide to let us know your thoughts!

DBLs Y-Flex Offset Wk

The Bayou Spread

Now that we have a game that allows you to pick up pressure without needing a TE on the line of scrimmage, it’s time to get serious about the spread. In this section of the guide we will provide you a complete offense from Doubles Y-Flex Offset Weak, which is an 11 personnel spread set. We will go over several passing plays, the run game, picking up pressure, and a few advanced tactics from the formation.

Watch the intro below, and then move into the basic 2×2 setups. Once you have a good grasp on how each of the basic setups work, move onto the audibles and slides sections to learn how to really round out your offense. Finally, when you are ready, head to the advanced tabs and learn some of the routes and concepts that can exploit your opponent’s coverage.

BENEFITS OF THE SPREAD:

Forces Your Opponent To Matchup, Creating Inside Running Lanes
Makes It Incredibly Difficult For Your Opponent To Play User Defense
Offers The Flexibility Of Using Slides To Create Additional Formations

WEAKNESSES OF THE SPREAD:

Can Struggle Against Match Defenses In The 2×2 Look
Great Man Press Defense Can Limit Available Routes
Requires A Good Offensive Line To Run The Ball

In this group of tabs we will go over the basic fundamentals of the offense. It is VERY important that you understand all of these setups at minimum before taking the offense into a game. These setups are the bread and butter of the system. Once you have these setups committed to memory you have the basics you will need to understand the audible, slides, and the advanced sections appropriately. In this group we will cover;

Saints Mesh (3 Versions)
Sail (2 Versions)
Run Game (HB Power and Inside Zone)

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

This setup is the one to spam if you are going to run one play over and over again, although that is not recommended because the complete offense will keep your opponent guessing and playing good coverage this year will require amazing adjustments. With this setup we look to force the user to the short middle of the field to open up a throwing lane behind him or overtop of him.

Setup:

Slant the Right Outside WR

Video:

This setup piggy backs on the Saints Mesh Slant setup, and is primarily for those opponents that want to run a lot of backed off man coverage or cover 3/4 zone. With this setup we want to look to the out route first, and then come back across the field right to left. Remember to throw the out route if its there every time, if it isn’t there throw away from the user.

Setup:

Place the Right Outside WR on Out Route
Smart Route the Right Outside WR

Video:

This setup is super basic, but we included it because all too often people forget about the simple things they can do to add depth to their offensive scheme. So rather view this video as a tip, think of it more as a reminder. This game makes it almost impossible to deal with crossing drag routes, so why not take advantage of that?

Setup:

Place the Left Slot WR on a Drag
Adjust Right Outside WR as Needed (Optional)

Video:

This is the second strongest play in the offense, right behind Saints Mesh Slant. We have many of the same principles involved on this setup, with two major differences. The first difference is the direction of the drag route on the play, hopefully sending the user in the opposite direction. The second difference the route from the RB. This route is gold, pure solid gold. Against zone he is open right out of the backfield and against man he opens up on his break to the sideline. The backside of this play has a dagger concept as well in case the user leaves the middle vacated.

Setup:

Drag the Left Slot WR
Streak the Right Slot TE

Video:

This is last setup in the basic passing plays, and it is the play that should be called least of the four. This setup offers a flood to the right side of the field and should only be ran on the left hash mark. The idea here is to get the fade deep or the slant open as it crosses the right hash mark. If we need to we can check down to the whip route or throw the post if the opponent has accounted for the right side of the field.

Setup:

Fade the Right Outside WR
Slant the Left Slot WR

Video:

What makes this formation really special is how great the running plays are in it. The HB Power O has home run potential each and every time you run it, while the Inside Zone provides a great reliable 4+ yards against more spread out defenses.

Setup:

None- See Video

Video:

This section will discuss using slides (otherwise known as motion) to create trips sets to expand the offense. Using trips can be extremely beneficial if your opponent uses a lot of match coverage or is starting to learn your tendencies and you need to give him a new look. In this group we will cover;

Slide Sail
Slide Read
Slide Smash Concepts (2 Setups)
Slide Run Game

Simply click on the tab for the play you would like to learn. There will be a written setup, but it is VERY important to watch the videos to have a complete understanding of the setup, so please watch the videos.

On this setup we are looking to complete a pass over the deep middle after creating a trips right look. If your opponent users the deep middle you will have several check downs to bail yourself out with as well as a backside post.

SETUP:

Block RB
Drag Right Slot WR

VIDEO:

This setup looks to again stress the deep middle of the field, but also add stress to the left sideline as well using a flat and comeback combo. Look to read the opponents user and if it stays in the middle of the field turn your attention to the left sideline and choose between flat and comeback.

SETUP:

Flat The Right Slot TE
Motion The Right Slot To Left

VIDEO:

This setup looks to setup a smash concept to the right side of the formation. The smash concept is one of the most difficult to deal with on this year’s game because of the amount of defensive resources it takes to defend it. Use it to your advantage.

SETUP:

Place The Right Outside WR on a Smoke Screen
Motion The Left Slot to Right

VIDEO:

This setup looks to setup a smash concept to the left side of the formation. This time we add a very difficult to deal with route from the RB and a slant to stress the middle of the field and hopefully occupy the user.

SETUP:

Place The Left Outside WR on a Smoke Screen
Place The Right Outside WR on a Slant
Motion the Right Outside WR to the Left

VIDEO:

Using slides in the run game has the potential to break big runs off for our offense. You can slide whoever you want where ever you want, but obviously the best bet is to add a blocker to the run you are calling by sliding him in the direction that the run is going to. If your opponent isn’t base aligning however you may be ok sliding away from the run as well.

SETUP:

Motion Appropriate Receiver (See Video)

VIDEO:

This section will discuss some additional advanced concepts to add to your offense as well as the ways that we can use pass protection to pick up pressure in this scheme. In this group we will cover;

Comeback Concept
Fade Concept
Protection Schemes

Simply click on the tab for the concept you would like to learn. Due to the nature of these concepts, there will not be any written setups so please watch the video to gain a complete understanding.

The comeback route can be used to glitch out a Cover 3 defense. You must identify the coverage at the snap of the ball, if you do not you are risking throwing an interception into a Cover 2 defense. You must also use the correct pass lead to ensure you get the desired animation from the cornerback.

VIDEO:

The fade route can be used to throw a one play touchdown against base aligned cover 2 defense to the wide side of the field. This is mostly due to the formation being very wide in comparison to most other formations in the game. Check the video for the correct timing and pass trajectory.

Pass protection is obviously a very important part of any scheme, and for the most part this year simply blocking the RB will do the job. Sometimes however, you may want your RB to still be on his route (Saints Mesh Slant) and need alternative ways to pick up the blitz. We will be using max protect slides for this, check the video for the full details.

VIDEO:

Pistol Bunch TE

All Aboard For Pound Town!

This year we are seeing both an overpowering passing and running games. To take advantage of that we are diving into a formation that can be lethal on the ground and in the air. While Pistol Bunch TE has its limits it does allow us to place defenses in an awkward position for defending it.

Watch the intro below discussing how we want to break the formation down for passing and running. We will be using setups with no motion, and 2 different motions that help create the most open passing possible from the formation. Additionally with the run game being better to the bunch side we will need to mix in playmaker the run to that side (and faking it too).

BENEFITS OF PISTOL BUNCH TE:

Forces Your Opponent To Pick Their Poison
Offers The Flexibility Of Using Slides To Create More Spread Out Passing Similar to Gun Bunch

WEAKNESSES OF PISTOL BUNCH TE:

All Of The Best Runs Require A Playmaker To The Bunch Side
Zero Blitzes Can Force Throws As The Best Man Beating Routes Take Time To Develop

In this group of tabs we will go over setups for passing plays that do not use motion; setups without using motion offer us an advantage at quick snapping the ball, but does not allow us to create better spacing for certain concepts. We will be covering the following plays below without the use of motioning a wide receiver:

Run Game
Cross Drags
Spot Option
Verticals

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

The run game can be very powerful when used correctly here. It can either be used to setup the pass, or be used as a compliment to the passing game. With our audible here being HB Zone we are indeed lacking the perfect run audible, but mixing in real/fake run playmakers can be the difference in keeping you a step ahead. Please enjoy the video below!

This setup is one we loved in Madden 15, and makes a return this year with downfield blocking being better. Now please keep in mind that the TE does NOT do an amazing job blocking for the RB swing pattern, but this play does provide us with a very simple set of reads to move the chains.

Setup:

Swing RB to the bunch side

Video:

This is last setup in the no motion sets and should be called sparingly. This setup does a good job of creating “spots” rather than focusing on crossing routes which can keep a user defender slightly off guard.

Setup:

Place Outside Left WR on Baby In Route
Streak the TE

Video:

We had to include verticals in the no motion setups as it allows us to quick hike our opponent with a very effective deep passing game. There are two setups – so please watch to see why and when you should use each of them.
Setup:

Watch video for both setups

Video:

In this group of tabs we will go over setups for passing plays that motion the insider wide receiver to the left (bunch side). This helps creates some specific spacing concepts that allow us to create better floods and the ability to have staggered crossing routes. We will be covering the following plays below with the use of motioning the inside wide receiver:

Cross Drags
Spot Option
Saints Flood
Verticals

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

This setup is used to create extra spacing for the wide receiver drag and to hopefully cause the defender to attempt to defend him like we are running saints flood. Using this conceptual motion here, but not changing the routes from our no motion setup lets us master our easy set of reads.

Setup:

Swing RB to the bunch side

Video:

This motion setup using spot option now gives us a third different route that we are motioning to the left. We are now creating a high/low read on the bunch side and giving us a nice quick check down to the baby in route. This setup does work best vs Cover 2, but can do great against most zone sets.

Setup:

Place outside WR on an in route
Streak the TE

Video:

This setup from Saints Flood is predicated on using the speed out close to the sideline to give us a concept similar to divide from back in the day. We do recommend using this setup with something near and “and 10” scenario as you will be using the smart route ability here.

Setup:

Smart route the inside WR

Video:

This setup from Verticals is an excellent mix in and one of the best way to run verticals in our opinion. Using the crossing concepts and vertical routes pushing zones back it makes for a set of easy reads.

Setup:

Slant inside wr and motion left
Drag Tight End

Video:

In this group of tabs we will go over setups for passing plays that use motion on the outside wide receiver. This technique is used due to the pseudo wheel routes we have in multiple plays from the outside wr. This allows us easy passes vs cover 3/4 and of course we need complimentary plays for when your opponent over adjusts. We will be covering the following plays below with the use of motioning a wide receiver:

Verticals
Spot Option
Flood
PA Curls
Cross Drags

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

This setup is one of the best in the formation when using the motion from the outside wide receiver. We can attack down the sidelines, seams, or play it safe with easy drags. We have multiple setups here so please watch the video.

Setup:

Please watch video for discussion of setups

Video:

This motion setup using spot option now gives us an attack position here with the in route coming from the sidelines. This actually allows us to take more time on our read to determine if the flood concept is open before checking back down to the in route. This setup is one of our favorites.

Setup:

Place outside WR on an in route
Streak the TE

Video:

This pure flood concept works amazingly well as it couples the wheel from verticals and allow the full 3 man flood concept that has historically been a top scheme in Madden. As we are using a smart route – please do also keep in mind that you will want to do the smart route in certain situations only (“and 10”).
Setup:

Smart route the point wr on certain situations

Video:

We finally are using our Play Action audible, and frankly it is a great audible to use in a pinch. We would recommend this when you truly feel someone is playing man defense so that you can hit them with the TE out route. However, we don’t always make the proper pre-snap read and thats why we created a curl flat concept on the bunch side.

Setup:

Place the point WR on an in route

Video:

This setup allows us to create the quick passing concept for the first time using the outside wr motion. You will want to use the same read progression that you have previously for cross drags, but keep in mind the deep in route does get open quite late on the play.

Setup:

Swing RB to the bunch side

Video:

Tight Slots

Update 9/4/17

Tight Slots has been a popular go to formation for much of the community early on this Madden season. In this breakdown we will take a look at some of the more popular ways to use this powerful formation, as well as take a look at a great way to use it on the goal line.

Watch the intro below to get a good feel for the formation and then dive into the setups. We will go over running the formation without any motion at all as well a way to run it with motion too. One of the biggest benefits of this formation is how difficult the two run combo is to deal with at the goal line.

BENEFITS OF TIGHT SLOTS:

Makes man coverage difficult to run because of natural picks and crosses
Completely even formation making flipping plays easy without tells

WEAKNESSES OF TIGHT SLOTS:

Compressed Receivers Make Usering Multiple Routes Easier For Your Opponent
Zero Blitzes Can Force Throws Over the Short Middle or Flats

In this group of tabs we will go over setups for passing plays that do not use motion; setups without using motion offer us an advantage at quick snapping the ball, as well as the ability to flip a play quickly. We will be covering the following plays below without the use of motioning a wide receiver:

Run Game
Bench Switch
Deep Post
HB Wheel

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

The run game from Tight Slots is fierce to say the least because you can come out in the toss, flip it to either side without your opponent knowing, or audible down to the dive should they leave the box light. This offers an array of flexibility. Please watch the video below to learn about the following runs;

HB Pitch
HB Dive

This simple play requires no setup at all and can stress the outside of the field on both sides of your opponent’s defense. This also makes it impossible to be user defended. The only way they will defend both sides effectively would be to run a Cover 3 Mable and user the other side. Enjoy the video!

Setup:

Curl Route RB (Optional)

Video:

This is one of the more popular passing plays from the formations. This play looks to get your post route on the left open over the deep middle of the field and has some great underneath and flat check downs as well. We were stressing the outside of the field with Bench Switch and this play focuses more on attacking the middle.

Setup:

Streak Left Inside WR

Video:

This play is very similar to Deep Post, except the corner and post are on the same side, creating a fork concept. The post route on this play is a bit faster to develop as well which is a nice change up.

Setup:

Streak Right Outside WR

Video:

This is really just included as a goal line option to be mixed with HB Pitch and HB Dive. This was brought to our attention by Shugz recently and has been used to get those tough yards near the end zone.

Setup:

No Pre Snap Adjustments (Watch Video For Post Snap Instructions)

Video:

In this group of tabs we will go over setups for passing plays that motion the right outside wide receiver to the left (creating a bunch look). This helps procure extra blockers on the toss, doesn’t hurt our dive any, and makes for one hell of a setup from HB Wheel. We will be covering the following plays below with the use of motioning the inside wide receiver;

Run Gm
HB Wheel

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

This setup is used to place extra blockers for the HB Pitch. It won’t hurt your ability to run Dive either, so feel free to use the motion from time to time when running dive just to keep your opponent honest. The following runs are included in the video;

Runs Included:

HB Pitch
HB Dive

Video:

This setup creates a bunch on one side of the formation and gives us a nice flat/corner combo to go along with the post/cross combo over the middle. This setup can be incredibly effective, but only if you have set up the run game with it. The ideal scenario is that your opponent tries to user the toss, leaving the middle wide open to complete the post. Check the video out;

Setup:

Place outside right WR on a flat route
Motion the right outside WR to left

Video:

Mix In Plays

Update 9/12/17

Sometimes you will play an opponent that does a very good job keying on what you want to do when you are running your offense from one or two formations with many of the same play calls. For this reason we have included 10 additional plays that are good from the Saints book that you can sprinkle in throughout the game.

This will help to keep your opponent off balance, and give your offense more longevity. Below you will find five plays from undercenter and five plays from shotgun. Use the ones you like, discard what you don’t.

This section will go over five additional plays that you can mix into your offense from the New Orleans Saints Offensive Playbook. They are all pass plays, however if a run play is worth mixing in as well it will be mentioned in the video. The plays covered in this section are;

Singleback Ace: PA Sprint HB Flat
Singleback Wing Stack: Curl Post Drag
Singleback Doubles: PA Draw Shot
Singleback Y Off Trio: WR Screen
Weak Slot Flex: TE Corner

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

This play does a great job of exploiting zone coverage, and over aggressive users. It can be tough to run if your opponent is blitzing hard on the right of screen, but aside from that, it’s a very easy play to run with simple reads and big play potential.

SETUP:

Streak Right TE
Fade Right WR

VIDEO:

This play gives us some great over the middle reads with the ability to quick snap our opponent. Make sure to be patient and confident in your throws as sometimes that left of screen defender can be tricky.

Setup:

None

Video:

An oldie but a goody. This play gives us some of the most over powered routes in the game this year, all on one play. Add to that the ease at which you can block 6 or 7 from it, and you can have a very solid play worthy of at least a couple calls a game.

Setup:

Block Runningback
Drag TE (Optional)

Video:

WR Screens are tough in general this year, some however are better than others. This is one of those better ones. This screen sets up with amazing blocking and has big play potential.

Setup:

None

Video:

This play works off a route combination that we used last year from I-Form Twins. It really makes usering the middle of the field hell for your opponent and manages to attack both flats as well.

Setup:

Swing FB Left
Place TE on In Route

Video:

This section will go over five additional plays that you can mix into your offense from the New Orleans Saints Offensive Playbook. They are all pass plays, however if a run play is worth mixing in as well it will be mentioned in the video. The plays covered in this section are;

Gun Tight Offset TE: Saints In
Gun Tight Offset TE: Playmaker Hitch Concept
Gun Flex Y Off Wk: Double Post
Gun Empty Y Saint: Saints Fork
Gun Trey Y Flex: Flanker Dig

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

This play gives you a route that is extremely hard to defend against without going to Cover 2 with hard flats, and then another route that exploits the hole in the deep middle of that zone should they make that change.

SETUP:

Streak Left Slot WR
Motion Left Outside WR to Right

VIDEO:

This concept is hell to defend for your opponent. Please be aware that is best executed with receivers that have the Playmaker ability in MUT. While still effective without it, it is not nearly as difficult to deal with.

Setup:

Watch Video

Video:

This play is available throughout the game from several different sets, and gives the ability to beat both zone and man effectively.

Setup:

Two Setups in Video

Video:

This might be one of the most popular Empty plays of all time. This year is no different. This play gives us great zone beating concepts, and because it’s an empty set, playing man against it really isn’t an option unless the person throwing the ball is blind.

Setup:

Adjust Left Side RB as Needed (See Video)

Video:

In a set with Inside Zone, PA Crossers, and the always popular Level Sail, Flanker Dig is a great play to add into the mix because most likely it will not be what your opponent is setting up to defend.

Setup:

Streak Inside Left WR
Drag Left Middle WR

Video:

This section will go over some general tips to assist as things are brought to our attention;

Playing vs Cover 4

Simply click the corresponding tab to learn a particular setup. We will have the written setup in there, but it is VERY important to watch the videos as well.

This is simply an overview of concepts to help beat the cover 4 defenses people are running. This was a request by our customers in an efforts to help with general ideas on how to defeat these types of defenses.

VIDEO:

A SHORT THANK YOU

Because We Care!

As always we greatly appreciate your business and support. We look forward to providing you with the best content for offense and defense in Madden 18. If you have any questions about the offense please feel free to post them in the comments at the bottom of the page. This is our new method of providing on-site support for our content. Once you have finished going through the guide please make sure to reach out to us on Twitter @MaddenTurf and especially on Facebook where we would appreciate your 5 star review at;

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Thanks again guys! Here is to a great season!