The Gun Trips TE is a popular choice for offensive playbooks. For instance, it allows for creative route combinations. Similarly, the formation can create mismatches against defenses. Moreover, the trips side can overload one side of the field. In addition, the tight end can be used as a blocker or receiver. Lastly, the running back can be used as a decoy or primary ball carrier.
Formation Diagram:
Formation:
- Gun Trips TE
Set:
- Gun
Formation Type:
- Shotgun
Formation Alignment:
- Trips
Player Personnel Group:
- 11 Personnel
Player Personnel:
- Quarterback (QB)
- Running Back (RB)
- Wide Receiver (WR)
- Tight End (TE)
Formation Packages:
- Backup QB
- Backup HB
- Power HB
- Fullback at HB
- Backup TE
- TE Slot
- WR1 Slot
- WR2 Slot
Playbooks Found In:
- Bills
- Browns
- Eagles
- Packers
- Raiders
- Run ‘N’ Gun
- Seahawks
- Steelers
- Texans
Player Alignment:
In the Gun Trips TE, the quarterback lines up in the shotgun. Further, the running back lines up next to him. Then, three wide receivers line up on one side of the field. Also, the tight end lines up on the other side. Next, the offensive line sets up in a standard shotgun formation. Finally, the wide receivers are spread out wide.
The trips side features three wide receivers stacked together. In contrast, the tight end is isolated on the opposite side. Then, the quarterback is positioned several yards behind the center. After that, the running back is offset to the quarterback’s side. Later, the offensive line sets up in a balanced formation.
Key Strengths:
- Strong passing threat from the trips side.
- Versatile formation for run and pass plays.
- Creates mismatches against defenses, especially the tight end, as he can be isolated in one-on-one coverage
Key Weaknesses:
- Can be vulnerable to blitzes from the tight end side.
- Susceptible to zone coverage on the trips side.
- Running game can be predictable.
Formation Plays:
| Play | Type | Concept |
|---|---|---|
| 45 Quick Base | Run | Inside Run |
| All Curl | Pass | Short Pass |
| Cheat Clearout Seam | Pass | Vertical Stretch |
| Cheat Flood Divide | Pass | Flood Concept |
| Cheat Inside Zone | Run | Inside Zone |
| China Y Post | Pass | Post Route |
| Cross Under | Pass | Crossing Routes |
| Curl Flat | Pass | Curl and Flat |
| Curls Go | Pass | Vertical Routes |
| Deep In | Pass | In Route |
| Double In Sail | Pass | In and Sail |
| Drive Post | Pass | Post Route |
| Flood | Pass | Flood Concept |
| HB Angle | Pass | Angle Route |
| HB Counter | Run | Counter Run |
| HB Mid Draw | Run | Draw Play |
| HB Slip Screen | Pass | Screen Pass |
| Inside Cross | Pass | Crossing Routes |
| Inside Zone | Run | Inside Zone |
| MTN Bench | Pass | Bench Concept |
| MTN Return Levels | Pass | Levels Concept |
| MTN Z Spot | Pass | Spot Concept |
| Orbit Cross Screen | Pass | Screen Pass |
| Orbit PA HB Wheel | Pass | Play Action |
| Orbit RPO Alert Screen | RPO | Screen Pass |
| PA Boot Shot | Pass | Bootleg |
| PA Counter Go | Pass | Play Action |
| PA Crosses | Pass | Play Action |
| PA Shot Wheel | Pass | Play Action |
| PA Slot Corner | Pass | Play Action |
| Pats Flood | Pass | Flood Concept |
| QB Zone | Run | Zone Read |
| Read Option | Run | Option Play |
| RPO Alert Bubble | RPO | Bubble Screen |
| RPO Alert MTN Screen | RPO | Screen Pass |
| Shallow X Dig | Pass | Shallow Routes |
| Slants | Pass | Slant Routes |
| Slot Out N Up | Pass | Out and Up |
| Slot Quick Flat | Pass | Flat Route |
| Slot Swing | Pass | Swing Route |
| Speed Option | Run | Option Play |
| Switch Y In | Pass | In Route |
| TE Corner | Pass | Corner Route |
| TE Middle Screen | Pass | Screen Pass |
| TE Screen | Pass | Screen Pass |
| TE Swirl | Pass | Swirl Route |
| Verticals | Pass | Vertical Routes |
| Verts Y Delay | Pass | Delay Route |
| WR Screen | Pass | Screen Pass |
| WR Short Post | Pass | Post Route |
| Y Post | Pass | Post Route |
| Y-Screen | Pass | Screen Pass |
| Yin | Pass | In Route |
| Z Cross | Pass | Crossing Routes |
Five Favorite Plays:
- The Gun Trips TE – Orbit Cross screen is highly effective against zone defenses and various blitz setups in Madden NFL 25. In this play, the inside slot receiver automatically motions to the right. Once the ball is snapped, three offensive linemen pull to the left, setting up the screen for the runningback.
- The Gun Trips TE – PA HB Wheel play features the runningback running a wheel route while the outside receiver runs a post route. The inside slot receiver, positioned next to him, runs a deep crossing route. Additionally, another inside slot receiver goes into motion and runs a flat route to the right. The tight end follows the laid crossing route, connecting with the running back who is coming out of the backfield to run a wheel route to the left. This runningback is frequently the primary target due to his effectiveness in beating soft zone coverage.
- The Gun Trips TE– PA Slot Wheel is a play that utilizes three receivers executing distinct pass routes. Additionally, this play employs a seven-man pass protection scheme, enhancing its effectiveness. The outside receiver initiates a post route with an inside release, while the middle slot receiver navigates a crossing route. The inside slot receiver performs a wheel route. This setup is notably effective against man coverage, as the wheel route often results in the inside slot receiver breaking down the left sideline, creating ample space for a bullet pass.
- The Gun Trips TE – TE Middle Screen is a designed screen pass intended for the tight end, executed in the short middle area of the field. The right guard and right tackle establish the blocking necessary for the tight end to pick up yardage once he makes the catch. This play is effective against man and zone blitz setups.
- The Gun Trips TE – Verts Y Delay utilizes a delay route for the tight end following the snap. As the play develops, the tight end typically finds space as defenders drop back to cover the vertical routes. When executing this play, it’s important to implement full slide protection to the right and hot route the runningback to pass block. This adjustment allows the tight end to escape quicker than he typically would under standard pass protection schemes.
Situational Usage:
- First Down: Run plays and short passes.
- Third Down (Short Yardage): Run plays and quick passes.
- Third Down (Long Yardage): Deep passes and crossing routes.
- Red Zone: Short passes and run plays.
Adjustments and Audibles:
- Against Zone Defenses: Use crossing routes and flood concepts.
- Against Man-to-Man Defenses: Use vertical routes and quick slants.
- Against Blitz: Use screen passes and hot routes.
Five Tips for Success:
- Utilize the trips side to create mismatches.
- Use the tight end as a blocker or receiver.
- Vary your play calling to keep defenses guessing.
- Use hot routes to counter blitzes.
- Practice your reads and timing.
Formation Overview Video Breakdown:
Final Thoughts:
Gun Trips TE is a very useful formation. In short, it provides many options for the offense. Also, it can be effective against various defenses. Furthermore, players can use this formation to create explosive plays. Then, the tight end and running back add versatility. Finally, teams can use this formation to control the game.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best play to run in Gun Trips TE? A: The best play depends on the situation and the defense.
Q: How do I stop this formation? A: Use zone coverage and blitzes from the tight end side.
Q: What are the best audibles in Gun Trips TE? A: Hot routes and route adjustments are effective.
Q: Can I run the ball effectively? A: Yes, the formation offers good run plays.
Q: Is Gun Trips TE good for beginners? A: Yes, it is a versatile and easy-to-learn formation.