Speed is an invaluable asset in CFB 25 Coins the passing game, and in College Football 25, it can be the difference between a modest gain and a game-breaking touchdown. Whether you’re spreading the field, stretching the defense, or forcing defenders into unfavorable matchups, speed allows you to exploit mismatches and put your offense in an advantageous position. Here’s how to use speed to your advantage in the passing game and create mismatches that keep the defense on its heels.
1. Stretch the Defense with Deep Routes
One of the best ways to utilize speed in the passing game is to take advantage of deep routes. Fast wide receivers can burn defensive backs with their speed, and you can leverage this to create huge chunk plays.
Vertical Routes: Fast wide receivers are perfect for running vertical routes down the field. Whether it’s a streak, go route, or a post, a speedy receiver can outrun defenders who can’t keep up with their pace. This forces the defense to either give up a long gain or risk playing overly conservative, opening up space for other receivers underneath.
Pro Tip: Mix in play-action passes to give your fast receiver a clear runway down the field. The play-action fake will momentarily freeze the defense and give your receiver a step or two of separation, maximizing the impact of their speed.
Streak Routes Against Press Coverage: If the defense is playing man-to-man or press coverage at the line of scrimmage, fast receivers can make a big impact by sprinting down the sideline. The quickness of the receiver will allow them to break free from tight coverage, allowing you to throw deep passes over the top.
2. Quick Slants and Crossers to Beat the Defense
Sometimes, speed isn’t just about stretching the field vertically; it’s about attacking the defense horizontally and getting the ball into the hands of your fast players quickly. Quick slant routes and crossing routes can take advantage of defenders who are caught off-guard and allow your fast players to make plays in space.
Slant Routes: A fast receiver running a slant route can get a quick burst off the line and into open space, creating separation from defenders. Slants are effective because they get the ball to your receiver fast, and with speed, they can quickly turn upfield and gain yards after the catch.
Crossing Routes: Fast receivers running crossing routes across the field can exploit zone coverage and create mismatches with defenders trying to keep up. The key is using speed to make the receiver difficult to catch once they get the ball in space. By running routes that cross the field, you also force the defense to travel farther, giving your receiver more room to break free.
Bubble Screens: Fast receivers excel on bubble screens because they get the ball in their hands quickly and are already in motion. With blockers in front, these players can quickly turn upfield, outrunning slower defenders and potentially breaking a long gain.
3. Attack the Middle of the Field with Speed
Many defenses overemphasize coverage on the sidelines, leaving the middle of the field open. This is where speed can become a huge advantage. Fast receivers can exploit these soft spots in the defense to get open and rack up yards.
Post Routes: Speedy wideouts can be a nightmare on post routes. These routes cut toward the middle of the field, often leaving defenders in man coverage scrambling to catch up. A fast receiver can gain separation quickly, and if the quarterback has a strong arm, you can complete a pass over cheap College Football 25 Coins the middle for a big gain.
