In Madden 26, beating a defensive staple like Cover 3 is a fundamental key to offensive success. While many players rely on standard four-verticals concepts, the real magic happens when you create explosive plays from nuanced formations. Using the Bunch TE set, you can construct a devastating pass play that specifically targets and overwhelms the deep-third zones, leading to easy touchdowns. This guide will break down how to build and Madden 26 coins execute this unique "Cover 3 Beater."

Why the Bunch TE Formation is a Cover 3 Killer

The Gun Bunch TE formation groups three receivers tightly to one side of the field, creating natural traffic and confusion for defenders . This compact alignment is a nightmare for zone coverages like Cover 3, which divides the deep field into three vertical zones.

The primary weakness of Cover 3 is the large amount of space between the deep outside third (covered by a cornerback) and the deep middle third (covered by a safety) . A well-designed play from Bunch TE can systematically stretch and exploit these gaps. The formation's versatility also forces the defense to respect both the pass and the run, making play-action fakes particularly effective .

This formation is found in several team playbooks, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings .

Play Design and Route Adjustments

Start by selecting a passing play from the Bunch TE formation that has multiple vertical threats. A great base play is "Double Post" or "Verticals." You will need to use the Pre-Play Route Editor to customize the routes for a perfect strike.

Here is the route adjustment blueprint:

Bunch TE Seam (Inside Receiver): This is your primary read. Have him run a "Deep Over" or a "Post" route that breaks across the middle of the field. This receiver is tasked with attacking the hole between the deep middle Safety and the outside Cornerback's deep third.

Bunch TE Corner (Middle Receiver): Adjust his route to a "Corner" or a "Deep Out." This receiver will run down the seam initially before breaking sharply to the corner of the end zone. He puts immediate stress on the deep outside third defender.

Bunch TE Wheel (Outside Receiver): This is the secret weapon. Add a "Wheel" route. He will take a few steps inside as if running a shallow cross, then turn up the sideline. This creates a "high-low" read with the Corner route, stretching the outside vertical defender to his absolute limit.

Backside Iso (Optional): Keep the single receiver on the backside running a "Streak" or a "Post" to occupy the backside deep-third Safety, preventing him from drifting over to help.

The Quarterback's Progression

The read is a simple 1-2-3 progression:

Pre-Snap: Identify Cover 3. Look for the deep Safety in the middle of the field and the outside corners playing off-coverage.

Post-Snap: Immediately watch the deep outside third defender responsible for your Bunch side. If he widens with the Corner route, your Wheel route behind him will be wide open for a massive gain. This is the most common outcome.

Secondary Read: If the outside defender sinks to respect the Wheel, your Corner route will be open in front of him. If the deep-middle Safety rolls over to help on the Corner, your Deep Over will be breaking wide open into the vacated middle.

The beauty of this concept is that it turns the defense's basic rules against them. By layering three vertical threats on one side, you guarantee that at least one receiver will find the soft spot in the zone. Practice this in the Skills Trainer to perfect the timing, and you'll have a go-to bomb play that can change the game in an instant.

Additional Tips for Success

Master Your Playbook: Spend time in Practice Mode learning the timing and QB progressions for your customized play. Consistency is key .

Stay Unpredictable: While this Cover 3 bomb is powerful, don't become predictable. Mix in inside runs like HB Off Tackle and short passes like Mesh or Whips to keep the defense honest .

Exploit Adjustments: If your opponent starts adjusting their Cover 3, be ready to audible. If they shade their safeties over your bunch, don't be afraid to take a shot to your single receiver on the backside who likely has a one-on-one matchup .

By mastering the Gun Bunch TE formation and learning to diagnose and cheap Madden 26 coins attack Cover 3, you will add a devastating and reliable weapon to your Madden 26 arsenal. This strategic approach will make you a much more dangerous and unpredictable offensive player.