The Most Broken Run in Madden 26 - How to Dominate Every Defense

Nov-01-2025 PST Category: Madden 26

If you’ve been grinding Madden 26 and feel like the run game just isn’t hitting this year, think again. There’s one play - one specific setup - that’s completely flipping the meta upside down. It’s fast, glitchy, and almost impossible to stop once you learn how to use it. Before diving in, make sure your lineup is ready - you can buy Madden 26 coins to pick up elite players like Randy Moss or Shapeshifter, who make this strategy shine. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to run the I Form Slot Close – HP Stretch play, how to use the speed boost glitch to explode outside the tackles, how to put your receivers at running back, and how to build a deadly mini-scheme around it. Let’s break it all down step-by-step.


Step 1: Setting Up the Formation and Personnel

The foundation of this scheme is I Form Slot Close, and the play we’re focusing on is HP Stretch. You can find this formation in several playbooks, but the Minnesota Vikings playbook is by far the best option. Why? Because it lets you audible seamlessly into powerful shotgun formations like Gun Bunch TE - giving you a mix of power runs and high-efficiency pass plays that keep your opponent guessing.

Now for the real trick: putting Randy Moss at running back.
Here’s how:

1. Go to your Depth Chart and set Randy Moss as your Gadget Player.

2. Once that’s done, use the HB Package by flicking your right analog stick in the play-calling screen.

Moss will now line up at halfback, bringing his 95 speed and elite change of direction to your backfield. You can technically use other receivers, but Moss is perfect - his acceleration and body type make him explosive out of cuts. This setup gives you three receivers on the field while still appearing as a heavy personnel set. That means your opponent might stay in a base defense, while you secretly have the speed and spacing of a spread offense.


Step 2: Understanding Why HP Stretch Works

The beauty of HP Stretch lies in its leverage. You have two receivers aligned left, a tight end on the right, and a fullback leading your halfback. Against man defense - especially out of formations like 3-4 Odd - most safeties and linebackers are bunched inside due to “Close” and “Pinch” coaching adjustments. That alignment leaves the outside edge completely unguarded.

Even without any glitch mechanics, the play naturally beats man defense for massive gains. The blocking angles favor the tight end’s side, and since defenders are squeezed inside, your receiver-turned-running-back can easily bounce outside for six.


Step 3: Mastering the Speed Boost Glitch

This is what separates good players from great ones. The speed boost glitch makes this run nearly unstoppable when executed properly.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Snap the ball and let the CPU handle the first one or two steps of the handoff.

2. After that initial movement, immediately hard cut toward the outside using the right stick.

3. While cutting, hold down the turbo button the entire time.

This combination triggers a hidden acceleration burst - your player explodes past the edge before defenders can react. It might take a few reps to get consistent, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll hit open grass almost every time.

With a 95-speed player like Randy Moss, it’s essentially a guaranteed touchdown against any misaligned defense.


Step 4: Beating Zone Coverage

Once your opponent adjusts and switches to zone, don’t panic. HP Stretch can still work beautifully. Against zone looks, especially Cover 3 or Cover 4, you can attack both edges:

· Right side: Run the play as-is. The blocking setup creates a solid wall, and you’ll usually grab 4–6 yards.

· Left side: Flick the right analog stick to flip the run. With the twins receivers leading the way, you’ll often have a numbers advantage.

You can also motion a receiver across the formation before the snap to manipulate blocking and confuse zone defenders. Since defenders don’t follow motions in zone, this effectively turns your look into an I Form Close variation - giving you extra leverage on the outside run.


Step 5: Building the Scheme - Audible Magic

This is where things get nasty. Because you’re using a three-receiver package disguised as a heavy set, you can audible into shotgun formations without your opponent realizing it.

From I Form Slot Close, audible into Gun Bunch TE. The Minnesota playbook gives you elite options here:

· Spacing and Whip routes to beat man.

· RPO Alert Bubble for quick yards.

· Mesh concepts that shred zone coverage.

· Auto-motion plays that move defenders and create confusion.

With your personnel setup, Moss returns to receiver when you audible, keeping your spacing optimal. Combine the run threat of HP Stretch with these quick-pass audibles, and your opponent will never know what’s coming next.

Final Thoughts

The I Form Slot Close - HP Stretch with Randy Moss at running back is the most toxic yet dominant play in Madden 26. It punishes over-adjusted defenses, abuses alignment flaws, and becomes nearly unstoppable once you master the speed boost glitch. If you want to build this setup faster, you can grab top-tier players like Moss or Shapeshifter using cheap Madden 26 coins to upgrade your roster without spending a fortune. Mix in audibles to Gun Bunch TE, and you’ve got a complete offense built around one simple yet lethal concept - speed and leverage. Practice the timing, learn your reads, and soon you’ll see why top players are calling this the best run in Madden 26. When executed right, it’s not just a play - it’s a game plan.

NBA 2k26 MT