Sony 14633159059 Chapter 5 - Offense Formations and Playbooks

so be sure to keep extra players back to block when pressure seems likely. When in doubt, err to the side of caution; the

worst thing that can happen is discovering that your opponent isn't blitzing and throwing the ball away. Losing significant

yardage via a sack is never acceptable.

Study what your opponent is doing. For instance, if you start feeling significant pressure, take the time to figure out why.

Once you realize what your opponent is doing, it will be easier to find the appropriate counter. This will also give you a

good indication on what plays or adjustments you need to practice before playing your next opponent.

When you are on defense never pick your play before the offense. Always wait to see what personnel package the

offense has chosen before selecting your defense. This will disguise your coverage and will minimize coverage

breakdowns and mismatches.

Learn the strengths and weaknesses of your entire roster. For example, receivers with great height and/or speed are

valuable no matter what their overall rating is. Find ways to utilize hidden strengths within you team's roster.

Learn how to manage the game clock. When facing an opponent more skilled than yourself, slow the tempo of the game

down to limit the number of possessions. This will increase the influence an element of chance (such as a fumble) will

have on the overall outcome of the game. You could get lucky!

Chapter 5 - Offense Formations and Playbooks

There are several factors to consider when choosing an offensive formation and making adjustment to the formation's

personnel: the down and yardage to go, your selected team's strengths and weaknesses, and--when playing a human

opponent--the opposing defense's tendencies. This section covers offensive formations, packages, and reveals each

Madden 08 NFL team playbook.

The list below provides tips on using each offensive formation based on situational decisions and team strategies.

● Goal Line: Every team playbook includes this formation: it's a short yardage formation, either two yards or under

to go for a first down or on the opposing team's goal line. The quarterback sneak from goal line is generally

effective and usually capable of picking up a couple yards at least; snap the ball quickly (don't let an opposing

defense set up and plug gaps) and push forward and cover up the ball. Deceptive passing or play-action passing

from goal line can be effective if the defense isn't on a heavy blitz.

● I Form: This is a versatile formation offering solid run plays as well as variations for the short-to-medium passing

game. Use I-Form for teams with a strong blocking fullback, such as San Diego, Cincinnati, or Atlanta--all three of

these teams have Crushing Run Blocker fullbacks. You can alsu use the Dual HB package to insert your team's

second RB into the fullback position (great for teams like New Orleans, Carolina, Dallas, etc.) and use run or pass

plays (sending the backs into the flat or on medium passing routes).

Tip: When on defense, the new receiver spotlight mode should be used in zone coverages. When you spotlight a

receiver, defenders will pay more attention to the spotlighted receiver when he nears the zone. In man coverages, the

defenders do not neglect their assignments to spotlight on a receiver; if you want double coverage either call a defensive

formation and play with double coverage or use defensive playmaker.

● Strong I, Weak I: These formations are similar to I Form but the fullback is offset to the strong (side of the line of

scrimmage with the tight end) or weak (side of the line of scrimmage without the tight end). Consider the same

strategies as I Form--teams with skilled fullbacks or using two running backs in a run or pass situation.

● Far, Near: These formations are similar to Strong I and Weak I but the fullback is positioned alongside the running

back. Far and Near aren't particularly common; find them in Seattle's playbook for instance. Use these formations

as you would with Strong I, Weak I, and I Form--teams with strong fullbacks or in two RB sets.

● Split Backs: The two backs are lined up split behind the quarterback. The backs can reach the flat quickly for

passing situations. The base formation uses a running back and fullback but you can use packages to insert a

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