to use the motion from your receiver to benefit certain plays. The best way possible to find out the strengths and
weaknesses in a running play is to head into practice mode and work on each one over and over again until you know
what should happen every time you call it.
Immediately after the snap, quarterback Byron Leftwich turns to hand the ball off to the running back as both the right
guard and the fullback pull behind the offensive line. Meanwhile, wide receiver Reggie Williams immediately turns upfield
and looks to make a block on a defender as he fills the vacated area. The strong defensive tackle tried to shoot right
through the opening in the line as the right guard pulled. However, our use of motion before the snap provided us with a
big block from Williams to stop the defensive penetration in the backfield. The extra protection in the backfield allowed
this play to go off smoothly. Now all we have to do is follow behind our two lead blockers to turn this into a nice gain.
Both of our lead blockers lock down on the approaching defenders as we break it to the outside with running back Fred
Taylor. We turn the corner with Taylor and race for the endzone.
There's no doubt that speed is one of, if not the, biggest factor when it comes to Madden. However, if you can learn how
to incorporate the use of motion and set up your running plays as efficient as possible, then you won't always need a fast
back to run the ball well consistently. Also try to use motion when calling passing plays from many of your same running
formations; this can help prevent your opponent from ever really getting a read on what you're doing offensively.
Chapter 8 - Defense Formations and Playbooks
This section provides coverage of Madden 08's defensive formations and playbooks and provides tips on using defensive
shifts and playmaker modes to stop the opposition's offense.

Defensive Formations and Packages

The table below covers all formations, reveals the personnel and packages, and offers some tips on when and when not
to use them.
FORMATION DESCRIPTION PACKAGES ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Goal Line
Run prevent in short
yardage situations,
specifically third or
fourth and short or on
the goal line.
Safety Swap,
Jumbo, 3 DT,
Strong, LB Ends
Packed defense to
prevent the short run.
There are a lot of
tacklers near the line
of scrimmage.
Audible to another defense
if the offense changes
formation. So many
defenders near the line can
be disastrous if a running
back breaks through.
4-3 Normal
Four defensive
linemen, three
linebackers, four
defensive backs.
CB Swap, Safety
Swap, Coverage
Flip, LB Flip, DE
Flip
A balanced run and
pass defense. Good
against inside runs
and short to medium
passing.
Avoid using against four or
more receiver sets (even
three is risky). Blitzing
linebackers can leave slants
and outside runs open.
4-3 Over, Under
Moves an outer
linebacker to the line
for five defensive
linemen, two
linebackers, and four
defensive backs (Over
and Under refers to
different sides of the
line).
CB Swap, Safety
Swap, Coverage
Flip, LB Flip, DE
Flip
Increased pass rush
possibilities. Protect
against inside and
outside runs.
Vulnerable to the passing
game and fewer linebackers
in the middle could mean
fewer tacklers if the back
breaks the line.
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