Sony 14633159059 Defending Deep

The "stacking" defenders technique created enough confusion up front to allow multiple defenders in on the play. Getting

multiple defenders in the backfield every time would obviously be ideal. However, all you need is just one to disrupt the

timing of any play.

"Stacking" defenders can be done with virtually every formation in Madden. However, some formations may require a

line shift or a fake blitz to get the right amount of defenders in the box. One example that comes to mind is when calling

the 3-4 2 Man Under defense. When using this defense try shifting the defensive line to the left and fake blitzing to

create a "stacked" look without any necessary manual movements. An opponent who can consistently bust your defense

in the mouth with a tough running game may be the most challenging to play against. Fortunately, it only takes one loss

in the backfield or a minimal gain to force your opponent into a passing situation.

Defending Deep

By: Kyle Cooper

Preventing your opponent from beating you deep should be your biggest concern when on defense, especially early in

the game. Fortunately, Madden always does a great job of providing players with quick adjustments that can be made

before the play begins to strengthen any weaknesses found on the field. In this example we're going to showcase one

way in particular to greatly decrease your opponent's chances for completing a long bomb against you for an easy six

points.

The Tennessee Titans have come out in the 4-3 2 Man Under. You would assume that this play does a great job at

stopping any deep passes; however, certain route combinations from the offense can leave the safeties in extremely

vulnerable positions deep.

The Washington Redskins are in the Shotgun Wing Trips formation. In the accompanying screenshot, we've highlighted

tight end Christian Fauria's route because his streak route up the middle is nothing more than a decoy route created to

force our safety to move away from the real threat on this play. The real danger here is wide receiver Santana Moss'

streak route on the far right side of the field.

Shortly after quarterback Jason Campbell takes the snap, the receivers begin running upfield. The strong safety slides to

the right to account for the tight end running a streak up the seam. Obviously, we would like for our safety to worry

more about Moss' blazing Speed weapon than the much slower Fauria. However, the fact that the safety slides over to

cover the tight end first makes sense. The reason the safety slides over to pick up this player first is because he is

currently the receiver closest to the safety's area and the furthest down the field. This is how many of the game's best

players are still able to abuse your cover 2 defenses.

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