Protecting against the flat and angle routes are challenging. Use playmaker mode to adjust defender assignments.
The last two changes we've made on this play is using defensive playmaker on our right defensive end to perform a curl
zone over the middle of the field, and then using defensive playmaker on our middle linebacker to move into the flats on
the left side of the field. The defensive end adjustment must be made in order for us to contain the angle route from the
running back. The middle linebacker adjustment is optional; feel free to change his role to whatever you prefer (QB spy,
blitz, QB contain, use to manually cover, etc.).
In our example, as soon as Packers' quarterback Brett Favre drops back to pass our right defensive end begins dropping
back off the line (fulfilling his curl zone assignment). Meanwhile, our middle linebacker begins to sprint towards the left
side of the field (protecting the flats). Our opponent takes a quick look to the left, only to find that the flat route is
completely covered by our defenders. Next, Favre looks back over the middle as he tries to hit the running back. The ball
leaves the quarterback's hand as our defensive end is clearly sitting on the route.
Playing an opponent who knows how to consistently pass the ball to their running backs can be a real headache to deal
with. Some advice that we'd like to give when playing an opponent who likes to do this is simply to try place as many
defenders as possible into coverage until you can recognize where they like to go with the football. Once you are able to
find out what your opponent is doing, then you will have a much better understanding of how to create a counter-attack
solution.
Containing the Mobile Quarterback
By: Kyle Cooper
Containing a mobile quarterback not named Michael Vick (or Vince Young) is actually pretty easy in Madden. Typically,
QB spys and/or contain assignments are enough to keep most quarterbacks in the pocket. However, keeping Michael
Vick in the pocket is easier said than done. SportsGamer demonstrates one defensive strategy that can be used to put a
stranglehold on your opponent's quarterback in the backfield.
Here are a few keys to containment:
● When sending pressure, make sure to attack the quarterback from his throwing arm most of the time. Attacking
the quarterback from the strong side will force him to roll away from the pressure in the opposite direction. It will
be very difficult at this point for the quarterback to stop and plant his feet to make the throw when running away.
● When using QB spys or contain assignments make sure that your defender has enough speed and acceleration to
make the play on the quarterback. If you are using a player that is too slow, then the quarterback will always be
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