Whats your offense/defense strategy

[herbie92]

I think it would be interesting to see the strategies different players use. Plus it might be a good way to learn some new tips.
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What playbook do you use? How do you use it (like...do you run or pass more, do you run an option offense or a pro-style or some hybrid, do you use a timing passing game or a gunslinging one, what sets do you use for your power running, what is your base package or set that you base your system on etc...)

What do you look for in the positions (and recruit for)?

Does your system use FB's? TE's?

Give an estimate on what you expect your team to average with your system. (Like how many rushing YPG do you expect, passing YPG, time of possession etc...)

For defense list the playbook (like 4-3, 3-4, multiple etc...)

List what type of athletes you use for the different postions. (Do you look for big LB's or smaller, faster ones etc...)

Describe how your basic strategy on attacking offenses. (Do you use more zone or man, how much do you blitz, how many looks do you give the offense etc...)
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[OptionMasta]

I will explain to you my strategy in using my current UGA team from my dynasty. I don't play online much or at all, so I will just explain my dynasty strategy.

Offense

1. Pound the rock. My strategy is to run the football as often as I can. With this, I can control the clock and also wear the defense down. I pass just enough to keep the defense honest. Many times I throw deep play action passes just to stretch the defense and keep the SS out of the box. Unfortunately in this game it seems as though the SS will routinely allow the downfield play in an attempt to stop the run (i.e. the CPU knows my play).

2. I like big WRs, but I don't really have a specific type of WR recruit. I have a guy now who is 6'3" and 198 lbs and he is my favorite guy. He isn't like the 4th or 5th best overall rated WR on the team, but I play him in the slot because of his size. He is also a 94 speed and has a 90+ leaping ability. He is quite possibly my most productive WR, despite having a 90+ rated guy. The 90+ rated guy is just a speed WR. I just recruit the best possible WRs I can.

3. I recruit big run blocking maulers on the line. I like to have all of my linemen be about 300 lbs with my guards about 320 lbs. Unfortunately, I don't think size has much to do with strength in this game. Either way, I look for the big run blockers in my linemen. I want my LT to be a little better pass blocker, though, of course.

4. In my QB I just want a pocket passer. Arm strength and speed are a plus. I just try to get the best QB I can. It doesn't really matter since I don't throw the ball 30 times a game.

5. I like to hit my TE with play action passes. With that said, I like pass catching TEs with good height. I would like to see them all at about 6'5"+. I have a guy now who is 6'7" and I like that. He can go up and get it, and he uses his body as a shield. I would like them to be heavy, too, about 250+ but in reality that rarely happens. I just kind of take what I can get with TEs as long as they can catch.

6. I currently have a very balanced RB with elite speed. I have 3 5* RBs on my roster because it is the focus of my offense. If one of them gets hurt I am then not in real trouble. I like my RB to catch screen passes.

7. I like to throw the WR a lot. I would like to throw it about 5 times per game, but I don't want it to get stale. It works very well to my fastest WR.

Defense

1. I play whatever kind of defense my team allows. I like the multiple D playbook because I can use different guys for different things. It allows me to get my best personnel on the field.

2. Currently, I have stellar linebackers and bigger linemen, so I am able to play a 3-4 sometimes.

3. Base I run a 4-3, but I switch it up, particularly in passing situations to a 3-4. I find that the 3-4 doesn't stop the run well, but the 4-3 does. Also, I use the 3-3-5 in passing situations.

4. My recruiting focus is on linemen now. I want a massive pass rush with the front 4 so that I can sit back in zones.

5. In previous years, if I had a good team I would play a lot of man. Against a better offense, however, I would play zone. This year I play almost strictly man and then mix in some zone just to hopefully get an intereception when the QB is expecting man. Sometimes I like to audible from man to zone and the CPU gets confused and throws an interception.

[frago]

I run a basic pro style offense. I run and run some more using very little shotgun. My TE and Fullback are crucial to my system. My HB has to be fast and able to catch the ball. He does not really need to be as big as much as fast. He usually has a lead blocker and if not usually will be a draw or off tackle. He will carry upwards of 40 times a game.

I mainly use play action for passing. I lull the defense to sleep then nail them over the top. Lots of short stuff to the TE and backs while always watching the deep routes for the big opportunity. Wide recievers I go for anyone really big with High catch. I dont use speed here to get over the top as much as getting them one on one.

Try to avoid 3rd and long to stay out of obvious passing downs. The element of surprise is key to me hitting passes.

I recruit Running backs purely on their speed rating and the rest seems to come along.

TE's are very big and good blockers first , catch rating secondary seems to work best in recruiting them.

FB's I search entirely by catch rating.

QB is a big pocket passer.

Linemen are all very strong and run block rated.

I dont play defense and instead opt to live and die by super sim. The third down conversions is just too much for my sanity.

When recruiting defense I go purely by Awareness and tackle rating.

[pavel_quad]

Offense is all about ball control for me. Make sure you have a playbook that features 2-3 running threats (HB, FB/HB2, QB, or a WR/WB type) and has GOOD plays designed to get them in the open field thru mismatches or simple overload problems.

I've been playing online (ps2) with VT and the Maryland PB, and it feels so good to be able to have a real gameplan out of the pro set or strong/weak formations. You can really keep the defense off guard, and even if you're dominating TOP and are well into the 4th quarter you can pull out some play that's a legit play with the possibility for a big gain that your opponent hasn't seen yet. Add in motion and some flipped plays and you're tough to predict. So long as you don't fumble or make a bad throw you will win the turnover battle because of your...

...Defense. For me, I like to just control a MLB or S and watch the QB. Esp. against cheesers, you can almost feel them looking around as they scramble and hope someone gets open. Either they'll chuck it deep, or force it across the middle somewhere. It's up to you to know which of your personnel can handle the situation best, and hope that he's able to do so. Also, a lot of times offline the CPU can't seem to handle it when you don't do what you're supposed to do with your man. I like to take a DE and trail the TE on streaks. Always confuses the QB if the TE was the primary receiver, yet sometimes he'll still throw it, which puts you in good position to at least bat it down, at the worst you'll have an extra tackler in the vicinity should the catch be made.

[Ludy]

Hey Guys (& Gals?) Just registered but I must say that I have been reading these for a couple weeks now. I love to see other people's philosophies on things in this game. I'm always trying to tweak my game to make it better. With that being said my record isn't all that great in this game 19-24. I contribute some of this to getting older (29) and being able to use the stick less and less. But having played football video games since Tecmo Bowl (Bo Jackson ruled) I rely more on my strategery (George Bush word) to overcome opponents.

OFFENSE:

My philosophy has always been Pound the Rock, and ball control. Having lived in Kansas City all my life, The Chiefs are my favorite team. For some of you younger people, they did in fact have a great defense in the 90's and relied on the running game and time of possesion to win games. I guess that has translated to my game. I like to run first and pass second. My passes will usually be play actions and out routes. The defense will usually start to creep up anticpating the run, and that is when I try to PA and stretch the field vertically.

Recently with NCAA 08 I've been playing with Florida and trying to master their unique offense. I've found that spreading the field to induce nickel and dime defenses, then running a draw or sprint option works nicely. A lot of people seem to blitz in this game frequently so I'll try to run quick outs with my WR and hope for a big gain. Main thing is I try not to turn the ball over and sustain long drives. If I have the ball they can't score, and that is what my defense relies on. Ideal situation for me would be a long sustained drive, no turnovers (obviously) 70% rushing ot 30% passing, capping it with a TD. It seems that long drives really dishearten opponents and can throw them off their game.

DEFENSE:

Defensive philosophy is a bend but don't break, with the occasional bring the heat to throw them off. I'm a fan of 4-3's, nickels, and dimes to prevent the pass. Seems like there are more passers than runners so I play that first. If I find that he is trying to pound the ball I'll line up some bigger guys (5-2's) but still play the pass. Lately it seems I've been playing what some of you would refer to as cheesers. They drop back 20 yards and hit a WR coming across the middle. Or they run with WV and run to HB out in the flat or roll the QB out both of which I find are really difficult to stop.

Back to my overall philosophy though; keep everything in front of me and try to force a punt or better yet a turnover. The longer the drive the better chance at a TO. Once I get ball back on offense it's back to pounding it out and controlling the clock. The opponent gets very frustrated not having the ball. They will usually bring more and more people up to stop the run that is when I might take a few chances down the field.

Sorry I was so long winded in my frist post but I love talking strategy and would/hope I get some feedback on my philosophy as I stated earlier with my record I'm not the best player and do not claim to be.

[Borderline PD]

Offense -

Mix of option and west coast. The combo is vicious. I do not run a lot of conventional run and when I do its to set up the play action.

I recruit HBs purely on speed. If I catch them in man coverage against the option, touchdown.

I recruit balanced or mobile QBs. I can't win with immobile QBs.

I usually have 2-3 5* backs who want to come to my program, the mighty Houston, and so when one beats out the other for the starting job, the other gets switched to FB. They make a real impact there in motion, with the ball, or as receivers.

I recruit the best overall athlete at WR. Speedy WRs have their pluses, those that can catch in traffic have theirs. I like both.

I recruit receiving TEs. I usually have 4 on the roster as I like ace and double strong TE options, as both create match up problems in the running game.

I recruit balanced or pass blocking OL. I recruit heavily at tackle because its vital for the quick option that is crucial to my offense.

On defense -

I'm in cover 3 65% of the time. I zone blitz about 10% of the time, and I man blitz another 5% or so. The rest of the time, I like cover 2 man or a one backer blitz.

I recruit the best athlete at DL.

I recruit athletic backers at OLB and the best at ILB.

I recruit the best athlete at CB. Coverage at free and tackling at strong.

I also will recruit a good kicker pretty heavily, although I couldn't care less about a punter.

[colb]

Offense - Spread

The goal of my offense is pretty simple: exploit mismatches to create scoring opportunities. The idea is that instead of taking mediocre rated offensive team and getting whooped by a powerhouse defense, I spread the field with 4 and 5 wide sets to force the defense to play my game. I haven't had a chance to use my offense online with the 360 but I had success doing this online with PS2. Most people will rarely line up with enough DB's to cover the wideouts at the line of scrimmage, usually relying on a LB in man or zone coverage.

As with any offense, the key here is quarterback protection. How much protection depends on the defensive tendancy of the other team. Making good decisions is crucial here because you will be faced with a lot. I run a lot of no huddle using about 4 or 5 base plays that I will modify using motion and hot routes. Knowledge on reading a defense pre-snap is a must. Recognizing coverage as soon as the ball is snapped is also a must.

While I don't ask to have a super speedy QB, I do try to find a guy who can pick up a few yards when he begins to feel the heat.

QB: Mobile Passer. Main focus is accuracy. Decent speed and carrying attributes are a definate plus.

HB: I normally like to have 3 decent backs. I don't need a heisman candidate with 99 ovr rating. I want someone who is very quick and agile that can catch, a good tough runner who has above average speed, and then a hoss for the goal line situations.

WR: This is the most heavily recruited position for me. I usually like my top 2 WR's to be taller guys who can jump. Right now I have my top 2 at 6'4" and 6'3". WR #3 and #4 are usually really fast guys who can play a good slot position. I use them in the slot most of the time to take a big advantage over the slower LB and sometimes DB.

TE: I like a tall TE that has above average strength. I don't want a fat slow guy because I'll be using him in the passing game a lot, but his strength goes a long way when I call on him to block a blitzing LB.

OL: I usually just take the best that I can get. I will sometimes mix it up though getting a quick gaurd or tackle.

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Defense - 4-3

I'm not a defensive scheming guru, so I won't even act like one. But I do try to disguise what I do. A lot like my offense, I run a few base plays that are mixed up by movement and defensive hot routes (though this can be countered by a no huddle).

I usually focus most of my recruiting on the defensive line. Cause I know that I can have the best DB's in the world, but it will do me no good if I don't get pressure on the QB.

I plan on releasing a full guide to my spread offense soon.

[keyser soze]

What playbook do you use? How do you use it (like...do you run or pass more, do you run an option offense or a pro-style or some hybrid, do you use a timing passing game or a gunslinging one, what sets do you use for your power running, what is your base package or set that you base your system on etc...)

Going to use Oregon State's playbook for this upcoming dynasty season. Last year I used Michigan's playbook. I spend the "off season" working on my passing game and play action plays. I plan on really ellivating my passing game in year 2 with my new offensive recruits. I now see no reason to run any more 2 RB sets so OSU has the most ace formations so I will run with that.

What do you look for in the positions (and recruit for)?

I look for different things for different positions but using Ohio State, I can get the cream of the crop so I usually start there. Here is how I handle each position.
QB - pocket passer with best THP and THA possible. This will typically exist on the #1 QB recruit which I will try to sign once every 2 years.
RB - Speed, speed, and more speed. I have found that getting the throwing game going is a billion times easier if you have speed at HB. Versus man a LB will typically be assigned to cover him and the bigger the difference in speed there the easier it is to throw outs, ins and drags to the HB. They are safe and can lead to huge yardage!
FB - Running all ace, I don't recruit a single one. They are all walkons.
WR - Speed first, then height, then Spectacular catch, then Jumping. The heaviest rating is speed, I will not recruit a kid slower then A- speed unless he is a giant with great ups and spectacular catching abilities. Typically, I don't want anyone under A speed since I usually only run 2 WR sets so my need at depth isn't really there. I would rather have the best on the field so why over recruit?
TE - This has been a hard one for me to recruit what I want but I use the TE a TON to pass to. Ideally a 6'5" or larger with good hands and tons of speed would be ideal. I definitely put size, speed and hands in front of blocking but since I recruit the best of the best, odds are they will be a decent blocker although I signed zero good TEs in year 1. I am focusing on a couple here in year 2 since I have huge holes to fill at that position and they get a TON of passes in my system.
O-Line - Here I just go with the highest rated. I try to get one of the 5 stars every year or so and keep the roster going with some depth.
D-Line - See O-Line (Because I do like to run the 5-2 to shut down the run, I need 3 good DTs. While I am good now I am having problems getting good young talent in here so when my kids leave, I maybe have to move away form this formation unless I can get some kids in here this year.)
LBs - I rely on ranked position heavily but do look at speed and size. If there are 2 guys that are close in rank, I will go for the bigger faster guy and spend time recruiting him.
CBs - Speed first, size second. Because I recruit at the top of the food chain they all have A+ or A AWR so only speed and size matter. I won't recruit anyone under A- speed and prefer A to A+ speed here but that is rare. Since I run a ton of 3-4 and 5-2 man blitzes, I need 2 solid CBs that can man up the fastest of WRs and get no help. A combination of a solid from 7 in year one applying a ton of pressure made my CBs look spectacular. I lost 4 keys guys in the front 7 to the NFL however, so year 2 may require them to blanket their guys longer.... could be interesting.
Safeties - mainly rely on overall rank but look for size and speed as well. Again, like CBs and LBs, if you are a powerhouse you don't really have to worry about AWR. The caliber that I recruit all have A to A+ AWR so size and speed are the 2 big factors.

Does your system use FB's? TE's?

Yes to TEs.... heavily. They are often my first read and my outlet. The bigger and better hands they have the more likely they will win the jump ball and I will have fewer INTs.
I have abandoned the 2 RB set so I will never recruit another FB again.

Give an estimate on what you expect your team to average with your system. (Like how many rushing YPG do you expect, passing YPG, time of possession etc...)

Well in season 1 I relied heavy on the run but I have really been practicing on the pass in year 2. In season 1 I probably averaged about 250 - 300 yards rushing and 150 - 250 passing per game. In season 2 I hope to average 150 - 200 rushing and 300 - 400 passing per game with my new speed and big play capabilities.

For defense list the playbook (like 4-3, 3-4, multiple etc...)

3 - 4 and 5 - 2 almost exclusively unless they come out in a 5 WR look and then I will go dime or nickel. I take away the run first and make a team pass the ball. I have very, very good DBs and can run a ton of man blitzing and apply pressure on the QB. However, I am concerned about my ability to get pressure on the QB this year with all my early NFL departures. I managed to keep both my CBs at the school so hopefully I will have a dominating defense again this year.

List what type of athletes you use for the different postions. (Do you look for big LB's or smaller, faster ones etc...)

I think I did this above. As a general rule, just like in real life, I want speed first, size second, technicals third at just about every position except QB and O-Line.

Describe how your basic strategy on attacking offenses. (Do you use more zone or man, how much do you blitz, how many looks do you give the offense etc...)

Like I said above, I want to take away the run first. I have found that in games where I am unable to take away the run I am just screwed and the CPU throws me around like a red-headed step child. So I run a ton of 3-4 pinch and 5-2 pinch pending the CPU personnel. You need a great set of CBs and safeties to pull this off however and at Ohio State we got 'em. If I was at a smaller school I am pretty sure that my strategy would be destroyed but since I have the horses to run man, I can get away with some crazy stuff with the front 7.

[supersigma2of21]

I have Lee Corso as my DC and my offense is heavily based on what the defense shows me. I only call plays from formations with the exact same personnel grouping as my default audibles. Then, when at the line of scrimmage, I run the play called in the huddle or I audible to a play that matches the personnel that should work better.

[colb]

I have Lee Corso as my DC and my offense is heavily based on what the defense shows me. I only call plays from formations with the exact same personnel grouping as my default audibles. Then, when at the line of scrimmage, I run the play called in the huddle or I audible to a play that matches the personnel that should work better.

I do that when I run my no huddle (I tend to run no huddle when I see someone using a defense with 2 or more linebackers). All of my audibles consist of 4 WR sets and 1 HB. On my audible list I usually have only 1 running play. Lately I've been using a QB Choice PA Option. I love that I can hand it off, run with it, pitch it, or pass it. The passing plays in my audibles consist of a lot of high percentage routes. 4 yards here, 6 yards there... it really wears out the defensive starters and it can force substitutions.

[hoopsilly]

Basics first- I play with UGA, and their playbook, on heismen difficulty

Office-Run, run, then run some more. i love ace formations, one back is the way to go. i normally use ace with 2 WR and 2TE (cant remember name) and have all my audibles in that formation, and adjust to what the defense shows me.

QB-I would love a fast quarterback, but in three years of dynasty, haven't een able to get one. I have mastered the option with a slower quarterback (fake pitch!)

RB-i usually have about 3 5* RB on my roster, so i am comfertable with injuries. I love speed but need a 3rd/4th and short down grinder

FB-i love the FB in the flats....best secret in the game

WR-speed and size, dont pass much

TE- PA to the TE, big 6'5+....UGA has a history of big TE

Linemen-Big Big Big Boys, 6'5+ 300+

Defense- Blitz early, get them of their feet, and drop back to zone/man, depends on down and oponent

LB- big sized, hard hitters...even though i have a few speedy LB

DB-i like big safeties, but swift CB

DL-speed speed around the corners, with big ol DT

I also specialize in returns....every year i consistently have 5+ kick returns (punt or kick off) for TD's

i do have a Q- whats a goo querter length, ive experimented with several options but havn't been satisfied yet

[samoka10]

I play on heisman mode and im about 12 years into my miami dynasty(i dont create players)...........

on offense i dont you the fullback.....

my quarterbacks usually gifted with great arms....strong arms, but i worry about accuracy more

at tailback i love the two back system.....i have a two 90 + runningbacks......on is a speed guy (95 speed)......the other is a little more powerful...(230+ pounds 92 speed)

i usually try to just recruit the best receiver available that is willing to come......i always try to recruit i one 99 speed receiver every few years to return kicks and eventually become a starter or atleast a contributer.....

i use the miami playbook and i run alot of single back and shot gun formations (proballly 60%:40%) on second and short i usually will run in the strong i with my 230+ pound tailback.........hb draws, hb slam, wr screen, tb screen, play action, and alot of passing plays

i usually run the 4-3 but since my recent defensive tackle recruits are very untalented.....ive recently began running the 3-4

[lseknightpride]

on offense i dont you the fullback.....


Soulja Boy?!
Is that you?!

[srhsfb45]

I run the spread option offense which is kinda difficult in this game because of the lack of plays and formations.

QB: I like a big physical QB who can run the ball first, pass second. This type of QB is really hard to find when recruiting, but it is possible.

HB: I usually use two back sets, substituting a running back in for the fullback. Using the spread option offense i like running backs who are speedy and somewhat big. 6'1 210lbs with at least a 89 speed is usually the prototypical style of running back. This allows for me to run inside and out.

WR: For this offense I like big possession receivers 6'3+ who can run. When i do throw the ball (40 % of the time) i through short quick high percentage passes to move the ball.
TE: Again BIG AND PHYSICAL, who can catch and run.

OL: Size doesn't matter, but quickness to get to the second level is what i look for when recruiting.

I like to run first then throw, depending on the defense I'm Facing I try to game plan for them, if they are a quick pursuit type defense i try to use their strength against them with screens and draws, and also I run between the tackles.

DEFENSE=SPEED!
4-3
When I recruit defense I recruit speed first then tackling. The only place where speed doesn't matter is at the DT positions where I recruit the biggest lineman possible.

[carolinaeasy]

I use the Nittany Lions Playbook. I like the balance it has between the spread and pro style running game.

In dynasty mode I look for players with the following qualities.

QB- Accurate, and strong armed. Mobility is not an issue. I want to be able to throw the outs, and the slants with regularity, and have enough arm to lay one out over the top.

RB- I need 2 solid backs. I always recruit at least two 5* rbs a year. I like bruisers who can eat up a defensive front, and wear them down.

FB- I use the FB very often. This is a tough position to recruit but I have found a way around this. I recruit very fast guards and move them to FB in the offseason. If I am going into a passing situation I simply formation sub a dual HB look into the game. It works and you esentially have 6 lineman on the field in a I formation look.

TE- Here I recruit the best speed and hands avaliable. I like to stretch the middle of the field as much as I can on Playactions, so my big bruising HBs can get a few more ypc. Blocking is not really a factor as I mostly run dives up the middle.

WR- Height and Catching. I don't need burners, I need numbers.

OLINE- Strength and run blocking.


On defense I run a 4-3 I like to run alot of cover 2 tampa, so I need athletic LBs, these are usually my most heavily recruited people.

Dline- Strength, I want people off of my LBs so they can run free. I usually go after large, strong DLs

DE- SPEED. That is all I really look at here. The other stuff develops after a couple of years, speed doesn't I want pressure from the edge consistantly

LBs- As I stated above, athleticism, and speed are what I need here, If you aren't a 5* or 4* I won't recruit you.

CBs- Jumpers who can zone cover

SS- I want hitters here

FS- Zone cover guys

K&P- I don't care, just get me a decent one.

[etothep]

essentially i look at speed for every non-kicking position except dt, helps with my spread option offense and speed is even more crucial on the defensive side, regardless of your defensive gameplan or strategy

[clane1]

I run two different offenses so just letting everyone know before i start off. I am from Texas and a huge Longhorn fan but the dynasty is to easy so therefore I use SMU in my dynasty mode. I play on AA, 6 minute quarters with sliders. I start off the dynasty because SMU isn't that good using the "Run Balanced" playbook on offense and the base 4-3 defense set up.

"Run Balanced"
QB - Doesn't really matter the speed, arm stregth, or accuracy because I am running the ball 65% of the time.
RB - I usually like having one speed guy and one power back for situational uses for both of them.
WR - I look for the bigger receivers who can catch the ball because you don't need much speed in this offense.
OL - Better run block ratings
TE - Blocking with some ability to catch the playaction passes to them.

"4-3"
The defense I recruit really doesn't matter because I change it up after I get my recruits in and/or build it into a powerhouse.

When the team is built up and can recruit top prospects I switch playbooks to "Florida" and the "3-4" defense.

"Florida Spread"
QB: Fast QB with decent accuracy. A good QB isn't really relevent in this offense because I mainly run out of it also.
RB: I use two fast running backs that way they can hit the holes faster and always be out in the flats for the flare routes or screens.
WR: I like having fast WR's in this offense but you have to have big bodied receivers that can go up and make catches for you near the endzone so I recruit the speed guys first then look for big guys second.
TE: Gotta be able to catch and run.
OL: I look for well balanced linemen for this offense

"3-4"
DL: I recruit big guys who can be "pluggers"
LB's: I look for fast guys who can fill space in a hurry and can make plays on the ball.
DB: pretty much the same as the 4-3

[Mizzou24]

i run mizzou's offense. with mizzou.

I like to spread the field and find the mismatch. I pass alot, run about 17-25 times. pass about 40. I will occasionally throw a screen in to mess with the defense.

I run a 335 defense and bring the heat baby..

Players i try to recruit..
well first things first i fill the wholes, If i need a cb and all i have interested is a 3 star he is going to be higher up the board than a 5 star runningback that i dont need.

QB's- I like them to be decent on the feet, but mainly i want a guy who can make quick decisions and throw with accuracy. I like to have them around 75 speed, because mizzou's offense rely's on it.

HB's- I like to have speedy backs, mainly because we are not a power run team everything we run is mainly to the outside of the field.

FB's- i like to have athletic fb's who can catch and move, mainly because the defense will have to worry about another person on my offense.

WR's- I like big recievers who can catch over traffic.

TE's- Strong possession te's, a big part of mizzou's offense.

Lineman- I likethem to be quick and good a pass blocking

D Line- Quick linemen.. i cant stress enough how much i like to get pressure on the qb with speed.

Linebackers- Fast run stoppers. I like to stop the run and make people go for the pass.

CBs- I want cbs that can cover the field and hang with the best of them.

FS- Pass coverage guy

SS- Run stopper, that will pop you in the jaw when you mess with em.

K- I like the kicker to have accuracy.. mainly because i dont really have to worry about him getting 50 yarders too much, because my offense is explosive.

P- I want a punter who can kick the crap out of the ball.

[Toysrme]

Hotroute Hotroute Hotroute. Send a lineman on a deep zone coverage (by the time the recivers run a route to get out there, you'd be surprized to see most DE's are just as far out...), out to a flat zone coverage, or quarter back spy.
Have that one guy that just kills you passing to the flats? When you run a linebacker out there, or a fast DE by hotrouting him to follow the HB/FB, or on flat zone coverage... He'll think twice about it. Especially if you move the guy that direction before the play. Pick 6.

Get use to playing linebacker, or saftey. just let the CPU run it until you see where you need to go.


On defence I like the 335 and 425 playbooks.
The 335 lends itself fairly well to nano blitzing the A gap, with some B gap blitzing. It also gives awesome pass protection with double coverage, especially when you manually, or hotroute a linebacker to defend a hb/fb flat. its ok against runs to the outside, but beware of strong up the middle runs... You should get alot of picks with the 335.

the 425... it's all about the nano blitzing the A, B & C gaps using the 5-2, and 4-4 playbooks before the qb can toss the ball...
The actual 4-2-5 itself i don't *completely* care for, as when I run offince i find it fairly easy to run on, and not impossible to pass on... I don't blitz when I run 425. I sit back in the free saftey spy, or linebacker spy.
The 425 will demolish a running quarterback (UF, VT, WVU, ARK)...

My favorites is to nano blitz using the 4-4 & 5-2 on first down/running downs & put them in a hole (or atleast put the fear of god in them) From there, I'll sit back in coverage with the 425 free saftey spy & manual control+hotroute the non drop-back linebacker to the halfback, or fullback (whichever they're generally throwing too) Most of the good medium/deep passing defences can't handle the flats so...
AFA zone coveage... It blows except the rare occasion when I'll run the weak eagle slant 3 blitz. it's vulnerable to a pass out of the backfield, or the flats. but can be a nice change-up. Obviously some of the quarters defence is useful to long passing...




Why I really hate zone? It's for poor teams, or good teams trying to "bend but not break" bullshit that's going for a turnover. Guess what??? Man coverage with a spy is a much tighter pass defence, better at run defence, and still has a much higher turnover margin than the best zone plays...

Want lots of picks? Run man coverage & have a free saftey, or linebacker spying. you'll get your picks!!!






On offense it's about keeping them guessing & keeping the chains moving. Any newbie can run lob plays & eventually hit an open reciever so there's not much to say there...

Work on figuring out the timing for the cut & slant routes VS their distance.
Know what runs & what passes attack what kind of defence.
Setup your audiables in atleast the same formations... While I definately run most of the formations, it becomes pretty obvious what you're doing when you go from a goalline up the middle to shotgun 5wr.
Recognize what the defence is going to do.
Learn to sprint to the line & recongize th defence. Then adjust yourself accordingly.


First play of the game I almost always run ace big HB sprint... It's a 3-10 yard play, 2wr, 2te & let's you see what the D is doing out of the gate.
You should have your play picked & get to the line with enough time to answer these questions to yourself:
Is it man, or zone coverage?
What are the linebackers and db's showing? If you run a formation with two WR's (or motion a back) to one side, is a db covering him, a linebacker shifting to cover him, or noone covering him???
If a linebacker has shifted to cover him, hotroute an outward slant. If none has shifted (zone) send him straight down the field, or have him sprint outside then cut up behind the outside reciver. In the event of zone coverage throw before the safety can shift & it's one missed tackle to a touchdown, and the other WR may pickup that as a down-field block.



Learn that when you audiable from formation to formation, the old playersets are still in!!! Use this to your advantage! One of my favorite changeups is the Ace-slot WR screen. It's a fairly easy medium to long yardage touchdown play if it's not solid man-man coverage because the slot reciever blocks the CB covering the screen. It's a high percentage pass play, AND there's about 0 change for even a human player to pick-6 despite how it looks.

Now... That slot reciver that picks up the initial block. What if instead of a pissy WR he was a big ass tight end that could run the CB over?
Call an Ace Big formation & audiable to the slot WR screen. Ta-da. The far tight end is now motioned into the slot reciver & he will pancake the cornerback. Cut outside & upfield & smply outrun the safety.
That's a good example of using personel to your advantage...





AFA a general offence... Find the gaps in coverage and throw to it!
When you go to the line and see the linebackers in an over / under / bear formation, or they shift up. RUN AT IT. You will pick-up good yardage more often than not. Against zone coverage... Do anything you want aslong as the formations are good. zone coverage sucks. the CPU doesn't keep zone coverage tight enough & leaves throwable gaps everywhere. It's also not very hard to run against a defence moving all over the place lol.

Running the ball (or setting up the fake). Put a WR in motion & hike the ball right when he runs passed where he can be useful. He'll turn upfield & make a crappy block on someone, but sometimes it can make a differance. (you also get a look at the coverage)

If you REALLY want to see what the defence is going, sprint to the line & sit there for 15 seconds... If it's a blitz, the linebackers / db's will eventually creep up. Then throw to it, or run around it.

















Normal offence is childsplay. The real question is what to do VS nano blitzing... Minus afew play action plays (rolling out away from the blitz, or 2wr shotgun with the fb blocking...) forget play action altogether. There's not enough time to ge the job done properly.


Against the various nano blitzes the name of the game is get the ball away from, and behind the blitz.

Sprint to the line. always! & for a changeup every few plays give a hard count to get the free 5 yards.
Hotroute prefferably one TE (unless u need both) to block for you along with the FB.
Let the computer run the quarterback for the first instant, then scramble whatever direction you need. for whatever reason the CPU controlled qb scrambles, and hands the ball off faster by itself at the initiation of the play.

Don't shy away from passing right down the middle under the saftey & behind the blitz until they stop nano blitzing. TE running straight, a slot reciver streaking to the middle, or a HB running out of the backfield around the line & back towards the middle.

Outside handoffs are bad. Outside handoffs that are stretches are good! The stretch plays have the quarterback sprint to hand the ball off instead of mosey over to the halfback.
If you have a fast HB, pitches can be good aslong as you get seperation & cut downfield.
WR screens are deadly to the nano blitz. As there are not enough db's on the field, nor are the linebackers going to cover very well when they're *normally* busy blitzing.

If the nano blitz shows everyone on, or very near the line where your blocking is man to man, or greater... Run the SOB right up the gut, or off-tackle out of the goalline, or an I formation & get 4-6 yards, maybe more.

Don't be afraid to pass the ball out of the I formations with only 2 wr's. Put the TE & FB on blocking duty, and use the HB & 2 wr's. In a normal defence this wouldn't spread the pass defence very thin, but remember they're nano blitzing, so any good routes against what they've been doing will give you good plays.



The big thing about defeating a nano blitz is not to get frustrated. You're going to loose yardage. So just live with it & keep at the plan. If you are run through it, pass behind it, or run/pass around it where it's generally 1-1 with the cb's.



You're going to wind up with alot of 2 & short's. When you do... Take your shot downfield. Maybe try a playaction pass. No excuse not to be able to make 3rd & 4th & short. Fullback up the middle, or an offset fullback straight ahead (where the man on man blocking at the side of the line is light)







I see alot of people having trouble against the 335. Quit throwing downfield so much!!! 335 owns downfield passes. I don't care if it's baylor VS lousville. It's not going to happen even with lousville's 6'4+ WR/TE's it's NOT going to happen. When you see 335, lick your chops & run out of the goalline right at it. for every play you loose 2-3 yards, you'll bust 7+ on the next two. Don't be afraid to play action pass out of the goalline to the fullback, or a TE, and every now and then, maybe run a stretch, or pitch to keep it honest.

















Remember that a balanced offence is unpredictable.






And people that play offline shouldn't comment on what to do. If you don't play online regularly, you're never going to be accustomed to the simply staggering amount of glitches that are present in the game that are routinely exploted online.