NOOB QUESTION-PASS COVERAGE

[Dave Hansen]

I need help understanding what coverage my SS and FS play when I call the following defensive packages:

* 2 Deep, Loose Man: The help guide states "both safeties drop into deep zones and all other defenders play MTM."

* 2 Deep, Bump and Run: "both safeties drop into deep zones and the other pass defenders play much closer to the receivers."


Here is my defensive backfield pass coverage ratings (scouting VG):

LCB: MTM-86 ZONE-75 B&R-91

RCB: MTM-76 ZONE-36 B&R-71

SS: MTM-61 ZONE-94 B&R-92

FS: MTM-75 ZONE-40 B&R-82



In the 2Deep MTM are my safeties playing zone (94 and 40 ratings) or are their MTM ratings (61 and 75) in play?

Likewise in the 2Deep B&R scheme...safeties zone or B&R ratings being used?

If in both cases above the ZONE ratings are in play, what pass coverage scheme would put the SS/FS MTM or B&R ratings into play? Or do these two ratings only apply if they are playing out of position at a CB? Would the FS MTM and B&R ratings come into play if he is being utilized in a double team situation with a CB who is in either a MTM or B&R coverage?

It is the FS's zone rating that I have a concern with.

Also, my WLB has better pass coverage skills across all three catagories versus my nickel back. When does it make sense to use a nickel package and sub out my WLB for the nickel back?

I am trying to figure out what happens when I give up a 20+ yard pass play when I have called either a pass or pass aggressive scheme?

Appreciate any insights.

TXS

[Ajaxab]

Here we go again....One of the chronic mysteries of 2k7. :-)

[DougW]

Dave,

If you do a search, you can find a few threads that discuss pass coverages & positional responsibilities. There are a few different opinions to the answers to your questions, and from what I have gathered .. no one knows for sure.

[Dutch]

For the cheap and quick version.

Safety Coverage Order of Importance

2 Deep, Loose Man

1. Zone
2. M2M
3. BnR (probably completely irrelevant...but just in case we'll list it)

2 Deep, Bump and Run

1. Zone
2. BnR
3. M2M (may be completely irrelevant...)

How much do you weigh each factor? I think (err...we think) Zone far outweighs the the others. Consider good zone ratings as the "meat" and good M2M or BnR as the "gravy" when determining which players to play at safety.