Double teams & pass coverage

[Steel]

Ok, I have a few questions I still haven't been able to figure out and could use some help:


We all know the WR who has the best RR on the field gets the most targets.

1. How is it determined which CB is actually covering him?

2. Is it the CB who has the highest rating?

3. Is it the CB who plays at the LCB slot, since essentially he would be covering the FL unless the formation is flipped?

4. If the formation is flipped, then where does the LCB play?

5. If a team comes out in 3 wide, and my "best" CB is suppose to be covering the best WR(top RR), but he's in the slot spot on the depth, will my "best" CB slide to the Nickel spot to cover the slot WR?

6. If I were to put my best CB at the Nickel slot, and the team is in a base offense-2 backs, 2 wides, 1 TE, does the Nickel Back automatically cover the TE in man coverage?

7. If in zone, would the Nickel back line up on the side of the TE, or is it possible he would line up on the weak side of the formation away from the TE?


If these answers are already posted somewhere, I apologize. I looked and didn't see them.

[NiteMaestro]

In the 'pass coverage menu' it's determined whether the coverage is strong/weak side oriented, or no.1/no.2 oriented. If I remember correctly, the difference is, Strong/Weak = Flanker/SplitEnd and the 'no.1' WR is the guy with the best RR.
The CB to cover him is always (by the engine) the LCB, the 'tricky part' is how the 'LCB' is chosen.
The difference between LCB and RCB is slight, but at least easier to obtain than the difference btween FL/SE.

It seems that coverage skills are key in determining a LCB, but even then, the overall better player is LCB. A 50 LCB may equate to a 53 RCB, and/or vice versa.

When I think of a LCB, I think of a 'shutdown corner', like Nnamdi, or Deion in his hey-day. These guys are on an island, and get it done.
The RCB can be just as good, if not better, but is generally more seen as the 'trap' CB. DeAngelo Hall would be a good example of a RCB in this context. He has an impact by baiting QBs to throwing into covered zones.

So the best LCB just wouldn't be thrown to, period. The WR would not be able to get open.
The best RCB would be thrown to alot, and have interceptions through the roof, or have the QB throwing into double coverage.

So, to answer ur questions directly.
1) Through the coverage screen.

2) It can be, but that is dictated through your depth chart choices.

3) 'Ideally', yes. But remember, if your coverage is determined by 'top receiver' in the gameplan, then it may be the SE who's covered by your LCB.

4) If your coverage rules are by top receiver, then the guy with highest RR. Period. Even with overloaded/stacked formations (if they were simulated) he'd cover no.1. The game gives the impression that your LCB should be a m2m monster, and will shut down the poor soul he's told to cover. If the coverage rules are by 'strong/weak' side. Then he will cover the flanker (guy in the FL slot in these formations).

5) I would think so, but more likely than not, these cases would be in 'pass' situations (especially if you're in nickel) and you may be in a 'deep zone' coverage already, negating this somewhat. Remember, though, that it's possible that the best RR guy may be the SE on the other side. I'm starting to believe that formation placement for receivers has an impact upon certain ratings (to possibly encourage/force realistic usage of 'no1' receivers. recent history with randy moss is a great example. the pats tried using him in the slot as a wes welker style receiver, and it hasn't been working particularly well.)

6) I believe so. The nickel back is almost like a 'position' in itself... Like a uber-coverage LB. So though it may seem appetizing, putting your best CB there would prove ineffective (IMO, unless you have great CB depth) because the nickel CB position also has a heavy run support role as well. I believe the game engine actually treats him as a OLB (or whatever backer is substituted) when the play starts, and adjusts his stats per some formula to compensate. I don't know though, so don't take this too the bank.

7) Zone? Clarify which type of zone... 3/4 deep zone? or strong/weak man/zone combo?

[Steel]

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7) Zone? Clarify which type of zone... 3/4 deep zone? or strong/weak man/zone combo?

Was referring to strong/weak side, zone combo and Bump 'n Run.

[NiteMaestro]

Hm... I would think weak side, but I dunno...

[MalcPow]

Who stole the Great Hope Diamond? What killed the dinosaurs? What's in your brother's dresser drawers?

[RedKingGold]

Who stole the Great Hope Diamond? What killed the dinosaurs? What's in your brother's dresser drawers?

Thanks ahole. Now Ben needs to move this discussion to the Off Topic forums, post-haste.

Way to make extra work for the mods!

[MalcPow]

Thanks ahole. Now Ben needs to move this discussion to the Off Topic forums, post-haste.

Way to make extra work for the mods!

:D

We don't know a lot Steel. Search for posts by a user named jkat for what little we learned about coverage and double teams (some of which was then changed in a patch). As with a lot of things, you'll probably enjoy the game more if you focus on optimizing big picture defensive stuff, like getting guys with big bars in most ratings. Many of the game's results are generated at a higher level than the "one on one matchups" that might be intuitive to how we think about real football, you'll save yourself some heartache by approaching most things with that in mind.

[OldSchool]

Thanks ahole. Now Ben needs to move this discussion to the Off Topic forums, post-haste.

Way to make extra work for the mods!

I hear he's giving out lifetime bans for backseat modding. :(

[Firefly]

I'd love to talk about the extinction of the dinosaurs! Can we please move this thread to off-topic? Please,please,please...?

[Steel]

Thanks for ruining the thread fellas.

[QuikSand]

Actually, post #7 was the full and correct answer.

[zullojer]

hey steel, you can always try to rex it

[Firefly]

hey steel, you can always try to rex it

As in... tyranosaurus rex it?