A few ?s abt. Injuries and Pass Coverages.

[hitmanwa]

Is there an unseen ratings reduction when one of your players are Probable, Questionable, etc.

Also, I've sort of been under the assumption that M2M and BnR covers the short passing game and helps with Run Defense, Cover 2=Medium, Cover 3=Long and Cover 4=Deep. Is this correct? If so, what's the difference in M2M and BnR? I would assume BnR is more effective but more apt. to get burnt and M2M is a bit safer. Is this right?

Typically my defense has been structured as follows...anyone feel free to shoot holes in it and tell me what I'm doing wrong.

I generally run a 3-4 Defense.

2 NTs, Starter=run stopper with some pass rushing ability. I try to have a better pass rusher as backup and for passing downs.

DEs are generally pass rushers with as good a run defense as I can afford.

MLBs are run defenders with pass rushing and pass coverages being secondary.

OLBs are generally opposite of MLBs.

CB I generally look at coverage abilities.

SS is a good run defender and FS is a covrage guy with a good Int.

Any thoughts?

I was also wondering if Punishing Hitter abilities translate into Forced Fumbles and Injuries for the opposing player. I try to focus on turnovers but have yet to nail down which ability helps with the forced fumbles.

Thanks in advance,
Hit

[Chubby]

I think the biggest thing about coverages is some teams try to get all of their defensive starters to be really good in one of the them and run that D most of the time.

[BradAttitude]

I also run a 3-4 and like having MLBs that can help with the pass rush since it allows me some variety. The latest update reduces the effectiveness of just blitzing the same guy(s) all the time.

[Leonidas]

I don't know for sure if there is a ratings reduction from injury, but it seems like there is to me. I specifically point to QB's. I have noticed a trend where my QB plays horribly when he's hurt. It may be just coincidental too.

[MIJB#19]

I think the biggest thing about coverages is some teams try to get all of their defensive starters to be really good in one of the them and run that D most of the time.Sadly, that will only work with bump and run defense. The game doesn't generate linebackers who rank excellent in man to man defense or zone defense.

The idea of using DE and DT run stopping/pass rushing specialist on normal down and passing downs can backfire if the opponent tricks you into a run on an expected pass play and run over your relative weaker run defenders.

[Chubby]

As for reduced ability when injured, I seem to remember "someone" saying it was close to the NFL guidelines (90% for probable etc...)

[Buzzbee]

"MLBs are run defenders with pass rushing and pass coverages being secondary.

OLBs are generally opposite of MLBs."


If you run a lot of nickel and dime, you might want to rethink your strategy on OLB's. In nickel coverage your WLB is pulled for the extra CB. In dime the SLB is pulled for the dimeback. Therefore, if you run a lot of nickel and dime, your good pass defending OLB's will get yanked on passing downs in favor of your (most likely) crappier backup CB's. Likewise, they will be in the game on plays where you are expecting a run.

Hope you followed that.

[hitmanwa]

"MLBs are run defenders with pass rushing and pass coverages being secondary.

OLBs are generally opposite of MLBs."


If you run a lot of nickel and dime, you might want to rethink your strategy on OLB's. In nickel coverage your WLB is pulled for the extra CB. In dime the SLB is pulled for the dimeback. Therefore, if you run a lot of nickel and dime, your good pass defending OLB's will get yanked on passing downs in favor of your (most likely) crappier backup CB's. Likewise, they will be in the game on plays where you are expecting a run.

Hope you followed that.

Great point, thanks. I hadn't thought of that.

[BradAttitude]

Isn't it the SILB that gets pulled for a dimeback in the 3-4?

[Tempest56]

I'd reverse the focuses of your LBs, myself. You're focusing on run D up the middle, and pass rush up the outside - at least to me, that screams for a RB with good outside speed to tear you apart. I usually stagger it - DT best against the run, MLB best with pass rushing. DEs as pass rushers and OLBs as run stoppers.

[yabanci]

Isn't it the SILB that gets pulled for a dimeback in the 3-4?

Correct, it's the SILB that gets pulled for the dimeback in a 3-4, the MLB in a 4-3. The SLB always stays in.

[Kozure]

In nickle, it appears that the WLB is who gets pulled. They always seem to have the least playing time of the linebacker spots, sometimes only starting 2/3 or games.