Key attributes for defensive backs - advice please

[Geldo]

Hi all,
am I right in thinking that if safeties are almost always used in zone coverage then the really key stat for them is zone defense, followed by play diagnosis?
How important then is bump and run and man to man for them? Am I better off benching a FS with outstanding b+r or man to man skills if his backup has say a zone defence rating of 70 when he might have 50?

For cornerbacks, the majority of defensive sets in FOF seem to rely on man to man, followed by some bump and run in more aggressive run-defence orientated schemes, and occaisional zone schemes when using strong and weakside cover. Again how useful is a CB with great zone skills but poor or indifferent man coverage ability?

thanks in advance

[Vinatieri for Prez]

As usual, no one knows for sure. For a safety, you would want to put a premium on zone coverage. The other coverages still should be considered, but only as secondary ratings. I also like interception ratings for my safeties.

Anyways, these are just my opinions. If you want a good discussion on this, try here: http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=57302&highlight=zone+m2m

[Leonidas]

It depends on what schemes you want to run. You can play a cover two scheme that has your corners BnR a lot, or you can do a straight man2man. I agree that safeties need to be strong in zone, at least FS does. The SS needs to be strong on the run and you could always put another guy strong in coverage into the nickel and dime packages.

Now if you really want to get complicated then ask about what to do with LBs. Some people think they should be strong pass rushers, some like run stoppers, and some like cover guys. The SLB should be a fair cover guy as he frequently gets the TE. The WLB? I like run stoppers, some folks use this as a blitzer.

[Sgran]

The safety is used in double-coverage, so M2M should be useful. As for BnR, maybe when you've got a corner blitz or you're caught in your standard defense against 4 wide-outs.

[Geldo]

Thanks guys, I have to confess I can't even begin to figure out what to do with the LBs :) I tend to play as the Saints so basically anything is an upgrade - even 7th rounders :)
There has to be some scope here for a really amazing strategy guide for this game. If I ever get time I might think about pulling together all the strategy posts and combining them into a easy to figure PDF.