Is there a way to be good at defense without so many quick adjustments?

[Ghost Of The Year]

I wanted to help the CPU defense out too so I went the slider route. I rarely make any adjustments. I can't not play with anything other than fifteen minute quarters against the CPU but my score were looking more like basketball scores, so sliders helped reduce both offenses immensely and as a nice side benefit, it's not a must to make multiple multiple adjustments. Nothing wrong with EA designing it that way, but I'm not looking for anything but immediate gratification from video game football. It's in my baseball video gaming that I require a chess match. My football (and basketball) video gaming is more about simple fun. It is nice to know if at some point I want a more complex experience, that option is there. But yeah, sliders.

[taylsz]

Just wanted to say thanks to Hooe and many others for their amazing advice on these boards - when I moved up to Heisman I was terrible at D, but utilising the concepts and ideas posted here and in the link on the first page really really helped. I've now shut down several teams(admittedly with a good OVR Y6 dynasty team), but when I got that first shut out it was very rewarding.

[iverson3]

Quote: Originally Posted by thedudedominick

In my experience, I have learned that there's usually a minimum 2 adjustments that need to be made. It's totally possible to run a decent defense just by calling plays and letting them happen, but you will end up with a handful of weaknesses based on formations, alignments, and other things like that. If you can learn those weaknesses and control the defender that can make up for them, you can overcome it. I basically just adjust my D line though and shift and slant them. I will back my DBs off if they come out to press in man coverage. I've been doing well though with just those adjustments. In the red zone I'll have my DBs cover underneath as well.

Say it’s shotgun running back on left of QB. Do you shift your line to the right and slant them to the right?

[thedudedominick]

Quote: Originally Posted by iverson3

Say it’s shotgun running back on left of QB. Do you shift your line to the right and slant them to the right?

I usually pinch my line and control the linebacker on the side of the runningback. (I run a 3-3-5) and rely on myself reading the blocking to cross over the formation to prevent the outside runs.

[iverson3]

Quote: Originally Posted by thedudedominick

I usually pinch my line and control the linebacker on the side of the runningback. (I run a 3-3-5) and rely on myself reading the blocking to cross over the formation to prevent the outside runs.

When do you find yourself in a situation to slant them?

[Collegefbfan]

I will preface by saying a lot of the guides and YouTube videos are based on set ups. I feel this is more for online play, just to glitch others out. I read a lot of folks become so ticked about the lack of reality play online dynasty.

I also agree with a lot that has been said here about two or three at most adjustments. I have gone into practice mode with two controllers and tried a lot of "cool" adjustments out. In the game, especially against the CPU, there is no time to make these "cool" adjustments.

I also have some of the same questions as Iverson3. I feel that I never slant my line. Not sure when to do it.

I have read in many places including here to slide the defensive line the opposite direction the HB is on. I guess in case he is in to block.

Now, I hope I can explain this thought process in a decent manner. I am talking about on TV screen look. Let's say the CPU offense comes out with a HB on the right side of the screen. I move my defensive line to the left. I control the LB on the right side of screen because that is what side the CPU RB is on. The CPU runs a HB Stretch play that is now going to the left side. Isn't my LB that I am controlling on the right side somewhat out of position because the play is going to the left? Is this going to hopefully stop the RB since my defensive line is slid to the right?

[DLev4552]

Quote: Originally Posted by Collegefbfan

I will preface by saying a lot of the guides and YouTube videos are based on set ups. I feel this is more for online play, just to glitch others out. I read a lot of folks become so ticked about the lack of reality play online dynasty. I also agree with a lot that has been said here about two or three at most adjustments. I have gone into practice mode with two controllers and tried a lot of "cool" adjustments out. In the game, especially against the CPU, there is no time to make these "cool" adjustments. I also have some of the same questions as Iverson3. I feel that I never slant my line. Not sure when to do it. I have read in many places including here to slide the defensive line the opposite direction the HB is on. I guess in case he is in to block. Now, I hope I can explain this thought process in a decent manner. I am talking about on TV screen look. Let's say the CPU offense comes out with a HB on the right side of the screen. I move my defensive line to the left. I control the LB on the right side of screen because that is what side the CPU RB is on. The CPU runs a HB Stretch play that is now going to the left side. Isn't my LB that I am controlling on the right side somewhat out of position because the play is going to the left? Is this going to hopefully stop the RB since my defensive line is slid to the right?

If the RB is aligned right of QB in Shotgun, the reason people move and/or slant the DL to the left (seemingly away from the RB) is because 90% of shotgun running plays are designed to go that way, either between the tackles or outside-left. The RB has to cross the QB's face.

On those plays, you (usering LB on RB-side) are going to scrape down the line with the RB on a running play. Your shifted/slanted DL's goal is to force the RB to cut back inside to you and not let him get the edge, where you make the play.

The only runs going outside-right when RB is lined up right of the QB are speed options, read options, counters, and jet sweeps. On an outside right run, its now your job to turn it back inside or make the play. But you are there on top of it react.

On a pass, you cover the RB out of the backfield on a route, or drop into your zone.

[thedudedominick]

Quote: Originally Posted by iverson3

When do you find yourself in a situation to slant them?

I usually pinch them on every play to try and create congestion in the middle. Biggest downfall is stretch plays and outside runs it is easy for the other team to get to the edge on you so it puts a lot of burden on you as a user linebacker.