I agree but let's keep in mind one thing and I have to remind myself of this because I do it too. Even though the TE was supposed to block down, when we present these scenarios we always do so with perfect blocking in mind. If my DE on that side is Osi for instance I wouldn't want him getting sealed. I mean afterall, coaching defensive players one of the first things we used to tell our DE's is DON'T GET YOUR A$$ REACHED and turned inside and you always play with our outside shoulder free. Again another instance in which now I'm talking about perfect technique
So I think a larger discussion needs to be had here because when we talk about these things we always talk about them from an idealistic point of view. I'm not sure what the question should be yet, but we gotta spell things out a little more than simply presenting the ideal perfect scenario. Because when we do that and EA changes it then all of a sudden the complete picture is absent from the game.
Secondly, that the blocks are based on the front I think that is correct. The problem is we don't have run adjustments. For instance, here is an article written by Chris over at his blog about 2 years ago on the Colts stretch play, in which while there are assignments, there are also me and you calls by the Center, which we do not have, but it is all based on the front that the defense lines up in.
http://smartfootball.blogspot.com/search?q=Colts
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The Indianapolis Colts and The "Pin and Pull" Stretch Play
Intro
[In this terminology, the play is called "flex."]
FLEX is a strong side play.
The aiming point for the Single Back is 1 yard outside of the TE.
If the “A” is play side he is responsible for blocking the force (strong safety) defender.
If the “A” is aligned on the backside of the play he must start on an inside path and block the most dangerous pursuing defender
After the exchange the QB will set-up like he does on PISTOL protection
If the “A” is in motion prior to the snap and we want him to block the force defender on the play side we will call FLEX BOSS.
BOSS means Back On Strong Safety
Against "Under"
If the Center can reach the Nose he will make a “YOU” call to the Strong Guard telling the Strong Guard to pull and block the M(ike) linebacker.
The Strong Tackle and Tight End will “TEX”. The TE must block DOWN and not allow any penetration. The Strong Tackle needs to pull and RUN TO REACH the S(am) linebacker.
Against "Loaded"
If the Center cannot reach the Nose he will make a “ME” call to the strong guard telling him to block the Nose and the Center will pull to block the M(ike).
The Strong Guard must block DOWN and not allow the Nose to penetrate.
The Strong Tackle and the TE will “TEX," as described above.
Against "Adjusted 4-3"
The Tight End is responsible for blocking the DE wherever he aligns.
The Strong Tackle is responsible for pulling and blocking the SLB’er wherever he aligns. Stay square and see the Sam linebacker during the pull.
The Center is responsible for blocking the Mike linebacker. The Quick Guard has a difficult block and must be prepared to SCRAMBLE block the Nose.
Against "4-3 Wide"
The Tight End is responsible for blocking the DE wherever he aligns. STEP-CROSS-STEP to reach the DE.
The Strong Tackle is responsible for pulling and blocking the Sam linebacker. Stay square and see the Sam linebacker during the pull - you could go around OR inside of the TE’s block.
The Center is responsible for blocking the Mike linebacker & the Quick Guard blocks the Nose. |
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I think blocking based on front is correct, but there are some hard fast rules that are missing and we do not have interior adjustment calls. At best they can try to program responsibilities based on front alignment I suppose. But that's alot of work and keeps them from adding more defensive fronts to the game that probably need to be there. I'm still waiting for them to add the 44 to Madden. A real 44 defense with 4 linebackers. It's not used alot but it is used. The Titans will use it a great deal when they are facing a run heavy team - see game 1 vs Jaguars last season.