Tips on developing a better running game online?

[JimboJolley20]

I use GB, and I'm pretty good, or I thought I was-- I recently went on two separate 11-game winning streaks, but now I'm in a 6-game slump, and I think part of it is because my running game is suspect. It's not my team's fault, because Green Bay isn't bad on the ground IRL. But just sometimes, when I hand the ball off, I feel like I got no blocking and I get hit in the backfield or for a 1- or 2-yard gain. I try running double-TE formations, double-back sets, Singleback, Shotgun, nothing seems to work.

Suggestions?

[Pared]

Have you tried the line audibles? They seem to work if you shift in the direction you are running the play.

It could be placebo, but others have also felt that this helps your blockers creating space.

I have been doing this for a few years and it has helped me.

[JimboJolley20]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

Have you tried the line audibles? They seem to work if you shift in the direction you are running the play. It could be placebo, but others have also felt that this helps your blockers creating space. I have been doing this for a few years and it has helped me.

I haven't tried that, but I will. Thanks.

[Senator Palmer]

Pay attention to the fronts you are running against: 3 man lines or 4 man lines. Then note how they are playing you.

If you are getting the DT doing that instant rip/swim move and stuffing you in the backfield, then you're going to want to run plays where he is double-teamed -- any type of zone or slash plays works for this.

If the linebackers are making the plays then you want to run the ball where they'll get caught up in traffic like power plays or draws. And try to run the power to the "bubble" which is the side where a guard is uncovered by a lineman.

In my observation, Over fronts where the DT is shaded to the strong side of the center are the toughest to run inside against. When you've got trouble running inside, use your draw plays, they are very well designed this year. Draw plays is where the slide protection actually works. Use is to clear out where you think the blitz of the rush is coming from.

If the defense is packed in tight and they look like they are squeezing the inside, and the safeties or lb's are crowding into the B and A gaps, then hit 'em with some sweeps. I always keep a quick toss in my audible set.

Lastly, focus on your formations. I always start out running behind a fullback, to see how it's going, then I'll throw in some singleback stuff. Make sure you get some passing going if you're going to run out of singleback sets so the fronts will be a little looser.

Typically against 3-4 teams, I can get dives and power plays going. 4-3 teams can be a little trickier -- zone plays and draws to get things started. And be careful when you mix in the Full House is you're using the GB playbook.

[Claymaker52]

I have one tip and it's called; Strong Close - Off Tackle, or Quick Pitch. About 65-70% of my runs are out of this formation and I average between 8 and 9 YPC out of it. I have Ryan Mathews in one of my online franchises and he averaged 8.7 YPC, last season, due in large part to the Strong Close. It's in a sim franchise and I mix in other formations from time to time to stay within the rules. However, if you're playing ranked, don't even worry about mixing it up for the sake of it, if they can't stop it continue doing it, that's my motto. Nevertheless, if I run the ball 20 times, at least 12 of those runs are out of the SC. Also adjust your OL to block agressively when using it. Since you use the Packers, use Grant to run the Off tackle, and Starks to run the quick toss.

I use the Texans play book and it is a great one to use if you like to run a run-n-gun style offense. Another good run play is the single back offset wing off tackle, just motion the TE to the playside, and you're golden.

[Kahuma]

You have to know you OLine matchups, whos blocking who and where the weak spot it. If you are getting stuffed my over-persuing LBs use alot of PA, and/or counter plays. If it's the DLine destroying your OLine then you're better off either running away or making sure your FB is ahead of you blocking.

I am the Chargers and have Ryan Matthews also, 1st two seasons top 5 in rushing, (3rd season, injured for 8 weeks)

DLinemen with high blockshedding will destroy any run game if your Oline is weak.

[MrSkagTrendy]

Trade for AP

[PGaither84]

Listen to Senator Palmer. Also, if you are using the Packers, make like the Super Bowl and remember your roots. You are the Aaron Rodgers Laser Show. The real life Packers like to pretend they have a running game, but even they know better. Against the Steelers, they ran the ball only 11 times and threw it 39 times. I understand not wanting to be 1 dimensional, but don't force the run.

I prefer to use the Patriots and I use the Patriots play book even when I am not NE. i really liek the draw plays they have along with all of the WR screens. [If you do use the Pats play book, go to "By play type" and look at Shotgun Pass. There are about WR 4 screens that are incorrectly placed there instead of under Screen Pass, where they should be.] Spreading the defense out, making them respect the pass should go a long way to opening up the running game. I like to hit them with a number of Shotgun draws on 1st or 2ed down as a I work my way down the field.

Also, the Pats have a lot of auto-motion plays, so as an added Madden trick, I will send a WR in motion and snap the ball at some point as he is crossing the O-line where he can and will often act as additional blocker. Many time I have had my WR chip a DT or DE that instantly sheds an o-lineman and would have ended my play quickly had I not done this.