How to stop the HB Draw

[speedy9386]

I'm having trouble stopping the draw can someone help me?

[StrawHat Patriot]

Re: How to stop the HB Draw

I think you should post this here if I'm not mistaken:

http://www.operationsports.com/forum...ning-strategy/

[Senator Palmer]

Re: How to stop the HB Draw

Had to drop in because this is my main pet peeve with Madden 12. It goes directly to the poor linebacker programming.

Linebackers are supposed to take read steps. They are run defenders first. In real life, if they do happen to get caught backpeddling, they are supposed to re-trace their steps back to the LOS (one way to do it).

In Madden they drop as soon as the quarterback drops and against the CPU they don't even recognize run until the back is pass the line of scrimmage. They don't even react when the guards fire out at them. By the time they do try to fill the play they're eaten up by the blocks. Even when I am controlling a LB and get back into position, the other backer is nowhere to be found so the runner has an easy cutback into open space.

I can't tell you how frustrating it is because there is no real way to consistently stop it playing a straight defense unless you see it coming. To that end, crashing your line down has some effect... blitzing the safeties is even better (my favorite way). Another way is to get interior linemen with high block shed ratings and call defenses that have them stunting. Sometimes the offensive linemen will get confused and let him get a free run.

But generally speaking if you don't see it coming and aren't blitzing every down, then the best you can do it mitigate the damage to a 7-8 yard gain.

Edit: I'm speaking from the POV of playing against the CPU.

[KBLover]

Re: How to stop the HB Draw

The draw gets on my nerves too.

Best way I can contain it against the CPU:

-Blitz a LB. The draw takes time, and the blitzer is on his way - he could be in the backfield quickly if he gets through. At worse, he occupies a blocker on the LOS, not 4-6 yards down field.

-Blitz a CB (or the SS in the 46). Same reason as above, but CBs and SSs tend to be faster than most LBs, and coming from the edge increases the chance of him coming clean. (Disclaimer: I run almost a base Nickle defense, so there's more CB blitzes to pick from/"hot blitz" while still having man coverage on the receivers)

-Spy the MLB. I've just gotten in a habit of doing this when I expect run in general, given the overall "LB play" in the game. It works best if he was assigned to a hook zone in the middle anyway (he won't be too far off from his coverage). At least, he'll not retreat into a zone.

-Pinch the DL (call edge rush if I'm in a pass rush mood). Pinching in at least tries to take the middle away, where most draws originate. Even slowing the HB down some gives the defenders more time to read run. Calling an edge rush lets them try for the edges if it is a real pass, but not too far if it's a draw.


I don't necessarily do all of these - depends on the formation I'm in and the situation in general. If it's 1st and 10 - I'll likely pinch in, but maybe not blitz a LB or CB since I don't know if it's run/pass by situation.

Sometimes, I just have to count on my D-line winning and getting penetration. If I'm controlling a DT, I try to shed block towards the nearest A-gap. Even if I don't get the HB, I'll usually force the O-lineman to fill, forcing the HB to go elsewhere, and by then, the D should be reading run and attacking.