Defensive Formations/Tips

[primetimesambo]

What kind of base defense are you guys using a lot this year? Only thing I have touched so far is the 4-3. Also, I normally control someone on the D-Line but am trying to make the transition to inside LB or FS. It is not going too well. Any tips?

[Cletus]

I usually switch my defense up based on how my opponents doing. If they're running and throwing short passes I will use a 4-4 or even a 5-2. I switch between 3-4 and 4-3 based on which formation is working the best. If my opponent is throwing slants and more routes across the middle I usually go with a 4-3, if they are using the sidelines more I have more success with a 3-4.

I usually control the MLB. I do my best when I stay in my zone. I usually play between the hash marks and if I can't make the tackle or play, force it to the outside. I would always follow the play art until I get a good feel for the lb position. I also don't use the sprint too often because I find myself getting out of position or overrunning the play. Hope this helps.

[The JareBear]

With custom PB you can literally give yourself almost everything. I have actually had success with the 4-2-5 base and then dime 3-2-6 or quarters normal for obvious passing downs.

[slingstone]

I play out of the 4-3, but I find myself mostly in Nickel or Dime for passing downs. Some of the Nickel formations do an excellent job with run and pass. 1-5-5 FTW!

[killcasualfan]

As a base defense, you should go with what matches your talent and gets the most talent on the field. If your top 4 or 5 lineman outrank your top 4 linebackers then you want more linemen on the field by using a 4-3 or 5-2. However, if your linebackers outrank your linemen then use a 3-4. Likewise, if your secondary outranks the lineman & linebackers, then use a nickel base or 3-3-5.

One formation problem i have found is that the new 3-3-5 "okie" defense is inexplicably not a part of the oklahoma playbook even though its named after its creator. It replaced the 4-3 as oklahomas base defense once the d-coordinator finally realized that when you have more talent and depth at linebacker and secondary, you should replace an average defensive tackle with it, especially against the spread.

Be sure to add the 3-3-5 "okie" defense to the oklahoma playbook