4-2-5 and 3-2-6

[cbutler0509]

Quote: Originally Posted by xxsyrusvb

Currently starting a new career with the defensive emphasis on versatile players and schemes. Going to use the 426, 335 and possible a sprinkle of 326. My plan is to fill the defensive roster with extremely versatile players. For example, I plan to use LB Earnie Sims as the extra safety. He is a tweeter lb with stats to play SS so it seems he would be a perfect fit. Also plan to draft Mister Wright and maybe trade for Kenny Phillips as he too is extremely versatile. I'm also trying to do this as a non cheese play through. No massing draft picks, or drafting the best players every year. I might draft 1 or 2 crucial players a season and the other picks let my GM pick. That seems like it could mimic realism a bit more.

I am doing something very similar. Like eerily similar. Looking for versatile players, running the "college" defenses, and not cheesing the game.

After reading through the forum and figuring some stuff out on my own, I feel like I have something in place that I can finally start a career with. Im not one for adding plays to my playbook once I start my career. Unless I create the play. When I start to add plays I feel like my playbook gets cluttered and my OCD cant handle it. So I try and build a playbook that I can use for 15 seasons and not get bored.

Currently I have the 4-2-5, 3-4, and Nickel 2 formations in my playbook. My philosophy is to have at least 5 DBs on the field at a time. I prefer to have 2 SS's as opposed to 3 CBs for extra help in the run game.

The philosophies I think I have decided on

DT-Prototype
DE-Prototype
MLB-Coverage
OLB-Pass Rush
CB-Man Coverage
FS- Center fielder
SS- Run Support

I chose Prototype for my d-line because I feel like this will give me the most versatility. Big strong lineman with good speed. I want my ends to be able to play 3 tech, and my 3 techs to be able to play nose or 3-4 DE.

Because the 4-2-5 is pretty man/blitz heavy I decided to go with blitzing OLB's. I originally wanted speed/coverage, but with what I am going to do I feel blitzing works best. My 3-4 package had a lot to do with this.

I chose to stick with speed/coverage for my MLBs. From what I can see, most MLBs are decent to good tacklers. So Id rather target the ones who can cover and are fast since I will be in man a decent amount.

I stuck with Man coverage for corner. I do plan on mixing up my coverages, which is why I added nickel 2, but I will mostly be in man.

At FS I am looking for Earl Thomas. I want a playmaker and center fielder seems like the way to go there.

SS I am still waffling about. This needs to be my most versatile position. I need guys who can tackle because they will be in the box a lot, but they also need to be able to cover. As I write this I feel like Run Support is the way to go. This will give me the type of player who can play in the box. Im going to try and get run support safeties who are above average to good coverage guys.

Because this game has a lot of ways to exploit it I am policing myself. I am going to rely on my scouting. Not using any draft guides. This means I am going to draft players that fit my scheme instead of just looking for sleepers. This is why I put so much thought into the philosophies.

My 3-4 formation only has 3 plays in it. These plays are all cover 1 or cover 0. OLBs are always blitzing. Because of this I am not worried about coverage and plan on putting my best 5 pass rushers on the field. There could be 5 DEs, there could be 1 DT-3 DEs-and 1 OLB, There could be 2 OLBs and 3 DEs. Behind them I plan on having one LB (MLB or OLB) and one SS. The LB will be my best cover LB. For my secondary I plan on having 3 of my best man coverage guys and my best zone coverage guy. I anticipate my zone coverage guy to be my FS. The other 3 will probably be corners.

I plan on using Nickel 2 in passing situations. I can sub in one of my SS as my 3rd corner if I want and have the same personnel as my 4-2-5. I like the roll coverage in the Nickel 2 formation. What I call roll coverage is cover 3 with the corner playing the flat and the saftey rolling over top.