Advice for using Power RBs

[Victor Fox]

I just started a new offline franchise with the Rams (don't worry, i'm moving them out of St. Louis and back to LA) and I'm having a ton of trouble running with Steven Jackson. IRL he's basically a beast, trucking skinny corners and being a "factorback" as Merril Hoge likes to say.

My question is, what kinds of plays best utilize a player like Jackson? I drafted a rookie speed-RB in the first round because I'm having such a hard time moving the ball with Jackson. Help? Advice?

[Hova57]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

u can't use him on sweeps and outside counters he has to be up the middle or off tackle and most important is to follow your blocks you will eventually break one or two

[NFCBeast55]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

I wish I could move a team in this year's game. But, the fact that the field colors and logos remain the default colors for the logo you chose instead of the colors you pick (it's correct when you create a team, but not when you move a team) ruins it for me. Nothing more annoying than having a purple and black team and playing on a field with yellow and gold logos on it and a yellow end zone.

[Victor Fox]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

I wish I could move a team in this year's game. But, the fact that the field colors and logos remain the default colors for the logo you chose instead of the colors you pick (it's correct when you create a team, but not when you move a team) ruins it for me. Nothing more annoying than having a purple and black team and playing on a field with yellow and gold logos on it and a yellow end zone.

I've never had this problem. That really sucks. My logos are almost always just black and grey, with my team colors ranging from purple and gold to maroon and silver. As long as you pick team colors first, and then edit your logos second, it shouldn't be a problem.

[JayhawkerStL]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

I just started a new offline franchise with the Rams (don't worry, i'm moving them out of St. Louis and back to LA) and I'm having a ton of trouble running with Steven Jackson. IRL he's basically a beast, trucking skinny corners and being a "factorback" as Merril Hoge likes to say.

My question is, what kinds of plays best utilize a player like Jackson? I drafted a rookie speed-RB in the first round because I'm having such a hard time moving the ball with Jackson. Help? Advice?

Why not move the team to Cleveland? :-)

I'd also tell yo to be careful about using the sprint button too soon. Wait for those holes to develop, THEN hit the gas. And you are going to have to lean hard on that right stick and break some tackles. I've had some luck using the left trigger pre-snap to direct the OL line. Many times I am just directing the OL to be aggressive, but I don't really know what that means, as far as upside and downside.

[Victor Fox]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

Why not move the team to Cleveland? :-)

I'd also tell yo to be careful about using the sprint button too soon. Wait for those holes to develop, THEN hit the gas. And you are going to have to lean hard on that right stick and break some tackles. I've had some luck using the left trigger pre-snap to direct the OL line. Many times I am just directing the OL to be aggressive, but I don't really know what that means, as far as upside and downside.

To your first point, you're absolutely right. Cleveland's been without a football team for far too long.

To your second point, i'm still not sure what the OL audibles do. Some people use Aggressive to run, some to pass. Same with pinch. If only the game came with a decent manual to tell us what all these "exciting new features" actually do.

[GeneralManager]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

Get a good line....I run wild within the tackles with Shonn Greene

[DoubleIt5]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

I mainly play with the Packers and used to have trouble with Ryan Grant (not as powerful as Jackson, or as fast, but definitely a power back). I have now started to have some real success with him following what others have said. Don't use the sprint button too early, if at all. Play calling also matters a lot. Run between the tackles and use patience, follow your blocks and try to truck that first defender. You won't be breaking many long runs but I find power backs far more consistent that speed backs. Another thing to look at is motioning players when the defense is in man coverage. Try some power-o plays with no WR on the outside and no CB sitting in zone. This way if you can get to the corner and break a tackle you can get a nice gain. Also in my first offseason I hired the training staff that gives +3 SPD to HBs which helped too.

[BloodMeridian]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

What they said plus I like using the straight arm

[Victor Fox]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

Interesting. I'll have to try these suggestions out. Too bad i'm incredibly impatient and decided to just trade him away.

[MrSkagTrendy]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

The key is to not sprint off the LOS..wait for the holes then go

[Hova57]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

The key is to not sprint off the LOS..wait for the holes then go

sometimes its necessary though because you line blocks like steve wonder at times

[CreatineKasey]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

When I run inside, I don't really turbo at all unless I have backside pursuit I need to run from. You seem to get better break tackle/Pro-tak pile pushing when you lay off the turbo and just ram through. It also seems to set up your blockers better. I do better with power RB's than speed overall because speed guys just give you no yards after contact inside and when the going gets tough, it's really nice to have a grinder back there.

[Maelstrom-XIII]

Re: Advice for using Power RBs

A lot of what everyone is saying here is the best way to go. Don't use sprint right after the snap...See the hole, then explode through. Another thing to keep in mind is what your expectations of "moving the ball" is...backs like Steven Jackson don't usually break 50-60 yarders for TDs often...if they do, it's because he ran over a few defenders and broke some tackles. So, if you are getting Jackson the ball 25-30 times a game and seeing a YPC around 4, then you're doing good. That's what he's there for....a good workhorse back is a thing of beauty. That's why I like using the Panthers...double trouble FTW.

Just keep running hard between the tackles, lower your shoulder some, and bring the wood. You'll see results, if you haven't already traded him.