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purplerat · 02-06-2014, 02:49 PM

Here's a few things I've had great success with in stopping outside runs:
#1 Base align
#2 Selectively blitz the edge
#3 Make personnel adjustments to have a run stop package

#1 - If you are ever in doubt about whether your defense can stop an outside run, base align. Even if it doesn't look like base aligning will change much, do it anyways. A lot of outside runs works so well because of the way defenses default align to the formation. This is particularly true for runs from unbalanced formations.

#2 If you know an outside run is coming on first down call a play with LBs or safetys blitzing from both edges. 4-3 Stack OLB Fire Man and Dime Normal Double Safety Blitz work great for this. This won't stop the run every time and sometimes you'll give up a big play but you will also get plenty of tackles for a loss. This is key because putting your opponent on a 2nd and 12 makes it a lot harder for them to run on 2nd and 3rd downs. Also I will usually Pass Commit on when using these blitzes to stop outside runs. Yes, pass commit. That's because you want the rushers getting through the line and into the back field, not simply going straight for the running back and getting caught in the muck of blockers/defenders.

#3 Because of the poor implementation of depth charts in Madden most teams have pass rushing DEs and LBs in as starters which means they are starters in every formation. Look at your depth chart for players with high block shedding, high strength and high pursuit and manually sub them in for your pass rushing starters at DE and OLB. Don't be afraid to put DTs at DE and DEs at OLB in run defenses. It makes a big difference when it comes to a TE trying to impact block a pass rushing OLB versus a run stopping DE.

02-06-2014, 02:49 PM	#6
purplerat Rookie OVR: 0 Join Date: Oct 2012	Re: How to stop outside run plays Here's a few things I've had great success with in stopping outside runs: #1 Base align #2 Selectively blitz the edge #3 Make personnel adjustments to have a run stop package #1 - If you are ever in doubt about whether your defense can stop an outside run, base align. Even if it doesn't look like base aligning will change much, do it anyways. A lot of outside runs works so well because of the way defenses default align to the formation. This is particularly true for runs from unbalanced formations. #2 If you know an outside run is coming on first down call a play with LBs or safetys blitzing from both edges. 4-3 Stack OLB Fire Man and Dime Normal Double Safety Blitz work great for this. This won't stop the run every time and sometimes you'll give up a big play but you will also get plenty of tackles for a loss. This is key because putting your opponent on a 2nd and 12 makes it a lot harder for them to run on 2nd and 3rd downs. Also I will usually Pass Commit on when using these blitzes to stop outside runs. Yes, pass commit. That's because you want the rushers getting through the line and into the back field, not simply going straight for the running back and getting caught in the muck of blockers/defenders. #3 Because of the poor implementation of depth charts in Madden most teams have pass rushing DEs and LBs in as starters which means they are starters in every formation. Look at your depth chart for players with high block shedding, high strength and high pursuit and manually sub them in for your pass rushing starters at DE and OLB. Don't be afraid to put DTs at DE and DEs at OLB in run defenses. It makes a big difference when it comes to a TE trying to impact block a pass rushing OLB versus a run stopping DE.