Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

[Collegefbfan]

Now that the game has been out a bit, and updates, patches, whatever you wanna call have been done, share what you do that appears to work in this game. I will share mine. Any others, ask your questions and share your tips, strategies, knowledge that works or appears to work.

For me:
1) Sliders!!! Find a set of sliders and tweak to your liking.
2) Custom playbook and always have a passing play that has a checkdown.
3) Moving TE's over to help block on running and passing plays.
4) Choose a defensive playbook that works with what personnel you have. I was going to run some form of 3-3-5. Nope, didn't have the right players. Okay, let's try the 4-2-5. Nah, same reason. Ok, the old boring 4-3. Yup, that worked better than anything else.

My questions:
1) I know that a lot of you all user an LB or FS. I wish I could. I have tried, and the outcomes are not good. For any of you that user a DE or DT, what are the best moves to get past your opposing defender? Spin, Club, Swim, Rip? Do you press sprint right when the center hikes the ball?
2) Do you set your zone drop distances the same amount each game? Do you leave them at default? Mess with them multiple times during game? I have read that if you set any of them, the "Match" defensive plays don't work like they are supposed to.
3) I have also read to shift your defensive line the opposite way the opposing team's RB is lined up on. Do you do this? Is there ever a time not to do this?

[Ksuowls4life]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

Now that the game has been out a bit, and updates, patches, whatever you wanna call have been done, share what you do that appears to work in this game. I will share mine. Any others, ask your questions and share your tips, strategies, knowledge that works or appears to work.

For me:
1) Sliders!!! Find a set of sliders and tweak to your liking.
2) Custom playbook and always have a passing play that has a checkdown.
3) Moving TE's over to help block on running and passing plays.
4) Choose a defensive playbook that works with what personnel you have. I was going to run some form of 3-3-5. Nope, didn't have the right players. Okay, let's try the 4-2-5. Nah, same reason. Ok, the old boring 4-3. Yup, that worked better than anything else.

My questions:
1) I know that a lot of you all user an LB or FS. I wish I could. I have tried, and the outcomes are not good. For any of you that user a DE or DT, what are the best moves to get past your opposing defender? Spin, Club, Swim, Rip? Do you press sprint right when the center hikes the ball?
2) Do you set your zone drop distances the same amount each game? Do you leave them at default? Mess with them multiple times during game? I have read that if you set any of them, the "Match" defensive plays don't work like they are supposed to.
3) I have also read to shift your defensive line the opposite way the opposing team's RB is lined up on. Do you do this? Is there ever a time not to do this?

I am pretty illiterate when it comes to knowing how defenses work, so I wouldn't know where to start as far as knowing if I had the correct personnel for a particular defense.

I am interesting in learning the basics and how schemes work so that I can become a better player and just naturally understand the sport better. As well as learn offensive plays to call versus certain defenses.

If anyone has any suggestions on books/articles or YouTube videos to help learn this, I would be grateful!.

[Collegefbfan]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

I am going to go with what was shared with me a few years ago. I was in the same boat as you. I am not saying that this is the be all, end all. It is very basic.

If the offense comes out in 2 WR's call your base defense whether it be the 4-3, 3-4, etc.
If the offense comes out in a 3 WR set, go with nickel.
Use dime if they have more than 3 WR's.

I am pretty sure there are more advanced ways of calling defense. I know there is one, I THINK, if the offense has 3 WR's on one side of the field, you need to possibly flip your defense because you want someone faster than a LB covering a WR (I think this is correct).

As far as offense goes, I generally call a run first and most of the time. If I come out in a run play, and there is a player on defense that is lined up way outside, I will either go to the other side or bring a TE over to block. Last resort is audible to a passing play. Also, if I come out in a run play, and the defense has one high safety, and the defensive secondary is pressing, I have at least a shot for a long pass.

Now, if you think the defense is blitzing, (a lot of it in CFB 25) I might bring a TE over to block or send an RB on a flat for a quick escape throw.

[somecoach]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

Now that the game has been out a bit, and updates, patches, whatever you wanna call have been done, share what you do that appears to work in this game. I will share mine. Any others, ask your questions and share your tips, strategies, knowledge that works or appears to work.

For me:
1) Sliders!!! Find a set of sliders and tweak to your liking.
2) Custom playbook and always have a passing play that has a checkdown.
3) Moving TE's over to help block on running and passing plays.
4) Choose a defensive playbook that works with what personnel you have. I was going to run some form of 3-3-5. Nope, didn't have the right players. Okay, let's try the 4-2-5. Nah, same reason. Ok, the old boring 4-3. Yup, that worked better than anything else.

My questions:
1) I know that a lot of you all user an LB or FS. I wish I could. I have tried, and the outcomes are not good. For any of you that user a DE or DT, what are the best moves to get past your opposing defender? Spin, Club, Swim, Rip? Do you press sprint right when the center hikes the ball?
2) Do you set your zone drop distances the same amount each game? Do you leave them at default? Mess with them multiple times during game? I have read that if you set any of them, the "Match" defensive plays don't work like they are supposed to.
3) I have also read to shift your defensive line the opposite way the opposing team's RB is lined up on. Do you do this? Is there ever a time not to do this?

On #3 for your questions, yes I set my line opposite of the back. Almost every single play (other than obvious passing situations where I want guys on the edges to stop QB scrambles.)

[iliveaboveasubway]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

On #3 for your questions, yes I set my line opposite of the back. Almost every single play (other than obvious passing situations where I want guys on the edges to stop QB scrambles.)

When a RB is going off, I won't shift my line, but have them slant to the direction the back would be going. Leaves you open for counters and jet sweeps real hard though

[Ghost Of The Year]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

I have six words for you:

Spoiler

Jet Sweep , Jet Sweep , Jet Sweep.

If you are using custom playbooks, find it in as many different formations as you can stand and add, add, add.

[Collegefbfan]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

Hey. I know there are a lot of you that can weigh in on this issue. I like to run HB Stretch, HB Toss, Lead Toss, etc. I can see the lane open up because there is a tiny bit more time for the blockers to set up the holes for the RB.

Now, tell me about running Inside Zone plays. First off, I don't even have any idea what that means. I think I do but I'm not sure. I have tried running them and usually get stuffed. What do I need to look for pre-snap? Are these mainly for power backs or elusive backs? Any other tips appreciated.

[iliveaboveasubway]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

Hey. I know there are a lot of you that can weigh in on this issue. I like to run HB Stretch, HB Toss, Lead Toss, etc. I can see the lane open up because there is a tiny bit more time for the blockers to set up the holes for the RB.

Now, tell me about running Inside Zone plays. First off, I don't even have any idea what that means. I think I do but I'm not sure. I have tried running them and usually get stuffed. What do I need to look for pre-snap? Are these mainly for power backs or elusive backs? Any other tips appreciated.

Run right at the linebacker, and once he's blocked, sprint left or right of him and BOOM.
Just never sprint from the hand off!

[ggsimmonds]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

Hey. I know there are a lot of you that can weigh in on this issue. I like to run HB Stretch, HB Toss, Lead Toss, etc. I can see the lane open up because there is a tiny bit more time for the blockers to set up the holes for the RB.

Now, tell me about running Inside Zone plays. First off, I don't even have any idea what that means. I think I do but I'm not sure. I have tried running them and usually get stuffed. What do I need to look for pre-snap? Are these mainly for power backs or elusive backs? Any other tips appreciated.

The inside zone in under 5 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS3U_fGpkGg&t=1s

General advice: This is the running play where "stay off turbo" is most important. Unlike a power run scheme, zone runs do not have predefined gaps you are attacking. Its about reading the blocks and hitting the right holes (known as bend it, bounce it, or bang it)

Power or speed? Neither really. Or both. Any RB can have success. If we hop back into our time machine do you remember the Broncos with Mike Shanahan and how it seemed they just churned out 1000 yard backs like they grew on trees starting with Terrel Davis? That was his zone running scheme. What makes a good zone run RB good in real life doesn't apply to games -- its vision. Well our vision is what the RB uses. Probably the most important attributes in-game are COD and BCV.

(important note-- I think BCV is crucial but I haven't reached the point where I can 100% guarantee. Sometime before CFB25 "branched" off Madden the Madden team made it so that BCV impacts how easily a RB gets thru small holes in the game. Small holes are the name of the game with zone runs so its importance cannot be overstated. I've only played with crappy teams so I can't speak to how this plays out in CFB25)

What you should look for presnap -- the first interior lineman on playside. You're basically reading how he is blocked to decide where to go.

There are resources online that go over each of bend, bounce, and bang, but I think the best thing is just repetition. End of the day each of those are the same thing -- you're just running to where they ain't.

I love inside zone because its much safer than other runs. The risk of getting blown up in the backfield is fairly small.

[zpq12]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

Now that the game has been out a bit, and updates, patches, whatever you wanna call have been done, share what you do that appears to work in this game. I will share mine. Any others, ask your questions and share your tips, strategies, knowledge that works or appears to work.

For me:
1) Sliders!!! Find a set of sliders and tweak to your liking.
2) Custom playbook and always have a passing play that has a checkdown.
3) Moving TE's over to help block on running and passing plays.
4) Choose a defensive playbook that works with what personnel you have. I was going to run some form of 3-3-5. Nope, didn't have the right players. Okay, let's try the 4-2-5. Nah, same reason. Ok, the old boring 4-3. Yup, that worked better than anything else.

My questions:
1) I know that a lot of you all user an LB or FS. I wish I could. I have tried, and the outcomes are not good. For any of you that user a DE or DT, what are the best moves to get past your opposing defender? Spin, Club, Swim, Rip? Do you press sprint right when the center hikes the ball?
2) Do you set your zone drop distances the same amount each game? Do you leave them at default? Mess with them multiple times during game? I have read that if you set any of them, the "Match" defensive plays don't work like they are supposed to.
3) I have also read to shift your defensive line the opposite way the opposing team's RB is lined up on. Do you do this? Is there ever a time not to do this?

I don’t mess with linebackers outside of specific situations and never defensive backs unless on a blitz.

I haven’t played with zone drops, but I’ve been messing with under and over shading with my pass defense. I think the downsides and benefits are obvious and I think I stole a pic on an under.

I’ll shift based on the play I have selected and the offensive alignment. More than anything, I’m trying not to maintain outside force. I’ve had a lot of plays where the offense will stack wideouts to one side and will leave the backside open to the run if I don’t balance my defense. Paying attention to gaps has helped me in run defense. (That’s a garbage explanation, call @ggsimmonds)

[zpq12]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

I am going to go with what was shared with me a few years ago. I was in the same boat as you. I am not saying that this is the be all, end all. It is very basic.

If the offense comes out in 2 WR's call your base defense whether it be the 4-3, 3-4, etc.
If the offense comes out in a 3 WR set, go with nickel.
Use dime if they have more than 3 WR's.

I am pretty sure there are more advanced ways of calling defense. I know there is one, I THINK, if the offense has 3 WR's on one side of the field, you need to possibly flip your defense because you want someone faster than a LB covering a WR (I think this is correct).

As far as offense goes, I generally call a run first and most of the time. If I come out in a run play, and there is a player on defense that is lined up way outside, I will either go to the other side or bring a TE over to block. Last resort is audible to a passing play. Also, if I come out in a run play, and the defense has one high safety, and the defensive secondary is pressing, I have at least a shot for a long pass.

Now, if you think the defense is blitzing, (a lot of it in CFB 25) I might bring a TE over to block or send an RB on a flat for a quick escape throw.

I always check my teams blocking assignments on run plays. It has been a game changer for me. Assuming you know who’ll be blocked, as there’s a whole other check for matchups, you’ll know who you likely have to beat in the hole. My team runs a lot of power and counter so that helps. Zone runs are another discussion.

I’ve only lightly attempted pass blocking adjustments. I honestly don’t clearly understand what I’m doing yet.

[ggsimmonds]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

I almost never shift my line. It may very well be a beneficial tactic, but its not one I employ.

The reason being is my main priority in run defense is maintaining gap integrity and most of your "out of the box" defensive alignments will have all gaps accounted for. I don't know how shifting the line will impact that, and since I user the LB I need to know what gap I am responsible for. The AI snapping the ball too quickly also plays a role here.

Two related notes,
1. Gap integrity is why I hate that we no longer have the option to base align
2. Is it just me or have others noticed that each game they need to go into coach adjustments and reset auto flip to on? Every game it is starting off

[ggsimmonds]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

I always check my teams blocking assignments on run plays. It has been a game changer for me. Assuming you know who’ll be blocked, as there’s a whole other check for matchups, you’ll know who you likely have to beat in the hole. My team runs a lot of power and counter so that helps. Zone runs are another discussion.

I’ve only lightly attempted pass blocking adjustments. I honestly don’t clearly understand what I’m doing yet.

Use this dirty rule of thumb for for pass protection: Half slide to the side of the closest defender to the center.



Here we look at the center and see the closest defender is the NT lined up over his right shoulder, so I would half slide to the right. If the Dline were shifted to the right so that the DT was closer to the center than the NT, I would half slide to the left.
(put differently, in general you want to half slide towards the weakside)

[zpq12]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

I almost never shift my line. It may very well be a beneficial tactic, but its not one I employ.

The reason being is my main priority in run defense is maintaining gap integrity and most of your "out of the box" defensive alignments will have all gaps accounted for. I don't know how shifting the line will impact that, and since I user the LB I need to know what gap I am responsible for. The AI snapping the ball too quickly also plays a role here.

Two related notes,
1. Gap integrity is why I hate that we no longer have the option to base align
2. Is it just me or have others noticed that each game they need to go into coach adjustments and reset auto flip to on? Every game it is starting off

I shift with the intent of maintaining gap integrity. I’m thinking specifically of the outside linebacker outside blitz with the line slanting away play in the 4-3 base and the zone-nickel blitz plays. I primarily user defensive lineman, so if I’m disciplined I can dictate gap integrity a bit. I had a zone play that I’d been getting beat on that I was pretty excited that I was aware enough to play my end outside to force the play back inside. A big change from my previous Madden approach of hammering on the inside rush moves.

I miss base align. Whether or not that would fix it, I feel like I’m constantly auditing my defense to find players out of position.

I’ve had auto flip on all along and I’ve not seen issues.

[ggsimmonds]

Re: Share What You Have Found That "WORKS"...

I shift with the intent of maintaining gap integrity. I’m thinking specifically of the outside linebacker outside blitz with the line slanting away play in the 4-3 base and the zone-nickel blitz plays. I primarily user defensive lineman, so if I’m disciplined I can dictate gap integrity a bit. I had a zone play that I’d been getting beat on that I was pretty excited that I was aware enough to play my end outside to force the play back inside. A big change from my previous Madden approach of hammering on the inside rush moves.

I miss base align. Whether or not that would fix it, I feel like I’m constantly auditing my defense to find players out of position.

I’ve had auto flip on all along and I’ve not seen issues.

Gotcha, I forgot that when your line is already slanting left and you shift left all it does is straighten the slant instead of shifting it. Yeah it makes sense in that scenario. I'd be a little worried against a user that I'm creating a tell but the AI isn't advanced enough to pick up on that. That same blitz is a staple in my playbook, the cover 1 one where you basically trade the hole defender for a 5th rusher? Love it.

I need to double check my menu setting for auto switch. I probably forgot to set that when I restarted my dynasty.

And yeah, playing as the force defender is one of the best "quick tips" to improve your run defense. I don't know if its because your AI teammates aren't very good at setting the edge or if the AI is programmed to be biased in cutting to the inside when the user is forcing