Madden NFL 2005 - Strategy Guide (Page 02)
Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for Madden NFL 2005 - Strategy Guide (Page 02).
Spin Circle Button Stiff Arm R2 Button Juke (Left/Right) L1/R1 Button Lateral The Ball L2 Button ------------------------------- Passing ------------------------------- Bring Up Passing Icons X Button After The Snap Pass To The Receiver X, Square, Circle, L1, R1 Button Throw Ball Away L2 Button + Triangle Button Pump Fake R2 Button + X, Square, Circle, L1, or R1 ------------------------------- Receiving ------------------------------- Take Control Of Receiver X Button Dive For Pass Square Button Jump For Pass Triangle Button ------------------------------- Defense - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Cycle Defenders X Button or Circle Button Reposition Player D-Button Defensive Line Shift L1 Button Secondary Shift (Bump and Run) R1 Button Call An Audible Square, then Square, X, Circle, L1, L2, or R1 Button Madden Meter R2 Button ------------------------------- Defense - After The Snap ------------------------------- Switch Player X Button Dive Square Button Power Tackle/Speed Burst Circle Button Jump Triangle Button Power/Swim Move R1 Button Swat Ball L1 Button Spin Move R2 Button Strip Ball L2 Button ------------------------------- Kicking Game ------------------------------- Kickoff/Field Goals X, then X, Circle, or Triangle Punts X Button then X Button Call An Audible Square, then X, Square, or Circle Button ------------------------------- Kickoff/Punt Returning ------------------------------- Control Return Man D-Button Switch Players X Button Fair Catch/Kneel Triangle Button =========================================== Section: 4 Name: Offensive Help Last Updated: 8/19/04 =========================================== Passing is a huge part of football, and to win against good players or on All Madden mode against the computer, you need to pass. Relying on one aspect of offense will not get you anywhere in football, so you need to mix in the pass and run at perfect opportunities. Instead of making reckless calls, you should always be in control of the game when you have the ball. I am going to break down my offensive strategy using the Atlanta Playbook. I believe that the Atlanta Playbook is the most balanced playbook that I've came across, and even though I don't use Atlanta as a team, I feel very comfortable using their playbook. I have broken down many plays in the Atlanta playbook with a ranking and a description of how to use the play. While this might be a bit in-depth for some people, I feel that it is necessary to read for all Madden fans. The rating key is very simple and easy to follow. Not all the plays are listed, due to me never using them and/or having no desire to list them due to them being lackluster plays. Before reading on, the most important factor of Offense is control. No matter how good someone says they are in Madden, they aren't shiat if they don't control their wide receivers and their corners (on defense). Right after you pass a ball, make sure that you switch over to your wide receiver asap. This is essential when playing good people, because if you aren't controlling your WR, and they are controlling their DB, you're never going to be able to complete a pass other than those that count as interceptions. A few basic tricks that I use during the game should also help you offensively no matter what play you use. If you are throwing a deep ball (lob) run as fast (with turbo) as far as you can. Don't worry about judging the ball, if you press triangle right when the ball is coming down, you'll have a better chance of catching the ball. When passing the ball, make sure that you don't only throw bullet/lob passes, but use the analog in the right/left direction to aim where you want to throw it. On the streak patterns, I usually aim to the same side of the out of bounds line (aka right if throwing to a receiver lined up on the right side of the QB) and then I control my wide receiver and move him to the ball. I catch the ball while I'm still running over there, getting in front of the DB. Right when the ball arrives, I press triangle (no matter what, always press triangle) and I catch the ball 9/10 times in front of the DB. It's a little cheap move, but it works really well. For short passes, I tend to use bullet passes. When I'm trying to throw deep over the DB, I use lob passes. When I'm trying to throw in front of the DB, I use bullet passes. Also, try not to do the same thing on every possession. Don't always run on 1st, or pass on second, change it up. I know that it's nice always having a short 2nd down after a nice run play, but don't be scared to run on 2nd and long. It will work a lot better than you think. I usually try run once to twice per every three downs. It makes the defense more susceptable to getting thrown deep on, which is great. Those are just basic tips, read on for actual strategies. ------------------------------- Rating Key ------------------------------- * Horrible Play ** Rarely Use, Hard To Excecute *** Dependable Play That Can Be Ran 1-3 Times A Game **** Excellent Play, Always Used ***** Money Play :) ------------------------------- I-Form - Normal ------------------------------- The I-Form is my favorite formation to run or pass out of. While playing your friends, it is almost impossible for them to know if you are going to be running or passing when you are set up in the I-Form. While every playbook is a bit different, I am referring to the Atlanta Playbook while teaching you some fundamental plays. I use the I-Form over 80 percent of the time, and I highly recommend that you do the same. Play Name: Price Option Play Type: Pass My Rating: **** Description: The Price Option is a play that you can run a few times in the game. I use it usually in 2nd and short situations, knowing that I can always pick up the first down the next play if I don't complete the ball. It's very hard to get sacked while running this play, due to your fullback sitting there waiting to pick up a rusher. When the coast is clear, your fullback when then run out and find a nice little seam to catch the ball in the open middle field. I usually don't throw to him though while running this play. Your #1 receiver runs a nice pattern, where he does a double move and runs up the field. This is a great play if the safefy is pre-occupied with your tight end who runs a post in. If you see single coverage, which you will see a lot while running this play, step back and throw the ball to your #1 receiver. if not, you should have your #2 receiver sitting with his hands wide open on the left side of your screen. Usually the DB will be behind him, so if you use a bullet pass, you should be able to get a good 6 or 7 yards. If you see goal line coverage, R1 (your running back) should be open on the flats. Throw to him, not a bullet pass because he'll drop it, and he should have a nice little scamper himself. Overall, this play is actually a really nice play to use in the game, and I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to have a deep playbook. Play Name: Falcon QB Sweep Play Type: Run My Rating: ** Description: I'm not a big fan of this play at all because it is a designed QB run play. I usually think running with the QB is easier to do when you drop back on a deep pattern, and tuck the ball and run to the outside. The problem with this play is that there are way too many people in the box. Usually, 7 guys will have a good chance of getting your QB on the QB draw, so there will be no chance of breaking a long run. With only two wide receivers lined up, defenses will be cheating on the run most likely. I don't recommend using this play at all, especially with a slow QB. Play Name: TE Flat Play Type: Pass My Rating: **** Description: I've liked the TE Flat play since my early Madden days, and it still seems like it works like a charm in Madden 2005. Your running back runs a nice little flat pattern, which he then curls up the field. Usually, he'll be covered by a slow outside linebacker, which he should have no problem beating. That is a good play for about 5 yards each time. Your #1 receiver, runs a 10 yard curl. This curl is great to use, and can be excecuted very well. Right when you see your receiver slow down to curl, throw a bullet at him. Control him while the ball is in the air, and you'll definately pick up 7-8 yards. Your tight end runs a TE Flat, which usually is a hard pass to throw. I tend to stay away from that. Your #2 receiver runs a inside post, which is a great play if the safety bites on the run. Other than that, it's a hard pass to complete. I enjoy this play, and I will use it at least four times a game. It's not a play that is going to get you a ton of yards, but it's a nice play to use on a second and long play. Play Name: PA QB Draw Play Type: Run My Rating: * Description: I think this is one of the worse plays in the Atlanta Playbook. First off, running ANY type of play action gives your QB a much greater chance of getting sacked. The idea of using a PA QB Draw, is outragerous. Stay away from this play, and use it only if you are up a ton and want to fool around. It's good for a "What the hell" comment from your friend after you run it, but that's about it. Play Name: Flats Play Type: Pass My Rating: ***** Description: This was my favorite play in Madden 2004 and it is still my favorite play in Madden 2005. There are so many possible things that you can do with this play, that it's very hard to throw an interception of get sacked. At the start of the play, it looks like a typical run type of play. This is great due to the fact that your opponent may run his safeties in for a blitz. Right when you snap the ball, your fullback and running back run two opposite flats. Usually, one of them will not be covered, which is good for 5 yards. If they are both covered, and you have a semi-fast QB, you can usually scamper 5 yards by running right behind your running back. Due to the tight end running an out, there will be no one on the left of your screen to cover a run. If you have a slow QB, no sweat, you still have your two wide receivers running streaks. If there is single coverage on any of them, make sure that you throw. It's very hard for the computer or your opponent to stop you from catching a ball when you are controlling both your QB, the strength of the pass, and your wide receiver. If they are both double covered, your tight end should be open right after he cuts into the field. When running this play, one of these situations will happen. The only problem with this play is the fact that you don't know what situation is going to occur. But if you have patient, you should be able to use this play to your advantage each time. This is a great play on first down, second down and short, or third down and 7 or more. Make sure that you add this to your plays! Play Name: HB Lead Dive Play Type: Run My Rating: **** Description: My second favorite running play in the game, just behind the HB Slam. I've been using the HB Lead Dive since Madden 2001 on Playstation 2, and since then, it's been great for me. Your running back runs up the gut right behind your fullback, ensuring that most of the time you'll get 3-4 yards. I use this play at least once every eight downs, and I usually scamper about 5-7 yards with it. It's a big run play too, because I can't recall how many times I've ran for a long touchdown running this play. Don't be patient while running this play, instead run up the gut no matter what right when you get the ball. The most movement I make behind the line of scrimmage is a right or left juke, but other than that, I run right up behind my fullback. Once you get comfortable with this play, you'll see how easy it is to read the defense and no exactly where to run. If you see a lot of guys lined up to the right, and you are running to the right, playmaker it to the left. This play works great from either side of the field. Play Name: HB Sweep Play Type: Run My Rating: *** Description: The HB Sweep is a running play that is not one of my favorites, but gets the job done with the defense is not blitzing. It's a delayed play in my opinion because the fullback and the two left linemen try to run out and block. So you must be patient while running this play. The problem with HB Sweep is the fact that it's a win/lose type of play, where you can lose about 2-4 yards when the defense crowds the line. If you are willing to take a risk like that, then add this to your playbook. I try running this play a few times a game, to try to switch up run plays on my opponent. Play Name: Quick Outs Play Type: Pass My Rating: ** Description: I don't like this play at all because there is no deep threat present while running this play. Your two wide receivers run little outs, while your tight end runs some weird pattern where he ends up running a bit back to the line of scrimmage. I would not recommend throwing to your tight end at all while running this play. because it's possible for the corner on the right side of the screen to break from the coverage and try to pick off the ball. Sometimes this plays works like a charm when you throw to you running back who runs a flat. Usually though, there is a good chance of getting sacked or intercepted while running this play, so I tend not to use it that much. Play Name: HB Slam Play Type: Run My Rating: ***** Description: This is the best running play in the game, and it works like a charm. When running the HB slam, you can easily pick up 5-7 yards on almost every carry. There is so many possible ways that you can run after you see who gets blocked and what gaps are open, that the benefits of running this play are endless. First off, your fullback will come in and run up the middle. If you like what you see up the middle, tail his butt as close as you can, till you reach the secondary. If you don't like what you see, tail to the right (if the play is designed to go to the right) and run horizontal. Usually, your wide receiver will block off the corner, so you can run perpendicular and then up the field for about 5 yards. The way to gain the most yards is to follow your fullback, but if that fails, you can get about 3-4 yards by running perpendicular to your fullback. While this may sound a bit confusing at first, it's the ultimate run play that can be pulled out anytime. On long third downs, don't be afraid to run this play. If the play is executed well when the defense is playing the pass, you should have no problem picking up 9-12 yards each time when you run the pass. Remember, jukes and speed burts are essential to be good at running though. And when I mean jukes, sometimes it's just better to take your hand off the analog, stop your rb, and move him in the other direction while playing human controlled players. Play Name: PA FA Blat Play Type: Pass My Rating: **** Description: I love Play Action plays, and this one is my favorite PA game in the game solely on the streak that your #1 wideout runs. This play will work perfectly at least once a game, resulting in usually a touchdown from wherever on the field. A lot of times the safety will bite on the PA, leaving man on man coverage down the field. It is essential to control you wide receiver when you throw a long pass, especially while using this play. If you get in back of the DB, make sure that you add a little more loft in your throw. If you are behind him, throw a bullet and turn around your receiver and press triangle. Although it will make him jump, he will also catch the ball 9/10 times. Also, your tight end runs a little nice curl, which he usually is open if you have a lot of time in the pocket. I usually don't pass to the rb or fullback while using this play, but don't forget about your second wide receiver. He runs a post, very similiar to that of TE Flat, which is always good for a catch or two per game. Use this play a lot in the course of a game, but remember, with any PA play, there is a great chance of getting sacked. Play Name: HB Counter WK Play Type: Run My Rating: *** Description: HB Counter WK is good to throw off your opponent when he thinks that you are going to run up the gut. This play actually works better than most people expect, because there are so many blockers out in front of your running back which breaks him free. The problem with this play though is the fact that it is somewhat of a "delayed" play, making you susceptable of losing yards. The only time that I would recommend using this play is on a 2nd and 4, because there is always a chance of losing yards. Don't use this play on first down because no one likes a 2nd and 12, and don't dare to use this play on 3rd and short. Instead, use it as a "waste" play when you think that you can pick up the yards, though when the yards aren't exactly necessary to pick up on that down. Play Name: FB Dive Play Type: Run My Rating: **** Description: In Madden 2004, it was almost impossible to get stuffed at 4th and inches. In Madden 2005, it seems like the defense comes alive and it's harder to get a few inches on 4th down. Don't risk running with your rb in these situations, give it to your fullback. The fullback dive is the best play to run in short yardage situations, especially thru the i-form. When you run it thru goal line, everyone and their mother knows that you are going to be running a running play. When you run it thru i-form, it leaves the defense thinking that it may be a pass play. Sometimes I find it nice to use on 2nd and 5 situations, because it is usually good for 2-3 yards. Play Name: Crumpler Option Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The Crumpler Option is also a very nice play that you can find in the I-Form of the Atlanta Playbook. Your two wide receivers run deep outs, which are easy to complete if you get down the proper timing. Right when they are about to take a step out, throw a bullet to them. Remember, to control your receiver, and you should have no problem catching the ball. Being that the outs are so deep, you can actually throw a bullet two seconds after you hike the ball, and you can usually complete the pass because the cornerback will be behind the receiver. That may sound a bit confusing, but test it out a few tries and you'll understand what I mean. Your tight end will run a curl also, but can change his route and run a streak if you want him to. I usually don't throw it to the tight end, even though the play is designed to go to him. Instead, I throw it to either of the two WRs or the running back, who runs a little flat. The flat is usually not covered at all, giving a certain 4-6 yard gain when completed. This is a nice little play to use a few times in a game, especially on third and long situations ------------------------------- I-Form - Twin WR ------------------------------- I rarely, and I mean rarely, use the I-Form - Twin WR. I admit that some of the plays are pretty good, but I am always too lazy to go that deep into the playbook to use them. While most of the plays are the same as the regular I-Form, except the fact that the WRs are on one side of the ball, there is one play that is quite good in the I-Form - Twin WR. Play Name: HB Screen Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: This HB Screen works well when used correctly. This is due to the fact that if your running back is covered in the backfield, your number one wide receiver should be singled covered down the field. Remember, whenever you see single coverage, you should always throw the ball without hesistating. When the screen works, you can break out long plays if you complete the screen. Beware though, because sometimes when you running back drops the pass, the ball is still live because you throw it behind. This can lead to unnecessary fumbles, which usually turns into fumble returns for touchdowns because no one is back there. So beware while running this play, but take the risk once or twice in a game. ------------------------------- Singleback - Normal ------------------------------- I was never a huge fan of Singleback Formation due to the fact that it is a lot harder to run with. When I see people lined up in Singleback formation, I am almost positive that they are going to pass the ball. This gives me an advantage from the start, so don't give people the same advantage when you are on offense. There are a few passing plays that I enjoy in the singleback form, but other than that, I don't bother with Tight, Big, 4WR, Trips Bunch or Slot Strong. Play Name: Jailbreak Screen Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: Surprisingly, the Jailbreak Screen works a lot more than you would expect. If the screen is covered, I usually throw the ball away because the two wide receivers that are running streaks are usually double covered. While running this play, I like to move my QB to the left of the field (when the screen receiver is on the right side of me) to try to draw the coverage over there. Then when I can even see the wide receiver to the right of me, I throw a bullet pass to him and I quickly press triangle right when I get control of the WR. The time it takes to switch players and press triangle is equivalent to the time it takes the ball to reach my WR, making it a perfect timing situation. Usually, there is a cornerback being blocked right next to the WR, so make sure that you don't run him into him. Once you get free from that corner, you should be able to easily scamper about 10-15 more yards before you are approached by the safety. While this play doesn't work all the time, it should be used a few times in the game. Play Name: PA Rollout Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: PA Rollout is another play that is pretty good to use a few times in the Singleback formation. Instead of throwing to any of the receivers that roll out, I usually tend to only the the ball to the wide receiver who runs a streak. By him running the streak and the slot receiver running a post, the safety usually gets confused and has to commit to one of them. This leaves one of them on single coverage, making it a good play to use a few times in a game. Play Name: WR Post Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The WR Post is another decent play that can be pulled out a couple of times during a game. Your #1 wideout runs a streak, which can be good if he is single covered. Your running back runs a little flat, which is usually a sure 5 yards everytime you throw to him. The thing that I like the best about this play is that the receiver in the slot usually blocks the corner who is controlling your #2 receiver. This makes your #2 receiver wide open after he gets done with turning for post. You should be able to see him running across field, 20 yards upfield, with a trailing safety half the time. With good precision passing, you should be able to complete this pass 70 percent of the time. While this isn't a great play to use all the time, it can be used for 3rd and long situations. Play Name: Post Corners Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: For some odd reason, usually the L1 or X receiver is singled covered everytime when I run this play against the computer. It may be a glitch or something, but I can usually complete this play 75 percent of the time against the computer. The roblem with this play is that I tend to get sacked a lot of times, waiting for my wide receivers to all get down the field. It is essential to throw to one of the streak receivers, after the two outside WRs break out. If you throw too early, you'll probably throw an interception because there will be way too much traffic. Like most of the Singleback plays, this play is a decent play that should work once or twice during the game. Play Name: PA HB Curl Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: Sometimes this play is a total disaster, and sometimes you go the whole way with this play. This play depends on what defense your opponent is running. The receiver that runs the post is usually wide open down the field, while the receiver that runs the curl can usually catch the ball with a bullet pass. Your running back who runs a little curl 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, is sometimes sitting there with no one around him. When this happens, it is essential to throw to him. Once he catches the ball, it will be a .2 second delay, for him to turn up the field and start running. Just remember that if you need some extra yards on a long third down situation. Play Name: WR Reverse Play Type: Run My Rating: ** Description: This play is a fun play to run, but it is very hard to execute and actually gain yards with. When the play fails, you will usually lose 5-7 yards, which certainly does not outweigh the benefits of running this play. The time it takes for the running back to hand it off to the wide receiver seems like ages, and by the time the WR runs to where the QB was originally is 2 seconds. Your QB will run out to block, which usually fails, making this play a total disaster. Like I said before, it is very hard to gain a significant amount of yards with this play, making this play a high risk, low gain play. ------------------------------- Split Backs - Normal ------------------------------- Like Singleback, I usually only run Split Back when I need a good passing play. I've never been a fan of running without a fullback, especially in Madden 2005. While you may get a good run once in a while, I find running with a fullback in front to be a lot more beneficial. That is why all of these plays are passing plays. Play Name: Curls Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: In this play, your two wideouts and your tight end run all similiar in curls. I find it easier to complete the pass after the whole curl is completed for some odd reason in this certain play. Once they have ran their curls, your receivers will be sitting there doing nothing. A bullet pass is necessary here, for a fast hard completetion. Your receiver will get tackled right away, but it will be a completion for about 5-8 yards. If you are getting blitzed right from the beginning, quickly fire it to L1 (the running back) on the flats. You will complete this pass about 50 percent of the time. Play Name: Crumpler Option Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The Crumpler Option is also a very nice play that you can find in the I-Form and also in the Split Back formation of the Atlanta Playbook. They are basically the same play. Your two wide receivers run deep outs, which are easy to complete if you get down the proper timing. Right when they are about to take a step out, throw a bullet to them. Remember, to control your receiver, and you should have no problem catching the ball. Being that the outs are so deep, you can actually throw a bullet two seconds after you hike the ball, and you can usually complete the pass because the cornerback will be behind the receiver. That may sound a bit confusing, but test it out a few tries and you'll understand what I mean. Your tight end will run a curl also, but can change his route and run a streak if you want him to. I usually don't throw it to the tight end, even though the play is designed to go to him. Instead, I throw it to either of the two WRs or the running back, who runs a little flat. The flat is usually not covered at all, giving a certain 4-6 yard gain when completed. This is a nice little play to use a few times in a game, especially on third and long situations. The only difference between the play here and the play in I-form, is that the running back runs a different way in when in this formation. Both of them are good, but when you run it from this formation, it is more expected as a pass. Play Name: Flats Play Type: Pass My Rating: **** Description: While Flats is my favorite play in I-Form, I find it not to be as good in Split Back form. Instead of two wide receivers going deep, only your #1 wide receiver will run a streak. The other will run a short curl out, which usually ends up not working at all. The running back and the full back still run their desired routes, but the tight end never breaks from the line. Scroll up to read my full strategy on the play in I-Form, but don't expect the same benefits when using it from Split Back Formation. Play Name: TE Post Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The TE Post is a very similiar play to the WR Post which can be found in Singleback Formation. While I like the WR Post a little bit more, this play also works like a charm when used correctly. First off, your #1 wide receiver runs a streak. Because your tight end runs a inside post, the safety will have to commit to either the TE or the WR. Whichever one he commits to, throw to the other guy for single coverage. If both are covered tight, you can always throw across the field, which actually isn't dangerous in this play at all. If you throw across the field, you should be able to control your wide receiver to step in front of the DB and catch the ball. This a little more complex, and could result in disaster if you totally mess up. If you are too worried to do that, simply hit your RB on the flats. And don't forget about your fullback running his curl 5 yards thru the field, he is sometimes more wide open than Paris Hilton :)... ------------------------------- Shotgun ------------------------------- I decided to break down the Shotgun section into one major section, without cutting it down from 2 RB 3WR and Trips Bunch. I use to run the Shotgun a lot back in Madden 2001, and every year, I run it less and less. I find myself running a shotgun play maybe once or twice in a game, making it the lease ran formation I use. Many people criticize me for doing this, but I think that the shotgun formation is mostly for newbs. First off, it is filled with mostly all passing plays, letting the defense have the advantage right from the beginning. When people run shotgun on me, I'm usually very relaxed until I get my user pick. That's when I stress out the most, because i'm always trying to run the ball back for a touchdown. So don't be on that side of the equation, simply don't run the shotgun. Now many would argue, how do I throw deep then? Well, there's plenty of plays out of the I-Form, Singleback, Weak, and Split Back, which sends guy way down the field. Why run a play with 5 different receivers, it does a ton more harm than good. First off, you won't have enough time to throw the ball against a good defensive player, because he will be able to blitz you from all corners while protecting the defense from a pass. So basically anyone that is good can stop the Shotgun easily. Don't get me wrong, there are so good plays in the Shotgun formation that will work 10 percent of the time :), but you can say that about every play in every formation. Basically, the shotgun to me is a picking game. It really doesn't matter what play you choose, because ultimately, they all do the same. Run 3, 4, or 5 guys around, a couple of them deep, and throw the ball to the open receiver. I can't really explain a play that will work good all the time, because while running Shotgun, you don't really know what type of defense you will be against. Basically, people always tend to go to shotgun on 3rd and long passes. I think running I-Form Flats ia a lot better than that. I'm sure that many people won't agree with me on this, so feel free to e-mail me at: fanbaseballdrew@aol.com and we can debate this more. ------------------------------- Weak I - Normal ------------------------------- Weak I isn't a bad formation to run out of, but is usually overlooked in most playbooks. While I don't run a lot of of this formation, there are a few plays that I think are pretty cool that I would like you guys to try out. Though they don't always work, they are good plays to change up from your regular plays that you use all the time. Play Name: TE Fade Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The TE Fade is a really cool play in my opinion, that works actually pretty good after a little practice. First off, your running back runs a little flat, which is not guarded half the time. Like you probably already know, if you see him not guarded, throw to him asap. Your second wide receiver runs a 10 yard streak, then turns it into a 45 degree post. Because he is the only one on that side of the field, the safety usually picks up on him. Your tight end, runs a 45 degree out right from the start, which crosses him and your #1 wide receiver. With the other safety usually helping out on him, your tight end should be wide open after the cross pattern. Throw a semi-bullet, and you should be able to hit him for about 20 yards. This play works like a charm if you have time in the pocket, and is a nice play to add to your playbook. Play Name: WR Streak Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The WR Streak in Weak I is pretty self-explanatory. Your #2 receiver runs a streak, which usually is double covered. If he's not double covered, he is the guy that you want to pass to. If he is though, your #1 receiver and your tight end run similiar patterns which confuses the safety. Look for one of them to have single coverage, and exploit it. If both of those plays fail, most likely due to you having no time to throw, simply throw to you running back in the flats. He'll be running on the same side of the your receiver and tight end, letting him run freely for at least 5 yards once he gets past the outside linebacker. Play Name: Quick Pitch Play Type: Run My Rating: ** Description: Though the Quick Pitch is very hard to execute, it's a really fun play to run, especially because it always baffles your opponent in one way or another. You can usually catch the defense off guard while running this play, ensuring that you won't get sacked behind the line most of the time. The problem is, if the defense is thinking run, you will probably be tackled way behind the line of scrimmage. This play is dangerous too, because the outside linebacker usually has a great angle on you to hit stick you. I've seen this play cause a lot of fumbles before, so beware. It's fun though, because your running back gets the ball so fast, that the defense reacts to the play a little slower than you would think. This lets you run in and out a bit before you get tackled. ------------------------------- Full House ------------------------------- Like Shotgun, Full House does not impress me at all. I never liked running it, and I don't believe that I will ever start running it at all. I usually never even run a play in the Full House formation once a game. I can see why fast Quarterbacks might like running out of this formation (like Vick), but for pocket passers this formation stinks. The running plays in here are all a bit tricky to use, and the passing plays are horrible. Basically, I call Full House a shoddier version of Goal Line.
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