Perhaps the most important element of any successful defense is alignment. After that comes execution. If we can think in these terms we can master run defense. There are several types of defensive players. Some of us like to control a safety player. Others of us like to control a defensive lineman and yet others may just like to control a linebacker. If you like controlling the middle linebacker and want to increase your tackle numbers, this email tip is just for you.

As is mentioned in our Virtual Playbook for Madden NFL 10, any time at least one tight end is in the game and on the line of scrimmage, the defense is responsible for eight gaps. One great thing about Madden NFL 10 that was noticeable during playtime as we were constructing the guide is that there is a degree of combo blocking. A combo block is one in which two offensive lineman start out with a double team on a defensive lineman. As the play unfolds, one of the linemen will peel off the double team block on the defensive lineman and get to the second level to take on a linebacker or whoever the next nearest defender might be. Because of this, it is possible to defend the run with seven men.

Before going further, it is important to mention that a great deal of speed and agility is needed at the middle linebacker position to shoot gaps and defend the run. We also need to highlight that your middle linebacker needs to be a great tackler. At times as you control him, you will be the only front-seven defender to come into contact with the running back. Missing the tackle will put your safeties in a bad position. Finally, making plays like this can lead to some degree of excitement, but be sure not to overrun the play. As we go through this section, things should become clearer.

Gap Rules

There are two primary gaps to be concerned with. On the alignment side of the center (side the middle linebacker is aligned), let the A gap (gap between Center and Guard) be your target. Hit the A gap to defend the run from the inside out. Even if the play is run to your side, you can still hit the gap and defend the run.

On the opposite side of the center, the C gap (between the offensive tackle and tight end) is your target. Let us explain something here. With the middle linebacker, what we are advocating is to simply concern yourself with two gaps: A and C. You can hit the A gap when plays are run to your side or away from your side.

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Our friends at MaddenBible.com have sent us an email about how to stop the dreaded HB Direct.

Enjoy!

3-4 Normal

Cover 4 Safe QB Spy

1. Call the play “flipped” at the play call screen.
2. Slide the defensive line to the right (if the HB is aligned to the left adjust accordingly)
3. Re-blitz the ROLB
4. Place the inside left MLB on a QB spy. Re-blitz the inside right MLB
5. Manually “man up” the SS on the HB (A+HB icon+ left on the D-p ad 360) (X+HB icon+left on the D-pad PS3)
6.*It is very important to slide the SS out wide of the TE. Line up the SS towards the WR on the HB side. Place the SS on the LOS. Call bump n’ run. (if you call bump n’ run after you click off the SS he will slide over. Make sure to call bump n’ run while on the SS)
7. Place the left DE on a DE contain.

Now I went to stress something that I always have and always will. By default on every play we have roughly 7-10 seconds to setup our defense. The logic behind this is that once our opponent calls there offensive play the screen breaks to the gameplay screen. It takes 7 seconds for the offense to call a hike, without any adjustments or hot routes. Typically our opponent will call atleast one or two, this is where we see the 10 second mark come into play.

Knowing this we know we can manully adjust our defense with that alloted time every down. This will NEVER change all year. We will ALWAYS have 7 -10 seconds to make our defense. The Madden Bible Staff put in many hours to bring this defense to you and we assure you all the steps can be done in ONLY 7 seconds!

Check out MaddenBible.com for more tips.

Another MaddenTips.com strategy that is very effective from the Cardinals Offensive Playbook. The Cardinals made it to the Super Bowl last year by giving defensive coordinators fits with their spread offense. We want to provide you with a nice play from the Cardinals playbook out of the Gun Spread formation.This play uses auto motion to shift the defense away from our screen route to the left side. The play call is the Gun Spread–PA HB Screen.

Playbooks:

• Cardinals

The Return of Brett Favre – Brett Favre is Back and Your Defense is In Trouble

Iron man Brett Favre has come out of retirement once again to give it another run. Now in his 18th season in the NFL, he hopes to lead another team into the playoffs and ultimately win Super Bowl XXIV. Of course, every Madden NFL 10 gamer worth his salt is interested in seeing what they can do with this explosive player in the game. Check out this play from www.MaddenTips.com, part of their Season Pass ultimate update service. Become a member today to get access to all plays and updates like this one.

Favre has one of the highest play action ratings in the game, making the use of play action plays a must if you plan on using the Vikings.

A play action play we like to run out of the Vikings playbook that showcases Favre’s play action ability is the I-Form Tight Pair – PA Close Cross.

Playbooks:

• Vikings

This play action play has Favre play faking to Adrian Peterson towards the right. Once the play fake animation is over, Favre bootlegs towards the left side. Against the blitz, this play action play is rather effective at keeping the blitzing defenders off of the Vikings’ new prized possession. Something we like to do when running this play is to put a faster HB in at the FB position. Chester Taylor has solid hands and good speed, making him a good choice to fill in at the FB position.

The defense comes out in the 3-4 Normal—Pinch. This Cover 0 defense sends 6 pass rushers after the QB.

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Additional Shopmaster Tip: The one additional tip I will give is that you don’t always have to move the guys right up to the line and sometimes you don’t have to do it manually but with linebacker and offensive line shifts.  I find that if I don’t move a player manually my opponent is less suspecting of a blitz than if I manually move him to a spot.   If you do move someone manually practice manually moving someone not blitzing but falling back into a zone closer to give the appearance of a blitz, this way they will never know when you are blitzing or playing zone.  Always try to keep your opponent guess, that is a big key to playing defense for myself.