Bronco
07-15-2004, 08:26 PM
Hey guys,
like Bomber and others have pointed out, the standard plays that normally work against a Cover 2 Zone don't necessarily work as well this year. As you all know, the weak spots in this coverage are the deep alleys and the deep middle.
But since the CBs tend to retreat VERY quickly, the alleys up the side close very quick...so, that leaves the deep middle. Of course, EA has countered that as well by employing more of a "2 Buc" variation with the Mike LB dropping much deeper. However, IMO the deep middle is far more attractive to exploit, as you've got potentially more favorable matchups (WR vs LB).
So, as long as you can "hold" the Mike underneath, there will always be potential for the deep middle to open up. Consequently, I've had some good success with Triple Seam and Post / Corner combinations. These will work provided there is enough traffic underneath to keep Mike from dropping too deep.
Attached is an example of a Post / Corner concept out of ACE Bunch. The play is "Quick Cross", and I employ this play by motioning the inside slot WR over to the left. Originally, he was running a 'stair flat' route, but after motion, he darts in, stair-steps up for five yards, then proceeds underneath.
Without motioning the slot WR, Mike will have no worries underneath, and he'll consequently retreat deep, effectively robbing the post. Hence, the WR running the post will be bracketed by the FS on top and Mike below - the middle of the field will be closed.
But after motion, Mike will jump the under route, and temporarily follow him across. The result is significant - big window up the middle. The QB should take a five step drop, hitch up, and throw on time. Just ensure that the throw isn't too early, or the Dime back / Will LB will jump the route...too late and Mike recovers. Either way, the post route generally breaks infront of the FS.
like Bomber and others have pointed out, the standard plays that normally work against a Cover 2 Zone don't necessarily work as well this year. As you all know, the weak spots in this coverage are the deep alleys and the deep middle.
But since the CBs tend to retreat VERY quickly, the alleys up the side close very quick...so, that leaves the deep middle. Of course, EA has countered that as well by employing more of a "2 Buc" variation with the Mike LB dropping much deeper. However, IMO the deep middle is far more attractive to exploit, as you've got potentially more favorable matchups (WR vs LB).
So, as long as you can "hold" the Mike underneath, there will always be potential for the deep middle to open up. Consequently, I've had some good success with Triple Seam and Post / Corner combinations. These will work provided there is enough traffic underneath to keep Mike from dropping too deep.
Attached is an example of a Post / Corner concept out of ACE Bunch. The play is "Quick Cross", and I employ this play by motioning the inside slot WR over to the left. Originally, he was running a 'stair flat' route, but after motion, he darts in, stair-steps up for five yards, then proceeds underneath.
Without motioning the slot WR, Mike will have no worries underneath, and he'll consequently retreat deep, effectively robbing the post. Hence, the WR running the post will be bracketed by the FS on top and Mike below - the middle of the field will be closed.
But after motion, Mike will jump the under route, and temporarily follow him across. The result is significant - big window up the middle. The QB should take a five step drop, hitch up, and throw on time. Just ensure that the throw isn't too early, or the Dime back / Will LB will jump the route...too late and Mike recovers. Either way, the post route generally breaks infront of the FS.