4-4

[CornhuskersOwnU]

i played a guy online and he blitzed 90 percent of the time and i was wondering since i use USC's playbook what plays and formations could exploit this and by the way he was running the 4-4 and then he'd run the dime and blitz either his corners, one of the corners or the safeties

[M-Dub?]

I'm not familiar with SC's playbook, but if someone is blitzing you constantly from the outside, your best bet is to step up into the pocket and hit some quick slants. It's tough, because when you see the blitz coming, your gut instinct is to drop back farther or scramble, but you can often get them to overpursue if you step up. You can also hot route your RB(s) to block for added protection. It also seems like your accuracy improves when you step up into the pocket. And worst case scenario, if he gets to you in the pocket, it's only a 4 or 5 yard loss versus 8-10 if you drop back or scramble.

If he starts blitzing up the middle, that's when you start calling Shotgun passes and outside runs.

Hope that helps. And Go Buffs, BTW! I can't believe I'm giving a Husker fan advice!

[Fluff E Bunny]

i played a guy online and he blitzed 90 percent of the time and i was wondering since i use USC's playbook what plays and formations could exploit this and by the way he was running the 4-4 and then he'd run the dime and blitz either his corners, one of the corners or the safeties

I have the play for you. I'm working on my I Form Slot write up now and just labbed the play Slot Corner. Looks like this:

.................................................. ./
................................................../
..|\............................................/
..|............................................/........./|
..|............................................|.. ........|
..|............................................|.. ........|
WR................T..G..C..G..T..........|........ .WR
............................Q.................S
............................FB
............................TB (TB does a slant left, didnt want to draw that)

This is absolutely deadly vs the 4-4. Just motion the WR on the right over to the left. Snap the ball, take a 3 step drop back and then lob to the slot. You'll need to practice it vs man and zone, but generally speaking you get a nifty mismatch with a LB on your slot...deep....for big yards.

[XxRENO6xX]

Run screens to the blitzing side!!!!
If he's running a cover 2 blitz, use a mass protection play action and throw the deep ball down the closest side line= TD.
GOOD LUCK :)

[TNachisD]

I too am having trouble with the 4-4. My buddies been using it vs any type of formation recently, and kickin my ***. When I get mismatches, Ie 4wr vs 4-4, my slot recievers arent getting clean breaks and I get sacked before they get free from the LBs. I think hes only blitzing 5 or 6 each time, but Im getting raped seriously bad. Would passing out of 2/3 wr sets be more appropriate? I try to run but when I need to pass I am not getting it done, which is frustrating because I can pass well typically. With the slants, Im getting picked a lot from a spying LB.

Can you guys reccomend some playbooks with formations suitable to counter this? I dont have the game so I dont really have opportunities to scout for them.

[Fluff E Bunny]

When I get mismatches, Ie 4wr vs 4-4, my slot recievers arent getting clean breaks and I get sacked before they get free from the LBs. I think hes only blitzing 5 or 6 each time, but Im getting raped seriously bad.

Motion one of the receivers (normally the slot). You only have to use a short motion to get separation from the bump and run, and the guy you motioned will amost always be open.

Use the play I posted above, its a gimme.

[TNachisD]

I know what you mean, but when he has HFA I have trouble snapping the ball. Should I snap when hes still behind the line to insure he doesnt get bumped?

[getting awn]

I hear that when u do that. The defensive man will blitz instead of going with his coverage. Remember that this game has auto switch, meaning that the receiver will b pass from one defender to another. So u may get a better match up depending when, and where u snap it. :cool:

Try to attack the 4-4 with the hb direct also. U must take control of the rb as soon as possible. Remember that u have Lbs chasing u. So u can get good yardage, if u can master the HB attack. I crack up sometimes when I c them running various formations against my Spread offense. It is almost like reverse Analoging. U hold ur stick down to run side ways, and pushing the X button real quickly, u can get a jump on the defenders. Try it. I am killing them with the Thunder and Lightning approach.....