4-4 Who likes it?

[Air Raid]

Alright...I switched to the 4-4 last night (just to try something new) and had AMAZING success with it :eek: ...I used it all game for two games against the CPU and two games against a buddy of mine and neither could counter it...the Dog Zone Blitz, Mad Robber, Prevent 4 and Cover 3 worked really well....

Does anyone else use this as there base D? I didn't call dime and then audible down to the 4-4...I just played it straight and had some fun with it...if you do use this D, is there any plays/adjustments that work really well?

thanks in advanced...

Air

[baileymc7]

I do not play online, but I do Heisman Dynasty. I have NC's @ Miami, Notre Dame & Army. I switch between 4-3 & 4-4. But inside my own "Redzone" I use 4-4/Cover 4 w/ press coverage. Because the field is so compressed the LB's can easily get to their pass drops with very little space available behind them. The corners can be physical and in position to take away ins, outs, and RB/FB flats. It is still very solid formation vs. any run, including option. The only adjustment I make other than press coverage is I may slide the DLine to the wide side if the spot is into the boundary. I'm a big believer it has bailed me out and held CPU to FG attempts many, many times.

[Fluff E Bunny]

I use 4-4 Mad Bomber on occasion on short yardage in the red zone. I find if I use it elsewhere I get burned deep with flys and corner routes (of course that was with less studly db's, so maybe I should re-examine that).

Plus, I haven't practiced with it and I find I am more comfortable with 4-2-5 which is kinda-sorta the same thing with SS's instead of OLB's. I prefer the speed of SS's since I like to blitz from the edges.

Any and all 4-4 tips are welcome :)

I've toyed with the idea if nickle/5-2 hybrid'ing...subbing in a tweener SS/OLB type for the nickleback. My theory is that having a SS there gives me decent pass coverage if I need it, and decent run stoppage as well. I can easily turn the 4-2 nickle front into a 5-2 front depending on the pre-snap read (ie if there isn't a slot on the nickleback's side, I can walk him over to either side of the line to become a DE of sorts and shift the line left or right according to where I think they are likely to run or pass block.

I *think* I have good enough DB's, DL and MLB's to make it work, but I haven't tried it out. Could be complete bupkis for all I know :)

Of course, this strategy would waste my OLB's...maybe a combo of that plus 4-4 or 3-4 or something.

[Holycrawfish]

i think 4-4 is the easiest D to beat, blitz every 1 pass it right away juke 1 guy and its to the house. Zone it and wait 3-4 secs and the streak guy is wide open on the sideline, but if it works for u then keep on using it

[Air Raid]

i think 4-4 is the easiest D to beat, blitz every 1 pass it right away juke 1 guy and its to the house. Zone it and wait 3-4 secs and the streak guy is wide open on the sideline, but if it works for u then keep on using it


....The couple of times that I did get beat with it was on streaks on the outside...which is a major concern (although it seem to happen more in man coverage then with the zone)....and I had success stopping the quick pass, but that might be a little beginners luck with this D....I'm still a 3-3-5, 4-2-5 kind of guy, but after last night I'm not as afraid to pull the 4-4 out....I also work on getting pressure from the outsides with any of the D's I play....but I agree Holy...you can't sit back in zone with no pressure, otherwise the deep ball will kill you in the 4-4....

...thanks for the insight guys...I will keep toying with it and see if I can get anything more out of it...but I think a well timed combonation of 4-4 and 4-2-5 might work out :rolleyes: ....

[sparepart33]

I used to use this D all the time. I don't play on-line. I do play Heisman level. In my opinion it is the best D to use against the CPU. Between Mad Bomber and Cover 3/4, you can put a beat down on the CPU. I don't use the D too much because it came to a point where I was giving up less than 125 yards per game. It wasn't any fun. The adjustments that I would make is shift the line to the strong side or I would bunch them if it was 4 or 5 wide. I then bring the 2 outside LB's up to give it a 6-2-3 look. I usually played one of the outside LB's. My team stats would be between 70-100 sacks per season. I don't analog blitz. The only problem is if you don't get pressure on the QB. Otherwise, you completely shut down the run and w/ pressure, it is total domination.

[M-Dub?]

I use this D sparingly online. Like Fluff said, it's great against short yardage plays. If someone goes to Goalline Offense, I immediately go to 4-4. Goalline D is almost worthless on this game. If you think a FB dive or QB sneak is coming, call the Thunder Green play and pinch everyone (DL & LBs). It won't always stop it, but every now & then you'll get penetration and stuff them for a loss (a lot more often than Goalline D, at least).

If you're worried about a run to the outside, call the OLB blitz play, pinch the line and spread the LBs. You'll still hold them to a yard or so even if they run inside.

If you're worried that a pass might be coming, call the Zone Blitz where one CB blitzes and the opposite side OLB blitzes. You get decent pressure but still have good coverage underneath.

BTW, I almost always play bump coverage out of this D too. Like Crawfish pointed out, if you give the QB enough time, it'll get picked apart, so you want to hope that your CBs can hold up the WRs long enough for the protection to break down. I can't imgine ever using this D against a SG formation.

Mainly, it's a situational D for short yardage or if someone is tearing you up on the ground. If you tried to use it as a base D online, you'd probably get hurt pretty fast.

[TnGolf22]

I switch between 4-4 and 3-3-5. Mad Robber in 4-4 is very effective when the AI isn't expecting it. I audible between mad robber and coverage 3. I have 2 audibles for 4-4 and 3 for the 3-3-5. What do you think is the best way to defend the streak? 3-3-5 SS Double Spy seems to work well for option plays and outside runs but so far I've been experimenting with Spy 2 Robber and Zone Blitz out of 3-3-5 to cover the long pass.

[Air Raid]

I switch between 4-4 and 3-3-5. Mad Robber in 4-4 is very effective when the AI isn't expecting it. I audible between mad robber and coverage 3. I have 2 audibles for 4-4 and 3 for the 3-3-5. What do you think is the best way to defend the streak? 3-3-5 SS Double Spy seems to work well for option plays and outside runs but so far I've been experimenting with Spy 2 Robber and Zone Blitz out of 3-3-5 to cover the long pass.

...I like the zone blitz out of 3-3-5 and the Dog Zone Blitz out of 4-4 against the deep stuff because it provides 3-deep coverage...if you face a true bomber the Punt Safe works well too....I also use Nickle Crash 3, because again it provides 3-deep coverage....but no matter what D you use, the best D against the deep ball is getting pressure on the QB....the less time they have to throw, the better....I like to bring the pressure off the edge...

[blueweeds]

i use cover 2 man for the deep ball in any formation. i never use 4-4 will have to try it. i like 4-3 3-3-5 and nickel zone blitzes or cover 2/3/4 lately i have been using the cover 1 thats in 3-4 but thats after i eliminate the run game.

[Fluff E Bunny]

I've toyed with the idea if nickle/5-2 hybrid'ing...subbing in a tweener SS/OLB type for the nickleback. My theory is that having a SS there gives me decent pass coverage if I need it, and decent run stoppage as well. I can easily turn the 4-2 nickle front into a 5-2 front depending on the pre-snap read (ie if there isn't a slot on the nickleback's side, I can walk him over to either side of the line to become a DE of sorts and shift the line left or right according to where I think they are likely to run or pass block.

Labbed this a bit. I tried with LB and SS subbed in. SS definitely works better. I'm not certain how effective it really is, because practice mode doesn't let you use your dynasty rosters :mad: so my personel was the original sucky group. I think you need a SS who can beat a TE's block consistently for it to be effective, otherwise you're pancaked. So if you have the personel nickel can become a run stopping 5-2 (with a hell of a lot more play options) in a pinch if someone likes to audible to a run when they see nickel.

[sparkyosu]

4-4 zone blitz online or in the game is my defense

[Holycrawfish]

playing the cpu is a joke all u have to do is call 4-3 cvr2 zone, move lbs in and the stupid cpu qb thinks ur blitzn and throws it off their back foot. Beatn the cpu isnt hard to do

[blueweeds]

holy i agree playing cpu is toooooo easy and you can do the same things over and over. I only play cpu when game first comes out you know a couple seasons with my favorite team to learn the new ins and outs of the game and then its head to head or online. to each his own

by the way please one of you that likes the 4-4 come find me online and i will show you why thats not the answer for human vs. human ply lol.......

[maddenbowl62]

i like to use the zone blitz out of 4-4 when the cpu uses goalline because there is always a threat of a pass.

[sparkyosu]

the 4-4 is still good. (but beat but te outs and flares)

[getting awn]

the 4-4 is still good. (but beat but te outs and flares)
-I normally with ply the mad robber. Move the Lbs between the DE and DT. Bring the Safety down over the center. Instant heat baby!!!!

-Zone Blitz. I will use this to throw them off. I move the blitzing Lbs closer to their blitzing assignments. and I blitz the outside linebackers off the end. Most time they will try to throw bhind the blitzing linebackers, only to get inted by the defensive linemen.....

[Air Raid]

-I normally with ply the mad robber. Move the Lbs between the DE and DT. Bring the Safety down over the center. Instant heat baby!!!!

-Zone Blitz. I will use this to throw them off. I move the blitzing Lbs closer to their blitzing assignments. and I blitz the outside linebackers off the end. Most time they will try to throw bhind the blitzing linebackers, only to get inted by the defensive linemen.....


..Yep I play 3-3-5 and 4-4 most of the time now....FS Spy, Zone Blitz, Mad Robber...mix them all up and try and get heat whenever possible...

[lioninexile]

I usually mix it up defensively between 3-4, 3-3-5, 4-2-5, and the 4-4. The 4-4 is really effective, at least for me, in stopping run option teams. The cpu doesn't seem to option too much though.

[TnGolf22]

..Yep I play 3-3-5 and 4-4 most of the time now....FS Spy, Zone Blitz, Mad Robber...mix them all up and try and get heat whenever possible...

That's exactly what I use. If you and I played it would probably go into double overtime. Anyway it's a good mix.

[TnGolf22]

Ok I've played my first 4 online games and won 3. 4-4 has been the least effective formation out of 4-4, 3-3-5, 4-2-5, 3-4, and 4-3. My best defensive plays have been out of 3-4 and 3-3-5.

4-4 sucks get rid of it lol j/k

[Air Raid]

Ok I've played my first 4 online games and won 3. 4-4 has been the least effective formation out of 4-4, 3-3-5, 4-2-5, 3-4, and 4-3. My best defensive plays have been out of 3-4 and 3-3-5.

4-4 sucks get rid of it lol j/k

...yeah I only used it in short yardage situations in my tournament over the weekend...I play 3-3-5 for the most past now...with a little Nickel and 4-2-5....my journey into the 4-4 has come to an end...... LOL!

[moegame3000]

What I do, I change the LOLB into a SS. Then it will become the 46 Defense. Its highly effective against the run. I also love that 3-3-5.

[sleepyboy!]

I dont know the names but out of the 4-4 I only use the blitz all in the left box and the thunder green type play in the left box where the two OLB and the rest of the backers are in man and the two inside blitz. I dont use the 4-4 unless they are in an I form or in the red zone.

[djwill13]

anytime i see 4-4 it's iform norm speed option to the house!!!!

[Holycrawfish]

when i see 4-4 i just laugh, its just to easy to beat. yes ull sack me once in a while but im still puttin up 50 pts

[sparkyosu]

its a base d- if u are plugging it to someone i aint gonna run 4-4 no more... but i do run it when i can for about 65% of time but if ur in my 20????? i will use it 110% of the time... zone blitz...THATS IT. ask red ask vthokie... your gonna kick a field goal. u have to score a TD from outside my 20. thats real tOSU football baby. oh yeah. i may say i run 4-4 zone blitz but i cange the look manually... the cpu doesnt just do it for me.

[sparepart33]

The 4-4 is not the best D to run against humans but I totally agree with Sparky about inside the 20. The 4-4 is pretty darn effective in the red zone.

[Air Raid]

...I play straight-up 3-3-5 now in almost every situation (maybe a little nickle here and there)...I used to dabble in 4-4, but I can torch it even inside the 20....

[sparepart33]

I have trouble running the 3-3-5. Even with the zone blitzes which are great when they work. but when they don't, I get torture racked on the outside. I get hammered on the ground as well unless I blitz. Similar to Sparky, against my friends, I don't give up too many TD's unless it is outside the 20.

[djwill13]

for some reason i like the 4-2-5 better than the 3-3-5, but i use the 3-3-5 more (go figure on that one)

the same rules apply though no matter what defensive play you pick. you must know it's weakness and where your opponent will try to attack you. mix things up, and take away what your opponent is tryin to do. if he's killin you on the inside, pinch the line and manually control a S to play to the outside of the strong side of the formation (just in case he tries to bo wide with the play).

like i said, i pick one defensive play until my opponent shows me he can beat it. after that, he'll catch an onslaught of defenses

something i've been working on doing...........have a zone play outta the same defensive formation as a hot route and come out in man. if he sends motion i audible back into the zone, if he sends motion again i audible back to man

just something to throw off timing, oh and i figured out how to cancel the delayed bump!!

[RaM_TuF_13]

The 4-4, from my experience has been a pretty solid choice for a good run defense. However, i probably would not recomend this defense to someone who does not move some players around before the snap. Not that i'm saying it's a must but it will help online and offline greatly.
The coverages in 4-4 are just your simple Cover 2, Cover 3 schemes but it falls short in regards to who is defending. Most of the time your LB's will get sucked in to defending the deep pass and no one wants a 79 speed LB covering a 98 speed receiver. Also on the 4-4 I just don't think there is any way to stop the pass consistently, I actually prefer Nickel, Dime, and the 4-3.

But, with any defense, I think that there are some benefits.

It was covered earlier, but i like to use this set as a goaline defense and run the mad robber or all-out on 4th and short, 3rd and short, and almost any goaline play where they run. If you manually take control of the LB's and put them in the gaps you should have some success with this. I've been successful many times running the mad robber on 4th and short when they like to power the ball through with their FB or QB sneak it. Other than that, my last thing to say is this:

Run the defense you feel most comfortable with but if your getting burned from time to time be willing to accept change. I'm still not at the level i hope to be at, but for me having a good defensive strategy is the key to this game.

[sparkyosu]

the 4-4 is a BASE defense.... definitly dont come out without tweaking the gap bltz also i take control of the FS inside the 10, and play just of the center it brings the center up and allows better penatration for the blitzers... for all those who know how to AB... think of it as in reverse, I cover up the center then set up in the opposite of AB so i can drop off in coverage.