help with Passing Defense

[bearsfan217]

Ive been using the 4-3 Eagle Defense to stop the run and i must say its working great for me BUT my problem now is trying to stop the pass and the QB Scrabbles. I play with Michigan and they have a pretty decent defense so i dont think that is the problem, its just me lol. Not sure what im doing wrong.

Usually when my opponent lines up in passing formations Shotgun 5 wide, Shotgun 4wr and some ace 3/wr sets i have trouble stopping it. I usually will line up in Dime Cover Man 2 against 4 wr sets, and Nickel Cover Man 2 against 3wr sets. One of two things either happens, i can stop the pass (if he stays in the pocket) or he will scrabble outside the pocket and either run for a decent gain, or scamble outside the pocket and fake the run and end up completing a long pass down range to a WR that he cant even see on the screen lol.. Im kind of weary about blitzing because im afraid ill lose coverage down field, but then again i need to do something about the QB scrambles. Ive tried putting my DEs to QB Spy but they just dont seem to do much for me, they are too slow i guess.

Should i try playing different defensive formations? zone/man? what about trying to bring some heat to contain the QB? Im just at a loss right now with Passing Defense and hoping someone could help me out. Its just that i either get burned by the scrammbling QB or the pass.

[bearsfan217]

so im basically looking for new plays that will help me contain the QB without sacrificing coverage.. if thats even possible lol

[M-Dub?]

Unfortunately, it's not really possible. Anytime you have to worry about containing the QB, whether it's with spies or outside blitzes, you're going to leave a gap in your coverage somewhere. Your best bet is to mix up your playcalling. Use common sense. If you think a deep ball is coming, use 3 deep or 4 deep zone blites and zone spies. Go with a 2 deep or even 1 deep if he's passing over the middle more. I have really gotten away from playing Man D on this game. I use it in certain situations, but it seems to be way more susceptible to the big gain - whether it's the deep ball or a long run.

The 3-3-5 has some good plays to contain but still give you decent coverage. Quarters is good against deep passes. Play as the MLB spy and go after the QB as soon as you have a line on him. You want to get him to throw it quickly. Alternate that with the Zone Blitz, which is great for containment, as well as stopping SG Speed options. Once again, play as the MLB and cover the shallow zone, but be ready to help out if he gets around your blitzers.

[bearsfan217]

thanks Mdub, i was thinking about trying out the 335 and since there is a very nice guide here by Ian, ill think ill check that out for sure.

[Nevada_Ballin]

you may want to start trying to create some pressure outta those dime and nickel packages by sending a LB or DB on some blitzes... if you're running the Eagle defense then u must have the virtual playbook, look in htere, there's good stuff for Pass D too including some blitz options.