Offical Containing Mike Vick Thread

[ICreate]

Out of all the different players I've played, I would say that at least 40-50% of them played with the falcons. I've gone through the whole gammit of plays and ways to stop Vick.

What I'm trying to do is get this thread full of tips against Mike Vick and links for info on containing him. Lets make this thread the "go to" source for trouble with Vick. A lot of you have great success against Vick- you are who should be posting knowledge here.

What I do as a basic plan: My fastest LB on QB spy. Wide field DE on contain blitz. Blitz the Hell out of him. Overall, I try to make him pass.

For those of you who have filmroom access, Im sure there is a blitz or two for facing Vick.

[TheJ]

In all honesty it isn't all that hard to do, in a 3-4 defense contain with the linebackers, and play as a safety, if he runs then the safety is there, or if its outside running the ends/linebackers, plus the safety are there, speed is the key for defense.

[LA Code Poet]

If they pass all game, use Nickel 3-3-5 LB Dogs, press coverage, send your lineman to crash straight down. Move your MLB and WILL backer to the left. Take your SS LBer and move him outside of the right tackle and manually control him. After the ball is snapped, do a pass commit and gun at Vick. You'll be there fast...VERY fast, and if your DBs are good and physical, they definitely won't be open. I get a massive sacks against Vick with this defense and lot of interceptions and just plain ugly throws. This will also kill any runs to the edges or screen passes, flat throws, etc.

One thing about this defense though: You can get big yards on it up the middle with the running game if the MLB has a low awareness and whiffs a tackle, but most people that play with the Falcons don't believe in running for some reason.

[UnKn0wN41510]

if ur playin with a really good Vick user then stoppin them is really hard...

[Robertmto]

3-4 Regular

2 Man Spy

Shade the BD's to the sideline. You just stopped Vick and the deep ball.

[BIGKEV410]

When you say shade the DB's, do you mean a flat "blue" zone.

[getyogameup06]

3-4 Regular

2 Man Spy

Shade the BD's to the sideline. You just stopped Vick and the deep ball.

Wrong, Vick still can take off and beat ur lb to corner, especially off good playaction, and his arm is strong enough to give his wr enough time eto burn ur corners deep. I tried something similar to this the other night and got lit up.

U have to be creative with guarding vick. U cant keep using the same D because eventually ur opponent will figure it out. U have to use multiple formation with the same defensive mindset of stoping vick. I like to use qtr, qb trap, nickle 3-5-5 corner blitz, freeze D dime snake blitz. 3-4 sting pinch, etc. But u have to mix it up. Each play should concentrate on getting pressure on vick or containing vick but from multiple formation the 2 man spy is one of my contain plays.

[WVUBOYZ]

your right bro about vick......but if u get a guy that got good skills with vick.....its going to be a long game....it easy to say bliz vick......then vick hit u deep.....a good vick is hard to stop..what ever u try and do lol

[Pats1224]

Honestly people who use vick arent the best qb's . When I play people with Vick i play softer zones and in nickel or quarter to keep speed on the defense and have a 2 spies or blue flat playmaker with 2 lb's. The mindset i play him with is I'll give him all day to throw and make a mistake but I wont blitz him so he can run past me. IF your playing a zone iwth alot of coverage corners you should be ok. Again this is easier said than done. At least it has gotten better than 04 vick when he was the cover boy. He was the fastest man in the world hahaa

[WVUBOYZ]

that is tru.04 vick was the man....his speed was like 600 lol... what i do when i play vick is put everyone in cover and i mean everyone lol..vick cant run or can he play when he play me......46 2 man under put your lbs right behide your dline.....then put your dline in cover.....its going to be hard to play and run lol.....

[benasty2em]

Stopping vick is a chore, but the first thing you must consider is match up. If someone uses falcons, you must use a team with speed on defense. I like to use DEN. STL, BAL, IND, NYG,CHI, or CAR vs ATL. My prodominant to defenses vs him are the Dime 2 Deep blitz and the Dime Strike. However I run them enhanced. With Denver I will put champ at crner number 2. Most vick users throw left. I use LB at ends. If i run 2 deep (1 blitzer), then I put RE (which is my fastest LB) in spy. I take mlb put in hook zone. and I control FS. This will shut down the (bootleg) vick users. Now someone with skills that is not just going to try to play around until routes open up, I will use other schemes based on what they try.

[ICreate]

Stopping vick is a chore, but the first thing you must consider is match up. If someone uses falcons, you must use a team with speed on defense. I like to use DEN. STL, BAL, IND, NYG,CHI, or CAR vs ATL. My prodominant to defenses vs him are the Dime 2 Deep blitz and the Dime Strike. However I run them enhanced. With Denver I will put champ at crner number 2. Most vick users throw left. I use LB at ends. If i run 2 deep (1 blitzer), then I put RE (which is my fastest LB) in spy. I take mlb put in hook zone. and I control FS. This will shut down the (bootleg) vick users. Now someone with skills that is not just going to try to play around until routes open up, I will use other schemes based on what they try.

I stopped a guy last night. I won 14-12, but it should have been a higher score. I made vVick fumble twice (once on the goal line), so he should have had at least one other TD. And I missed 3 TD opportunities where my reciever was wide open and I over threw him, and I threw an INT at the 10. I use KC, but maybe Ill try Denver. Hows Jakes vision cone?

[firecoachhester]

If they are always rolling out with vick try the nickel-9-velcro defense or cover 2 zone, send your corners to the purple zone and have your D-ends guard the flats. Force him to stay in the pocket.

[cew6225]

If they are always rolling out with vick try the nickel-9-velcro defense or cover 2 zone, send your corners to the purple zone and have your D-ends guard the flats. Force him to stay in the pocket.
that there is a problem ,because the defense doesn't react to the qb scrambling on you when their in a zone my brother would kill you on that zone crap.He uses Vick all the time and some of the better ways I've found to stop him are using qb cotain d's or creating them myself and having a spy put in there as well.I also control the spy defender and strafe back and forth with his direction on the field.But with the qb contains on him if he steps out of the pocket I will normally get the sack,but he is good at even getting away from that so it is hard to control him running away.And yes extreme heat tends to get to him and works best most of the times.Just so everyone knows why I say zones suck against him is because a yellow hook zone will have the defender facing him and all they will do is stand there and let him run right by you even though they should realize he is running and go after him ,but they don't untill he gets the first down or better yet six pionts.Hopefully EA will fix this problem in the future and make them start going after qb's that scramble even if their in a zone.

[6Cr6a6igzilla]

I've found that the best way to stop Mike Vick is to always squad on the Falcons. That's my strategy every time.

[firecoachhester]

that there is a problem ,because the defense doesn't react to the qb scrambling on you when their in a zone my brother would kill you on that zone crap.He uses Vick all the time and some of the better ways I've found to stop him are using qb cotain d's or creating them myself and having a spy put in there as well.I also control the spy defender and strafe back and forth with his direction on the field.But with the qb contains on him if he steps out of the pocket I will normally get the sack,but he is good at even getting away from that so it is hard to control him running away.And yes extreme heat tends to get to him and works best most of the times.Just so everyone knows why I say zones suck against him is because a yellow hook zone will have the defender facing him and all they will do is stand there and let him run right by you even though they should realize he is running and go after him ,but they don't untill he gets the first down or better yet six pionts.Hopefully EA will fix this problem in the future and make them start going after qb's that scramble even if their in a zone.


Be the left defensive end (most Vick people will roll out left) and force him inside

[lynch1000s]

Vick can't be stopped 100%.

You can only slow him down. Your really have to rotate all of your strategies, and find out what works the best. Use DE contains, blitzes, qb spies, etc.

Find out what weaknesses your opponent has with Vick, can he throw effectively in the pocket, does he tend to roll out, etc.

Vick is probably the worse passer of all the starting QB's in the game, but someone that doesn't mean much if you're playing someone who can pick you apart all day sitting vick in the pocket.

[Sirro712]

any formation like 3-4 4-3 what ever get De contain and you play flats

[TNT713]

I have been punching Vick in the mouth since Madden '04... :D

First things first... Stopping Vick isn't a play, a formation, or a scheme. It's an ATTITUDE. If you line up expecting Vick to hurt you, he will. If you line up expecting to hurt him, you are half way there...

Second, attack your opponent's tendencies, not everyone else's. Alot of players use DB blitzes to contain Vick, but if your opponent expects DB blitzes, they will NEVER WORK. To win, you must have a robust plan...

Third, SPEED vs SPEED. Even the fastest LB's on Madden will have a tough time chasing Vick. A good player will find ways to beat the Spy to the corner. For instance...

If a receiver on the left runs a drag to the right against man coverage, a spy at the LOS will have both a WR and a CB running straight at him. If the QB rolls left, the spy is likely to get caught in the traffic and let Vick beat him to the corner. In this instance, spying with a safety will work better to not get caught in the underneath traffic.

Basically... Stopping Vick isn't about stopping Vick. It's more about stopping your opponent. Some Vanilla defenses may work sometimes, but creative players require creative schemes...

I wrote "De-Scrambling the QB (http://www.maddenuniversity.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=25)" for stopping all mobile QB's...

Later

[89-06-MVP]

What about a guy like McNabb he put more fear in me than Vick because this guy is a very good mobile passer.

[kej2u]

I posted this over in the 360 forum but since it has helped so many, I'll repost it here. Guaranteed to stop Vick/McNabb if you adjust accordingly and execute well...

Enjoy

THE VICK STOPPER
(GUARANTEED TO WORK OR NO MONEY BACK)

I've coined a new word: "Mothervickers"

It's self-explanatory. You know -- those cats who run back and forth like idiots hoping to burn you deep...

Okay, after some extensive online play (labbing), I have a very solid solution for when you play against a MotherVicker or McNabber...

Play as the Panthers (or another team with speedy DEs and DBs.)
Select the 4-3 Defensive Playbook.
Select Dollar Formation
Select DB Dogs 1 play

This play sends the 2 slot DB's on an outside blitz, while the two outside corners, safties, and the MLB cover RB/WR's in Man.

PRE-SNAP ADJUSTMENTS FOR EVERY PLAY...

Select Free-Safety Mike Minter (or the Free Safety on your team) as the man you will control during the play.

(A) If they come out with 0-2 WRs, shift your D-Line in and have them to crash inwards.
(B) If they come out with 3 WRs, leave your D-Line as is.
(C) If they come out with 4-5 WRs, shift your D-Line out and have them crash outwards.

If you suspect an RB run...
Use A from above. Then, leave DBs as they are, roll Minter (FS) up to the line to spy for the up the middle run and to also feign an inside blitz. You can also opt to audible to a 4-6 blitz. (You'd need to set this up prior to the play, obviously!)

If you suspect a QB scramble...
Use C from above. Then, have your DB's play press coverage at the line of scrimmage and put Minter (FS) squarely in the middle to either guard the up the middle scramble or the underneath throw.

If you suspect a deep pass despite whatever number of yards to go...
Use B from above. Then, back your DB's off and put Minter (FS) at the First Down Line to protect the mid-distance throw.* *Watch out for his speediest WR on a streak. You might need to roll Minter or your FS out to double cover.

If they have long to go and are definitely going for it (e.g. 4th and 12+ yards)...
Use C from above. Then, have your DB's play press coverage at the line of scrimmage and put Minter (FS) at the First Down Line to protect the mid-distance throw.

AFTER THE SNAP...

If he starts rolling to one side...
Roll Minter (FS) that same way, keeping an eye out for a WR that is also crossing that same direction. That is most likely his target. Keep underneath the receiver (just slightly). This prevents the throw, forcing him to panic and make a rush decision to run or throw to another WR (who is covered).*

*Watch out for the RB or WR screen on the opposite side of the field. After you shut that down two or three times, he'll give up on it.

If he starts up the middle...
Bring Minter (FS) down hard and Hit-Stick him. He will fumble and you will recover. That will put an end to that nonsense.

Once he throws...
Switch to control the DB and turbo them into underneath position and click A to Swat the ball. Don't go for the pick unless you have perfect position and the ball is under / overthrown. Otherwise, the ball will sail over you and you'll give up the big play.

If you thought pass and it's a run or vice versa...
Quickly thumb the right analog up or down to send your team into the appropriate forced pass or run coverage.

I've frustrated many a Vicker and McNabber with this play. It works great on any formation he calls from heavy sets (0-1 WR) all the way up to 5 WR spreads. He'll be pissed because even with 5 WR, every one is covered. And there's nowhere to run with speedy (DEs) Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker on the ends and (MLB) Dan Morgan in the middle. He'll have to beat you with his arm now -- and that is very difficult to do with a running Vick or McNabb. Their accuracy on the run is sub-par.
I get more picks and fumbles this way.

I've won 20 plus games now over some seriously-talented cheesers using this same defensive scheme.

Next lesson, how to run an unstoppable Panthers offense using the Run and Gun playbook with Audibles, No-Huddle, and some trickery.

Hit me back and let me know how it works out for you.

Peace.

K-Dog out.

[TNT713]

I posted this over in the 360 forum but since it has helped so many, I'll repost it here. Guaranteed to stop Vick/McNabb if you adjust accordingly and execute well...

Enjoy

THE VICK STOPPER
(GUARANTEED TO WORK OR NO MONEY BACK)

I've coined a new word: "Mothervickers"

It's self-explanatory. You know -- those cats who run back and forth like idiots hoping to burn you deep...

Okay, after some extensive online play (labbing), I have a very solid solution for when you play against a MotherVicker or McNabber...

Play as the Panthers (or another team with speedy DEs and DBs.)
Select the 4-3 Defensive Playbook.
Select Dollar Formation
Select DB Dogs 1 play

This play sends the 2 slot DB's on an outside blitz, while the two outside corners, safties, and the MLB cover RB/WR's in Man.

PRE-SNAP ADJUSTMENTS FOR EVERY PLAY...

Select Free-Safety Mike Minter (or the Free Safety on your team) as the man you will control during the play.

(A) If they come out with 0-2 WRs, shift your D-Line in and have them to crash inwards.
(B) If they come out with 3 WRs, leave your D-Line as is.
(C) If they come out with 4-5 WRs, shift your D-Line out and have them crash outwards.

If you suspect an RB run...
Use A from above. Then, leave DBs as they are, roll Minter (FS) up to the line to spy for the up the middle run and to also feign an inside blitz. You can also opt to audible to a 4-6 blitz. (You'd need to set this up prior to the play, obviously!)

If you suspect a QB scramble...
Use C from above. Then, have your DB's play press coverage at the line of scrimmage and put Minter (FS) squarely in the middle to either guard the up the middle scramble or the underneath throw.

If you suspect a deep pass despite whatever number of yards to go...
Use B from above. Then, back your DB's off and put Minter (FS) at the First Down Line to protect the mid-distance throw.* *Watch out for his speediest WR on a streak. You might need to roll Minter or your FS out to double cover.

If they have long to go and are definitely going for it (e.g. 4th and 12+ yards)...
Use C from above. Then, have your DB's play press coverage at the line of scrimmage and put Minter (FS) at the First Down Line to protect the mid-distance throw.

AFTER THE SNAP...

If he starts rolling to one side...
Roll Minter (FS) that same way, keeping an eye out for a WR that is also crossing that same direction. That is most likely his target. Keep underneath the receiver (just slightly). This prevents the throw, forcing him to panic and make a rush decision to run or throw to another WR (who is covered).*

*Watch out for the RB or WR screen on the opposite side of the field. After you shut that down two or three times, he'll give up on it.

If he starts up the middle...
Bring Minter (FS) down hard and Hit-Stick him. He will fumble and you will recover. That will put an end to that nonsense.

Once he throws...
Switch to control the DB and turbo them into underneath position and click A to Swat the ball. Don't go for the pick unless you have perfect position and the ball is under / overthrown. Otherwise, the ball will sail over you and you'll give up the big play.

If you thought pass and it's a run or vice versa...
Quickly thumb the right analog up or down to send your team into the appropriate forced pass or run coverage.

I've frustrated many a Vicker and McNabber with this play. It works great on any formation he calls from heavy sets (0-1 WR) all the way up to 5 WR spreads. He'll be pissed because even with 5 WR, every one is covered. And there's nowhere to run with speedy (DEs) Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker on the ends and (MLB) Dan Morgan in the middle. He'll have to beat you with his arm now -- and that is very difficult to do with a running Vick or McNabb. Their accuracy on the run is sub-par.
I get more picks and fumbles this way.

I've won 20 plus games now over some seriously-talented cheesers using this same defensive scheme.

Next lesson, how to run an unstoppable Panthers offense using the Run and Gun playbook with Audibles, No-Huddle, and some trickery.

Hit me back and let me know how it works out for you.

Peace.

K-Dog out.

Might be worth $50.00.


Later

[blueblood]

I posted this over in the 360 forum but since it has helped so many, I'll repost it here. Guaranteed to stop Vick/McNabb if you adjust accordingly and execute well...

Enjoy

THE VICK STOPPER
(GUARANTEED TO WORK OR NO MONEY BACK)

I've coined a new word: "Mothervickers"

It's self-explanatory. You know -- those cats who run back and forth like idiots hoping to burn you deep...

Okay, after some extensive online play (labbing), I have a very solid solution for when you play against a MotherVicker or McNabber...

Play as the Panthers (or another team with speedy DEs and DBs.)
Select the 4-3 Defensive Playbook.
Select Dollar Formation
Select DB Dogs 1 play

This play sends the 2 slot DB's on an outside blitz, while the two outside corners, safties, and the MLB cover RB/WR's in Man.

PRE-SNAP ADJUSTMENTS FOR EVERY PLAY...

Select Free-Safety Mike Minter (or the Free Safety on your team) as the man you will control during the play.

(A) If they come out with 0-2 WRs, shift your D-Line in and have them to crash inwards.
(B) If they come out with 3 WRs, leave your D-Line as is.
(C) If they come out with 4-5 WRs, shift your D-Line out and have them crash outwards.

If you suspect an RB run...
Use A from above. Then, leave DBs as they are, roll Minter (FS) up to the line to spy for the up the middle run and to also feign an inside blitz. You can also opt to audible to a 4-6 blitz. (You'd need to set this up prior to the play, obviously!)

If you suspect a QB scramble...
Use C from above. Then, have your DB's play press coverage at the line of scrimmage and put Minter (FS) squarely in the middle to either guard the up the middle scramble or the underneath throw.

If you suspect a deep pass despite whatever number of yards to go...
Use B from above. Then, back your DB's off and put Minter (FS) at the First Down Line to protect the mid-distance throw.* *Watch out for his speediest WR on a streak. You might need to roll Minter or your FS out to double cover.

If they have long to go and are definitely going for it (e.g. 4th and 12+ yards)...
Use C from above. Then, have your DB's play press coverage at the line of scrimmage and put Minter (FS) at the First Down Line to protect the mid-distance throw.

AFTER THE SNAP...

If he starts rolling to one side...
Roll Minter (FS) that same way, keeping an eye out for a WR that is also crossing that same direction. That is most likely his target. Keep underneath the receiver (just slightly). This prevents the throw, forcing him to panic and make a rush decision to run or throw to another WR (who is covered).*

*Watch out for the RB or WR screen on the opposite side of the field. After you shut that down two or three times, he'll give up on it.

If he starts up the middle...
Bring Minter (FS) down hard and Hit-Stick him. He will fumble and you will recover. That will put an end to that nonsense.

Once he throws...
Switch to control the DB and turbo them into underneath position and click A to Swat the ball. Don't go for the pick unless you have perfect position and the ball is under / overthrown. Otherwise, the ball will sail over you and you'll give up the big play.

If you thought pass and it's a run or vice versa...
Quickly thumb the right analog up or down to send your team into the appropriate forced pass or run coverage.

I've frustrated many a Vicker and McNabber with this play. It works great on any formation he calls from heavy sets (0-1 WR) all the way up to 5 WR spreads. He'll be pissed because even with 5 WR, every one is covered. And there's nowhere to run with speedy (DEs) Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker on the ends and (MLB) Dan Morgan in the middle. He'll have to beat you with his arm now -- and that is very difficult to do with a running Vick or McNabb. Their accuracy on the run is sub-par.
I get more picks and fumbles this way.

I've won 20 plus games now over some seriously-talented cheesers using this same defensive scheme.

Next lesson, how to run an unstoppable Panthers offense using the Run and Gun playbook with Audibles, No-Huddle, and some trickery.

Hit me back and let me know how it works out for you.

Peace.

K-Dog out.

I'm glad this is posted because in my franchise with my friends I play my friend and he uses the Falcons. We're in our third year and he's won every superbowl so far so his cone with Vick is HUGE like Manning's. I hope this play works out enough to give me the win. At least a good lead until he figures it out in which I'll have enough points to win. I hope at least lol this is my first Superbowl in our franchise and I'm the Super Chargers.