Question For Mello

[coop_uca]

Hey man, I've found all ur posts to be super helpful, but was just curious as to what Defense u used for ur base defense. You mention a couple of different plays out of several different formations, so it has me curious as to what Ur base is. Also, what D u use against a run heavy player. Thanks Man

[MelloDrama]

I use Balanced D and 3-4. Mostly balanced D though. I went on a tear with the 3-4 for a long time and I have to tell ya my experience in the 3-4 has helped my game the most. It really teaches you about plugging gaps and compensating on for weak sides. When I switched back to the balanced D I had it made.

What I do against heavy run is I normally pick a 4-3 2 man under. All man 2 deep safties then all I do is quickly as the O approaches the line of scrimmage is put my Line backers on the behinds of my Dlinemen.

ROLB On the inside him of the RE
MLB on the right inside hip of the DT or NT
LOLB On the inside hip of the LE

That is usually enough to blow up any run. I'll mix up a cover 3 zone in the 4-3 and do the same thing to the LB's.

The reason why I do this is because the LB's show blitz so it makes him feel like there is ton's of pressure when really I'm playing man with a 4 man pass rush. Then I will mix in some Thuder smoke(4-3) Thats where you have a cover 1 with 3 Lb's blitzing but every play I run from a 4-3 I use the LB method so he's always guessing when the pressure is coming. Controlling your saftey is a must. To come up and help on Run support.

But get into a routine of that method with the LB's on the inside hips of the DL. It blows up the run nicely but mix up your play calling from zone to man doing this.

If some guy try's to audible to a 4 wide leave them after you've adjusted. Press pass commit when the ball is snapped. You'll have 2 safteys deep so no threat of the long ball and your LB's seem to react well. Spread the line if he audibles to get some outside pressure.

I hope this helps;)