HELP! I can't stop Larry Johnson.

[DarkLiaros]

I use Denver and run a 4-3. My nephew uses KC and gives Larry Johnson about 40 touches a game. He rushes for nearly 400 yds every game. I'm swear I'm calling the right defenses (engaging eight, crashing the line, run committing, jumping the snap) however if he doesn't rumble up the middle for 5 yards he breaks his way to the outside and I'm the only player (I play SS) that brings him down. He usually breaks 2 or 3 huge TD runs a game. Whenever he is hit in the backfield or at the LOS he flattens the defender w/o slowing. Any advice will help.

[seantaylor21]

pinch the line and force him to go outside. still tough to stop but he impossible to stop when he is running inside

[35BigHurt35]

1 thing to never do vs Larry Johnson is to end up with Nickel and Dime personnel in the game. He runs over them every time.

Now, try using a 3-4 defense. Pinch the DL. Slant the DL whichever way you think he'll run. Control the off side ILB (the side opposite of which you think he will run). You should neutralize the run up the middle with the PINCH. If he runs outside, use your LB to turbo outside, (note: it's Ok to overrun the play as long as you force him back inside towards the pursuit).

Using a safety to stop LJ is a losing proposition for a few reasons:
1.you'd better take the PERFECT angle to make the tackle or you're screwed
2. by the time you get to him, he'll have a head of speed
3. the key to getting him is to get him while he's going EAST-n-WEST, because once he goes NORTH-n-SOUTH he's an absolute BEAST!!!

also, if he's making hay running wide call zone defenses.....they contain the outside runs better.

[assassin216]

I use Denver and run a 4-3. My nephew uses KC and gives Larry Johnson about 40 touches a game. He rushes for nearly 400 yds every game. I'm swear I'm calling the right defenses (engaging eight, crashing the line, run committing, jumping the snap) however if he doesn't rumble up the middle for 5 yards he breaks his way to the outside and I'm the only player (I play SS) that brings him down. He usually breaks 2 or 3 huge TD runs a game. Whenever he is hit in the backfield or at the LOS he flattens the defender w/o slowing. Any advice will help.



the engage eight is a no no........in my book.......like everyone is sayin force him outside..........even though i do the reverse to stop him........

[monsterBEN]

IMO i have better success forcing LJ inside. The hardest play for me to stop vs LJ is the 1WR 2TE 2RB toss sweep to the opposite side of the WR.

[LHSPanther62]

If the opponent knows how to run the ball lj is consistently going to pick up 4-5 yds a carry. I do not stack the line cuz in this game 1on1 cov=bad news for the defence. The best thing you can do is try to do is make him fumble. #1 rule is NEVER HITSTICK RUNNING BACKS! Try to strip the ball i know its hard but if you lab it you have a greater chance of making a big play on defence.

[trooper2442]

the engage eight is a no no........in my book.......like everyone is sayin force him outside..........even though i do the reverse to stop him........

Agreed. DON"T do an Engage Eight with an excellent RB because he'll cut through the line like a hot knife through butter.