Is there a correct way to set up a scheme for offense?

[ALC]

Im still new to the xbox game and that is why i ask the many question that i do. Is there a correct way to set up a offense scheme. I have always want to set up a offense scheme with my chargers offense. Especialy out of the strong i formation i have tried to use plays to get my offense in a groove. But when it comes to either online battles or leagues games this so call scheme gets lost or bottle up. I first start off with a drag route across the middle of the field. That might get me 2 to 5 yards. Then i either do a hb blast or power O for 3 to 4 yards. Then it either a quick hotroute slant by my te. The first time it works. But like either the second time with a few new plays it seem to get bog down. Most players seem to set there sights on Gates or Jackson my 2 offense weapons. Thus my offense then begin to become a struggle. Even thourgh i try to inclue brown and floyd and my 2 running backs but passing becomes a problem. So that is why i ask the forum is there a correct way to set up a offense scheme. Thanks ALC

[SD_Chargers]

Hey ALC -

I am by no means an offensive guru and I too like to work out of the Strong I formation because the game in its current state no longer appreciates the fullback anymore.

There are so many nuances to an offensive scheme you could get lost for years. Its an art, skill, and obsession which is why real coaches are workaholics. However, here's what I found works for me sometimes:
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1. Clearly this formation says RUN, so start out with a run. It doesn't have to be the Power O I would play with the HB Blast first because the Power O has one Guard "pulling" and this guard has to be fast or the Power O won't work so make sure you take a look at your offensive linemen ratings (especially your guards).
   
   Try this out for about five minutes in practice mode.
2. Before you run the play be patient, look to see if your opponent adjust his defense to the strong side of the formation, don't be scared by this, he's telling you what he keys in on. Truth is in real life you can key in and run any kind of technique you want but if I knock you on your *** and get a good push off my block I'm going to get my 3 - 4 yards.
   
3. On 2nd down you now have options so here we go. Lets pass it because we picked up 3 yards, are feeling good and we only need 7 yards for a first down. Don't think deep that will come. Now run 494 F Flat. I love this play because if I'm not mistaken this has got to be an actual NFL play because if you break down the name 494 F Flat the "F" stands for Fullback (who happens to be running into the flat how convienent)
   Now the 494 are the routes being run by your X,Y, and Z receiver. X is your split end or the receiver to your left; on this play he's running a hook "in" route which is the 4. The Y reciever is your tight end he's running a 9 route, which is a straight up streak deep. Your Z is your right receiver he's also running a 4 or hook "in". The last route is done by the running back to the left flat, this is a garbage route meant to hold the person playing the flat, which in a Cover 2 should be the Cornerback which this play is meant to destroy. Be patient on this play, your first look is Vincent Jackson your Z. Timing is everything so hike the ball count 3 seconds then zip the ball to Vincent, bullet pass. If he's covered check it down to your Fullback in the flat.
4. Try this out in practice mode first. Don't get exotic, run it against a base defense, 3 -4 Cover 2. You'll see how the Fullback and Running back hold the flats which allow Vincent and Floyd to work their routes(the hook ins) but remember the key is to bullet pass and work on the timing. I love the Chargers but Vincent and Floyd are slow so if they're being "spotlighted" you'll know because the defensive guys will look like they're outright molesting them. Again, don't be scared check down to your flats because if your primary receivers are spotlighted you can kill them in the flats.
   
5. They key to all this is to make sure you don't keep coming out in the Strong I. Don't let your opponents mind key in on anything just go pick a random formation and run a play that looks easy to you, THEN come back to your Strong I and run your plays. Try working out of the Weak I and I Formation which compliment the Strong I and keeps the backs aligned differently enough to irritate your opponent. The key is to make sure you vary it up just a bit.
   
6. Add one more play of your choosing from the Strong I and you now have yourself a little scheme. I hope this helps
   

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One more note, you're going to come to realize that Madden is just a video game and the rules of real life such as physics, basic intelligence such as pattern recognition don't apply and many of your opponents will beat your nice little schemes with good old fashioned video game exploitation's such as playing for animations, LB shaking, the strip button (LB) and User Picks which all seem a bit out of control this year.

If your playing someone who is blitz happy there is one more thing you're going to have to practice and that's checking your protection schemes. Remember you always have five to start out with but if you anticipate a blitz make sure you have AT least one more guy held back to block and don't have it be Ryan Matthews because he gets absolutely destroyed if he's asked to block.

[ALC]

Thanks SD Charger fan for you expert answer to my post do appreciated. I will go into practice mode and try to improve i have been playing a few no password league games and throwing a ton of interception. Seem that the cpu has key in that i like to pass to gates. But i will take what you said and go to practice mode and work on my game. Again thanks man peace ALC