Madden 08 - Weak I Close TE Fade WR1 Cross Concept

The Weak I Close TE Fade WR1 Cross Concept is in our opinion the best play out of the Weak I Close. However, with the 3 Man Pass Rush being so effective in Madden 08, there is not always enough time to get the ball off. By using a little motion, we can beat the 3 Man Pass Rush and make our opponent pay.

Primary Patterns:

TE (A) - Fade
WR1 (B) - Cross

Offensive Play Used:

Defensive Play Used:

How the Concept Works on the Field:

The play we use is for this concept is the Weak I Close TE Fade. Over the last few years, this play has been one of the best under center plays in the game. Because of the 3 Man Rush, a lot of players avoid using this high percentage play.

The defense comes out in the Quarter 3 Deep Man Up 3 Deep. The LB Pass Rush package is used. The defensive line has been pinched and crashed in.

Notice the FB's pass block angle has him blocking to the left. If we were to run the play as is, we more than likely won't have enough time to get the ball off due to how fast the DEs will get in. To counter the 3 Man Pass Rush, we take control of the FB and ...

... motion him to the right.

His pass block angle now has him blocking to the inside.

Watch what happens to the DEs once the ball is snapped.

The FB will block to the inside.

We let the computer drop the QB back. Normally we don't do this or would tell anyone to, but this allows the QB to avoid running into to the FB.

The FB will pick up the LE, while the LG picks up the RE.

This gives us enough time in the pocket to look for an open receiver down the field. We could make the throw to the TE, but he may not always be open.

The WR2 running the deep post is a good option to throw to if the defense is playing Cover 2 Man.

The RB is always a solid option out of the backfield. The WR1 running the crossing route is the receiver we like to throw to the most.

Once he gains a few yards of separation from the LCB, we throw him a bullet pass.

We make the catch for a 12 yard pick up.

Key Points:

• There are several other ways to run the Weak I Close TE Fade. We will look at a few more of them in the book. However, if your opponent likes to to call the 3 Man Pass Rush, this concept works best at countering the pressure from the DEs.
• This concept can be run from the Weak I Close or Weak I Tight Twins as long as the FB is blocking to the inside once he is sent in motion.
• If the FB does not have a hook block to the inside there is way to get him to do so. We show how in the "Pass Protection Schemes" section of the book.