From the Deep Pass Part 2...
Last week in the
filmroom we showed how we like to hot route one of the outside receivers
on a fade that allows him to get separation deep on the cornerback covering
him. This week in the filmroom we want to take it one step further by using
the pump fake and taking control of the receiver while the ball is in the
air. Instead of just pushing down on the speed burst button and running the
receiver to the pass target icon, we will run him towards the post and then
towards the corner to get separation.
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1

The offensive
play we choose for this example is the Singleback Big Giants Cross Up for
the Giants playbook.
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2
The defense comes
out in the 4-3 Normal DBL TE Bracket. This defense has the SS and LOLB doubling
up the TE. The FS plays the deep middle of the field.
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3

We first playmaker
the FL on a fade route.
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4

Next we hot route
the HB to stay in to pass block.
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5

We then put the
QB's Vision Cone on the SE.
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6

Once the ball
is snapped, we keep the QB's vision cone on the SE. This will influence the
FS to cheat towards the right side of the field.
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7

Next we pump fake
to the SE. The FS normally will bite hard on the fake and draw him further
away from the FL.
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8

Once we see this,
we know we have the FL matched up in one on one on coverage with the
LCB, so we switch the QB's vision cone to the right side of the field.
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9

Tap the FL's pass
icon to lob the ball up in the air.
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10

While the ball
is in the air take control of the FL. At this point of the throw, we don't
have that much separation on the LCB. If we were to just press the speed
burst button and sprint to the pass target icon, we would not be able to
separate the FL from the LCB.
Here is why. Giants receiver Plaxico Burress has a
speed rating of 92. The Charger cornerback covering him is Quentin Jammer with
a speed rating of 93. Last week, we said for the receiver to get separation
from the defender, he must be at least four points faster. As you can see Burress
is not even as fast as Jammer. For us to get Burress open, we will need do
things differently.
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11

While the ball
is in air, run the FL towards the post 2 to 3 yards. Notice the LCB follows
the receiver instead of running towards the pass target icon.
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12

Then change his
direction towards the corner.
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13

Hold down on the
speed burst button and guide him towards the pass target icon. You should
see the FL get enough separation from the LCB.
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14

Press the jump/catch
button to to make the grab.
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15

If the LCB tries
to knock the pass down or misses the tackle, there is a good chance you can
take the rock in for a score.
Final Thoughts
While playing
online we have seen top ballers use this technique to complete the deep ball.
It takes some stick control to pull it off. You will want to spend a good
amount of time practicing it before trying it online.
Another way to
do it if you don't feel comfortable enough with taking control of the receiver
is the Click On Click Off method. Once you break the receiver towards the
corner, click off of him. The CPU will take control of the receiver and will
aggressively go make the catch.
The cornerback
(defender) may not always follow the receiver. He sometimes will run straight
to the pass icon. If he does this, then you will want to abort running towards
the post quickly, instead run him towards the corner. You will need to come
in at angle and press the jump/catch button to Jet Pack the receiver (more
on Jet Packing next week in the filmroom) to make the catch.
Finally, this
only works against players who don't take control of their defensive backs.
If the player controlling the defense has good stick control, he may be able
to pick off the pass or knock it way. He won't allow the defensive back to
follow the receiver, instead he will race the defensive back towards the
pass target icon and try to pick the pass off. |