Defensive Formations

Below is a list of defensive formations found in Madden 10 with some tips on when and when not to use them:

4-3 Normal

Advantages: A balanced run and pass defense. Good against inside runs and short to medium passing.
Disadvantages: Avoid using against four or more receiver sets. Blitzing Linebackers can leave slants and outside runs open.

4-3 Over/Under (Over and Under refers to having an extra LB on different sides of the line)

Advantages: Increased pass rush possibilities. Protect against inside and outside runs.
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to the passing game and fewer Linebackers in the middle could mean fewer tacklers if the HB gets through.

3-4 Normal

Advantages: A balanced run and pass defense. Defends outside runs and flat passes.
Disadvantages: Softer pass rush, but more blitz variety with extra Linebackers. Vulnerable to multiple receiver sets.

3-4 Over/Under

Advantages: Increased pass rush with linebacker at the line.
Disadvantages: Fewer Linebackers defending the short passes. Vulnerable to multiple receiver sets.

3-4 Solid (Both outside Linebackers crowd the line.)

Advantages: Increased pass rush opportunities and disguised blitzing. Stuff the run with increased penetration.
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to quick passes if outside Linebackers blitz. Avoid against multiple receiver sets.

3-4 Even (Outside Linebackers crowd the line and middle Linebackers tighten up.)

Advantages: Balanced run stoppage for inside and outside runs.
Disadvantages: Tighter formation could be vulnerable to the pass.

3-4 Stack (Resembles a 4-3 in alignment.)

Advantages: A 4-3 look for your excellent Linebackers. Variation in pass rushing for fast outside Linebackers.
Disadvantages: Avoid using against heavy passing situations.

3-4 Predator (Linebacker is lined up on the line of scrimmage in a three-point stance)

Advantages: Increased pass rush with linebacker at the line.
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to quick passes if outside Linebackers blitz.

4-4

Advantages: Run stoppage with 8 men in the box (around line of scrimmage).
Disadvantages: Potential to give up the big play, both through the air and on the ground

46 Normal

Advantages: Similar to 4-3 but safety provides extra run stopping support. Pressuring defense.
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to deep passes with just one safety back. Avoid using against heavy passing situations and multiple receiver sets.

46 Bear

Advantages: Combines the 46 Normal and 4-3 Over defenses. Increased pressure along the line for stronger run defense and pressure.
Disadvantages: Weak pass defense. Avoid using against multiple receiver sets.

Nickel Normal

Advantages: An additional defensive back helps protect against the pass. Be sure the "nickel back" is lined up against the slot receiver. Optimum against 3 WR sets.
Disadvantages: Losing a linebacker means losing a good tackler.

Nickel Strong

Advantages: Increased safety help on the strong side. Helps provide additional coverage on a formation where there are more receivers and/or tight ends are on one side.
Disadvantages: Similar to the standard nickel. Also the safety shifted over could leave the other side open, especially if there are backs on pass patterns.

Nickel 1-5-5/1-5-5 Prowl

Advantages: Five Linebackers help defend against a run and five defensive backs help defend the pass. Allows for some blitzing variation.
Disadvantages: Can be a weak run defense if your Linebackers focus on coverage.

Nickel 2-4-5

Advantages: Added Linebackers help defend against an unexpected run. In the 3-4 playbook because of the team’s typical linebacker skill.
Disadvantages: Need to increase pass rush with linebacker pressure.

Nickel 3-3-5

Advantages: An added linebacker to defend the run or short passing.
Disadvantages: Need to increase pass rush with linebacker pressure.

Nickel Odd Split

Advantages: Good against the pass and the extra DB provides speed from coverage and the pass rush
Disadvantages: Could be vulnerable against run.

Dime Normal

Advantages: Six defensive backs to counter the passing game. Use against four or more wide receiver sets.
Disadvantages: Weak against an unexpected run.

Dime Flat

Advantages: Defenders are tighter and closer to the line to protect against run or short passing. Good for end zone defense.
Disadvantages: Weaker against deep passing.

Quarters Normal

Advantages: Seven defensive backs as a pass prevent defense.
Disadvantages: Easy to run against.

Quarters 3 Deep

Advantages: Three deep Safeties to protect against the deep ball. Use in long yardage situations.
Disadvantages: Easy to run against.

Quarters Combo

Advantages: Protects against the deep ball with three deep Safeties.
Disadvantages: Easy to run against.

Dollar Normal

Advantages: Eight players focused on stopping the pass. Use in certain passing situations (long yardage) or even in the red zone to crowd the end zone.
Disadvantages: You have a lot of bad tacklers on the field if your opponent runs the ball!