When Madden 10 first came out it was suggested by the community that one of the most effective ways to stop the play action pass is to blitz the quarterback by blitzing up the middle or use corner back blitzes. The key is to get to the quarterback before he has a chance to get the pass off. In my defensive game plan post I mentioned using CB Dogs Blitz but the corner backs seem to be biting on the play action pass more after patch #2 came out.
Using the Cover 2 Sink, as mentioned in my defending against flat passes in compressed sets post seems to be a lot more effective against play action passes. You get good coverage near the middle of the field and defending against the flats seems to be more effective because defenders are in a better position to stop the run after the catch. Sometimes, I'll hot route a defensive lineman to the flats area if I have a hunch on the side of the field the pass will be thrown to.
Using the Cover 2 Sink out of the 3-4 formation can also be effective against the run. With the New York Jets defensive playbook I was using Cover 2 Sink out of the 3-4 predator formation. In this formation the linebacker is lined up on the line of scrimmage in a three-point stance. This play seems to be vulnerable against the outside pitch, however. Cover 2 Sink in 3-4 Solid does a better job against the outside run. In 3-4 Solid, both outside Linebackers crowd the line. This play can be vulnerable against the inside run but what I do is 'user' the blitzing OLB and move him towards the middle of the field so he's ready to defend against the inside run. I'll also hot route this defender into contain so I'm able to control him better. Cover 2 Sink in 3-4 Solid formation is a play that should defend well against the run and play action pass effectively with little or no adjustments necessary.
Thank you
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