Need help to beat current meta

Uncommittedgamer said:

Im 100% more comfortable in defense. I switch it up, show different formations and only make mistakes when I full blitz. 

I don’t mind trying things but many quick snappers these days. But having so many avalanches on cb helps a lot. Sometimes the runs hard to stop. But I’m still comfortable. 

Offense is my biggest problem. Passing plays on cover 4, loop blitzes and in general sheds. 

I’ll try move players around like you said and see if I can do even better.

We are very much built the same way, in Madden terms.  My primary focus (and what i enjoy playing most) is Defensive Coordinator for our little squads trio.  I've had decent amount of success running the same, mostly stock Cover 4 Drop (often shaded down), primarily from 3-4 Odd & Dime 1-4. That 3-4 Odd variant is really good against the run.  Simply spread your linebackers and press the coverage, so both Safeties walk down into the box, which will ensure their first steps are forward (to fill their respective run fits), even in pass coverage.  Bend, but don't break, keeping everything under me -- with the added advantage lately of all these Avalanche players, so i've been able to win games against superior opponents i have no business competing with.  But it can be a double-edged sword.

It's brutal to move the ball this late in the year.  I'm often starting in five wide, then immediately audible down to I-form, HB Stretch, which is a threat to run either direction and hopefully keeps opponents guessing.  I hate having to set up blocking protections on every single snap, but there was a game last evening where i was basically forced to, as my beloved PA Snag simply wasn't picking up the direct SUBLB (OG engage) type blitz that is extremely popular.  Double teaming the DT, identifying the blitzing LB and keeping the HB in to help block usually picks that nonsense up, but even then, as you pointed out, a quick shed and we're cooked.  I'm not much of a scrambler, but really need to start working that into my game, especially now that we've got Truzz on our QBs.

peatrick said:

We are very much built the same way, in Madden terms.  My primary focus (and what i enjoy playing most) is Defensive Coordinator for our little squads trio.  I've had decent amount of success running the same, mostly stock Cover 4 Drop (often shaded down), primarily from 3-4 Odd & Dime 1-4. That 3-4 Odd variant is really good against the run.  Simply spread your linebackers and press the coverage, so both Safeties walk down into the box, which will ensure their first steps are forward (to fill their respective run fits), even in pass coverage.  Bend, but don't break, keeping everything under me -- with the added advantage lately of all these Avalanche players, so i've been able to win games against superior opponents i have no business competing with.  But it can be a double-edged sword.

It's brutal to move the ball this late in the year.  I'm often starting in five wide, then immediately audible down to I-form, HB Stretch, which is a threat to run either direction and hopefully keeps opponents guessing.  I hate having to set up blocking protections on every single snap, but there was a game last evening where i was basically forced to, as my beloved PA Snag simply wasn't picking up the direct SUBLB (OG engage) type blitz that is extremely popular.  Double teaming the DT, identifying the blitzing LB and keeping the HB in to help block usually picks that nonsense up, but even then, as you pointed out, a quick shed and we're cooked.  I'm not much of a scrambler, but really need to start working that into my game, especially now that we've got Truzz on our QBs.

Honestly the 4-3 quarters is pretty decent against stretch or if they audible out of it. Weakness is quick passes inside or quick seam passes. You don’t even have to press it. Sometimes just shade underneath is enough. 

I don’t know why but I automatically contain almost every play 😂. But I’m getting some luck on TFL there or create an angle to the rb. 

But I like trying different formations. Not so brave with the dime 1-4, I feel like I can’t run it properly. 
 

Offense I’m actually having fun with Singleback and Pistol formations. 

https://huddle.gg/25/playbooks/miami-dolphins-off/singleback-wing-pair/pa-x-burst-cross/

I use this play against cover 4. R1 goes to corner route, O goes a streak. 

Rb can block but that check down is really valuable. 
 

Same goes to https://huddle.gg/25/playbooks/miami-dolphins-off/pistol-tight-y-off-flex/

I use everything except the double pass here and my opponents get confused or frustrated because the except the double pass

peatrick said:

We are very much built the same way, in Madden terms.  My primary focus (and what i enjoy playing most) is Defensive Coordinator for our little squads trio.  I've had decent amount of success running the same, mostly stock Cover 4 Drop (often shaded down), primarily from 3-4 Odd & Dime 1-4. That 3-4 Odd variant is really good against the run.  Simply spread your linebackers and press the coverage, so both Safeties walk down into the box, which will ensure their first steps are forward (to fill their respective run fits), even in pass coverage.  Bend, but don't break, keeping everything under me -- with the added advantage lately of all these Avalanche players, so i've been able to win games against superior opponents i have no business competing with.  But it can be a double-edged sword.

It's brutal to move the ball this late in the year.  I'm often starting in five wide, then immediately audible down to I-form, HB Stretch, which is a threat to run either direction and hopefully keeps opponents guessing.  I hate having to set up blocking protections on every single snap, but there was a game last evening where i was basically forced to, as my beloved PA Snag simply wasn't picking up the direct SUBLB (OG engage) type blitz that is extremely popular.  Double teaming the DT, identifying the blitzing LB and keeping the HB in to help block usually picks that nonsense up, but even then, as you pointed out, a quick shed and we're cooked.  I'm not much of a scrambler, but really need to start working that into my game, especially now that we've got Truzz on our QBs.

I did it. 6-0. Thanks. You have rescued my offense. It all changed when I put Faneca LT, Nelson LG, Stephenson C and long RG. 

Plus the addition of using Latham in the slot and JJ at QB. He’s better than maye. I don’t even have truzz on JJ. 

I form, single back and pistol formations

Uncommittedgamer said:

I did it. 6-0. Thanks. You have rescued my offense. It all changed when I put Faneca LT, Nelson LG, Stephenson C and long RG. 

Plus the addition of using Latham in the slot and JJ at QB. He’s better than maye. I don’t even have truzz on JJ. 

I form, single back and pistol formations

WOOHOO! That's fantastic news. I really struggled last week, only managed to go 6-0 on the very last evening. That offensive line is stupid overpowered, eh? I couldn't believe how much my run game came alive after going from just two to four, now five-wide Vanguard.

Redux Dan Dierdorf recently dropped, so prices should start coming down. Atta boy, grats on yer flawless victory.

Honestly the lions RT is good enough for me with 4 vanguards. 

I just made another 6-0 run by just almost running on people lol 😂 

It’s really easy to control the clock and win games this way. I get minimum 3 points per attack possession and they don’t always get points on me while throwing. 

After figuring out the Run Stuffer and reinforcements abilities and how to use them, no one gets 15 yards on me 

I have an op team ofc but still fun. Mapu is insane

Uncommittedgamer said:

Im 100% more comfortable in defense. I switch it up, show different formations and only make mistakes when I full blitz. 

I don’t mind trying things but many quick snappers these days. But having so many avalanches on cb helps a lot. Sometimes the runs hard to stop. But I’m still comfortable. 

Offense is my biggest problem. Passing plays on cover 4, loop blitzes and in general sheds. 

I’ll try move players around like you said and see if I can do even better.

I’ve found playing cover 4 in any defensive formation that isn’t dime attack the middle like a mf i like to use slant/post a deep in from the outside streak from slot or streak from closest to the HB (could be a TE) and have the HB on a curl typically under the mid zone and if you see they have a spy out there roll a bit out right or left and typically the user and zones are too busy dealing with outside or streak assignments that the curl or even late the deep in r open some time needs to be bought after you throw the curl 2 times or 3 because then by that time your showing tendencies after attacking the middle a few times in cover 4 they’ll switch to either sending heat or cover 3 to even a cover 2 look but by then you’ll essentially get their defensive Rhythm i typically play squads even i know i have a rhythm yfm so use that info to keep playing mind games with some of these D guys and you’ll end up ruining their day

GreenHoneyPack said:

I’ve found playing cover 4 in any defensive formation that isn’t dime attack the middle like a mf i like to use slant/post a deep in from the outside streak from slot or streak from closest to the HB (could be a TE) and have the HB on a curl typically under the mid zone and if you see they have a spy out there roll a bit out right or left and typically the user and zones are too busy dealing with outside or streak assignments that the curl or even late the deep in r open some time needs to be bought after you throw the curl 2 times or 3 because then by that time your showing tendencies after attacking the middle a few times in cover 4 they’ll switch to either sending heat or cover 3 to even a cover 2 look but by then you’ll essentially get their defensive Rhythm i typically play squads even i know i have a rhythm yfm so use that info to keep playing mind games with some of these D guys and you’ll end up ruining their day

And if they are shell setters it’s easier key a guy like the safety or closest to the line corners and you’ll be able to see what zone drops they are in after that see the depth of zone drops they got put in and you’ll have a time i use flood concepts to tell if the player I’m playing double Mables or even knows how to do that try like double slants if the person is a good switch stick user so you can create rub concepts and all that sorry for the long responses

I’m a bit of a traditionalist, but I believe having a good lab partner is crucial. It’s like having a buddy to practice with, and together, you can learn and improve. Another helpful tip is to review your end highlights to identify what went well and what could be improved.

peatrick said:

Does your entire O-line have relevant blocking abilities?  At bare minimum you need:

• Secure Protector
• All Day
• Linchpin (just one for the entire Oline)
• Omniscient (just one for the entire Oline)
• Post Up -- at the moment i only have this on my Center and both Tackles

And apologies in advance if this is old news, but be absolutely certain you are not holding down the Sprint button (R2 / right trigger) until you have cleared your blockers and burst into the open field.  Using the sprint button will cause the blocking to shed almost immediately.  It's a very common mistake that a TON of players (myself include) have made.

Bonus points for Vanguard.  There are a TON of Theme Team Surge Tight Ends who get 0AP Vanguard, i'm running Ted Hendricks at WR1, have Cole Kmet as TE2 behind big Dawand Jones, then there's Lamar FB.  You don't have to go full cheese, but getting the run game going is typically the counter to these formations that continually drop 8 into coverage.

Does linchpin, Omni, Blitz Radar need to be on starters or can I have them on a bench lineman?

AJones7304 said:

Does linchpin, Omni, Blitz Radar need to be on starters or can I have them on a bench lineman?

Needs to be someone on the field.  However, you only need 1 Linchpin and 1 Omniscient for your entire line.

Omniscient is the combination of Identifier + Threat Detector (which is the same as Blitz Radar, i believe).  So at a certain point they become redundant.  Be sure the rest of your line has the following abilities (x5) across each and every one:

• Secure Protector -- prevents the initial pass rush moves, such as Unstoppable Force / Colossus
• All Day -- prevents repeated pass rush moves
• Post Up -- ensures dominant double team wins, even against (or especially) Colossus.  Works well on either both interior Guards, or your Center and both Tackles.

And of course Vanguard.  Everyone probably should be using their BND Ultimate Legends tokens on big Willie Roaf.  He's absolutely fantastic, that would normally be a 2-3M coin card.  Alan Faneca is also a very very good choice.

peatrick said:

Needs to be someone on the field.  However, you only need 1 Linchpin and 1 Omniscient for your entire line.

Omniscient is the combination of Identifier + Threat Detector (which is the same as Blitz Radar, i believe).  So at a certain point they become redundant.  Be sure the rest of your line has the following abilities (x5) across each and every one:

• Secure Protector -- prevents the initial pass rush moves, such as Unstoppable Force / Colossus
• All Day -- prevents repeated pass rush moves
• Post Up -- ensures dominant double team wins, even against (or especially) Colossus.  Works well on either both interior Guards, or your Center and both Tackles.

And of course Vanguard.  Everyone probably should be using their BND Ultimate Legends tokens on big Willie Roaf.  He's absolutely fantastic, that would normally be a 2-3M coin card.  Alan Faneca is also a very very good choice.

Threat detector is what I was thinking, could t remember the name off the top of my head. Thank you. I didn’t realize they had to be on the field.