In this week’s Ask Huddle, we’re answering four more questions you guys sent in.
We'll be breaking down whether Gunslinger and Quickdraw stack, how to properly utilize the Switch concept, how to attack Cover 3 Double Cloud, and the best ways to score near the goal line.
If you have a question you want answered next week, drop it in the comments below.
#1 - Do the gunslinger and quickdraw abilities stack?
Answer:
Gunslinger speeds up your quarterback’s throwing motion on every throw: clean pocket, under pressure, inside the pocket, outside the pocket. It doesn’t matter. If you have Gunslinger equipped, your release is faster across the board.
Quickdraw, on the other hand, only activates when you’re under pressure. When it lights up, it speeds up the throwing motion similar to Gunslinger. In past Maddens, there’s also been evidence that Quickdraw improves the velocity of the ball, but again, it only applies when the ability is actively triggering under pressure.
So do they stack? Not in a real way that gives you extra benefits. Gunslinger already speeds up your release at all times, and Quickdraw only activates situationally under pressure.
In general, we recommend Gunslinger 10 out of 10 times if you have access to it and can afford the AP. However, if your quarterback doesn’t get Gunslinger, whether in CFM, Regs, or certain Ultimate Team QB's, Quickdraw can function as a “budget” version that still provides value in pressure situations.
#2 - What's the best way to utilize the "Switch" concept?
Answer:
The Switch concept is a route combination most commonly found in doubles or spread sets. Typically, the slot receiver runs a wheel route while the outside receiver runs an inside release post, and sometimes a dig. At the snap, the two receivers quickly trade responsibilities. The slot pushes outside on the wheel, and the outside receiver breaks inside, essentially switching who becomes the inside and outside threat.
There are several ways to use the Switch concept, but one method we have taught for years is what we call making zones disappear. This is especially effective against Tampa 2 or Cover 2 defenses that use cloud flats.
To run it properly, keep the Switch concept isolated to one side of the field. From the opposite side, add a delayed route that works back toward the same side as the Switch. When executed correctly, the cloud flat will carry the wheel route vertically, which opens a large window along the sideline. That area can be attacked repeatedly for consistent gains.
Make sure to watch the video for a full breakdown of the timing and spacing, but this is one of the most effective ways to use the Switch concept against Cover 2 style defenses.
#3 - How do you like to attack Cover 3 Double Cloud?
Answer:
Cover 3 Double Cloud is a defense you can find in the 3-3-5 Penny 3 High formation, and it is actually a play I like to use on defense. It can be frustrating to face if you do not understand how to attack it properly.
The first thing to recognize is that it is still a Cover 3 shell over the top. Many players see the cloud flats and the three-high look and assume it is a completely different coverage. While it does change how you attack underneath, the deep structure is still Cover 3. That means you can attack it vertically in very similar ways.
One of my favorite methods is a two-way bomb out of a spread set. Put your two outside receivers on comeback routes and your two inside receivers on post routes. You can custom stem the posts up one or two clicks if you would like, but it is not required.
This setup isolates the two posts against the single middle of the field safety. He cannot defend both. If the user commits to one post, you throw the other. The outside comebacks help by pulling down the deep outside thirds, which creates even more space for the posts to develop over the top.
You will need to approach the underneath attack differently than a traditional Cover 3, but any Cover 3 bomb concept will function similarly because the deep shell remains the same.
#4 - What's your favorite way to score near the goal line?
Answer:
Scoring gets harder the closer you are to the end zone. It sounds strange, but it makes sense. The defense still has 11 players on the field, yet they now have far less space to defend. Windows get tighter, defenders play closer to the line, and the run becomes easier to clog up. Without a clear plan, this area of the field can be difficult to finish drives.
One of my favorite ways to score is by using play action boot or rollout plays. The key detail is to roll opposite your quarterback’s throwing arm. If you have a right-handed quarterback, run the boot to the left. If your quarterback is left-handed, roll to the right.
You can set up any solid route combination on the rollout side to give yourself a passing option, but the primary goal is to win the edge and run it in with your quarterback. Most of the time, you will be able to outrun the free edge defender and walk into the end zone.
Make sure to watch the video to see one of my favorite examples out of the Giants playbook, but this principle works with almost any PA boot play in the game.
Thanks for tuning in again this week, and as always, if you have a question you'd like answered, drop it in the comments section below!
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