The Shotgun 2 RB 3 WR formation is one of the most popular in Madden 2008. The reason so many users enjoy using this formation is not only because there's plenty of protection in the backfield, but also because many of the play have easy reads downfield. In this example, SportsGamer's going to show you how you can utilize the Shotgun 2 RB 3 WR and the Shotgun 2 RB Flex formations within the San Diego Chargers playbook to almost double the number of plays available to your offense.
Shotgun 2 RB 3 WR - RB Circles Shotgun 2 RB Flex - Semi Left
Shotgun 2 RB 3 WR - Slot receiver off the line of scrimmage.
Shotgun 2 RB Flex - Slot receiver on the line of scrimmage.
Console(s)
XBOX 360 / PS3Quick Setup
Step 1 - Shift the defensive line to the right (360 - LB + right on d-pad / PS3 - L! + right on d-pad).
Step 2 - Call for bump n' run coverage (360 - Y + down on d-pad / PS3 - Triangle + down on d-pad).
Step 3 - (optional used in video) - Manually control the weak defensive endto roam the field with.
Play Breakdown
Check out the defensive assignments for the Fox Fire Zone before we have made any adjustments in the first image shown above. We begin setting up the pressure on this play by first shifting our defensive line to the right. This initial movement is what allows us to create an overload on the right, as well as create confusion among the offensive line.
The last step we take is calling for bump n' run coverage to get our blitzing nickelback to move up on the line of scrimmage. The reason we want our nickelback as close to the line of scrimmage as possible is because we want the pressure from his rush to prevent the quarterback from being able to sit comfortably in the pocket. As soon as the play begins our defensive linemen begin slanting hard to the left side of the field. The hard angles that our linemen take prevent the members of our opponent's offensive line from being able to engage immediately. 
The hard rush angles force the majority of the offensive line to shift to the left in order to pick up our defenders. The expected shift from the offensive line allows us to create an overload on the right between the linebacker, the left defensive end, and the blitzing nickelback. The right guard will almost always pick up the left defensive end (he cut blocks him in the image above), leaving us with a 2 on 1 against the right tackle. The 2 on 1 matchup is the middle linebacker and the nickelback against the right tackle.
In this particular example the right tackle decides to block the middle linebacker. The end result is a big sack from the nickelback who came in untouched.
The hard rush angles force the majority of the offensive line to shift to the left in order to pick up our defenders. The expected shift from the offensive line allows us to create an overload on the right between the linebacker, the left defensive end, and the blitzing nickelback. The right guard will almost always pick up the left defensive end (he cut blocks him in the image above), leaving us with a 2 on 1 against the right tackle. The 2 on 1 matchup is the middle linebacker and the nickelback against the right tackle.
In this particular example the right tackle decides to block the middle linebacker. The end result is a big sack from the nickelback who came in untouched.
Final Thoughts
The Fox Fire Zone is a play that we've enhanced by designing pressure to come from an overload. However, the confusion created upfront by the unique rushing angles from our defensive linemen will leave many of your opponents very uncomfortable in the pocket. The reason gamers may feel this way is because a lot of players will initially look at the line of scrimmage immediately after the snap for just a second to make sure the pressure is picked up. However, if the members of their offensive line are forced to wait just a second later to make their blocks, then our opponent must be forced to wait another second to make sure they get picked up. Also, these unique angles will be able to break through the line rather quickly on some occasions because the offensive line is so confused. Check out this play the next time you get a little free time.
