It doesn't get much better than the Plug Cover 1 when attempting to stop the FB Dive. What we like about this defense is not only the fact that it shuts this run down so well, but it also provides us with some instant pressure after the snap if our opponent decides to drop back for a pass instead. Also, there are a couple different ways that this play can be setup successfully, so be sure to read through the entire tip to establish a more complete defensive scheme. The 46 Bear is one of the better run stopping formations in the game. In addition to the Plug Cover 1, we're also going to provide you with a lethal setup for any play in 46 Bear formation that will help you stop most runs and defend adequately against the pass.
Quick Setup
Step 1 - (optional) Pinch the defensive line (360 - LB + down on d-pad / PS3 - L1 + down on d-pad).
Step 2 - Hot route the strong defensive tackle to blitz straight down (360 - move icon over player and press A, then flick down on right analog stick / PS3 - move icon over player and press X, then flick right analog stick down).
Step 3 - Manually move the strong safety behind and slightly to the left of the weak defensive tackle.
Play Breakdown
The FB Dive has consistently been the best running play in Madden for the past few years. In this image, our opponent has come out in the Weak Pro FB Dive. You can find the FB Dive in a number of different formations, but the Weak formation is one of the more popular choices. The Plug Cover 1 is a great play to stop this particular FB Dive, but the setup that we'll be demonstrating later in the breakdown will work more effectively against other formations.
Here's an image of the defensive assignments for the Plug Cover 1. Again, if you don't prefer playing man to man defense you'll want to make sure that you take a look at the second setup option later in the breakdown.
We begin setting up the defense in this first example by using the optional step of pinching our defensive line.
Next, we hot route the strong defensive tackle to blitz straight down.
Then, we take control of the strong safety and prepare to manually move him behind and slightly to the left of the weak defensive tackle.
