In this next tip, SportsGamer is going to break down the Bunch play from the Weak-I Normal formation. The reason we want to take a look at this play is because 2006-07' Washington D.C. Madden Challenge winner R.J. Warren used it a number of times throughout the day on his way to the championship. R.J has decided to provide SportsGamer followers with this exclusive breakdown. Check it out as we take you step by step!
Playbook
RJ used the N.Y. Giants playbook
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Call any Weak-I Twin TE play.
Step 2 - Audible to the Weak-I Normal Bunch play.
Step 3 - Formation shift to Weak-I Twin TE.
Step 4 - Hot route the running back to perform a streak (XBOX - Y + receiver's icon + up / PS2 - Triangle + receiver's icon + up).
Step 5 - Motion the running back to the left.
Figure 1 - The Baltimore Ravens have come out in the Weak-I Twin TE formation. The Ravens were the team of choice for R.J., but this formation can be successful with any team that has two solid tight ends. The next step that we want to take is audibling to the Weak-I Normal Bunch play.
Figure 2 - In this image you can see that we have audibled to the Weak-I Normal Bunch play because #2 tight end Daniel Wilcox has moved out wide. However, we need to formation shift this play back to our original formation before beginning.
Figure 3 - The formation shift back to Weak-I Twin TE is now complete. The last change that we need to make on this play is hot routing and motioning the running back out of the backfield. The reason the running back is motioned to the left is not only to open up the throw to fullback Alan Ricard in the flats, but also to force our opponent to worry about a quick throw to the sidelines.
Figure 4 - We've motioned running back Jamal Lewis to the left and we are in the process of snapping the ball.
Figure 5 - Quarterback Steve McNair takes the snap as our receivers take on the bump n' run coverage by the cornerbacks. We want you to notice how tight end Daniel Wilcox's route enables him to avoid the bump as he heads upfield. Wilcox's unbumpable route is just one reason why this play is so effective.
Figure 6 - As the play continues to unfold, you can see that our fullback is open in the flats on the left side of the field. You may want to consider subbing in your fastest backup running back in at the fullback position to get as much speed as possible on the field. Meanwhile, Wilcox uses his unbumpable route to get inside position on the defense as he moves over the middle.
Figure 7 - We make the throw to Wilcox by pressing up on the directional pad to put the ball in a spot that only our player can catch.
Figure 8 - Wilcox leaps into the air to make the catch for an easy completion.
Final Conclusion
The Weak-I Twin TE is a great formation to use when attempting to control the pace of a game. This isn't a formation that you are going to be able to go deep too often with. However, you can create an offense out of it that excels with those short to intermediate passes. Run the ball efficiently, make the correct reads, and play solid defense. If you can perfect these aspects with this formation, then you can beat anyone.
