Running the 4-3 Normal Cover 1 flipped the SportsGamer way can cause a lot of problems for offenses. This play not only provides you with man to man coverage across the field, but it also allows you to bring some serious heat on your opponent. Another benefit of using the SportsGamer setup for this play is that you are provided with extra defenders near the line of scrimmage to help against the run. Continue reading below to turn your defense up a notch.
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Fake blitz (XBOX - Y + left / PS2 - Triangle + left).
Step 2 - Spread the defensive line. (XBOX - White button + up / PS2 L1 + up).
Step 3 - Playmaker the middle linebacker to blitz (right analog stick + down).
Step 4 - (optional) Individually bump n' run only the receivers (XBOX - Y + receiver's icon + down / PS2 - Triangle + receiver's icon + down).
Figure 1 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have come out in the 4-3 Normal Cover 1 flipped. We would suggest manually controlling the free safety playing a deep zone to prevent from getting beat long. Almost every other area on the field should have a defender closeby, so your mindset should only be focused on getting deeper than the receivers to be able to help out.
Figure 2 - In this picture we've taken the first step by calling a fake blitz to place our defenders closer to the line of scrimmage.
Figure 3 - We have now taken all of the remaining steps and we are ready to begin the play. Take a look at Figure 4 for a closer view of the line of scrimmage.
Figure 4 - There is nothing from the look of this defensive alignment that would tip off to our opponent that we are bringing pressure. Fortunately, that is exactly what we want them to believe. Let's begin the play.
Figure 5 - The outside receivers are getting bumped as Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick drops back to pass. Meanwhile, the pressure has already begun to develop up front.
Figure 6 - This closer view of the line of scrimmage lets you see how the pressure is unfolding after the snap. Left tackle Wayne Gandy is immediately hit with the overload on the left side of the line. Defensive end Simeon Rice and linebacker Shelton Quarles both rush towards the same stop on the field, forcing Gandy to make a decision on whom to block.
Figure 7 - Gandy picks up Quarles, allowing Rice to come around the outside untouched.
Figure 8 - The receivers have just gotten five yards upfield, but time has run out in the pocket for Vick.
Figure 9 - The pressure from Rice was too fast for even the speedy Michael Vick to escape.
Final Conclusion
The 4-3 Normal Cover 1flipped is a great defense to come out in to start a game because it really allows you to get a feel for what your opponent wants to try to do on offense. One thing you may want to consider when using this play to begin a game is running it without the enhancements. Then, once your opponent starts to think that he has time in the pocket, simply throw in the adjustments to create a big turnover for your team. This defense is susceptible to some running plays, as well as quick passes to the outside receivers. If your opponent begins throwing quick passes you may want to start manually moving each cornerback back about another yard or two from the receiver to throw the timing of the route off.
