The 3-4 Even is another new formation that can only be found in the next gen versions of Madden. In this tip, SportsGamer's going to disect the Tri Sky Zone play. The Trio Sky Zone is a defense that can apply pressure by sending as few as four defenders after the quarterback. In addition, there is only one step required to make this play work. We've designed the pressure on this play to come right up the middle from the left inside linebacker after the snap. Take a look at this quarerback killer!
3-4 Even - Trio Sky Zone
Quick Setup
Step 1 of 1 - Shift your linebackers to the left (RB + left)
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Pittsburgh Steelers have come out in the Trio Sky Zone. Currently, this play calls for a five man pass rush. However, if you'll continue reading below you'll discover how to get the same pressure by only rushing four defenders.
Figure 2 - We've shifted the Steelers' linebackers to the left and we're now ready to bring the pressure. Take one more look at a close up of the line of scrimmage in Figure 3.
Figure 3 - In this image you can see exactly what the setup should look like before the snap. Now let's go ahead and begin the play.
Figure 4 - As San Diego Chargers' quarterback Phillip Rivers drops back to pass, the pressure begins to unfold up front. The first block that we want to happen takes place as Chargers' center Nick Hardwick engages with defensive tackle Casey Hampton.
Figure 5 - Next, left guard Kris Deilman engages with right defensive end Brett Keisel. The two blocks that we forced to happen up front allows blitzing left inside linebacker James Farrior to attack the open A-gap to the left of the center.
Figure 6 - Rivers has just dropped back to pass and the pressure is already right in front of his face.
Figure 7 - Farrior drives Rivers into the ground as he records the big sack for the defense.
Figure 8 - In this image, we've called the same Trio Sky Zone play. However, this time we are manually controlling left defensive end Aaron Smith as the play develops.
Figure 9 - Here's a close shot of the line of scrimmage when controlling the left defensive end. We would only suggest using this tactic on passing situations because you are too vulnerable against the run.
Figure 10 - Immediately after the snap the pressure begins to develop once again. Meanwhile, we are roaming the middle of the field with Smith to try to knock down any passes that come in our direction.
Figure 11 - Farrior attacks the opening in the offensive line for a second time.
Figure 12 - Rivers is still taken down in the backfield, despite only rushing four.
Integrated Playcalling
3-4 Even - Pinch
If you like the setup for the Trio Sky Zone, then you might want to also consider using the 3-4 Even Pinch play as well.
Figure 13 - The reason that we would suggest using this play in addition to the Trio Sky Zone is because although the setup is exactly the same before the snap, this features man coverage instead of a zone. Furthermore, it brings pressure around the outside instead of up the middle. In this image you can see the defensive assignments for the 3-4 Even Pinch.
Figure 14 - In this image, we've taken the next step by again shifting our linebackers to the left. While the Pinch is a 6-man rush by design, It is important to note that you can also control the left defensive end and roam around on this play without interfering with the pressure.
Figure 15 - Notice in this image that the setup for the Pinch looks exactly like that of the Trio Sky Zone. The defense is forced to worry about the constant pressure coming up the middle. Fortunately, the Pinch enables us to switch things up and attack our opponent on the outsides.
Figure 16 - Immediately after the snap, left tackle Roman Oben is met with an overload. Oben is forced to block the closest player, allowing the other defender to run in after the quarterback untouched.
Figure 17- Oben locks down on right inside linebacker Larry Foote. Meanwhile, right outside linebacker Joey Porter closes in on the quarterback.
Figure 12 - Porter throws Rivers to the ground.
Final Word
The 3-4 Even is a formation can really generate some nice pressure for you. We would suggest using these two plays in tandem to change your coverages, as well as from where you are bringing pressure. You may want to even consider placing both plays in your audibles to go back and forth between the two on the fly. Many of your opponents will try to find out if you are in man or zone before the snap. However, when you see your opponent trying to do this, simply audible to the other play just before the snap to disrupt the timing of their play.
