Stopping the QB Sneak in short yardage situations can prove to be very difficult. There are several reasons why this simple, yet effective play is a nightmare to try to stop. First, the inability to set up a defense in time is a major factor. Furthermore, when you combine the lack of setup time with the various ways that the QB Sneak can be run you get a nearly unstoppable play. In this tip we will show you a fast and easy setup that will contain the QB sneak up the middle, around the right end, and even to the left as well. Also, we will be doing this against Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons to showcase just how effective this defense can be. Check it out!
4-6 Normal - Cover 2Quick Setup
Step 1 - As the offense breaks the huddle pinch your d-line. (XBOX - White button + down / PS2 - L1 + down)
Step 2 - Select the MLB and bring him straight down between the WDT and RDE.
Step 3 - Next select the LOLB and bring him straight down between the other SDT and LDE.
Step 4 - Now select the FS and bring him straight down between both DT’s.
Step 5 - Next grab the RCB and inch him forward close to the line of scrimmage. Now continue to flick the run commit stick down (right analog).
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Atlanta Falcons come out in QB Sneak out of the goaline formation.
Figure 2 - We have come out of the huddle with the New Orleans Saints in the 4-6 Cover 2 play.
Figure 3 - As the offense breaks the huddle we pinch our defensive line down.
Figure 4 - Next, we quickly grab our MLB and bring him straight down between the WDT and RDE. We place the MLB just on the outside hip of the WDT. Then, we switch to the LOLB and bring him straight down between the SDT and LDE. We then place him on the outside hip of the SDT.
Figure 5 - We quickly switch to the FS and bring him down in between both Defensive tackles, and standing directly in front of the center.
Figure 6 - In this step, we Switch to the Right cornerback Fred Thomas and bring him closer to the line of scrimmage. The reason we have chosen to play with the RCB is to keep the quarterback from bouncing out to the left after the snap. We'll show you exactly what we mean later in the tip.
Figure 7 - While in control of RCB we rapidly flick the right analog stick down to run commit. The reason we do this is to maximize the push of our defensive line and linebackers, while reducing the effectiveness of the offensive lines' blocking ability up front. (When playing head to head, to keep the screen from moving up and down, tap the left trigger and release it, as the screen comes back down pull the left trigger in and hold. Now you can flick the right analog stick down repeatedly with out the screen bouncing.)
Figure 8 - After the snap, the hole to the right of the center is clogged up so Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick heads to the left instead
Figure 9 - Unfcortunately for Vick, our defense does a great job of closing down any openings in the line.
Figure 10 - Vick is taken down at the line of scrimmage for no gain.
Containing the QB Sneak run to the right
Now we’re going to show you how this same set up stops the QB sneak when running around the right end as well.
Figure 11 - After the ball is snapped Vick sees that there is no were to go up the middle, so he takes off to the right to try to get outside. From this vantage point it seems as he will have some room to run.
Figure 12 - You’ll notice that because of our run commit our defensive line has pushed its way up field, forcing Vick to run farther to the outside. Left cornerback Mike McKenzie is in prefect position to make sure that he will not get outside. The reason McKenzie is left unblocked is because the tight end is forced to choose between two defenders after the snap. The tight end will almost always choose the closest defender to block, allowing the other player to run free.
Figure 13 - Even with Michael Vick's speed he couldn’t get outside as the tackle is made well behind the line of scrimmage for a loss.
Containing the QB Sneak run to the left
Watch once again with the same set up we'll show you how to stop the QB from running around the left end.
Figure 14 - With the same set up you’ll see that the middle once again has been filled with players right there ready to make a tackle. Vick decides to head around the left end to look for another opening.
Figure 15 - After the snap we come down with RCB who we are controlling. The reason for us controlling the RCB is because when we run commit he will crash towards the middle, leaving the left side of the field wide open. With a player as dangerous as Vick, we must make sure he isn't able to get outside of us.
Figure 16 - Its 1 on 1 situation with the elusive Vick and we have a couple of options on what to do. First, we could click off and let the defender make the tackle. However, we could also go for the hitstick to try to cause a fumble if we have the angle on him. Lastly, we could just try to manually make the safe and sure tackleby containing attempting to contain Vick.
Figure 17 - In this case we make the sure tackle 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
Final Thoughts
It’s almost impossible to stop the QB Sneak 100 percent of the time, in part because of the good job EA has done on improving the AI of the offensive line blocking. However, this defense does give you a quick and easy way to slow down the QB Sneak play, while increasing your chances of getting a big stop when you need it most. Having this at your disposal will make your opponent more hesitant on 4th and short and may cause him to punt the ball instead of going for it the next time.
