In this example, SportsGamer is going to take the Plug Cover 1 play from the 46 Bear formation and transform it into something that looks similar to a 4-3 defensive look for the offense. Transforming it into a 4-3 formation may seem pointless at first, but by making just one step before the snap we can create some really effective pressure on the quarterback. Also, the change that we make provides your opponent with a look that they have never seen before. The great thing about this play is that the pressure is designed to come from the strong safety position. Take a look at the breakdown to create another unique defensive look for your opponent.
46 Bear - Plug Cover 1
Console(s)
XBOX 360
Playbook
46
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Manually pull the defensive tackle 4 yards straight back off the line of scrimmage and slightly to the right of the center.
Step 2 - (optional) Call bump n' run and align the members of your secondary.
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Philadelphia Eagles have come out in the 46 Bear Plug Cover 1. The Plug Cover 1 defense calls for five defenders playing deep in coverage, while the other six are rushing after the quarterback. The great thing about using this play the SportsGamer way is that it only requires one step before the snap in order to make it work.
Figure 2 - The lone change that we make on this play is manually pulling the defensive tackle 4 yards straight back off the line of scrimmage and slightly to the right of the center.
Figure 3 - This image provides a closer view of the field to show you exactly what the defensive setup should look like before the snap. You can really tell in this picture that the defensive formation really looks similar to the 4-3. However there's really nothing that gives away where the pressure is coming from, but your opponent's best guess would probably be that the pressure is coming from the right side of the line because of the overload of defenders. Fortunately, the pressure on this play is designed to come from the blitzing strong safety on the left side of the field.
Figure 4 - As soon as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith drops back to pass the pressure begins to develop. The rush from the defensive tackle that we manually pulled back before the snap forces the center to slide slightly to his right to make the block. Once the center moves to his right it allows our blitzing strong safety to attack the opening in the A-gap that much easier.
Figure 5 - Strong safety Sean Considine explodes through the opening in the A-gap just to the left of the center.
Figure 6 - The receivers aren't even five yards up the field yet as Considine closes in for the sack.
Figure 7 - Smith is taken down in the backfield for a big loss on the play.
Figure 8 - In this example we have called the Hero Stunt play instead. The reason we have switched to the Hero Stunt on this down is because our opponent is starting to catch on to the pressure by getting rid of the ball quicker after the snap. However, this time we are going to show the exact same setup with the hopes that our opponent will fall right into our trap.
Figure 9 - Again, we manually pull the defensive tackle up off the line of scrimmage to show our opponent the same defensive look.
Figure 10 - Our opponent looks to hit an open target downfield with Smith, but all of the receivers are covered this time.
Figure 11 - The pocket starts to break down and our opponent has run out of time. Smith is eventually taken down once again. However, on this sack credit is due to having a good scheme to go along with solid coverage downfield.
Figure 12 - The easiest way to pick up the pressure from the strong safety on this play is to hot route your running back to block to his left before beginning the play.
Figure 13 - Our running back is now assigned to block to his left after the snap. Now we are ready to begin the play.
Figure 14 - The pressure comes up the middle from Considine once again. However, this time our running back is n the backfield preparing to make the block.
Figure 15 - Running back Frank Gore delivers the hit, allowing Smith to sit comfortably in the pocket and make the correct reads downfield.
Final Thoughts
At this point in the season people feel like they have seen everything. However, the 46 Bear Plus Cover 1 allows you to throw in a couple different wrinkles that most people have never seen. We would recommend placing one of your fastest players in at the strong safety position to make the pressure as intense as possible on your opponent. Be sure to check this play out the next time you hit the virtual gridiron.
