The 3-4 2 Man Under is a solid defensive play that SportsGamer actually broke down last year for Madden 2006. However, this play can be just as effective in Madden 2007. The 2 Man Under isn't the type of defense that's going to bring a lot of pressure, but it will give you plenty of flexibility with your downfield coverages. In this tip, SportsGamer's going to demonstrate how to improve the coverages on the field to get your defense off the field on those crucial third down conversion attempts. Check it out!
3-4 Normal - 2 Man Under
Console(s)
XBOX / PS2
Playbook(s)
3-4
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Shift the defensive line to the left.
Step 2 - Individually bump each receiver on the field (XBOX - Y + receiver's icon + down / PS2 - Triangle + receiver's icon + down.)
Step 3 - (optional) Playmaker the left defensive end to perform a QB Spy.
Step 4 - (optional) Playmaker the middle linebacker playing a hook zone to perform a flat zone.
Step 5 - (optional) Call for a coverage audible to shift your safeties' zones further towards the sidelines (XBOX - Y + right analog stick up / PS2 - Triangle + right analog stick up).
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Denver Broncos have come out in the 3-4 Normal 2 Man Under. Currently, this play is a three man pass rush that calls for man to man coverage on the receivers combined with two deep safeties helping over the top. We are also provided with a middle linebacker playing a hook zone (yellow) in the center of the field. The 3-4 2 Man Under as it's shown above is weak against guarding the flats, most running plays, and espescially mobile quarterbacks. Fortunately, by making just a few quick adjustments before the snap we can do a much better job of taking away these options.
Figure 2 - The first thing that we want you to notice that tight end Courtney Anderson is on the right side of the offensive line in this image. The 3-4 2 Man Under is a play that is able to create some pressure when you run it to the opposite side of the tight end. The reason it often won't work when running it to the same side of tight end is because our defender will either bump into, or get blocked by the tight end when rushing after the quarterback. IN this image we've taken the first step towards creating the pressure by shifting our defensive line to the left and away from the tight end.
Figure 3 - Next, we individually bump each receiver and playmaker left defensive end Elvis Dumervil to perform a QB spy to prevent the quarterback from quickly rolling out of the pocket to his right.
Figure 4 - We've now taken step 4 in this image by playmakering the middle linebacker to perform a flat zone. You can choose any zone that you want this player to execute after the snap, but in this example we have decided to take away the flats. Try to learn your opponent's tendencies quickly to be able to select the best possible options for each situation.
Figure 5 - The last step we take is calling for a coverage audible to place our deep safeties' zone out further towards the sidelines. We would recommend manually controlling either deep safety on this play to prevent from getting beat deep. Now we're ready to begin the play.
Figure 6 - As soon as quarterback Aaron Brooks drops back to pass the receivers take on the bumps from the cornerbacks.
Figure 7 - The angle at which our defensive tackle rushes the quarterback at allows him to shoot around the outside of the right defensive end.
Figure 8 - Our defensive tackles rumbles around the outside untouched as he continues his pursuit of Brooks in the backfield.
Figure 9 - As the defensive tackle closes in you can clearly see that our downfield coverages have the opponent blanketed.
Figure 10 - Brooks try to sprint away from the approaching defender. However, we also have our QB Spy at the 30 yardline waiting for the quarterback if decides to try to scramble.
Figure 11 - Brooks is taken down for a loss as the woeful Oakland offensive line gives up a sack against the 2 man pass rush.
Figure 12 - In this image our opponent has decided to turn the play around to get the tight end into position to make a block on the defensive tackle.
Figure 13 - However, we noticed the change out of the huddle and flipped our defensive play around as well. Now we are still able to get pressure around the right side of the offensive line if our opponent does not keep his running back in to block.
Figure 14 - We wanted to show you one more image of other options to consider when calling this play. This time we have playmakered the left defensive end to perform a curl zone and the free safety to act as our QB Spy. If you attempt this type of defensive scheme you will certainly need to make sure that you're able to adequately cover the field with the lone strong safety deep.
