Reading the Offense
Just as offense reads defense, defense must read offense. Look for:
- Formation: Is it a run-heavy formation (e.g., I-Form, Strong Close)? Or a pass-heavy formation (e.g., Shotgun Trips, Empty)?
- Personnel: How many tight ends, running backs, and receivers are on the field? This indicates run/pass tendencies.
- Motion: Motion can reveal if a play is a run or pass, or if it's a trick play.
Defensive Adjustments
Use the D-Pad and Right Stick to make individual and global adjustments pre-snap.
- Shading Coverage (Triangle/Y + Right Stick): Shade 'Over Top' to prevent deep passes, 'Underneath' to stop short passes, 'Inside' to stop slants, 'Outside' to stop outs.
- Blitz Adjustments (D-Pad Left + Right Stick): 'Crash Middle' or 'Crash Outside' with your defensive line to counter run direction.
- Zone Adjustments (Triangle/Y + Left Stick): Adjust zone depths (e.g., 'Curl Flats' deeper, 'Hook Curls' shallower) to cover specific areas.
- Individual Player Adjustments (A/X + Player Icon): Change a specific player's assignment (e.g., put a defensive end in a spy, put a linebacker in a flat zone).
Key Tip: Don't make too many adjustments too quickly. Focus on 1-2 key adjustments that counter what you expect the offense to do.