How DO You Stop: Gold RBs running out of Jokers/Jacks?

[FLAxWLESS]

I'm usually one not to complain... but somebody please tell me how to stop gold RBs running out of jacks/jokers... especially runs to the outside?

I've found it damn near impossible to stop them. I've tried running goalline. 4-4 using every combo of DB and LB line movements, and same with 4-3. Still can't stop them..

Play gap left/gap right/ fan... nothing. I usually stick to zone... nothing.

I guess I can try 5-2 but if you're up against jacks or jokers.... the DL and OL cancel... then it will be up to the 2 LBs to catch up to the RB.... yah right.

I'm beginning to think that Gold RBs running out of to the strong side (where there are the most blockers), especially on a counter is damn near impossible to stop. It's a guaranteed 6+ yards and eventually they'll break a long one for a TD.

Guess only way is to outscore them.

[Valdarez]

Aren't counters usually to the weak side?

Still, the best way to stop an outside run is to use a 5-2 defense, but that makes you weak against the pass.

You can use a 4-4, but once again, left in Cover-1 and susceptible to the pass.

It's really best to use the 4-3. I will typically call a Gap in the direction I think they will run, and then Cover-1 Shell on the Weak/Strong side that I think they will run against, and then move my LB to the side. Now, I will ONLY do this for a FAST HB like OJ or Sayers. Then I'll take control of the outside or middle LB (depending on whether they are Star or not). If it's the outside LB, then I'll just try to run to the left and take away their lane (note, not tackle them, take away their running lane) so they are forced to run back inside, where I have tacklers who can make the tackle.

[FLAxWLESS]

Aren't counters usually to the weak side?

Still, the best way to stop an outside run is to use a 5-2 defense, but that makes you weak against the pass.

You can use a 4-4, but once again, left in Cover-1 and susceptible to the pass.

It's really best to use the 4-3. I will typically call a Gap in the direction I think they will run, and then Cover-1 Shell on the Weak/Strong side that I think they will run against, and then move my LB to the side. Now, I will ONLY do this for a FAST HB like OJ or Sayers. Then I'll take control of the outside or middle LB (depending on whether they are Star or not). If it's the outside LB, then I'll just try to run to the left and take away their lane (note, not tackle them, take away their running lane) so they are forced to run back inside, where I have tacklers who can make the tackle.

I've done everything you stated, Val.

We'll see I'm trying everything I can... once I figure it out. Beware... but it's just damn near impossible.

I think I need to mess with manually repositioning LBs now. You definitely can't do it with the preset line movements.

[Valdarez]

Well, anything can happen with a Gold. They are Gold after all. This will stop them the majority of the time though. Remember not to pull you men down (secondary) or to man up anyone on the receivers as closeness and especially manning someone up will equal an instant block which is all a Gold needs in order to fly past them for a first down (or more).

[Gunther]

If its a league game you dont. Thats why I left the dynasty league. It became a joke with about 10 guys using a gold back and stat padding to try and lead the league in rushing and break the single season rushing record by handing off to their gold back 25+ times a game even. Leagues are pre patch so stopping them is brutal. Non league games if they come out in jokers or load or any other run type play I get my best players ont he field then audible to 1 of two different blitzes and it works pretty well. If they are tossing to the outsides keep in mind speed kills. Get your DB's on the field and use quickness to contain those sweeps and tosses. the more guys you can get on the RB the less chance he has of breaking the tackle.

[nyknicks33]

Believe it or not, Ive managed to stuff this, occasionaly, out of a 3-4,Of course, having a guy like Art Donovan helps :) , ...but mostly I go 4-4 on that formaition..as I quickly became appalled by how bad the 4-6 defense sucks in this game.

I typically control the Right OLB or SS in the 4-4, or the right ILB-OLB in 3-4, watch the guard, and pursue like mad.

Hopefully, if I have called the right gap stunt, that will muck up the play...otherwise I hold my breath and pray that I "contain the run" to under 15 yards.

It sounds insane from a real life football perspective..but if you hold some of these gold backs to between 4-5 yds a carry, you have done a dang good job.

[Original_VGN]

I find that Dime in short zone works good against it.

[AscendedMasters]

I find the 4-4 Force Fire works well. Adjust the LBS to the side where there are the most blockers and also bring in the saftey just a little down and towards the mass blockers. Don't bring him to far up though so you can obviously cover the pass as well.

[Khan Lives]

In any tight offensive formation, I usually come out in Goal Line or 5-2 and I play the safety at the top of the screen. In Goal Line, I also have my D-Line set to all go in 1 direction, to the wide side of the field. I have 3 Legend LBs and I put them to the weak side and I use the safety to help on the wide side of the field. Works for me, but I also have about 8 Legends on Defense, so my Cbs can play 1 on 1 incase of pass. Because if he doesn't run, then Art Donavan usually gets through quick when he's 1 on 1 with the Center.

[yunfat]

Manually move your linemen to the strong side. If you move them to match the outermost player in the O-set, you can turn the play to the inside, which is your best bet. If you go too far outside, your D-lineman will adopt a upright stance (quite common in the NFL actually, but considered cheese in this game), as opposed to 3-point down stance, some players will balk at your doing this, so I usually move my guy to the farthest out he will go while still maintaining a down stance.

Manual movement of d-line is essential if you expect to stop the Jumbo set runs. I haven't found any other way to do it.

[Big M]

I usually go to a 5-2 or 4-4 zone and blitz my CBs as long as there isn't a WR there. If you blitz the CBs on an outside run, they'll be there to either stop or slow down the RB so someone else can make a tackle.

[FLAxWLESS]

Thanks guys.

I'll give some of these suggestions a try.

I think in order to stop it you have to manually position players and blitz.

[Gunther]

Teah thats how I have to do it because my team is built to stop the pass. So I have to get multiple small guys on the RB to bring him down. My best defense against the run is to hit em in the backfield before they can get going. :(

[tpaterniti]

3-3 Nickle Safety and Slot Blitz and do a Gap Right or Left to the direction of the run. I played Ice Thor Zeus and it worked every time vs. Earl Campbell. You wouldn't think it would work but it does. Try it and let me know if you has success with it.

[soonersam]

Thanks guys.

I'll give some of these suggestions a try.

I think in order to stop it you have to manually position players and blitz.
Great now I'll have no chance to beat you in the NFLP.

[nflhitman]

The only thin I have found to work against this is to use a Cover 1 shell against the guys who runs tosses and sweeps.

[Black and Blue]

Aren't counters usually to the weak side?

Still, the best way to stop an outside run is to use a 5-2 defense, but that makes you weak against the pass.

You can use a 4-4, but once again, left in Cover-1 and susceptible to the pass.

It's really best to use the 4-3. I will typically call a Gap in the direction I think they will run, and then Cover-1 Shell on the Weak/Strong side that I think they will run against, and then move my LB to the side. Now, I will ONLY do this for a FAST HB like OJ or Sayers. Then I'll take control of the outside or middle LB (depending on whether they are Star or not). If it's the outside LB, then I'll just try to run to the left and take away their lane (note, not tackle them, take away their running lane) so they are forced to run back inside, where I have tacklers who can make the tackle.

This is absolutely the worst advice I have ever heard. And it makes me feel even worse that it's comming from a forum admin...wow!

Any how, here's how u do it. Play Man and back your players off instead of playing tight coverage. Pull ure safties towards the hash marks. Controlling a LB and sealing off the side that the play is going will net you best results.

Cause of the tight coverage in a 5-2--which this "Admin" Suggests only helps the O-line black that much better. Back the D oloose and out.

[Tuboware67]

This is absolutely the worst advice I have ever heard. And it makes me feel even worse that it's comming from a forum admin...wow!

Any how, here's how u do it. Play Man and back your players off instead of playing tight coverage. Pull ure safties towards the hash marks. Controlling a LB and sealing off the side that the play is going will net you best results.

Cause of the tight coverage in a 5-2--which this "Admin" Suggests only helps the O-line black that much better. Back the D oloose and out.

Yea... back the D loose and out so the back gets an automatic 7 yards... good plan. That doesnt help one bit. You also say bring your safeties in towards the hash marks... are you nuts? If it's an outside run, which it will be most of the time in a trips formation, why would you want to take them out of the play by moving your them to the middle of the field.

I truly hope that was a sad attempt at a joke post.

[totalownership]

To be honest with you people posts like these don't make alot of sense, or rather the replies. It all depends on your defensive personnel. What works for one set of defensive guys may not work for another set of defensive guys. Wanna stop a gold back? Get the rest of your guys to somehow "persuade" him to head straight for your best defense guy. And get some help if you can.

[Valdarez]

This is absolutely the worst advice I have ever heard. And it makes me feel even worse that it's comming from a forum admin...wow!

Any how, here's how u do it. Play Man and back your players off instead of playing tight coverage. Pull ure safties towards the hash marks. Controlling a LB and sealing off the side that the play is going will net you best results.

Cause of the tight coverage in a 5-2--which this "Admin" Suggests only helps the O-line black that much better. Back the D oloose and out.Well if you say it's bad advice 'Mr. I have a whole 7 posts' and 'Lobby room is for scrubs', then it must be. ;)

The 5-2 is probably the best play to call for all out side runs. With a Gap Right/Left it will have a man come clean on every pull (Power, Sweep), and it will line a man up with a man on a stretch, increasing the odds of a man break through early on to break up the play. Couple that with adjusting your LB sand your shells, and it's probably the most effective formation against the run. Unfortunately, it's VERY weak against the pass, so it has it's limitations. If you'd play more than Bump Coverage all game long, you'd learn the other formations and their strengths/weaknesses.

Controlling the LB and sealing off the side. What unique advice, if only someone else had mentioned it first...

[FLAxWLESS]

UPDATE:

Tried some 3-4 against Ben and it worked out alright. Blitzing definitely helps in stopping these outside runs and doesn't leave you completely defenseless against the pass that the 5-2 does.

Tried the 5-2 and it doesn't help one bit like I thought... the O-line and D-line cancel leaving your two LBs having to chase the RB. Not good at all.

3-3 Nickle Safety and Slot Blitz and do a Gap Right or Left to the direction of the run. I played Ice Thor Zeus and it worked every time vs. Earl Campbell. You wouldn't think it would work but it does. Try it and let me know if you has success with it.

I'll have to try this when I get back. It follows the same logic as blitzing out of 3-4.

Some keys to at least slowing these runs down are blitzing to the side of the run. If you man... you'll get blocked. If you zone... you'll get blocked. At least if you blitz you can alter the blocking and get some penetration.

However, in the end I need to just outscore my opponents. I need to be able to score every possession either a FG or TD and I can win.

[Gunther]

What works really depends on your team build.

Best bet is to put a couple generics up tight to get on the O lineman so your legends are free to make plays. The part about backing the DB's up is somewhat true if you move them up they get blocked instantly and cant do anything to help you. If they are up tight like a bump style playyou should back them off a little.

[GoodSense]

I'm usually one not to complain... but somebody please tell me how to stop gold RBs running out of jacks/jokers... especially runs to the outside?

I've found it damn near impossible to stop them. I've tried running goalline. 4-4 using every combo of DB and LB line movements, and same with 4-3. Still can't stop them..

Play gap left/gap right/ fan... nothing. I usually stick to zone... nothing.

I guess I can try 5-2 but if you're up against jacks or jokers.... the DL and OL cancel... then it will be up to the 2 LBs to catch up to the RB.... yah right.

I'm beginning to think that Gold RBs running out of to the strong side (where there are the most blockers), especially on a counter is damn near impossible to stop. It's a guaranteed 6+ yards and eventually they'll break a long one for a TD.

Guess only way is to outscore them.

I don't mean to sound repetitious but...
- go into practice mode
- Select Federals for Power Backs like Earl, The Legends for Speed Backs like Barry.
- Select to Call both offense and defense.
-- I say use 2 controllers. Why? Because the cpu teams for some reason are flipped in practice mode without a dedicated controller.
- Select Jokers or Jacks plays and examine what is really going on at the DL
- Select Jokers or Jacks plays and examine what is really going on at the LB
- Select Jokers or Jacks plays and examine what is really going on at the DB

There is NO ONE WAY to stop the plays because for one we have different people on our teams. What might work for someone might not work for you.

But see what your DL is doing on the various settings.
Do the same with your LBs to see what formation or plays give them better range to be in on the play.
Look to see if your DBs are being easliy blocked from making a good tackle.

It might sound boring because your not playing a game, but this is where a lot of people go wrong by ignoring practice mode.
Of course gameplay will brings another element, but I think with some time spent analyzing what you have trouble with is the best solution.

[tpaterniti]

Yes, play man coverage, back your safeties way behind the LOS and inside the hashes. Take a man and manually run him towards the goalpost once the ball is snapped. This will work like a charm. Wanna try it out against...me? I know I have Barry Sanders but with this plan you will be shutting down my run game anyway. ;)

[tpaterniti]

UPDATE:

Tried some 3-4 against Ben and it worked out alright. Blitzing definitely helps in stopping these outside runs and doesn't leave you completely defenseless against the pass that the 5-2 does.

Tried the 5-2 and it doesn't help one bit like I thought... the O-line and D-line cancel leaving your two LBs having to chase the RB. Not good at all.




Just FYI the 5-2 shuts down stretches cold. Ben runs powers, not stretches. All outside runs are not created equal. ;)