Chapter 5 - Defensive Playbook
Prevent your opponent from scoring and it becomes much easier to win games. A strong defense can win games all on its own. Keeping your opponent in an endless cycle of "three and out" is as satisfying as breaking a long run on offense. And putting a huge lick on a quarterback or nabbing a key interception can quickly shift momentum.
This section provides tips on executing a strong defense. We'll cover defensive playbooks, formations, packages, how to adjust your defense before the snap, and how to execute your defense after the snap.
Defensive Formations
Each team features a specific defensive playbook; each playbook in turn features a different collection of formations. The list below reveals each playbook and included formations.
- 4-3: 4-3 Normal, 4-3 Over, 4-3 Under, 46 Bear, 4-4 Split, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel Strong, Nickel 3-3-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line
- 3-3-5: 3-3-5 Stack, 3-3-5 Cougar, 3-3-5 Split, 3-3-5 Bear, 3-4 Under, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel 2-4-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line
- 4-2-5: 4-2-5 Normal, 4-2-5 Over, 4-2-5 Under, 4-2-5 Bear, 4-4 Split, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel Strong, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line
- 3-4: 3-4 Normal, 3-4 Over, 3-4 Under, 3-4 Solid, 4-4 Split, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel 2-4-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line
- Multiple D: 4-3 Normal, 4-3 Over, 46 Bear, 3-4 Under, 3-4 Solid, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel 1-5-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line
Each defensive formation has its advantages and disadvantages. Some are better geared to stop the run, while others are better suited to shut down the passing game. Using each formation effectively will dramatically improve your defensive game. The following chart reveals all defensive alignments in NCAA Football 07 and provides advantages and disadvantages for each. The types column refers to the different subsets of each formation. This generally refers to the placement of certain defenders. For instance, "under" and "over" refer to the placement (either left or right) of linebackers.
| FORMATION | TYPES | DESCRIPTION | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Goal Line | N/A | Short yardage formation. A package can keep an impact safety on the field. | Tightly packed to counter short yardage and goal line situations. Shift the line and linebackers to plug expected run direction. | Watch the play action! Easily burned by a long pass. Even a quick pass if the defense isn't in alignment. Be prepared to audible out of goal line. |
| 5-2 | Normal | Five defensive linemen, two linebackers, four defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field. | Strong for teams with defensive line depth. Run stopping defense at the line, especially inside runs. | Weaker against outside runs unless the defensive ends are especially strong. Runs that penetrate the line can be big gains cause of lack of linebackers. Not a strong pass defense. |
| 4-3 | Normal, Over, Under | Four defensive linemen, three linebackers, four defensive backs. | Standard base defense. Best if you have a strong line over linebackers and fast ends. Covers inside run well and short to medium passes. | Beware of the 3+ receiver sets. Outside and option run can be difficult without proper linebacker alignment. |
| 3-4 | Normal, Over, Under, Solid | Three defensive linemen, four linebackers, four defensive backs. | Four linebackers offer a variety of blitz packages. Best if you have strong linebackers over line. Good mobility along the line for outside runs and options. Decent against medium pass as linebackers can cover lanes in zone. | Beware of pass-heavy offensive sets. You don't want linebackers covering wide receivers! Somewhat susceptible to inside run depending on what your linebackers are doing and their abilities. |
| 4-4 | Split | Four defensive linemen, four linebackers, three defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact safety if he's off the field. | Additional linebackers can protect outside run. Many blitzing options. Strong against runs and short passes. | Only three defensive backs will put a lot of pressure on your corners and safeties. Beware of trip WR sets or greater or play a safer zone defense. |
| 46 | Bear | Six at the line, two at the linebacker position, three in coverage. | Puts pressure on the quarterback and can defense runs at the line. Lots of blitz opportunities and coverage disguises. | Vulnerable to quick passes with so many at the line. Avoid using against pass-heavy formations unless you have the pass rushing skills to get at the quarterback. |
| 4-2-5 | Normal, Over, Under, Bear | Four defensive linemen, two linebackers, five defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field. | Nickel secondary to cover pass plays (three WR sets) and a good defensive line could still get pressure on the QB. Linebackers can blitz or be in their zone. | Can be weak against a run that gets through the line--only a couple linebackers between the ball carrier and secondary. Stay in zone if you think opponent may run. |
| 3-3-5 | Stack, Cougar, Split, Bear | Three defensive linemen, three linebackers, five defensive backs. | Five defensive backs to cover the pass with three linebackers available to cover run or provide additional pressure on quarterback. | Unless you use some LBs or DBs blitzing, the three man line may not get much pressure on quarterback. Can be vulnerable to inside runs with the lack of line defense. |
| Nickel | Normal, Strong, 3-3-5, 2-4-5, 1-5-5 | Five defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field. | Added defensive back to protect against the pass. Use against 3 WR sets. Other nickel formations add additional linebackers if your group is particularly skilled or deep. | More vulnerable to run plays. Defensive backs are generally worse tacklers. |
| Dime | Normal, 3-2-6 | Six defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field. The 3-2-6 removes a defensive linemen and adds a second linebacker. | Strongest against the certain passing situations. Six defensive backs can cover a lot of area, particularly in zone. Use against four and more WR sets. | Watch for the run audibles at the line and beware of quarterback scrambles, especially if your defensive backs are in man coverage and moving away from line of scrimmage. |
| Quarter | 3 Deep | Seven defensive backs. | When you're certain your opponent is going to pass! Combine with pass commit at the snap. | With so many defensive backs, you are vulnerable to an unexpected run play. But often you will be in long yardage situations anyhow. |
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