Some help in Madden

[NHRaider]

Ok Madden experts I'm in need of a little help. In my madden career I have usually been a 4-3 defensive guy mixed with a lot of Nickel.

I CAN NOT for the life of me stop the run in Madden 09. So I had read that the 3-4 was slightly better for run stopping. I have tried playing with the 3-4 lately and I am still having a tough time stopping the run. If I do not shift my dline people pound the ball up the gut for 4-6 yards every time, if I pinch my DL I get plays being broken for long gains on the outside. If I pinch the DL and bring pressure off the outside I can usually slow down the run but there are VERY few defenses that I can accomplish this without being VERY weak agains the pass.

I need some advice with stopping the run. I am open to different Ds 3-4, 4-3, or otherwise. But this is killin me because people are running all over me so I have to change up my defensive strat and then suddenly I'm giving up big passes all over the place too.

Can't get my D right in 09

[EastSideRaider]

Try some 4-3 over or 4-3 zone blitzes, those work for me. Also shifting down the line and slanting can help. With the raiders its easy to stop the run, T.Howard is so fast and kirk morrison can bring the pain lol. Also Huff and Gibril can quickly get down to the line to help if you tighten up the coverage.

[kennyrat923]

Sometimes, you just have to sell out and blitz. That's what I do. I also run the 4/3 DE contain or the 4/3 LB contain. I haven't found any defensive plays that stop the run completely.

Another thing is (this is for PS2 and probably the system you are on as well) when the offense hikes the ball and you are on defense, if you pull down on the right analog, that means your defense is looking for a run. If you push up on the analog, that means they are looking for pass.

You have to do it right after they hike it. I mean right after almost right as they hike it. If you do it right, you'll see the word "commit" on the screen.

Bad thing is if you push down on the analog and they call play action or a pass your defense will be in trouble and vice versa if you push up for a pass and they run the ball. People who run a lot of play action and draw plays are always hard to predict when trying to use this but if you got some guy who keeps running the same play over and over and over, this can help. Can't say it works every time but if you commit to the run while blitzing, your defense will react faster.


Good luck.

[Paradigm]

i usually man burgess, morisson, or whoever i have at LOLB.
with burgess i'll finess move to try to get to the hb or qb, and with morrison or my lolb i just pound the holes with them when i see it opening..my madden iq rating for my rush defense is all the way full

[Clubber Lang]

The people have put some good information for you in this thread. If you are having problems, I would recommend the 4-3, 46 and nickel packages. The nickel is good against the run and you can cover against the pass as well. The 46 has nice blitz packages and you can have 8 in the box as well. I found that my d line plays better when I don't take control of one of the guys. I will take the safety or linebacker in zone when my line is getting handled. I only control Burgess or Kelly, they seem to work best for me. Overall the Raider run D is good in this game so if you tweak a few things you should notice some improvement. Good luck.

[NHRaider]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I will absolutely try out you guys suggestions tonight.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm no noob to madden, I have played it for years and was pretty decent last year. I don't know, 09 is just givin me a tough time though.

I guess I will go back to trying my luck with the ol 4-3. I can stop the run here and there, but since switching to 09 I have found that people are not having much trouble pounding the rock against me.

What defensive playbook do you guys like to use? I have been doing some experimenting but haven't found one I love.

[NHRaider]

I am usually a little nervous to come out in 46 more than a few times... I could experiment with that a little bit more for sure.

[or24]

Originally Posted by kennyrat923

Sometimes, you just have to sell out and blitz. That's what I do. I also run the 4/3 DE contain or the 4/3 LB contain. I haven't found any defensive plays that stop the run completely.

Another thing is (this is for PS2 and probably the system you are on as well) when the offense hikes the ball and you are on defense, if you pull down on the right analog, that means your defense is looking for a run. If you push up on the analog, that means they are looking for pass.

You have to do it right after they hike it. I mean right after almost right as they hike it. If you do it right, you'll see the word "commit" on the screen.

Bad thing is if you push down on the analog and they call play action or a pass your defense will be in trouble and vice versa if you push up for a pass and they run the ball. People who run a lot of play action and draw plays are always hard to predict when trying to use this but if you got some guy who keeps running the same play over and over and over, this can help. Can't say it works every time but if you commit to the run while blitzing, your defense will react faster.


Good luck.

Good advice Always a huge factor every year in madden and i wonder for the life of me why some people dont use it.

[or24]

Ive had no problem stopping the run online or offline. I'm surprised. Did you play someone on rookie or pro difficulty? lol You can bring your safeties up some and move them a little to the outside. Usually helps me a little bit. If you're not getting thrown deep on bring a safety or 2 up to the line.

Most people try to throw short, lots of flats on me. I'll bait them into a pick by running some cover 1 or 0 with lots of heat and then switch to some kind of cover 2 zone blitz and they immediatly throw to the flat.

My biggest complaint is oakland's offensive line. I played my friend Raiders/Jets and he stomped me... I had 0 time to pass and nowhere to throw.

[rckabillyRaider]

do you play on the "My Skill" setting or custom?? Most people would love to have your problem, as the common complaint this year is that the CPU has no run game. I use alot of nickel as well and if they have a 2 or less WR set, I use the 4-6, cover 1 in case the back breaks through. I also use the "show blitz" formation, that way my D is already in the box in case it is a run. If its a pass, they usually get back in their assignments right away and with the Raiders secondary, its usually a non issue.

[NHRaider]

Originally Posted by rckabillyRaider

do you play on the "My Skill" setting or custom?? Most people would love to have your problem, as the common complaint this year is that the CPU has no run game. I use alot of nickel as well and if they have a 2 or less WR set, I use the 4-6, cover 1 in case the back breaks through. I also use the "show blitz" formation, that way my D is already in the box in case it is a run. If its a pass, they usually get back in their assignments right away and with the Raiders secondary, its usually a non issue.

I'm speaking about strictly online play... stopping the CPU is no problem

[Raidersabc123]

Well let me learn some more things online and soon come out with another thread to help everyone with 09 Than I will answer all questions

[kennyrat923]

Originally Posted by NHRaider

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I will absolutely try out you guys suggestions tonight.



What defensive playbook do you guys like to use? I have been doing some experimenting but haven't found one I love.

I use Cleveland's. It has everything you could possibly want run and pass wise.