Max Protect Schemes

Max Protect Schemes
During your Madden NFL 10 gaming
experience sometimes it may be necessary to
use a form of max protection when trying to
pass the ball. This normally happens when a
player sets up a high-pressure defense known
as a “nano” and forces us to alter our
protection outside of just using the slide
protection feature. Let’s take a look at a few
ways we can use the max protect style to
benefit our passing game.
I-Form Tight—WR Post
The pressure from the defense hasn’t really
been a game-changing factor in years. Yes,
the defense has always been able to attack the
quarterback, but from the standpoint of having
to keep almost everyone in to get the ball off it
hasn’t had to be dealt with in a few years.
We’re not saying that this will be the case in
Madden NFL 10, but if the pressure packages
get out of hand, this is a way to counter them.
To simulate a high-pressure blitz we’re bringing
the defense to the field running the Goal Line
Normal—3 Deep Blitz. The overload of
defensive linemen will force the offense to
make sure the protection scheme is set before
running the play.
One option in this situation is to call for both
the tight ends and both the backs to stay in and
block. There is a difference in the blocking
assignments for the backs, as we set the
fullback to block to the right and the running
back to block to the left.
As the play starts and the defense charges in
we see the benefit of keeping both our tight
ends and both backs in to block. The backs
give our quarterback a tight pocket to drop
back into, in addition to the one formed by the
offensive line. This should give us plenty of
time to make a decision and get the ball out to
the receiver.
The downside to running a max protect
passing scheme is the fact that we limit the
pass options we have on the field. We have to
see if our route is open and decide right away if
we should throw the ball or take off with the
quarterback to see how many yards we can
gain on the ground.
The quarterback takes off for a short gain of 5
yards on the play. This is the way we have to
attack the defense when using a max protect
scheme. We have to identify if the pass route is
open or not and immediately decide to pass
the ball or run it with our quarterback.
Let’s line it up again and run it from the top. We
see our quarterback dropping back, and both
backs are in tight, creating a pocket behind the
left guard and the center. If all else fails, we
should at least have enough protection to not
be forced into a bad decision. When using this
style of offense we do need to practice moving
around in tight spaces and not rushing the
throw.
In our first scenario, our quarterback showed
the defense that if they send high heat at us we
will max protect and then get them in a
situation where we will take advantage of them
with the running ability of our quarterback. This
time, we see that the defense is giving up a lot
inside to our single receiver.
It’s an easy decision to make for us on offense.
The defense sent a slew of defenders at us,
but they don’t have enough defenders
remaining in the secondary to really cover us.
While the ball is in flight we see that although
the defense had a nice pressure package sent
at us, our receiver is uncontested on his post
route.
The completion is made downfield for a gain of
20 yards on the play. We looked at this play
two ways. First, we needed to make sure we
could protect our quarterback and give him
enough time to pass the ball against a highpressure defense. Second, after finding out we
had the protection we needed we saw that
there was a simple way to attack the defense
with this play using max protect. Every time we
are faced with a scenario that the defense has
the initial advantage in, we have to make sure
that our adjustment not only beats them but
makes them completely abandon their attempt
at pressure. A persistent player will not
abandon the blitz, but after we keep moving
the ball easily and getting big chunks of yards,
he or she will start to slow down on the
pressure.
Gun Split Y-Flex—46 Z Cross
When we run a max protect blocking scheme it
doesn’t always have to be from under center.
Let’s take a look at how we use max protect
when in a Shotgun formation. Before we alter
any of the passing routes, take a look at the
route options we currently have.
The defense is coming to the field running the
3–4 Normal—MLB Storm. This is a nice inside
blitzing defense that gives our offense the
appearance of pressure coming from the
defense. The outside linebackers are in
aggressive stances that make us think about
protection first.
Just as the defense can disguise how many
defenders they are bringing, we can disguise
how many players we are keeping in to block.
Here we will keep both backs in to block and
the slot receiver to the right.
When we start the play, the slot receiver picks
up the charging outside linebacker. We know
from looking at the defensive assignments that
the outside linebacker wasn’t assigned to blitz,
but when we called for our backs to block, any
linebacker assigned to them in man coverage
will charge the line of scrimmage. This works in
our favor in pass sets like this that rely on
spacing.
There is still no pressure around our
quarterback, and passing lanes are starting to
appear. The defense will always be in a
situation where they will be giving up
something whenever they bring a highpressure blitz. From an offensive scheme side
of things, if we know we can alter the
assignments of defenders by hot routing backs
to block, then we can start to game plan that
way and literally control what certain defensive
players do on the field.
The protection is great and we’re able to get
the ball off to our flanker as he flashes in front
of us running the drag. The Shotgun formation
has a lot of variations in it that can allow us to
keep multiple men in to block without letting the
defense know exactly what our intent is.
New England Patriots
Playbook
Gun Bunch Wk Formation
Gun Bunch Wk—FL Quick Game
Hook
The quick game hook scheme is a good bumpn-run beater to call out of the Gun Bunch Wk.
The play we use is the Smash Slot Post.
Notice that the FL runs a hook route towards
the sideline. With some motion, his pass route
is unbumpable.
We take control of the FL and motion him to
the left.
Just as he gets behind the slot receiver, we
snap the ball. This allows the FL to get off the
line of scrimmage without being jammed.
The pass needs to be thrown before the FL
hooks back towards the QB. When making the
throw, make sure to lead the pass towards the
sideline by pressing hard right on the left
thumbstick.
We make the catch for a 7-yard pickup.
Gun Bunch Wk—Mesh
The Gun Bunch Wk—Mesh is another play we
use to beat man coverage when using this
formation.
The HB runs a wheel route, while the TE runs
a flat route. Both of these are generally open
against man coverage.
One thing to watch for when throwing to the HB
is to look at where the inside defender is lined
up. If he is lined up close inside, such as near
the RE, then the HB should be open for a quick
bullet pass as he breaks outside on his wheel
route.
When making the throw, make sure you throw
the pass towards the sideline by using pass
lead.
Once the catch is made, look to head down the
field.
This play is very effective at beating most man
blitz schemes in the game.
Gun Bunch Wk—Spacing
Gun Bunch Wk—Spacing is another play that
can be run from this formation to attack both
man and zone coverage. For now we are going
to show how we like to attack zone coverage.
If the ball is not thrown to the HB, the next
option should be the TE running the flat route.
If bump-n-run man coverage is called, he won’t
be jammed at the line of scrimmage.
To set this play up, we hot route the slot
receiver on a curl and then extend it.
In the screen shot, you can see the TE is open
in the flat for a hard bullet pass.
If he is not open, we then look to the FL once
he shows us his numbers.
The reason we extend the slot receiver’s route
is to influence the defender playing a hook
zone in the area of the flanker running the hook
route. This will prevent that defender from
covering the flanker.
This play is generally good for 4–7 yards.
Gun Bunch Wk—Stick
Gun Bunch Wk—Stick is another quick passing
play that we use to beat both man and zone
coverage.
Our first read is the TE running the flat route. If
he is open, we will throw him a bullet pass.
We like this play because the pass reads are
very simple to make.
To set the play up, we hot route the FL on a
curl and then extend it.
In the screen shot, we throw a hard bullet pass
to the SL once he curls back.
Gun Bunch Wk—Verticals
A rock-solid pass play to beat bump-n-run man
coverage out of the Gun Bunch Wk is called
Verticals.
Once the ball is snapped, we look for the tight
end in the flat area first. If he's open, we throw
him a bullet pass.
Notice that the slot receiver runs a crossing
route, while the FL runs a wheel route.
If the TE is not open, we then look to throw to
the SL receiver running the stick route.
The FL may be open for a quick bullet pass
before he goes down the sideline on his wheel
route.
To get them both off the line of scrimmage
without being jammed, we take control of the
FL and motion him inside.
The slot receiver running the deep crossing
route is the receiver we generally look to throw
to.
Just as he gets behind the slot, we snap the
ball. Neither the SL nor the FL will be jammed
at the line of scrimmage.
Once he gains some separation from his man,
we throw him a hard bullet pass.
Expect to pick up 15–18 yards with this play.
Defensive Coordinator’s
Guide
3–4 Even Formation
control of the LOLB and hot route him to a
hook zone. Once you hot route the LOLB into a
hook zone, spotlight the TE if one is lined up
across from him. Switch off to the FS playing
the deep middle.
3–4 Even—Engage Eight
You can bring the heat from just about any
Engage Eight defense. With eight defenders
blitzing the QB, it's not that hard to find
pressure.
Once the ball is snapped, the RG will block the
NT and the LE will block the RT. The FB will
look to block the SS. Notice how the TE is
jammed at the line of scrimmage by the LOLB.
The good thing about setting these plays up is
that you don't always need to bring all eight
defenders to get pressure. The 3–4 Even—
Engage Eight is a good example of that.
This leaves the center having to block either
the LILB or RILB. In this case he looks to block
the RILB. This creates a gap for the LILB to
shoot through.
First, pinch the defensive line. Next, pinch the
linebackers. Re-blitz the NT and LE so their
blitz angles shoot straight down. Then take
The downside of this blitz is that there are only
four defenders dropping back in pass
coverage. A quick pass to the flat, a quick
slant, or a drag to one of the outside receivers
will beat this defense. This defense is best run
in long yardage situations.
3–4 Even—Pinch
To set it up, first flip the defense at the play call
menu. Next, pinch the defensive line. Then
pinch the linebackers. Re-blitz the RE and LE
so that their blitz angles shoot straight down.
Switch to the LILB and move him between the
RG and RT. Go ahead and re-blitz him. His
blitz angle will now shoot between the RG and
RT. Call bump-n-run man coverage.
The 3–4 Even—Pinch brings the wood from
the LILB. For those who play in leagues, this is
a good blitz to call because it requires moving
only one defender.
Once the ball is snapped, the RT and RG will
block the LOLB and LE.
This Cover 0 man blitz defense sends six pass
rushers after the QB, while five defenders play
man coverage.
This creates a gap for the LILB to blitz through
and go straight after the QB. The outside
receivers will get jammed, but the inside
receivers won’t unless you manually move the
safeties up closer to the line of scrimmage.
Also, the HB is open. We suggest taking
control of the defender covering him. If the HB
goes out, use the Sprint button to catch up to
him quickly. If the HB doesn’t go out, either
drop back in pass coverage or rush the QB.
By default, there are five defenders rushing the
QB, while five defenders play man coverage.
The FS plays the deep middle of the field.
3–4 Even—Strong Blitz
We know that most of you are looking to bring
heat on the QB from different defenders on the
field. The 3–4 Even—Strong Blitz is another
blitz setup that gets a different man involved in
racking up sacks, in this case the LOLB.
To set this defense up, hot route the LOLB to
blitz. His blitz angle should now be shooting
straight down rather than at an angle. Take
control of the FS and hot route him to blitz. He
doesn’t need to be moved down near the line
of scrimmage. Just make sure his blitz angle is
shooting at the LT, as shown in the screen
shot. Go ahead and call bump-n-run man
coverage.
3–4 Even—Trio Sky Zone
One of our favorite 3–4 blitz setups over the
years has been the Trio Sky Zone. In Madden
NFL 10, it remains a solid blitz.
Once the ball is snapped, allow the FS to blitz
towards the LT, while staying in control of him.
The LT will look to block him.
There are five pass rushers rushing the QB,
while three defenders play zone underneath
coverage. The RCB, FS, and LCB play threedeep zone coverage.
If no backs are left in to pass block, the LOLB
will have a clear path to the QB from the right
side of the offensive line. As soon as you see
the LT come out to block you, drop the FS
back in deep zone coverage. We do this to
prevent the LT from sliding over to help block
the LOLB.
Hot route the LOLB to blitz. Take control of the
RILB and hot route him to blitz. Move him
across from the LT. His blitz angle should be
shooting straight at the LT.
between the C and RG. The advantage of
dropping the RILB back in pass coverage is
that he won’t drop as far back into his hook
zone. If a pass is thrown over the short middle,
you should have him in good position to defend
the pass. The right flat is open, but the left flat
isn’t as open because of the RILB dropping
back in a buzz zone.
3–4 Even—Weak Blitz 3
Once the ball is snapped, let the CPU take
control of the RILB and blitz. Don’t click off of
him, though. The LT will be forced to try to
block the RILB.
As soon as you see the LT come out to block
you, drop the RILB back in pass coverage.
The LT won’t be able to come back and block
the LILB, who is shooting through the A gap
This next blitz from the 3–4 Even brings the
wood from the RILB. The Weak Blitz 3
provides solid pass coverage on top of bringing
pressure on the QB.
By default, six defenders drop back in zone
coverage. Three play hook zones underneath,
while the other three provide Cover 3 zone
coverage. One of the defenders dropping back
in a hook zone is the LE.
To set the defense up, we first spread the
linebackers out. Next, we hot route both the
LOLB and ROLB to blitz. Their blitz angles
shoot down at an angle, but at a slightly
different one than if we didn’t hot route them to
blitz. We then take control of the LILB, who is
dropping into a hook zone. We hot route him to
blitz and make sure his blitz angle is shooting
straight down at the C. We have lined up about
7 yards off the line of scrimmage.
Once we see the center come out to block our
LILB, we manually drop back in pass coverage.
By the time the center figures out that he has
been had, the RILB has already shot through
the B gap between the LG and LT.
Once the ball is snapped, let the CPU blitz the
LILB, but don’t click off of him yet. The center
comes to block him, while the RT looks to
block the LE, even though he is actually
dropping back in a hook zone. The FB picks up
the LOLB.