46

[AlphaBean]

Could someone, I dunno, Steamer or someone... please explain to me how the 46 defense works? I mean, I know what it consists of, and all that, but for instance, if I was to be playing in one (lol), or was using the Ravens in Madden, what would the specifics be? I mean, none of the plays from 2005 looked worth running for Madden, so I'd just run some edge blitzes with the safety side... but if someone audibled into a play action, the side without a deep safety should pretty much always get burned.

If anyone paid attention to the Monsters of the Midway, could you tell me how exactly it "worked," why it was so successful, etc. And why we can't just run a goal line defense? Because I mean that's practically what it is. If a team has 3rd and short from anywhere besides the goalline, I fear running something like a goalline or a 46 defense, because everyone is so close to the LOS.

Really couldn't think of whether this should go in video games or not, but this is more a football in general question, than a Madden question.

Personally I think the 46 SUX.

[road doggy dogg]

Well it's basically designed to help against the run, and let the mlb (Lewis, in Baltimore's case) get his ass to the rb as quick as he can. Since pretty much every defender (except I think one of the safeties and 2 corners) are on the line of scrimmage, it'll be tougher for offenses to block someone like Lewis since there'll just be so many bodies at the line. Of course, if you come out in a 4-5 WR set then it kind of solves that problem

[AlphaBean]

Exactly. I just don't get the point. Okay, so you crowd the LOS. And? Play-actioning that mofo will destroy the 46, no doubt. I just don't know what plays work.

And yes, RDD, I read the ESPN.com article too. That's why I'm asking, really. SFW if it frees up Ray. There will be less guys to cover Ray's back if he bites on the play fake. And the fact that the second level is decidedly stacked to one side (safety up, basically 4-3 with the safety in the box), you can't exactly disguise your defense, can you? It's like "46. Run to the weak side. Don't run strong. Feel free to pass all you want."

[RP]

Basically you will see the Ravens 46 defense get destroyed by the best play action qb and the best offense team in the NFL this year in the 1st week of the season.

[Crimson]

Well the 46 can work pretty good with a secondary like Baltimore's. That's pretty much the only way i think, they have Reed,Rolle,Sanders, McAlister, and it's not like all linebackers are gonna blitz, some will stay in coverage as well.

[el fregadero]

Couldn't some of the LBs close to the LOS just start out there and then go back into coverage/rush depending on their play call?

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

You can't run the 46 in video games because passing is very unrealistic and a lot easier in Madden-form. With the 46 its easier to stop the run without blitzing. Since everyone is so close to the LOS its impossible for the offensive line/fullback to get a hat on everybody on defense - leaving defenders open to make plays. With all the added guys around the LOS you don't need to blitz, so that can actaully help your linebackers drops since they can tell if its run or pass from the reads they make by watching the offensive line. The defenses obvious weakness is againest the pass. Thats why only certain defenses can run it. Your corners are pretty out on islands alone againest WRs so you need great corners. Especially with the rule enforcement of the touch foul on WR (You can thank the cry baby Colts for that one) the 46 becomes even tougher to run.

It's just like everything else in football; the system maybe great but without the right players it's not going to work. The 46 is kind of outdated now IMO. With all the complicated offenses and athletic tight ends it's just a tough defense to run now a days.

[The Highlander]

Basically, everybody lines up, then run toward the line of scrimmage, then get their ass handed to them with a long pass for a touchdown.

[AlphaBean]

Damn it. I was really hoping for some encouraging news from someone, as to why it is not a useless defensive set. :(

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yeah its not useless. A team without a great passing game would be the type of team you want to use this againest, like the Miami Dolphins.

If I was a defensive coach I would use it here and there just to keep the offense on their heels. Much like the Patriots did againest the Dolphins when they were only using one down lineman and stuff like that. As a former offensive lineman that shit is extremely annoying and tough to block on the fly.