Madden Blitz Guide - Frequently Asked Questions

With the A/B Gap Blitz Guide only out for a few days, we've
received a number of questions about the book. I've compiled list
of 10 Frequently Asked Questions below to help you out.

You can find out more information about the guide also at:

http://www.maddentips.com/blitzguide

1. Why did VG Sports create an A and B Gap blitz book only?

Most of our readers already know how to create outside heat, plus
it's really not that hard to find. Most players want inside heat
since it's the quickest way to get to the QB. So with that in mind,
we focused primarily on a A and B Gap heat. However, there are some
defenses in the book, where not only will find inside heat, but
also outside heat. The book was originally written for the 46
playbook, but we decided to include the 4-3, Multiple, and Cover 2
playbooks as well.

2. Are there any actual defensive schemes in the book?

No, we elected not go that route when writing the book. We wanted
to give you the keys to putting A and B Gap pressure on the QB, but
let you come with your own schemes based on your style and team
personnel.

3. How many A and B Gap blitz set ups did you come up with for the
book?

There are over 90 plays in the book. Some of those plays have 2,3,
or even 4 set ups. There is at least 130 actual set ups in the book.

4. Can any team run these blitz set ups?

This a tough question to answer. We would like to say yes, but to
be honest some teams just don't have the horses to get it done. If
you are using a team with slow linebackers, then chances are the
blitz set ups won't work as well than if you are playing a team
with fast linebackers. If you only have one fast linebacker on your
team, then you are going to want make sure he is the defender
blitzing the QB. You can always audible down from the Nickel, Dime,
or Quarter defenses if needed to get extra speed on the field.

5. Of the four playbooks, which ones does the VG Team like the most?

Each of the VG team has their own style and blitz set ups they
like. For instance Reality likes the 46 playbook the best. He likes
most of the 46 Normal and Bear blitz set ups, plus he also likes
the Nickel Strong FS Snake Blitz 3. LBZrules also likes the 46
playbook. He likes the book because it has a little bit of
everything such as 3-4, 46, 4-3, Nickel, Dime, and Dollar
formations. One of the blitz set ups he likes is the 46 Bear Buzz
Weak. PhillyRon doesn't blitz as much as the rest of the team, but
when he does blitz, he makes sure his defenders get home. His
favorite playbook is the 4-3. Kobra likes the 46 and Multiple
Playbooks. The 46 has more blitz set ups than the Multiple, but
there are some really killer defenses that are in the Multiple that
are hard to be ignored such as the Nickel Normal Velcro 9.

6. What else will I find in the book besides blitz set ups?

Besides the blitz set ups, we also show the Jump Snap Glitch, Flex
Defenders, Flex Defenisve Linemen, DE Containment, Delayed Blitz,
Blitz Playbook Quick Set Up Sheets, Blitz Set Up Info, Blitz
Playbook Finder, etc... We tried to get as much info in the book as
we could to help ease the learning curve for new players, plus we
wanted to give advanced players something they could use as well.

7. Should I blitz on every down?

The best answer to this is wait until you are actually in the game.
If your opponent can't handle the pressure, then by all means blitz
every play until he shows he counter it. Once he does, then you
must adjust to him. Mask your blitz set ups to keep him off balance.

8. The blitz set ups work against a player who drops straight back
in the pocket, but what about a player who uses play action or
rolls out?

If your opponent likes to call play action, use the pass commit
feature. When used, most of the time the QB won't have time to
throw the ball. Against players who like to roll out, A and B Gap
heat may not always be best. If you call A and B Gap heat, you must
keep him from rolling out. The best way to do that is take control
of a flex defender and manually blitz him from the side where he
likes to roll to. For instance say you call an A Gap blitz that
has the MLB shooting between the C and LG. The ball is lined up on
the left hash mark. More than likely your opponent is not going to
roll to the left side, since he doesn't have much room to run. Most
likely he is going to roll to the right side. Take control of the
flex defender and manually blitz from the right side of the field.
That way he can't roll to that side to avoid the blitz. If your
opponent decides to stay in the pocket, then you can always release
the defender or drop him back in pass coverage.

9. How do I find my own A and B Gap set ups?

The best way to find them if you are trying to find them yourself
is to first go into practice mode. Put one controller on offense
and the other on defense. Call plays on the offensive side of the
ball that have all the receivers going out on pass routes. That way
you can see if the blitz actually works without having to worry
about a running back or tight end blocking the primary blitzer.
On the defensive side of ball, call different defenses, look at
how the defensive linemen pass rush, what gaps the linebackers and
defensive backs attacking before any shifts are made. Run the
defenses by default design of the play. The best blitz set ups are
the ones where you don't have to do anything at all. If the blitz
doesn't work, then start shifting defensive linemen, linebackers,
and fake blitz. If the blitz still doesn't work, try moving a
defender or two. If that doesn't help, try manually rushing a
defender who is supposed to drop back in pass coverage and see if
that helps. Once you go through all of that, flip the defense and
go through the same procedure. If you are still unable to get the
blitz to work, move on to the next one. If you do find a blitz that works,
write it down on a piece of paper. Once you find some
blitz set ups that do work, go into actual game. Put one controller
one team and the other on the other team. Use the same defensive
playbooks you want to try your blitz set ups on. Set up the
defenses the same way as you did in practice mode to see if they
work. If they do work, get a hold of a buddy and go online.
Test the blitz sets online to see if they work or not. If they do work
online, then you know they are good to go. Also be sure to run them
against different formations and different pass blocking tactics,
that way you know what will work or not.

10. I can't get the blitz set ups to work everytime, what do I do?

Not every blitz is going to work every single time. There are a lot
variables to come into play for the blitz to work. The best thing
we can tell you is go through all the blitz set ups with the
playbook you plan to run. Test each one out to see how they work
with the team you are playing. If they work, then keep them and add
them to your blitz package arsenal. With over 90 plays shown in the
book, surely you can find a handful that you like that you can use
during the course of the game.

Again, to find out more about the A/B Blitz Guide, go to:

http://www.maddentips.com/blitzguide