Defensive Coverage Adjustments

Base Align — This allows defenses to align their defenders in the general settings of the formation. As offensive formations change they can alter how a formation looks and plays. To prevent that from happening we use base align.

Give Cushion — If you want to play bend-but-don’t-break defense, use “give cushion” coverage. This moves your defenders farther away from the line of scrimmage and puts them in a “prevent” defensive position.

Inside — Your defenders will attempt to get inside position against the receivers and jump routes like ins and slants.

Man Align — Your defenders, especially LBs and safeties, will line up closer to their assignments, which is useful on Cover 0 blitzes.

Outside — Your defenders will play the receiver outside and jump routes like corners and outs.

Over Top — Your defensive zones will stay back against the receivers. They won’t get beaten deep by vertical concepts but won’t be able to break down on routes as easily.

Press — This will jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. Pressing slows down offenses and allows blitzes more time to get after the quarterback. It can leave your defense vulnerable if the WR beats the press.

Protect the Sticks (Sticks) — Your defenders will keep in mind the down and distance and drop their zones to that depth. This is a great adjustment for third and long.

Quick Adjust — Allows you to make adjustments to defenders before the snap without clicking onto them.

Show Blitz — A great way to load the box up with defenders is to utilize show blitz. Most formations in the game will create a Bear front, which is great for stopping the run and blitzing your opponent.

Underneath — Your defensive zones will play underneath their targets. This is great for clamping down on the horizontal passing game.