The key to selecting a winning playbook is to match it to your defensive style. Think about if you would rather have a 3-4 or 4-3 base and go from there. Find a good formation that you feel comfortable using to stop the run. Consider what coverage style you like to play and how you will bring pressure on third down from your nickel and dime sets. Once you have answered these questions, picking the right defensive playbook to win you more games becomes easy! There is no problem with changing between playbooks, as many have similar concepts and can give you the edge you need.
- Honorable Mention: Bengals, Seahawks, Ravens
New Orleans Saints
- Base: 3-4
- Styles: Zone Defense, Pass Rush
- Run Defense Set: 3-4 Bear
- Pass Defense Set: Big Dime 1-4-6
The Saints’ defense has a multitude of 3-4 formations that can keep opponents guessing where the pressure is going to come from. It also has some of the best passing defenses in the game if you like to have four CBs on the field at once. Keep bringing heavy pressure off the edges to get the most out of it.
Dallas Cowboys
- Base: 4-3
- Styles: Pass Rush, Run Stuff
- Run Defense Set: 46 Bear
- Pass Defense Set: Big Dime 4-1-6
The Cowboys’ playbook requires an excellent strong safety to maximize its effectiveness. If you land a great one and prefer an aggressive 4-3 style, this is the playbook to try out. Take advantage of all the unique ways to get your secondary defenders up in the box and force opponents to try to spread you out.
Green Bay Packers
- Base: 3-4
- Styles: Pass Rush, Man Defense
- Run Defense Set: 3-4 Solid
- Pass Defense Set: Big Dime 2-3-6 Will
For a 3-4 player, the Packers’ defense has a great mix of formations that should have them feeling comfortable. There are plenty of great nickel formations, which will get an extra CB on the field to help slow down all the new passing features. The only thing missing is the 3-4 Bear, which can be a solid formation in the red zone and on third and short.
Minnesota Vikings
- Base: 4-3
- Styles: Run Stuff, Zone Defense
- Run Defense Set: 46 Normal
- Pass Defense Set: Nickel 2-4-5 Prowl
The Vikings’ playbook is perfect for players who prefer to play heavy zone coverage from the 4-3. The 46 Normal should figure heavily in your game plan, as early offenses may struggle to spread it out. Keep switching between the Cover 2 and Cover 4 Show 2 looks to really maximize your game plan.
Patriots Defense
- Base: Hybrid 3-4/4-3
- Style: Zone Defense, Run Stuff
- Run Defense Set: Nickel 2-4-5 Dbl A Gap
- Pass Defense Set: Nickel 3-3-5 Odd
The Patriots’ defensive playbook is the only team playbook that has both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. This allows you to mix up your looks and experiment with different lineups. Make sure to learn all of the nickel formations to really maximize the blitzes you can bring on third down.