Offense
The Patriots’ offense is excellent for players whose focus is a quick passing attack all over the field.
Key Formation
Pistol Full Panther: This formation can utilize all the talent you are targeting and really foil opponents who don’t bolster their front seven during the draft.
Key Player
A mobile QB is essential to getting the most out of this offensive playbook. However, you also want some depth at HB, which is tough with only 15 rounds.
Formations
- SINGLEBACK: Ace, Ace Pair Flex, Bunch Ace, Panther Doubles, Tight Slots
- I-FORM: Pro, Tight Pair
- STRONG: H Pro, H Twins
- WEAK: Pro Twins
- PISTOL: Full Panther, Strong, Weak
- GUN: Split Panther, Heavy Panther, Ace, Ace Twins, Doubles Offset, Dbls Flex Wing Wk, Y-Trips TE Slot, Trips TE, Bunch Wk, Double Stack, Normal Y-Flex Tight, Trey Y-Flex, Y-Trips Open, Empty Panther
- WILDCAT: Slot Flex
This is one of the few playbooks where drafting a fullback might pay off big. If your opponent doesn’t invest in the defensive line, you may be able to run all game.
OFFENSIVE Draft Targets
- QB (SPD, PAC, THP)
- HB (CTH, ACC, SPD)
- FB (TRK, RBK, IPB)
Defense
This is a very solid 4-3 defensive book with some pretty standard coverages that can be tough to beat. Unless your opponent drafted multiple WRs, you should be able to play 4-3 man-to-man coverage and feel pretty confident in many situations early in the game.
Key Formation
Nickel 2-4-5 Dbl A Gap is a great way to bring pressure if you aren’t feeling a more passive coverage set like 4-3 Wide 9.
Key Player
Drafting a stud MLB and allowing the CPU to let him make plays is very important with this playbook. For players who don’t fear user-controlling a safety or who would rather control a defensive end, this is a great move.
Formations
- 4-3: Stack, Under, Over, Over Plus, Wide 9
- 5-2: Normal
- NICKEL: Normal, Double A Gap, Wide 9
- DIME: Normal
- DOLLAR: 3-2-6
- QUARTER: Normal, 3 Deep
Make your opponents prove that they can beat your strength before you adjust. If you can run man coverage successfully on the first drive, stick with it until they adjust their game plan.
DEFENSIVE Draft Targets
- MLB (PRC, SPD, MCV)
- OLB (SPD, ACC, MCV)
- DT (PMV, STR, BSH)