Detroit Lions

Offense

The Lions’ offensive playbook is built around the passing game and is one of the best to take advantage of the catching in Madden NFL 17. Although the playbook requires a big WR and a strong-armed QB, any opponent who didn’t get an elite pass-rushing or cover CB will be outmatched.

Key Formation

Gun Split Lion is a great early test for your opponent. Isolate your best WR on the outside and see if you have a favorable matchup. You can always check down to your HBs or keep them in to block if you notice an elite defensive pass rusher.

Key Player

6’4”+ WR with 90+ Spectacular Catch

Formations

• SINGLEBACK: Jumbo, Ace, Ace Pair, Ace Pair Flex, Bunch, Doubles, Y-Trips Lion
• I-FORM: Pro, Twins Flex, Tight Pair
• STRONG: Close
• WEAK: Pro
• PISTOL: Strong, Ace, Slot Flex Lion, Y-Trips
• GUN: Split Lion, Ace Twins, Doubles, Y-Trips Wk, Wing Trips Lion Wk, Snugs Flip, Spread Y-Flex, Trey Open Lion, Empty Lion, Empty Trey

A smaller WR with great route running (RAC!) can shift this book to more of a short-passing one that occasionally takes big shots downfield.

OFFENSIVE Draft Targets

• WR (SPD, CIT, SPC)
• QB (THP, DAC, MAC)
• WR/TE (SPD, RTE, CIT)

Defense

The Lions’ defensive playbook is built around getting a solid pass rush from the defensive line. This allows gold-level LBs to stay unblocked and to make plays. Since nearly all of the formations use four defensive linemen, you can’t afford to come up short here, but the composition isn’t a huge deal.

Key Formation

The 5-2 formation can really lock down the run, even if your opponent went heavy on the offensive line in the draft.

Key Player

DT with 85+ Power Moves

Formations

• 4-3: Normal, Under, Over, Over Plus, Wide 9
• 5-2: Normal
• NICKEL: Normal, Double A Gap, Wide 9
• DIME: Normal
• DOLLAR: 3-2-6
• QUARTER: 1-3-7, 3 Deep

Defensive ends that are capable of dropping into zone coverage to give a different look to the QB are key, especially against short-pass offenses.

DEFENSIVE Draft Targets

• DT (PMV, STR, BSH)
• DE (SPD, FMV, ZCV)
• FS (SPD, ZCV, PRC)