Offense
The Saints’ playbook has some unique plays and formations that can fool your opponent, but you can also beat him or her by simply throwing downfield. You will need some time in the pocket, so keep linemen in mind: a good defensive line will be a frustrating matchup.
Key Formation
Gun Tight Offset TE allows you to get the most from an elite TE, who basically can be a WR in this playbook.
Key Player
6’4”+ TE with 85 Catch in Traffic
Formations
- SINGLEBACK: Jumbo, Ace, Twin TE Flex, Bunch Base, Doubles, Snugs Flip
- I-FORM: Pro, Close, Twins Flex, Tight
- STRONG: Close
- PISTOL: Slot Wing, Y-Trips, Bunch TE
- GUN: Split Offset, Doubles Wk, Wing Trio Wk, Tight Offset TE, DBL Y Flex Off Wk, Spread Y-Slot, Trips Y Iso, Trey Open Saint, Empty Saint, Empty Trey, Empty Y-Saints
The Saints’ playbook is still built for big WRs and deep throws downfield, which meshes perfectly with the catching in Madden NFL 17!
OFFENSIVE Draft Targets
- TE (6’4”+ CIT, SPC)
- WR (6’3”+, CIT, SPC)
- QB (MAC, DAC, THP)
Defense
The Saints have an excellent defensive playbook built around the 3-4. This playbook won’t require much blitzing if you grab OLBs with high Speed and Finesse Moves ratings. However, it has plenty of firepower if needed on passing downs.
Key Formation
Big Dime 2-3-6 is a great formation to build toward in the draft. If you come up a piece or two short, you can go to the 3-3-5 or 1-4-6.
Key Player
OLB with 87 Finesse Moves
Formations
- 3-4: Odd, Under, Over, Over Plus, Wide 9
- 46: Bear Under
- NICKEL: Normal, Double A Gap, Wide 9
- DIME: Normal
- DOLLAR: 3-2-6
- QUARTER: Normal, 3 Deep
You can use the 3-3-5 Wide to slow down outside runs without having to make too many adjustments.
DEFENSIVE Draft Targets
- OLB (SPD, ACC, FMV)
- SS (PRC, POW, ZCV)
- FS (ZCV, SPD, PRC)