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.
defensive 5
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.
Test out Cover 2 man this season and see if your opponents have what it takes to beat it consistently.
defensive 4
Dallas Cowboys
BASE: 4-3
STYLES: Pass Rush, Run Stuf
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.
The 46 Bear is one of the best formations in the game for aggressive players!
defensive 3
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.
Green Bay has the Nickel Psycho formation, which can bring heavy pressure if you have lots of LBs!
defensive 2
Minnesota Vikings
BASE: 4-3
STYLES: Run Stuff, Zone Defense
RUN DEFENSE SET: 46 Normal
PASS DEFENSE SET: Nickel 2-4-5
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.
The Vikings have the 46 Normal formation, which can frustrate opponents.
defensive 1
New England Patriots
BASE: Hybrid 3-4/4-3
STYLES: Run Stuff
RUN DEFENSE SET: Nickel 2-4-5 Double 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.
If you have extra defenders at DE and LB, consider using the Patriots’ playbook.