How do you maintain a lead when the clock is winding down? The answer might be simpler than you think. Running the ball isn't just a tactic; it's a strategy that keeps possession and controls the game. Discover how utilizing power formations and big sets can solidify your dominance on the field.
We tend to ignore the importance of the run game. We all get a lead, but many don't know how to keep it. Be ready for situations where running the ball maintains possession and milks the clock to protect a lead.
Running the ball is an important part of a successful football game plan. Some of us pass too much, then resort to trickery to get the ground game going. Pretending pass from spread formations doesn't lead to long gains. We're more likely to be dropped by a blitz when we opt for less protection. When strength is the most important factor, don't mess around with little fast guys that can't block. Use big guys capable of clearing a path to increase your odds of maintaining possession; especially in short yardage situations.
Don't be afraid to run the ball from big sets. Use a personnel set that can push the defense around. Bring in additional Tight Ends that can provide a pass catching threat if needed, but also have the beef to block defenders. When yards are tough to come by, it doesn't hurt to bring in an extra offensive linemen or two when we're really in a crunch.
To counter size mismatches, most defensive players will stack the majority of their players on the line of scrimmage. Their adjustment can easily become counterproductive. With the engagements at such close proximity, quickness is less important than strength. Chances of breaking big runs when play side defenders are picked up close to the line of scrimmage up increase exponentially. One bad angle or a missed tackle and it's off to the races. Also, with most players bunched in the middle of the field, it's easier to find room to the outside where the backside safety is the only threat to bring you down. For every defensive player bunched at the line of scrimmage, there is one less tackler to worry about at the second level where they are more difficult to block.
Elite Madden players have no problem tipping off a run play with personnel sets that scream run. To impose their will they may have little desire to disguise their intentions. Sometimes raw power, size, and strength are the only gimmicks required to earn tough yards. Stay behind your blocks and those short yardage situations will be your opponent's headache, not yours.
Some players have a run first mentality. By forcing opponents to commit defenders to the line of scrimmage, they can attack using play-action passes without much attention to defensive coverage. By running from heavy sets, they are able to dictate what the defense can and cannot do. On the flip side, the offense need only manage a count to ensure the proper blocks are made. Players that run successfully from big sets are able to keep the chains moving, manage the clock, dominate time of possession, and threaten with play-action passes. It's a mystery more players don't run from big sets.
