Check out the defensive playmaker feature
The best defense is not a good offense. The best defense is Brian Urlacher swarming the football field and hitting anything that moves. Not every team has an Urlacher in Madden NFL 08, but every team does have several new defensive tools that will make even Peyton Manning shake in his spikes.
The first and most obvious defensive tool is the new Hit Stick 2.0. Using the hit stick is a bit of a risk since you tend to miss more tackles, but experienced Madden players will have no problem dropping the hammer on opponents this season. When using a big hitter or bruising player, make sure you hit the stick up to go for a high tackle, increasing the chances of forcing a fumble. If you are a smaller defensive back taking on a bruising ball carrier, be sure to hit the stick down to take out his legs, hopefully tearing some of his virtual ligaments in the process.
EA has also brought back the strip button, which you should hit when you jump in late on a gang tackle. You'll notice the defender swiping at the ball -- you can usually force at least one fumble a game. This is especially helpful for defensive backs tackling runners from behind, although try this in the open field and you're liable to get juked out of your shoes or simply run over.
It also helps to utilize your defensive weapons. Star players this year are broken up into different categories, such as Brick Wall Defender or Big Hitter, and these heavyweights are able to make plays that others can't. While your scrubs will likely wilt at the sight of an oncoming behemoth like Brandon Jacobs, uber-defender Ray Lewis will have no problem taking him on with the hit stick. If you don't have a defensive horse, it's best to go in for a basic wrap tackle and wait for the rest of your team to help take him to the turf.
You also have a number of options before the snap. New this year is the receiver spotlight. Particularly helpful in zone coverage, the spotlight helps your defensive backs key in on a receiver. It's best used on studs like Marvin Harrison and Chad Johnson, as wasting a spotlight on Wes Welker may be a bad move with Randy Moss lining up out wide. The risk is that a smart quarterback will be able to find another receiver your secondary left open, but it's better to let teams try and beat you with their third receivers than their gamebreakers.
Then there are the defensive playmaker options. Simply put, you can call a one-man audible, ordering him out of, say, zone coverage and into an impromptu linebacker blitz. It's a somewhat risky move as defensive sets are designed with 11 players in a set position, but it pays off when you stop a halfback in the backfield on a pitch. Finally, be sure to shift your defensive line, linebackers and secondary based on the offensive set, down and distance. On third and long, it's not a bad idea to give your corners a bit of a cushion against receivers.
The last bit of defensive knowledge is simple: call the right plays. If you wait for an offense to select its play, you'll be able to see how many receivers and backs will be on the field. In a four receiver set, it's probably a good idea to call a Nickle or Dime set instead of a goal line formation. Also, it pays to know your enemy. If the opposing quarterback is a wet-behind-the-ears rookie with little accuracy, keep pounding him with the blitz. If it's All-World signal caller Peyton Manning, just pray he makes a mistake before he preys on you.
Madden 08 is still an offensive game, but those who can force an extra turnover can usually notch an extra W in the win column.
Posted: 9 Aug 2007
