Warrior General Games

Anybody runing the 34 defense having any success with their blitzing LB's. I am getting the feeling that LB blitzing is still a bit gimped in the game. If it is true, then running the 34 is more about having it then it is about running a more effective defense.

We've ran a decent defense but I may be switching back to the 43 soon. right now it's just the better defense to run if you need to apply any pressure to the qb.

LBs tend to be too weak to make it past the O-Line on their own, and need strong guys on the line to open up holes for them. Most O-Linemen tend to invest a ton of points in strength and blocking, and linemen rushing the line will just get pancaked off.

IMO this is why the high-strength extra tackle in 4-3 is more effective at drawing blockers and letting others get to the QB. A lot of DEs are agility-based, and just can't put up the same fight when they are responsible for so much more.

Originally posted by pestface
LBs tend to be too weak to make it past the O-Line on their own, and need strong guys on the line to open up holes for them. Most O-Linemen tend to invest a ton of points in strength and blocking, and linemen rushing the line will just get pancaked off.

IMO this is why the high-strength extra tackle in 4-3 is more effective at drawing blockers and letting others get to the QB. A lot of DEs are agility-based, and just can't put up the same fight when they are responsible for so much more.

Overall there is just a big gaggle fest in the middle and everybody is more interested in hanging out then sacking the qb. But We have been pretty unsuccessful bringing pressure from the LB corp. The DL still do a pretty good job tieing up blockers and such but the strength proportionality is not geared for the type of defense.

Last sack my 3-4 defense got was when the ROLB blitzed towards the LT; he froze, picked up the ROLB and let the RDE go around him for the sack.

It is hard to get to the QB from the LB position. But it is also an issue with LB blitzing period. Not just with the 3-4.

Originally posted by Shorteous
Anybody runing the 34 defense having any success with their blitzing LB's. I am getting the feeling that LB blitzing is still a bit gimped in the game. If it is true, then running the 34 is more about having it then it is about running a more effective defense.

We've ran a decent defense but I may be switching back to the 43 soon. right now it's just the better defense to run if you need to apply any pressure to the qb.

No, the pathing the LB takes is completely broken IMO. The RDE will have the LG/LOT doubling him and the ROLB will continually slam into the LOT head first.

Originally posted by NotRippedYet
Originally posted by Shorteous

Anybody runing the 34 defense having any success with their blitzing LB's. I am getting the feeling that LB blitzing is still a bit gimped in the game. If it is true, then running the 34 is more about having it then it is about running a more effective defense.

We've ran a decent defense but I may be switching back to the 43 soon. right now it's just the better defense to run if you need to apply any pressure to the qb.

No, the pathing the LB takes is completely broken IMO. The RDE will have the LG/LOT doubling him and the ROLB will continually slam into the LOT head first.

Yeah, it's really frustrating. Completely broken.

no shit. the OP is my DC.

3-4 has some issues for sure this season. Blitzing is a major one, we have had very little luck with it.

Another major issue is the TE seal off, this is part blocking power too strong and part pathing.

I agree with the bizarro route running by LBs in 3-4. On the other side, I implemented a small package of 3-4 plays into my 4-3 defense to see what would happen. The 3-4 only came up on 3rd & 4th downs. Much of the time, the QB would make a rushed and errant throw. I think this has to do with a "surprise" factor of seeing and handling a 3-4 formation after seeing the last 20+ plays as 4-3. I also think o-lines with poor vision have trouble blocking a surprise 3-4 play too.

Are you guys doing a Weak Side shift of the Linebackers?


They above 3 replays all had a weak side shift.

I notice a lot of teams are putting DE's at the ILB and OLB spots and blitzing them

Originally posted by billthekill
Are you guys doing a Weak Side shift of the Linebackers?


They above 3 replays all had a weak side shift.



yes, we are trying to overload the weakside

blitzing, in general, in this game is broken and pointless. It makes me sad.

Originally posted by billthekill
Are you guys doing a Weak Side shift of the Linebackers?


They above 3 replays all had a weak side shift.



They're also using standard 3-4 on 3 WR sets and using cover 1 near the endzone while bringing heavy rush. Very, very dangerous game to play if you don't get to the QB.