I wanted to return to this rule for a minute, and add an addendum to it.
If your opponent runs the 113 HB Counter or runs a lot period out of the 113 or 203 sets, create a rule that goes Normal Defensive Back field – You are probably signing LBs that are fast, strong, and good tacklers, right? Why do you want them off the field when the other team is probably going to run the ball. This rule can really save you through 3Qs. But you might want to not use it in the 4Q if you have a lead and your opponent is likely to pass. In that case, you might need two rules depending on how much you trust your LBs not to get burned by the slot WR.
You also need to add this rule against the 203 HB Inside Weak. This is another one of the exploit runs that will shred your team if you don't counter it.
Why do 113 and 203 runs destroy teams?As a reminder, the game defaults the Nickle defensive formation against the 113 and 203
in all situations unless you are using a rule.
Here's why that matters. The 113 Counter Weak Slot Strong and 203 HB Inside Weak are designed to exploit both M2M and Zone Coverage against the Nickle. This isn't a bug. This is a designed exploit that you can use to your advantage, but that you need to game plan against.
If you are running M2M, your nickle CB will be pulled to the strong side of the field against those plays. That leaves a sizeable gap between the weak outside WR and the LT. Both of these runs are designed to run into that gap.
If you are running Zone, your nickle back will drop back into a Zone and expose the same gap.
So unless you're CB3 blitzing every down against these sets, going normal and sending a blitzer around the weak side is one of the few ways of closing up that gap.
Last edited at 12/23/2017 2:18 pm
