The Basics of Reading a Defense in Madden NFL 12

One of the most important aspects of football in general is being able to read the defense. As a quarterback, it is your responsibility to know the type of defense and recognize the coverage packages it might be employing. This also holds true in Madden and NCAA 12. 

The very first thing we should all know is the basic defensive formation you are up against. In most cases it will be the 4-3 or the 3-4. There are some occasions when this will change, such as a 3rd-and-long situation or when you are trying to keep every play in front of you at all costs. 

This brings us to perhaps one of the most important tenants of defensive recognition, whether the defenders are playing zone or man coverage. By putting a man in motion, watch and see it a defender follows. If they do follow, the defense is most likely in man coverage, which could open up the deep route and quick slants or curls. Another great way to exploit the man-defense would be to use crossing routes. If the linebackers are covering tight ends or slot receivers, the defenders could easily get beat as the receivers cross each other. Being able to successfully recognize man coverage is a huge boost for your offense.

Now we can move on to zone coverage, which can be complicated to read because of the various types. Cover 1 is simply one defensive back dropping into deep coverage, typically the free safety; Cover 2 is where there are two safeties that split the deep field coverage; Cover 3 splits the deep zone into three parts; Cover 4 into four parts. 

Here is a quick breakdown on how to recognize these coverages, and then rip them apart.

Cover 1
You should be able to recognize Cover 1 by watching the free safety. If he starts to cheat to the middle of the field and the rest of the defense looks like they are in man coverage you are most likely seeing Cover 1. 

How to beat it
Stretch the field vertically. The lone deep defender will be forced to make a choice as to which receiver he will help cover. This could lead to a most unwanted mismatch. Another weakness of this defense is letting receivers gain yards after the catch due to open running lanes.

Cover 2 
The main thing you have to look for is safety movement, or lack thereof. If neither safety moves then the defense is most likely in Cover 2. 

How to beat it
Cover 2 will leave a gap in coverage on the sidelines because the cornerbacks will most likely be covering the flats. Out or flag patterns could potentially be a viable option to go with here.

Cover 3
The strong safety is the key. When you see him creeping up into the box, you know its Cover 3. This leaves the corners and the free safety to cover one third of the deep field each.

How to beat it
Cover 3 might be the toughest zone formation to beat consistently, as it works well against the run and pass. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Flats tend to be very high percentage plays, and can go for big yards. It’s also not a bad idea to check out the deep middle of the field. A tight end could get open for a big gain.

Cover 4 
Should be easy as pie right? Sure is. When the corners drop back off the receivers and possibly towards the sidelines this should be an indication of Cover 4 defense.

How to beat it 
Beating the Cover 4 might not get you huge yards, but you can definitely march the rock down the field. Slants can be very effective as well as screens. A draw play mixed in could also catch the defense off guard.

Final Thoughts

These are just the basics of reading the defense. It only gets more complicated from here, but this should be a solid start, and hopefully this will give you a general idea on how to improve your offensive game in both Madden and NCAA.