Beating the Bump and Run

If you run a timing-based pass offense, you might want to consider using a juke at the line of scrimmage for your receivers. This is very effective for avoiding a jam at the line, when the defense plays bump and run coverage. All you have to do is program a 45° cut at the line, and then continue to create the custom route as you normally would. The only downside to this is that you get only two real "waypoints", as opposed to the regular four. You also cannot use any other "special" commands throughout the route, such as another cut, a delay, etc.

On the custom route screen, click on the initial square where you begin. Select "Cut 45° left/right". You are left with two more waypoints for your receiver to run. Since you have limited mobility after that, this is ideal only for simple routes, such as quick slant patterns, fade routes, or wheel routes. On a slant or drag route, you can even use the "Cut 90°" command, depending on how shallow you want it.

This trick also works well if you have receivers lined up close to each other. You can have one "juke" behind the other and run a quick pattern to the outside or inside. The DB usually reacts to the maneuver, slowing down a bit, so your man usually has a slight advantage. I you have a wingback lined up outside a tight end, you can have him cut quickly to the inside, right behind the TE and up the middle of the field.

A playaction pass, with both receivers juking outside and running quick fade patterns, is a good play for me, especially if used in the right situation.

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