fellas the run game isn't like past maddens. there were times in madden 06 where i held opponents to negative rushing yards (with the 49ers!) which is somewhat ridiculous. in this years madden, you can definitely contain the run if you are disciplined. here are my steps to stopping the run:
1. don't get blitz happy. a blitz can do 1 of 2 things: it can stop the run for negative or very small yardage, or it yields huge gains. why? because when you blitz 2 or 3 extra guys, you are taking them out of the play if the RB gets to the 2nd/3rd level. what i mean is yes, it's cool when ray lewis knifes into the backfield for a 3 yard loss, but if he DOESN'T make that play, and shaun alexander gets by that first blitz, who is there to stop him? maybe a CB who alexander will demolish? or maybe a SS who alexander will juke out of his pants? blitzing is not always the answer, and many times does more harm than good.
2. use line stunts to your advantage! i don't mean just physically making your team pinch or spread, but i mean telling them to slant a certain way (Left Bumper + Right stick down will give you a pinch that the offense can't see)
3. stop god damn turboing all over the place when you are controlling a LB or Safety! you are taking yourself out of the play many times! Now if a RB is busting to the outside and you are in pursuit of course you are going to speed burst, but if someone is running up the gut why are you going to speed burst? Be patient!
4. don't be discouraged after a long run. hey, shit happens, you're going to give up 20 and 30 and 40 yard runs sometimes. that doesn't mean on the next play you throw a tantrum and blitz the shit out of them. take your hits when they come and regroup. don't let someone compromise your gameplan because they punched you in the mouth early with a big run
5. STOP USING HIT STICK EXCLUSIVELY! when you use hit stick its all or nothing, either you're going to destroy the other guy or you're going to give him at least another 10 yards. use the X button sometimes too!
anyhow, while i'm not as good by the numbers as i was last year, i think i'm pretty decent against the run this year but it has taken time. just practice and you'll get better
