Defense Rules

Same test as offense. Rush for real, play one position, line up honestly. The rules below are hard lines; anything else goes through Playing in Good Faith.

The CPU reads the defensive look it sees. If an extra defender comes into the box, it can check toward the pass.

• Don't walk your nickel/slot toward the box to flip the CPU's run/pass read, then bail him into a passing lane at the snap.
• Fine: bring him into the box and play the box. Disguising coverage and bringing real pressure are fine.
• Intent is judged on film. Nobody argues 2 yards vs 3 yards.
• Keep doing it and nickel/slot defenders stop being user-eligible against the CPU.

• Rush at least 3 on every snap.
• No manual DL adjustments (spy / drop) unless the play has it.
• Stunts/twists: Load, Rush or Mug fronts only. TOM stunts are always legal.

• Pre-snap, manually move only the player you'll user. Every game, user or CPU.
• User a LB or DB off the line only — never a defensive lineman.
• Control a blitzer → you blitz.
• User LBs start 4+ yards off the line unless blitzing. No A/B-gap shoots without a called blitz.
• Never Switch-Stick.

• Cover 0: never on 1st & 10. Hot blitzes count as Cover 0.
• Cover 2 Man: 3rd & 7+ only, once per drive (prevent and 2-minute defense exempt).

• FS/SS at SubLB: only with a Gold or Purple Team Player or Instinct badge.
• Goal-line defense: inside the 10 or inches to go only.