For players who want a more reliable way to stop inside runs, Mid Blitz comes back into CUT 26 Coins play. By aligning the linebacker opposite the running back directly over the center, you manipulate blocking priorities.

The game's protection logic will often leave one defender unblocked, indicated by the flame icon. When positioned correctly, that free rusher shoots straight into the backfield and stops the run immediately. This method requires almost no user movement and is extremely consistent against inside zone plays.

While it doesn't work as well against outside runs, it's one of the easiest ways for newer players to shut down the most common rushing concepts.

Off-Meta Pressure with Safety Blitzes

Once opponents get used to Mid Blitz, it's time to change the picture. Safety blitzes are an excellent off-meta option that few players expect.

From dime or dollar formations, plays like Rush Strong Safety Overload 3 create chaos up front. The strong safety walks down late, and with a custom stunt, the offensive line is forced to make split-second decisions.

The goal here is to occupy the center or guard with your user defender. By engaging them and forcing them inside, you free up the blitzing safety to attack untouched. Even if the safety doesn't win cleanly, the pressure collapses the pocket and disrupts the quarterback's timing.

This is still technically a four-man rush, which makes it effective even against heavier pass protection schemes. It's a perfect complement to more traditional blitzes and keeps offenses guessing.

Lockdown Coverage with Minimal Adjustments

Not every player wants to make constant pre-snap adjustments. That's where match coverage shines.

Match coverage behaves like zone initially, but converts to man coverage as routes develop. Plays labeled as Match, Zone Blitz Match, or Blitz Match work across nearly every formation and playbook.

Your coaching adjustments matter here. Keep flats, curl flats, and hook zones on default, and bring safeties down closer to the line. Cover 6 Match is one of the best options, offering strong protection against both vertical routes and underneath concepts. Cover 4 Quarters and Palms are also effective.

One of the biggest strengths of match coverage is that it can function even without active user involvement. The defense automatically carries routes and eliminates easy throws. When you do add a user defender over the middle, the coverage becomes suffocating.

Crossers, drags, wheels, digs, and check-downs are all naturally accounted for cheap CUT 26 Coins if you're positioned correctly. Against most players, this creates a true no-adjustment defense that still locks down the field.