@PowderedSugar4 Finally a good topic worth discussing that effects winning and losing... But first, we have to address a few flaws in your statement:
1) You cannot have tried everything. There are literally too many variables. We should agree that you tried a lot of things you thought should work.
2) Madden doesn't decide who wins before the game. There's a theory that there's some mystical algorithm that forces losses on people after they win some number of games, which has already been debunked.
Alright - let's get into some ways to stop the stretch and Outside Zone runs.
1) Check your Run Fits - When you pick a defense, you have to check your run fits. Often, your secondary isn't involved in run support unless you pick defenses like Cover 2 and Cover 4. Cover 2 sets your CB's as the force and contain defender while Cover 4 assigns the safeties a specific gap.
2) Check Field Position - Outside runs will usually go to the wide side of the field because there is more room to run, defenders are slightly more spaced, and there are more opportunities to cut the run back.
3) Check your Formation - You'll need at least one player with leverage outside the end man in the box, whether it's the OT or a TE. You can manually move them, or have them automatically align there.
4) Check your Assignments - At least one defender should have a flat assignment (Hard Flat, Cloud Flat, Seam Flat, Soft Squat) on the side you expect the run to go. If you're blitzing, assign a blitzing defender the flat duties to force the cutback, then manually control another blitzer and clean up after the runner cuts inside.
DO use the contain assignment
DON'T use the run commit
DO shift linebackers late in the play clock
DON'T shift linebackers early in the play clock
DO blitz the playside CB
DON'T blitz a safety near the line of scrimmage
For the player you're manually controlling, FLOW from the inside, PENETRATE from the outside. If you're inside, you want to keep the runner moving sideways. If you're outside, you want to turn the runner upfield as quickly as possible.
Also, give us some information about which teams you're facing, the formations you're using, and the team you use.
Later
