Recognizing Opponent Weaknesses: Taking Advantage of Defensive Gaps
A quarterback's ability to recognize defensive weaknesses and exploit gaps in coverage is key to
CFB 25 Coins maximizing offensive efficiency, and the checkdown can be an essential tool in doing this. While defenses often focus on covering deep routes or pressuring the quarterback, they may leave certain areas of the field open. Recognizing these gaps and adjusting accordingly is a hallmark of a quarterback with excellent situational awareness and the ability to control the game. Here’s how the checkdown helps in recognizing and capitalizing on these defensive weaknesses.
1. Identifying Overaggressive Defenses
One of the most common weaknesses in defensive schemes is overaggression—especially on third down or in high-pressure situations like late-game scenarios. Defenses, particularly those that rely on blitzing or strong pass rushes, can often leave their coverage more vulnerable in certain areas.
Aggressive pass rush: When the defense blitzes or sends more players at the quarterback, there may be vacant spaces in the secondary, such as the area underneath the blitz or the flat. The quarterback who recognizes this can check down to a running back or tight end in these open spaces, turning a potential sack or pressured throw into a manageable gain.
Corners and safeties out of position: An overly aggressive secondary may leave gaps in zone coverage or force defenders to
College Football 25 Coins play too far off their assignments. The quarterback, aware of the blitz or pressure, can check down and quickly exploit these mismatches by taking advantage of soft spots in the coverage.
Posted
Feb 06 2025, 06:18 PM
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