Football Mogul 25

The Four-Three Defense is the default defense in Football Mogul. It is used on more plays than any other defense. The Four-Three Defense can also be represented as "4-3-4" because it uses four linemen, three linebackers, and four defensive backs. This formation is the basis for the 11-man starting defense listed in the Defense Dialog.

The Three-Four Defense (3-4-4) is the second most popular defensive formation. It provides less of a pass rush than a four man line, and less protection against rushes up the middle. However, the extra linebacker increases coverage on shorter passes, and prevents longer gains on the ground.

The Five-Two Defense (5-2-4) is used in situations, such as 3^rd down with 3 or fewer yards to go, where the defense wishes to focus their efforts to protect against a short gain. It is also referred to as a "five man front". By putting an extra man on the line, this defense increases run defense by trading off the ability to defend against the pass.

The Nickel Defense (4-2-5) is used in likely passing situations, such as 2^nd or 3^rd down, with 7 or more yards to be gained. It leaves four defensive lineman, in order to maintain a strong pass rush, but replaces one linebacker with a defensive back. This fifth defensive back (shown in red on the diagram) gives the Nickel formation it's name, and increases the team's ability to cover pass receivers.

The Dime Defense (4-1-6) is used in more definite passing situations, such as 3^rd and 10 or longer, or when the offensive team is behind late in the game and trying to catch up. It is a more extreme form of the Nickel Defense, trading yet another linebacker for a sixth defensive back.

The Prevent Defense (3-1-7) is an even more extreme example of a pass prevention formation. It is reserved for the final minutes of a game or half, where a run or even short pass will have very little impact. It leaves only three men on the line, to provide at least some pass pressure, while employing a full seven defensive backs to prevent long passes. Although the use of the Prevent Defense is controversial, it is stilled used consistently by professional teams in the final minutes of a game.

The Goal Line Defense (4-4-3) is an even more extreme from of the Short Yardage Defense, putting 6 or 7 defensive players on on near the line of scrimmage in the hopes of preventing even a small rushing gain. One cornerback is still used to cover the offense's primary receiver.