Back to School: Duo vs. Trap
In football’s run game, every play represents a different strategy. The Duo and the Trap are two such strategies, each with its own expected outcome. As Madden aims to bring the gridiron to the gamer, how do these schemes play out in the virtual world, especially within PML? Let’s take a look at Duo and Trap runs, explore their Madden mechanics, and pinpoint the personnel vital for each play’s success.
Duo: Double-Teaming Dominance
The Essence of Power: The Duo, often dubbed as “Power without a puller,” is all about strength at the point of attack. Instead of relying on a pulling guard, this run leans on double teams at the line of scrimmage to create movement and open lanes.
Running Back’s Eye: In the Duo, the running back plays a pivotal role, reading the linebacker’s movement. If the linebacker fills outside, the back cuts inside; if the linebacker fills inside, the back bounces outside. It’s a dance based on reaction.
Trap: Setting the Snare
The Art of Deception: Trap runs are about luring a defensive lineman into the backfield, only to be blindsided by a pulling lineman. The initial unblocked space is the “trap,” and once the defender takes the bait, the pulling guard or center seals him off, creating a lane for the running back.
A Quick Strike: Given its deceptive nature, the Trap play is fast-developing. Running backs need to hit the hole quickly once the trapping block is executed, catching the defense on its heels.
Ideal Personnel and Madden Interplay
Duo Demands: For Duo, stout offensive linemen skilled in double-team blocks are crucial. The center’s role is vital, as he often transitions between double-team blocks to picking up linebackers. The running back, meanwhile, should possess decisive vision and agility to make on-the-spot cuts.
Trap Talents: The success of the Trap hinges on the pulling lineman’s quickness and ability to land a solid block in space. Running backs need burst and decisiveness, as hesitation can lead to a collapsed lane.
PML Tactical Insights: In PML, Duo can be a go-to against defensive fronts that shy away from aggressive penetration… think Tbandit, or Green 3 man rush… It challenges user-controlled linebackers to read and react accurately. On the other hand, the Trap can exploit over-aggressive defensive tackles in Madden, turning their aggressiveness against them.
The Duo and the Trap, while both grounded in offensive line execution, present contrasting challenges to defenses. In PML, understanding the timing and setup of these plays can be a game-changer.
