NFL Blitz FAQ by Joshua Harring (harring@student.umass.edu)

Table of Contents
I. Intro
II. Stuff you need to know
III. Offense
IV. Defense
V. Situational
VI. Conclusion

I. Introduction

Hello, football fans!  Welcome to my FAQ for the best arcade football 
game currently on the market.  It's about time someone made a really 
great arcade football game.  I was tired of seeing them made by Japanese 
guys who know very little about the game of football (witness Rushing 
Heroes, Football Fury, et al).  My deepest gratitude goes to the folks 
at Midway.

So what's in this FAQ?  Basically, it's a bunch of strategies that I 
have formulated after watching and playing many games of NFL Blitz.  
Yes, even though this is an arcade football game, that doesn't mean 
there's no strategy.  I was inspired to write this because I was tired 
of watching player after player do nothing but throw long bombs and 
blitz everyone every time.  So I have come up with strategies that 
emphasize the primary things needed to win football games, that is, 
stuff like ball control, coverage, and play selection.  All of these 
strategies are strictly my opinion, so if you don't like them, fine.  
Everyone is entitled to their own strategy, and in fact I encourage you 
to invent your own or tinker with mine.  I wrote this to help out 
beginners looking for direction and perhaps give seasoned veterans new 
weapons in their arsenal.  This is by no means the `official' strategy, 
and I am not saying other strategies aren't good.  In fact, I still 
consider myself only an adequate NFL Blitz player (although I am 
familiar with Madden and all those other great home football games).  
Once again, you are encouraged to come up with your own game plan.  If 
you need some help getting started though, allow me to try to assist 
you.

II. Stuff you need to know 

NFL Blitz is different from most football games.  The most obvious 
difference is the fact that each side has only seven players!  And three 
of those seven players are anonymous down linemen who have little impact 
on the game.  So it boils down to a four-on-four matchup.  Note that no 
one really has a `position' (except for the QB).  For example, Emmitt 
Smith is not strictly a running back, nor is Jerry Rice just a wide 
receiver.  It's more like everyone is just a `player', that is, all the 
offensive guys can run, catch passes, and pass themselves, and all the 
defensive players are crosses between pash rushers, linebackers, and 
defensive backs.  Realizing this is important.

More differences include two-minute quarters and 30 yards for a first 
down.  If you want to make an analogy between this game and real 
football, imagine that three yards in this game is one in the NFL.  So 
in this game, third and 15 is kind of like third and 5 in real life. It 
is quite easy to accumulate yardage in this game, so you'll often find 
higher-scoring games than those of the NFL itself.  Defense takes a 
backseat in many players' minds, but it is very important.  As the old 
cliche goes:  `Defense wins championships.'

Each team is rated in five categories:  Passing, Rushing, Linemen, 
Special Teams, and Defense.  They are rated in these categories on a 
scale of 0 to 5, 5 being best.  Using these ratings, the best teams are 
Dallas, Denver, Green Bay, and New England.  Needless to say, they are 
also the most popular teams in this game (at least around here, they are 
:) ).

On offense, you have two pages of nine plays each to choose from.  They 
all look like passing plays, but some of them have a guy staying behind 
the line of scrimmage as a kind of `safety' receiver.  Note that if 
someone catches the ball behind a line and then runs upfield, it is a 
run.  When someone catches the ball beyond the line, it is a pass.

On defense, there are nine plays, a mixture of blitzes and zones.  
Unfortunately, I see far too many people blitzing constantly with too 
many players at once.  It is important to follow the play as it is 
designed.  Failure to do so probably will cause you to get burned.

You have no control over punts, except choosing to do it, of course.  So 
that means where and how far the punt goes is totally random, which 
kinda sucks if you wanted to try the `coffin corner' strategy.  On field 
goals, you control only the accuracy by trying to stop a football-shaped 
icon in the center of a bar-shaped meter. (This is kind of like shooting 
free throws in NBA Live if you're familiar with that game.)  You have no 
control over kickoffs, and I've yet to see a touchback on a kickoff, so 
there will always be a kick return.

III. Offense

Ah yes, that part of the game almost everyone loves, the offense.  
Spectacular plays, hail mary passes, whatever you will.  Sadly, again I 
see a lot of people trying nothing but those passes.  (Forgive me if I'm 
sounding repetitive.)  It is important to realize that a sound running 
and short passing game is often far more effective than those long 
bombs.  Yes, it may be mundane, but I find it works for me for scoring 
consistently.  One of the dangers of long passes is throwing into 
coverage.  In this game, throwing into coverage often causes the ball to 
be tipped in the air (in a manner reminiscent of NFL GameDay), up for 
grabs.  Often the CPU will come down with the ball, causing an 
interception, or they will at least knock the ball away, forcing an 
incomplete.  

The best kind of plays to run are those that give you a safety option.  
What I mean by that is that there is somebody behind the line of 
scrimmage besides the QB who can bail him out with a short reception if 
no one is open downfield, or if a hard-charging defensive player is 
trying to blitz the QB.  Such plays as these include `Back Split', 
`Screen', and `Criss Cross.'  You'll notice that Back Split gives two 
safety options, one to either side.  You might also notice that the 
plays I just mentioned are all on Page 1 of the playbook.  I find that 
knowing just a few plays works well than trying to know all 18.  Many of 
them are similar to each other anyway (`Da Bomb' and `Hail Mary' for 
example).  Of course, you might endeavor to learn more than three, but 
they are good ones to learn first.  When you choose a play, try to 
choose one that does not have receivers crossing over each other.  It is 
possible to get confused as to which direction to press for each 
receiver.  

Also take advantage of play-flipping.  The blue button flips the play, 
so that a guy who would be running left is now running right, and vice 
versa.  You want to run plays to the wide side of the field, so that a 
receiver has more room to avoid defenders.  Remember that the ball is 
snapped on the hash mark closest to where the ball carrier was tackled 
on the previous play (except of course, if he was tackled in the middle 
of the field).  

Before you snap the ball, take a second to look over the defense.  All 
teams in this game have the same playbook, so knowing your plays will 
enable you to identify what type of defense has been called.  You can 
often tell right away if it's a zone or a blitz with man-to-man 
coverage.  Knowing that it is a blitz should alert you to get rid of the 
ball very quickly, which is why having plays with safety options is 
important.  Also, if you know which man is going to blitz, and one of 
your receivers will be in his section of field, you can pass to that 
receiver who will probably be wide open.  If it's a zone, your downfield 
receivers will most likely be covered, and running the ball is a bit 
more difficult.  Running the ball to the wide side of the field in that 
situation enables you to have a bit more room to avoid, stiff-arm, 
hurdle, and otherwise bypass defenders.

Once you snap the ball, execute the play as planned.  If you see a blitz 
coming, pass to your safety guy.  However, if you have time to throw 
(i.e. no blitz from the defense), look over the coverage and pass to the 
open man.  If no one is open downfield, don't throw it into the coverage 
and risk an interception.  Pass it to the safety option (that's what 
he's there for).  However, you may even find at times that everyone is 
covered, so in that situation have your QB run the ball himself.  Often 
the defense isn't expecting it and your man can gain decent yardage.  

When controlling the ball carrier, take advantage of the moves at your 
disposal.  In my opinion, the most useful is the stiff-arm.  Many times 
it is effective at throwing off a would-be tackler.  It won't always 
work, but that's okay.  When using the hurdle, only use it when 
defenders are coming up from behind you or you need a bit more yardage 
to get that first down or touchdown.  Don't try to hurdle over someone 
in your way, it doesn't work.  The spin move is also sometimes effective 
at barrelling through defenders, but it increases the risk of fumbles, 
so it should be used sparingly.  Trying to run around or change 
direction generally does not work too well in this game, although 
sidestepping a defender that is charging and ready to do a flying tackle 
works well if you can time it right.

If it turns out that you can't move the ball well this possession and 
fourth down comes up, don't automatically go for it like so many players 
do.  Instead, assess the situation.  If you're in your own territory, 
punting is a wise idea, even if you only have a few yards to go.  Going 
on fourth down is always a risk and if you fail in your own territory, 
you're going to leave your opponent with an excellent scoring 
opportunity.  If you're in your opponent's territory, consider the field 
goal.  They are pretty easy to do and three points is always better than 
none.  The times when you might not want to try the field goal is if you 
have fourth and very short or you're down by a touchdown late in the 
game.  

In certain situations, the best thing to do is try to make a long, 
methodical drive to eat up the clock.  You would most likely do this 
when you are ahead late in the game, or if scoring would put you ahead.  
For example, if it's 21-21 with 1:30 left and you get the ball, you 
don't want to score but then leave your opponent with ample time to come 
back and respond.  This is when ball control, and the short game, is 
important.  Don't go for big plays.  If you can slowly work your way 
down the field and score, you're going to put your opponent in a very 
desperate situation.

Finally, mix up your plays!  Don't run the same one over and over again.  
Even the dumbest of opponents would catch on to that.  However, it's 
okay to run the same types of plays (like the short passing ones), since 
I mentioned earlier that many plays are similar.  That way you can use 
different formations to keep your opponent guessing, especially if you 
throw in a different type of play every so often (like throwing a long 
pass after a series of runs).

IV. Defense

Defense is probably the most important aspect of football.  It is often 
overlooked by players who just want to have a wide-open high-scoring 
game.  While it's okay to have a good time, to elevate your game to the 
next level, you must play great defense.  And defense is about more than 
just blitzing.  It's about coverage, showing the QB different looks, and 
knowing exactly how the play is supposed to be run.  

One of the most common things I see players do is blitz too much.  While 
it may be exciting, blitzing is a gamble.  In essence, what it does is 
take a defender out of coverage so he can force the QB to make quick 
decisions.  Unfortunately, if he is capable of those decisions, he will 
most likely burn the other team for a big gain.  While an occasional 
blitz is not wrong, blitzing constantly with too many players at once is 
wrong.

If you're having trouble understanding why blitzing is dangerous (for 
you), look at this reasoning.  You have four defenders.  The offensive 
team has three receivers.  That means you have four people to cover 
three guys.  Usually in that case, the QB won't find anyone open, and 
the play won't get much, if any, yardage.  Now look at what happens when 
you start blitzing.  One of the first things to know about blitzing is 
that you will have man-to-man coverage instead of a zone, so each 
defender is going to have to follow his man like white on rice.  That's 
not always such a good idea (would you want a linebacker against Jerry 
Rice?).  Blitzing one man makes it three against three.  That can be 
managed, but it's dangerous.  Blitzing two men or more automatically 
puts you at a disadvantage.  The offensive team will have more receivers 
than you have defenders, which means someone will be wide open.  If the 
quarterback sees it quickly enough, you will get burned.  Note that one 
of the plays is a `Zone Blitz' (a current fad in the NFL), but again, it 
blitzes two guys, leaving you with a two on three situation.

A good play selection consists of zones.  `Medium Zone' and `Near Zone' 
are two of the most effective.  `Deep Zone' is useful for situations 
where you know your opponent has to make a long pass.  `Goal Line' is 
only useful when your opponent is within your 10 yard line.  An 
occasional `1 Man Blitz' might also be a good tactic, but as I can't 
stress enough, don't overdo it.

When you select your play, follow it as it's drawn up!  The biggest 
mistake I see players make is bringing the guy they're controlling right 
up to the line of scrimmage before the play to rush the QB when he's 
supposed to be in a zone.  This takes that man out of coverage and 
leaves his section of field wide open.  On zone plays, many times the 
defender you control is supposed to stand there and read the play as it 
develops.  If a receiver enters your zone, cover him.

To successfully cover someone, follow them around as they run their 
route.  If you stick close to them, chances are the QB won't risk 
throwing into that area.  Also, trust that your computer-controlled 
teammates are doing their jobs as well.  After all, you can't control 
everyone at once.  

If the ball is thrown in your direction, the most effective way to 
insure the receiver won't catch the ball is to knock him down.  Yes, 
that's right, pass interference!  It's legal in this game.  :)  Doing 
this will most likely cause an incomplete pass.  You won't get too many 
interceptions this way, but that's all right because you'll be stalling 
the offensive drive and they will be forced to try to make big plays to 
make up for it.  If you stick to your man and take him out before the 
ball reaches him, you're doing your job defensively.

Sometimes though, the receiver will still make the reception or one of 
your teammates lets down his coverage just a little and his receiver 
makes the play.  Don't get frustrated if this happens.  There's no way 
you won't give up any points.  But if you consistently make solid 
defensive plays, you stand a great chance of winning.  To give you a 
sense of perspective, the best defensive player in the arcade I play NFL 
Blitz at gives up 16 points/game.  

The best way to take out the ball carrier is to make a diving tackle, 
but from close range.  Make sure you are close to him before you attempt 
a tackle.  Sometimes he will stiff-arm you out of the air.  That's all 
right.  Pursue him.  Your computer-controlled teammates tackle well in 
this game so don't worry too much about having to do things yourself.

On that subject, don't overuse the Change Player button.  It's rare that 
you will be able to switch to the nearest man and react quickly enough 
to make a play.  Trust your teammates.  After all, in the NFL, defense 
is all about working as a unit and trusting each other.  It's the same 
idea here.  Don't be a gloryhound and try to make all the plays 
yourself.  I have found that sometimes the computer makes better 
defensive plays against itself than humans do!

When fourth down comes up for the opposing team, don't assume they'll 
punt or kick a field goal.  Call the defense you would call as if they 
would go for it.  Many times (especially humans), the offensive team 
will go for it on fourth down, and then wouldn't you be sorry if you 
called punt return then?  Having a normal defense ready is safer.  So 
what if you can't return the punt or block the field goal?  It's better 
than giving up a big play because you assumed something.

V. Situational

The following are strategies to use in certain game situations.  They 
are based on time, score, field position, and down.  Enjoy.

Tie Score (or losing by 1-3), Possession, less than 1:30 left in the 
game:
     This is a great time to have one of those long drives.  Go for a 
short, safe drive, gradually moving down the field.  Aim to get in field 
goal range.  Don't worry if you can't score a touchdown, it isn't 
necessary.  Try to kick your field goal with as little time left on the 
clock as possible, so that your opponent can't march down the field and 
score himself.  Note that if you're losing by 3 and don't want to go 
into overtime (and pay more money), go for the TD.

Losing by 4-8, Possession, less than 1:30 left in the game:
     Again, ball control is emphasized, but you need to have a touchdown 
as your goal, because a field goal does you no good.  You might have to 
take more chances or hope for a big play.  If you're losing by 7 and 
playing against a human, it is NFL Blitz etiquette to go for 2 if you 
score, rather than forcing both of you to pay for overtime.  If you're 
losing by 8, well, you have no choice but to go for 2. :)

Losing by more than 8, Possession, 4th quarter:
     Score a touchdown as fast as possible, then go for an onside kick.  
If you don't recover it, try to make a defensive stop.  If you do make 
that stop, follow one of the above strategies for your next possession.

Winning by 1-4, Possession, 4th quarter:
     Go for a methodical drive that scores a touchdown.  Not only will 
you eat up the clock, your opponent will need two scores in a very short 
amount of time.

Winning by 5-8, Possession, 4th quarter:
     A methodical drive that has a field goal as its first aim.  If you 
can score a touchdown, well, that's cool too. :)

Losing by 1-8, No possession, 4th quarter:
     Make the best defensive stop you can muster and hope that you can 
get the ball back without your opponent scoring and with enough time to 
orchestrate a drive.

Losing by more than 8, No possession, 4th quarter:
     Hope for a miracle (or for that computer assistance to kick in).

In your own territory, Possession, Less than :30 left in the half or 
game:
     Throw a long pass to try to get in field goal range.  Once you're 
in that range, if there is more than :10 left, do some short passes to 
further advance.  Kick the field goal if there is less than :10 left 
(unless you're within the 10 yard line and think you can make it).  Of 
course, if it's the end of the game and you need a touchdown, go for 
that instead of just a field goal.

Opponent in his territory, No Possession, Less than :30 left in the half 
or game:  
     Your opponent needs yards, and fast, so play `Deep Zone' and work 
on stopping big gains.  Don't worry if you give up short stuff, it won't 
matter because there's so little time.

Start of overtime, You get the ball:
     The one thing you should know about overtime in NFL Blitz is that 
it is not sudden death.  It's like basketball overtime.  If you get the 
ball, score as quickly as possible.  That way, when your opponent 
receives the ball and he goes down the field and scores, you probably 
still have some time to get one more scoring drive in (even if it's just 
a field goal, that's okay).  If you waste time on your first drive, 
chances are your opponent will come back and score when he gets the ball 
back, and you'll have to put in more money to play another OT (up to a 
maximum of 3, fortunately).

Start of overtime, Opponent gets the ball:
     Make a defensive stop if you can.  When you get the ball back, try 
for a ball-control drive that lets you score with not much time 
remaining.  If you stopped your opponent on his drive, you'll take the 
lead without leaving him any time.  If you didn't, he won't have time to 
come back and score again (in which case you're most likely headed to 
another OT).

4th down, Possession, In your own territory:
     Punt.

4th down and short, Possession, Within Opponent's 40 yard line:
     Going for it is not a bad idea.  If you fail, you won't leave your 
opponent with great field position.  Of course, if you're really 
conservative, you can kick a field goal from this distance.

4th down and long, Possession, Within Opponent's 40 yard line:
     Kick a field goal in this situation.  It's unlikely you'll make the 
first down.

VI. Conclusion


This FAQ and these strategies were written by me, Joshua Harring.  Of 
course, many of these strategies were originally thought up by the great 
coaching minds of the NFL. :)  I simply borrowed them and adapted them 
to this game.  If you have your own that you would like to add, feel 
free to email me at harring@student.umass.edu.  If it's good, I'll post 
it and give you credit.  Note that this FAQ may not be used for 
promotional purposes, nor may anyone make any money off of it.  You may 
also not post it on any website unless it is written in its entirety, 
including this disclaimer, and appropriate credit is given.  Many thanks 
to Jeff Veasey of www.gamefaqs.com for his fabulous work on what has to 
be the best collection of game FAQs in the world.

Copyright 1998 Joshua Harring
NFL Blitz is copyright Midway and the NFL.



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