Bump and Run BnR) coverage is a potential game changer when combined with heavy blitz pressure. Madden players transitioning from playing CPU opponents to human opponents are extremely susceptible to BnR coverage. Since the CPU doesn't adjust coverages in the same manner that humans do, it's difficult for some players to adjust to the differences in the game.

There are several methods available to break the choke hold BnR coverage can apply to an offense. Some formations offer protection from press coverage by granting space to a particular receiver. Some teams have big play-making receivers on the roster that are particularly adept at getting off the line of scrimmage and scorching defenders attempting to jam them.

But the easiest, and perhaps the most effective tactic, is the use of routes designed to negate the jam at the line of scrimmage. The beauty of these routes is that they will help any receiver get a free release off the line regardless of his size, strength, or speed. Madden players often refer to these routes as "unbumpable" because an initial move prevents defenders from playing effective press coverage.

Some of these routes are included in the hot route system. The "Comeback" route which can be assigned to outside receivers, is initiated with Triangle/Y, selecting the outermost receiver in the formation, and tapping the L2/LT button. Any receiver positioned on the outside of a formation is able to run the comeback route that defeats BnR coverage immediately off the line of scrimmage.

Post Drag routes are included in many playbooks with vertical pass plays. Usually assigned to slot receivers, these routes begin with a slant off the line of scrimmage that keeps the defender from getting a good bump at the line. After moving toward the middle of the field, these routes flatten out and move more horizontally. Against press man coverage, these routes are highly effective at creating separation.

These routes are some of the most popular, but are far from the only ones. Routes that present a challenge to pressing defenders are easy to recognize in the play call screen because they do not begin with a typical stem that leads a receiver vertically up the field and directly into a defender as their first move. Prior to the vertical stem, the receiver will step inside or outside to create leverage needed to move coverage and create much needed separation on the final cut.

While big receivers running routes that are tough to bump will earn some big plays, they won't persuade hardened opponents from pressing your receivers at the line of scrimmage. There are also schematic ways to approach beating BnR coverage that will make opponents think twice. Adding these simple, yet effective, methods to your offensive repertoire will make your offense more potent against aggressive pressure defenses.

One schematic tool available to offensive players looking to beat BnR coverage uses formation to get receivers a free release. Bunched or stacked receivers prevent defenders from getting a clean jam and get receivers into their route against press coverage. Bunch and stack formations use tightly aligned receivers with routes that create a mesh point where defenders must step back or risk being rubbed (or picked) off their assigned man.

This scheme works because the eligible receiver on the line of scrimmage (point) creates interference while he is engaged with his defender. Meanwhile, the receivers lined up close to him use the point receiver as an obstacle for the defenders covering them and run routes that cross either in front of or behind the engaged point receiver. If defenders are aggressively attempting to jam the receiver, they will be caught in traffic and lose their assignment creating potential big plays with catch and run opportunities.

Some playbooks don't have bunched or stacked formations, but players can still use the stacked scheme to gain an edge. Virtually every offensive play will allow a player to be motioned at the snap. When the ball is snapped while a receiver is in motion close to another eligible receiver, those receivers can perform the same point/interference concept that will cause one receiver fighting the jam to create a barrier for the other receiver.

Motioned receivers don't always need a stack to get free of pressing defenders. Sometimes, all you need is motion. When a defender approaches a receiver to attempt a jam, he gets as close as he can to reduce the space a receiver has to maneuver. Motion creates space as the defender follows the receiver across the formation. Motion creates enough separation that defenders won't be able to apply an effective jam, and may even whiff leaving receivers running free through the secondary.

While Bump and Run coverage presents a challenge to many Madden players, there are ways to combat and defeat the concept. Whether players utilize better personnel capable of beating the bump, routes that defeat the jam, or formations that unseat the press; there are methods available to dissuade defensive opponents from pressuring receivers at the line of scrimmage. Creative players may even use these concepts in conjunction with one another to produce offensive game play that invites opponents to bump them. Try combining these techniques to build an unstoppable offensive attack.