"Defense wins championships," can be translated over into the digital football world. Having an overall understanding of various pass defenses can help the player out greatly. There are both pros and cons, with both, zone and man defenses. The player needs to be aware of these. I've heard players complain numerous times about having been beat by a particular play, and not having the knowledge to make the proper adjustments. Once you have a feel of what the opponent is trying to establish against you, acknowledging the type of defense to counter with, can be tremendously rewarded. It will also make the game that much funner. It becomes a chess match.
    The cover 2 zone is a common basic defense used by many. Of course, with a zone the defenders play to their own individual areas, and defend against a space. As opposed, to man on man coverage. The cover 2 zone is with the safeties playing deep and the corners playing up, with linebackers playing the middle. The cover 2 zone is very effective against short routes and routes over the middle. If the opposition is constantly running quick outs and comeback routes, the cover 2 zone can put your players in the position to make a play on the ball. Many times rewarding the defender with a pick. The problem with the cover 2 zone is that it can, at times, be vulnerable to the deep ball, as well as to tight ends and running backs who make it behind the corners on the sideline. A fast receiver, can at times, run right past these zones, and a good throw could lead to a touchdown given up. The player must have a feel for what the opposition wants to do at that particular time. If the player feels another quick out is coming, give the zone a try, but dont forget it may leave you vulnerable for the deep ball.
    Man to man cover 2 is the corners and linebackers playing man, with the two safeties giving deep help over the top. Man to man cover 2 is more of a conservative defense, giving up some short yardage on plays, and taking less chances. A player can get eaten up using man to man with quick outs, curls and plays over the middle while protecting the deep ball. Although, without pressure from the d-line, the deep out can still be made on man to man coverage. Defenders with a higher awareness ranking can still make plays on the ball using man.
      Of course, there are numerous blitz packages available that use both schemes in their base. Blitzing out of man coverage will usually leave someone open, so the blitzer must, at the least, put pressure on the qb, if not sack him. Jamming the receivers on the line can save some time for the blitzer to reach the qb. The player that has to blitz less, usually, has the upper hand against the pass. Mainly because all his defenders are in their proper position.
    Now, there are blitz packages that are designed to hide where the blitz is coming from, while maintaining some coverage in the secondary. These zone blitzes can be extremely effective when used at the right time. If a player can blitz from one side, and still have a zone being played where the ball is being thrown, a turnover is most likely to happen. The blitz makes the pass come out early and rushed, and the zone takes advantage of the poor throw. Guessing right, on what side to bring in the blitz, and where to put the zone, can be very successful. Guessing wrong, can be disastrous. If the blitz is picked up, and the entire field isn't covered, someone, more often than not, will be open. Usually, open deep.
    It really becomes a matter of preference, when deciding on the scheme of defense to use. Whatever the player feels comfortable with. Although, having an understanding of both schemes, will increase your chances of winning. On the fly adjustments are what seperates the good players, from the okay players. If a player is attacking your defense a certain way, having the knowledge to place your defenders in position to make a play, is golden. Madden is strategy, plain and simple. Strategy is attacking your opponent's weakness. So defend yourselves, with your knowledge of defense!