To help your passing game, generally don't go in with a pre read though have an "idea" of the best option, etc. You have to use hot routes to use slants (Triangle/Receiver button/inside w/r stick) and other routes to exploit zones or if your opponent isn't pressing your receiver in man coverage, but beware of the LB to pick you so look for the right window to hit your TE.
To defend those 4 verticals, play man 2 cover Quarters or dime and press the coverage (triangle/press down on controller directional pad) and take control of your fastest S (but be ready to switch to the corner in coverage ASAP once the pass is thrown) to cover the deep and hold down Triangle/Y to intercept, or hold down Square/X for a conservative pass break up (hard hit/interfere w/receiver as he is trying to catch) to jar the catch loose or Hold down A/X for a more aggressive hit (old Roy style) but this last option can be your trickiest so take some time to get use to that one bc you could let the receiver catch and run right to the EZ.
On OL, the default coverages are Cover 3 and man cover 2 (and nano/blitzers unfortunately; why I don't play OL unless you want to join a league that stresses NFL sim, etc) to defend the pass to throw you off. If cover 3, you always have a man deep in a gap and can go deep a lot to beat this coverage if you have the protection. The best play calls are corners (outside WRs) w/your slot on a streak route or slant based on coverage and throw outside to whichever side has priority in coverage. You can also go deep w/you slot WR if you find the S up top drifting or sitting.
They are good for long mid/posts and the med drag routes for slot WRs. When guys go Man 2 on you, exploit remember your TE on seam/go routes and slants (hot routes) and pay attention to who covers him post snap/usually LB/S and can use directional passing to go inside/out on your route. Again beware of the looming LBS and ensure your TE has passed their window on seams and that they aren't waiting on your slants.
To the bolded above, this is where it is essential to turn into that corner the receiver is intended for asap and go for the the pick/break up/conservative break up.
My audibles were always set to single back 2 TE HB dive, Power O, Deep Corners, and Deep cross (that's why they are exploiting that man coverage). On D, Quarters cover 2 Man, nano blitz, cover 3, and goal line for obv runs when they audible up on you.
operationsports.com is a great place to find things specific to your inquiries but glad to help out a fellow "gamer"
. We grew up on this stuff, we'll work it into our adult lives w/no prob
