Playbooks
Fg Block Return is a special teams play within the Field Goal Return set designed to send a heavy rush at the kick while stacking return blockers behind the line in case of a block. This is not a man or zone beater in the traditional sense, since it operates entirely off the standard offensive route tree logic, but rather a hybrid block attempt with return coverage tagged FG Block. The primary read progression starts with identifying which rushers get the best interior push or edge angle to disrupt the kick, and if the block fails, the fallback is to organize your return lane blockers to spring the ball carrier on a scoop and score opportunity.
Watch the long snapper and holder alignment pre-snap to confirm this is a true field goal attempt and not a fake formation. Key the offensive line splits, since wider gaps between blockers often signal a rush lane you can exploit for the block. If the opposing personnel shows extra blockers on the edge instead of the normal formation, abort your jump timing since this likely indicates a fake attempt. After the snap, track the trajectory of the kick immediately, since a low line drive kick gives your jumping defender the best chance to get a hand on it. If the block fails, shift your focus instantly to your blockers up front so you can identify the widest running lane for the returner.
Use this play only when you have a clear pre-snap read that the opposing offense is in a legitimate field goal formation and not disguising a fake.
Take manual control of your best edge rusher or interior lineman right after the snap to time your jump and get a hand on the ball before it clears the line.
Save this call for long field goal attempts where the kicker needs a low trajectory, since low kicks are easier to block than high arcing ones.
Mix in a standard Field Goal Return call earlier in the game so the opposing kicker and holder get comfortable with a normal snap count, then surprise them with Fg Block Return on a crucial fourth quarter attempt.
Practice your jump timing in practice mode against different snap counts so you are not baiting your defenders offside on a neutral zone infraction.