This is the Easiest Way to Read a Defense in College Football 25

[@KurtBenkert]

If you like this style of learning, you can join over 6,000 other people that have gotten my guides with my new Foundations Guide. It teaches football the way you would be taught if you were a rookie in the NFL 🫡 thedimelab.com/products/foundations-guide

[@yesyouarecorrectbut]

Best video you have made! This is what I have Been waiting for! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ PS: don’t forget about the “Speed out” routes for the 1v1 solo receivers - Deadly You can motion and the inside WR gets the Wideout route package! Double Speed outs to an open field hehehe

[@Th3R3alBigGlo]

Can you break it down a little bit more with more details and icons actually slowing down the clip explain what buttons you pushing and stuff like that bro

[@DezaraeLoveday]

@KurtBenkert you should really use timestamps

[@GamingRevAce]

i can no longer find you on madden.. did they remove you from the game?

[@tomservo75]

I think it's way too fast and hard to understand tbh I got lost very quickly. If you made a kindergarten level version of these videos I'd love to see it but I'm afraid that guide is just going to be too far over my head.

[@dom7098]

It’s easy to understand the reads but the hard part for most people is doing 9 adjustments presnap when there’s like 7 seconds to hike the ball. You’re laser fast at doing those adjustments.

[@Kameron_McCollough]

That’s what I’m saying. I’m like a preschooler trying to type an essay when it comes to doing that stuff.

[@jdmurz]

I feel like a simpleton when i try to do this shit before a play

[@TxColter]

The only "criticism" I can give is with this level of detail and learning curve, it you could give us 1 or 2 things to work on until we're comfortable with them and then what to work on after that. This is so good, detailed, helpful, and well put together, but it gets a little too deep for me to becoming overwhelming to begin implementing. Keep up the good work.

[@khalilwilson2586]

5. Things to look for 1) two high or one high Safety? 2)man align or zone align? 3)where would they most likely blitz from? 4)send a route where you think they’ll blitz from 5) if it’s a light box run inside zone.

[@mpbMKE]

There's so much going on at all times in the game, I actually like this style of getting right into the weeds. It doesn't all stick at once, but the more you see it (and Kurt's really good at reinforcing concepts from video to video), the more you start to see things holistically rather than just looking for particular concepts in a silo.

[@nathanielthomas7830]

Something to do if you're having trouble reading a particular defense is run them in the practice mode in the "random cover 3" or "random man blitz"

[@jpstanfield2540]

@@khalilwilson2586what offense does he run

[@adamseidel9780]

Basically just work your way down the list of priorities. Counting guys in the box and outside presnap is helpful too, like when he had a 3 on 2 outside and just took an easy screen win. Thats just basic modern football stuff.

[@ARKHAMxMaverick]

This is easier to understand so thank you for taking the time to do this. Now if you could dumb it down a few more levels with hand puppets and powerpoint presentations, I might be able to soak it all in.

[@TylerGamez55]

Kurt, you should do an eye tracker video where you play a game and it’ll show us exactly what you’re looking at in real time as you go through your motions. I think it would be helpful to show exactly what you mean in a game situation

[@seanspx2219]

Hey Kurt, you should try a video where you do post commentary for a more in depth breakdown on each snap, and also can help you play even better in the clips

[@KurtBenkert]

😈😈

[@xShinobiRonin]

Agreed, post commentary is needed for these types of vids

[@GBoh20]

I agree. I don't even know half the terminology 😂😂 Real time head to head break downs is way to fast for me to begin to understand what's going on before there is something else to understand next play

[@JonJon54YG]

This is a great idea. As a football guy, I’m able to follow along. This feels like film study w/ a coach and he’s got the clicker/pointer lol. I can only imagine how this is to people learning the game. An example is JJ and LeBron’s podcast. I never played regulation basketball growing up. Their podcast has improved my 2k play on offense and defense when I’m playing regs. Love your channel Kurt! Thanks for taking the time to make these vids, brother!

[@REZ_23_Ball]

Honestly, you are the first person that actually helped me after applying some of your tips and reads to my game its like night and day. I joined your crew for that you are the first person I think I ever spent money to join.

[@OG_Loudermilk]

I like how when you missed something you showed the play art again or the defensive formations again. If you did a full game review (i don’t mind watching hour plus long videos) where you went over every offensive play in depth with pausing and what you saw/how you adjusted, I think that would be awesome. I know I’d watch it!💯

[@tommyflex7487]

this is my fav video of yours yet - the edits highlighting the players and areas of the field is so much more helpful! Love the breakdown, definitely making the game easier - and more fun. This mid 30's dad from Australia appreciates you. Keep it up 🤜🤛

[@KurtBenkert]

S/o to hotrod my editor

[@AnlStarDestroyer]

I’d love to see this type of video on what defenses to pick against what type of offensive plays. I know you’re a QB but your game knowledge is more than enough to make that a super educational video

[@SPAMsammiches]

That you made an addendum to what was already a super video is just awesome. I've been away from VG ball for a long time, and find myself just baffled. Access to an actual NFL QB who is also really good at the game is an absurd luxury I could not even have imagined back when I was playing 2K5. For an amazing game with no tutorials, your videos are just so helpful. Picked up Foundations and looking FWD to giving it a read! THX so much! :)

[@jamesomara3361]

Fantastic video yet again, thanks for this Kurt. Have to say I loved you telling your WR "you gotta catch that, brotha" about a ball thrown 2 yards out of bounds. This guy definitely quarterbacks lmao

[@FADWC]

When i first started playing I couldn't get anything but corners or outside comebacks. The middle of the field looked to cluttered but now im learning what to look for and getting my timing and hitting posts for tds all day 🤙

[@davidbradley1255]

This by far the best break down of how to I’ve seen. Showing people what you’re actually looking for not just “run this play and hit these buttons. “ you’re actually coaching not teaching. I’m OG NCCA/Madden but haven’t really played since it’s was on PS3. So I know how to play but just want to get better and more competitive. So thank you. Definitely a subscriber now.

[@Hishumbleslave]

This was your best teaching video thus far. I really appreciate the graphic overlays and on some occasions look back at the play to show us what you saw was nice

[@justaes9547]

I’d be curious to know your personal priorities in team makeups and where you’d prefer your best OVR players would be (skill v. line, TE vs. WR), as well as what position archetypes are the best at each position (pass rush v. Coverage LB, power v. Elusive RB, etc.). Keep it up man! 🤙🏼

[@KurtBenkert]

I like a good qb, fast players, and strong lineman 🫡

[@smokeythegreat7131]

Its so exciting to watch you lol, always puts a smile on my face. Still learning a lot, Ive slowed down my game and really started trying to read plays and adjust.

[@speedy9313-rv1dm]

13:18 Lmao is that Kert laughing at himself singing in the background? Love the added echo effect btw XD.

[@sirjam34]

The problem is if you play at one of the toughest places, everyone turns dumb, so you can’t hot route etc

[@joeyturner-ss2op]

turns dumb? have you ever played or attended one of these stadiums? i promise you can hardly even hear yourself.. nonetheless someone 15 yards away from you

[@sirjam34]

@@joeyturner-ss2op I don’t think Bama would be as effected or affected as they are in this game.

[@joeyturner-ss2op]

@@sirjam34 it’s definitely a little over-exaggerated, but brother it’s a video game. it does happen often in real life where they can’t hear eachother. definitely not to the extent of cfb25 tho

[@DrewCorrero]

@@sirjam34doesn’t matter if it’s bama lol wtf

[@sirjam34]

@@DrewCorrero it does. The point is it’s over exaggerated.

[@ac_real_estate_data_tech]

You do a great job of breaking down reading the defense! I’d love more detail on how you know what route combos beat which defenses etc

[@DoZiDoz.]

Found your KZbin the other day and I’m loving it bro so informative crazy to see an actual nfl qb play the game and use real techniques 🔥🔥🔥

[@michaelkogut6711]

Such a cool video, was hooked two minutes in. Really cool to compare what I’m thinking pre-snap to what an actual QB is thinking pre snap. I think so many gamers go into a play and just snap the ball, or they hot route something that may not actually have any merit. Having never played ball in real life, I’ve only been able to learn these things through people like you and thankfully some friends who have shared tips as well.

[@smeekma]

Thanks Kurt, these videos are great! I've been watching football all my life (Go Pack Go!) but I've really wanted to understand the game at a deeper level and these are helping a ton!

[@jamessteelejr.4049]

This is cool to see you break it down. Could be a good learning tool if people actually though that way.

[@coachhotrod308]

If Kurt has a million fans, then I am one of them. If Kurt has ten fans, then I am one of them. If Kurt has only one fan then that is me. If Kurt has no fans, then that means I am no longer on earth. If the world is against Kurt, then I am against the world.

[@Playboigerm]

You’re wrong because I’m the biggest Kurt fan

[@KurtBenkert]

I love you

[@hibbity_hooblah]

Damn bro stop creeping

[@nickcoker4293]

Gay.

[@coachhotrod308]

@@KurtBenkert 🫡

[@mikemiller7926]

Kurt, you're the man. Appreciate all your content.

[@ricojones9579]

No cap 🧢 yo content is legit no cheese it’s great to watch

[@KurtBenkert]

Thank you dude

[@ricojones9579]

@@KurtBenkert i enjoy watching it. I pass pretty well but I didn’t know how to make pure progressions you are the only one that explained it and then showed the work. I am now 20-1 with a passer rating of 88 percent maybe 1 int a game for forcing it.

[@pdxcorgidad]

Man I just about guarantee anybody who hasn't played/coached football had no idea what you were saying half the time. Which is fine and not meant as an insult. I don't think people give football coaches and teams enough credit for how intricate and complex the game actually is. Me, I understand the game and what formations and coverages to look for. I'm just not, ya now, great at video games.

[@aarongoodwin5568]

Banger! Love how you listen to the comments bro. Thank you

[@KurtBenkert]

❤

[@trevor-anderson]

Attack space in the zone…easy to grasp! I keep trying to force the throw rather than just attack what space is there, especially in a Tampa 2 look. Thanks Kurt!

[@bobuskiw1486]

Love to see the definitions on screen, great video adjustments keep it up man

[@edschell9411]

What i am most impressed with is how quickly he adjusts the play.

[@dreyfus37_65]

I don’t dislike this video. But my issue is, I don’t intimately understand zone coverages. Like you said several times in the video “I don’t think they’re gonna buzz”, what does that mean? Knowing if they’re 1 high, 2 high, or cover 0 is helpful, using motion to figure out if they’re in man or zone is helpful, but I still don’t know exactly how to take advantage of space against zone coverage because I don’t know the responsibilities in zone coverages. This video was 90% helpful and I’m excited to keep getting better at the game. Thank you!

[@DOTseeU]

Real football recognition. Those the ones I like to play v these glitch abusers. Salute brother 🫡

[@ashmirgaming4769]

This was beyond excellent, man. I'm so glad I found your channel when I did!

[@astrowrld9207]

Definitely got a sub. Taught me how to read a defense easily!

[@ericcox4448]

Man new to the channel. Love your channel already. Learned a lot today man thanks.

[@Saltiren]

Understanding the safeties and man or zone is easy, but how do you know where to go with the ball vs each coverage? What routes beat what coverages?

[@JayMcd91]

This is what I been heavily researching to find out

[@ChristianWelch-rq9rv]

Cover 2 -4 verts -3 WR line up to one side and run them deep to stress the safety Cover 3 -to the flats -high low strong side hook defender Cover 4 -run the ball -scramble -screens -slants

[@lambkm221]

I was just looking for tips and I find Kurt Benkert😂😂😂 absolutely love the video, you are insanely good imo with your quickness on the pad and making those fake passes. I can't do that to save my life, so much other stuff going on. Go Hoos!

[@JMAofFl]

Thank you for the terminology breakdowns on the screen. This old guy needed it.

[@Xaipe3218]

Would you consider recording the game and breaking down plays after the gameplay? I’m a complete beginner and a lot of this is going over my head with the fast pacing and football speak, lol, and I think it would help to see some of these specific looks broken down with a more elaborate explanation

[@edog6980]

This video was great. I had watched your previous coverage videos, and this one easily filled any gaps or questions I had. That being said, an in-depth pre-snap routine to have while looking for blocking adjustments would be cool to see (such as shifting the mike and how that can help a run would be cool to see). Also, maybe invert this and teach us how to read an offense pre-snap and what changes can be done to stop them. All that being said, I am loving the CFB tutorials and finding them so useful. Keep up the hard work!!

[@JediKnight00764]

Yes, you talk about the mike point quite a bit, what exactly does that do in game?

[@dannydagg7933]

Love how you teach real ball and not just glitchy cheese plays! Keep it up man

[@Alex_College_Football]

You are probably the most intelligent and articulate quarterback I have ever listened to over 4 decades! Thank you Kurt!

[@PX_Kev]

@KurtBenkert your annoying 🇬🇧 fan is loving this vid! Will help me out a lot!

[@jaywendorff5131]

By far the most captivating Madden content. You could be doing analysis/color on game day broadcasts easily. Keep it coming!

[@TheDylan9528]

Also watch the corners for inside or outside routes .. if corner is outside route slant in or vice versa .. if corner is inside route slant out

[@JayMcd91]

Ok bet. Will do

[@drivenrc]

I was just telling my best bud about your KZbin channel bc we’re trying to get better at the game. Once I told him your name he told me he used to be your neighbor when you were with the Falcons lol….small world.

[@wolfmanxx77]

Truly those adjustments you make so quick are next level! Also, singing!? Dang man!

[@stevenjosephcomedy]

As a big football fan who never actually played, I learned a ton in this video. Great work.

[@JadahXMarketer]

Dude i just discovered you! And wow! Please tell me you coach! Yes, a video game but your knowledge is deep! Keep it up! I’m subscribing now!

[@That-One-Dude12]

Former nfl quarterback so he knows A LOT!!

[@JadahXMarketer]

@@That-One-Dude12 HOLY SHIT!!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!!

[@bbud]

Yoo, this was super helpful! I'm glad you put out this content explaining a little bit more your thought process behind your decisions.

[@jasonl7937]

Enjoyed the video top notch stuff.

[@evanjacob5416]

As someone who was frustrated and din’t know what I was doing in the game, thank you!

[@samappleby]

I can usually go through steps 1 & 2, I need work on setting up my progressions. Love these, thanks Kurt!

[@AggieBorn85]

I haven’t played a football video game since NCAA 14. Your videos have been a godsend! Salute to you sir 🫡

[@RxIFE]

My man. This video was excellent. Loads more helpful than the last one. Now going back and watching the last one makes a ton more sense knowing what your pre snap progression looks like. Also, side note. Im offended there is no UVA helmet behind you. Why no love for the Hoos?

[@emabit17]

Favorite KZbinr on ncaa and madden

[@Jalangaloze]

Watching this video likely won’t make me better at the game, but it was cool to watch 😂

[@mjflores4314]

Love this stuff. Love to learn Love the game but never learned it to understand. Some things on the fly make sense but more breakdown in general would be great. Great stuff man!

[@MasteringTheField]

Great breakdown of reads and how they actually work in CFB 25 and real life

[@B3AN40]

Ur the man kurt. I have trouble just paying attention im just trying to play but the i get frustrated. Lol im looking at safties first now. Exploiting space.

[@TheLNPLAYS]

This video is way too short. I need to see you go through at least 5 games calling out what you see. Against multiple different people. Maybe get a viewer to play against you and run a bunch of different coverages. Then you can combine the footage (in a cleaver way) to give us the viewer a little more insight.

[@gcbearabb]

We need a madden version and the progression thing alone has helped me so much. Getting stuck on one option used to be my biggest downfall also learning to look at the field helps 💪🏾

[@jackmanhireiii]

Such a good dude man learning so much can't wait to cop cfb25

[@billymorrison6632]

The best doing it right now and it’s not close. Keep them coming loving the mental reps!

[@b.10116]

I’m literally slowing the video down and I still can’t catch everything lol. It would be awesome if you could do a video that isn’t real time but pauses pre-snap to give a thorough coverage analysis and then includes narration of the pre-snap changes you make and why

[@tomservo75]

Agreed! Just go a little deeper. For example you'll identify the defense and say okay that's why I'm doing this hot route or that progression but I feel we're still missing a bit on okay how did you decide on that progression, what about cover 2 made you decide this.

[@brandoncraft5847]

I’ve noticed Oregon’s D- line in way better in this game than in real life. Developer was a big Duck fan apparently. 😂

[@pbenavides09]

Thanks for taking me to school. My pick 6s have been killers.

[@WhoDatTigahs]

Youre a magician. Its amazing watching you break down and pick apart defenses

[@andrewabelhouzen8016]

Exactly what we’re talking about! Thanks again Kurt!

[@zachpeteypeterson]

Love this video! One thing tho, It would probably be more beneficial to you to record some games, and then go back and explain what your thought process was in the moment (like going back and watching film). Therefore you don't have to rush during the game.

[@JacobBenson]

This so good. Thank you.

[@brettremington]

The first time I’ve seen you call running plays. Although I am a noob to the channel. 😆

[@thunderbandit5172]

Thank you! for defining some of the terminology for us noobs, dude. Appreciated 👍👍👍

[@seanlu2471]

Kurt, Great video. I have watched it 5 times or so. Have any plans to come back to Charlottesville this season? Go HOOS

[@speedy9313-rv1dm]

These vids are great. You should do a vid on the different offensive formations and how they attack the defense in different ways.

[@waltclingon5238]

On the RPO screen @ 2:40, why are we reading the P defender. I mean, I know we did that and see the read, I just have no idea why it was the P on that read.

[@jsteele_1020]

my man got some pipes!

[@JakeMcAnally]

Always wanted to know how to read defenses and now I kinda have a grasp

[@alvaromejia8053]

Being a WC offense fan, how much did Shanahan play into what you’re doing now? The way you audible and even keep like a script is awesome. 👏

[@KurtBenkert]

I’ve been west coast all of nfl so I blended that with what I learned under Lincoln Riley in college

[@sandyscheeks9624]

Mann, I am a new football and NFL fan, and have never played a snap of football in my life, but Madden and Last Chance U on netflix, really really got me into the sport, and now I can't go a day without watching football, but the thing that I struggle the most with is learning plays. I only play career modes in Madden and now road to the glory, and I struggle sooo much against the AI. I feel like Varsity is kind of easy for me and not really challenging, and the RB can go for 150 yards every game, but when I switch to All-American, It's over😭😭 I throw 5 picks a game and end up deleting the build out of frustration. This video kind of helped me, but I still got a long way to go until I actually enjoy playing QB on All American, I can't read defenses for shit because I don't know covers and plays to run against them

[@brennanbrinck5719]

Learning so much with these videos!

[@MattPawlowski]

1:46 damn, Bond (Y) was wide open. Usually not looking deep left when rolling right, but arm strength in this game seems a little strong with throwing deep and across the field.

[@devincayton4434]

I understand that it’s good info but like can we start at step 1 please 😅 building block maybe? Like a crawl walk run method

[@gleej895]

Thanks kurt All-American was kicking my ass in dynasty but now its sm more fun

[@KazWins]

The replays are SOOOOOOO good. That's going to be extremely helpful for the learning process. Thanks, Kurt.

[@cotton2173]

Hey Kurt, could you do a video on designing an offensive playbook? I’d like to make my own but I’m not sure what I need to be putting in it

[@Willrich202000]

1:50 Y was wide open

[@mpbMKE]

I'm struggling winning those 1v1s in single-high man, the defenders still have the magic leap to break it up. Need to recruit more speed. 😂

[@GamingRevAce]

update... my giants was 4-7 before signing you... now we ended 10-7 made the playoffs... Daniel Jones is out... Devito Fractured his shoulder.. its all up to u to take us all the way lol

[@bobuskiw1486]

A vid breaking down which hot routes you use in what situation would be awesome too!

[@dcnats92]

This guy gave you easy money all day! Ha that was crazy. Love what you’re teaching man, keep it up

[@kevincrown9518]

Great vid

[@siusiu5043]

Let’s go Kurt!

[@KDSTUDBBALL35]

Kurt can we get a defense video? I know you’re the offense guy but a quick rundown on how you like to match up would be super helpful with how tough defense is in this game

[@zachs1757]

This was the first video I understood the entire time

[@pupsSupps]

This is awesome bro ! Learned a lot

[@TimothyC.84]

You're right there is some cheese involved sometimes but all I can do is try to get it to go my way. There's a counter for everything. Thanks again KB. 22-1 online. One Natty

[@darkwoodsdf]

You are teaching me that I don't know jack squat about reading coverages. I'm 48 and played all of the football games growing up that didn't have this level of complexity, and did fine at them playing on the hardest difficulty setting. So getting this game last week I started a dynasty with a decent team (Louisville) and am getting my lunch handed to me by decent or better teams, and I am throwing 4-5 INTs per game when I can't run the ball (which has been the only thing I can confidently do well thus far). It would also then follow that while I am decent on defense, I don't have any clue how to adjust my defense to an offensive formation or what to call to be effective in a hurry up situation. I'm just calling blitzes on 3rd and medium and basic situational calls. Do I need to take a remedial course to succeed at Heisman level in this game or should I just dial back the difficulty?

[@j.vinton4039]

Dial back difficulty and start to figure what works for you. Then ramp it back up as you notice your skill improves. I’m between Varisty and All American. It’s that short snap count that kills me. Not having enough time to fully adjust.