Posted by majique on 5/28/2020 3:30:00 PM (view original):
Conte once said receivers downfield do NOT factor into the blocking equation. They simply drag the defender assigned with them, which in essence, results in blocking since more times than not that defender is not close enough to make a tackle. HOWEVER, if the receivers' routes are very short, short, or medium then the defender on them may likely be in the proximity of runners to get in on the tackle. It's counter intuitive but I've had success with "screens" when the receivers run deep routes - hence eliminating one or two additional potential tacklers.
Found this in the Dev chat;
If the "block" function is unselected on the formation do Tight Ends/Full Backs block on running plays? Same question could be asked of Wide Receivers on any given play. (noah23 - Hall of Famer - 6:11 PM)
Yes. Tight Ends, Full back, and WR will all block. The difference is where their blocking influence will occur. If they are set "isBlocking" they will be added to the offensive line and influence very short and short runs in the middle and to the outside. If they are not blocking they will have blocking influence based on there route specification. For example, if a TE has a 50% chance of running a medium route, a 50% chance of running a short route his influence will be split between those two locations.