CPU will definitely get pressure with the sliders I'm using. Have to make a decision quickly. Long plays can happen for sure if you catch them in the right call. If you see the blitz coming, you need to get rid of the ball. Helps to keep blockers in also. Don't expect to have all day on 3rd and longs for example, as they'll send pressure and long routes take time to form.
As for defense, if you play a lot of zones, you'll get chewed up. That is one complaint I have so I'm hoping the August patch will make the zone defenders not as retarded. You'll need to blitz. Your pressure without blitzing can and has occurred for me, but it depends on the team you use. Also keep in mind that the CPU QB, if he's a runner, will start to abuse with scrambles......setting up QB spy will fix that.

As for stopping the run, it won't happen while playing zones. I've had to play man defenses and pinch down the DL if they are hurting me a lot up the middle......sometimes sending pressure. If you do want to play a zone, for example a 3rd and long, highly consider hot-routing a DL to QB spy......that will limit the QB scramble as well as help against the draw plays which the CPU will VERY happily start using and highly effectively.

As for running the ball, you'll have to work at it. Just the way it is. My starting RB went for ~175 I think in my last game, averaging over 5ypc. Have to really vary the runs, up the middle and set up the outside stuff. From different formations. If you keep running your favorite running plays, the CPU will snuff them out. I have had NO success running load options. A tiny bit of success with speed options. QB powers have been great, but again, I had a 70+ TD yesterday with that play which was beautiful, but the next time I ran it, the CPU jumped it for a just a small gain. Read options have worked pretty solid. Been running out of I, Ace, and shotgun. I use the stick to switch the side of the run pre-snap if there is a numbers advantage I can take advantage of. Once in a while, I motion extra blockers, but that doesn't work as well in the past IMO since the CPU plays a lot of man.