While on defense, take control of the nose guard (the defensive player who lines up directly over the ball). When the ball is hiked, move the nose guard down at a 45 degree angle, then run directly right. If done correctly, this tactic will guarantee you a sack on any passing plat in which the QB goes straight backwards, which is nearly every passing play in the game with how the AI works.
During the starting logos or the game intro, prior to the title screen's appearance, press Down seven times on Controller 1. After doing this, you can hold Select and press A to pause the game or press B to slow down the game.