The Only Bad Thing I See About Madden Is....

[b-ravens4ever]

The rushing. It's way harder than what it was in previous Madden's. By that I mean difficult to controll the runner. Also it seem's the defense is always getting me behind the line. Like they can read my play EVERY down. I dont do the IQ thing so i know it's not that. Maybe it's because i've been playing on All-Madden. But who know's....

[PuRock]

Running is definitley harder on this game. But passing is easier. It always seems to be something. Right now I have Steven Jackson on my fantasy team, and a pretty good OL and FB. But I can only get him to average under 3 yards per game.

[CARavensFan]

I've noticed that too, its especially bad when you play a Superstar and you don't control the RB, it seems like every time he runs he'll either get nothing or go backwards until 1 in 5 times he'll get some positive yards. It doesn't seem to matter who the RB is either, it just makes even the worst defense look like the No. 1 Run Defense.

[PuRock]

But defending the run is definetly easier though. But harder against the pass. I guess you sacrifice something for another thing.

[theFRANCHISE]

That's weird, I struggle with passing as opposed to running...

I can manage to keep my rushing IQ up in the All-Madden range, but I always struggle to pass, mainly because I step away from my gameplan a lot and panic when the run isn't working.

So, just based on that decision-making alone, I could probably never be a head coach in real life, even for a high school team.

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='93050' date='Nov 20 2008, 10:34 PM']That's weird, I struggle with passing as opposed to running...

I can manage to keep my rushing IQ up in the All-Madden range, but I always struggle to pass, mainly because I step away from my gameplan a lot and panic when the run isn't working.

So, just based on that decision-making alone, I could probably never be a head coach in real life, even for a high school team. [/quote]

It's wierd because on my IQ I have rushing and rushing D totally filled up to all-madden. But I still struggle in getting over 2+ yard average. I find passing easier, buy my IQ is way down. And ofcourse my passing D sucks, like every week.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' post='93051' date='Nov 20 2008, 10:42 PM']It's wierd because on my IQ I have rushing and rushing D totally filled up to all-madden. But I still struggle in getting over 2+ yard average. I find passing easier, buy my IQ is way down. And ofcourse my passing D sucks, like every week.[/quote]

I find that it's easier to run when you know your audibles, especially if you're familiar with a certain playbook. Cutback runs tend to be garbage with All-Madden run IQ, since they take too long to develop in the backfield.

Plus, a lot of people tend to use the Sprint button immediately after the handoff; instead, it's better to just run normally with the analog stick until a hole opens up. If you're patient and time it right, it gives you an immediate burst when you hit the Sprint button, and sometimes goes into an animation where the RB slides into the whole ever-so smoothly.

I usually average something like a realistic 4 YPC.

As for passing, I do fine with short, efficient throws. But, after my first turnover, that's when everything comes unglued, because then the defense starts (coincidentally) getting more porous, and then I struggle with the deficit. Kinda like real life...

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='93052' date='Nov 20 2008, 10:52 PM']I find that it's easier to run when you know your audibles, especially if you're familiar with a certain playbook. Cutback runs tend to be garbage with All-Madden run IQ, since they take too long to develop in the backfield.

Plus, a lot of people tend to use the Sprint button immediately after the handoff; instead, it's better to just run normally with the analog stick until a hole opens up. If you're patient and time it right, it gives you an immediate burst when you hit the Sprint button, and sometimes goes into an animation where the RB slides into the whole ever-so smoothly.

I usually average something like a realistic 4 YPC.

As for passing, I do fine with short, efficient throws. But, after my first turnover, that's when everything comes unglued, because then the defense starts (coincidentally) getting more porous, and then I struggle with the deficit. Kinda like real life...[/quote]

When I run, I wait for the blockers to open a hole before I sprint. But it depends upon your back. You really have to utilize each backs strengths unlike using them all the same way like in previous maddens. Usually I draft Westbrook. But this time I got Stephen Jackson. I seem to be doing a lot better with him. 4 YPC is pretty good in this madden.

As for passing, I'm really comfortable. Sometimes I play better when I'm down. I like play action. I'll get a few deep threat passes in. Some flats, mix it up. I constantly have two minutes, sometimes one minute drills, and I'll drive the field and score a TD. I rarely throw INTs. I find the defensive backs easier to read in this game.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' post='93072' date='Nov 21 2008, 12:22 AM']4 YPC is pretty good in this madden.[/quote]

Actually, I should clarify that. I average 4 YPC, but something always ends up going wrong in the endzone. Either my back fumbles (especially when I use McGahee, for some odd reason), or I pass when I shouldn't and I throw a pick, or I get shut out and have to settle for a FG. I think I'm cursed.

[quote name='PuRock' post='93072' date='Nov 21 2008, 12:22 AM']As for passing, I'm really comfortable.[/quote]

I like how it's realistic (at least for me) in that, when I get my QB in a rhythm, he usually continues to play well. But when he never gets in sync with his receivers, then it's like that all day. Coincidence? Maybe. But if not, then nice touch.

And the thing is, I used to love passing in Madden; I always threw better than I ran. And now, it's the opposite. I still like passing, but when I throw a pick, it's much more frustrating than it used to be since it has a direct effect on the defense, almost.

[H8R]

I find not enough players utilize the FB run, if you pound with the FB up the middle often it softens up the D on the edge. I like Draw also, especially on a blitz from the ends or saftey.

[JonM229]

I like running sweeps and off-tackle. I seem to get consistently more yardage than running up the gut. That usually opens up some nice play-action or naked bootlegs.

[PuRock]

[quote name='JonM229' post='93139' date='Nov 21 2008, 03:22 PM']I like running sweeps and off-tackle. I seem to get consistently more yardage than running up the gut. That usually opens up some nice play-action or naked bootlegs.[/quote]

I agree with the off-tackle tuns. And I'd throw in Counters work pretty well too. But Sweeps never work for me, I always have loss of yards.

[Ravens52]

IMO

Passing = Wayyy harder
Rushing = very easy

Pass defense = hard
Rush defense = really easy

[CP`C-Pain`CP]

I play online with the ravens and running the ball is always my strong point, they shut that down they can usually beat me. Unless they are really stupid and dont bite down on the PA. Theres one play called PA Boot where Heap always seems to be open, Ive made many of touchdowns on that play.

[Lets_Go_Joe]

[quote name='CARavensFan' post='92878' date='Nov 20 2008, 11:50 AM']I've noticed that too, its especially bad when you play a Superstar and you don't control the RB, it seems like every time he runs he'll either get nothing or go backwards until 1 in 5 times he'll get some positive yards. It doesn't seem to matter who the RB is either, it just makes even the worst defense look like the No. 1 Run Defense.[/quote]

Have you tried using the vikes.... its like heaven running with AP and that GODLY OL, wow

They can't really pass but oh well, its manageable

Hate to say it but the Skins are a current fav team for online games for me now. I put Colt Brennan in, the OL is good, quality WR's, great TE and Amazing RB, fits my style of running very well. I hate Campbell on the game, cannot play with him at all, brennan is much more accurate and runs the west coast wayyyy better. Portis is great and having a solid back makes things much easier.

I find it hard to run with guys under 92 speed. I like AP, Westbrook, LT, Portis, even guys like Fargas and Slaton arent bad for me. I like running off tackle as well as inside, so a Portis and AP type fit me great. I've finished ranked online games with 224 yards on 14 carries with AP lol. I think you really need a very solid line with a good to great RB to get any amount of production with the run game.

I have had success with the Ravens running the ball on some guys, but most decent players can eat our OL up really easy. Its frustrating but sometimes you just have to use the team who work for your system.

I agree with you about running being harder and passing easier, but you can definitely make it work

[beetus]

In previous Maddens, I could put up ungodly rushing numbers against All Madden (I usually play with the Saints, and Reggie Bush gets 200+ YPG, Deuce something like 80 yards on 7 carries) Moving to the next Gen systems with 09 has been a big change for me. With the old Maddens, I preferred speedier backs like Bush or Westbrook and I ran to the outside all the time. With 09, I go with power backs like Deuce or Thomas Jones. In All Madden, the outside runs get blown up because they take so long to set up, now I like smash mouth football with runs up the middle. I absolutely love running with the FB too (sometimes they are more effective than my RBs).

As for passing, in previous Maddens I had no trouble throwing the ball downfield, but with 09, its so much harder for me to get in a long pass. If I try to force the ball downfield, I get frustrated and make bad decisions, so I stick with a lot of crossing patterns and out-routes.

As for defense, I'm a lot better than in previous Maddens both in pass and rush D. My Madden IQ for defense is in the All Madden range. The hardest part for me on defense is pass rush because no matter what team I'm playing, their O-line is flawless and can always pick up a blitz (I very rarely blitz anymore.)

It's taken some getting used to, but I'm working on getting my deep ball working.

[ravensfan160]

I agree with a lot of you...consistent rushing is very difficult. That said I tend to break a few long runs so that helps my average. Passing is pretty easy although one thing really annoys me. At first I thought it was the fact that I wasn't using a wide screen tv but than I played it on one and it didn't seem to help. Does anyone else have problems seeing the corners on sideline patterns? Like quick outs and stuff? Its very frustrating because I simply cannot see where they are and have to basically guess. Results in a lot of cheap INT. Fortunately there is the Rewind feature which I use when I feel I got cheated.

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='beetus' post='95109' date='Nov 25 2008, 11:10 PM']In previous Maddens, I could put up ungodly rushing numbers against All Madden (I usually play with the Saints, and Reggie Bush gets 200+ YPG, Deuce something like 80 yards on 7 carries) Moving to the next Gen systems with 09 has been a big change for me. With the old Maddens, I preferred speedier backs like Bush or Westbrook and I ran to the outside all the time. With 09, I go with power backs like Deuce or Thomas Jones. In All Madden, the outside runs get blown up because they take so long to set up, now I like smash mouth football with runs up the middle. I absolutely love running with the FB too (sometimes they are more effective than my RBs).

As for passing, in previous Maddens I had no trouble throwing the ball downfield, but with 09, its so much harder for me to get in a long pass. If I try to force the ball downfield, I get frustrated and make bad decisions, so I stick with a lot of crossing patterns and out-routes.

As for defense, I'm a lot better than in previous Maddens both in pass and rush D. My Madden IQ for defense is in the All Madden range. The hardest part for me on defense is pass rush because no matter what team I'm playing, their O-line is flawless and can always pick up a blitz (I very rarely blitz anymore.)

It's taken some getting used to, but I'm working on getting my deep ball working.[/quote]


As for completing long passes down field the key is matchups. I love this one set (don't remember what) but it has 1 receiver on the left and 3 on the right. The inside receiver is lined up against a linebacker about 25-50% of the time especially if you are running the ball well. So I just put my fastest receiver in that position and if the safety cheats up to the line to stop my run I air it out. I have had touchdowns where my guy was a solid 10 yards in front of the nearest defender. One time they even had a DE cover him. No contest. I also like the bunch formation out of shotgun. You have 2 receivers on either side lined up close to the tackles with one running back. Again the inside receivers are often up against linebackers or safeties. I run posts from that formation and unless they run a deep cover 2 formation one of them will get open and have a chance to run up the sideline. Hope this helps.

[ROH522155]

ive had madden 09 since it came out and i still have yet to return a kick for a touchdown. it seems a lot harder than in previous editions

[raven43]

Whenever I run I switch to a linemen on the playside who has a Dlinemen on him and when the play starts I just pancake him. The I switch back and usually I gain a decent amount of yardage.

[raven43]

[quote name='ravensorioleshoyas522155' post='95668' date='Nov 28 2008, 09:40 PM']ive had madden 09 since it came out and i still have yet to return a kick for a touchdown. it seems a lot harder than in previous editions[/quote]
I returned my first three punts for TD's ever yesterday against my brother using yamon figurs! Then I got another two agiant the CPU bengals. what I do is pull back one of the donw linemen to come and block for my returner, since someone is alway srunning free at him by the time he gets the ball.

Oh, I also got my first kick return for a touchdown like two days ago with ray rice. It was easy. First you have to run into the ball, dont just stand still and catch it. then you run inside and once the coverage team cuts in, you cut out.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='raven43' post='95720' date='Nov 29 2008, 09:57 AM']Whenever I run I switch to a linemen on the playside who has a Dlinemen on him and when the play starts I just pancake him. The I switch back and usually I gain a decent amount of yardage.[/quote]

That actually sounds like a reasonably good idea. I might have to try that later.

Makes sense, too. I always switch to the returner immediately, and get NO BLOCKING whatsoever. But, if I at least get a blocker within five yards of the returner, that gives me an instant 10 free yards on the return.

Assuming I don't do something stupid and run into the blocker like I sometimes do, of course.