Trying to Run in Madden

[darin444]

First Im trying to use the bengals offense but I have ben playing madden for a long time now and I cant run worth a dam. Im using "My Settings" and it says Im a Pro and I cant get more than 2 yards a carry. I know the bengals suck but not that much. Does anyone have any advise?

thanks

[CLARKtoys.com]

same story for me, using "my skill" and can't run with KC and LJ. I'm trying to stick with I-form and follow the fullback but not much over 2 yard average.

[rupy017]

Use SPEED BURST!!!!!!!
Also, wait for blockers.
Always TAKE THE OPENINGS!

[RickyWilliams34]

Same problem but Ive gotten better. Avoid using counter runs. By the time the runner cuts back the other way the defense is in the backfield. The longest run against my skill level I have gotten is 23 yards. Inside runs are the best way to go. I have gotten 100 yards with Ronnie Brown my last two games in under 25 carries this way. Also, toss plays almost always result in negative yardage.

[trevisw513]

The pass game is a bit difflicult too on my ends... Like the graphics but some of the stuff bugs me, tapped ankles look like snow boots? In all i'm glad to have it but damn this is not really fun...

[RickyWilliams34]

On another note, is it extremely hard for anyone else to defend the pass?

[mcarey032]

On another note, is it extremely hard for anyone else to defend the pass?

for me thus far yes. It seems like if you don't have a pass rush to speak of on your team, then you will be picked apart. I prefer to rush the passer rather than cover, but in the end you have to change to a DB at some point and that of course leaves you vunerable to making a mistake.

[RickyWilliams34]

for me thus far yes. It seems like if you don't have a pass rush to speak of on your team, then you will be picked apart. I prefer to rush the passer rather than cover, but in the end you have to change to a DB at some point and that of course leaves you vunerable to making a mistake.

Exactly. Also, the CPU quarterbacks get rid of the ball extremely quick as to where it is near impossible to react.

[Rexy]

I throw like 3 interceptions a game and it's annoying. I moved it down to All Pro since it was getting unrealistic.

Try not to juke as much and you can run through the line some times. Defending the pass is impossible.

[Superman16343]

Yeah this years madden is really hard...

I can't run worth a lick and I always throw picks.

[goOILERSgo]

I'm using the slide protection a lot and I think twice i've broken a 15-20 yard gain but yeah, for the most part i'm gaining 0-8 yards on running plays. Also wait to use the sprint button until the right time.

Passing is tough to defend indeed. In the games i've played, Brees, Garcia, and Delhomme have missed maybe 7-10 passes combined...

then again, I am playing as Atlanta...

[ORian3182]

I'm doing better now than I was when I FIRST popped it in. I was having all those problems too. I use the Giants, now I can have Aaron Ross intercept at least 1-3 passes a game. Jacobs is rushing over 100 yards now a game too ripped 10 yards a rush off.

[darin444]

I'm doing OK in the passing game but I hate the run game. I was an all pro taking the skill test and now after 9 games i am down to rookie in running. I'm pathetic .

[RickyWilliams34]

Can players not be trained every week??? I've been training Henne through six weeks and it won't let me train him for week 7.

[SmartassBoiler]

Running has been hard for me as well. I had no problem on last year's version, but this year it's quite tough.

Can players not be trained every week??? I've been training Henne through six weeks and it won't let me train him for week 7.

I believe once you increase a player by 2 points, you can no longer train him. That's the way it was last year, at least.

[RickyWilliams34]

Thanks SAB. I hated the last game so I didn't have much experience with it. Oh well, I guess I have to wait till next season to get Henne's accuracy up.

[Y Ted Ginn Y?]

Using Miami too, heen is doin well, Ronnie and ricky not so much. ronnie had 25 carries for 98 yards. When you take out the 48 yard Td run when i took over the FB he had about 2yrds per. I like the challenge tho.

[RickyWilliams34]

Its definitely realistic. The games against the computer are much more competitive. Henne is great to use even as a rookie. I was playing a friend and I was down in the last minute so I needed a deep pass. I subd Henne in over Beck to utilize his insane cannon arm and got the game winning 60 yard pass to Ginn.

[Ghost of AA62]

I have to say that this Madden easily differentiates the casual football fan and video gamer from people who actually understand the game of football - its the toughest Madden to date because the AI actually reacts like an opposing team. You really have to think about your play calling, on-field personnel and in-play workings. I am in franchise with Tennessee and I use a platoon of a powerback (Lendale White) and a speed back (Chris Johnson)...mixing up the runningback keeps the defense on their feet. I also run dives with the fullback occasionally. I run mostly I and strong/weak unbalanced formations for my running game, but because of VY, I also will run a shotgun spread formation to allow him to bootleg or scramble. I recommend counters with pulling guards, outside stretches and/or off-tackles to loosen up the defense, and then ramming the defense inside with lead dives and crossbucks. Tosses also work really well, especially on short yardage/goalline..however, delays and draw plays have gotten me nothing but negative yards.

[Ghost of AA62]

for me thus far yes. It seems like if you don't have a pass rush to speak of on your team, then you will be picked apart. I prefer to rush the passer rather than cover, but in the end you have to change to a DB at some point and that of course leaves you vunerable to making a mistake.

I find its damn near difficult getting user sacks. I love playing as outside LBs and rushing the passer on a Jack blitz (when the OLB blitzes the B gap between the guard and tackle), but its almost impossible for a user LB to blitz and register the sack unless they are playing up on the line, which then makes the defensive front susceptible to outside runs or draws/delays (good AI?). Corner/safety blitzes never even reach the QB in time and are impossible. The only time I actually reach the QB in time for the sack is with DEs..not even with tackles. Really, unless you have an amazing defensive line, opposing QBs will pick you apart.

[Pack_Man]

Haven't played it yet, but is Franchise mode any different or what?

[Joe Bruin723]

Yeah, I haven't played with any actual difficulty levels, just "My Skill" and I can't run worth a damn.

Problem is, I got a couple ranks past All-Madden in the rushing IQ test, so I guess it toughened up the run-D to make me play like a little girl.

I tell you what though, I was able to break a 40 yard run in preseason with Ricky Williams. I'm not the sharpest with the circles, hurdles, trucks, and jukes so when I get a guy like Ronnie Brown who needs to rely on all of that I'm dead meat.

With speed backs like Ricky, Maurice Jones-Drew, so on I'm OKAY.
----
Speaking of Maurice, does anyone know if I can print out a Jones-Drew 09 cover instead of a Jet Favre, lol?

Serious question.

[meatgoat]

I'm getting better or the game's making it easier for me. One or the other. :D I couldn't get 4 yards a carry on Tuesday but I managed to break a couple long ones off for tds last night. Like someone else said the counters aren't working this year. I've had better luck on the toss or off tackle runs with Parker. I use Mendenhall on the inside runs.

[TastySweetNutz]

No matter what I run with Lynch, he can never seem to get past the D-lineman. And when he does a CB never has a problem taking him down. Also it seems like the magnet effect is still present in this year's game for the AI defense when it comes to tackling or INTs.

[RickyWilliams34]

If playing franchise, start training your o line to be crushing run blockers. Even just one and two stat points make a clear difference.

[Raven Maniac (aka TJ87)]

The problems you're having with running, is it playing against a human or CPU, or both? I'm still debating even buying it, and I want to make sure it's not a waste of time and money first.

[RickyWilliams34]

CPU. Running on humans is easier but still no breakaways 60 yard runs.

[ToightLikeATiger]

for me thus far yes. It seems like if you don't have a pass rush to speak of on your team, then you will be picked apart.

hmmm sounds like realistic football to me :p

[coogrfan]

Do not hit speed burst until you're in the open, doing so (1)reduces your ability to cut and (2) triggers the "magnet effect" TastySweetNutz spoke of a couple posts back;
Patience, follow your blocks;
Perhaps most important, the next-gen systems have a new animation system that requires the user to unlearn a lot of things that we've always done. In previous Madden's, once a tackle animation began the user's ability to influence the play was pretty much finished. That is not the case this year:



Originally Posted by Ian Cummings, Madden 2010 Lead Designer
Our animation director Simon put this down in another post and I thought people should see it as they're getting the game (as honestly the running game on All-Madden can be extremely tough without using the feature):


The suggestion I have from seeing a lot of the online vids people are posting from the demo or from early releases we have given to press people is that a lot of people are just used to "dropping control" once they are hit. So they don't even try to break the tackles. You need to break them yourself now. Know your back, know if he is elusive or power, if elusive then juke and spin your way out of tackles, if he is power back truck your way through (you can also stiff arm). You won't be breaking tackles otherwise, no more roll of dice broken tackles, you have to break them. If you fail to break it, you will still see your back try (that's how I know on the vids that people just aren't trying to break tackles enough).


This definitely can take some getting used to...I had to spend a bit of time in practice first to get the hang of it.

[akaplan2180]

I use the Giants. I have played 4 games in my franchise and I have an easier time running up the middle with Ahmad Bradshaw then Brandon Jacobs. It is hard to run outside with both.

What I do is follow the fullback slowly then hit the sprint button when i see the big-hole. With Bradshaw that works better then Jacobs. It seems Ahmad gets to the 2nd and 3rd level. With Jacobs the defensive tackles always get me from behind like 4 or 5 yard gains.

Also Jacobs is a 98 truck rating. I have noticed the truck stick isn't the best. I hit the got around the corner maybe a total of 4 times and with Jacobs everytime i hit the truck stick and the cornerback still had to problem laying me out.

[coogrfan]

For those of you on the fence (or who just want some tips and techniques), here's a link to by far the most detailed review of Madden you'll find:

http://www.operationsports.com/review.php?id=431

[TastySweetNutz]

Do not hit speed burst until you're in the open, doing so (1)reduces your ability to cut and (2) triggers the "magnet effect" TastySweetNutz spoke of a couple posts back;
Patience, follow your blocks;
Perhaps most important, the next-gen systems have a new animation system that requires the user to unlearn a lot of things that we've always done. In previous Madden's, once a tackle animation began the user's ability to influence the play was pretty much finished. That is not the case this year:


Very useful post. Much appreciated coogr.

I've been guilty of control dropping once the tackling animation begins. Not anymore now.

[werdna58]

The best way to run is to make sure you have a mixture of run offense and pass offense. If you continually run, then the defense will pick it up and own you. The best thing about the new Madden's have been to follow your blockers.

DO NOT USE SPEEDBURST RIGHT AWAY!!!!!! - Without holding it down immediately, it allows your blockers time to get to their assignments and make a hole for you, it also allows you to make a quick decision to juke or spin on a blitzing LB or a DL coming through tthe line unblocked.

Give the play some time to setup, then hold down speedburst and become familiar with the right analog stick as well as the spin move, they both work great. If you run with an elusive back, moving the analog stick down for a quick stop juke, really works well near the sidelines with players in pursuit of you, because this will make them overpursue and you can cutback or continue heading towards the endzone, it usually gives me at least a couple more yards.

I am not sure which playbook you use, but I try to usually stick with the Pass Balanced playbook. It has a really good mixture of run and pass and it has shotgun which is very helpful against a really good pass rush.

Hope this helps!

[werdna58]

oh, and make motion a big part of your offense with some play action as well, it allows you to read the defense a whole lot better....it allows you to see if the defense is in man or zone, which helps decide which side to run to....i find myself audibling to the other side a lot in run offense...you know, just the analog to the right or left audible...best runs are the i form hb slam (motion the receiver to give you an open field and then switch to the open side if defense is running man), the counter in iform is good, the strong package is good - there is hb blast and weak toss which is always helpful.....

[Raven Maniac (aka TJ87)]

For those of you on the fence (or who just want some tips and techniques), here's a link to by far the most detailed review of Madden you'll find:

http://www.operationsports.com/review.php?id=431

A great review, thanks for posting.

[RickyWilliams34]

I just tried the wait to use turbo and it was completely inaffective.

[werdna58]

i play on all-madden and if you use turbo immediatly i find that you get to the defense before your blocker does, esp a pulling guard or tackle...i try and force the defender to be blocked by basically waiting behind my blockers...of course it doesnt work all the time, but it certainly gives you extra yards on the carries for the most part...

[darin444]

Thanks for all of the great advise, I haven't had a chance to play since I started this topic but hopefully some of the tips work. I would like to thank everyone for not making this thread in to a hate fest on Madden 09. Great Job EA Sports!

[RickyWilliams34]

31 attempts, 57 yards for me with this strategy.

[werdna58]

well, I dont know what to tell you...what team are you, who are you playing....what playbook are you using...

if you are playing 5 minute quarters, 31 attempts is quite a lot of running...were you mixing it up at all, and were you using different running plays?

btw, what system do you use..

[cfedodge360]

I like the new tougher madden myself always found the others too easy to beat the AI and no chalenge to it. As far as the run goes broke a few nothing more then 10 yards except once. but all in all how often does a back break 30+ yard runs against decent teams.

I think after time it will be just like all the others you can learn the ins & outs as to what works for you and you'll be on your way.

[werdna58]

I'll tell you what, I've only been able to play about 4 games so far, but I must say McFadden is certainly living up to his hype in this game. First rushing play of the year for me was a 72 yd scamper, untouched.

I like doing Franchise mode with a Fantasy Draft so I started one last night. I found out WR's go really fast after I'd say 4 rounds the best receiver available was Berrian. I ended up taking Peterson 1st and Romo 2nd. I did take Berrian, but not for 5 or 6 rounds later, maybe even later. I saw McFadden and Bush still on the board late, so I picked them up, moved Bush to #4 WR and McFadden will be switching in with Peterson and be used as a FB when passing to the flats.

The FA pool is great, you don't even have to draft a LB, maybe a MLB, but that is it.

[Chugga]

No matter what I run with Lynch, he can never seem to get past the D-lineman. And when he does a CB never has a problem taking him down. Also it seems like the magnet effect is still present in this year's game for the AI defense when it comes to tackling or INTs.

Lynch is 2nd in the league in rushing in my franchise (although my friend hasn't come over here to play his game yet so we'll see how Matt Forte does) but he's only behind Tomlinson and his monster 8.9 ypc average in week 1.

At the absolute least I run a 3 WR set every single play. 4 WR is ideal. As much as I like Barnes in real life as a FB in the game he is useless. I would rather have no lead blocker and fewer players in the box, then have a lead blocker who will most likely miss that extra guy in the box to begin with. 4 WR takes the most people out of the box possible....or if they don't leave the box well then lucky you, you likely have a wide open WR.

[GoNiners]

So I picked the 49ers for my fav team but at one point it reset and is now the bears. How do I switch it back to the 49ers as fav team?

[werdna58]

If you do the 3-4 WR set, then you should send someone in motion to either do a crack block on a lineman or a LB. It will also let you know if they are in a zone. I have found that if they are in Zone, then the runs up the middle work really well.

[SeattleMariners51445]

This game is ridiculously hard with this adpative difficulty level thing! I realize you can choose a pre-set one still but it still seems alot more difficult than last year's game. They should have left that feature and some others out.

[SeattleMariners51445]

So I picked the 49ers for my fav team but at one point it reset and is now the bears. How do I switch it back to the 49ers as fav team?
You can't! John Madden demands that you love the Bears and you love them well! Jk, I'm not sure man.

[WingNut 25]

I'm am very glad I didn't buy this game after reading this thread.

[SmartassBoiler]

I'm am very glad I didn't buy this game after reading this thread.

Yeah, it's a real shame EA increased the difficulty to make the game harder so you can't beat the snot of the computer constantly. Shame on EA!

[SeattleMariners51445]

I'm am very glad I didn't buy this game after reading this thread.
It's still fun and it's still Madden but none of the new features (as usual) are all that great. The adaptive difficulty level like I thought, sucks really hard but there are ways around it. I'm hearing of a few glitches here and there but I'm sure and I hope that they'll clean it up with an update and I hope the rumor is true about all the roster updates they'll be doing. I think online play is unaffected by the adaptive difficulty level issue as you're just playing another person but playing the AI can be a pain in the ***.
Yeah, it's a real shame EA increased the difficulty to make the game harder so you can't beat the snot of the computer constantly. Shame on EA!
Yeah dude but if you did well on the Madden test (which really isn't difficult) then you're in for an unpleasant surprise when you see what the AI is going to do to you. Unless you like consistently low scoring games with lots of turnovers, I would suggest not playing your best on the Madden test.

[Xar]

I would have loved to buy this game.............but on the PC :(

Stupid EA

[werdna58]

I haven't found the difficulty to be that hard at all. It's only been a few days so far. It usually takes some time to get used to it. To each his own I guess...

[SeattleMariners51445]

I haven't found the difficulty to be that hard at all. It's only been a few days so far. It usually takes some time to get used to it. To each his own I guess...
Did you take the Madden test and if so what was your score on it? Also, are you playing on "your" customized difficulty level (based on the test) or are you playing on a pre-set one i.e. Rookie, Pro, All-Pro, All-Madden?

[oldskool]

A good tip is to use run audibles. If you see they're stacking the right side, call an audible to a pitch or stretch to the left. I don't mean flip the play, actually call an audible. It's all about matchups. You really need to master your run audibles so that you stay in the formation. If you call an audible that switches your formation, then the defense will reset and you won't get the matchup you want.

[SeattleMariners51445]

I would have loved to buy this game.............but on the PC :(
Stupid EA
Xar, buy a 360! You'll love it!

[WingNut 25]

Yeah, it's a real shame EA increased the difficulty to make the game harder so you can't beat the snot of the computer constantly. Shame on EA!

Sorry, I don't spend $60 on a game that I'll get more frustration out of than enjoyment.

[SmartassBoiler]

I would have loved to buy this game.............but on the PC :(

Stupid EA

Wikipedia's Madden webpage mentioned a PC version due out in January. Granted that's horrible timing on EA's part, but it seems like there's one that's going to be released.

[werdna58]

Did you take the Madden test and if so what was your score on it? Also, are you playing on "your" customized difficulty level (based on the test) or are you playing on a pre-set one i.e. Rookie, Pro, All-Pro, All-Madden?

i had the demo for about a week so that helped me understand how the demo owrks, so i got all madden on all of them....

no no i dont have a customized difficulty level..i skip the test everytime it pops up cuz the demo made me hate it....i play hardcore (to eliminate the rewind feature) and all-madden, those are the only two adjustments I make...

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

good info...im guilty of hitting the speed button toooooooo soon...i play w/ the colts, i know addai is waaayy better than how i use him..lol

[rarechaselimitedvariation]

tecmo rules madden

[werdna58]

good info...im guilty of hitting the speed button toooooooo soon...i play w/ the colts, i know addai is waaayy better than how i use him..lol

I'm telling you, the first thing I realized years ago with the newer games was that the running game is somewhat realistic when it comes to the blocking...watch any NFL running back and they basically just shuffle or stand behind their OL with their hand on the back, guiding them to where they want to go....

[johnious]

does anybody know if this stuff is on the PS2 version? I haven't bought Madden since 06 because it's been too much of the same, this intreagues me though.

also, do they still use the terrible playcalling where you highlight and select the play (instead of choosing between 3 using X, [ ], or O)?

[TastySweetNutz]

As much as I complain about my lack of a running game I love that EA jacked up the difficulty. This is a game that's supposed to accurately reflect to what occurs on the field and it looks like EA has got it right with the running game. I lost track of how many times I'd see my roommates playing Madden and they're up like 56-3 in the 3rd QTR and it would drive me mad. How can anyone still enjoy playing a game like that?

[werdna58]

As much as I complain about my lack of a running game I love that EA jacked up the difficulty. This is a game that's supposed to accurately reflect to what occurs on the field and it looks like EA has got it right with the running game. I lost track of how many times I'd see my roommates playing Madden and they're up like 56-3 in the 3rd QTR and it would drive me mad. How can anyone still enjoy playing a game like that?

I couldn't agree with you more...I was playing my franchises with regular teams in all-madden mode and I was just completely blowing teams out. it got really and annoying and so I tried online, but I'm not a fan of that because everyone always quits...

[Rexy]

I know Donovan isn't the most accurate QB, I just threw 4 INTs in the 1st half versus Washington. Only one of them was a dumb pass on my part, but the other three were ridiculous.

The first one, I sent Jackson on a slant across the middle, both LBs blitzed, and I threw it INFRONT of Jackson, and suddenly, Fred Smoot, who was 4 yards behind him, kicked it in turbo gear and ran infront and picked it off.

On the second one, I tried hitting Brown in the back of the endzone, which he made a falling attempt for, but Landry somehow, with his back of the play chasing Smith, turned around in a second and snagged it. On the other one, I hit Curtis running a 10 and cross, and Fletcher (-Baker now?) Made a leaping, diving, Teddy Bruschi Mcfarlane Pose, interception on it. Not many corners can make that pick.

I lost 28-23, my first loss of they year. I'm now at 4-1.

Rushing has gotten easier for me. I know average at least 130 a game on about 25-30 rushes a game.

[Xar]

Xar, buy a 360! You'll love it!

At the price of an Xbox360 and the lack of games I play, its just not worth it for me financially.

Wikipedia's Madden webpage mentioned a PC version due out in January. Granted that's horrible timing on EA's part, but it seems like there's one that's going to be released.

Thats AWESOME to hear. I know they answered the outcry of the non-PC release, because a lot of people still use their PC as their gaming console. I know they addressed it, and said that they would be basically bringing it back to the PC in 2010.....but never heard about 2009 PC until now.

I hope its true tho.......

[PrimeBane]

At the price of an Xbox360 and the lack of games I play, its just not worth it for me financially.


Prices drop on the 360 as of Sept 7th :)

[Rexy]

Prices drop on the 360 as of Sept 7th :)

Why's that?


Anyone also having trouble getting to the QB? I always play RDE, and I can hardly ever get to him. IN 6 games this year, I prolly have 3 sacks, if even that.

[werdna58]

Why's that?


Anyone also having trouble getting to the QB? I always play RDE, and I can hardly ever get to him. IN 6 games this year, I prolly have 3 sacks, if even that.

I'm surprised to hear this. I think passing is much more difficult this year. You get less time in the backfield, making it more realistic. As far as a rush defense, I find that if you do some of the line audibles (make dl pinch in and out) and have some blitz packages, rushing the qb happens more often.

I personally find the 3-4 defense really good in this game. If you take the DT and place him in a gap and then do finesse moves and power moves with a lil help of the turbo just as the ball is snapped, sometimes you get through.

If I were you, I'd really try to get used to the audibles you can call from the line per each position player and as a group. It really helps and it actually does sometimes throw the CPU for a loop.

[classic]

i absolutely hate this game and regret buying it. i loved madden and have every single year except last years so i cant compare. last year i was in between systems and didnt want to get it on ps2. well now i have 09 and it sucks. for one why cant you change your controller lay out to whatever you want. i loved the old button combinations, this new one is layed out so weird and doesnt work well at all. whatever happened to L1 and R1 for stiff arm, X for speed burst, etc. i cant stand it.

as far as game play this is a joke, you cant even try to block a field goal because they wont even give you a camera view that lets you see what player your selecting.

the running is joke, cant even get first downs on 3rd and 1 anymore.

the passing seems to actually be to easy for me.

the icons on the players suck. you cant even see what player you have selected when kicking off. makes it very hard to make your way down the field.

defense sucks, you cant stop the pass, you cant pass rush, and whenever you select a player they automatically slow down for some reason even when pressing the speed rush.

i could go on and on. if madden was like this last year im glad i didnt get it, needless to say i wont be playing much of this. id rather play the old ones where the gameplay was actually good.

[PrimeBane]

Why's that?



To boost sales I imagine... they've been a little flat so far this year compared to the Wii and PS3.

[Clerk.]

i absolutely hate this game and regret buying it. i loved madden and have every single year except last years so i cant compare. last year i was in between systems and didnt want to get it on ps2. well now i have 09 and it sucks. for one why cant you change your controller lay out to whatever you want. i loved the old button combinations, this new one is layed out so weird and doesnt work well at all. whatever happened to L1 and R1 for stiff arm, X for speed burst, etc. i cant stand it.

as far as game play this is a joke, you cant even try to block a field goal because they wont even give you a camera view that lets you see what player your selecting.

the running is joke, cant even get first downs on 3rd and 1 anymore.

the passing seems to actually be to easy for me.

the icons on the players suck. you cant even see what player you have selected when kicking off. makes it very hard to make your way down the field.

defense sucks, you cant stop the pass, you cant pass rush, and whenever you select a player they automatically slow down for some reason even when pressing the speed rush.

i could go on and on. if madden was like this last year im glad i didnt get it, needless to say i wont be playing much of this. id rather play the old ones where the gameplay was actually good.

I have to agree. All of a sudden your team's computer controlled player's AI dropped to just above completely ******ed. Regardless of how realistic it is, its just not fun anymore. I'm going back to playing '08.

[Superman16343]

I have to agree. All of a sudden your team's computer controlled player's AI dropped to just above completely ******ed. Regardless of how realistic it is, its just not fun anymore. I'm going back to playing '08.

08 was terrible

[RickyWilliams34]

the running is joke, cant even get first downs on 3rd and 1 anymore.


Do you run backwards on 3rd and 1?

[SeattleMariners51445]

Why is the effing computer pass rush so god damn fierce? It's like these big tubs of lard blow through my line (no matter what team) in a matter of milli-seconds and sack my QB. What, do all the computer AI players on the CPU team have 99 speed? What is up with this garbage?

[classic]

Do you run backwards on 3rd and 1?

well everytime its short yardage the defense stacks the line and i end up getting back to line of scrimmage or losing a yard. maybe its jus the seahawks but you cant run on short yardage at all. i end up passing to get first downs every time

[TastySweetNutz]

Why is the effing computer pass rush so god damn fierce? It's like these big tubs of lard blow through my line (no matter what team) in a matter of milli-seconds and sack my QB. What, do all the computer AI players on the CPU team have 99 speed? What is up with this garbage?

Yeah I'm going through the same thing. I'll have at least a good 2-3 seconds and then the pocket collapses. But it's all good since I usually have to make a quick decision and get the ball out. I might have to draft a mobile QB to get outside the pocket to buy some more time.

[werdna58]

I think most people replying should go play NLF Street or Blitz or something urealistic. Madden is difficult because it is realistic. I do not know who can make a first down on 3rd and 1, but that is nearly impossible to not get a first down on that play. Goalline - HB Dive works every single time. Send the TE in motion and your set.

[TastySweetNutz]

I think most people replying should go play NLF Street or Blitz or something urealistic. Madden is difficult because it is realistic. I do not know who can make a first down on 3rd and 1, but that is nearly impossible to not get a first down on that play. Goalline - HB Dive works every single time. Send the TE in motion and your set.

I've played those arcadey type games but nothing comes close to what Madden/2k provides as far as authenticity in football gaming. I love the fact that one game I can shred say the Raiders D but then get totally shut down by the Vikings D.

Werdna are you in the Spawn 360 league?

[YlhandlZ]

I'm really enjoying the branching animations in the running game. I wish I could've saved my highlight from practice (not sure why EA left that mode out of the fun...maybe '010), but I had a sweet run with Selvin Young where he made a spin move inside to shake the first defender and spun outside before completing his inside spin to shake the second defender. Those little moments just make this game for me even if I can't get a consistent rushing offense going yet.

[RickyWilliams34]

So my longest run came last night. 59 yards with Reagan Mauia the Dolphins fullback.

[UFCFan]

Wow, with Mauia? Nice work. I can't recall ever having a long run with a FB in any year of Madden, outside of guys like Alstott, or Csonka back in the old Sega Genesis days.

[YlhandlZ]

My longest:
http://www.easportsworld.com/en_US/video/160272

Second longest:
http://www.easportsworld.com/en_US/video/159385

Note that these are both at the end of games where I had like 20 yards through the first 3 (or 4) quarters.

[Clerk.]

08 was terrible

09 is worse.

[SmartassBoiler]

Played another game today with the Bears and had 11 rushes for 17 yards. Ugh. I'm gonna work on the rushing drill some before playing again. I don't break tackles well and I think I'm not timing it right.

How many minutes do you guys set the quarter length at? Running 25-30 times would appear to be impossible with 5 minute quarters.

[RickyWilliams34]

Wow, with Mauia? Nice work. I can't recall ever having a long run with a FB in any year of Madden, outside of guys like Alstott, or Csonka back in the old Sega Genesis days.

Yeah they gave him a pretty damn good rank for a 2nd year player. I'm actually quite happy with the ratings given to some Dolphin players. I can definitely now play online against people with them.

[werdna58]

I've played those arcadey type games but nothing comes close to what Madden/2k provides as far as authenticity in football gaming. I love the fact that one game I can shred say the Raiders D but then get totally shut down by the Vikings D.

Werdna are you in the Spawn 360 league?

No, I ended up buying it for PS3..I was going to get it for my 360, but then I heard its no different from PS3. I went PS3 cuz my brother has it back in RI, so I play him from time to time....

[werdna58]

Wow, with Mauia? Nice work. I can't recall ever having a long run with a FB in any year of Madden, outside of guys like Alstott, or Csonka back in the old Sega Genesis days.

if you throw to neal in the flats, he breaks some big ones trucking over people...

[werdna58]

Wow...I really can't believe everyone is having this much trouble running the ball. I don't mean to come off in a bad way at all either. I am just trying to understand what you are all doing differently. My average carries through 6 regular season games is close to 7yds a carry. This is in All-Madden, playing with the Raiders and running with McFadden, who by the way, is an absolute stud in this game.

I use the same offense, same plays, I just mix everything up a lot. I use the right analog a heck of a lot and the spin move is huge for me...If anything is difficult it is the passing game, because you have to get the ball away quicker than you ever have. I like the fact that QB's can actually beat out DT's this eyar because every other year they make DT's run like DB's....

[SmartassBoiler]

Wow...I really can't believe everyone is having this much trouble running the ball. I don't mean to come off in a bad way at all either. I am just trying to understand what you are all doing differently. My average carries through 6 regular season games is close to 7yds a carry. This is in All-Madden, playing with the Raiders and running with McFadden, who by the way, is an absolute stud in this game.

I use the same offense, same plays, I just mix everything up a lot. I use the right analog a heck of a lot and the spin move is huge for me...If anything is difficult it is the passing game, because you have to get the ball away quicker than you ever have. I like the fact that QB's can actually beat out DT's this eyar because every other year they make DT's run like DB's....

I play on All-Pro, and I'm wondering if the problem is moving from the Eagles last year to the Bears this year. I'll try playing as the Eagles to see if something is different.

I also like being able to roll out of the pocket without getting run down every time.

[TastySweetNutz]

I'm getting better at running the ball - 19 for 67 yards against Jacksonville. Henderson is a monster run stuffer and accounted for 4 TFLs. I keep reminding myself to finish off the runs instead of dropping control when the tackling animation occurs.

Hey SAB, I'm not sure who you're running with (Forte?) but is he or the o-lineman rated high enough to warrant solid production from the ground game?

[SmartassBoiler]

Hey SAB, I'm not sure who you're running with (Forte?) but is he or the o-lineman rated high enough to warrant solid production from the ground game?

The interior line is solid at run blocking. Not great, but not bad. Forte is also rated pretty well as a RB with 92 speed and a Truck specialty. The problem is most of the time I'm facing a 46 defense with numerous blitzers and get hit in the backfield constantly. Seems a bit realistic, though, given nobody will respect the Bears passing game anyways.

[werdna58]

If you take a look at your OL ratings, make sure to look a their footwork and their strength. This will allow you to do decide which is your strong side and which is your weak side....

Try running to your strong side of course, most of the time and make sure to mix in some weak side runs as well...I usally try to run to the open field if it is a toss or so and on hb slams or dives, ill read my Tackles to see if I am going inside or outside...but i cant stress enough how important it is to mix the pass and run and motion....

[werdna58]

if you're running against a 4-6 defense with blitzes, you should be throwing the ball much more than running...you will see the blitzes lessen and the defense will be much less aggressive..

[SmartassBoiler]

if you're running against a 4-6 defense with blitzes, you should be throwing the ball much more than running...you will see the blitzes lessen and the defense will be much less aggressive..

Yeah, which is why I probably have to use the passing game to open up the running game...kinda counter-intuitive. :p

Good call on the strength/footwork ratings....I'll check those out before the next game.

[Rexy]

Wow...I really can't believe everyone is having this much trouble running the ball. I don't mean to come off in a bad way at all either. I am just trying to understand what you are all doing differently. My average carries through 6 regular season games is close to 7yds a carry. This is in All-Madden, playing with the Raiders and running with McFadden, who by the way, is an absolute stud in this game.

I use the same offense, same plays, I just mix everything up a lot. I use the right analog a heck of a lot and the spin move is huge for me...If anything is difficult it is the passing game, because you have to get the ball away quicker than you ever have. I like the fact that QB's can actually beat out DT's this eyar because every other year they make DT's run like DB's....

Yeah, I've figured it out too. I ran 25 times yesterday for 176 yards against Willis and the 49ers. Buckhalter had a 27 yard scamper to the left, while Westbrook broke a 74 yard run up the middle. I'm just being patient with my running, looking for holes, waiting for blocks, and not having my finger glued to the turbo button. I used to just get to the line, juke, and somehow pop through it, but this year, I have learned to play like a real running back.

The damn interceptions are pissing me off. I went down to All-Pro, and they are still making ridiculous picks. I'm 6-1, but McNabb has like 10 touchdowns to 14 picks. Thank god I mastered the running. :)

PS - Anyone else getting sick of Collinsworth's sarcastic tone?

[werdna58]

yeah the interceptions are a killer...the DB's can actually catch the ball this year..Nice job on the yardage.

haha...its funny you mention collinsworth cuz I was playing the other night and he said something that i found hilarious...my buddy was playing me and he was the QB running away from me but like 15-20 yds behind the line of scrimmage, and then just ran out of bounds..then Collinsworth said something that made me laugh and say, wow, this game might actually make me like the guy...cuz i *** hate him...i cant remember the line, but when i find it ill let you know...

[Ghost of AA62]

Why's that?


Anyone also having trouble getting to the QB? I always play RDE, and I can hardly ever get to him. IN 6 games this year, I prolly have 3 sacks, if even that.

in previous Maddens, it seemed the backside DE and LB (or RDE/ROLB in most cases) were the easiest to use to get sacks. I find using the strongside DE (or LOLB) the best to use. I also use Jack blitzes, with the OLB hitting the C gap outside the tackle, and the end hitting the B gap between the tackle and guard...usually works well.

[werdna58]

good point