Madden 2012 and This Board

[CarolinaAllDay]

TD gets injured 5 times a game, pisses me off..

The only way I've found to overcome fumbling is to never try to get extra yards once I'm wrapped up.. most of the time this works but they went all out on trying to make this game as erratic as possible.. Irritates the hell out of me. And dudes know they get free turnovers, I'm not sure what equates to them always getting lucky instead of me. It's not uncommon for me to be forced to come back from 14-21 points down from the start.. I guess maybe playing with the Panthers puts me at a disadvantage since most guys rather try to beat me (77 rated team) with someone like the Patriots (91, IIRC) or Green Bay...

as far as the nano, I see your point but I also think that's kind of the same premise.. the object of a blitz in real life is to exploit spacing and blocking schemes (or what the AI is attempting to do)... this year especially, the shifting of the OLine usually stops any nano if you guess right, which is the goal in real life.. maybe most of the "nanos" I've learned to combat people with are merely overloads and I don't have any true nanos, but all of the ones I use simply clog all blockers and results in one guy being set free...

I'm with you on not really understanding all of the programming that goes into it so maybe there is a lot more than my basic explanation and a difference between overloads and nanos..

Overall, I feel like the creators of Madden are trying to make this game more and more realistic which is what we have in the 2012 version.. It has some major setbacks and is completely erratic.. I had an easier time ripping a defense apart in '11 than I am this year..

it's one thing to overthrow a receiver with a QB's less than stellar accuracy, but when I put the ball on the money and it's still underthrown or overthrown, I want to break poo.

I did learn recently that the defenders are likely to jump a route if you throw the ball before he gets separation as opposed to throwing the ball with anticipation.. that has helped a lot, but gives you even less of a window to throw into.. I would have thought anticipation would be a bigger factor since NFL QBs must rely on that sort of timing over those who have to see the receiver open and then throw the ball..

The key to running is cutting. If you run hoping for a hole with the panthers o line your kidding yourself. Backside cuts with right stick as well as doing your own with the left really do work. Since ive been working on my running game ive been averaging 110-150 with deangelo and 150-200 with Ray Rice.

[bleys]

the nano blitz is where they use a glitch to make your center turn instead of block. your guards pick up their normal assignments and don't pick up the two unblocked blitzers down the middle

oh.. most of my blitzes usually have a guy coming free from the outside or overloading a guard&tackle and having a free man run through... I guess my issue with what is a nano is hearing some people call every blitz a nano just because the blitz works.. I'm still trying to figure out the difference in their minds..

The key to running is cutting. If you run hoping for a hole with the panthers o line your kidding yourself. Backside cuts with right stick as well as doing your own with the left really do work. Since ive been working on my running game ive been averaging 110-150 with deangelo and 150-200 with Ray Rice.

I learned a few tricks via line shifts that have helped me blow up my running game.. it doesn't always work against guys who seem to get great push from their defense and always get in the backfield (still trying to learn how to do that if you have any tips)..

however, my run game has improved a lot with the Panthers against most guys with similar skill level (hovering about 700 points and always playing people equal to that).. I guess my experience has depended on how well someone knows about stopping the run..

I'll have to practice doing more cuts and get familiar with what you're talking about...

[Chimera]

I can't cut online. The timing is such that you have to use the stick 6 seconds before you need to cut

[Proudiddy]

In my experience, cutting actually slows down the runner quite a bit in the most recent versions of Madden. I'd say the last 2 years it has. Before that, it was lethal.

I actually find that it is more effective to shake the runner by moving the left analog around (moving it quickly from left to right) and getting the defensive players to guess wrong, or just delay time until a hole opens or the backside clears.

BTW, what OL changes were you saying works for your running game Bleys? I usually don't mess with them unless I run a draw or dive and turn the OL to aggressive.

[bleys]

In my experience, cutting actually slows down the runner quite a bit in the most recent versions of Madden. I'd say the last 2 years it has. Before that, it was lethal.

I actually find that it is more effective to shake the runner by moving the left analog around (moving it quickly from left to right) and getting the defensive players to guess wrong, or just delay time until a hole opens or the backside clears.

BTW, what OL changes were you saying works for your running game Bleys? I usually don't mess with them unless I run a draw or dive and turn the OL to aggressive.

you may be aware of this, but there are 2 types of cutbacks with the R-joystick.. if you move it east or west it'll give a big juke and slow down, but more of a northeast and northwest hit on the R-joystick is a lot quicker..

aside from that, I haven't messed with cut backs too much unless it's a counter.. I'll have to find out how to make that work with these tips..

as for line shifts, there's no foolproof way to pull this off, however if I'm running a counter and sometimes a 2 TE I-Form, I'll shift the line in the opposite direction I'm running.. I hear the idea behind this is the blockers will suck the defenders in that direction giving you room on the outside..

for instance if you are running right, you want your OL to block left instead of moving them right and shifting them into your running lane..

however, on toss plays, I usually shift them into the direction I'm running or at times I shift them "aggressive"..

If I'm running a dive or draw I always shift them aggressive.. this is supposed to help get a push, find out which blocker creates the best push and run through it..

this doesn't work all the time because "the other team practices too", but I've found it to be much more effective than leaving them alone.. obviously a dedication to the run game is a must...

I haven't read or heard anything that lays out a definite direction to shift the line. I usually go with instinct.

[chef17]

you may be aware of this, but there are 2 types of cutbacks with the R-joystick.. if you move it east or west it'll give a big juke and slow down, but more of a northeast and northwest hit on the R-joystick is a lot quicker..

aside from that, I haven't messed with cut backs too much unless it's a counter.. I'll have to find out how to make that work with these tips..

as for line shifts, there's no foolproof way to pull this off, however if I'm running a counter and sometimes a 2 TE I-Form, I'll shift the line in the opposite direction I'm running.. I hear the idea behind this is the blockers will suck the defenders in that direction giving you room on the outside.

for instance if you are running right, you want your OL to block left instead of moving them right and shifting them into your running lane..

however, on toss plays, I usually shift them into the direction I'm running or at times I shift them "aggressive"..

If I'm running a dive or draw I always shift them aggressive.. this is supposed to help get a push, find out which blocker creates the best push and run through it..

this doesn't work all the time because "the other team practices too", but I've found it to be much more effective than leaving them alone.. obviously a dedication to the run game is a must...

I haven't read or heard anything that lays out a definite direction to shift the line. I usually go with instinct.

This works quite well. I've been able to pull off a few big runs doing that.

[Proudiddy]

you may be aware of this, but there are 2 types of cutbacks with the R-joystick.. if you move it east or west it'll give a big juke and slow down, but more of a northeast and northwest hit on the R-joystick is a lot quicker..

aside from that, I haven't messed with cut backs too much unless it's a counter.. I'll have to find out how to make that work with these tips..

as for line shifts, there's no foolproof way to pull this off, however if I'm running a counter and sometimes a 2 TE I-Form, I'll shift the line in the opposite direction I'm running.. I hear the idea behind this is the blockers will suck the defenders in that direction giving you room on the outside..

for instance if you are running right, you want your OL to block left instead of moving them right and shifting them into your running lane..

however, on toss plays, I usually shift them into the direction I'm running or at times I shift them "aggressive"..

If I'm running a dive or draw I always shift them aggressive.. this is supposed to help get a push, find out which blocker creates the best push and run through it..

this doesn't work all the time because "the other team practices too", but I've found it to be much more effective than leaving them alone.. obviously a dedication to the run game is a must...

I haven't read or heard anything that lays out a definite direction to shift the line. I usually go with instinct.

Thanks man, I'll have to try that. I've shifted the OL to the side I toss to before, but it's been either a really big hit or a really big miss, lol.

For awhile there, I was in beast mode with our running game running out of strong close, strong pro, and singleback twin TE... But, people started being able to shoot gaps and sack Cam before he even handed it off or stuff the run for -3 yards on first down.

So now, unless I use the Texans or Niners, I pretty much run enough to make them honor it to begin with, but I like to start the game by stretching the field and taking deep shots to Smitty and/or Gettis. Early on, I'll pound them long enough to make them commit a safety, and then I hit them deep.

Then, I use the formations against them - shotgun with one TE and run off that... Split back with Stew and Deangelo. And then, I can always start off looking to pass and then pick up the first with Cam.

We're so fun to play with now... If only we could get the defense right though... Captain gets toasted at least once a game for me lol.

[CarolinaAllDay]

oh.. most of my blitzes usually have a guy coming free from the outside or overloading a guard&tackle and having a free man run through... I guess my issue with what is a nano is hearing some people call every blitz a nano just because the blitz works.. I'm still trying to figure out the difference in their minds..

I learned a few tricks via line shifts that have helped me blow up my running game.. it doesn't always work against guys who seem to get great push from their defense and always get in the backfield (still trying to learn how to do that if you have any tips)..

however, my run game has improved a lot with the Panthers against most guys with similar skill level (hovering about 700 points and always playing people equal to that).. I guess my experience has depended on how well someone knows about stopping the run..

I'll have to practice doing more cuts and get familiar with what you're talking about...

Go on youtube and watch how barry sander cuts back behind defenders and makes them miss while they are trying to square up and tackle him

You so the same in madden, think like barry and if your running a off tackle to the right, as soon as you see the d slant right, you gotta make a mean cut and you will see the light.

Its especially easy against the people who are very agressive on d and like to try and hitstick all the time. Cutting back and forth and they fall while missing a hitstik

[bigdog10]

In a tough spell right now. I can't seem to stop anybody (specifically the rocket catch/or whatever it is called).

I'm at level four and it just seems like everyone is shutting me down, lol.

[bleys]

In a tough spell right now. I can't seem to stop anybody (specifically the rocket catch/or whatever it is called).

I'm at level four and it just seems like everyone is shutting me down, lol.

the more you learn, the less you know.. try to avoid traveling down the rabbit hole.

I suggest getting online and checking madden forums as well as youtube videos on certain plays.. no play works 100% of the time and you'll have to apply real football knowledge to the game.. like diagnosing coverage, playing intuitively, minimizing mistakes, etc..

things like watching the linebackers and safety is key.. especially LB.. know how they will react at the snap and how to take advantage.. you will notice a slight difference by how they line up pre-snap.. their "yellow zones" will have them cover short or deep (not cover3 deep).. if they are near the DL, you can usually hit them over the top. if they are off the DL, you can kill them underneath... but again, that's just with certain cover 2, then you have to learn how to diagnose cover 3, cover 4 (the toughest), man, combinations of man/zone, etc.. things like that will make you a better player..

people who play the computer in franchise mode are the easiest to beat and you can usually tell who they are on this forum... don't be that guy! ;)

btw, I still don't know how to rocket catch.. I guess I should look it up.. I usually let the player swat the ball and have a decent enough time to get in position since it's more of a lob.. but it's always tempting to go for the INT..

[nickzz]

never even heard of rocket catching

i always end up just SLINGING the ball pretty much the entire game. running gets boring even if it's working. i've gotten pretty good with my pre-snap reads and hot routes but i haven't messed with o-line shifts.

[bleys]

never even heard of rocket catching

i always end up just SLINGING the ball pretty much the entire game. running gets boring even if it's working. i've gotten pretty good with my pre-snap reads and hot routes but i haven't messed with o-line shifts.

you play online or mostly against the computer?

[nickzz]

you play online or mostly against the computer?

mostly against roommates/friends. i've played a few games online but one of my roommates destroyed my record.

also noticed people abuse exploits pretty often online.

[bleys]

mostly against roommates/friends. i've played a few games online but one of my roommates destroyed my record.

also noticed people abuse exploits pretty often online.

just curious.. the more people like to sling the ball around, the more INTs I have a chance to grab.. ;)

and they aren't exactly exploits, a lot of things I hear about are nothing different than what you'll see on Sundays.. Madden usually updates true exploits out of the game if it's really an issue.