PADDLLN

Here are some run game tips to help folks reconsider their approach to running the ball (feedback appreciated): (1) Utilize the "ID the Mike" feature.  I like to use it presnap on blitzing linebackers or if I can ID the user.  It helps your blockers pick up downfield blocks better. (2) Do not use speed burst.  This may be the most common error I see.  Pressing the speed burst (a) causes you to outrun your blockers, and (b) causes the AI on defense to engage quicker.  (3) Presnap: Identify what the defense is doing before calling hike.        (a) If showing blitz: Audible to a stretch play.  Stretch plays cause the entire line to shift into the blitzes, which opens up running lanes inside or allows  you to take the edge;      (b) If showing cover 3 zone: Audible to a counter play.  The counter allows your offensive line time to pick up the lbs who are dropping back in zones      (c) If showing cover 2: Audible to a power running play. The inside running lanes are more available because the safeties are back.

The last two maddens have beefed up the zone coverages to the extent that no one really runs man defense anymore.  Zones are highly effective against seams and mid-range quick passes now, but ineffective against crossing routes where a player is coming from the other side of the field into the player's zone (they look covered, but the AI gets confused). As a result, the most effective pass plays are crossing routes, playmakers, and delayed flood passes.  This comes with a few problems: (1) Crossing routes take time to set up.  To counter this,  block your hb, identify the Mike, and max protect if needed.  Stay in the pocket unless pushed out by a breakdown in blocking.  Give time for the WR to get across the field.  (2) A delayed flood is something like a C-route concept instead of a corner route (which is quicker).  On this, you will flood with an underneath WR coming across from the other side of the field, or a same-side wr running a zig route underneath the C-route.  Again, this pass takes time.