[cdon2k]

You hit the nail on the head Ian, it's small details like these that make the running look stiff. This particular one actually affects game play as if you are hit while your shoulders are square to the sideline, you will often get knocked back towards your end zone when hit from the side. Example, look at the pic you posted, when the Jets player hits the SF player, the SF player will be hit directly from the side knocking him back a yard or two. If your players shoulders were squared, it'd be more likely that he would fall forward or at least take on the tackle head first instead of getting knocked in the shoulder pad.

The other one that irks me is when players run straight up, this one is also illustrated in the pic, here is a RB in the backfield running straight up like he's a WR going on a streak. No sort of preparation for contact, just stiff looking running.

You are not crazy with this one, as it not only effects the look of the game (which is one of the issues, game looks great in pictures, stiff in motion), but it also affects the game play.

Thanks for noticing this detail

Cdon