Dude ESPN doesn't play just like Madden. Anybody here on these boards or any message board will tell you that. People who have reviewed both games will tell you that. You have to be patient enough to learn how to play ESPN the right way. The things you get away with in Madden aren't the same things you'll get away with in ESPN. In ESPN you have to play to your strenghts and cover up your weaknesses. The passing game is based more on timing and not 30 yard dropbacks and chucking it. You have to stand in the pocket (as much as possible) and read the defenses. You have to mix your plays up because there really aren't any money plays in ESPN. On defense you also have to wait til the offense calls its plays so you can have the right amount of DBs on the field on any given play.
You have to play at least 10 or 12 games of ESPN before you can give up on it. Don't expect because you think you're the KING of Madden that you can come into ESPN's house and dominate. Only real players play ESPN.
slants and post routes work every time no matter what level or sliders you use . And those my friend are big moey plays .