Why is the CPU so bad on defense in this game?

[Zenigundam]

Whenever I'm playing in UT, I have to basically control the player who I think will be most impactful on any given play in order to make a tackle or jump a route. If I call a run blitz on a running play, my opponent will break off a 60 yard TD run if I don't control one of the blitzing LBs. If I call excellent zone coverage and let the computer play defense, my opponent's RB or TE will run a corner route and make a 40-yard catch with two DBs in his area.

Also, I can't tell you how many times I've fumbled on a QB sneak on 4th and inches with the to go line superimposed over the scrimmage line despite the fact that my o-line has 89-90 rated players across the board. Not only that, but the fumbles are ridiculous, and there have been a few times when my receiver has been bumped off his route, leading to an interception, and there wasn't a flag thrown. This game has so many flaws, and I've already broken a few controllers over it.

[jello1717]

Re: Why is the CPU so bad on defense in this game?

It really sounds like a slider issue (I don’t see a single one of the issues you mentioned in my offline dynasty), but I’m assuming UT means ultimate team and I have no clue if you can edit sliders in that, but I’m guessing no. If you can, edit your sliders. If you can’t then I can’t be of help, sorry.

[Zenigundam]

Re: Why is the CPU so bad on defense in this game?

Yes, Ultimate Team. It doesn't make any sense. Whenever I'm in All-American or Heisman conferences, I have to resort to ball control and running out the clock because of how bad the defense is in this game. I've won so many games 8-7 or 16-14 because I've had to cheese my way victory because I've gotten fed up with everything I mentioned in the OP.

[canes21]

Re: Why is the CPU so bad on defense in this game?

Run blitzing is going to naturally lead to more explosive run plays. That's the risk you get with run blitzing.

What do you consider "excellent zone coverage" and what are the other routes in combination with the corner route that is getting open?

[sherrane]

Re: Why is the CPU so bad on defense in this game?

Whenever I'm playing in UT, I have to basically control the player who I think will be most impactful on any given play in order to make a tackle or jump a route. If I call a run blitz on a running play, my opponent will break off a 60 yard TD run if I don't control one of the blitzing LBs. If I call excellent zone coverage and let the computer play defense, my opponent's RB or TE will run a corner route and make a 40-yard catch with two DBs in his area.

Also, I can't tell you how many times I've fumbled on a QB sneak on 4th and inches with the to go line superimposed over the scrimmage line despite the fact that my o-line has 89-90 rated players across the board. Not only that, but the fumbles are ridiculous, and there have been a few times when my receiver has been bumped off his route, leading to an interception, and there wasn't a flag thrown. This game has so many flaws, and I've already broken a few controllers over it.

I don't play Ultimate Team. Some of the things you discussed are things I haven't seen much of. Corner routes are something I have seen for several versions. I have a house rule where I cannot throw a Corner Route against the CPU until they've thrown one against me and then I can match them 1 for 1. If I recall correctly, this came from the late PS2 or early PS3 days. The Tampa / Cover 2 was all the rage and the smash concept became and important offensive scheme. The problem was the QBs struggled to complete Corner Routes, so you just had to defend the Hitch to stymie the offense. The next release even the bad QBs could nail Corner Routes routinely. I was goofing around with 14 and put my starting SS at QB (who was not an Athlete) and he could routinely complete Mesh Routes, Slant Routes, and Corner Routes. One coverage that works fairly well against a Corner Route is a Cover 3 or 4 with the DBs giving cushion (Triangle button + LS Up), but you need to generate a pass rush to defend that route.


Receivers being held or bumped is something that happens and this game and previous releases (I think it is better in this game than it was in 14). Another frustrating thing is when the receiver runs a 3-yard crossing pattern 8 yards deep for no apparent reason and ends up running at the same level or behind defenders instead of in front of them. Then you have the receiver who runs into the defender and they lock up and take several seconds to separate, which is frustrating if he was your primary and you were waiting until he cleared that defender. I have thrown some Ints when this happens because I was anticipating him getting open but he wanted to give the LB a hug more than he wanted to run his route. Realize there is no illegal contact in college, so the bumping is not a penalty unless the ball is in the air. They have never seemed to be able to detect when they should throw a flag for defensive holding in my opinion.


Regarding the run blitz issue. Are you running zone or man behind it? I have seen big runs against both, but it should happen much less running zone because your entire defense is watching the play and should get into position. But if the RB beats your blitzers and gets to the sideline it is pretty much over for you. I just haven't had this happen to me that often... maybe 5 or 6 times in over 100 games?