Hey guys, with all the offseason changes to personnel and coaching, I wanted to put together something I've given a lot of attention to recently- Playbook and scheme changes. So below I have put together a list of what I changed on my personal offline franchise file where I play god through the offseason.
My idea here is to get the computer to play as much like their counterparts as possible as sliders and settings can only do so much. If you would like some alternatives for you team to keep things feeling fresh or just to mix things up with a new challenge let me know in the comments.
Tell me what you think?!
Carolina Panthers;
Dallas Cowboys;
Offensive Playbook change to CLE - F. Kitchens- Dont cringe just because it's Cleveland. This playbook is loaded and nothing like the real Browns 2019 offense. Playbook leans towards QB #1 HB#1 and WR#1 which just makes too much sense for the Cowboys. Tight end production is not idea for tight end with this playbook but Jason Witten is in Vegas so I don't see the CPU destorying you with the TE on this set. You may see some more opportunies for Zeke catching the ball in this set but you will also see more of QB #1 bombing to WR#1 and #2. Lots of roll outs, play fakes and fun stuff to use Dak's athleticism. Can even operate primarily in the pocket if you want to roll with Dalton.
Defensive Playbook change to NO - S. Peyton- Props to omega on this one. Previous coaching tree experience with new real life Dallas coaching staff and it runs the same base defense. LBs will need to step up in resposibilities here. Good thing Dallas has dem boys. Diggs should flourish if you put him on the outside.
Jacksonville Jaguars;
Los Angeles Chargers;
Los Angeles Rams;
New England Patriots;
New York Giants;
Tampa Bay Buccaneers;
Washington Redskins;
My idea here is to get the computer to play as much like their counterparts as possible as sliders and settings can only do so much. If you would like some alternatives for you team to keep things feeling fresh or just to mix things up with a new challenge let me know in the comments.
Tell me what you think?!
Carolina Panthers;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to TEN- M Vrabel- This just makes too much sense to me. Tennessee’s playbook is built for Marcus Mariota. It has some QB running options for Teddy but still emphasizes being a Pocket QB. Putting a 5’11 white guy who can jump into Derrick Henry’s roles is incredible as well. This also will allow Robby Anderson and DJ Moore to do their things no matter who is #1 or #2.
[I also tested Seattle's playbook here but wasn't happy with the Run to Pass trend with this playbook. Seattle may be more fun for a USER team but CPU is much better with TEN]
Defensive Playbook change to BUF – S. McDermott- The defense isn’t changing schemes but a new head coach will bring a few changes defensively. Buffalo plays an aggressive 4-3 which the Panthers are now built to thrive in. Brian Burns on one end, Gross-Matos at the other; take your pick. Kawann Short Derrick Brown and Zach Kerr inside at tackle. Tahir Whitehead and Shaq Thompson are likely to be the squads main LBs sharing Kuechly’s retired role in a different (Buffalo style) way.
[I also tested Seattle's playbook here but wasn't happy with the Run to Pass trend with this playbook. Seattle may be more fun for a USER team but CPU is much better with TEN]
Defensive Playbook change to BUF – S. McDermott- The defense isn’t changing schemes but a new head coach will bring a few changes defensively. Buffalo plays an aggressive 4-3 which the Panthers are now built to thrive in. Brian Burns on one end, Gross-Matos at the other; take your pick. Kawann Short Derrick Brown and Zach Kerr inside at tackle. Tahir Whitehead and Shaq Thompson are likely to be the squads main LBs sharing Kuechly’s retired role in a different (Buffalo style) way.
Dallas Cowboys;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to CLE - F. Kitchens- Dont cringe just because it's Cleveland. This playbook is loaded and nothing like the real Browns 2019 offense. Playbook leans towards QB #1 HB#1 and WR#1 which just makes too much sense for the Cowboys. Tight end production is not idea for tight end with this playbook but Jason Witten is in Vegas so I don't see the CPU destorying you with the TE on this set. You may see some more opportunies for Zeke catching the ball in this set but you will also see more of QB #1 bombing to WR#1 and #2. Lots of roll outs, play fakes and fun stuff to use Dak's athleticism. Can even operate primarily in the pocket if you want to roll with Dalton.
Defensive Playbook change to NO - S. Peyton- Props to omega on this one. Previous coaching tree experience with new real life Dallas coaching staff and it runs the same base defense. LBs will need to step up in resposibilities here. Good thing Dallas has dem boys. Diggs should flourish if you put him on the outside.
Jacksonville Jaguars;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to WAS- J. Gruden- I like this change. I could not figure out who the Jags playbook was built for (at QB) besides Leonard Fournette so I suggest Washington. Having Minshew in Alex Smiths shoes is a lot of fun as he gets some mobile, rolling out type plays. It doesn’t seem Fournette is in the Jags real life plans long term so having the entire playbook built around power running seems dumb. This also will provide the offense with some fun plays out of pistol with Minshew.
Defensive Playbook change to DAL- J. Garrett- Defense stays 4-3 but gets a nice aesthetic change in that linebacker responsibilities change slightly with Tevin Smith retiring. Joe Schobert and Myles Jack will have similar responsibilities in this playbook versus Telvin Smith just getting everything in the middle.
Defensive Playbook change to DAL- J. Garrett- Defense stays 4-3 but gets a nice aesthetic change in that linebacker responsibilities change slightly with Tevin Smith retiring. Joe Schobert and Myles Jack will have similar responsibilities in this playbook versus Telvin Smith just getting everything in the middle.
Los Angeles Chargers;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to SF – K-Shanahan- This change mostly comes with the reason that Philip Rivers is not going to be their QB. While I don’t doubt Herbert can do some of the things Rivers did, I don’t think they will ask him to right away. Melvin Gordon is gone, so changing playbooks make Eckler and Jackson’s job easier the better. San Fran’s playbook comes with a pistol formation. While Herbert is more of a pro style prospect this will allow the team to use his athleticism more while allowing Hunter Henry to get a fresh route tree and free himself from Antonio Gates’ plays. San Fran’s playbook is easier to utilize multiple backs with as well.
Defensive Playbook- Does not need to change. Kenneth Murray should fit right in. Defense shouldn’t change much this year.
Defensive Playbook- Does not need to change. Kenneth Murray should fit right in. Defense shouldn’t change much this year.
Los Angeles Rams;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to ATL- D. Quinn- This needs to change no matter what for current rosters/franchises. The Rams playbook in Madden 20 is built for Todd Gurley to feast while using their WRs to get deep. I like Atlanta’s playbook for the Rams because it includes trick plays, which is great with Sean McVay and a great base offense that uses multiple TEs. The offensive playbook becomes more about QB1 and WR1 and WR2 with Atlanta. Jared Goff gets some Matt Ryan situations, Kupp can eat with Julio's route tree and Woods is a definite upgrade over what I believe is Mo Sanu's #2 role in the M20 ATL Playbook.
Defensive Playbook change to HOU-B. Obrien- This doesn’t HAVE to change but I like teams to feel new so this makes sense. I don’t see them running the same exact defense now that Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle have moved on. This gets Aaron Donald in the JJ Watt experience and allows Leonard Floyd to slip into Matthews style role. While having a fresh 3-4 playbook for the year.
Defensive Playbook change to HOU-B. Obrien- This doesn’t HAVE to change but I like teams to feel new so this makes sense. I don’t see them running the same exact defense now that Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle have moved on. This gets Aaron Donald in the JJ Watt experience and allows Leonard Floyd to slip into Matthews style role. While having a fresh 3-4 playbook for the year.
New England Patriots;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to MIN- M. Zimmer- This is a no brainer as a Pat's fan. Brady has moved on. The Patriots playbook is built around protecting a statue QB with high overall and good accuracy. The Vikings playbook is full of RPOs and outside zones which I believe you will see a ton of as NKeal Harry's role expands in the offense. Jules gets Thielen's route tree (Which does include some tricky slot routes) and Sanu, Harry, Lee and Byrd get to share Diggs and co’s role. Good old fashioned base offense with a fullback as the power run game will be a focus for Belichick this year. Some nice trick plays and jet sweeps to imagine Josh McDaniels was in Madden.
Defensive Playbook- Should not change. Patriots playbook is already perfect with a good mix of 4-3 and 3-4 plays. Using formation subs can recreate their defense quite well.
Defensive Playbook- Should not change. Patriots playbook is already perfect with a good mix of 4-3 and 3-4 plays. Using formation subs can recreate their defense quite well.
New York Giants;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to OAK - Jon Gruden- Oakland's (Las Vegas) playbook is a great place for Danny Dimes to find his grove. Playbook is loaded with outside zone and deep shots. A decent amount of RPOs should help you settle that youngster down early while still funneling carries to SaQuads.
Defensive Playbook change to CHI- M. Nagy- This makes too much sense to me. Who plays FS in the Bears playbook? Eddie Jackson. Whos the new starting FS for the Giants? Xav McKinney. This is another mix it up type pick if you don't want your Giants defense to look the same as last year. Arguably a top interior DL. Who knows what the LBs will actually be for them so this allows you to mix it up via formation subs if you want to try to confuse that offense. Jabrill Peppers should play better as the Bears Dplaybook has HAHA Clinton Dix playing in the box a lot with man coverage. "Big Nickel" formation will bring starting SS into the box like a linebacker. If your depth chart is set properly you will bring Peppers into the Box sub out a LB for Julian Love and have Love cover as a safety like I already know they will.
Defensive Playbook change to CHI- M. Nagy- This makes too much sense to me. Who plays FS in the Bears playbook? Eddie Jackson. Whos the new starting FS for the Giants? Xav McKinney. This is another mix it up type pick if you don't want your Giants defense to look the same as last year. Arguably a top interior DL. Who knows what the LBs will actually be for them so this allows you to mix it up via formation subs if you want to try to confuse that offense. Jabrill Peppers should play better as the Bears Dplaybook has HAHA Clinton Dix playing in the box a lot with man coverage. "Big Nickel" formation will bring starting SS into the box like a linebacker. If your depth chart is set properly you will bring Peppers into the Box sub out a LB for Julian Love and have Love cover as a safety like I already know they will.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to LAC- A. Lynn- This one is tricky but one thing is for sure, plugging Tom Brady into plays designed for Jameis Winston is not a good idea. The Chargers playbook is a pro style offense, typical to what Brady has done for 20 years, emphasizes big athletic WRs on the outside and a lot of different looks for multiple tight end positions on the depth chart. After playing a game with this I was sold. You may see extra attention to whoever is playing RB because of Melvin Gordon but since Brady has relied heavily on his backs for 20 years, I don’t think this is a stretch for TB this year.
Defensive Playbook- Doesn’t need to change. Lots of 3-4 and 4-4 to utilize those young quick LBs like they are already designed to do in TB.
Defensive Playbook- Doesn’t need to change. Lots of 3-4 and 4-4 to utilize those young quick LBs like they are already designed to do in TB.
Washington Redskins;
Spoiler
Offensive Playbook change to CAR – Ron Rivera is WASH’s new Head Coach, Haskins will get Cam Newton’s plays and behave more like himself than Alex Smith. (WAS default playbook) Current Redskins Playbook is more for Alex Smith than Haskins so this change will make Washington’s offense more formidable as well as utilizing multiple offensive looks. Some really nice zone runs for Adrian Peterson.
Defensive Playbook change to JAX- Defense is switching to 4-3 from 3-4 this year. Chase Young will get Yannick Ngakoue’s role in the defense. This will also bring allow new LB Thomas Davis to play in his UP-Linebacker role, similar to the one he played in Carolina. Since I have the Jags using a different defensive playbook this makes even more sense.
Defensive Playbook change to JAX- Defense is switching to 4-3 from 3-4 this year. Chase Young will get Yannick Ngakoue’s role in the defense. This will also bring allow new LB Thomas Davis to play in his UP-Linebacker role, similar to the one he played in Carolina. Since I have the Jags using a different defensive playbook this makes even more sense.
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