Since EA never releases explanations I have done some testing in practice mode. You can't test in game because play calls and defense calls have dramatic effects on sacks and interceptions (test it out yourself, I can sack the AI every time if coverage lines up). All testing was comparing set plays and changes observed. You can see my statistics and sliders thread for the actual tests if you wish.
Threshold: Lowering this increases HB and WR speed against LB but generally won't have much effect on WR vs CB interactions unless there is a significant speed mismatch. Potentially could muck up other parts of the game such as pass rush, open recievers etc... Adjust to extremes at your own risk.
QB accuracy: Effects incomplete passes. It does not effect decision making or choices same distribution of short, medium and long passes. On further testing QB accuracy does not effect scrambling it was an error of too few samples. If you combine very low QB ACC 5-15 range with wide open passes (low pass coverage and high pass reaction you may get the results you are looking for).
Pass blocking: No discernable effect this year in AI vs AI interactions. It does markedly change the outcome of the players button press to beat the CPU offensive lineman blocking him. This stupid decision by EA porks the entire blocking slider. I set for CPU at 100 that way if I want to play DE it isn't too easy (you only win 30-40% of the time instead of 50% on default).
WR catching: Does what it says and increases or decreases drops
Run blocking: Raising this slider increases YPC and reduces TFL stats in game. Use to assist AI run game only after you adjust tackles.
Fumbles: Works but hard to quantify. The lower the number the more the fumbling.
Reaction time: This effects the reaction to the ball in the air and within the zones in zone defense. It also appears to boost the acceleration statistic of defenders to regain position. It has no effect on sacks but the lower the slider the better the defense and the more interceptions and deflections. Has no effects on play action or other trick plays. Summary: Higher reaction time makes the defense looser and reduces interceptions and deflections and increases YAC. Lower setting makes the defense tighter and increases INT and DEFL
Interceptions: Has no discernable effect on pass coverage. It does seem to control how often the AI drops the pass. Reaction seems to have more of an effect on closing to the pass.
Pass coverage: Effects route running statistic of the WR vs coverage statistic of the CB most likely. Has 2 impacts. 1) It controls the number of coverage sacks when zone offense is called (i.e. no one is open). 2) It cause defenders to visually make the wrong cut on cutting plays (outs, post, slants) and generate space. Reduce this slider to result in more open reciever's and less quarterback sacks particularly against zone.
Tackling: Used to generate more broken tackles. The lower the more broken tackles and big plays.
Threshold: Lowering this increases HB and WR speed against LB but generally won't have much effect on WR vs CB interactions unless there is a significant speed mismatch. Potentially could muck up other parts of the game such as pass rush, open recievers etc... Adjust to extremes at your own risk.
QB accuracy: Effects incomplete passes. It does not effect decision making or choices same distribution of short, medium and long passes. On further testing QB accuracy does not effect scrambling it was an error of too few samples. If you combine very low QB ACC 5-15 range with wide open passes (low pass coverage and high pass reaction you may get the results you are looking for).
Pass blocking: No discernable effect this year in AI vs AI interactions. It does markedly change the outcome of the players button press to beat the CPU offensive lineman blocking him. This stupid decision by EA porks the entire blocking slider. I set for CPU at 100 that way if I want to play DE it isn't too easy (you only win 30-40% of the time instead of 50% on default).
WR catching: Does what it says and increases or decreases drops
Run blocking: Raising this slider increases YPC and reduces TFL stats in game. Use to assist AI run game only after you adjust tackles.
Fumbles: Works but hard to quantify. The lower the number the more the fumbling.
Reaction time: This effects the reaction to the ball in the air and within the zones in zone defense. It also appears to boost the acceleration statistic of defenders to regain position. It has no effect on sacks but the lower the slider the better the defense and the more interceptions and deflections. Has no effects on play action or other trick plays. Summary: Higher reaction time makes the defense looser and reduces interceptions and deflections and increases YAC. Lower setting makes the defense tighter and increases INT and DEFL
Interceptions: Has no discernable effect on pass coverage. It does seem to control how often the AI drops the pass. Reaction seems to have more of an effect on closing to the pass.
Pass coverage: Effects route running statistic of the WR vs coverage statistic of the CB most likely. Has 2 impacts. 1) It controls the number of coverage sacks when zone offense is called (i.e. no one is open). 2) It cause defenders to visually make the wrong cut on cutting plays (outs, post, slants) and generate space. Reduce this slider to result in more open reciever's and less quarterback sacks particularly against zone.
Tackling: Used to generate more broken tackles. The lower the more broken tackles and big plays.
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