Throwing the ball downfield.

[Gagnon39]

There have been many instances where my receiver(s) have had a few steps on the defender. I've noticed it and tried to get them the ball. Despite my best attempts at holding the left analog stick up and trying to lead the receiver, the ball is thrown short every single time no matter what, often resulting in an interception because my receiver continues upfield and does not react.

This is understandable once or twice, but to never get the ball to him is a little ridiculous. Heck, I'd be happy with throwing it 15 yards in front of him for an incomplete pass.

Hopefully I'm just not doing something right. Is there any way to get the ball out in front of your receivers and hit them in stride when they've got a step on a defender?

[Old Mr T]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

I'm getting Madden on PS4 soon so I'd be interested to know if anyone else has this issue or has a solution/fix?

[The_Rick_14]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

This would happen to me in previous gen too and the majority of the time I was simply throwing too late.

[4thQtrStre5S]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

I believe EA/Tiburon wants people to "user" catch on those big bomb plays. I also find that doing the basic "tap" for a lob pass helps as opposed to flicking/pushing up on the left analog stick.

I would suggest going into practice mode and getting the timing down...Timing really does play a role in those long pass plays to streak and fade routes.

[purplerat]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

Are you stepping up into the pocket to throw or are you doing like everybody does in CG where they drop back 20 yards and scramble like a chicken with their head cut off before launching a perfect bomb?

[Only1LT]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

I agree, it's pretty bad.

Pushing up doesn't seem to lead the ball more. I've found more success with aiming the throw to the sideline. When I do that, it both leads the receiver more and puts it near the sideline. Often times it goes over the defender for a completion. The times it doesn't, the defender usually can't make a play on it at all. It's just caught by the receiver just out of bounds.

Passing needs a major overhaul from this tired tethering.

[KANE699]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

Don't throw off your back foot, step up in the pocket and press up and lightly tap the button really quick, you should see the desired result pretty consistently with a good QB.

[purplerat]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

Don't throw off your back foot, step up in the pocket and press up and lightly tap the button really quick, you should see the desired result pretty consistently with a good QB.

This is what I was getting at in my post. I realized this fairly quickly that you can't throw off your back foot in this game and expect good results. Not just on the deep ball. I had a few passes out to curl routes where the throw floated due to my QB not being in position to make a good throw which gave the DB plenty of time to make a play on the ball.

[vidal5150]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

When I throw deep I tend to use the LB button which puts I a little more air to the ball and it works for me! New controls state that LB for a high pass and LT for a low pass!

[Therebelyell626]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

Honestly I am noticing timing being a huge factor on routes this year even on go routes. When you time the route and hit a running over the shoulder catch just out of the defenders reach, when the animation kicks in it is a thing of beauty let me tell you.

But to address the OP. Yes there are times when I time a go route perfect and I am like "why did my 95 thp qb struggle to throw the ball 28 yards downfield". Then there are times where I huck it 68 yards and my receiver just aggressive catch snatches the ball away from the defender. Even little guys like ty Hilton de Sean Jackson.

[Pmaloney15]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

I have been getting much better with the deep ball this year on PS4... Double tapping the players icon supposedly lead them but I have gotten MUCH better at taking control of my WR and making a play. Ive noticed the aggressive catch is the way to go even when the intent is to RAC.

[SilverBullet19]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

Honestly I am noticing timing being a huge factor on routes this year even on go routes. When you time the route and hit a running over the shoulder catch just out of the defenders reach, when the animation kicks in it is a thing of beauty let me tell you.

But to address the OP. Yes there are times when I time a go route perfect and I am like "why did my 95 thp qb struggle to throw the ball 28 yards downfield". Then there are times where I huck it 68 yards and my receiver just aggressive catch snatches the ball away from the defender. Even little guys like ty Hilton de Sean Jackson.

This is all good info, timing is very key now which is true to real life. It does not, however, really matter as much for throw power. Deep accuracy is the key here. For example, with Dak, I miss most deep passes because he has lower deep accuracy.


Stand the pocket so your QB has a foot to plant on. Depending on separation, either give it a tap for a touch pass or left trigger/L2 (depending on system) for a high point. Then use the aggressive catch button if there is a defender even somewhat nearby. This game wants those deep balls to be a user move to catch them.

I hit Ezekiel Elliott on a wheel route 40 yards downfield. He took it in stride for 75 yards and a TD. It was great. Deep passing is tougher, overall though.

[canes21]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

I feel this may be a timing issue. I haven't noticed any fall short consistently if my guy has a step, I've only noticed that if I throw the ball while he's in the middle of an animation where he is going to get a step that thr QB will throw the ball way back behind him towards the OL for an easy INT. If I throw it right after the collision animation is done and he's got the step its either completed or overthrown every time.

[vstro]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

Don't throw off your back foot, step up in the pocket and press up and lightly tap the button really quick, you should see the desired result pretty consistently with a good QB.

Appreciate the input. I'm wondering If I'm just standing still is that ok? Or do I have to actually take a step forward?

[scitychamps87]

Re: Throwing the ball downfield.

I'm finding the passing game this year takes some time to adjust to. But, when you do it is absolutely beautiful and incredibly true to life in terms of timing, pocket presence, making sure you properly place the ball, and route running. I usually enjoy Madden, so take that as you will...but I think this is one of the more polished Madden games we've played in quite a while.

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