I just wanted to bump this up, because I actually missed the good discussion that took place after the first post.
I like that the play recognition attribute was brought up, along side my inquiry to the awareness attribute. I've also seen people refer to the awareness attribute being only for simming. It seems like most disagree with this, at least in this thread, and it's good to get some clarity on the awareness attribute.
One thing I always make sure of is that my LBs have a somewhat respectable play recognition rating (not to mention a high tackle rating), as I feel like it prevents them from biting on a PA fake more often than not, whether they are in zone or man coverage. I also find it somewhat important to my strong safety, but I don't focus on it as much with my SS, as I do with my LBs.
I'm glad to hear awareness actually affects the DBs play on the ball in various ways. I feel like the mid 70 to mid 80 range is a good spot for awareness, then I start saving up XP and working on more of their ZCV and MCV attirbutes, with a very slight increase to their tackling attribute.
I feel like tackling in the low 70's for DBs is needed (most of my DBs have tackle in the 60's), as I hate it when a RB makes to the backfield, only to shed a tackle by one of my DBs, then goes on for a big gain or a long TD.
Of course, for my free safety I save my XP for higher ZCV, and not so much on tackling, but I think low 70's in tackling could work well there as well, seeing how he is typically the last man of defense, on a RB that makes it deep into the backfield.
So, the attribute order for DBs, specifically CBs as well (when their attributes are low in some of these categories), it goes AWR, MCV or ZCV, then a slight upgrade to tackling. Play recognition might also be not too bad, as maybe a CB will also bite early on a PA fake while covering a WR. I'd like to have that one figured out, to see if it's worth upgrading for a CB.
So, in your opinion, does that sound about right, where to allocate XP when further developing DBs and LBs in a CFM?