The system definitely needs work. Here's an idea proposed by EvilSonGoku that I like. This is my take on it...
Instead of being able to sweep the field with the cone using the right analog stick, the cone would be facing your primary receiver at the snap (as it does now) but moving the right analog stick would "lock on" to the next reciever. So say you're running quads (2 left and 2 right) with the primary receiver to the far left. You snap the ball; the cone is on the primary receiver, far left. When you move the right thumbstick to the right it would "lock into position" on the next receiver, instead you having to "sweep it into position" like you do now. Players like Ramsey would still have their proper limitations because they'd more than likely still only have one guy within the cone at any given time, whereas Peyton Manning types would still have multiple ones in there. The ability to "oversweep the cone" would be eliminated. That's the problem with guys with narrow cones.
Also, Steelaz1966 and I kinda worked this out on the ESPN thread. This is what I'd like to see (hopefully in an ESPN game, but I'll play the best game, regardless.
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It gets rid of actually seeing a cone(flashlight, lol.):
Basically it calls for additional animations. Visually, you'd actually see the QB turning and setting up to throw to whatever receiver. All receiver icons are grayed out (like a watermark) except the primary receiver who you start off "locked" on. His icon is
bold. If you want to pass to the "watermark" receiver, then you hit the button once to "turn and set up" (now HIS icon is bold) and again to throw it. You would need to do this equally with all QB's, the difference being that QB's with high Awareness will physically "turn and set up" quicker. Basically I just want there to be a delay in going from primary to secondary receiver.
This way, you couldn't "master" the system by becoming adept at button presses. Again, like the above idea, you'd only be hampered by your virtual QB's limitations, not your lack of button mashing skills.