How are special teams in the next-gen versions?

[ChiTownKid]

If I buy Madden this year, it'll be the first "next-gen" version that I've purchased. I played 08 on PC, and the last 5 or so versions on the original XBox.

One of my biggest beefs with the last few games was the abysmal special teams play; particularly the ease at which one could force the CPU to fair catch. On almost every punt, I could have a defender down the field fast enough to force a fair catch 95% of the time. In most games, the CPU would never get punt return yards.

Also, the return blocking left a LOT to be desired, whether for the user, or the AI.

Is this something I can expect to continue in with Madden 09 for the 360?

[wryly]

If NCAA is an indicator:

- Punting and field goals are ridiculously easy.
- Punt returns and kick returns are ridiculously easy.

[xV3L0CiTY]

With the stats Ian posted it looks pretty realistic. It is nothing like NCAA.

Although there will be a patch to fix kickoffs I believe because they are slightly in favor of the return team.

[SA1NT401]

VERY easy. In my first complete NCAA season on heisman with slider adjustments. My CB won returner of the year....6 PR td's and 5 KR TD's. (had a run of 5 str8 games with a PR TD) Not to mention he was hurt for 3 games and my WR had 2 PR TD's and 1 KR TD.

So.....Thats 8 PR for TD's in 1 yr and 6 KR TD's.....Friggin silly.

BTW, my Defense had 8 TD on returned INT's and 2 by way of FR for TD's.

So thats 14 (lol) special teams TD's and 10 Defensive TD's (lol)
Realism at its best!

Hope madden is different.