Run blocking still needs work

[KBLover]

Quote: Originally Posted by wEEman33

Missed blocks like that are based more on bad AI than on how high or low the individual's player awareness is. That's why you see them happen all the time from just about every player that's involved in your blocking game, not just the bad players.

Then it definitely needs to be fixed.

Of course, it makes me wonder why EA puts things in that break their own AI...and then don't fix it.

[Valdarez]

There's a difference between blocking and pathing. The pathing is foobar at times.

[jyoung]

The actual blocking is just as bad.

Aside from the over-the-top pancake animations, the only other type of block you get in Madden 10 is the one where guys "kick out" the engaged defender.

While it's be an alright animation is certain situations, it usually just causes a lot of plays where the blocker "kicks out" a defender right into the player with the ball.

[NoLittleBabies]

Here is a second video showcasing the issues with 1-5-5 more blatantly. The RG and RT both have very clear assignments straight in front of them on a simply I-Set Iso run, and the two crucial LB that need blocked are completely ignored by the OL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnl3CmghWAU

(Sorry again for the horrible quality)

[Pared]

That shows me the OL isn't coded to look past the DL, at least initially.

Seems like they cue in on the one guy on the line and if there isn't any there, they get confused.

This is evident during pulls when they don't pick up guys on the outside and instead cut back and go after someone in the middle, giving a free shot at the RB.

Just needs to be worked on heavily.

[LBzrule]

Quote: Originally Posted by NoLittleBabies

Here is a second video showcasing the issues with 1-5-5 more blatantly. The RG and RT both have very clear assignments straight in front of them on a simply I-Set Iso run, and the two crucial LB that need blocked are completely ignored by the OL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnl3CmghWAU (Sorry again for the horrible quality)

It's not just the 1-5-5 that the OL struggles with. The OL also struggles with Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel Odd Split, Dollar, and Quarters. We have to be very careful though. To make the OL work, you have to also make the defense work right too. The defense needs run fits.

I think a big issue with this game is too much simplicity and not enough nuances. For instance, I like that they added the block shed rating. However, I do not think that they nuanced it enough to distinguish a defenders run block shed from his block shedding when he rushes the passer. Thus you have Casey Hampton going through 3 blockers in a matter of 3 seconds and putting pressure on the QB. Hate that.

For WR DB's same thing. You have a guy like let's say Antonio Bryant who has an 86 speed and let's say 92 route running. Well all the while he's running the route his speed should be 92 not 86. 86 should be his speed after he catches the ball and you are running with him down the field. But while he's running that route it needs to be 92. He needs to fly through his routes. The WR's run routes too slow in this game to me. So what this means is it would also apply to CB's. Say you have a CB who has 86 speed, 92 man coverage, 72 zone coverage. When you play zone, you better never call Cover 3 press or never press your zone if a 92 route run WR is running a fly route or else that WR should get over the top of that CB. Right now there are no consequences for having guys with bad position skill ratings in particular pre-snap positions.

There are also no consequences for pressing good WRs with mediocre press cover CB's. This type of stuff needs to change. All that is needed is for them to nuance things so that there are many more consequences and benefits of you learning your personnel.


OL same thing. The linemen pull too slow because of the universal speed rating. However, if their speed rating when they pull was run block footwork rating then they would get to that edge faster and pick that block up.

[LBzrule]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

That shows me the OL isn't coded to look past the DL, at least initially. Seems like they cue in on the one guy on the line and if there isn't any there, they get confused. This is evident during pulls when they don't pick up guys on the outside and instead cut back and go after someone in the middle, giving a free shot at the RB. Just needs to be worked on heavily.

This is exactly why using Nickel 335, Dollar, and Quarters work so well. Call Show blitz to bring 8 in the box. But the guys that come in the box from the secondary or in either deep zone, buzz zone (NB and DB) or flats. Once their are in the box the linemen focus on them, but on the snap those players bail out and now the linemen are confused and they either stand around and do nothing or they will go chasing after those guys opening up huge lanes for the ordinary box defenders to run right in and drop your RB for a loss.

[KBLover]

While I understand the OL shouldn't be so easily confused, isn't that part of why those formations were developed in real life? The 1-5-5 disguises who the rushers will be - there's a bunch of guys standing up - any number of them could be blitzing or could be in coverage.

Same for the 3-3-5, who's the 4th rusher? Where will he be coming from? Who's dropping in coverage?

The show blitz confusion sounds a lot like what aggressive defenses do in real life to confuse the QB's reads and the protection assignments. Another way to disguise the 4th/5th rusher - they ALL look like they are coming - so who is and who isn't?

I wouldn't want THOSE nuances out of Madden any more than I want the OL to be confused on an dog and pony trick that looks anything different than a 4-3 set.