Hooked on Phonix
This next section is definately a situation in which the video game can't replicate real life. What should the defense read so that they know where to go? Some teams read running backs, some read lineman. Some are going to change the read based on the formation (both offensive and defensive).
That just isn't practical in a video game, for several reasons. 1) That would be a lot of time to make sure the linebackers are reading guards against THIS formation if they are aligned in THIS formation, but they read THATif we come out in THIS and so forth. 2) Who cares? As long as the read is consistant (based on ability of course) it really doesn't matter does it?
This is also an area where one of the most under-used ratings in the game, play-recognition, can finally shine.
The ability to "play fast" is what keeps a lot of veterans in the league. You look at linebackers like Zach Thomas and Bill Romanoski and you see guys who stay in the NFL well after their physical skills should allow them too. Likewise, there are plenty of washouts, especially on the defensive line, who just can't react to the NFL speed.
For Madden purposes I believe every defensive player should read an offensive lineman. For the defensive line that is simple, you react to what the man you are aligned over you does. If he pass sets, you pass rush. If he downblocks, you squeeze. If he zones, you penetrate.
Linebackers should react similarly. If our outside linebacker see's the TE and tackle downblock, he knows he has a gap exchange with the DE and he gets moving. If the mike sees the center block back, it's a power, get over the top. If the mike see's the center zone, get in your gap.
Safeties should be reading a lineman as well, since they have an important role int he run defense, which I'll talk about soon. They should be reading the End Man on the Line of Scrimmage (EMOLS). That is, the TE (if there is one) or the tackle. Downblock, get ready to play the spill from the DE and LB. If they zone, play the force or the cutback (depending on the direction of course). Pass set? Play the pass.
What about Play-Action
This is an interesting area, and something Madden hasn't gotten quite right. In a real game, a play action is used to target a specific defenders reaction. You don't fake an ISO and hope the corner bites up, why would he? That isn't his play.
As we discussed before, teams use a lot of different reads. Some read backs, some read lineman. NFL play-action varies based on those reads. The offense scouts the defense, tries to figure out the reads, and manipulate them. If they read backs, you'll see a good, long fake by the RB while the offensive line pass proections. Teams that read lineman might not even bother with a fake handoff, just have the offensive line run block, that should be enough.
This is an area where another key rating, awarenes, can play a role. I said earlier that the defense should read a lineman, and that play-recognition should be the rating they use. A DL with great play-recognition will always react properly. A DL with a poor
PR should not. But a slowness in reaction does not equate a WRONG reaction.
For example, a safety reading a PA zone run should react only to the offensive line. In theory, he would never fall for that play-action, which, of course, is inaccurate because there are a lot more play-actions than simply having the OL fake the zone run.
The awareness rating can act as a sort of "discipline" of sorts. Just because our safety is supposed to read the lineman doesn't mean he won't peak at a running back. Call it awareness, call it discipline, it's really the same thing. Some players will do what they are coached, some will get caught cheating.
This should also work in reverse. Maybe the whole line fakes the zone left, but our safety with high awareness should notice the difference between the real zone run and the fake one.
For other positions, such as the line and linebackers, this would also effect the reaction to the draw, a play which hasn't worked properly in Madden. If our ends read a pass block, they should rush upfield. However, some are going to notice the tackle letting them upfield and some will see the back meshing with the QB.
In practice this would so a few things:
1) Make the PRC and AWR ratings meaningful. A defensive lineman who doesn't squeeze isn't very useful, no matter how good of an athlete he is. Likewise, a poor athlete who is always in position is valuable.
2) Make defensive reactions predictable. You shouldn't have linebackers back pedal on a run right at them. You should have them shoot a gap sometimes, and ignore it the other.
3) Allow the offense the ability to attack certain defenders. If a DE has poor AWR, run the draw at him. If a certain LB has poor awr, run the PA at him.
02-15-2010, 09:37 PM
