Can someone answer a few questions...

[fistofrage]

I need a few answers before I decide to buy this game or not...
1. How is the stat engine? Does it mirror the real NFL or are there quirks?
2. Are FG's automatic
3. How are special teams? Is the AI capable of returning punts and kick-offs for TD's?
4. Does the AI run the ball?
5. Can you get realistic results in play now games? AI pounding the ball and getting a decent running game going when they have the lead or do they pass too much and Robo QB comes out, etc.

Thanks.

[Gordy748]

1. A few quirks, e.g. 1/2 tackles don't count in Madden.
2. FG's aren't automatic but they're a basic button hit.
3. Occasionally they do. Not sure if this is as often as IRL.
4. Yes, in fact it's reasonably good at it.
5. Depends how much you have modified the game. Custom game plans help a lot. In standard, the AI offense is better than defense (defense has fat too many house blitzes you can spot and pass over for TDs). But the game play is still pretty bad, e.g. if the AI is up by 10 in the last 2 minutes of the half, they will still play hurry-up offense and try to deep pass. And I've never seen the AI clock manage well (5 minutes left, they're up by 5, they're still passing the ball).

If you're playing offline, getting Madden 10 from a parts bin will save you a lot of money, and if you want a good sports game, NHL 11 is a lot of fun. Either way, rent NFL11 and see if you can live with it.