What is the consensus on the 3-4?

[DreaIVIS]

I find that the cpu AI does not know how to use the 3-4 AT all. If they did, Ware and Harrison would not be getting 4-6 sacks a season in franchise mode.

When I am playing a human player though, the scheme plays a bit more effectively since he does not know which OLB I am blitzing with so it is a bit more effective.

They need to change the AI for 3-4 DE and NT to take up blockers and blow up plays rather than solely attempting to rush the passer. EA also needs to make SEPARATE depth charts for the mike and sam linebackers.

CPU logic in terms of drafting for the 3-4 is also broken, I saw the Steelers drafting a 250lb RE and plugging him on the line.

[KRS-One]

Quote: Originally Posted by Whammer

Why does everyone think that in the NFL the NT draws a double team all the time? If 1 person can block him then why would any team waste another blocker? It's not like it's a rule that the NT must be double teamed.

Go watch any elite 3-4 NT play...they consistently (i.e. >50% of the time) draw a double-team, and when they aren't double-teamed, this happens: Link

[Steel_Tattooed]

Quote: Originally Posted by KRS-One

Go watch any elite 3-4 NT play...they consistently (i.e. >50% of the time) draw a double-team, and when they aren't double-teamed, this happens

I agree completely, although I loathe the Ratbirds, Ngata, Jamal Willams of the Chargers, Vince Wilfork of the Pats*** and Casey Hampton of the Steelers are true space eaters that command a double team 40% of the time from above average Offensive Lines and more than 50% of the time from average to mediocre Offensive Lines.

As I was playing in practice mode earlier today, i decided to lab with the Steelers (of course) on D against the Bills. The Bills C was easily containing Hampton by himself the whole time. This is simply an outrage! Call me a Homer, but, I'm sure it would happen with any of the previously mentioned NT's as well.

What truly irks me about this iteration of the game is the attention to detail (ie. towels and cleats, which are truly amazing) yet, not even getting simple football Defensive Line/Offensive Line blocking/interaction anywhere near realistic for the 3-4.

I believe this was implemented with the earlier versions of Madden when the 3-4 was much less common in the NFL (the early 90's). It seems that although the ranking for the aforementioned players will most undoubtedly be on the higher end for their position, the ratings mean nothing if the physics don't come into play.

What is even more ugly about this is that if the team you play is a natural 3-4, implementing a 4-3 defense (to strictly stay competitive) actually hinders your team because your heralded NT will be a mediocre DT in a 4-3 because they are not quick nor agile enough to play this position.

Please EA fix this(I KNOW it won't happen this year, but seriously its a GLARING problem), its ruining the game when half the teams in the league are now utilizing this scheme and cannot compete or put up realistic numbers compared to a decent 4-3.

[MikeGiani]

This really needs to be addressed. I can't believe they didn't fix this.

[DreaIVIS]

bummmmmmmp

[MAzing87]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fu Man Ching

Thank you. I was thinking the same thing. A lot of the guys in 3-4 will get double teamed but that matters how the center can handle him.

If the NT is a force on defense, then he should get double teamed. How many NFL centers can block Albert Haynesworth all on his own or any of the true NTs in the game? People are not saying that the NT should always get double teamed. It's a glaring issue that's been in this game for so long.

[Luca Brasi]

Quote: Originally Posted by crob8822

My Question is are the outside linebackers gettiing heat on the quarterback. I.E James Harrison Pittsburgh Steelers, Shawn Merriman San Diego, DeMarcus Ware Dallas Cowboys or are they getting picked up by the tackles or the blocking back?

This. I would hope that while i was using the Steelers Harrison would get double digit sack totals. Even Woodley on the other side. I don't want to see Aaron Smith leading my team in sacks lol

[fourthreemafia]

Quote: Originally Posted by Luca Brasi

This. I would hope that while i was using the Steelers Harrison would get double digit sack totals. Even Woodley on the other side. I don't want to see Aaron Smith leading my team in sacks lol

I simmed a season. Harrison had 11.5 sacks. Aaron Smith had 8.5. Woodley had 5. Shawne Merriman had 4.5. Demarcus FREAKING Ware had 3.

There were a bunch of 3-4 DEs and 4-3 MLBs with more sacks than some of the best 3-4 OLBs.

The only time I ever got sacks with my OLBs in game is when the opposing QB holds onto the ball forever and rolls out. Other than that, nil.

Sad really.