EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

[mattlanta]

Every single year, EA makes the mistake of thinking that the "DT" position on the depth chart is one universal position to fill. The best starting DT would play DT1 and the second best DT2, etc. etc. But what they don't realize I think is that the DT position is split into two positions - nose tackle and under tackle. Keep in mind that this does not pertain to defenses who play 3-4 as those defenses only have one type of DT and that's a nose tackle.

Anyways, like I was saying, the DT is split into two different positions. They are still DT's, don't get me wrong... I just think EA should start making them separate positions next time around.

Because in Madden, DT1 on the depth chart plays under tackle, while DT2 plays nose tackle. This is wrong because Albert Haynesworth is first on the DT depth chart so in Madden he plays UT, but in real life, Haynesworth plays NT. So in order for him to play NT in Madden, you have to put him at DT2. Which means he will not be on the field on three-man rushes because they would only have the RE1, LE1, and DT1 (which is remember, the UT), on the field.

I don't know how to really explain it... I'm not that good with explaining, but tell me if anyone else gets what I'm saying and if anyone else is wondering why EA just doesn't split the DT position up into two separate positions.

[Obelysk]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

Every single year, EA makes the mistake of thinking that the "DT" position on the depth chart is one universal position to fill. The best starting DT would play DT1 and the second best DT2, etc. etc. But what they don't realize I think is that the DT position is split into two positions - nose tackle and under tackle. Keep in mind that this does not pertain to defenses who play 3-4 as those defenses only have one type of DT and that's a nose tackle.

Anyways, like I was saying, the DT is split into two different positions. They are still DT's, don't get me wrong... I just think EA should start making them separate positions next time around.

Because in Madden, DT1 on the depth chart plays under tackle, while DT2 plays nose tackle. This is wrong because Albert Haynesworth is first on the DT depth chart so in Madden he plays UT, but in real life, Haynesworth plays NT. So in order for him to play NT in Madden, you have to put him at DT2. Which means he will not be on the field on three-man rushes because they would only have the RE1, LE1, and DT1 (which is remember, the UT), on the field.

I don't know how to really explain it... I'm not that good with explaining, but tell me if anyone else gets what I'm saying and if anyone else is wondering why EA just doesn't split the DT position up into two separate positions.

Actually, no, the starting DT plays the NT and the second one plays Under Tackle. The Under tackle plays on the weak side of the formation (hence the "under") usually on top of the left guard. But I completely agree with your post thought, this needs to get looked at.

[mattlanta]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

Actually, no, the starting DT plays the NT and the second one plays Under Tackle. The Under tackle plays on the weak side of the formation (hence the "under") usually on top of the left guard. But I completely agree with your post thought, this needs to get looked at.

I don't think so ... just to make sure we're on the right page here ... NT plays next to the RE.

Spoiler

D-LINE: RE - NT - UT - LE
O-LINE: LT - LG - C - RG - RT
(from bird's eye view)

[Obelysk]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

I was always under the impression that the NT plays the A gap between the RG and C while the 3 technique plays on top of the LG. Just looking at this article to me it seems that way at least:

http://www.trojanfootballanalysis.com/43_under_blitz_schemes.html

[mattlanta]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

I was always under the impression that the NT plays the A gap between the RG and C while the 3 technique plays on top of the LG. Just looking at this article to me it seems that way at least:

http://www.trojanfootballanalysis.co...z_schemes.html

I think it depends on the system but most 4-3's have their NT lined up to their RE.

[Flamehead]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

I get what you're saying. I'm a Titans fan, and when playing with Albert Haynesworth (last year, for example), by default he would be lined up as the left defensive tackle, i.e., DT1, on the depth chart.

In order for him to correctly play as the right defensive tackle, I would have to make him the DT2.

[AboveTheRim]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

Defensive Tackles are useless in Madden, sometime and I mean sometimes I can get off a tackle and stuff someone running the ball. We need real blocking and DL

[Hootiefish]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

Madden needs to get rid of their archaic position system as a whole.

WR1, WR2, RB1, ROLB, LOLB ... none of these positions actually exist!

We need positions based off of the specific offense, we need D-Line rotations, LB rotations, etc.

And we've needed it for a long time.

[Dmacho]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

I was always under the impression that the NT plays the A gap between the RG and C while the 3 technique plays on top of the LG. Just looking at this article to me it seems that way at least:

http://www.trojanfootballanalysis.co...z_schemes.html

That would make sense as teams usually like to run to the strong side of the formation. The RT is more physical, where as the LT is more atheletic and a better pass blocker. TEs usually lines up on the right side of the formation; it makes more sense for the NT, the most physical DT, to line up between the C and RG.

[mattlanta]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

That would make sense as teams usually like to run to the strong side of the formation. The RT is more physical, where as the LT is more atheletic and a better pass blocker. TEs usually lines up on the right side of the formation; it makes more sense for the NT, the most physical DT, to line up between the C and RG.

That makes sense ... but that's not usually the case. Most NFL teams have their weaker but better pass rusher lining up between the C and the RG (under tackle) while their nose tackles are lining up between the C and the LG (nose tackle).

[Dmacho]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

Defensive Tackles are useless in Madden, sometime and I mean sometimes I can get off a tackle and stuff someone running the ball. We need real blocking and DL

There's never any push whether it's the DT getting pushed back by the olineman, or the DT pushing the Olineman into the backfield. DT's as well as Olineman are irrelevant in Madden 10.

[mjacks10]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

That makes sense ... but that's not usually the case. Most NFL teams have their weaker but better pass rusher lining up between the C and the RG (under tackle) while their nose tackles are lining up between the C and the LG (nose tackle).

I agree with this. So does Ross Tucker.

Without question the most difficult of the interior line positions, right guards are most likely to be left one-on-one with an elite inside rusher. The predominance of teams to slide their center to the left to protect the quarterback's blind side creates a greater value for the right guard position.

On LGs:

All of these players are considered upper echelon and likely grade out among the highest linemen on their respective teams. Part of that is because they are good players, but a lot of it has to do with the fact they are much more likely to receive help from the center and thus less likely to create a negative play. The formula is simple: Less one-on-ones against defensive linemen means less chances to give up a sack or pressure.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ross_tucker/04/02/oline.rankings/1.html

Generally your two gap DT lines up against the LG, and your pass rusher is on the RG. It doesn't really matter as far as the game goes, but I tend to set my depth chart based on the insight I gained from this article among others.

[marcus82]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

I am a firm believer that there is actually very little football logic used in the programming of defensive front seven. Linebackers don't scrape to the ball, and no one maintains any sense of gap control defense.

So I haven't tested what ur talking about in your original post but it wouldn't surprise me. There are four distinct positions on the DL. Why madden devs don't incorporate into the game is a mystery.

[Palo20]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

I agree the OP other than the fact that there is no strong and weak side in Madden so it doesn't really matter. Teams that use a true NT will have him on the center and then the UT on the strong side of the formation.

Then many teams will have strong and weak DEs: better pass rusher on the weak side.

Until Madden recognizes strong and weak side it pretty much won't matter.

[z ROCKnROLLA z]

Re: EA's misunderstanding of the DT's in a depth chart

ok so the result its to put ur #1 DT at #2.

My understanding is that the NT lines up next to the RE.

check the link out its quiet clear here!!!

http://football.calsci.com/DefensiveLine.html