How to implement audibles

[havlen]

One of my biggest gripes about the actual games in Head Coach -- outside of the completely bonkered defining moments -- is how in many ways Madden has more gameday strategy involved in it than Head Coach, which is supposed to be the strategic version.

This is because there is so much strategy involved in audibles. For example, calling a run play from a 3 or 4 WR set, seeing the defense is stacked against the run, and audibling to a pass play -- a standard strategy in the NFL, easy enough to emulate in Madden, impossible in Head Coach.

In thinking about how the next version of Head Coach might implement audibles and do so in a fun way that encompasses the spirit of the game, I came up with this system:

A head coach is allowed x number of times that they can direct the QB on doing something. This can be calling and audible or putting a player in motion.

Based on their learning skill, the QB has a chance to 'learn' that audible or WR motion and thus the next time they see a similar formation on defense when that particular play is called they will automatically perform the audible/motion.

(This also solves the issue with the QB putting a WR in motion when they shouldn't.)

I think it would be a great addition and a way to add audibles into the game in a strategic and player-progression sort of way.

[jweaks]

Being able to stop the play and implement other changes like a hot route and not being able to audible is... well... kind of nuts.

A very simple and elegant solution would be to simply allow the head coach to designate which plays are audibles and when they should be executed. In other words you could "teach" your QB that if you called a 3WR/Singleback running play and the defense does not spread out to cover than he goes to a preset passing play and vice-versa. It really shouldn't be hard for the QB to do that without coaching intervention. You should tie in the QB's skill levels with how well he actually does it.

The exectuion isn't difficult... eight in the box? pass it... uncovered receiver? pass it... dime package on third and two? run it.

If the HC allows him and the QB's skill is high enough, let him call REAL AUDIBLES.