Operation Sports Forums - Is ALL MADDEN ALL cheating??!...

If you go to the setting and look at the descriptions of each level, when you get to "All-Madden", it says something to the effect of "makes your opponent almost impossible to stop." The developers on a podcast even had a chuckle when asked about the level... I believe it was Donny with the response of "yeah, they're juiced on All-Madden."

Madden should give you the biggest challenge, in that the computer should play its smartest against you, but that apparently is impossible, so in order to compete, the CPU players have built in advantages in strength, block shedding and breaking tackles.

With all that being said, it's the only level I play on. You're going to get a few come in here and say, don't bother, but you can manage if you know where the CPU is going to try to exploit you. First, make sure you've got all the patches.

Run Game: the scourge this year is the instant rip/swim move from the interior linemen, not just elite guys, but it seems almost every interior lineman is capable of this. Take note of how the CPU is playing you. I have almost completely taken and singleback formations out of my run game. I almost always run with a fullback in front of me because he can pick up the shedding lineman. Choose a playbook that has plenty of variations of power-o. I've tried a few that with more zone run-type plays and it's the same problem. The D-line gets too much penetration, so power-o with pulling guards, then coming back with dives regularly gives me the top rushing attack in the league... not to mention draw plays are killer when you set them up. If the CPU is stacking the box and crowing the middle, I keep a quick toss sweep in my audible set. These are good gains when the CPU sells out on blitzes up the middle.

Passing game: the CPU is going to blitz a LOT no matter who you play, unless you adjust the gameplans, so there will be holes. If you are getting a lot of pressure, change up your protection scheme by leaving in backs and TEs to pick up rushers. It'll make a world of difference, especially on third down.

Drops: Oh, and if you aren't going to user catch, then as soon as you throw the ball, get your fingers off the buttons, and the left stick. It seems like any bit of input from the controller will cause your player to drop the ball, almost as if they're turning up the field before securing the catch. It'll help a little.

On defense: focus on doing your job and good playcalling. I try to work from either a 4-3 over/under. Under for 2 TE sets, Over for 2 back stuff. 4-3 normal is just a changeup for me now. I play as the MLB and I focus on just controlling my gap. You read the guard in front of you and let him take you to the ball. Against the elite backs, they're going to do some miraculous sh!t. I just try to weather the storm. It gets frustrating because my interior linemen don't always penetrate or keep my linebacker clean like they should, but if you can master shedding blocks, you'll kill.

With the passing game, focus on where the CPU is hitting you. If it's over the middle from 3 wide sets, I try to call a cover 1 or 2. 2 Man Under is designed for the CBs to play outside leverage, whereas cover 1 your guys will try to play more inside. Cover 3 is good for deep middle stuff and if they're hitting the flats, but anything quick over the middle like slants will have you throwing the controller. Once, again if you're playing zone, just execute your assignment. You'll eventually recognize route combo's, but if you chase too much off the back, you'll leave wide open holes. When you start to handle the CPU consistently, then you can start to bring a little pressure. Bring it too soon and too often and the CPU will pick you apart.

And if you're in a 4-3, use the "pass" d-line adjustment whenever you feel a pass coming. Your ends will get up field better and the QB will tend to get rid of the ball quicker, even if you don't get the sack.