[rocknroll1968]

One thing that really screws up sliders is what I call the "will of the AI".

With ever slider set i've tried, there's always been the issue of what the AI wants to let you or the CPU team get away with.

Making throws with anticipation is one area that is affected by AI will. On a slant route, say the OLB is moving to the outside and the CB is moving back into a deep zone. You should be able to make the throw just as your WR passes behind the LB moving to the outside. However, the AI will often counter your leading the pass with the Left analog stick and instead make it a b-line pass that forces the WR to stop in his tracks to wait for the ball instead of hitting him in stride. The LB happens to be right in this b-line and either swats or picks the ball.

As well, AI will will prevent you from making tackles in certain situations. At times when the AI wants prevent you from making a stop, they will cause your player to slow down, like their a force field around the ball carrier preventing you from impeding their progress.

This is where people get the impression that the CPU really wants you lose certain games. Instead of beating you straight up with good execution, it beats you with "AI cheese" that forces you to play poorly even though you've done everything right to put your guys in position to make a stop.

The only thing that overcomes this is sliders that are balanced in favor of the HUM. Which then means you'll wind up winning 14+ games a season even with mediocre teams.