The FIFA and NHL series have set the standard for physics in EA Sports games.
Unfortunately for fans of FIFA there are still a number of huge warts plaguing the game and making it far from what most football fans would consider a true to life recreation:
*Player Progression is a joke.
*The unfair referee and lack of fouls is appalling.
*Injuries need a total overhaul.
*Manager Mode has barely been touched in three years and there are way too many issues to even get into.
The new "impact" system could fix the injury/foul problems, but this game has been and always will be catered towards the online players, tournament types, and Ultimate Team mode. The best mode for offline players is either a Play Now game or maybe tournament mode.
So, yes, I agree with your assessment of the physics when it comes to player movement, but the overall depth of the FIFA series has a long way to go.