Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

[LBzrule]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

One thing to think about: Could there be a problem with the "awareness" stat?

I know the video looks bad, but could it be explained because the Center is "dumb" according to the game? I feel multiple tests could be done on this.

I thought this at first. Then I tried it with other teams and got similar results. Secondly, it is not just the center. It is also the left guard. A slide is about communication and commitment which is not on display here. Lastly, to put it on ratings is to actually give the developers unwarranted credit, to think they actually got that sophisticated with it.

[bukktown]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

This statement shows misunderstanding of what the article says. It does not say slide protection itself is new. It says four-man slide with back side tackle in big on big is new. Why can't people understand this?

I think they first introduced four-man slide with back side tackle in big on big way back in Triple Play '99.

I mean, it's not new, I been using it for years!

[sneezor01]

While I agree with just about all of the comments in this thread. I would like to play devils advocate here... first of all allow me to preference this statement by saying that I have always attempted to to use slide protect with all FB games that I play. I just believe that it is a real part of football and that if you don't understand simple principles of o-line play then your offense can not win. And I also agree that EA FB games have missed the mark overall on current gen systems. With all of that said... Maybe ... just maybe... the reason why slide protect is hit or miss could be tied into the AWR rating and the Pass and Run BLK ratings. Maybe the way that the game is coded maybe it's just a numbers battle b/t the AWR with the D-line and the O-line.

[cbenti60]

I thought this at first. Then I tried it with other teams and got similar results. Secondly, it is not just the center. It is also the left guard. A slide is about communication and commitment which is not on display here. Lastly, to put it on ratings is to actually give the developers unwarranted credit, to think they actually got that sophisticated with it.

Haha I liked the last part. "Come on guys, let's not give them too much credit"

O-Line is 100% about communication. Part of playing the O-Line is knowing what everyone else's assignments are on any given play. It's also why zone blocking has been such a problem in this game because that's all about feel and recognition on when to release to a linebacker (Double, block down to linebacker)

[MacDiiddy]

Great write up. I am always happy to read and talk about Real football stratagy and technique. Unfortunetly this article is moot. The real question is can I trust the O-line period.

I have yet to see a zone step in this game, let alone a slide. There are constantly unblocked players on run plays.

Not missed blocks but no one trying to scoop up and block them. Or linemen sitting in the hole and not blocking anyone. Same flaws are in the defensive line.

I have been saying, along with many many more on these forums that the OL-DL interaction needs an overhaul.

I really dont understand why they can't take one year to address every problem in the game before they go off and start creating crap that no one really wants *cough* heisman challenge *cough*

[cgalligan]

Why is it so hard for them to get the OLine correct?

I can't count how many times, on a Power-O or an outside run where my OLineman, who was supposed to be LEADING me down the field, stops, and starts running back to block someone who is chasing me from behind, rather than attacking the CB or Saftey that is in front of him...

[sportyguyfl31]

Ive been using slide protection a lot. While the mechanics are far from how you'd coach it, it works well for the game's purposes

[PantherBeast_OS]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

It seems to me that while they are working on the oline for M14. They really need to rework the whole oline protection in my opinion. Because at times I felt that slide protection wasn't working for me half the time. It's time for them to rework it and make it better overall.

[shttymcgee]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

Clint described it in an interview. I think people are reading this wrong. I'm not saying slide protection is new. I'm saying the 4 man with the back side tackle in big on big is new.

Obviously the video was a complete ****-up of how the protection should work, but why would you slide away from the numbers anyway?

Why would you put your back to the side of the combination?

Why is the defense reduced weak? (flipped)

I'd rather see the play with the defense normal (not flipped/reduced strong/over) and just the line slid left. Leave the back away from the combination, where he should be anyway.

[shttymcgee]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

I haven't and don't plan on playing NCAA, but I hope they worked on improving it for Madden. That was awful, and just as bad was the HB morphing over without even knowing the DT was there and the DT getting suctioned into the block.

Good article and video, LBzrule.

Why would the back not know the DT was there?

The animation was stupid, but he has eyes, doesn't he?

[LBzrule]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

Obviously the video was a complete ****-up of how the protection should work, but why would you slide away from the numbers anyway?

Why would you put your back to the side of the combination?

Why is the defense reduced weak? (flipped)

I'd rather see the play with the defense normal (not flipped/reduced strong/over) and just the line slid left. Leave the back away from the combination, where he should be anyway.

The first run through in the video the defense is in its base alignment. I have another video I'm going to load up. The interesting thing is on a couple of occasions it gets blocked up like it should but then unexplainably, it falls a part. The defense isn't flipped. Also, there are three rushers to each side. I thought about including the TE in the slide but no matter which way I slide the TE just allows the defender to run around him. Also, the reason why I shifted the defense over later is because more than likely, people who run that blitz online are not going to leave it as it is. A lot of guys run that blitz shifting it over. Let me get this other video up.

[shttymcgee]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

The first run through in the video the defense is in its base alignment. I have another video I'm going to load up. The interesting thing is on a couple of occasions it gets blocked up like it should but then unexplainably, it falls a part. The defense isn't flipped. Also, there are three rushers to each side. I thought about including the TE in the slide but no matter which way I slide the TE just allows the defender to run around him. Also, the reason why I shifted the defense over later is because more than likely, people who run that blitz online are not going to leave it as it is. A lot of guys run that blitz shifting it over. Let me get this other video up.

After looking at the pics, I see the defense not flipped or shifted weak.

Still, I count 5 defenders to the left of the center and 3 to right in the video. I think the slide should go left. Plus, you definitely want the back going rt to pull any #3 defender away from the combo.

Not to nitpick (I feel like I am), but why wouldn't you just run the ball to the rt. That isn't a real defensive alignment (at least not one that isn't f'ed up). A 1 and a 9 to the TE with only 1 backer?

[LBzrule]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

After looking at the pics, I see the defense not flipped or shifted weak.

Still, I count 5 defenders to the left of the center and 3 to right in the video. I think the slide should go left. Plus, you definitely want the back going rt to pull any #3 defender away from the combo.

I see the 3, 5, Will, Mike and FS on the left. The alignment of the FS though tells me he's in man coverage. Taking Madden alignments into consideration, I simply ignored the FS. It is clear to me he's in man. Also since i knew the play I knew Mike was not blitzing. But I get the principle even if the FS is not blitzing the numbers still dictate a slide left. I'll have to look and see if I recorded that. I think the slide left had the DT on the left running through untouched. Let me see if I recorded that. I have a lot of videos in here.

[LBzrule]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

After looking at the pics, I see the defense not flipped or shifted weak.

Still, I count 5 defenders to the left of the center and 3 to right in the video. I think the slide should go left. Plus, you definitely want the back going rt to pull any #3 defender away from the combo.

Not to nitpick (I feel like I am), but why wouldn't you just run the ball to the rt. That isn't a real defensive alignment (at least not one that isn't f'ed up). A 1 and a 9 to the TE with only 1 backer?

LOL. Don't want to get started on that. Ohhh running would be ideal, if the damn lineman wouldn't move out of the damn way just because

[shttymcgee]

Re: Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

I see the 3, 5, Will, Mike and FS on the left. The alignment of the FS though tells me he's in man coverage. Taking Madden alignments into consideration, I simply ignored the FS. It is clear to me he's in man. Also since i knew the play I knew Mike was not blitzing. But I get the principle even if the FS is not blitzing the numbers still dictate a slide left. I'll have to look and see if I recorded that. I think the slide left had the DT on the left running through untouched. Let me see if I recorded that. I have a lot of videos in here.

How do you know its not an open side fire-zone based solely on the alignment of the safety? He could just as easily be blitzing off the edge, couldn't he?