I see and mentioned the same things as you but I still believe these sliders play the best brand of football and just need a few adjustments to lock in. I am gonna play with things and ill share em if I get to a good place.
Id suggest this set is a great base and its very simple to adjust Interceptions or Pass Rushing. The CPU passing game is the biggest soft spot for me I would like to see that improve while still being able to differentiate between good and bad QBs. I am working with USER Pass Defense Reaction Time, USER Interceptions, USER Pass Rushing, and CPU QB Accuracy/WR Catching as well as Speed Threshold to 75 to try to boost their offensive efficiency. The key is to make small adjustments and not go overboard on any one slider
The first thing I toned down was the CPU Pass Rush, but I want it to be a bit on the harder side as it forces you to choose plays wisely with enough blockers. I hotroute my RBs/TEs to blocking assignments, use motion, and most of all if I am getting a lot of pressure throw from the shotgun is the best solution. Makes the game feel real this aint flag football foo but yah there were a bit too many sacks but a simple slider adjustment and being more attentive when passing helps greatly.
It should also be noted that MarketingWiz uses Gameflow to pick his plays on defense so if you choose your own defensive plays that could change the way the game is played greatly. I find its far too easy to choose my own plays and shut the CPU down as they can become very predictable and Gameflowin' D gives them a fighting chance.