[roll2tide]

Traits are worthwhile. Off the top of my head:

Predictability: Upgrade from NO to YES. I think this has to do with consistency. This could also mean that the player uses a variety of tools and doesn't just bull rush every play, for example.

Consistency: Upgrade from zero to four. Reduces chance of hitting cold streaks.

Swim Move/Bull Rush/Spin Move: Upgrade from no to yes. Enables moves.

Big Hitter: No to yes. Doesn't make him a better tackles. Makes him deliver bigger hits which likely causes more fumbles (and more injuries?)

High Motor: No to Yes. Player goes all out every play.

Clutch: No to Yes. Makes big plays in key moments in the game.

Brace vs Hits: Upgrade from none to always. Less likely to fumble from a big hit.

Feet in Bounds: No to yes. Will toe tap instead one foot in, one foot out.

Fights for yards: No to yes. Falls forward instead of collapsing into a heap.

Drops open pass: No to yes. Wont drop passes when running wide open.

Senses pressure: I know when this is low the QB gets happy feet and will be greatly affected by blitzers being near him. Once upgraded he will stand cool and calm in the pocket.

Tuck and run. Allows QB to know when to tuck and run vs waiting to get pummeled.

Play ball. From agressive to conservative. Agressive means foolishly jumping the route and sometimes whiffing and giving up the big play. Conservative means the DB plays smart and only goes for the ball when he's sure he can get to it.

I always look at Madden as a series of mathematical equations and apply this theory to my XP spending. For example:

Let's say it's 4th and 1 for my opponent who is down by 1 with 1:46 to go at the 50 yard line. He calls a run up the middle and my MLB attacks the gap.

What's going to come into play here is the RB's BCV, CAR, ELU, TRK, STR and possibly whether or not he has clutch, brace vs hits, and fight for extra yards enabled.

For my MLB it's going to be TKL, POW, PRC and whether or not he has clutch and big hitter turned on.

Other attributes affect it all as well.....but basically someone is going to make the play and the higher the attributes and the more traits that are on or upgraded the more likely it is that you win that scenario. Maybe his guy trucks through and breaks it all the way. Maybe my guy lays the wod and causes a fumble. Everything you can throw into that equation that tips the scales towards you helps.

Personally, I always want my entire defensive front 7 to have high motor, big hitter, clutch, bull rush, swim move, spin move, predictability on, FMV, BSH, and consistency at least at 3.