I can still stop and play APF from time to time. From a gameplay perspective, I still feel it is unmatched. From QB animations, Route Running, Line Interactions, to matchups matters, the game play is so smooth and fun. The one thing I like is that you don't need Speed to be dominant. I built teams without having a Speed Burner and still had no problem scoring or shutting down passing attacks.
For us to get a good generic game like that, qe would need a major company like 2k or Sony to be willing to make it. Honestly we won't get that type of game from a indie company because of lack of resources. But major sports company's knows that generic games doesn't sell. So if they can find a way to make a profit, I think they would be. It would allow a lot more customization cost of development would be cheaper and less resource saving, not having to worry about Licenses and likenesses.
Thats why I miss the 6th generation where we had several gaming companies making sports games, now we are down to EA, 2k, and Sony. Miss having so many sports games to choose from