You are probably correct about this and Adembroski tried to tell us this several times without actually saying it. Unfortunately, with this new approach it will probably still be 2-3 years before gameplay is where it needs to be.
They still need to fix:
1. ANIMATION overhaul. The animations still look choppy and disjointed.
2. Passing game- More realistic velocity of passes, more ability to put a touch and arc on the pass, route based passing, etc..
3. Locomotion and foot planting- This may still be Maddens biggest area in need of improvement. They need to put FIFA's entire locomotion AND foot pinning technology in.
4.More realistic AI and ADAPTIVE AI. They made a big deal about this in Madden 10 and never said a word about it since.
5. Realistic DL play and DE's running actual arcs when pass rushing.
6. WR/DB interaction- They need to add a ton of realistic looking animationd in this department.
7. Realistic QB movement- No more QB's sprinting around and turning their back to the play to turn around and sprint. Make it like APF2k8.
8. PLAYER SPECIFIC animations based on ratings. The 2k team has always been great with this and it makes every player look and feel different.
9. Overall ratings in the game need to matter more. Speed is the only real rating that seems to consistantly work.
If they could get these gameplay fixes into the game we may actually be onto something..