Strategy for rookie QBs

[Mozatta]

I’m playing as the Vikings and Cousins is on the last year of his contract. I don’t plan on resigning him. Drafted Fromm and am focus training him.

Question: do you follow NFL thought where you’d start Cousins and focus on training Fromm for a year? Or do you say, “this is a video game and not real life” and give Fromm snaps? Additional clarity—I have a good team this year and will compete for SB. Cousins has slightly higher accuracy and may help a tad.

[lere2001]

If you are playing default Madden (like on console), giving the rookie snaps is the best way to ensure he develops because he will get XP for playing. However, you can follow a more realistic approach of playing Cousins and letting Fromm develop behind him if you use TDawgs progression mod on PC.

[Funkycorm]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mozatta

I’m playing as the Vikings and Cousins is on the last year of his contract. I don’t plan on resigning him. Drafted Fromm and am focus training him. Question: do you follow NFL thought where you’d start Cousins and focus on training Fromm for a year? Or do you say, “this is a video game and not real life” and give Fromm snaps? Additional clarity—I have a good team this year and will compete for SB. Cousins has slightly higher accuracy and may help a tad.

For him to earn more xp, he needs to play and be 1 on the depth chart to get the most out of training him. I would focus train him all season and let him play. Players don't "learn" from more experienced players in the game outside of scenarios.

[stinkubus]

Playing him will obviously do more for his development, as stated. It was possible to train a QB on the bench last year. Since progression seems a bit easier this year I'd have to think you could do so again. It requires a scheme fit and you must commit to training the QB all year. Not every upgrade they will get is going to be very useful.

I wouldn't feel obligated to play him unless he's an elite prospect.

[timhere1970]

Realistically, first round drafted qb's are more likely to play in their rookie season than not. I don't know where you drafted fromm. If you are competing for a super bowl it is not realistic to play the rookie. If you don't play him he will never be as good as he could have been. Lost progression points can never be reclaimed. Every game he sits is lost opportunity. Madden should find a way for rookie qb's to progress without playing. As irl it is debatable whether they are better for playing or sitting.

[Mozatta]

Thanks, all. Fromm has become my starter!