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So this doesn’t really have anything to do with fantasy football, but I figured that a high percentage of our readers are probably also avid Madden football players. So, my question to you is this…is it just me or is it super hard to run the ball in this new edition of Madden?! I’ve been playing the series for years and I’ve always liked to pick a team with a decent running back, because while I generally lead the league in interceptions thrown, I also usually have one of the top ranked running backs in the league at the end of the season. After getting the game this past weekend for my birthday, I started a season with the San Diego Chargers (even though I’m really a Patriots fan, I don’t like to play with them because I think it’s lame to play with a team that’s rated 99 or whatever they are) and tonight I finished my second game, losing to the Broncos 13-10, with my only touchdown coming on a fumble recovery. I finished the game with -5 rushing yards from LaDainian Tomlinson (!!!), which seems a bit ridiculous to me. I know the game is supposed to adjust to your skill level, but it better speed up the learning process or I’m going to be hard-pressed to win more than a game or two in the entire season. I’d be grateful to anyone who could offer me tips!
In other Madden news, I imported my fantasy team from the EA Sports league that I signed up for earlier, but haven’t had a chance to play with it yet. All I know is that it should be fun to throw the ball to Chad Johnson and Brandon Marshall with Tom Brady, while MJD runs the ball for me.
Jacob from Fantasy Football Fools 1:25 am on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
Ha. Yeah, this version of Madden is supposed to adapt to the way you play. If you are constantly trying to run, their going to cut you off. They also made it much more realistic as far as the role that players have on a team. Possession receivers will catch the ball well in short yardage and in traffic while your breakaway speed guys will only be good at catching passes when they are out in the open.
I am not sure how exactly the RB position is improved, but it sounds like you really have to adjust to the style of each RB. I haven’t played it myself to check it out just yet, but I will be soon. I’ll have to see if I can get shut down with the No. 1 RB in the game…or is that just a talent that you possess?
ffexchange 7:05 am on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
I’ve had similar problems. I played once with the Pats because they are my team also. Brady had 100% completion rating, it was ridiculous, but I couldn’t run much. Then I like doing the dynasty, drafting my own team. The first time through I got Peterson and couldn’t run, but incorrectly determined it was the offensive line, so I drafted again and got Barber, but still get stuffed with a great O-line. I managed one 18 yard TD run as Peterson, but outside of that everything has been a struggle.
Brandon 8:02 am on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
@ffexchange: Good to hear it’s not only me I guess…but there’s got to be something I’m missing. I’ll just keep plugging away and hopefully by at least mid season I’m getting 50+ rushing yards a game (you figure you could at least get that with LT!)
Jason 10:24 am on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
I am having a hard time running the ball as well. I’ve gotten a little better just by being more patient with the run. I try not to hit the speed burst too soon. Love the game though. The graphics are crazy. Have you played any online?
Brandon 11:11 am on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
@Jason: Maybe I need to be more patient as well…I think I hit the sprint button immediately when running the ball instead of giving the play a little time to develop. I’ll have to work on that. I haven’t played online yet, as I’m having enough trouble with the computer already and don’t feel like having a 6 year old whoop my ass, but I’ll get on there soon enough once I have a couple wins under my belt.
Jacob from Fantasy Football Fools 1:08 pm on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
That doesn’t bode well for me. I like to get after the sprinting.
Go easy on me, 6 year olds.
Jason 2:31 pm on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
Also, try being the Cowboys. Marion the Barbarian killed me on that game.
Brandon 10:17 pm on 8/19/2008 Permalink |
Well, I played two games today, one against the computer and one against an online opponent. Against the computer I managed to play a bit better this time, rushing for a crazy 24 yards with LT, but I still lost (like 13-10 or something) after giving up a touchdown in the last 4 minutes. I actually beat the guy online that I played against, as I pretty much abandoned the run altogether and just ripped his defense apart with Jay Cutler. However, Xbox Live stalled after the game and apparently it didn’t save it…which wasn’t that awesome. I guess it just takes a little practice though…when I have my first 100 yard rushing game I’ll know I’m finally decent at the game.
Brandon 10:47 pm on 8/20/2008 Permalink |
Got another win…online that is. Beat my cousin tonight in double overtime with the Cowboys. Getting the passing down a bit more, but the running is still tough. Get to play the Raiders next with my Chargers season though, so hopefully I can squeak out my first win against the computer…maybe tomorrow!
Brandon 11:20 pm on 8/21/2008 Permalink |
Alright, so I think this issue is closed…I just beat the Raiders in my season 21-0, rushing for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns with LT. Didn’t reach the 100 yard mark, but it’s a vast improvement.
A tip for those having similar problems…when you call a running play, a lot of time the defender with the light bulb on him will “read” your play, so they all form in the box when you have a run selected. What I found is that you can simply change the direction of the run to the less defender side with the right joystick (tap it to the right), or you can call an audible all together and catch them in a run defensive scheme. Another thing you can do is pick a passing play, wait till the defender tries to read the play, then audible to a run play. Also, try running a RB toss play and sprinting around the outside…it worked for me on my longest run of the night. Good luck though!
Jobez 10:09 am on 8/22/2008 Permalink |
Yeah, uhm. Havent played much, but the wii version has this “all play” mode, which i guess is default.
I’m not much of a gamer, admittedly I typically play madden no higher than “pro” setting, but I have to figure out how to adjust this all-play thing because i played an exhibition last night with the ravens and blew out the chiefs something like 132-0.
The wii game is certainly for kids, at least in all-play mode, every time you get a TD or a sack they want you to get up and do a celebration dance, waving the wiimote around in the air and all sorts of shenanigans.
Jacob from Fantasy Football Fools 3:49 pm on 8/22/2008 Permalink |
For those of you playing on Xbox 360, the guys at Achievement Hunter broke down a few of the achievements on their Ustream show the Wednesday.
You can watch ‘em here.
Hen 6:25 pm on 5/28/2009 Permalink |
theres a little trick to this i have learned, because everytime i run the ball there are 11 guys in front of me ready to tackle me behind scrimmage, what i learned is never do any outside runs cause then they will guarentee a loss of yards, your best bet is to run iso, then you can occasionally slip down the middle for a couple yards and make your way downfield
this game is so fucking hard!!! haha