Madden NFL players...

I've got (and still play) Madden 06 on the PC.  I started playing the rookie level and got better.  Now I play at the All Madden level.

Just like tri's - how much time are you putting in to your training?

I play NCAA Football 10 more than Madden, but you have to mix things up on offense. If I'm calling a run and I see a blitz I'll audible. It's just like regular football, when passing always have a first option before you snap the ball. If he is open you pass to him (shouldn't get sacked) if not move to option B and so on. Some of it comes from training your eyes to watch the whole screen and pick someone out. You don't always want to pick plays that take a long time to develop..go with the quick slants and dont forget about the PLAY ACTION! It can be your big ticket if called on the right play. Running the ball, well that can be difficult at times. It can also be frustrating. You have to think like a running back, follow the play but dont be afraid to improvise. Make cuts using the juke and spin moves. These take practice and the right timing to get them down. 

Defense: I use the computer recommendation most of the time, but sometimes don't agree with them. I usually play as a defensive end. Learn the moves to  get around the OL and go from there. If I feel like I have a chance at a interception i'll switch players and go for the user pick. I also like to blitz on defense .. ALOT, but be careful cause if you haven't developed good defensive play you can get burned ALOT as well. 

Hope this helped some Edit: Start as rookie or a lower level!! Not ALL MADDEN

Edited by swimmer04 2010-02-15 12:56 PM

The big thing that helped me on Defense is realizing a run/pass offense.  It will usually tell you somewhere how many WR, TE's, and RB's are in.  Pick your play accordingly.  if you know its a running situation (1st down, short yardage) lots of guys on the line and possibly a blitz.  If its a 3rd and long I have a "go-to" play on '10 that drops all but 2 rushers into coverage.  Also, 1 blitzer will make a WORLD of difference if you have any kind of momentum.  They'll walk through the line.

For pass coverage look at where the coverage is and how big it is.  If there are a lot of WRs you don't want big zone coverage.  Learn how to audible as well, it will SAVE YOU!  I usually only use MAYBE 6-8 defensive plays throughout a game and I can manage to win MOST games on All madden.  Also, let your corners and safeties play as the computer, if you try to take control as the ball is thrown they can do weird things at times.

As far as Offense goes, make sure you mix it up.  I've noticed in '10 the computer will "learn" your tendencies, so I'll run on first down for 2 or 3 first downs then go to a pass.  Use different depth passes as well.  The computer does a pretty crappy job of covering short out passes (to RBs) but does a real solid job with deep routes, slants are usually good for 10ish yards regularly if you can time them well.  Don't try to force a pass either.  If you can find plays that have lots of players crossing the same point in the field one will usually drop coverage and get open.  Also, in Madden if the computer is using a zone Defense you can tell when the reciever is "switching" from one man to another as they will be WIDE open with 2 defenders standing still, if you can see this you'll get some big break-out plays.

For running, learn to use the truck stick.  also, be patient and know where your hole is SUPPOSED to be.  Don't always run it up the middle or to the same side eiether, the computer picks up on those things quickly.  Watch the line when the handoff is taking place and that should dictate which way you want to run.

This is why I don't play video games. It takes too long to learn and I don't have the time or patience to get killed or tackled or blown up or whatever over and over again. At least it's better than when I was younger and the only way to play was to go to the arcade and shell out a bunch of quarters. I remember trying to Play X-Men or something and I'd be dead before I knew what the hell was going on. Eff that.

Thanks for some of the tips.  I settled in to play and found that I got better fast.

Those audibles?  NICE!!!  They made a world of difference.  When I call a running play and see that they stacked up all their linebackers right down the middle close to the line, I just switch to a slant play or outside running play...  Works every time.  Also, might seem obvious, but passing plays are all timing.  learning when to throw during their route is key.  Also, throwing when they are about to get open, rather when they already are open is important.  At first, I would wait for a reciever to get open, and take a sack OR, by the time I would throw it, they would be covered and I would get picked.  Now I can see them running to an open spot and throw it to meet them there.

Even on defense, if I call a blitz, then see them line up in the shotgun, I can audible out into different coverage...

It only took a couple games to totally crush the CPU on rookie and pro.  I will move up to all pro next then hopefully all madden...

BUT, I STILL have an issue with pass defense.  Every time I play, my 'madden IQ" or my pass defense rating goes down...
I seriously don't know how to defend.  My safetys are run by the computer and see to always be out of position.  If I switch to one the INSTANT the ball is thrown, I still don't have enough time to make a play (they are THAT out of out position).  I don't get it.

Edited by Kido 2010-02-23 6:03 PM