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EA Sports recently released their latest blog with videos highlighting the offensive running game improvements surrounding offensive blocking realism.
The blog, which can be discussed at Operationsports.com, has received mostly positive feedback regarding the improvements to offensive line play. However, some fear that the advancements on the offensive side will only further heighten the true gameplay issues that exist with the defense in Madden.
In the videos it’s clear to see that the linebackers and safeties do not react as quickly and with a true responsibility or purpose like you would see in a real football game. Run stuffing safeties are practically neutralized by the lack of defensive AI and it’s very possible that the running game improvements could turn the Madden franchise into a clock eating runner’s paradise.
The improvements on the offensive side are very promising and are a step in the correct direction. However, the next logical fix should be to incorporate the same logic on the defensive side of the ball.
Now that the offensive players all have clear assignments and artificial logic in those assignments, it’s time to do the same for the defense.
But how do we do this? The short answer?
It’s not that easy.
At least it’s not as simple as understanding offensive assignments because on the offensive side of the ball you know exactly where the play is going and where you have to be.
Defensively, players must read and react unless on a stunt (defensive lineman slanting into a gap) or a blitz (linebackers or safeties rushing a gap on the snap).
It’s the “read and react” aspect of Madden, and all football video games, that need a major overhaul. The key to making such an improvement is understanding the real life logic that players use for their “read and react” play.
While this is something I would love to discuss extensively — and could because I love coaching and analyzing the game of football so much — it’s a much simpler concept to express than it is to teach or learn.
The whole idea of “read and react” defense revolves around a “Key” that a defensive player focuses on pre-snap. Depending on what that “Key” does, the defensive player then reacts accordingly.
I plan to explain it more in detail in a future post but for the sake of having an example I’ll briefly explain one scenario for a proper “read and react” response.
In a 4-3 defense the “Mike” (middle linebacker) should key the two offensive guards through to the fullback (if there is one). This creates a triangle that the Mike concentrates on pre-snap. The Mike linebacker should take an initial 2-3 steps towards the line of scrimmage on the snap and read/react while taking those steps.
The things the Mike linebacker might see and what it tells him to do:
- (“High hat”) Guards pop up in pass blocking stance
– Linebacker reads pass and locates his man for coverage or drops to his designated zone.
- Guards fire out to defender, neither guard pulls (defensive tackle or linebacker)
– Read run (dive) and attack the butt of the blocker. Running backs are taught (or should be) to cut off the butt of their blocker, therefore; the defender should aim and attack the same point.
- One guard fires out to defender, other guard pulls. (inside trap, power play, counter, toss, sweep, “influence pull” on pass play)
– See the pulling guard and redirect to an aiming point near his butt. This is how to destroy a toss or counter play and avoid taking false steps. The linebacker reacts to the pulling or trapping guard and attacks his butt where the ball carrier will cut.
– An “influence pull” is designed to mimick a run but instead draws the linebacker out of pass coverage. Linebackers must see both guards and notice that the other guard “popped up” in pass protection.
Reading keys is something that works in video games and something you can practice extensively to become a better gamer defensively.
It’s also something that desperately needs to find its way into Madden and NCAA football video games to enhance the gameplay to a realistic experience. [READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE]
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I agree. I just think the hope is for balanced attention to all aspects of the game. If EA is going to make groundbreaking improvements to "offensive assignment AI", lets do the equivalent for all players (especially defense).