Official Madden online gaming strategy thread

[Florida_Bronco]

Just wanted to start this thread so anyone who plays Madden online can come in and post their strategy. :thumbsup:

Fire away guys!

[Willynowei]

I would, unfortunately my current stratgey is leaving it on the shelf.

I played one game on it since buying it on release date :(

[SportinOne]

Well, since you started it, I can't be blamed for 10 pages of ramble. You have no idea how long i've been waiting for this opportunity...

Okay, only kidding...

I'm on my way to work in a bit... but i will preface this new guide by saying a few things in general...

Offensively you must be balanced. It doesn't mean you have to run the ball 20 times and throw the ball 20 times, it just means you have to prove early that you CAN run the ball. If you can do that, they can't just drop into pass formations on you.

Defensively you must know which type of plays to call for every given situation/formation. Example, 2nd and short... don't be all out run blitzing, because just like in the NFL, onliners like myself love to use 2nd and short for big plays which almost always include play action.

Special Teams, just make sure you get good at kicking and know how to cover the returns... This year it is insanely easy to return kickoffs so kick to the corners and don't control too many man.. if you get blocked, try to shed it.. Don't take another free player and get him blocked too.

Lastly, you will learn along the way that pre-snap play calls and last minute switches and audibles are very important, but you will also learn that they can also mean SQUAT. Tonight i played an obvious newb and KNEW he was going to toss it deep to Stallworth on 3rd down(97 speed). I had Champ on him already, and then i audibled John Lynch to cover him man as well. If you can count, that means he is now double teamed.

Stallworth was lined up on the left side, so i grabbed Gold and blitzed from the right knowing he would have to force it into double coverage resulting in either A. a sack B. a batted down pass C. interception. What happened? He saw me coming and chucked it up to Stallworth at the last minute. For some reason both Champ and Lynch could not catch up with Stallworth and he took it to the house.

Basically, you can have the best setup you want, all the inside info, but what seperates the Great from the Good is the way you handle the sticks. Had i been more confident i would have tried manually batting down the pass myself, but it's risky. You get real good at that and you'll most likely have it every time.. So practice practice practice!

When i get off work tonight i will give you guys my entire list of plays that i run from Shanny's playbook and exactly how and when to use them, and tweak them when necessary.

[Killericon]

Play as the Buccaneers, and run a FB dive every play.

Done and Done. ;)

[ludo21]

The Go Route is very tought to stop.

2/4 times, its a tD, regardless of coverage (Or PI, man was i pissed yesterday)

Noobs will beat you on this game, punch it down their throats early, give them a chance, and like me, you get beat in the end. ugh!

Fake FB dive, RB toss, NEVER works Ha!(for me at least.)

IF a guy is using a DL, PA is tough because of the new controls, just change ur play, better than an easy sack.

[freak6]

My PS2 sucks, freezes, but my online record is like 24-3.

[KYChamp24]

I got it on XBOX 360, played it last night and noticed they updated the ratings. Denver went for 92 to 70!!! WTF??? The Raiders are 80!!! The Pats are 97!! They nearly got beat by the Bills!

What the hell is going on here?????

FYI, they did add Mike Bell, and got rid of Ashley and Ron

[spdirty]

anyone got a headset? my name online is spdirty

[ak1971]

I lost $200 playing Madden last month..nothing to see here.

[ludo21]

yep, Roster Updates were finaly done!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

[BroncoMatt]

alright, here is a dumb new-to-madden question, not necassarily online, how do you as quarterback decide to pull it down and run instead of keeping the throwing icons? I have xbox and it frustrates the hell out of me because I bootleg a lot and sometimes I have room to run and it won't let me.

[ludo21]

spdirty, what system??

I play on reg XBOX with the GT, ludo21

[Jens1893]

alright, here is a dumb new-to-madden question, not necassarily online, how do you as quarterback decide to pull it down and run instead of keeping the throwing icons? I have xbox and it frustrates the hell out of me because I bootleg a lot and sometimes I have room to run and it won't let me.

hold down the a button

[BroncoMatt]

hold down the a button


thanks, I'll try that as soon as I get my kid off the xbox, I got him that lego star wars yesterday.

[ludo21]

thanks, I'll try that as soon as I get my kid off the xbox, I got him that lego star wars yesterday.


o noes, kids can play that FOREVER!!! Ha!

Break it when he goes to school, trust me LOL

[KYChamp24]

yep, Roster Updates were finaly done!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

Yeah they were updated but so were the ratings. Denver went from 92 to 74 or close to it.

Do the update ratings based on each NFL week?

FYI I'm on XBOX 360 as CBFOO

[(Jae)]

Anybody have any good plays I can practice out of Denvers Playbook?
aka, what are your favorite Offensive plays to call?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Any PC Maddeners? I'd love to throw down.

[Killericon]

yep, Roster Updates were finaly done!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

YYYEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Goobzilla]

If you're my 12 year old nephew, you go Hail Mary on every play.

[freak6]

I sold my ps2 and all my games lol.

Waiting for Ps3

[ludo21]

3/5 times in this game, that works. lol

[spdirty]

I'm ps2. Anyway, cool thing about this is that the have Mike Bell as an 82, and in Denvers playbook they have the stretch play in almost every formation. Love that play with the 3 options as runner.

Has anyone used the -blocking feature? Everytime I do the rb turns into an idiot and gets tackled before I can switch back.

[broncofan]

Anybody have any good plays I can practice out of Denvers Playbook?
aka, what are your favorite Offensive plays to call?

PA Waggle out of the base I-form is my personal favorite. If I have the run game going that play is spot-on deep to Rod on 1st and 10. I'd say I've been successful with it about 80% of the time.

[Requiem]

I played as the Eagles the past two times and flat out dominated.

I'll do a set where there is an extra tight end on the side I roll out to, and if Stallworth is available deep, scramble and hit him, if not, it's almost a sure first down every time with McNabb.

Also, I won a whole game the other day by throwing out of the punt formation. That Philadelphia punter has an ARM!!!!

I'm dead serious, I'd throw out of Field Goal and Punt formations for most of the game.

I only call one play on defense Double Z in the Quarter Formation.

An extra DB blitzes whichever side you want, and they're fast enough to get outside the TE's and OT's so almost every run is a loss unless they get by you, even then -- it's okay to let up a first down.

Otherwise, I've had about 10 completions on me for 70 yards just using this play all the time. It's so awesome. It's my favorite play, EVER.

If any ya'll wanna challenge me.

HARTBISON is my name.

:)

[anthonypacino]

When I play one on one with someone in the room, I usually win, some close, some blow outs. But when I play online I get smoked...I have only won twice online, once by a last second FG and another by returning a INT in the final seconds.
I have no idea how to beat someone online, I play the game using real football ideas, I don't run the same "money" play 12 times in a row, I don't throw every down, I don't blitz everydown. I don't go for it 4 and long every time (only when I am losing by 3 TD's).
I am starting to get used to using the extra features like QB vision. I used to ignore them cause I didn't need them to win, I was used to the old school play, I still don't use the sticks only D-pad when playing on my PS2, I feel more in control. When I play on 360 I have to use the sticks, I'm getting better but have a real hard time getting my FB to block or my lineman to be able to spring me.
The only running play I can always get yards like at least 5 a rush is FB over, I dont' abuse it just because I don't play that way.
Any help? Tips?

[spdirty]

When I play one on one with someone in the room, I usually win, some close, some blow outs. But when I play online I get smoked...I have only won twice online, once by a last second FG and another by returning a INT in the final seconds.
I have no idea how to beat someone online, I play the game using real football ideas, I don't run the same "money" play 12 times in a row, I don't throw every down, I don't blitz everydown. I don't go for it 4 and long every time (only when I am losing by 3 TD's).
I am starting to get used to using the extra features like QB vision. I used to ignore them cause I didn't need them to win, I was used to the old school play, I still don't use the sticks only D-pad when playing on my PS2, I feel more in control. When I play on 360 I have to use the sticks, I'm getting better but have a real hard time getting my FB to block or my lineman to be able to spring me.
The only running play I can always get yards like at least 5 a rush is FB over, I dont' abuse it just because I don't play that way.
Any help? Tips?

Seems like your a straight player then. I hate that too. Heres a couple sites that have like minded folks that are all about simulation football.

maddenwars.com
maddennation.com

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I won a whole game the other day by throwing out of the punt formation.

Dude...people like you are why I stopped playing Madden online.

[RhymesayersDU]

As soon as I get my Wii in November, for anybody else who is getting one, I'll for sure be getting down in some on-line play.

And word @ hating the jackasses on the x-box live and the like. They suck. The worst were in Splinter Cell. I got so frustrated.

[SportinOne]

Alright, guys. Here are two of my favorite plays from the Mike Shanahan playbook as well as some ideas on how you might set up your offense before hand...

Offensive Setup

Depth Chart - The default rosters need to be tweaked if you are going to get the best team on the field, here's what you do.

HB, I like to use Mike Bell for my starter against the good run D's because he can break arm tackles, i use Tatum against over-aggressive, speedy D's. Take your pick here.

FB, Kyle Johnson goes in over Sapp. Sapp is much faster but let's face it, the runs you make with your FB don't require speed. What you do need from you FB is run blocking, and KJ is 16 points higher.

TE, Scheffler over Alexander is a no brainer, but don't put Nate Jackson 2nd because in 2TE sets he is a horrible blocker. Scheffler's blocking rating is actually just as good as Alexanders!

Substitutions - With our fastest WR's gone (Watts and Lelie) we must make a couple minor adjustments to get the most from our passing game.

Offense: Shotgun - Normal Slot AND Shotgun - 5 WR, simply put Rod Smith in Brandon Marshall's spot to the inside of Javon Walker, and put Marshall where Rod was. Rod will get some good quick inside routes and most likely be covered by the defenses 3rd CB or sometimes even a LB. It should then look like this:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/thechamp24/ShotgunNormalSlot.jpg

Now you're ready!

Play 1. I-Form - Normal (Dual HB Package) - "Smith Option"

This play is great for all situations, but i find it to be most useful on 3rd and 4th downs, with 3-8 yards to go. It features two HB's (if you set it up that way with the "Dual HB Package") running to the flats, a TE over the middle, Javon to your left running a 10 yard hook, and Rod running an "option route" which i usually change to a hook because i like to know exactly where he will be.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/thechamp24/SmithOption.jpg

You have to attack it different ways for different D's. I will tell you this, though. Even with the vision cone, you don't need to be focused on either of the two RB's to throw it to them accurately as long as you haven't dropped back too far. So you can put your cone on the TE and if they blitz, hit a RB with a quick one. Or, if they blitz but have guys in zone covering the flats, then you are already focused on the TE and you can toss it up to him while he is either running uncovered or by one LB. Also, Javon Walker can box out anyone for that football, so don't be afraid to throw it up to him even if he's covered coming off the hook. Just fiddle around with this play and practice adjusting to what the defense gives you. You can almost always burn them in some way for 10 yards or so.

Play 2. Shotgun - Normal Slot - "TE Shallow"

This is where that little WR adjustment comes in really handy. When playing online, this really kills against guys who like to control the safeties. Javon runs a DEEP post over the middle, Marshall runs a fly route, Rod runs a 10 yard IN pattern underneath JW with the Tony running a 2 yard crossing route underneath JW. Also, Bell runs to the flats from the backfield.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/thechamp24/ShotgunNormalSlotTEShallow.jpg

First things first...If you see a blitz coming, audible Tony to pass block. If you don't know how to do this, it's Y to audible, Y to select Tony, and then Right Trigger to Block Right. Left trigger blocks left but since he's on the right, there you go. You're now in shotgun and with the extra blocker you are not vulnerable to extra blitzers. Always start this play with the vision cone focused on either Bell in the flat or Marshall running the fly route. Especially if he is controlling the Free Safety, this will cause him to over persue and will leave your other targets in a more advantageous coverage situation. If he doesn't bight, you can still throw it to the flat if he is not covered and you will usually get at least 7 yards.

If you throw to Javon Walker, always put precision on it by pushing and holding UP AND TO THE RIGHT while you throw it. It will put the ball where usually only he can get it because it goes with the route he is running. Should he be covered, that means Rod is either in single coverage accross the middle or not covered at all and running through zones. If they are in zone over the middle, wait til he is just getting past one defender and give him a pass with the same type of precision you would give Walker. Fiddle with this play too.

That's it for now. It's 7:17PM here on the West Coast and i'd like to salvage what i have left of my night now that i have lost whatever reputation i have as a productive member of society.

[Florida_Bronco]

Bump! Great breakdown Champ

[ludo21]

Im getting better online.

Play sim all the way as well. But you CAN win playing that way. Ppl get frustrated when you shut down their money plays and force other stuff.

The Go ROute is freaking annoying, but use it right back at them in certain situations. 2nd and inches and what not.

[SportinOne]

It seems as though every so often, when you're playing online, the law of averages will catch up with you and you will run into a wall... I hit the wall big time last week.. just a few games in a row where nothing was happening for me and the opponent was using pure BS to get by. One guy was motioning EVERY SINGLE one of his receivers (including RB's) back and forth on EVERY SINGLE PLAY just to find out which one was not covered when i was blitzing. Of course that would lead to him throwing bombs downfield and eventually you get burnt no matter what... Even Champ, for some unknown reason, cannot catch up to players with speeds of only 93 or 94 some times.

One of these guys was a level 34, the other a 19, so you can see exactly how they got there.. I almost fired off an email to EA Sports demanding a more realistic football game...

Anyway, i'll post a couple new things later this week after i've cooled off...

[Florida_Bronco]

It seems as though every so often, when you're playing online, the law of averages will catch up with you and you will run into a wall... I hit the wall big time last week.. just a few games in a row where nothing was happening for me and the opponent was using pure BS to get by. One guy was motioning EVERY SINGLE one of his receivers (including RB's) back and forth on EVERY SINGLE PLAY just to find out which one was not covered when i was blitzing. Of course that would lead to him throwing bombs downfield and eventually you get burnt no matter what... Even Champ, for some unknown reason, cannot catch up to players with speeds of only 93 or 94 some times.

One of these guys was a level 34, the other a 19, so you can see exactly how they got there.. I almost fired off an email to EA Sports demanding a more realistic football game...

Anyway, i'll post a couple new things later this week after i've cooled off...


That sucks. Is there any way to combat that, other than not blitzing?

[SportinOne]

With some guys, no... They will check each and every single player, and then they will hot route and motion until they find something that works..

Not blitzing could work, but you have to get pressure on the QB.. and with this defensive line that usually never happens.. Most of these guys use teams with dominant DL's and really fast WR's so they bomb it deep and then drop back into coverage while their line does all the work for them.

[minibronco]

How about loose coverage?

[freak6]

I usually kill people and I only use one formation.

The I.

I ran about 5 plays out of it.

RB Slam

RB counter (best play in the game, avg YPC of 8, on 3rd and 18 I run this, on 4th and 10 I run this)

The WR option where the WR runs the 10 yard curl, I switch that to a fly and hit the FB, or the WR other side, or the TE middle. One is almost always open.

Play Action pass out of the I, take your pick, but dont use a slow developing one.

Fake FB toss to RB

I mix in other plays and formations, but like 80% of my plays come from these 5, they are all my audibles, the D has no clue if I am running or passing since same formation.

[SportinOne]

That's my favorite formation as well.

I alternate the blast and the counter and unless i'm playing a tough 3-4 it's usually good for big yards...

Lately, i've been liking the I-Form-Strong Counter because alot of people have been using the "Commit" this year so it really gets 'em. The FB-fake HB toss seems harder to pull off this year and i'm much more willing to just give it to the FB and have him pound it through.

[ludo21]

ONly time the Fake Dive to RB toss works for me is when my friend plays with the DE and gets faked EVERY TIME! LOL

I like Singleback, but it gets me in trouble.

[Florida_Bronco]

ONly time the Fake Dive to RB toss works for me is when my friend plays with the DE and gets faked EVERY TIME! LOL

I like Singleback, but it gets me in trouble.

Yeah everytime I run that play Jake pitches it behind the running back and it's a damn fumble.