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Madden 11 Strategy Pad

ZFarls — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:38:30 +0000

Evertime I hit Y and nothing happens, I die a little bit on the inside. -ZFarls via twitter.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Ahh, A new Madden couldn’t come out with out a little bit of controversy right?

We have broken down the worst Madden Gimmicks before and talked about the vision cone in all its glory.

But Madden has also scored with innovations as well!
20 Best Madden Innovations Where would we be without the hit stick?

Overall, the problem that many gamers are having with the strategy is the adjustment period. They are used to playing the game quickly and don’t like to make adjustments to their natural tendencies.

The community is buzzing over the controversial decision to put the Strategy Pad in Madden 11 without any warning. Basically the controls are mapped out to the d-pad now, instead of using the 4 face buttons on the right. This causes for an uncomfortable adjustment but also a clumsy way to make quick changes.

Does the strategy pad make things better?
NO, other than sounding nifty and making everything start out on one command, the strategy pad actually adds more steps to your adjustments then simplifying it. If you had never played Madden before, it may be easier to get into the adjustments, but it wouldn’t be the optimal way to make your changes.

What is the community saying? They are not liking the changes. Some common gripes are:

-You have to tap it just to activate it
- Why fix what is broken
- D-pad on xbox is horribly unresponsive
- Harder to stop off-tackle runs without time to set up defense
- They didnt make the change in NCAA football and switching back and forth is a pain.
- We have to accept it, but not embrace it
- EA is dumbing down the action for non hardcore fans

The only people who seem excited are people who think it will slow down nano’s but its clear that people will relearn the new pad and always find good blitz’s. When the only real response to the complaints is “get over it, its here to stay” I dont think that justify making such a big change.

People have been hitting Ian Cummings up via twitter but he seems dug in on the issue. Even the non hardcore sites like pastapadre and operation sports seem perplexed by the issue.

EA was plagued with a controller decision on Fight Night Round 4 and ultimately lost sales by not including buttons along with analog. Why not give people an option thought most in the community. They later patched the game to include these controls but many never purchased because of the late addition.

The Strategy Pad can be turned off, but this only takes it off the screen and doesn’t revert it to the normal way. Defense seems to be effected the most, but only time will tell if this is a bad move for EA.

I don’t think it can be considered an innovation because it wasn’t a natural progression forward. Innovations is defined as “Innovation is a new way of doing something or “new stuff that is made useful”. It may refer to incremental and emergent or radical and revolutionary changes in thinking, products, processes, or organizations”
The processes for changing plays have now taken a step back and that’s not an innovation, the strategy pad sure sounds like a gimmick to me.

Please leave your thoughts in the comments and try to articulate rather than just saying “Strategy Pad Sucks”

Madden 11 Demo Impressions

ZFarls — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:16:19 +0000

The Madden 11 Demo released for PS3 and Xbox today. Go download it from the marketplace!

Here is a free indy scheme from 09 which still works pretty well!

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Alright, onto the Madden 11 Demo thoughts! (Will update the more I play, maybe stream later too)

-Have kicked off 4 times and caused 3 fumbles. Might not be anything to it, but thats an alarming rate and a really rough time to fumble in general. Also forced a Sanchez fumble and Freeney rumbled all the way home for a 98 yard scoop and score. (I just fumbled on a KR as well) Boom another one on a hitstick. (next game 2 more outta 5)

-Seeing LT do his hand behind head ball flip TD celebration was really cool!

-They fixed the chaing gang finally! The game no longer lags and you can hop right into the playbook. No matter waiting for a canned cut scene between the interracial ref couple.

-Kicker hit the post on a FG and announcers thought it went in.

-Squib looks pretty good still pretty good and you can replicate them with the meter.

-In NCAA, its nearly impossible to run a kick back past the 20 yard line. In Madden it seems very open and like the Madden Bible wiggle still works. I expect a few KR return TDs this year.

-Opening huddle sequence is cool.

-Not sure if I like the mapping of 15 plays to correlate with game situations. I think it could work but who knows what the game will take into account. With the ability to flow back into the playbook, whats the point of setting it all up and then just picking the play you want anyway?

-Need more time with defense and blitzing.

-Tip toe animations for WR on the sideline was cool to see. He didnt go for it the next time on a similar chance.

-Still hit my RB with a pass in the back of his head for the 4,000 version of Madden in a row. Cant fix everything I guess.

-Strategy Pad, hmm, lets not jump to conclusions…I HATE IT. Not because it doesn’t work, but almost because they changed it for no reason. Ex. Slide the line used to be trigger then direction. Now you have to hit left, down, left. They added an extra button in for no reason. Now I understand that once we adapt to it, it will be just about as quick but right now its messing with my mind completely.

-Aiming the pass seems to work well, using Manning its a breeze, more difficult with Sanchez as it should be!

Like Gus Johnson so far, good energy. Might get old but what announcer doesnt? Also, they saved space by cutting alot of audio and the full version will be better.

Verizon, Gatorade (with the song) and Old Spice? Okay, Okay. Charge for coins and online play and 60 dollars a disc. EA is making some bank!

-Still need to maximize the dual stick controls, I’m treating it like the old game for the most part.

- Just got a FG Legit blocked by the CPU. 47 yarder, did I angle it too low?

-No more rocking the 1-5-5 with shake due to strategy pad

Overall, the feel of the demo is great, I like the smoother NCAA style.

What are your thoughts on the demo? PS3 players are just getting it now, let me know what you think in the comments!

MaddenBible Dynasty : NCAA Football 11 Out!

Madden Roster Retrospective : How The 08 Patriots Became The Greatest of All-Time!

ZFarls — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:55:30 +0000

When the New England Patriots roster was released for Madden 08, I didn’t think too much of it. They had a fairly slow and aging defense, mediocre run game and slow QB. They had just signed Randy Moss which gave them a large and speedy target, but coming out of Oakland, who knew what Moss had left in the tank!

As we all know, the Madden 08 Patriots turned out to be a Top 10 Madden Team Of All Time! (Click to see where they rank!)

What happened between Madden 07 and 08 that allowed this team to ascend to Madden prominence?

1.Madden introduces “Weapons” – Brady gets a rocket arm, Maroney a stiff arm, Moss a “spec catch” weapon. Their whole line seemingly has bulldozer weapons and is somehow impenetrable. Rodney Harrison has a hit stick weapon and lays licks! The game played right into their qualities and created a talented squad not seen in years before!

2. Patriots sign Donte Stallworth! While the move gave them a big play threat during their 18-0 run, Stallworths speed simply was unprecedented in the game. He came off a huge season before and would literally torch nearly anyone in the secondary. While he doesn’t have the size of Randy Moss, he certainly had the speed and constantly caught bombs due to Brady’s tremendous throw power. I specifically used him with a bunch set against cover 2 and 3. Moss would post to the corner, Welker would tear up the middle and Donte would run deep (very fast) and catch the deep ball for back breaking TD’s.

3. SGibs invents the “Moss Toss“ -It originally started with Champ Bailey, but Randy Moss turned this play into a staple with his agility weapon. Audible down from 5 WR to get Moss at the RB and simply toss him the ball on a pitch! This is the play that made Madden Bible famous! We used to get Moss in tremendous matchup situations whether it be at TE or on the deep post.

4. The Deep Ball Lives! - Brady had tremendous throw power and was able to stretch the defense over and over again. As long as you had the time, you could hit the Trips Attack route over and over again. Unless user defended, the bomb was devastating and always allowed you to jump out to a 7 nothing lead! It forced the D to be ready early and Tom (pre Gisell) could always put the ball on target!

5. Roster Updates! – They kept getting better, Welker started out rough. He was slow and a small target in a Spec Catch world. By the end of the season, he was making agile plays across the middle and constantly a headache for the defense. Moss re-emerged as the most dominant Madden WR off all time and washed the Oakland stink off of him. The defense got more solid and added some solid veterans who would always wrap up!

What went wrong? - Well the NY Giants happened! People realized that the Pats were a great team but not completely unstoppable! Madden 09 changed the style of play and made teams with big targets like San Diego the favorites. The FB dive dominated and the Pats simply didn’t have the personnel to create as many mismatches. The defense got one more year slower and the Pats Madden dynasty was over. Donte Stallworth left and voided a huge speed advantage for the Pats well rounded WR corps. This left defenses focused on Moss and ultimately made them too one dimensional. The deep ball was rendered useless and while the Moss Toss was still good, it didnt have the same flare as Madden 08. It was the end of a Dynasty, but the 08 Patriots will live on in all our hearts!

Do you think they are the greatest Madden team of all-time? Leave it in the comments!

MB Dynasty : ZFarls #1 Vs CJC (Alabama) #2

ZFarls — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:01:56 +0000

The Buckeyes took on the Crimson Tide in a huge MB Dynasty matchup. The winner has the inner track for the National Championship Game! Could ZFarls slow down Mark Ingram or would T. Pryor have his way with the Alabama D?

Watch the archive here! Video is also embedded below!

Madden 11 Superstar – Fabian Washington CB – Ravens

SGibs — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:10:34 +0000

MaddenBible has been breaking down the Madden 11 ratings and finding sleepers. We have checked out Darius Butler, Nick Barnett, Jason Williams and Jahvid Best.

Madden 11 Laser Show: Fabian Washington Tips the Scale

I see no better time than right now to make a very bold statement. Fabian Washington, former Cornhusker, former Raider, and current Raven is one of the most dominant and game changing players in Madden 11 (insert easy button here). We get it, he’s 5 foot nothing, 100 and something, but is speed is laser show worthy. If you want to make plays this upcoming season, believe the hype, Fabian Washington IS that good.

98 speed and 97 acceleration are ratings that are children’s children will talk about. It’s the stuff of legends and luckily for Baltimore Ravens users they will be able to covet this holy grail. Each year one of the first things most Madden gamers look for first are the speed ratings of their prospected teams for the upcoming season. I knew he was fast and I knew he was another year older but, I was caught off guard when I saw his rating this year. If you were to ask this proud father he would surely tell you he deserves it. Over the course of his NFL career he has always been an average corner back in the NFL but on the virtual gridiron he reigns supreme.

Look to utilize Washington’s speed in either a nickel or dime package. Be sure to include him in almost every blitzing package that you possess. He will get to the quarter back and he will get there quickly. If you run into a team that has a burner at the wide receiver position then look to man Washington up and leave him in single coverage, trust me he can handle it.

For all those looking to get real time updates of the fastest man, that covers what Ed Reed doesn’t, be sure to follow him on twitter: @FABEWASH31

*One of ZFarls all time favorites due to his Husker ties and elite speed in NCAA 2004.

Little game for the comments, User, Cut, Sim
You have to pick one player to user, one player to cut and one player to sim with.

Ronde Barber, Al Harris, Fabian Washington
GO Comment below!

Free Play Friday – NCAA 11 Syracuse Offensive Scheme

ZFarls — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:03:19 +0000

Today’s Free Play Friday, takes a look at the Syracuse book for NCAA 11. This is a ground oriented attack which will leave opponents begging for mercy. I have consistently put up 200+ rushing yards and over 400+ yards on a few occasions. You are able to mix in some quick hitter passes to keep the defense on their toes, and of course you have some quick ways to get scores as well!

The video is embedded at www.maddenbible.com or you can click here to watch it!

Lets get some audibles installed before we hop into practice mode!

Audibles (In Rank Of Use)
Strong I – Quick Toss
Shotty Tight – Stick
Ace Tight – PA Deep Curls (2 slot blue routes)
Goalline – Power O
Shotgun 2 Back – HB Wheel

Other Plays
(Quick Audible) From Strong I, Audible to quick pass audible. (right stick up) This will give you a quick hitter to your FB.
Shotgun Spread – Post Flags! Similar to post corner, smart route both outside guys and streak the slots. This will stretch the defense to its breaking point!

Teams- In NCAA, I personally enjoy the freedom of having a mobile QB. I think it really adds a new dimension to the offense and something the D will have to worry about. Ohio State has a solid and fast RB in Saine. He can fumble but overall they Buckeyes are a good fit.

This scheme is suitable for almost any team with a good RB. The QB isn’t required to make TOO many throws, while there are chances to beat the defense over the top, it isnt required. If you can hit the flats and keep moving the chains, the offense will open up!

What team do you run with?

To see this scheme in action, check here and watch ZFarls week 1 matchup vs Florida in the Madden Bible online dynasty!

Madden 11 Team Breakdown – San Diego SuspectChargers

ZFarls — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:41:56 +0000

Since Madden 08, the Chargers have been an incredibly solid Madden team. They possesed all the key pieces that you need to win at the tournament level.

-Big time RB in Ladanian Tomlinson

-Monster threat at TE in Antonio Gates

-Great Offensive and Strong Defensive Line

- Fast Linebackers and a dynamic user player in Antonio Cromartie

-An accurate QB who allows you to get it downfield to Big WR’s.

Its sad to say, but this day may be coming to an end. The Chargers have lost their big time user player in the secondary and have gotten one year older and one year slower. Their secondary has no players in the 90′s for speed and they lost “User Phenom” Antonio Cromartie. Shawn Merriman is down to an 83 and no longer strikes the fear into opponents when rusing off the edge on a blitz. They don’t have the anchor in the middle Jamal Williams anymore.

On Offense – The line has been slipping every since the stretched out ratings. The Chargers used to have “Weapons” (Madden 08) in almost of lineman position, now they are patchwork.

Phillip Rivers has maintained his accuracy on long throws, but doesn’t have the power to stretch defenses over the top. It doesn’t really matter because they dont have the WR’s to bust up the seam and try and make plays over the top anyway.

With the effectiveness of rocket catching in question, who knows how good Malcom Floyd will be? Vincent Jackson still isn’t signed and has to sit out the first 3 games for violating the NFL conduct policy. Antonio Gates should still be an absolute monster but defenses should know that too by now so be careful in force feeding the rock to him.

The saddest thing about San Diego is their centerpiece LT is now gone to the Jets. This is the ONE place they get better! They throw dynamic RB Darren Sproles into the spotlight and make rookie Ryan Matthews the new Sproles. LT always was a danger and he has deteriorated. Now you have two solid options in the backfield without him!

But is it too late to go dancing with this Cinderella?

You can get the full Madden 11 ratings here!

Madden 11 Impact Rookies: Jahvid Best – Lions

ZFarls — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:04:03 +0000

Its no secret the Lions have been an awful NFL Franchise lately. However, they are slowly putting together quite the roster! Madden 11 will be a chance for Detroit to show off some of its young stars and it all starts in the backfield with rookie RB Jahvid Best!

If your not familiar with the Lions 30th overall pick, he is an explosive talent with a knack for breaking huge gains. He instantly becomes the number 1 choice at RB with 95 SPD, 96, ACC, 97 AGI! If Best can make a few highlight runs early, his ratings will continue to grow. With incumbent starter Kevin Smith only having 86 speed, you need to put Best in your Madden 11 lineup!

Jahvid Best easily competes with Bills RB CJ Spiller (95 Spd) for the top Madden Rookie in the game. WR’s Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant will look to play catchup, but these rookie RB’s are some of the quickest players in recent memory!

With Megatron’s (an MB Favorite) size and speed, Burleson Spd, Byant Johnson size and Pettigrews overall athleticism, the Lions are no joke and a top 20 team! We loved Matt Stafford last year and while he lost a few speed points, he still has a “laser rocket arm” with 97 THP.

Their D-line improved greatly with additions of Suh and Vanden-Bosch. They did lose Ernie Sims, but added some depth in the secondary. While not highly rated, you can make this secondary work with the right scheme.

He only has 83 jump? Looks more like 99!

Do you think the Lions can compete as a top tier Madden 11 team?
Will you be giving Jahvid a Go? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Madden Bible Dynasty : Week 1

ZFarls — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:05:50 +0000

ZFarls Took On Florida (BCake612) in a week one matchup.
Watch the Live Stream Here!

ZFarls (OSU #2) Vs BCake612 (Florida #6) I scheduled this game to make things interesting!

Thanks, Madden Demo in 1 Week! Madden 11 in 3 Weeks!

Madden 11 Ratings: The Curious Case Of Nick Barnett

ZFarls — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:18:43 +0000

Ouch, I thought this was the year the Green Bay Packers would get some respect. BUT, it looks like EA has delivered the shaft just one more time. After losing a slow but solid Aaron Kampman, most thought the Pack would be back and packing some respectable speed on the D, instead they are disrespected.

I’m not talking about a few points on a guy here or there, but a full LB core whose face’s were just spit on. Your telling me that the Giants have 4 DE’s with as much speed as the Packers fastest linebacker?
The most interesting being Nick Barnett, now when healthy he is a lock for 100+ tackle seasons, with his 77 speed he simply won’t pan out to these numbers in Madden. He is only the 3rd to 4th best LB on the team which is removed when playing Nickel and Dime packages to match up against other teams speed. With a slow line, you may have to bring him down to DE and utilize his skills just to get him in the game. I KNOW the Packers in real life won’t need to find a reason to get Nick Barnett on the field!

They have Al Harris at 84 speed? He is only as fast as Justin Tuck and slower than the Colts DE’s?(Mathis and Freeney at 87+)
Anyone want to be on who would win that race? These guys will be able to play some serious press coverage but have no chance to recover with such slow speed ratings. Atari Bigby has 91 Hit Power, but wont be able to get in the position to make plays with just 82 speed. OUCH! Their fastest player Will Blackmon is the only guy above 90 speed and he clocks in at just a 63 overall, no game changing there.

I thought this was the year the Packers would Vault into the top 5 with a solid QB, some height and a burner in Greg Jennings. However, they will either have to win their first 10 and get some love via roster updates OR hover in the middle of the pack of Madden Obscurity. Lets hope this game plays differently, for Packers fans everywhere!