Tag: Madden

The Best of The Worst – Teams to Turn Around In Sports Gaming

Now that we are well over half-way through the NFL season and the NBA season has already put some fans in the mind of ‘maybe next year’ there are quite a few teams to choose from when it comes to wanting a challenge or simply some sort of revival story to build a team around in a sports game.

Madden 13 –

Kansas City – Romeo Crennel has made Brady Quinn the starting QB in KC.  Can you take this team of terribad from laughing stock to the playoffs?  You will have plenty of youth to build around such as Eric Berry, Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe and even Glenn Dorsey.  Your first goal should be finding a decent QB to help this team achieve greatness.

Cleveland – The Browns are a perennial sad sack.  While this is a team that has consistently under-performed there are multiple ways for you to take Cleveland to the next level.  There are a lot of great young players on this team, but you will need to make a quick decision on whether to keep Brandon Weeden or move on in one of the upcoming drafts.

Arizona – Once again, you are getting ready to take a team that needs a QB answer (and fast)… see a theme here?  The Cardinals have a couple decent players to build around, but you will have to take your time and figure out how to answer some tough questions – including whether or not you want to keep Larry Fitzgerald around if you don’t have a QB to throw him the ball.  That could result in a lot of decent trade offers if you decide to put him on the trade  block as well.  While it may sound crazy, it is something to consider.

New York Jets – The Jets are a mess.  One of the best things that could happen to this team is to get rid of their QBs… all of them.  Then make a few decisions about how you want to build this franchise from the ground up.  There are some players like Stephen Hill at WR that could be nice projects to build around, but then you have players like Darrelle Revis, Santonio Holmes and Shonn Greene that could be moved for draft picks so that you can build a team made to last rather than a team built to make headlines for publicity stunts (see Tim Tebow).

Jacksonville – More than just a team that has no real talent, they are constantly a threat to be moved to Los Angeles.  Since EA Tiburon took the option to move your team to another city out of the game (they enjoy taking features away) you have to make moves and stay in Jacksonville to make this team better.  If you win three games in your first season you can consider it a somewhat successful year.  Get a new QB, trade away MJD and do your best to find some talent for this team that seems to be the biggest laughing stock of the NFL.

Carolina – The Panthers are one of the few teams on this list that have a QB in Cam Newton.  On the other hand, they have a lot of other places on their team that need vast improvement.  While they have a great MLB in Luke Kuechly they are pretty much limited to having just those players to build around.  Make use of the trade block and build this team around future picks that you can get from trading away players like DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith, Jonathan Stewart, Chris Gamble and any other player you can do without.

Dallas – Talk about a team that makes you scratch your head.  The Cowboys are consistently picked to be a playoff team but in the end it is their egotistical owner that really makes the worst decisions for the future of this team.  Make a new story for the Cowboys that will allow them to make smart personnel decisions.  This means getting rid of the most overrated QB in the NFL – Tony Romo.  Also, you may want to consider getting what you can for DeMarcus Ware.

Oakland – The first step in this team growing was the death of the Crypt Keeper, Al Davis.  The next step is building this franchise to be more than glorified Speed Ratings.  Make a decision on how you want to build the offense and defense – that means possibly taking a chance on Terrelle Pryor or going in a totally new direction.  Then start building the defense into something to be feared like it was in the 1970s.

 

NBA 2K13 –

Cleveland – The Cavs are a young team that has a cornerstone in Kyrie Irving but that isn’t enough as they need to work on getting this talent to be more than potential prospects.  They need to grow up fast and that could mean a lot of work for you in Association Mode.

Washington – The Wizards are laughingly bad.  Sure, John Wall is amazing – but really they are flatout awful.  Get ready to trade a lot of your best players like Okafor just to get some prospects.

Detroit – Only a few years ago the Pistons were powerful and feared.  Now they are hilarious to watch on the court.  They look more like a team getting ready to face the Globetrotters than an NBA team at times.  This is a team built around unwanted journeymen and bad trades.  It will take you a few seasons to turn them around – but it will be worth it.

Sacramento – Considering the fact that the Maloofs are looking to move this team to Las Vegas, you can tell that they are in need for some improvement.  The Kings were once one of the best teams in the west, but now they are often forgotten when people talk about NBA teams.  I forget they exist half of the time.  I call them the Wizards of the west.

New Orleans – This team got the equivalent of a bailout from the NBA.  Chris Paul said bye-bye and now they are being built around the unibrow of Anthony Davis.  New Orleans needs more than yet another Kentucky product with an IQ less than his scoring average to turn this team around.

Orlando – Dwight Howard is gone.  This move was similar to that of LeBron James leaving Cleveland.  How will you bring the magic back to Orlando?

 

MLB 12 –

Cleveland – Talk about a team with a chance to make big strides with a new manager.  Terry Francona is the new skipper and you will have to make a few moves to bring some pitching and power to this lineup.

Houston – Do something… anything.  Even if it means creating a steroid infused Roger Clemens to come back and pitch this team to at least 20 wins.  It is a bad time to be an Astros fan, but now that they are moving to the American League it could make for a fun journey… albeit – a long and tough one.

Colorado – They made an incredible run a few years ago, but this team needs pitching in the worst way.  Take it upon yourself to manage the thin air and find a way to make Denver cheer for a team not called the Broncos.

Miami – They just fired Ozzie Guillen and now they are selling off their players.  This is a team that will take a lot of patience to build into more than a one-year wonder.  Do it the right way and you will have something to be proud of in the end.

Pittsburgh – This team was on the cusp of making the playoffs in 2012.  Take the power in the steel city and bring this team back to their past glory.  They have a great ballpark and with players like McCutchen to build around it could be a lot of fun.

Oakland – One of my favorite movies of the last few years was Moneyball.  Billy Beane took a chance in using stats and fantasy baseball type of projections to build his team.  Take it to the next step and help them win it all.

Seattle – My favorite player of all-time is Ken Griffey Jr.  When I saw him go back to Seattle to finish his career it was bitter-sweet.  I would love to see this team be more than just a great pitcher like Felix Henandez – they need better players and that starts with you making the moves to bring the talent back to Seattle.

NHL 13 –

Who cares?  The NHL season is dead and the sport of hockey on its way out of almost every person’s consciousness.

Pick any team you want – but the best of the worst would be the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Stop Pulling The Trigger On Madden 13

 

Having trouble running the ball or making plays on defense?  Your problem could be as simple as putting your finger on the RT or R2 button.  If you tend to play Madden at a high speed or simply try to run down your opposition using the ‘turbo’ button you will notice that taking your foot off the gas a little will actually make the game play a bit better for you.

When you are trying to run the ball on offense take a little time to devote to not pressing the sprint button until you are well past your line of blockers.  This is all due to the way the game has been programmed from the AI/CPU perspective.  You will notice that every player on the opposing team will actually increase their speed once you hit that sprint button.  This means that when you are early in your running plays and try to sprint through an open hole, you are actually inviting the other team to get there faster and stuff your play.

The same occurs on defense, but in a slightly different manner.  When you see the CPU pitch the ball outside and try to get a running play to go around the edge and you move with your MLB to stomp it with the sprint button, you will almost always notice that the play will end up going for bigger yards than it should have.  This is because the same principle exists on the other side of the ball.  Keep your finger off the sprint button and you will notice your team will play much better.

 

Developing Players In Madden 13

We recently talked about building your team in Madden 13.  There are many different ways to do this strictly by picking up talented players that

You can help save these players without a team. Please just make sure you take the time to play with them!

are rated as such.  On the flip-side, there are also many other players out there that are diamonds in the rough.  You can make it your mission to take some players out of the late rounds of the draft or even pick them up during the preseason as other teams give up on them because of low overall ratings.

You need to take some chances on players you might not know about and that will often mean scouring the free agent market during the pre-season for a player that could make all the difference for you in the current season or simply develop him into a future star.

There are a few different ways to look for a player that might ‘fly under the radar’.  The first is to look at position specific ratings and determine if they are what you are looking for in a player at that position.  Assuming you even need someone at that position.

Quarterbacks are some of the easier ones to look for as far as ratings go, but they will often be the first ones to go during the preseason.  Look at their Throw Power and Throwing Accuracy ratings.  If you run a West Coast offense you don’t need a QB with 95+ THP, but you do need them to have good-to-great accuracy when throwing short and medium routes.  If you prefer a more vertical passing attack, you will want someone with a higher THP (like 95+) and a better accuracy for deep passes.  The moral of the story is – If the shoe fits, pick up the QB you need.  As you develop a QB you should focus on improving their passing ratings first rather than some sort of speed increases.

Runningbacks are a different breed when it comes to determining what is a ‘steal’ (assuming you need one).  The first thing you will notice is that developing a runningback will be costly if you want to increase their SPD rating.  If you want a ‘fast’ HB, make sure he is fast before you pick him up.  As well, pay close attention to his ratings in Carrying and Injury/Toughness.  A decent HB can have his season and career derailed if he takes a shot from a powerful MLB or Safety.  The ratings for a HB that need to be increased in order to develop their market value are the AWR and Carrying ratings.  Use your XP on these and your HB will be a force to be reckoned with… or traded in his late 20’s.

Receivers are among the most common diamonds in the rough.  They are also the easiest to stock up on and never use… therefore, losing a roster spot just to carry a potential talent.  Receivers need to have the obvious CTH (catch) rating, but they also need to have a few others that you can easily build up if you get them enough playing time and touches.  The AWR rating is something that can effect a WR as he needs to be able to know when the ball is thrown and where to run his routes.  Also, there is an issue of getting your potential diva WR the ball often enough to build him up.  I am currently in a situation where I have eight (8) WRs on my team.  I have turned the Browns into a pass first team, but in the process I have also over-stocked my team with WRs.  Here are a few of my current project players –

Offensive Line is another easy place to upgrade players, but you should really make sure you draft them with great ratings first.  It isn’t often you will put an under-rated O-Lineman on the field to protect your QB.  On the other side of this argument, you can always grab a lineman with great strength and size, put him on the line and try to dominate with the running or passing game (whichever is his focus for XP) and develop him in that fashion. 

The hardest players to develop are Defensive Linemen and Linebackers.  The reason being that they develop most of their XP through tackling statistics.  The issue is that tackling stats are broken in Madden 13 and the interactions between defensive players and offensive blockers is shaky at best.  You will want to increase the Tackle ratings first and then move on to increase every player to ‘Big Hitter’ status so they cause more fumbles as well as increasing their Hit Power ratings.

Depending on what type of coverage you run for your defensive backs you will want to focus on their coverage ratings as well as their press ratings.  If you are running a lot of man-coverage with your CBs you will want to increase their MCV ratings first as well as their Press rating if they are a physical type of player.  Their XP is generally determined by how many INTs they get during the course of the year and if you can develop a talented defensive backfield you will be almost unstoppable.

When it comes to safeties you will want to look at how you have them playing as well.  I have a defense made up of ‘enforcers’ like Laron Landry and TJ Ward… if you come across the middle you will end up with a broken jaw because these are like Honey Badgers… they don’t give a s**t!  Make sure you up their Zone Coverage ratings as well as their tackling and hit power as they are often the last line of defense if someone does get past your front-seven.  The last thing you want are a bunch of DBs trying to ‘tackle’ like Deion Sanders.

Kickers require a lot of field goals in order to increase their stats.  The bad thing about this is that most people want to score touchdowns rather than kicking a lot of FGs.    Whenever you want to increase your kick power you will notice that it starts to get really expensive after awhile.  Your best bet is to pick up a kicker with a high kick power rating starting off.

Punters are along the same lines as kickers.  How many teams really ‘want’ to punt?  Try to pick up these players as you go and hope that they have the high kick power ratings that you need rather than try to build them up.

Building A Team In Madden 13 – More Than Just ‘Overall’ Ratings

Now that Madden 13 finally has the patches needed to make it a truly complete game we can start talking more about how to approach different modes.  In the case of Connected Careers Mode there are numerous ways to approach how to build your team as a coach.

Building your team starts with getting the right pieces in place.

I started a career with the Kansas City Chiefs and somehow took them to a Super Bowl victory with Romeo Crennel in my single player Online Franchise ‘Romeo’s Thinkin’ Arbys’.  After winning the big game in my first season I wanted to move on with a new coach in a new (and more challenging) situation.  Naturally, I went with the Browns and started my first off-season by trying to get players to fulfill stop-gap roles for my first season.  Then finally, I got to the draft… aka – the best part of building your team.

Drafting Your Team

It is more than simply taking the best-available player.

You need to consider what your team truly needs when you start drafting players.  This includes scouting during the season as well.  As a coach, you will need to pay close attention to the contract statuses of your players and how they are performing for you.  Taking a Quarterback when you really need a Defensive End or Linebacker could make your team suffer.  In this same breath, you should also compare the players by their ratings and their size.

Also, if you want a cheap way to scout for players that will be highly rated on your team, make sure you spend the 25 scouting points on ‘Scheme’.  This will be something you can use as you go through the year to set up your potential draft picks.

Free Agency

Over the course of my current CCM I have come across a few free agents that intrigued me.  The best pick-up I have made is WR, Leonard Hankerson for the Browns in 2013.  He came in as a replacement for my injured rookie WR and ended up leading the team in receiving yards, TDs and got himself a huge contract in the off-season.  Keep your eyes open for players that perform well when playiing for you.  Sometimes a player might not be ‘a good fit’ but he could end up becoming exactly what you need to turn things around.

Release Failed Project Players

One of the hardest things to do in sports games is to part with players that you either like in real-life or simply want to develop in the game.  Some of them just don’t pan out or under-perform over the course of time.  You have to make those tough decisions and understand that the betterment of your team is the long-term goal.

Pick A Starter… and stick with him

One of the parts of CCM in Madden 13 is progressing players based on their performance on the field.  Make it your mission to look at the goals being set for all of your starters and try to develop your players through that system.

Madden 13 – Patch #3 Details Announced

This is slated to be released on October 16!

Feature Additions:

Custom Rosters Offline: Added the ability to start an offline career with a custom roster.

Connected Careers Edit Player: Added the ability to edit gear and information for players in a league.

Coach Mode in Connected Careers: Added the ability to use coach mode in Connected Careers.

Changing Schemes in Connected Careers: Added the ability to change offensive and defensive schemes as a coach.

Offline Play Along in Connected Careers: Added the ability for multiple people to join a CCM game. This applies to coaches only.

Draft Clock: Added a draft clock during the draft that is displayed on screen if you leave the draft interface to view rosters, depth charts, etc.

Draft Filter: Added a filter to the draft screen to display players that have been drafted.

Connected Careers Practice XP: Added the ability for user controlled players to earn extra XP in practice mode through the stats they accumulate.
Gameplay Tuning:

  • Fixed an issue where WRs were dropping too many passes when playing on All Madden difficulty setting.
  • Fixed an issue where it was too easy to time the kick meter on FGs and PATs in user vs. user games.
  • Fixed an issue where punt returners were moving away from the landing spot if you called a fair catch while letting the CPU control the player.
  • Fixed an issue where someone who attempted to bull rush with the R stick once the ball was snapped activated run commit.

Commentary:

  • Added over a dozen logic fixes to make our commentary more intelligent.

Presentation:

  • Fixed an issue where specific offensive player celebrations were not triggering.
  • Fixed an issue where the referee was backwards when calling a penalty.
  • Fixed an issue with the Giants away uniforms (missing a sleeve stripe).

Connected Careers:

  • Fixed an issue where Offline Gameplay AI/Logic did not match the logic in Play Now.
  • Fixed an issue where playing the game on All-Madden is too easy.
  • Fixed an issue where changing the camera setting in CCM game works for single player.
  • Fixed an issue where League Sliders had limited impact on difficulty.
  • Fixed an issue where the Accelerated Clock did not function in an online CCM game when the option was set to On.
  • Fixed an issue where you could not turn on/off GameFlow in CCM.
  • Fixed an issue where you were unable to sign Free Agents during the season.
  • Fixed an issue where ‘Starting a League’ would reset Player Schemes.
  • Fixed an issue where after declining a trade offer, you are no longer able to accept or decline another offer.
  • Fixed an issue where you could exploit supersim to run the game clock indefinitely.
  • Fixed some spelling and polish issues in the News and Twitter.
  • Fixed an issue where a coach could make a contract offer to a user controlled player.
  • Fixed an issue where you are forced to select a throwing style for a created player that is not a QB.
  • Fixed an issue where turning Auto-Start to off does not save week to week.
  • Fixed an issue where you can see rookie overall ratings by accessing the player card of the prospect through Team Needs.
  • Fixed an issue where changing Auto-Sub Frequency does not change the correct data.
  • Fixed an issue where the profanity filter was preventing offline players from typing in their names.
  • Fixed an issue where you can draft a player and then trade down while the draft is paused. The issue resulted in the user keeping both the traded picks and drafted player.

Stability:

  • Fixed numerous crashes.
  • Fixed an issue with the in-game pause menu disappearing.

Madden Ultimate Team:

  • Changed the Packs button to Store Button.
  • Condensed Leaderboards and Help menus.
  • Implemented the ability to view videos from the hub.
  • Implemented Store Panel Changes.
  • Moved Auctions/Trades to a separate menu option.
  • Fixed several Solo Challenge exploits

Playbooks:

  • Fixed an issue where theHail Mary formation in a custom playbook had a blank play that resulted in a broken formation and invisible players if selected.

What’s Next? Madden NFL Zombie Mode…?

I bet you think I am joking… and I am to an extent – but…

So many people were clamouring for fantasy drafts and player editing in Madden 13 – and their wishes are slowly being granted.  Many people are still playing Black Ops strictly for the zombie mode and are looking forward to Black Ops 2 only for the continuation of it as well.  Now we have numerous zombie add-ons for games like ARMA 2 to go with the already growing number of actual zombie-themed games like Left 4 Dead and Dead Island.

Then it crossed my mind.

What would make a football game more accessible for non-sports gamers?

Zombies!

Consider the possibilities of instead of simply getting tackled by other players you were being chased around the field by zombies.  Maybe you could actually break ankles with a crazy juke move or use the hit stick to wreck a few zombies carrying the brain…err – ball.

I bet Donny Moore would give them all 99 OVRs in toughness and 25s in Awareness…

What are your thoughts? – Should zombies make their way into sports games?

Madden 13 To Implement Online Fantasy Draft Tomorrow

In a complete twist of events, EA has announced on their Facebook Page that Madden 13 will now have online fantasy drafts for Connected Careers Mode.  This has been one of the most contentious removals outside of player editing… and with player editing being considered for the next patch, this could prove to be the one move that makes people that were otherwise casting Madden 13 aside into believers that this is the best Madden game to date.  What is your take on this news?

Photo: Online Fantasy Drafts coming to Madden NFL 13 tomorrow! More details coming soon!

Madden 13 Roster Update Is Live (Only For Online and Play Now)

Meet the Ratings Czar – EA Tiburon’s Donny Moore

While it isn’t exactly surprising that Madden 13 has a roster update out before a necessary patch, it is none the less not surprising that you can’t even use this roster update in your Connected Careers Mode as an offline gamer.  EA has already made it their mantra to either ignore their fan base’s cries for a much-needed patch or make their ‘new features’ more of a hindrance than anything close to a better experience of the game.  You can expect the roster update for CCM to come out around Tuesday or Wednesday this week if they keep their promises.

For those of you looking for the list of updates for online and play now – here you go:

LaRon Byrd WR ARZ Added to game
Marshay Green CB ARZ Released
Crezdon Butler CB ARZ Released
Alfonso Smith HB ARZ Released
Ronald Talley DL ARZ Released
Thomas Clayton HB ARZ Released
Clark Haggans LB ARZ Released
D.J. Young OL ARZ Released
Quan Sturdivant LB ARZ Released
Richard Bartel QB ARZ Released
Antonio Coleman LB ARZ Released
Jaymar Johnson WR ARZ Released
DeMarco Sampson WR ARZ Released
Landon Cohen DL ARZ Released
Blake Gideon S ARZ Released
Russ Hochstein OL ARZ Released
Javarris James HB ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Brandon Williams LB ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Stephen Williams WR ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeremy Bridges OL ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Gerell Robinson WR ARZ Signed
Blake DeChristopher OL ARZ Signed
Jamaal Westerman LB ARZ Signed
Steven Baker OL ARZ Signed
Pat McQuistan OL ARZ Signed
Phillipkeith Manley OL ATL Added to game
Josh Harris LS ATL Added to game
Kevin Cone WR ATL Jersey change to #15
Tyler Horn OL ATL Released
Dominique Franks CB ATL Released
Darrin Walls CB ATL Released
Mike Cox FB ATL Released
Spencer Adkins LB ATL Released
Andrew Jackson OL ATL Released
Richard Medlin HB ATL Released
Dimitri Nance HB ATL Released
John Parker Wilson QB ATL Released
Chris Redman QB ATL Released
Suaesi Tuimanei S ATL Released
Louis Nzegwu DL ATL Released
Joe Zelenka LS ATL Released
Max Gruder LB ATL Released
Kerry Meier WR ATL Released
Michael Calvin WR ATL Released
James Rodgers WR ATL Released
Jason Slowey OL ATL Released
Shann Schillinger S ATL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Luke McCown QB ATL Signed
Adam Nissley TE ATL Signed
Mark LeGree S ATL Signed
Chase Coffman TE ATL Signed
Justin Tucker K BAL Added to game
Cecil Newton OL BAL Released
Danny Gorrer CB BAL Released
Nicolas Jean-Baptiste DL BAL Released
Cyhl Quarles DB BAL Released
Billy Cundiff K BAL Released
Josh Bynes LB BAL Released
Curtis Painter QB BAL Released
Tony Wragge OL BAL Released
Chavis Williams LB BAL Released
Davon Drew TE BAL Released
Patrick Williams WR BAL Released
Devin Goda WR BAL Released
Emmanual Cook DB BAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Damien Berry HB BAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Ryan McBean DL BAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Anthoyn Levine S BAL Signed
James Ihedigbo S BAL Signed
Dennis Dixon QB BAL Signed
Delano Howell S BUF Added to game
Mark Asper OL BUF Released
Prince Miller CB BUF Released
Kevin Brock TE BUF Released
Naaman Roosevelt WR BUF Released
David Clowney WR BUF Released
Derek Hagan WR BUF Released
Ruvell Martin WR BUF Released
Fendi Onobun TE BUF Released
Keith Williams OL BUF Released
Kellen Heard DL BUF Released
Dwan Edwards DL BUF Released
Joshua Nesbitt S BUF Released
Vince Young QB BUF Released
Danny Batten LB BUF Released
Tank Carder LB BUF Released
Scott McKillop LB BUF Released
Robert Eddins DL BUF Released
Jake Vermiglio OL BUF Released
Johnny White HB BUF Released
Torrel Troup DL BUF Removed from depth chart (injury)
Kamar Aiken WR BUF Signed
Tarvaris Jackson QB BUF Traded to BUF (from SEA)
Jimmy Clausen QB CAR Jersey change to #7
Matt Reynolds OL CAR Released
Darius Butler CB CAR Released
Terrell McClain DL CAR Released
Ogemdi Nwagbuo DL CAR Released
Jordan Pugh S CAR Released
Josh Vaughan HB CAR Released
Olindo Mare K CAR Released
Eric Norwood DL CAR Released
Roger Allen OL CAR Released
Kion Wilson LB CAR Released
Jason Williams LB CAR Released
Jonathan Nelson S CAR Released
Reggie Smith S CAR Released
Greg Smith TE CAR Released
Seyi Ajirotutu WR CAR Released
Darvin Adams WR CAR Released
Brandon Hogan CB CAR Removed from depth chart (injury)
Nate Ness CB CAR Removed from depth chart (injury)
Andre Neblett DL CAR Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Ron Parker CB CAR Signed
Dwan Edwards DL CAR Signed
Armond Smith HB CAR Signed
Justin Medlock K CAR Signed
Jeremy Jones S CHI Added to game
Evan Rodriguez FB CHI Changed position to FB (was TE)
Evan Rodriguez FB CHI Jersey changed to #48
Geno Hayes LB CHI Jersey changed to #58
Cheta Ozougwu DL CHI Jersey changed to #95
Jonathan Wilhite CB CHI Released
Cornelius Brown CB CHI Released
Greg McCoy CB CHI Released
Brian Price DT CHI Released
John McCargo DT CHI Released
Jordan Miller DT CHI Released
Kahlil Bell HB CHI Released
Thadddeus Gibson DL CHI Released
A.J. Greene OL CHI Released
Adrien Cole LB CHI Released
Dom DeCicco LB CHI Released
Jabara Williams LB CHI Released
Josh McCown QB CHI Released
Chauncey Davis DL CHI Released
Ricky Henry OL CHI Released
Rashied Davis WR CHI Released
Brandon Hardin S CHI Removed from depth chart (injury)
Sherrick McManis CB CHI Traded to CHI (from HOU)
Trevor Robinson OL CIN Added to game
Reggie Stephens OL CIN Released
T.J. Heath CB CIN Released
Nick Hayden DL CIN Released
Vaughn Meatoga DL CIN Released
James Develin FB CIN Released
Aaron Brown HB CIN Released
Micah Johnson DL CIN Released
Roddrick Muckelroy LB CIN Released
DeQuin Evans DL CIN Released
Matthew O’Donnell OL CIN Released
Matt Murphy OL CIN Released
Colin Cochart TE CIN Released
Vidal Hazelton WR CIN Released
Kashif Moore WR CIN Released
Pat Sims DL CIN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Robert Sands S CIN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeff Faine OL CIN Signed
Jeff Adams OL CIN Signed
L.J. Fort LB CLE Added to game
Josh Gordon WR CLE Jersey change to #13
James Dockery CB CLE Released
Kiante Tripp DL CLE Released
Brian Schaeffering DL CLE Released
Adonis Thomas HB CLE Released
Seneca Wallace QB CLE Released
Dominc Alford OL CLE Released
Stanley Daniels OL CLE Released
David Sims S CLE Released
Evan Moore TE CLE Released
Quinton Spears LB CLE Released
Carlton Mitchell WR CLE Released
Rod Windsor WR CLE Released
Dan Gronkowski TE CLE Released
Scott Paxson DL CLE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Emmanual Acho LB CLE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Marcus Benard LB CLE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Scott Fujita LB CLE Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen DL CLE Signed
Tank Carder LB CLE Signed
Tedy Williams CB DAL Released
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB DAL Released
Shaun Chapas FB DAL Released
Javarris Williams HB DAL Released
Jeff Adams OL DAL Released
Baraka Atkins LB DAL Released
Rudy Carpenter QB DAL Released
Clifton Geathers DL DAL Released
Raymond Radway WR DAL Released
Daniel Loper OL DAL Released
Stephen McGee QB DAL Released
Kevin Kowalski OL DAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Colin Cochart TE DAL Signed
Ryan Cook OL DAL Traded to DAL (from MIA)
Steven Johnson LB DEN Added to game
Ronnie Hillman HB DEN Jersey change to #21
Omar Bolden CB DEN Jersey change to #31
Jim Leonhard CB DEN Jersey change to #36
Austin Sylvester FB DEN Released
Rafael Bush S DEN Released
Syd’Quan Thompson CB DEN Released
Ramzee Robinson CB DEN Released
Drayton Florence CB DEN Released
Mike Mohamed LB DEN Released
Cyril Obiozior DL DEN Released
Ryan Harris OL DEN Released
Jason Hill WR DEN Released
Gerell Robinson WR DEN Released
Mark Dell WR DEN Released
Jerry Franklin LB DEN Released
Adam Weber QB DEN Released
Tony Hills OL DEN Released
Adam Grant OL DEN Released
Jason Hunter DL DEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeremy Beal DL DEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
D.J. Williams LB DEN Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Virgil Green TE DEN Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Quentin Saulsberry OL DEN Signed
Mario Fannin HB DEN Signed
Drew Coleman CB DET Released
Alphonso Smith CB DET Released
Andre Fluellen DL DET Released
James Bryant FB DET Released
Ugo Chinasa DL DET Released
Everette Brown DL DET Released
Dan Gerberry OL DET Released
Jonathan Scott OL DET Released
Ryan Donahue P DET Released
Jacques McClendon OL DET Released
Sean Jones S DET Released
Maurice Stovall WR DET Released
Lance Long WR DET Released
Nate Hughes WR DET Released
Terrence Toliver WR DET Released
Jarrett Dillard WR DET Released
Ricardo Silva S DET Released
Mikel Leshoure HB DET Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Slade Norris LB DET Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Drayton Florence CB DET Signed
Shaun Chapas FB DET Signed
Kasim Osgood WR DET Signed
Kris Durham WR DET Signed
Kevin Barnes CB DET Traded to DET (from WAS)
Dale Moss WR GB Released
Sampson Genus OL GB Released
Anthony Hargrove DL GB Released
Daniel Muir DL GB Released
Jon Hoese FB GB Released
Anthony Levine S GB Released
Jarius Wynn DL GB Released
Herb Taylor OL GB Released
Shaky Smithson WR GB Released
Tori Gurley WR GB Released
Derek Sherrod OL GB Removed from depth chart (injury)
Vic So’oto LB GB Removed from depth chart (injury)
Erik Walden LB GB Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Chris Scott OL GB Signed
Alan Ball CB HOU Jersey changed to #22
Duane Brown OL HOU New deal, 7yrs/56MIL
Shelley Smith OL HOU Released
Torii Williams S HOU Released
Loni Fangupo DL HOU Released
Derrell Smith FB HOU Released
Davin Meggett HB HOU Released
Ra’Shon Harris DL HOU Released
Kasey Studdard OL HOU Released
Shawn Loiseau LB HOU Released
Rennie Moore Jr. LB HOU Released
Nick Mondek OL HOU Released
Bryant Johnson WR HOU Released
Juaquin Iglesias WR HOU Released
Jerrell Jackson WR HOU Released
Randy Bullock K HOU Removed from depth chart (injury)
Rashad Butler OL HOU Removed from depth chart (injury)
Ryan Harris OL HOU Signed
Keyaron Fox LB HOU Signed
Tyler Clutts FB HOU Traded to HOU (from CHI)
Matt Overton LS IND Added to game
Dominique Jones TE IND Added to game
Mewelde Moore HB IND Jersey change to #26
Moise Fokou LB IND Jersey change to #58
Kris Adams WR IND Jersey change to #81
Steven Baker OL IND Released
Chris Rucker CB IND Released
Terrence Johnson CB IND Released
Antonio Fenelus CB IND Released
Darren Evans HB IND Released
George Foster OL IND Released
Greg Lloyd LB IND Released
Mike Tepper OL IND Released
David Caldwell S IND Released
Jermale Hines S IND Released
Justin Snow LS IND Released
Quan Cosby WR IND Released
Andre Smith TE IND Released
Jarred Fayson WR IND Released
Jeremy Ross WR IND Released
Korey Lindsey CB IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Brandon McKinney DL IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Mike Newton S IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Tim Fugger LB IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Mike Person OL IND Signed
Sergio Brown S IND Signed
Kashif Moore WR IND Signed
Alvester Alexander HB IND Signed
Vontae Davis CB IND Traded to IND (from MIA)
Antwon Blake S JAX Added to game
Julian Stanford LB JAX Added to game
Kevin Elliott WR JAX Added to game
Aaron Morgan DL JAX Jersey change to #58
Corvey Irvin DL JAX Released
J.K. Schaffer LB JAX Released
Leigh Torrence CB JAX Released
Ashton Youboty CB JAX Released
Courtney Greene S JAX Released
Rod Issac CB JAX Released
Naufahu Tahi FB JAX Released
Brock Bolen FB JAX Released
DuJuan Harros HB JAX Released
Richard Murphy HB JAX Released
William Robinson OL JAX Released
Jordan Palmer QB JAX Released
Nathan Enderle QB JAX Released
Nate Bussey LB JAX Released
Chastin West WR JAX Released
John Estes OL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Will Rackley OL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
John Chick DL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jason Spitz OL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Zach Miller TE JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Clint Session LB JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Reggie Corner CB JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Taylor Price WR JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Will Ta’ufo’ou FB JAX Signed
Keith Toston HB JAX Signed
John Parker Wilson QB JAX Signed
Shaun Draughn HB KC Jersey change to #20
Junior Hemingway WR KC Released
Jeremy Horne WR KC Released
Rob Bruggeman OL KC Released
Cam Holland OL KC Released
Darryl Harris OL KC Released
Mikail Baker CB KC Released
Caleb Campbell LB KC Released
Amon Gordon DL KC Released
Brandon Bair DL KC Released
Dexter Heyman LB KC Released
Shane Bannon FB KC Released
Gabe Miller LB KC Released
Leon Williams LB KC Released
Donald Washington S KC Released
Edgar Jones LB KC Signed
Martin Rucker TE KC Signed
Josh Samuda OL MIA Added to game
Marcus Thigpen HB MIA Added to game
Jonathan Wade CB MIA Released
Marcus Brown CB MIA Released
Quentin Lawrence CB MIA Released
Chas Alecxih DL MIA Released
Isaako Aaitui DL MIA Released
Ryan Baker DL MIA Released
Tyrell Johnson DB MIA Released
Steve Slaton HB MIA Released
David Garrard QB MIA Released
Lydon Murtha OL MIA Released
Gary Guyton LB MIA Released
Will Barker OL MIA Released
Tyrone Culver S MIA Released
Roberto Wallace WR MIA Released
Julius Pruitt WR MIA Released
B.J. Cunningham WR MIA Released
Clyde Gates WR MIA Released
Artis Hicks OL MIA Removed from depth chart (injury)
R.J. Stanford CB MIA Signed
DeAndre Presley CB MIA Signed
Sammy Brown LB MIA Signed
Troy Nolan S MIA Signed
Anthony Armstrong WR MIA Signed
McLeod Bethel-Thompson QB MIN Added to game
Quentin Saulsberry OL MIN Released
James Kirkendoll WR MIN Released
Chris DeGeare OL MIN Released
Zack Bowman CB MIN Released
Chris Carr CB MIN Released
Ryan D’Imperio FB MIN Released
Trevor Guyton DL MIN Released
Sage Rosenfels QB MIN Released
Tydreke Powell DL MIN Released
Tyler Nielsen LB MIN Released
Solomon Elimimian LB MIN Released
Reggie Jones CB MIN Released
Nick Reed DL MIN Released
Levi Horn OL MIN Released
Eric Frampton S MIN Released
Patrick Brown OL MIN Released
Bryan Walters WR MIN Released
Kerry Taylor WR MIN Released
Mickey Shuler TE MIN Released
Jerome Simpson WR MIN Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Mark Asper OL MIN Signed
Tori Gurley WR MIN Signed
A.J. Jefferson CB MIN Traded to MIN (from ARZ)
Marcus Forston DL NE Added to game
Justin Francis DL NE Added to game
Jeff Demps HB NE Added to game
Don’t’a Hightower LB NE Jersey change to #54
Mike Rivera LB NE Jersey change to #59
Visanthe Shiancoe TE NE Jersey change to #80
Jake Bequette DL NE Jersey change to #92
Kyle Love DL NE New deal, 2yrs/3MIL
Aaron Hernandez TE NE New deal, 5yrs/40MIL/10MBonus
Dan Koppen OL NE Released
Ross Ventrone CB NE Released
Gerard Warren DL NE Released
Eric Kettani FB NE Released
Marcus Harrison DL NE Released
Tim Bulman DL NE Released
Brian Hoyer QB NE Released
Bobby Carpenter LB NE Released
Niko Koutouvides LB NE Released
Brian Waters OL NE Released
Donte Stallworth WR NE Released
james Ihedigbo S NE Released
Jabar Gaffney WR NE Released
Deion Branch WR NE Released
Jeremy Ebert WR NE Released
Jesse Holley WR NE Released
Myron Pryor DL NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Will Allen S NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Kyle Hix OL NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Josh Barrett S NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Dane Fletcher LB NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Malcolm Williams CB NE Signed
Lex Hilliard HB NE Signed
Thomas Austin OL NE Signed
James Develin FB NE Signed
Greg Salas WR NE Traded to NE (from STL)
Remi Ayodele DL NO Released
Kamaal McIlwain CB NO Released
Elbert Mack CB NO Released
Matt Tennant OL NO Released
Lawrence Wilson LB NO Released
Greg Camarillo WR NO Released
Sean Canfield QB NO Released
Kadarron Anderson LB NO Released
Swanson Miller DL NO Released
Johnny Thomas DB NO Released
John Kasay K NO Released
Will Smith DL NO Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Jerome Murphy CB NO Signed
Ricky Henry OL NO Signed
Rafael Bush S NO Signed
David Wilson HB NYG Jersey change to #22
Jayron Hosley CB NYG Jersey change to #28
Chris White OL NYG Released
Antwaun Molden CB NYG Released
Dante Hughes CB NYG Released
Dwayne Hendricks DL NYG Released
Marcus Thomas DL NYG Released
Joe Martinek FB NYG Released
Greg Jones LB NYG Released
Ryan Perrilloux QB NYG Released
Chris Horton S NYG Released
Ryan Purvis TE NYG Released
Isaiah Stanback WR NYG Released
Brandon Mosley OL NYG Removed from depth chart (injury)
Tyler Sash S NYG Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Matt Kroul OL NYJ Released
Ryan Steed CB NYJ Released
Julian Posey CB NYJ Released
D’Anton Lynn S NYJ Released
Terrance Ganaway HB NYJ Released
Josh Brown K NYJ Released
Jay Richardson DL NYJ Released
Brett Roy LB NYJ Released
Matt Simms QB NYJ Released
Robert Griffin OL NYJ Released
Terrance Campbell OL NYJ Released
Josh Baker TE NYJ Released
Dedrick Epps TE NYJ Released
Dexter Jackson WR NYJ Released
Eron Riley WR NYJ Released
Raymond Webber WR NYJ Released
Konrad Reuland TE NYJ Signed
Clyde Gates WR NYJ Signed
Jason Smith OL NYJ Traded to NYJ (from STL)
Wayne Hunter OL NYJ Traded to STL (from NYJ)
Ron Parker CB OAK Released
DeMarcus Van Dyke CB OAK Released
Bryan McCann CB OAK Released
Terrail Lambert CB OAK Released
Dominique Hamilton DL OAK Released
Jamie Cumbie DL OAK Released
Kyle Efaw TE OAK Released
Derek Carrier WR OAK Released
Tory Humphrey TE OAK Released
Eddie McGee WR OAK Released
Thomas Mayo WR OAK Released
Manase Tonga FB OAK Released
Curtis Taylor S OAK Released
Hall Davis DL OAK Released
Kevin Haslam OL OAK Released
Nick Howell OL OAK Released
Mason Brodine DL OAK Released
Ed Wang OL OAK Released
Lonyae Miller HB OAK Released
Aaron Curry LB OAK Removed from depth chart (injury)
Brandon Underwood CB OAK Removed from depth chart (injury)
Zach Hurd OL OAK Removed from depth chart (injury)
Joselio Hanson CB OAK Signed
Phillip Adams CB OAK Signed
Coye Francies CB OAK Signed
Vaughn Meatoga DL OAK Signed
Keenan Clayton LB OAK Signed
Willie Smith OL OAK Signed
Steve Vallos OL PHI Released
Kevin Thomas CB PHI Released
Trevard Lindley CB PHI Released
Cliff Harris CB PHI Released
Antonio Dixon DL PHI Released
Joselio Hanson CB PHI Released
Tom Nelson S PHI Released
Julian Vandervelde OL PHI Released
Ollie Ogbu DL PHI Released
Mat McBriar P PHI Released
Mike Kafka QB PHI Released
Brandon Washington OL PHI Released
Mike Gibson OL PHI Released
Keenan Clayton LB PHI Released
Thomas Welch OL PHI Released
Oshiomogho Atogwe S PHI Released
Brett Brackett TE PHI Released
Mardy Gilyard WR PHI Released
Chad Hall WR PHI Released
Jamel Hamler WR PHI Released
Chase Beeler OL PHI Signed
Emil Igwenagu TE PHI Signed
B.J. Cunningham WR PHI Signed
Matt Reynolds OL PHI Signed
David Sims S PHI Traded to PHI (from CLE)
Robert Golden S PIT Added to game
Drew Butler P PIT Added to game
Chris Scott OL PIT Released
Terrence Frederick CB PIT Released
Mortty Ivy LB PIT Released
Kade Weston DL PIT Released
Trai Essex OL PIT Released
Jerrod Johnson QB PIT Released
Walter McFadden CB PIT Released
Corbin Bryant DL PIT Released
Kyle Jolly OL PIT Released
Myron Rolle S PIT Released
Justin Peelle TE PIT Released
Derrick Williams WR PIT Released
Jimmy Young WR PIT Released
Marquis Maze WR PIT Released
Sean Spence LB PIT Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeremy Kapinos P PIT Removed from depth chart (injury)
Weslye Saunders TE PIT Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Corey Lynch S SD Jersey change to #41
Colin Baxter OL SD Released
Jacob Hester FB SD Released
Nick Novak K SD Released
Jarrett Lee QB SD Released
Bront Bird LB SD Released
DeAndre Pressley CB SD Released
Darryl Gamble LB SD Released
Roscoe Parrish WR SD Released
Phillip Payne WR SD Released
Stephen Schilling OL SD Released
Jacques Cesaire DL SD Released
Brad Taylor TE SD Released
Kory Sperry TE SD Released
Mario Henderson OL SD Released
Sean Cattouse S SD Removed from depth chart (injury)
Chris Owusu WR SD Signed
Jermaine Kearse WR SEA Added to game
Jeremy Lane CB SEA Jersey changed to #37
Mike Morgan CB SEA Jersey changed to #57
Phillip Adams CB SEA Released
Dexter Davis DL SEA Released
Deuce Lutui OL SEA Released
Jameson Konz LB SEA Released
Lazarius Levingston DL SEA Released
Tyrell Sutton HB SEA Released
Alex Barron OL SEA Released
Paul Fanaika OL SEA Released
Roy Lewis DB SEA Released
Kellen Winslow TE SEA Released
Deon Butler WR SEA Released
Terrell Owens WR SEA Released
Cameron Morrah TE SEA Removed from depth chart (injury)
Allen Barbre OL SEA Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Charly Martin WR SEA Signed
Allen Bradford LB SEA Signed
Garrett Celek TE SF Added to game
Darcel McBath S SF Jersey change to #28
Demarcus Dobbs TE SF Jersey change to #83
Chris Owusu WR SF Released
Mike Person OL SF Released
Chase Beeler OL SF Released
Cory Nelms S SF Released
Rock Cartwright HB SF Released
Joe Holland LB SF Released
Eric Bakhtiari LB SF Released
Ikaika Alama-Francis LB SF Released
Josh Johnson QB SF Released
Kourtnei Brown LB SF Released
Derek Hall OL SF Released
Colin Jones S SF Released
Konrad Reuland TE SF Released
Brett Swain WR SF Released
Joe Hastings WR SF Released
Parys Haralson LB SF Removed from depth chart (injury)
Clark Haggans LB SF Signed
Rodney McLeod S STL Added to game
Matthew Conrath DL STL Added to game
Quinton Pointer CB STL Added to game
Rocky McIntosh LB STL Jersey change to #50
Aaron Brown LB STL Jersey change to #54
Sammy Brown LB STL Released
Jamaar Jarrett DL STL Released
Ryan McKee OL STL Released
Brian Mattison OL STL Released
Quinn Ojinnaka OL STL Released
Garrett Lindholm K STL Released
Ovie Mughelli FB STL Released
Cornell Banks DL STL Released
Jerome Murphy CB STL Released
Kendric Burney CB STL Released
Noah Keller LB STL Released
Alex Hoffman-Ellis LB STL Released
Kellen Clemens QB STL Released
Tom Brandstater QB STL Released
Kevin Hughes OL STL Released
Jose Valdez OL STL Released
Michael Hoomanawanui TE STL Released
Brody Eldridge TE STL Released
Deangelo Peterson TE STL Released
Ben Guidugli TE STL Released
Danario Alexander WR STL Released
Mike Campbell WR STL Released
Trevor Laws DL STL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Shelley Smith OL STL Signed
Terrance Ganaway HB STL Signed
Brandon Washington OL STL Signed
Mason Brodine DL STL Signed
Brandon McDonald CB TB Released
Frank Okam DL TB Released
Cody Johnson FB TB Released
Mossis Madu HB TB Released
Kai Forbath K TB Released
Mike Ingersoll OL TB Released
E.J. Wilson DL TB Released
Brian Smith LB TB Released
Tramain Thomas S TB Released
Zach Pianalto TE TB Released
Collin Franklin TE TB Released
Larry Asante S TB Released
Rennie Curran LB TB Released
Moe Petrus OL TB Released
Brett Ratliff QB TB Released
Jordan Shipley WR TB Released
Ed Gant WR TB Released
Greg Ellingson WR TB Released
Tiquan Underwood WR TB Released
Jordan Shipley WR TB Released
Davin Joseph OL TB Removed from depth chart (injury)
Cody Wallace OL TB Signed
Corvey Irvin DL TB Signed
D.J. Ware HB TB Signed
Dale Moss WR TB Signed
Markus White LB TB Signed
J.K. Schaffer LB TB Signed
Adam Weber QB TB Signed
Quinn Johnson FB TEN Jersey changed to #45
Jason McCourty CB TEN New deal, 6yrs/42MIL/6MIL bonus
Terrance Wheatley CB TEN Released
Chris Hawkins CB TEN Released
George Bias OL TEN Released
Cameron Graham TE TEN Released
Aaron Francisco OL TEN Released
Kyle DeVan OL TEN Released
Malcolm Sheppard DL TEN Released
Lamar Divens DL TEN Released
Herb Donaldson HB TEN Released
Marc Mariani WR TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Leger Douzable DL TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Kevin Malast LB TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Ryan Durrand OL TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Dave Ball DL TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Chris DeGeare OL TEN Signed
Darren Evans HB TEN Signed
Videal Hazelton WR TEN Signed
DaJohn Harris DL TEN Signed
Evan Royster HB WAS Jersey change to #22
Markus White LB WAS Released
Anthony Armstrong WR WAS Released
Willie Smith OL WAS Released
Graham Gano K WAS Released
Neil Rackers K WAS Released
Terrence Austin WR WAS Released
Richard Quinn TE WAS Released
Darrion Scott DL WAS Released
Jonathan Crompton QB WAS Released
Bryan Kehl LB WAS Released
Lennon Creer HB WAS Released
Tim Hightower HB WAS Released
Erik Cook OL WAS Released
Tanard Jackson S WAS Released
Brandyn Thompson CB WAS Released
Travon Bellamy CB WAS Released
Chris Cooley FB WAS Released
Morgan Trent CB WAS Released
Jammal Brown OL WAS Removed from depth chart (injury)
Emmanuel Arceneaux WR WAS Signed
Darryl Gamble LB WAS Signed
Doug Worthington DL WAS Signed
Jason Shirley DL WAS Signed
Billy Cundiff K WAS Signed
Crezdon Butler CB WAS Signed

Madden 13’s Biggest Gameplay Problems

Chances are good that Urlacher will get injured when he crushes AP… why? Because Madden 13’s injuries are broken… or random at best.

Madden 13 has a lot of potential to be one of the best Madden games every made – if not the best.  However, there are still some things that are occurring that make for a rather annoying experience.  Here are a few –

CPU Play Calling – While this isn’t truly ‘gameplay’ it is something that you have to deal with every single moment of a single player game.  It seems as if the CPU Coaching Staff was programmed to mimic Pat Shurmur.  Why is it that on 3rd and long the CPU will almost always pick either a running play or a passing play with routes that are 3-5 yards short of what is needed for a first down?  The CPU play calling AI has always been bad in Madden, but this kills the experience when you are playing in a tight game and they seemingly throw in the towel.

The CPU Running Game Doesn’t Exist – No matter what you do in Connected Careers, it is almost impossible to face the CPU without dominating their runningbacks.  This is an issue that involves bad blocking and seemingly immobile runningbacks.  It is a constant struggle to feel like you have having a legitimate experience when you end up crushing the opposition every time they try to run the ball.

Human Pass Rush Is Unstoppable – I am currently playing a single player online CCM with the Browns.  Jabaal Sheard has 23 sacks through 12 games.  Chances are good that he will finish the season with over 30 sacks and this is without ever controlling him.  The funny thing is that I picked up Shawne Merriman in the pre-season to play RE (opposite of LE, Sheard) and he has zero sacks.  Sure, he is constantly facing the opponent’s best blocker, but to have ZERO sacks is almost laughable.

Left Ends Are Beasts – For some reason EA Tiburon has had a major problem programming the blocking in Madden.  This was something that was pushed strongly for by the community for Madden 13 in the new Infinity Engine.  It never made it into the final build and the interactions between lineman are still showing this lacking development.  If you have a somewhat decent Defensive Left End – prepare to dominate and set records almost every year.

WR Drops Are Infuriating – In one game I counted over 14 drops by my receivers.  This was a major issue in the demo and seems to still be a major issue in the game.  While these dropped passes might not keep you from defeating a seemingly stupid CPU AI Opponent, they can ruin your experience as you are being artificially prevented from having great games (even if they aren’t ‘sim’ with your receivers).  You can move the WR Catch slider but you shouldn’t have to do this.

Injuries Are Random and Silly – After crushing Mike Vick in week one with D’Qwell Jackson it was Jackson, not the injury-prone Vick that ended up on the injury report with a torn achilles.  What makes it better is that his foot never really hit the ground as he made the tackle.  Vick on the other hand was twisted up like a pretzel and was smashed into the ground.  He got up… Jackson didn’t.  Please, for the love of all things football – fix the injury system in Madden!

Do Legacy Games Get A Reprieve From Letting You Down?

Madden 13 has received great reviews from mainstream media, but when it comes to hardcore users – not so much.  Why is it then, that this game is selling like hot cakes with crack sauce?

If you don’t get your annual Madden fix will it be an itchy year?

It seems as if this is true to some extent.  While EA Tiburon made significant strides with the development of Madden 13 they still somehow managed to anger a faction hardcore community enough that they are up in arms over numerous ‘scandals’ that they seem to be taking personally.

Tebow for a moment and consider a world without annual releases.

Why is it then that they buy the game every year even if they think it is terrible or a let down?

Many of the problems that are prevalent in the gaming and software world revolve around giving the end-user just enough improvement or subtle tweaks that they want to give it a chance.  The expectations are so high that consumers don’t even look for things that will impress them.  Their eyes are studying every pixel for a flaw and every player movement for the slightest inaccurate animation.  This doesn’t mean they are wrong to be angry about not seeing the improvements they want to see… it just means they aren’t privy to what the corporation’s plan for consumer development and profit margins – rather than actual game improvement.

Don’t think for a moment that the developer is the only ‘guilty’ party.  The fact of the matter is that you are enabling a company to continue making what you term to be ‘broken’ games because you are buying them every single year.

If someone came to you asking for advice on how to deal with a person that continuously lets them down.  Every time they make plans something comes up.  Every time they say something, they find out it is a lie or maybe just an exaggeration.

What would you tell them?

Chances are good that you would advise them to end that relationship or step away from it slowly if they are worried about hurting feelings.

My question to those of you are continuously disappointed with Madden every year (or any other game – Call of Duty, Assassins Creed, etc.) is –

Are you obligated to purchase any of these things every single year?

If you don’t like the product you are buying every year, stop giving the company that makes it the power to keep making it.  Talk with your pocket-book rather than your angry fingers… money is the only language businesses speak.  If that means you have to take a course on Rosetta Stone in order to learn how to grow a monetary backbone – do it.

Stop giving annual releases a reprieve if you don’t like what you are getting – take the power back.