__ __ /'\_/`\ /\ \ /\ \ /\ \ __ \_\ \ \_\ \ __ ___ \ \ \__\ \ /'__`\ /'_` \ /'_` \ /'__`\/' _ `\ \ \ \_/\ \/\ \L\.\_/\ \L\ \/\ \L\ \/\ __//\ \/\ \ \ \_\\ \_\ \__/.\_\ \___,_\ \___,_\ \____\ \_\ \_\ \/_/ \/_/\/__/\/_/\/__,_ /\/__,_ /\/____/\/_/\/_/ ___ __ __ ______ /'___`\ /'__`\ /'__`\/\ ___\ /\_\ /\ \ /\ \/\ \/\ \/\ \ \ \__/ \/_/// /__\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \___``\ // /_\ \\ \ \_\ \ \ \_\ \/\ \L\ \ /\______/ \ \____/\ \____/\ \____/ \/_____/ \/___/ \/___/ \/___/ Game Name: Madden 2005 Type: FAQ/Strategy Guide Version: 0.4 Date: 8/23/04 Author: AJE E-mail: fanbaseballdrew@aol.com Website: www.suresportsbets.com My e-mail address will no longer be accepting questions about Madden or any of my other guides. Please now go to: www.suresportsbets.com, and ask any question you have about the game on the forums. There is a forum specifically designed to answer these questions. Also, if you would like me to get back into writing guides, please post in the forum. I haven't made a dime off writing these guides, and due to the fact that I put 20-50 hours into writing them, I just don't have the time anymore. If you would like to donate a few dollars to my donation bin, to help me write more guides, I would really appreciate it. Remember, the site is: www.suresportsbets.com. Thank you. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Table of Contents ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Introduction 2. Update History 3. Controls A. Madden Classic Controls B. Madden Vintage Controls C. Madden Retro Controls 4. Offensive Help 5. Defensive Help 6. Team Rankings 7. Historic Team Rankings 8. Stadium List 9. Franchise Walkthrough 10. Mini-Camp Walkthrough 11. Madden Moments Walkthrough 12. Trivia Challenge Answers 13. Madden Cards 14. Team Analyzer 15. Frequently Asked Questions (Read!!!) 16. Sunday Sports Report Field Pass 17. Credits 18. My Other Guides 19. Legal Information =========================================== Section: 1 Name: Introduction Last Updated: 8/11/04 =========================================== Welcome to my Madden 2005 guide. I've been writing guides for a little over five years now and it has come to my attention that there has never been a really good guide for a Madden game. I'm going to change that this year, by making the most comprehensive strategy guide that has ever been made for a football game. Being a veteran of the Madden series (played it since the 3DO days) I know basically all the ends and outs of the game. In Madden 2004, I was unstoppable with the Minnesota Vikings rarely losing a game in tournaments that I hosted. This year, with a lot of writing and a bit of luck, I can make everyone that reads this guide a bit better. Though many wonder how a "sports strategy guide" can help, I feel that my guide can improve your game drastically. Whether you are just starting out as a Madden newbie, or you've been playing this game since the Sega Genesis days, I believe that everyone can improve somehow with every addition to the series. Before you sit down with your cup of coffee and your sticks on your lap waiting to be played, please take a few minutes to consider this. It takes me hours upon hours to create a strategy guide to this magnitude. With all the studying of the game, to the researching, to the re-iteration of my knowledge, I could honestly be doing something more beneficial with my life. So this is my plea to all of you. I'm trying to get into the video game writing industry for my second time (I worked as a freelance writer for about 2 years when I was 16). I'm majoring in journalism at school, and I'm looking for a job. I'm 20 years old, and I'm willing to work. So please hire me :)...If that is out of your hands, at least give my website a look where I'm trying to make my way into being a Sports Columnist. (www.sundaysportsreport.com) Writing these strategy guides are always a ton of fun for me, but answering your e-mails are even better. I try to answer all e-mails within 8 hours of being sent, and usually will respond to your questions over AIM if I'm not drastically busy. My screen name on AIM is: FanBaseballDrew and my e-mail address is fanbaseballdrew@aol.com. I would love getting an e-mail from anyone who reads my guide. Don't feel uncomfortable about praising or criticizing this guide, I take all comments with a grain of salt. And if you are interested in sports in general (especially fantasy sports) make sure that you give my website a look. The Sunday SportS Report is trying to become the #1 website, created, maintaned, and owned by regular sports fans so give it a look: http://www.sundaysportsreport.com I'm sure most of you haven't made it this far down on the introduction, but if you did, thank you for reading what I have to say. Remember to e-mail me with any questions that you have, and make sure that you enjoy the guide. Thank you for taking a look on my insights to Madden, and if you need any help, drop me an e-mail. Enjoy Madden fans, this game is truely the best football game ever created. =========================================== Section: 2 Name: Update History Last Updated: 8/19/04 =========================================== This section of the guide should be read by everyone that is interested in seeing how this guide is progressing. Here I tell exactly what has been updated in every version of the guide. Though it may be insignificant to a one time viewer, I hope that everyone will come back to this guide with any questions or problems that pop up while playing the game. ------------------------------- August 23rd, 2004 (Version 0.3) ------------------------------- I've added a Madden/Fantasy Footall community if you are interested. Check it out in the section called Sunday Sports Report Field Pass. With the massive amounts of exposure that my Madden 2005 guide has gotten, I've decided to open up The Sunday Sports Report Field Pass. This pass is dedicated to every fan of Madden 2005 or Fantasy Football. By signing up for the Field Pass, you'll receive the following benefits. First off, 24/7 help in Madden 2005. This means either personal phone calls sent directly to me or help online. Have a huge tournament coming up and need some extra help? I'll be there to assist. Need some new tips and strategies? Don't worry, I have tons of tricks up my sleeve! Also, 24/7 fantasy football help. Drafts are happening all throughout the next two weeks, and I'll be there to assist you with that draft question you need. Your turn to draft and you don't know who to take? Call my cell, and I'll make sure that I help you out. Also, if you like e-mail, there's an optional three times a week fantasy newsletter, sent out on Monday Night, Friday Morning, and Sunday (our Sunday Sermon sent out two hours before kickoff) which will have exclusive information throughout the week. If that's not enough, you'll get coverage to all my Madden guide updates before the public gets it. This means behind the scene looks into what's going on for the guide. And finally, a community of people that are huge fans of either Madden or fantasy football. Finally chat with people who share the common hobbies that you do. How much does all this cost? For the small price of $24.99, which comes out to basically 6 cents a day, you'll receive all of this. Your membership is good until January 30th, 2005, where then you can renew your membership for a cheaper fee. Make sure that you get a hold of this offer when it's here, because I'm only taking a select number of people. If you are interested about this offer, or have any additional questions, feel free to e-mail me at: fanbaseballdrew@aol.com. Thank you and hopefully I'll be in contact with all of you quite soon. ------------------------------- August 19th, 2004 (Version 0.2) ------------------------------- Wow, I'm getting tons of e-mails giving me praise for this strategy guide. I would like to thank everyone that has e-mailed me. For this version, I added tons of tips and hints that should help you out in your game. From passing, to running, to playing defense, and to learning how to control your players, you should be able to add a lot more to your game by reading my in-depth strategies. Also, I have updated the Mini camp part of the guide, adding in all the Pro strategies which hopefully helps some people. This version of the guide is exactly what I was talking about. I hope that it sets a new benchmark in the quality of in-depth sports game strategy writing. There is still A TON of stuff I have planned for this, so please bear with me in the next couple days for another huge update. Franchise mode will soon be up and running :)...Enjoy ------------------------------- August 11th, 2004 (Version 0.1) ------------------------------- The first version of the guide is officially up on two sites. SSR (www.sundaysportsreport.com) and GameFAQs (www.gamefaqs.com). Both of these sites will be hosting the most current version of the guide, so make sure that you bookmark at least one of them. I would prefer SSR, due to it being my own personal site. In my opinion, this guide is still pretty weak, due to my lack of time to write it. I got Madden on Monday night, played it throughout the night, woke up and went to work, and stayed up the following night writing until basically daylight. This is the progressed I have made since then, so in a very short time, there will be a lot more information. My goal of this guide is to break down Madden in every possible aspect that I can possibly explain making this guide a lot better than that Prima Guide that all the videogame stores are trying to package with the game. And with a little help, (please send in any information that you want to be posted in this gudie) I think that I can have a excellent version of the guide up in a week or so. Until then, look for DAILY updates to this guide, and please send in any suggestions you have to my e-mail address at: fanbaseballdrew@aol.com. Thank you for your time. =========================================== Section: 3 Name: Controls Last Updated: 8/11/04 =========================================== About 98 percent of the gamers who have this game are already use to the controls present in Madden 2005. Basically, nothing has changed with the exception of audibles and the hit stick. Other than that, the controls to the game are almost identical to any of the previous Madden's on Playstation 2. ------------------------------- Menu Controls ------------------------------- Hightlight Menu Items D-Button (Up/Down) Cycle Choices/Move Sliders D-Button (Left/Right) Select/Go To Next Screen X Button Return To Previous Screen Triangle Button ------------------------------- Defensive - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Cycle Through Defenders X Button or Circle Reposition Player Left Analog Stick Defensive Line Shifts L1 Button then: D-Button (Up) - Spread Ends Out D-Button (Down) - Tighten The Line D-Button (Left) - Shift Line Left D-Button (Right) - Shift Line Right Reset Defensive Line Shift L1 Button then L2 Button Linebacker Shifts R1 Button then: D-Button (Up) - Spead The Backers Out D-Button (Down) - Tighten The Backers D-Button (Left) - Shift Backers Left D-Button (Right) - Shift Backers Right Reset Linebacker Shift R1 Button Then L2 Button Call An Audible Square, then Square, X, Circle, L1, R1 Cancel An Audible Call Triangle Button Coverage Audibles Triangle Button then: D-Button (Down) - Put DBS into bump/run D-Button (Up) - Put DBS 3-5 yards off D-Button (Right) - Shift safeties and linebackers into better positions Reset Coverage Triangle then L2 Reset Original Play Square then L2 Flip Play at the Line Square then R2 Pump Up Crowd (LB only) L3 Button Coach's Cam (With Assign) R2 Button Coach's Cam (Without Assign) L2 Button Call Timeout SELECT ------------------------------- Defensive Adjustments ------------------------------- Defensive Line Adjustment L1 Button then: Make Line Crash In Right Analog Stick (Down) Make Line Rush To Outside Right Analog Stick (Up) Make Line Crash Left Right Analog Stick (Left) Make Line Crash Right Right Analog Stick (Right) Linebacker Adjustments R1 Button then: Blitz All Linebackers Right Analog Stick (Down) Call Off All LB Blitzes Right Analog Stick (Up) Blitz The Right Outside LB Right Analog Stick (Left) Blitz The Left Outside LB Right Analog Stick (Right) Secondary Adjustments Triangle Button then: Shift Safeties' Zone Right Right Analog Stick (Right) Shift Safeties' Zone Left Right Analog Stick (Left) Change Individual Matchups Triangle then X, Square, Circle, L1, R1 then: Bump The Receiver D-Button (Down) Play Off The Receiver D-Button (Up) Double Team The Receiver D-Button (Right) ------------------------------- Defensive Playmaker ------------------------------- LB, DB, DL Hook Zone Highlight player then press Right Analog Up Blitz Highlight player then press Right Analog Down Quarterback Contain Highlight player then press Right Analog Down twice Quarterback Spy Coverage Highlight player then press Right Analog Left Flat Zone Highlight player then press Right Analog Right ------------------------------- Defensive - After The Snap ------------------------------- Control Player Nearest To Ball X Button Move Player D-Button or Left Analog Stick The Hit Stick Right Analog Stick Dive Square Button Sprint/Shove Blocker Circle Button Jump/Intercept/Hands Up Triangle Button Strip Ball R2 Button Rip Move/Swim Move/Spin L1/R1 Button Strafe R1 Button Swat Ball L1 Button ------------------------------- Offensive - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Call An Audible Square Then Square, X, Circle, L1, R1 Cancel An Audible Call Triangle Button Switch The Direction Of Play Right Analog Stick (Right/Left) Run Original Play (After Aud) Square then L2 Button Hot Route (Primary Receiver) Right Analog Stick (Left/Right/Down/Up) Hot Route To Different Receiver Triangle then the button corresponding to the receiver. D-Button (Up) - Fly Pattern D-Button (Down) - Curl Pattern D-Button (Right/Left) - In/Out Pattern L2 or R2 Button - Slant Pattern Send A Player In Motion Left Analog Stick (Up/Down) to highlight, then press left analog stick (Left/Right) to send the player in motion Flip Play Square then R2 Button Quiet Crowd L3 Button Formation Shift R1 then D-Button Coach's Cam (With Diagram) R2 Button Coach's Cam (W/O Diagram) L2 Button Fake Snap Circle Button Call Timeout SELECT Snap The Ball X Button ------------------------------- Offensive - Rushing ------------------------------- Move Player/Run D-Button or Left Analog Stick Sprint X Button Dive Square Button Slide/Dive (QB) Square Button (Tap)/Square Button (Hold) Cover up/Protect Ball Triangle Button Spin Circle Juke (Left/Right) L1/R1 Button Stiff Arm (Left/Right) L2/R2 Button ------------------------------- Offensive - Passing/Receiving ------------------------------- Bring Up Passing Icons X Button Pass To Receiver X, Square, Circle, L1, R1 (Tap For Lob) (Hold For Bullet) Direct The Nearest Receiver Right Analog Stick Throw Ball Away Triangle Scramble/Toggle Passing Icons L2 Pump Fake R2 Control Intended Receiver X Button Dive For Pass Square Button Sprint Circle Button Catch Triangle Button ------------------------------- Offensive - Blocking ------------------------------- Switch To Closest Blocker X Button Cut Block Square Button Sprint/Power Block Circle Button Jump Triangle Button Change Block Assignment Triangle Button, then press the button corresponding to the running back or tight end whose passing/blocking route you want to change. Press the L2 button to change to a blocking assignment to the left. Press the R2 button to change it to the right. Guide (the nearest blocker) Right Analog Stick ------------------------------- After The Play ------------------------------- Bypass Cutscene X Button Spike Ball Circle Button (Hold) Instant Replay L1 + R1 Button Fake Spike Ball Square Button (Hold) No Huddle/Hurry-Up Offense Triangle Button (Hold) to repeat previous play Call Timeout SELECT ------------------------------- Special Teams - Kicking ------------------------------- Direction/Elevation of Kick Left Analog Stick Start Kick Meter/Stop Meter X Button Delay The Kick X Button (Hold) Call An Audible Square Button and then X, Square, Circle, L1, or R1 Button Cancel An Audible Triangle Button Reset Play Square Button then L2 Button Call Timeout SELECT ------------------------------- Special Teams - Kicking Game ------------------------------- Switch Players X Button Move Return Man Left Analog Stick Fair Catch Triangle Button Touchback Remain Deep In The Endzone =========================================== 3A. Madden Classic Controls =========================================== The controls in Madden Classic are very easy to master. There aren't many controls at all, and if you enjoy playing a game from the 16-bit era, then you should be able to easily control your players right off the bat. ------------------------------- Offense - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Audible/Anti-Blitz Square Button Fake Snap/Run Play Audible X Button Snap The Ball/Pass Play Circle Button ------------------------------- Offense - After The Snap ------------------------------- Dive Square Button Spin X Button Speed Burst/Jump Circle Button Call Up Passing Windows Circle Button Pass To Receiver Square, X, or Circle Button ------------------------------- Defense - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Audible/Anti-Run Defense Square Button Switch Players X Button Blitz Circle Button ------------------------------- Defense - After The Snap ------------------------------- Tackle Square Button Switch Player X Button Jump/Strip Ball Circle Button ------------------------------- Kicking ------------------------------- Start Kicking Meter Circle Kick Circle Aim Kick Meter D-Button (Left/Right) =========================================== 3B. Madden Vintage Controls =========================================== The controls in Madden Vintage are a bit more difficult than the Madden Classic Controls. While these controls are nothing close to the control that you have in Madden 2005, it may take you a bit longer to adjust to these controls than the Classic Controls. ------------------------------- Offense - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Call Audible Square, then Square, X, Circle, or Triangle (to cancel) View Receivers (Left/Right) L1/R1 Button Send Player In Motion D-Button (Left/Right) Fake Snap Signal Circle Button Snap The Ball X Button ------------------------------- Running ------------------------------- Explode Forward X Button Spin Circle Button Dive For Extra Yardage Square Button Jump/Hurdle Triangle Button Stiff Arm (Left/Right) L1/R1 Button Lateral To Closest Player R2 Button ------------------------------- Passing ------------------------------- Call Up Passing Symbols X Button Pass To Receiver L1, Square, X, Circle, or R1 Button Throw Ball Away Triangle Button ------------------------------- Receiving ------------------------------- Control Receiver Closest x Button Dive For Low Pass Square Button Jump and Raise Hands Triangle Button ------------------------------- Defense - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Call Audible Square, then Square, X, Circle, or Triangle (to cancel) Control A Different Player X Button Call Bump Coverage/Return Norm. R1 Button ------------------------------- Defense - After The Snap ------------------------------- Control Defender Closest X Button Power Move/Power Tackle Circle Button Dive To Tackle Square Button Jump To Block or Catch Pass Triangle Button Swim Move R2 Button ------------------------------- Kicking ------------------------------- Audible Left Onside/Normal Square, then Square, X, Circle, or Triangle (To Cancel) Start Kick Meter/Kick Ball X Button Aim Kick Left/Right D-Button (Left/Right) ------------------------------- Receive Kick ------------------------------- Audible Left Onside/Normal Square, then Square, X, Circle, or Triangle (To Cancel) Control Kick Receiver D-Button Call Fair Catch Triangle Button =========================================== 3C. Madden Retro Controls =========================================== The Madden Retro controls have the most similiar controls to Madden 2005. It's still very nice to see all the new additions that has happened since the Playstation 2 has come out. Can you believe those graphics were only five years ago? I can't, and I can't see how someone can enjoy playing this version of the game. ------------------------------- Offense - Before The Snap ------------------------------- View Receivers (Left/Right) L1/R1 Button Fake The Snap Circle Button Call Audible Square, then Square, X, Circle, L1, L2/R1 Cancel Audible Triangle Button Send Receiver In Motion D-Button (Left/Right) Madden Meter R2 Button + L1/R1 Button Flip Play Square then R2 Button Snap The Ball X Button ------------------------------- Running ------------------------------- Speed Burst/Head Down X Button Dive/QB Slide Square Button Jump/Hurdle Triangle Button Spin Circle Button Stiff Arm R2 Button Juke (Left/Right) L1/R1 Button Lateral The Ball L2 Button ------------------------------- Passing ------------------------------- Bring Up Passing Icons X Button After The Snap Pass To The Receiver X, Square, Circle, L1, R1 Button Throw Ball Away L2 Button + Triangle Button Pump Fake R2 Button + X, Square, Circle, L1, or R1 ------------------------------- Receiving ------------------------------- Take Control Of Receiver X Button Dive For Pass Square Button Jump For Pass Triangle Button ------------------------------- Defense - Before The Snap ------------------------------- Cycle Defenders X Button or Circle Button Reposition Player D-Button Defensive Line Shift L1 Button Secondary Shift (Bump and Run) R1 Button Call An Audible Square, then Square, X, Circle, L1, L2, or R1 Button Madden Meter R2 Button ------------------------------- Defense - After The Snap ------------------------------- Switch Player X Button Dive Square Button Power Tackle/Speed Burst Circle Button Jump Triangle Button Power/Swim Move R1 Button Swat Ball L1 Button Spin Move R2 Button Strip Ball L2 Button ------------------------------- Kicking Game ------------------------------- Kickoff/Field Goals X, then X, Circle, or Triangle Punts X Button then X Button Call An Audible Square, then X, Square, or Circle Button ------------------------------- Kickoff/Punt Returning ------------------------------- Control Return Man D-Button Switch Players X Button Fair Catch/Kneel Triangle Button =========================================== Section: 4 Name: Offensive Help Last Updated: 8/19/04 =========================================== Passing is a huge part of football, and to win against good players or on All Madden mode against the computer, you need to pass. Relying on one aspect of offense will not get you anywhere in football, so you need to mix in the pass and run at perfect opportunities. Instead of making reckless calls, you should always be in control of the game when you have the ball. I am going to break down my offensive strategy using the Atlanta Playbook. I believe that the Atlanta Playbook is the most balanced playbook that I've came across, and even though I don't use Atlanta as a team, I feel very comfortable using their playbook. I have broken down many plays in the Atlanta playbook with a ranking and a description of how to use the play. While this might be a bit in-depth for some people, I feel that it is necessary to read for all Madden fans. The rating key is very simple and easy to follow. Not all the plays are listed, due to me never using them and/or having no desire to list them due to them being lackluster plays. Before reading on, the most important factor of Offense is control. No matter how good someone says they are in Madden, they aren't shiat if they don't control their wide receivers and their corners (on defense). Right after you pass a ball, make sure that you switch over to your wide receiver asap. This is essential when playing good people, because if you aren't controlling your WR, and they are controlling their DB, you're never going to be able to complete a pass other than those that count as interceptions. A few basic tricks that I use during the game should also help you offensively no matter what play you use. If you are throwing a deep ball (lob) run as fast (with turbo) as far as you can. Don't worry about judging the ball, if you press triangle right when the ball is coming down, you'll have a better chance of catching the ball. When passing the ball, make sure that you don't only throw bullet/lob passes, but use the analog in the right/left direction to aim where you want to throw it. On the streak patterns, I usually aim to the same side of the out of bounds line (aka right if throwing to a receiver lined up on the right side of the QB) and then I control my wide receiver and move him to the ball. I catch the ball while I'm still running over there, getting in front of the DB. Right when the ball arrives, I press triangle (no matter what, always press triangle) and I catch the ball 9/10 times in front of the DB. It's a little cheap move, but it works really well. For short passes, I tend to use bullet passes. When I'm trying to throw deep over the DB, I use lob passes. When I'm trying to throw in front of the DB, I use bullet passes. Also, try not to do the same thing on every possession. Don't always run on 1st, or pass on second, change it up. I know that it's nice always having a short 2nd down after a nice run play, but don't be scared to run on 2nd and long. It will work a lot better than you think. I usually try run once to twice per every three downs. It makes the defense more susceptable to getting thrown deep on, which is great. Those are just basic tips, read on for actual strategies. ------------------------------- Rating Key ------------------------------- * Horrible Play ** Rarely Use, Hard To Excecute *** Dependable Play That Can Be Ran 1-3 Times A Game **** Excellent Play, Always Used ***** Money Play :) ------------------------------- I-Form - Normal ------------------------------- The I-Form is my favorite formation to run or pass out of. While playing your friends, it is almost impossible for them to know if you are going to be running or passing when you are set up in the I-Form. While every playbook is a bit different, I am referring to the Atlanta Playbook while teaching you some fundamental plays. I use the I-Form over 80 percent of the time, and I highly recommend that you do the same. Play Name: Price Option Play Type: Pass My Rating: **** Description: The Price Option is a play that you can run a few times in the game. I use it usually in 2nd and short situations, knowing that I can always pick up the first down the next play if I don't complete the ball. It's very hard to get sacked while running this play, due to your fullback sitting there waiting to pick up a rusher. When the coast is clear, your fullback when then run out and find a nice little seam to catch the ball in the open middle field. I usually don't throw to him though while running this play. Your #1 receiver runs a nice pattern, where he does a double move and runs up the field. This is a great play if the safefy is pre-occupied with your tight end who runs a post in. If you see single coverage, which you will see a lot while running this play, step back and throw the ball to your #1 receiver. if not, you should have your #2 receiver sitting with his hands wide open on the left side of your screen. Usually the DB will be behind him, so if you use a bullet pass, you should be able to get a good 6 or 7 yards. If you see goal line coverage, R1 (your running back) should be open on the flats. Throw to him, not a bullet pass because he'll drop it, and he should have a nice little scamper himself. Overall, this play is actually a really nice play to use in the game, and I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to have a deep playbook. Play Name: Falcon QB Sweep Play Type: Run My Rating: ** Description: I'm not a big fan of this play at all because it is a designed QB run play. I usually think running with the QB is easier to do when you drop back on a deep pattern, and tuck the ball and run to the outside. The problem with this play is that there are way too many people in the box. Usually, 7 guys will have a good chance of getting your QB on the QB draw, so there will be no chance of breaking a long run. With only two wide receivers lined up, defenses will be cheating on the run most likely. I don't recommend using this play at all, especially with a slow QB. Play Name: TE Flat Play Type: Pass My Rating: **** Description: I've liked the TE Flat play since my early Madden days, and it still seems like it works like a charm in Madden 2005. Your running back runs a nice little flat pattern, which he then curls up the field. Usually, he'll be covered by a slow outside linebacker, which he should have no problem beating. That is a good play for about 5 yards each time. Your #1 receiver, runs a 10 yard curl. This curl is great to use, and can be excecuted very well. Right when you see your receiver slow down to curl, throw a bullet at him. Control him while the ball is in the air, and you'll definately pick up 7-8 yards. Your tight end runs a TE Flat, which usually is a hard pass to throw. I tend to stay away from that. Your #2 receiver runs a inside post, which is a great play if the safety bites on the run. Other than that, it's a hard pass to complete. I enjoy this play, and I will use it at least four times a game. It's not a play that is going to get you a ton of yards, but it's a nice play to use on a second and long play. Play Name: PA QB Draw Play Type: Run My Rating: * Description: I think this is one of the worse plays in the Atlanta Playbook. First off, running ANY type of play action gives your QB a much greater chance of getting sacked. The idea of using a PA QB Draw, is outragerous. Stay away from this play, and use it only if you are up a ton and want to fool around. It's good for a "What the hell" comment from your friend after you run it, but that's about it. Play Name: Flats Play Type: Pass My Rating: ***** Description: This was my favorite play in Madden 2004 and it is still my favorite play in Madden 2005. There are so many possible things that you can do with this play, that it's very hard to throw an interception of get sacked. At the start of the play, it looks like a typical run type of play. This is great due to the fact that your opponent may run his safeties in for a blitz. Right when you snap the ball, your fullback and running back run two opposite flats. Usually, one of them will not be covered, which is good for 5 yards. If they are both covered, and you have a semi-fast QB, you can usually scamper 5 yards by running right behind your running back. Due to the tight end running an out, there will be no one on the left of your screen to cover a run. If you have a slow QB, no sweat, you still have your two wide receivers running streaks. If there is single coverage on any of them, make sure that you throw. It's very hard for the computer or your opponent to stop you from catching a ball when you are controlling both your QB, the strength of the pass, and your wide receiver. If they are both double covered, your tight end should be open right after he cuts into the field. When running this play, one of these situations will happen. The only problem with this play is the fact that you don't know what situation is going to occur. But if you have patient, you should be able to use this play to your advantage each time. This is a great play on first down, second down and short, or third down and 7 or more. Make sure that you add this to your plays! Play Name: HB Lead Dive Play Type: Run My Rating: **** Description: My second favorite running play in the game, just behind the HB Slam. I've been using the HB Lead Dive since Madden 2001 on Playstation 2, and since then, it's been great for me. Your running back runs up the gut right behind your fullback, ensuring that most of the time you'll get 3-4 yards. I use this play at least once every eight downs, and I usually scamper about 5-7 yards with it. It's a big run play too, because I can't recall how many times I've ran for a long touchdown running this play. Don't be patient while running this play, instead run up the gut no matter what right when you get the ball. The most movement I make behind the line of scrimmage is a right or left juke, but other than that, I run right up behind my fullback. Once you get comfortable with this play, you'll see how easy it is to read the defense and no exactly where to run. If you see a lot of guys lined up to the right, and you are running to the right, playmaker it to the left. This play works great from either side of the field. Play Name: HB Sweep Play Type: Run My Rating: *** Description: The HB Sweep is a running play that is not one of my favorites, but gets the job done with the defense is not blitzing. It's a delayed play in my opinion because the fullback and the two left linemen try to run out and block. So you must be patient while running this play. The problem with HB Sweep is the fact that it's a win/lose type of play, where you can lose about 2-4 yards when the defense crowds the line. If you are willing to take a risk like that, then add this to your playbook. I try running this play a few times a game, to try to switch up run plays on my opponent. Play Name: Quick Outs Play Type: Pass My Rating: ** Description: I don't like this play at all because there is no deep threat present while running this play. Your two wide receivers run little outs, while your tight end runs some weird pattern where he ends up running a bit back to the line of scrimmage. I would not recommend throwing to your tight end at all while running this play. because it's possible for the corner on the right side of the screen to break from the coverage and try to pick off the ball. Sometimes this plays works like a charm when you throw to you running back who runs a flat. Usually though, there is a good chance of getting sacked or intercepted while running this play, so I tend not to use it that much. Play Name: HB Slam Play Type: Run My Rating: ***** Description: This is the best running play in the game, and it works like a charm. When running the HB slam, you can easily pick up 5-7 yards on almost every carry. There is so many possible ways that you can run after you see who gets blocked and what gaps are open, that the benefits of running this play are endless. First off, your fullback will come in and run up the middle. If you like what you see up the middle, tail his butt as close as you can, till you reach the secondary. If you don't like what you see, tail to the right (if the play is designed to go to the right) and run horizontal. Usually, your wide receiver will block off the corner, so you can run perpendicular and then up the field for about 5 yards. The way to gain the most yards is to follow your fullback, but if that fails, you can get about 3-4 yards by running perpendicular to your fullback. While this may sound a bit confusing at first, it's the ultimate run play that can be pulled out anytime. On long third downs, don't be afraid to run this play. If the play is executed well when the defense is playing the pass, you should have no problem picking up 9-12 yards each time when you run the pass. Remember, jukes and speed burts are essential to be good at running though. And when I mean jukes, sometimes it's just better to take your hand off the analog, stop your rb, and move him in the other direction while playing human controlled players. Play Name: PA FA Blat Play Type: Pass My Rating: **** Description: I love Play Action plays, and this one is my favorite PA game in the game solely on the streak that your #1 wideout runs. This play will work perfectly at least once a game, resulting in usually a touchdown from wherever on the field. A lot of times the safety will bite on the PA, leaving man on man coverage down the field. It is essential to control you wide receiver when you throw a long pass, especially while using this play. If you get in back of the DB, make sure that you add a little more loft in your throw. If you are behind him, throw a bullet and turn around your receiver and press triangle. Although it will make him jump, he will also catch the ball 9/10 times. Also, your tight end runs a little nice curl, which he usually is open if you have a lot of time in the pocket. I usually don't pass to the rb or fullback while using this play, but don't forget about your second wide receiver. He runs a post, very similiar to that of TE Flat, which is always good for a catch or two per game. Use this play a lot in the course of a game, but remember, with any PA play, there is a great chance of getting sacked. Play Name: HB Counter WK Play Type: Run My Rating: *** Description: HB Counter WK is good to throw off your opponent when he thinks that you are going to run up the gut. This play actually works better than most people expect, because there are so many blockers out in front of your running back which breaks him free. The problem with this play though is the fact that it is somewhat of a "delayed" play, making you susceptable of losing yards. The only time that I would recommend using this play is on a 2nd and 4, because there is always a chance of losing yards. Don't use this play on first down because no one likes a 2nd and 12, and don't dare to use this play on 3rd and short. Instead, use it as a "waste" play when you think that you can pick up the yards, though when the yards aren't exactly necessary to pick up on that down. Play Name: FB Dive Play Type: Run My Rating: **** Description: In Madden 2004, it was almost impossible to get stuffed at 4th and inches. In Madden 2005, it seems like the defense comes alive and it's harder to get a few inches on 4th down. Don't risk running with your rb in these situations, give it to your fullback. The fullback dive is the best play to run in short yardage situations, especially thru the i-form. When you run it thru goal line, everyone and their mother knows that you are going to be running a running play. When you run it thru i-form, it leaves the defense thinking that it may be a pass play. Sometimes I find it nice to use on 2nd and 5 situations, because it is usually good for 2-3 yards. Play Name: Crumpler Option Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The Crumpler Option is also a very nice play that you can find in the I-Form of the Atlanta Playbook. Your two wide receivers run deep outs, which are easy to complete if you get down the proper timing. Right when they are about to take a step out, throw a bullet to them. Remember, to control your receiver, and you should have no problem catching the ball. Being that the outs are so deep, you can actually throw a bullet two seconds after you hike the ball, and you can usually complete the pass because the cornerback will be behind the receiver. That may sound a bit confusing, but test it out a few tries and you'll understand what I mean. Your tight end will run a curl also, but can change his route and run a streak if you want him to. I usually don't throw it to the tight end, even though the play is designed to go to him. Instead, I throw it to either of the two WRs or the running back, who runs a little flat. The flat is usually not covered at all, giving a certain 4-6 yard gain when completed. This is a nice little play to use a few times in a game, especially on third and long situations ------------------------------- I-Form - Twin WR ------------------------------- I rarely, and I mean rarely, use the I-Form - Twin WR. I admit that some of the plays are pretty good, but I am always too lazy to go that deep into the playbook to use them. While most of the plays are the same as the regular I-Form, except the fact that the WRs are on one side of the ball, there is one play that is quite good in the I-Form - Twin WR. Play Name: HB Screen Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: This HB Screen works well when used correctly. This is due to the fact that if your running back is covered in the backfield, your number one wide receiver should be singled covered down the field. Remember, whenever you see single coverage, you should always throw the ball without hesistating. When the screen works, you can break out long plays if you complete the screen. Beware though, because sometimes when you running back drops the pass, the ball is still live because you throw it behind. This can lead to unnecessary fumbles, which usually turns into fumble returns for touchdowns because no one is back there. So beware while running this play, but take the risk once or twice in a game. ------------------------------- Singleback - Normal ------------------------------- I was never a huge fan of Singleback Formation due to the fact that it is a lot harder to run with. When I see people lined up in Singleback formation, I am almost positive that they are going to pass the ball. This gives me an advantage from the start, so don't give people the same advantage when you are on offense. There are a few passing plays that I enjoy in the singleback form, but other than that, I don't bother with Tight, Big, 4WR, Trips Bunch or Slot Strong. Play Name: Jailbreak Screen Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: Surprisingly, the Jailbreak Screen works a lot more than you would expect. If the screen is covered, I usually throw the ball away because the two wide receivers that are running streaks are usually double covered. While running this play, I like to move my QB to the left of the field (when the screen receiver is on the right side of me) to try to draw the coverage over there. Then when I can even see the wide receiver to the right of me, I throw a bullet pass to him and I quickly press triangle right when I get control of the WR. The time it takes to switch players and press triangle is equivalent to the time it takes the ball to reach my WR, making it a perfect timing situation. Usually, there is a cornerback being blocked right next to the WR, so make sure that you don't run him into him. Once you get free from that corner, you should be able to easily scamper about 10-15 more yards before you are approached by the safety. While this play doesn't work all the time, it should be used a few times in the game. Play Name: PA Rollout Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: PA Rollout is another play that is pretty good to use a few times in the Singleback formation. Instead of throwing to any of the receivers that roll out, I usually tend to only the the ball to the wide receiver who runs a streak. By him running the streak and the slot receiver running a post, the safety usually gets confused and has to commit to one of them. This leaves one of them on single coverage, making it a good play to use a few times in a game. Play Name: WR Post Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The WR Post is another decent play that can be pulled out a couple of times during a game. Your #1 wideout runs a streak, which can be good if he is single covered. Your running back runs a little flat, which is usually a sure 5 yards everytime you throw to him. The thing that I like the best about this play is that the receiver in the slot usually blocks the corner who is controlling your #2 receiver. This makes your #2 receiver wide open after he gets done with turning for post. You should be able to see him running across field, 20 yards upfield, with a trailing safety half the time. With good precision passing, you should be able to complete this pass 70 percent of the time. While this isn't a great play to use all the time, it can be used for 3rd and long situations. Play Name: Post Corners Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: For some odd reason, usually the L1 or X receiver is singled covered everytime when I run this play against the computer. It may be a glitch or something, but I can usually complete this play 75 percent of the time against the computer. The roblem with this play is that I tend to get sacked a lot of times, waiting for my wide receivers to all get down the field. It is essential to throw to one of the streak receivers, after the two outside WRs break out. If you throw too early, you'll probably throw an interception because there will be way too much traffic. Like most of the Singleback plays, this play is a decent play that should work once or twice during the game. Play Name: PA HB Curl Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: Sometimes this play is a total disaster, and sometimes you go the whole way with this play. This play depends on what defense your opponent is running. The receiver that runs the post is usually wide open down the field, while the receiver that runs the curl can usually catch the ball with a bullet pass. Your running back who runs a little curl 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, is sometimes sitting there with no one around him. When this happens, it is essential to throw to him. Once he catches the ball, it will be a .2 second delay, for him to turn up the field and start running. Just remember that if you need some extra yards on a long third down situation. Play Name: WR Reverse Play Type: Run My Rating: ** Description: This play is a fun play to run, but it is very hard to execute and actually gain yards with. When the play fails, you will usually lose 5-7 yards, which certainly does not outweigh the benefits of running this play. The time it takes for the running back to hand it off to the wide receiver seems like ages, and by the time the WR runs to where the QB was originally is 2 seconds. Your QB will run out to block, which usually fails, making this play a total disaster. Like I said before, it is very hard to gain a significant amount of yards with this play, making this play a high risk, low gain play. ------------------------------- Split Backs - Normal ------------------------------- Like Singleback, I usually only run Split Back when I need a good passing play. I've never been a fan of running without a fullback, especially in Madden 2005. While you may get a good run once in a while, I find running with a fullback in front to be a lot more beneficial. That is why all of these plays are passing plays. Play Name: Curls Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: In this play, your two wideouts and your tight end run all similiar in curls. I find it easier to complete the pass after the whole curl is completed for some odd reason in this certain play. Once they have ran their curls, your receivers will be sitting there doing nothing. A bullet pass is necessary here, for a fast hard completetion. Your receiver will get tackled right away, but it will be a completion for about 5-8 yards. If you are getting blitzed right from the beginning, quickly fire it to L1 (the running back) on the flats. You will complete this pass about 50 percent of the time. Play Name: Crumpler Option Play Type: Pass My Rating: *** Description: The Crumpler Option is also a very nice play that you can find in the I-Form and also in the Split Back formation of the Atlanta Playbook. They are basically the same play. Your two wide receivers run deep outs, which are easy to complete if you get down the proper timing. Right when they are about to take a step out, throw a bullet to them. Remember, to control your receiver, and you should have no problem catching the ball. Being that the outs are so deep, you can actually throw a bullet two seconds after you hike the ball, and you can usually complete the pass because the cornerback will be behind the receiver. That may sound a bit confusing, but test it out a few tries and you'll understand what I mean. Your tight end will run a curl also, but can change his route and run a streak if you want him to. I usually don't throw it to the tight end, even though the play is designed to go to him. Instead, I throw it to either of the two WRs or the running back, who runs a little flat. The flat is usually not covered at all, giving a certain 4-6 yard