DSP Madden Online Franchise Season 2 thread

[XXXIV]

Zep -

I had given a lot of thought to seeing who was open to switching teams and trying to get more full divisions. It's just tough heading into season 3 to lose your team if you've worked at them.

My Broncos may suck but their my Broncos, I want to see how James advances. I know who to go after in the draft etc.

Of course if EA had decent tools we could move teams around in divisions but no such luck.

I know what you mean. I'm kind of attached to my team now, despite all the losing. But maybe at the end of this season, before the offseason stuff, we can just see if anyone wants to volunteer to move. If we could get it so the human divisions all have at least three players, that would help. Even if just 3-4 people would be willing to switch, that could help.

I like the banana and blue unis far too much to give up the Rams no matter how much they blow... Ive given 35+ years of my life to this f***in team

As far as running up the score on the CPU. The only part that bothers me is that I cant figure out how to do it. No matter what I do the games are almost always close.... Hell. Im thankful when I dont lose against it.

[Danimal]

should we switch to all-Madden next season?

[Nozzleman_216]

Vader, GREAT game and thank you for doing the write up! We sure had a shootout!

On the CPU thing. I don't care what others do, but I run the s*** out of the ball if I can and for a few reason.
1. To practice because I am in a rut running vs human.
2. It runs the clock more, just want to get a win and move on
3. It is more realistic to run as much as you can when winning. I go to the air when I need to.


If someone can score 100, go for it, but I don't see the glamor or fun of it.

[tmdba37]

I absolutely do wish there was a cure for the automatic win part. That's tricky... especially in the midst of this seven week stretch on my schedule where I only play one human opponent.

I think Slumberland is in a world of hurt going into the playoffs with his CPU heavy schedule. . .so we should be happy that the guy is trying to keep it interesting and not falling asleep against mighty CPU teams like the Bills and Lions. . .

I would really love to see someone come out in support of the CPU here, because I am firmly in the camp that feels we should beat the CPU like the "Redheaded step-child" that it is.

I mean really, one of the major flaws in the Online Franchise is not being able to export and practice with your team outside of the League, so I don't know why anyone wouldn't take these games on as practice sessions and try to do things you certainly cannot do against human players. . .if that's trying to score 100, then great.

Personally, I think I am the opposite of Nozzle as I try to throw more against the CPU because the running game has been my core strength, so I definitely open it up more against the CPU. . .which has it's pros and cons. . .it opens up the playbook for me against humans, but generally leads to more INTs and potential points for the CPU. . .

Per the switch to All-Madden, I would be fine with that at this point, but mind you that switch is going to make some of the CPU teams really tricky. . .Adrian Peterson gained 400 yards against me in an offline game. . .I mean sure I was the Bears, but nevertheless. . .I could have had 22 guys on D and would have had a hard time stopping him that day. . .

And in closing, I think it might be a little bit unfair to call CPU games automatic wins. . .I mean XXXIV likes to joke about his team, but he's a good player and has been bitten by the CPU. . .so have really good players like Brando dropping one to the Chargers and Vader against his personal Obi-Wan, the Chiefs. . .so perhaps we should call them highly-likely wins or something. . .

[Danimal]

I only see cpu vs cpy games left this week so I am going to flip it now.

Next deadline is Saturday 11pm CT

[Jared]

I don't have a problem with people running up the score against the CPU. Since you can't take your team offline, I figure it's the only chance to practice with them; so you might as well take advantage of it.

Also, there's always the threat of injury in those kinds of games....more plays = more chances to get injured.

[Brando70]

should we switch to all-Madden next season?

I would prefer not to because AM is such a cheating whore of a level.

[Danimal]

Broncos 35 - Chiefs - 21
No highlights were available after my game, which is too bad their were some good ones

I guess the CPU took offense to me saying they were an easy win because for 35 minutes and 45 seconds the Chiefs look in position to route the Broncos.

It was a cold day at Mile High but as usual Sunny. The Chiefs won the toss and took the ball and immediately marched down field. With the ball on the Denver 40, Cassle scrambled right and looked like he was going to run but got off a Tim Tebow like jump pass just as Dummervile leveled him and he dumped it right over Champ Bailey's head to mark Bradley who raced for 40 yards and the first score.

The Broncos came right back on a 5 play drive, the stalled thanks to a very hard hitting Chiefs defense. Denver players were going out of the game one after the other. Mark Prater knocked home a 19 yard field goal to make it 7-3.

After a quick 3 and out and good field position, James hit Moreno on a screen down to the 10 and then he hit a wide open Royal on a crossing pattern to make it 10-7 and things looked as they should.

The second quarter was all Chiefs as James threw 2 interceptions and Cassel and the Chiefs made them both count. Cassel hit Bowe as he sat down in the hole of the cover 2 and then just out ran the Denver secondary for a 67 yard score. After james threw his second interception of the game, the Chiefs pounded Larry Johnson (18 car / 77 yards) and moved into scoring range. Then Cassel hit Bradley for a 8 yard strike and Cassel's 3rd touch down of the game.

The third quarter saw a lot of back and forth stalled drives. Cassel threw 2 very bad interceptions and if the Denver secondary could catch he would of threw 2 more. But finally the Chiefs established a long drive, 10 plays and got it to the Denver 5 yard line with about a minute and change in the 3rd.

Coach Spezzano knew his defense needed to come up with a big play. On a first down play Johnson tried to go off right guard and was pounded Fields and the ball was lose unfortunately Denver couldn't recover. On second down Cassel dropped back to pass and his tight end Cottam didn't chip Reid who shot in on Cassel.

Cottam was wide open in the end zone but Cassel had his arm hit by Reid as he threw the ball was heading straight for the ground when Travis LaBoy made a show string interception and had nothing but green in front of him. He raced 89 yards for the touchdown as the quarter expired.

Denver went for two and James floated a pass to Hillis just as he got crunched. Hillis converted and we had a tie game going into the 4th.

On KC's first possession Cassel threw his 3rd interception of the day to Williams who broke on and out route. From their Denver went to what the do best, pound and ground. Moren who only had 77 yards on 21 carries did most of the work. But Hillis took it in from the 1 yard line.

The Chiefs went 3 and out and the Broncos used up over 7 minutes in a long drive that eventually ended with a Moreno 5 yard run with just under a minute left.

Denver has no more free rides ad the Rams, Titans and Chiefs are up next before the (cpu?) Colts to finish off the season.

[Danimal]

By the way i took time after my game to skim the cpu teams injuries and I think this may have something to do with their inept play. Almost all the cpu teams have serious injuries to starters and some have multiple injuries.

I certainly hope in madden 11 they put some smarts to the cpu teams in online franchise so they can sign players etc.

[Slumberland]

I think Slumberland is in a world of hurt going into the playoffs with his CPU heavy schedule. . .

I agree! I had a slightly similar thing last year, but Zeppo was nice enough to play a tune-up with me before the playoffs. Playing real people gives me sweaty palms.

[RobVarak]

I think the longer games are also death for the CPU. In a short game a human player can make a few mistakes, catch a bad break and be tripped up. The longer games result in more chances for the human to overcome any such bad breaks or mistakes.

[TheGamer2]

The 8-4 Panthers outlast the 1-10-1 cpu Bucs 33-28. Julius Peppers records 4 sacks. Panthers lose QB Delhomme for 5 weeks with broken collarbone to go with starting RB Williams who still has another 5 weeks remaining with a broken wrist. (Tape that sh*t up). backup QB McCown throws 4 interceptions in relief. Look for rookie 3rd string QB P Palmer to get a look in the final 4 games of the season with the division seemingly wrapped up for the Panthers. Panthers return home to face the Cardinals next week before welcoming the Cleveland Browns the following week.

[Brando70]

The CPU's been reading this thread. They're fired up!

[TCrouch]

Put me in the camp of one of the guys that's bugged by seeing crazy CPU scores. Part of it is just the simulation side--when I get up by 28 or 35 points, I put in backups, run the ball every down, and try not to make it completely unrealistic. Teams like the Chiefs and Jags have such horrible defenses that you can still gash them with a big play even when they're stacked 8 in the box.

But I really like seeing realistic scores and stats and being able to check the league leaders in the game and going "oh that guy's going off"--not seeing a player who's padded his stats against a bunch of CPU opponents by throwing for 45 times while up by 50. That's not directed at Slumber or anybody in particular.

I know I could ring up 120 points on some of these CPU guys, but that gives me zero joy because then it feels exactly like what it is--a Madden game, and for better or worse, I get lost in football games and like that chess match. Testing their safety help, finding a mismatch with a fast TE on a LB in man coverage, etc. A lot of people do that, of course, but knowing that the other team is completely overmatched means I usually call off the hounds. That's personal preference, but I try to treat the CPU as same as I would a human opponent, and I think I'm the only one that has that mindset.

I haven't looked at stats, but the games where I've blown out the CPU (or even humans) I'm betting I've run at least a 2:1 ratio to try to keep the score down. Some games have 1 or 2 throws after halftime.

Different strokes for different folks, but I've contemplated just running an offline franchise for the rest of my time with Madden 10.

[tmdba37]

Terry,

I think you do make a valid point about the inflation of the stats (it'd be interesting to see a human/CPU split for teams that might be a real eye opener for some folks--me included), but ultimately, I think the only solution is to either improve the AI. . .or have a full 32 person league.

Of course that would take some real efforts by EA and having 31 other guys to marshal might make Dan pull his hair our (we'd probably acutally need two conference presidents or something to make that work). . .so there's always a flip side. . .

I wonder if anyone else has any thoughts. . .

[TCrouch]

Or just making a sub rule or run percentage when up by 4+ TD's...but then that gets into the realm of restricting people that don't want or need to be restricted.

I am hoping it bugs me less as time goes on, but I almost pulled out 3 or 4 weeks back, and can't see sticking around for a 3rd season, even though I'd like to see how little Dane Morrow progresses for me.

An "Ask Madden" league would be comical, but it would be all honor system. Dan and I had a fabulous time laughing at Madden's playcalls, and even against the CPU, some of them can be head-scratchers. If you do it on offense and defense, it could make for some fun games.

I think a small league of guys who can do all Ask Madden (since there's no coach mode online in franchise) would be a hoot, too.

[Slumberland]

I don't object to a sub rule. Really, this isn't a big deal. I'd forgotten that people might care about the purity of the stats. I was just shooting for 100 to entertain myself. It won't happen again.

[XXXIV]

Or just making a sub rule or run percentage when up by 4+ TD's...

Im getting a serious inferiority complex...My biggest margin in any CPU game was 24 in both seasons... Second highest was my loss by 23 to the CPU Cards.

I really really hate you guys...

[Zeppo]

I'll reiterate my discomfort with developing a host of 'proper behaviors' or 'acceptable gameplay,' especially for games against the CPU, and particularly when it is in the pursuit of some notion of 'purity of stats.'

Stats are nice and can be fun to look at, and it would be great if they accurately reflected a realistic game, but just like in real life, they are far down on my list of things to care about when playing or watching sports or sports games. It's the competition between the lines that is meaningful to me. Then again, I've never played fantasy anything; I'm one of 'those guys' who just doesn't see the appeal. And don't forget, CPU-CPU games are simmed at 15 minute settings, with more plays run and so on, so right there any season stats are going to be skewed right off the bat.

I believe what Todd says is correct - the AI in the game needs to improve, or we need to have an all-Human league or an all-Human Conference if these things are important. I pull my starters when I get way ahead in CPU games because i am worried about getting injuries to key players. Others who do not are risking losing a key player for the season or for a long stretch. Perhaps the wear and tear and long term beating of real life football isn't well expressed in Madden, and perhaps injuries of all types happen too rarely, but still my roster is too thin for me to take any chances like that.

Margin of victory or total points scored, none of those kinds of things matter to tie breaks in this Madden Online Franchise, so what difference does it make if someone beats the CPU 24-17 or 84-17? I don't really see it. If I'm scouting an upcoming opponent, I'm looking at the players' ratings on the roster, not the stats.

The idea of playing an all 'Ask Madden' game might be amusing for a while, but personally I think I would have little interest in playing a football game where I am not calling the plays (or my teammate calling the plays as in the old days of 2v2 NFL2K). Calling the plays and the chess match that can result when playing Human vs. Human is where I get most of my enjoyment form playing football video games, even though I also do enjoy the 'joystick jockey' aspect of the game. At least, I wouldn't be able to take the game seriously as a competitive endeavor, let's put it that way. Maybe an experiment in 'how goofy is the AI in Madden?' or a chance to practice joystick skills, but not as a competitive battle.

Different strokes, as the wise man once said. I lost a game to the CPU last season that cost me the playoffs, and it was a fumble-riddled, pitches-intercepted, QB sacked before he could hand off type of 'wtf?-fest.' I worry every time that it will happen again, and it almost did in my last game against the Eagles with both Campbell INTs coming off throws that went nowhere near where I intended or expected them to end up. Randle El got hurt, luckily only for the rest of the game, and I was happily surprised that I never fumbled a kick off return after he left. This is what's often going on for me in CPU games, but maybe that's just me.

[XXXIV]

Badgun let me know when the Rams can venture into Jerry's palace.

I should be good every night after 7 central.

[Badgun]

Badgun let me know when the Rams can venture into Jerry's palace.

I should be good every night after 7 central.

I can play tonight around 11 Eastern, that would be 10 your time, is that cool?

[Brando70]

I'll take the under on passing attempts for you two.

[XXXIV]

Badgun let me know when the Rams can venture into Jerry's palace.

I should be good every night after 7 central.

I can play tonight around 11 Eastern, that would be 10 your time, is that cool?

It should be good.. Ill cya then.

I'll take the under on passing attempts for you two.

What are passing attempts?...

[Slumberland]

Jets over the CPU Bengals, 38-10. May you all bask in the warm glow of my self-restrained realism.

[Zeppo]

Washington Redskins 37 - Green Bay Packers 19

The Redskins improved to 8-4 with a win over the hapless CPU Packers despite two first half interceptions from Jason Campbell. Antwaan Randle El was the player of the game with 119 yds on six catches, two for TDs, and Clinton Portis chipped in with 156 yds from 22 carries.

The Redskins look to go above .500 in the division as they host the Eagles for the second time in three games before meetings with the NFC North leading Bears, the NY Giants, and the Jaguars.