Defense is improved in Madden NFL 15, that's not a lie. The improvements are minimal, and don't impact the game with a realistic impression. But if you find the right set of sliders (and beware, one size does not fit all) you'll notice realistic scores, balanced attacks on both sides of the ball, and a reasonable but not overwhelming number of turnovers.

Unfortunately, Madden still doesn't feel quite right. Sacks are abound, pretty much no matter what house rules or sliders you are playing with, and they come from weird positions. My defensive tackles often lead the NFL in total sacks. Conversely, more sacks come from the right side than the left -- something that simply does not mirror real life. Defensive coverage looks terrible, with players either mirroring the offense or just looking like a dear in headlights. Here are five small improvements EA could make to help move things along:

1. Implement a Gameplan: Madden's previous attempts at a gameplan have been a total disaster. What the game needs is a simple screen wipe with various options that can change game to game. For instance, if I'm the Patriots I want to ensure that Revis is following Calvin Johnson everywhere he goes. If I'm playing the Bears, I want to make sure Matt Forte never gets loose out of the backfield.

2. Make the Field Bigger: This has been a crying point of mine for years. Space out the field so there is more one-on-one action. It would increase the rate of interceptions and passes deflected.

3. Focus on the Big Picture: Defenses work as a cohesive unit. If Madden can emulate this, we'll see the correct pressure. The pass rush should almost always be working towards the QB's weak side, defensive tackles should always be looking to shift with the blocks rather than be sucked in and out of them, and cornerbacks should be playing where their safeties aren't.

4. Create Interaction: I say create because there currently is none. Madden would do well to create a percentage based battle system in the secondary that follows players' current ratings.

5. Remove Psychic Defenses and Add Strategic AI: When I line up for a fake punt, the CPU lines up in a 4-3 defense every time. Yet, when I run the ball 10+ times in a row, they still line up with five guys in the box. It's time to totally scrap psychic defenses and time to build smart ones. Adaptable AI needs to be a thing of the future, if EA ever wants Madden to feel like the chess match that it should.

What do you think Madden should do for next year to improve the defense?