Madden NFL 16's Defense Features Gang-Tackling Improvements, Better Coverage Play
Submitted on: 06/15/2015 by
Madden NFL 15 featured a hugely improved defensive game -- but it was limited mainly to the line play, tackling, and overall A.I. adjustments. This year, Madden NFL 16 will feature improved defensive back play as well as motion and weight based gang-tackling according to a new blog from EA Sports.
You will now be able to play the ball or play the receiver as a defensive back, with plenty of options and control to combat the new offensive tools.
Play Ball (Ball Hawk)
This has been heavily revised to ensure the most aggressive path is taken on the way to the ball. As in the past, you will play the ball by holding the Y/Triangle button as soon as the pass is released -- but unlike previous years you will definitely see a risk/reward type of system come into play moreso than in the past.
Play Receiver
The new feature introduced this year by EA is the Play Receiver DB mechanic. You will hold A or X (depending on your console of choice) once the pass is thrown -- this will make you play the receiver and not the ball.
In doing this you can use the new hit receiver mechanic, which can be used to dislodge the ball during the catch -- but you won't be able to intercept the ball by doing this.
Organic Gang Tackles
In the blog, Rex Dickson openly eschews Pro-tak and declares that Madden NFL 16 will be "delivering the most dramatic tackles in franchise history."
Madden NFL 16 will feature momentum-based organic interactions on tackles that support a limitless number of defenders attaching to the ball carrier. The system is complimented by new dynamic gang tackle animations which are able to go 'organic' based on additional defenders in proximity.
What that means is that an animation may be triggered but you can interrupt it as more players interact with the ball carrier.
To make this even better, Assissted tackles and half-sacks are now being tracked appropriately in the stats screen.
Other Tackling Fixes, Quick Adjustments Added
The suction tackling thanks to the conservative tackle system introduced last year was a big complaint amongst many (here on OS as well). This year, the tackle cone and match distance have been tuned to elminate warping (suction) from the tackling system without sarificing control or responsiveness.
Aggressive tackles were also improved so that defenders always dive towards the ball carrier instead of just as his facing direction.
Defensive quick adjustments are also being introduced which will let you adjust your defenders on the field without having to manually switch to the defender. You'll be able to select the group and choose individual assignments.
Other Adjustments/Improvements for the Defense
- QB Spy logic has been updated to be more effective at stopping rushing QB’s
- Contain Defenses and logic have been improved to help counter the new rollout and scramble mechanics
- New mechanic where users can now make their defenders in spy assignment abandon the spy and chase the QB at any point in the play. This is done by clicking in R3 once he ball has been snapped.
- Resolved an issue where users would not have time to audible to onside kick recovery when their opponents caught them in normal return vs. onside kick.
- The offense can no longer use no huddle to consistently cause AI defenders to be called offsides.
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