Madden NFL 17: The Little Things Are Piling Up in CFM

Feature Article

Submitted on: 09/07/2016 by Cicero

One week with Madden NFL 17’s Connected Franchise mode has taught me two things: My San Francisco 49ers are going to be in for a very long year (I may have already known that), and I still don’t know as much about football as I thought I did.

While there are no major “back of the box improvements” for this year’s version of CFM, the amount of little tweaks definitely make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. For one, the practice has been revamped to include actual scouting. Not only does this give me an opportunity to learn what defenses and offenses work in a given situation, it also gives me the ability to learn the tendencies of my weekly opponent -- dynamically. If the Colts decide to start running the ball with Frank Gore more than they let Andrew Luck pass, the game will recognize that and you will be able to game plan on defense to stop the run.

Late in the preseason you used to have to cut that running back that was just not good enough to make the depth chart but was really too good to release. Now you can tuck that player away (for a time) on your practice squad. Joel Smith talked about this in more depth, but the point is you can continue to groom this player in in the hopes that he can make it up to the roster of 53. You just have to hope that nobody else in your league (human or NPC) sees him developing because they can sign players as well.

Another great minor change that results in big dividends is how the in-game drive goals make sense now. If Ahmad Brooks has two sacks from the second level, I’m more likely to see a goal that says get a third sack than I am to see one that says “get a safety.” This, coupled with an XP system that is both streamlined and sensible, makes losses more tolerable.

However, the biggest addition to CFM is one that I hope will make my multi-teamed leagues last much longer, and that is Play The Moments. Mike Lowe talked about these at length, but being able to play through “non-important” games in less than 30 minutes means leagues really have a better chance of progressing into multiple seasons. Additionally, if you’re like me and also have a single-player CFM, Play The Moments will potentially allow you to get through the elusive 30-year franchise without simming. Well, at least that’s the theory. Time will tell if it works out that way.

There are still things that don’t quite work well in CFM. For example, the news feed, while improved, doesn’t update as quickly as I’d like (plus there seems to be some formatting issues in there). Also, the owner management menus are still a mess. There should be a way for me to move from one task to another without being brought back to the owner’s menu.

All in all, I’m very happy with CFM. It’s typically the mode where I spend the most of my football time. This year Tiburon showed me they value my time and want me to use it a little bit more efficiently. Now if I can only figure out when is the best time for a zone blitz.

Member Comments

# 1 cmehustle @ 09/07/16 10:25 AM

In a 30 team league CFM is great, again. The options Madden gives to run leagues is excellent, and youre at the mercy of the people in your league, as it should be. But for a single CFM Madden still leaves a lot to be desired. I made the point before, that during week two Kirk Cousins was looking for a 4 year $50 mil a year deal from me. In what universe does that happen? There is no threat to going over your salary cap ever, because I guess everyone is just happy to be included in the game and does not really want money?? Idk, but in that respect it kills immersion for me, at least to go multiple seasons. Also, very little if any substitutions by the cpu, especially during play the moments. It seems that theyre happy to give theyre RB 35 carries every game no matter who they have at RB2. Still too easy to pluck guys from the free agent wire and play them, as if they can just grasp the playbook right away. Madden still has a ways to go with the little things, that can make the game.

# 2 Dazraz @ 09/07/16 11:45 AM

My biggest frustration is that the menu navigation is still clunky & slow. What is it with EA & menus?

# 3 Datninja619 @ 09/07/16 12:06 PM

I enjoy CFM this year. Primarily because of play the moment feature. I get to do more of what I love, which is the off season.

My main gripe, it's more gameplay related, is CPU teams utilizing strategy in games more. For example, simply subbing in catching backs on 3rd and long, power backs in 3rd and short, defensive adjustments, etc.

Throughout my CFM, I want to be forced to identify the threats in particular situations. Another example, Dwight Freeney was only a pass rush specialist. I want that kind of AI adjustment in Madden.

# 4 vrtkolman @ 09/07/16 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datninja619


	I enjoy CFM this year. Primarily because of play the moment feature. I get to do more of what I love, which is the off season. My main gripe, it's more gameplay related, is CPU teams utilizing strategy in games more. For example, simply subbing in catching backs on 3rd and long, power backs in 3rd and short, defensive adjustments, etc. Throughout my CFM, I want to be forced to identify the threats in particular situations. Another example, Dwight Freeney was only a pass rush specialist. I want that kind of AI adjustment in Madden.

I agree. Formation subs are nice but if they aren't utilized by the CPU it's only partially effective. Next year I would like to see packages instead of straight formation subs. For example, I would want a pass rushing package that would be used on passing downs, etc.

The general AI has so much room for improvement.

# 5 Demoncrom @ 09/07/16 12:23 PM

its the most fun its been but they need to fix the stat. when you play a 9 min quarter League the AI teams are all still playing 15 min quarters. This ruins your league stats.

# 6 BadAssHskr @ 09/07/16 12:28 PM

.....And then there's the big takeaway, so far, and i realize they likely, maybe, hopefully, have something in the works, but the loss of the CFM website is a punch to the gut thus far. I'm still checking DL everyday in hopes they got their stuff worked out.

I love playing the games, but with wife, kids, in the evening, play the game is really all i have time to do. It's extremely important to beable to access your franchise while away from your console, and get players improved, scout your team, review previous game stats, etc...

This is an area where they should be making unbelievable strides.

Like i said, I think we're all pretty sure something is coming, but it's late, no 2 ways about it.

# 7 triplechin @ 09/07/16 12:30 PM

The little things have piled up to make the experience more negative for me. I don't want to have to do offline to assign custom PBs because the standard ones make them play unrealistically, to control fired coaches to fix their schemes, to edit traits to realistic stats, etc. Haven't played in a week because I dread starting up and doing all these chores and then discovering another issue.

# 8 T5063 @ 09/07/16 12:40 PM

Honestly, I thought this post was about all the problems with the mode. Yeah, the additions are nice but the core is still rotten IMO. There are way too many bugs, legacy issues, ai problems, missing features and rough edges that this will probably be the last madden I buy until there is a total revamp of Franchise mode.

Offline franchise is all I play and I don't have the time or desire to babysit the AI through 32 team control or what have you.

I will probably run another franchise once the rosters come out on Friday only because I already spent the money on the game. The gameplay is great for the most part, but I feel this mode is still stale and full of problems despite all the additions they make to it.

# 9 howboutdat @ 09/07/16 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadAssHskr


	.....And then there's the big takeaway, so far, and i realize they likely, maybe, hopefully, have something in the works, but the loss of the CFM website is a punch to the gut thus far. I'm still checking DL everyday in hopes they got their stuff worked out. I love playing the games, but with wife, kids, in the evening, play the game is really all i have time to do. It's extremely important to beable to access your franchise while away from your console, and get players improved, scout your team, review previous game stats, etc... This is an area where they should be making unbelievable strides. Like i said, I think we're all pretty sure something is coming, but it's late, no 2 ways about it.

Yes this is an extreme let down for online leagues. It is a huge issue for online leagues. Like already we are having to plan a new way to handle our fa draft rounds and how people have to post everything now, since guys cant sign them from website now. Thats just the tip of the iceburg for online leagues.

As for DL, im pretty sure at this point its a matter of waiting for the app to drop. I mean think of it like the website was, had to have the website , to find a place to pull our info for our leagues. I feel like same issue for this app, until we have it in our hands and are able to link the app to our leagues, DL is kinda strapped waiting for that to happen. However he has already showed a demo , so we know he pretty much has his framework done for it to work. Now the wait ......

# 10 brandon27 @ 09/07/16 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazraz


	My biggest frustration is that the menu navigation is still clunky & slow. What is it with EA & menus?

This x1000. Player progression, player resign, with those big clunky tiles... What a nightmare.

Aside from that, yes the little things are adding up and making the experience better. Much better than it was. However, that being said, there's a lot of work to be done still to make the mode more realistic and better. Now that the gameplay is much more stable and realistic, hopefully CFM continues to be a big focus for next year.

# 11 DeuceDouglas @ 09/07/16 06:24 PM

Quote:


	For one, the practice has been revamped to include actual scouting. Not only does this give me an opportunity to learn what defenses and offenses work in a given situation, it also gives me the ability to learn the tendencies of my weekly opponent -- dynamically. If the Colts decide to start running the ball with Frank Gore more than they let Andrew Luck pass, the game will recognize that and you will be able to game plan on defense to stop the run.

I feel like this should come with a giant asterisk that says "Only if you're in an Online CFM and a user is controlling the Colts" because if you're playing an offline franchise this isn't the case at all. The tendencies for teams never change and the numbers themselves won't even display an accurate Run/Pass ratio unless a user is controlling the other team.

Week 1 - 2016

Week 16 - 2017

Week 5 - 2027

# 12 fballturkey @ 09/07/16 06:47 PM

Was surprised the article was positive. While the game has taken some decent strides on the field the franchise experience still hasn't caught up with the old franchise on PS3. Bad AI (especially the easily exploitable trade AI), bad progression system, bad scheduling system, bad scouting system... The on the field action is good enough to make the game work but they need to get the franchise basics working.

# 13 bleevable @ 09/08/16 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmehustle


	In a 30 team league CFM is great, again. The options Madden gives to run leagues is excellent, and youre at the mercy of the people in your league, as it should be. But for a single CFM Madden still leaves a lot to be desired. I made the point before, that during week two Kirk Cousins was looking for a 4 year $50 mil a year deal from me. In what universe does that happen? There is no threat to going over your salary cap ever, because I guess everyone is just happy to be included in the game and does not really want money?? Idk, but in that respect it kills immersion for me, at least to go multiple seasons. Also, very little if any substitutions by the cpu, especially during play the moments. It seems that theyre happy to give theyre RB 35 carries every game no matter who they have at RB2. Still too easy to pluck guys from the free agent wire and play them, as if they can just grasp the playbook right away. Madden still has a ways to go with the little things, that can make the game.

Great, great point cmehustle. One of the little thing that I would like for them to have is a weekly weather report during the season. I know this might sound a little ridiculous but if you really think about it, knowing what type of weather you might be playing in for the up and coming game really makes a difference. If you've been practicing during the week on passing plays and you're playing a game in Green Bay and it's snowing, now your game has to be played different because of the impact of the weather. Too many times in Franchise mode the user is surprised on the day of the game and it's snowing or raining real hard.Like you say the little things like this can really make the difference.

# 14 cmehustle @ 09/08/16 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleevable


	Great, great point cmehustle. One of the little thing that I would like for them to have is a weekly weather report during the season. I know this might sound a little ridiculous but if you really think about it, knowing what type of weather you might be playing in for the up and coming game really makes a difference. If you've been practicing during the week on passing plays and you're playing a game in Green Bay and it's snowing, now your game has to be played different because of the impact of the weather. Too many times in Franchise mode the user is surprised on the day of the game and it's snowing or raining real hard.Like you say the little things like this can really make the difference.

I like it. Another thing that 2K does so well during the season, I had Brook Lopez as my leading scorer. Throughout my season he was getting like 26 a game or some ish. Well it took like two months, but pretty soon every single game he was getting doubled. I mean from the tip. Its like the cpu started learning my tendencies. I had to start running my offense through my secondary scorers, because the CPU would not let Brook score at all. In Madden, it seems that you can pretty much do what you want. You never have to go to a secondary offense or adjust. Because the CPU never adjusts to you.

# 15 cmehustle @ 09/08/16 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeuceDouglas


	I feel like this should come with a giant asterisk that says "Only if you're in an Online CFM and a user is controlling the Colts" because if you're playing an offline franchise this isn't the case at all. The tendencies for teams never change and the numbers themselves won't even display an accurate Run/Pass ratio unless a user is controlling the other team. Week 1 - 2016 Week 16 - 2017 Week 5 - 2027

Man this hurts! I had such high hopes when I first saw this. It seems like they come up with great ideas over at EA such as this. But if your going to half @ss it, then why even bother putting it in. I rather you got all the major things right. Still no off the ball injuries, no differentiaion between DTs and DEs/OLB when rtp. No differentiation between Cs, Gs, and Ts on the line play. No real difference between how QBs play, they all pretty much throw and play the exact same. No coaching differences, no coordinators at all (in 2016???) no substitutions unless a guy is tired. They need to refocus on the major aspects of the game, otherwise just stick to the 32 man leagues. Solo CFMs serve no purpose.

# 16 msdm27 @ 09/08/16 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmehustle


	Man this hurts! I had such high hopes when I first saw this. It seems like they come up with great ideas over at EA such as this. But if your going to half @ss it, then why even bother putting it in. I rather you got all the major things right. Still no off the ball injuries, no differentiaion between DTs and DEs/OLB when rtp. No differentiation between Cs, Gs, and Ts on the line play. No real difference between how QBs play, they all pretty much throw and play the exact same. No coaching differences, no coordinators at all (in 2016???) no substitutions unless a guy is tired. They need to refocus on the major aspects of the game, otherwise just stick to the 32 man leagues. Solo CFMs serve no purpose.

The most frustrating part (from EA) is:
They talk outta both sides when it fits their narrative, and it is allowed to fly by.

If we ask for a feature that is missing, they will give you: "We won't put it in until it is fully fleshed"

If we complain about a poorly installed feature, they will give you: "Well, this is about laying the foundation of the feature for the future"

Huh????????

But it somehow gets as pass because they are "open" in their communication with their audience.

Oh and let's not forget the stock answer for ANY missing CFM feature "Not this year, but it is definitely something we'd like to have"

Man, they must have a million item list of stuff they'd like to implement & somehow each year we only get 3 new features to mode. What gives?

And that is without mentioning the ever appearing bugs the remain in the mode for years. I really wish they gave an open insight into how is it they test CFM, because by the amount of bugs (even in the "new" features) is baffling!

The other part that is frustrating (from OS and some members of the community) is:

EA says something is implemented, and it should be taken as gospel.

It is quite ironic to me, as it has been to others who already posted, how this article can be titled how it is, and actually be meant with a positive spin. If something, the more one dives into CFM the more one discovers how shallow it is, and downright poorly thought/implemented in many other areas (f.ex: Deuce's latest pic).

# 17 howboutdat @ 09/08/16 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeuceDouglas


	I feel like this should come with a giant asterisk that says "Only if you're in an Online CFM and a user is controlling the Colts" because if you're playing an offline franchise this isn't the case at all. The tendencies for teams never change and the numbers themselves won't even display an accurate Run/Pass ratio unless a user is controlling the other team. Week 1 - 2016 Week 16 - 2017 Week 5 - 2027

Now this makes me wonder , how much it will change in an online league as well, or if it does at all . Guess i will be making notes on guys thruout the year to see if even then it works right.

# 18 Cowboy008 @ 09/08/16 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeuceDouglas


	I feel like this should come with a giant asterisk that says "Only if you're in an Online CFM and a user is controlling the Colts" because if you're playing an offline franchise this isn't the case at all. The tendencies for teams never change and the numbers themselves won't even display an accurate Run/Pass ratio unless a user is controlling the other team. Week 1 - 2016 Week 16 - 2017 Week 5 - 2027

That kinda hurts. You would think they would have it to where it would change dynamically even if it's year to year. This is one thing they need to fix for 18.

# 19 Nimits @ 09/08/16 11:37 AM

Out of curiosity, did you play any of those games, or were they all simulated?

# 20 Armor and Sword @ 09/08/16 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vrtkolman


	I agree. Formation subs are nice but if they aren't utilized by the CPU it's only partially effective. Next year I would like to see packages instead of straight formation subs. For example, I would want a pass rushing package that would be used on passing downs, etc. The general AI has so much room for improvement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplechin


	The little things have piled up to make the experience more negative for me. I don't want to have to do offline to assign custom PBs because the standard ones make them play unrealistically, to control fired coaches to fix their schemes, to edit traits to realistic stats, etc. Haven't played in a week because I dread starting up and doing all these chores and then discovering another issue.

Guy's you don't have to do the custom playbook work around. There is a much simpler way to get the AI to play vastly better.

Go check out the slider forum for more details as I don't want to clutter this thread up.

I am using the "create the current coach of your opponent that week" work around and assigning the generic playbooks for offense and defense and it is working amazingly. And I can also set formation subs that stick for the CPU team that week. After I am done with my game I retire that coach and it is like nothing ever happened. The same coach is still coaching for that team.

Rinse and repeat each week.

Takes literally 5-7 minutes before each game to get things set up and the game play is vastly improved.

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