My first game in my custom season (pro mode, hard, all 8 custom teams in the 50-60 OVR range) I got my *** handed to me 55-27, and I threw 7 picks... and still managed to complete 55% of my passes and throw 2TDs. I think the defenders catch a little bit too well, but I'm not having anywhere near the issue that our wonderful reviewer claims.
As for road to backbreaker mode - you're an expansion team, you're supposed to suck. The idea is to build a team up and eventually work your way up the tiers to win the championship - not to go all blitz the league style and win 30 games in a row.