Slide Protection: Can you trust it?

[LBzrule]

Quote: Originally Posted by cbenti60

One thing to think about: Could there be a problem with the "awareness" stat? I know the video looks bad, but could it be explained because the Center is "dumb" according to the game? I feel multiple tests could be done on this.

I thought this at first. Then I tried it with other teams and got similar results. Secondly, it is not just the center. It is also the left guard. A slide is about communication and commitment which is not on display here. Lastly, to put it on ratings is to actually give the developers unwarranted credit, to think they actually got that sophisticated with it.

[bukktown]

Quote: Originally Posted by LBzrule

This statement shows misunderstanding of what the article says. It does not say slide protection itself is new. It says four-man slide with back side tackle in big on big is new. Why can't people understand this?

I think they first introduced four-man slide with back side tackle in big on big way back in Triple Play '99.

I mean, it's not new, I been using it for years!

[sneezor01]

While I agree with just about all of the comments in this thread. I would like to play devils advocate here... first of all allow me to preference this statement by saying that I have always attempted to to use slide protect with all FB games that I play. I just believe that it is a real part of football and that if you don't understand simple principles of o-line play then your offense can not win. And I also agree that EA FB games have missed the mark overall on current gen systems. With all of that said... Maybe ... just maybe... the reason why slide protect is hit or miss could be tied into the AWR rating and the Pass and Run BLK ratings. Maybe the way that the game is coded maybe it's just a numbers battle b/t the AWR with the D-line and the O-line.

[cbenti60]

Quote: Originally Posted by LBzrule

I thought this at first. Then I tried it with other teams and got similar results. Secondly, it is not just the center. It is also the left guard. A slide is about communication and commitment which is not on display here. Lastly, to put it on ratings is to actually give the developers unwarranted credit, to think they actually got that sophisticated with it.

Haha I liked the last part. "Come on guys, let's not give them too much credit"

O-Line is 100% about communication. Part of playing the O-Line is knowing what everyone else's assignments are on any given play. It's also why zone blocking has been such a problem in this game because that's all about feel and recognition on when to release to a linebacker (Double, block down to linebacker)

[MacDiiddy]

Great write up. I am always happy to read and talk about Real football stratagy and technique. Unfortunetly this article is moot. The real question is can I trust the O-line period.

I have yet to see a zone step in this game, let alone a slide. There are constantly unblocked players on run plays.

Not missed blocks but no one trying to scoop up and block them. Or linemen sitting in the hole and not blocking anyone. Same flaws are in the defensive line.

I have been saying, along with many many more on these forums that the OL-DL interaction needs an overhaul.

I really dont understand why they can't take one year to address every problem in the game before they go off and start creating crap that no one really wants *cough* heisman challenge *cough*

[cgalligan]

Why is it so hard for them to get the OLine correct?

I can't count how many times, on a Power-O or an outside run where my OLineman, who was supposed to be LEADING me down the field, stops, and starts running back to block someone who is chasing me from behind, rather than attacking the CB or Saftey that is in front of him...

[sportyguyfl31]

Ive been using slide protection a lot. While the mechanics are far from how you'd coach it, it works well for the game's purposes

[PantherBeast_OS]

It seems to me that while they are working on the oline for M14. They really need to rework the whole oline protection in my opinion. Because at times I felt that slide protection wasn't working for me half the time. It's time for them to rework it and make it better overall.