Madden NFL 17 News Post

Madden NFL 17 Defensive Gaps, Alignment, Assignment, Technique, Blocking & Much More

07:02 PM - May 18, 2016 by Steve_OS

Another Madden NFL 17 blog has just arrived going over defensive gaps, run fits and so much more. This one is filled with great information.

Let's go over a bit:

Quote:


	"When implementing the run fits system, we installed it the same way the defensive coordinators install their defenses in the NFL � Alignment, Assignment and Technique � and what this amounts to is every defender on the field having a specific job to do on each play the user calls."

This is a much needed change in the series. For too long we've called defensive plays like they're offensive plays -- which was completely inaccurate. To be moving in a more sim direction is always welcome, especially in an area most every football game hasn't been close to right on since the dawn of gaming.

Quote:


	"The AI will automatically flip your defense when the offense flips so that your defense aligns to the proper strength in relation to the offensive formation they are seeing after the huddle break. When your defense has been flipped, you will see visual feedback in the Score HUD to tell you that your defense has been flipped, as well as what part of the defense was flipped (Entire defense, Coverage, Front)."

This is a nice touch and completely awesome (and much welcome).

Quote:


	"The next step in the Run-Fits system is Defensive Gap assignments. All defenders, both in the NFL and Madden 17 have a specific responsibility on each play � this includes gap integrity for �run-fit� defenders and coverage responsibility plus run-support for coverage defenders � making the play-calling experience more engaging and strategy-based than in previous iterations. "

This is a great layer that, when combined with the previous assignment/flip options makes for a compelling layer of defensive strategy that you must go into. Compare this to previously calling a play and hot routing defensive players and you can instantly see why this is a huge upgrade.

Quote:


	"Just because a defender is assigned to a gap pre-snap doesn�t mean he�s locked to that gap for the remainder of the play. Each defender has AI that allows him to update his gap and react to the war in the trenches to fill the open lanes created by the blockers as the play develops. This AI relies heavily on the Play Recognition Rating. Based on the PRC rating, defenders will be faster or slower in reading the play and finding the right gap to fill."

I'm not 100% certain how this will fully play out, but it sounds promising and certainly deeper than what we've seen out of Madden when it comes to line play over the past several years. The PRC rating sounds like a nice touch and addition.

For more information on Madden's defensive improvements, including techniques as well as improvements to blocking, check out the full blog post at the link.

Source - Madden 17 Gameplay Deep Dive - Defensive Gaps and Run Fits

Game: Madden NFL 17Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 17 - View All

Member Comments

# 61 jb12780 @ 05/19/16 08:54 AM

I'm a little skeptical about these new defensive mechanics. Has the potential to bring back psychic DBs and LBs.

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# 62 C the Lyte @ 05/19/16 09:03 AM

"You will also see new laterally moving blocks, such as zone steps, reach blocks, double teams, cut blocks and force blocks"

I need new pants

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# 63 BezO @ 05/19/16 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolidSquid


	Is it just me or does they language they use kinda seem like we are gonna get tiered play calling?

This won't work as well without tiered play calling, so I'm hoping so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrprice33


	It's sort of done automatically based on playcall. It's weird to describe but will require a much better knowledge of your defensive playbook than past years.

Damn! Being stuck with pre-packaged coverage/fits/blitz combinations makes it more difficult to scheme. I was always stuck looking for a package to fit the scheme in my head. But, with what they're adding this year I now wouldn't be surprised it's coming soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator Palmer


	I specifically remember this is one BezO used to hit on getting in a lot. This is a big one for me. Alignment gives me a lot of trouble when the CPU goes to those no-huddle situations. Too often if I'm in zone the nickel corner is on the wrong side vs. a tight end with the safety on the 3rd receiver and there's not enough time to flip back. Good stuff. Good read. I hope the new flip rules means those days are gone where I'd call man and if the TE was flexed out in a spread formation it would throw off the alignment. And they've finally go true 2-gap defenders in this joint. I swear if this stuff works, I'm turning to a hermit. I might run the 3-4 just on gp.

Auto flip helps a lot! I'm a bit nervous about the flip rules being tied to the play type though. I'd prefer the ability to choose aligning to the pass strength, run strength or "sub".

Great to see actual football making it into the game after all these years. I hope the animations are up to snuff.

This "You will also see new laterally moving blocks" sounds good, but was only followed by "such as zone steps, reach blocks, double teams, cut blocks and force blocks". I hope the engaged blocks themselves have mobility and flow with the ball carrier.

Foot planting for all 22 players would top off my hope for this years game. Looking forward to some vids!

# 64 Blazzen @ 05/19/16 09:37 AM

This is absolutely incredible! I'm so happy Madden is going towards a sim product rather than the arcadey garbage they've been putting out for years!

# 65 sebennayx @ 05/19/16 09:56 AM

I put in Madden again last night to get ramped up after reading the blog, but immediately noticed the lack of force and cutback, as well as CPU spot dropping. While psyched for the updates already announced for 17, it's taken away from my interest for 16...already I needs me some 17!

What's astounding, we're not even done with the news! From a gameplay perspective, this - provided everything works as intended - is already the most comprehensive and impressive update the series has ever had. Depending on the news that drops for CFM, with so much potentially available (reintroduce formation subs/custom packages, and potentially other gameplanning aspects) in addition to everything already discussed......it's seriously mind-blowing.

Huge thanks to Rex and the entire team whose vision and passion for football brought us from where we were (just a few short years ago) to where we may now be.

# 66 bnb @ 05/19/16 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jb12780


	I'm a little skeptical about these new defensive mechanics. Has the potential to bring back psychic DBs and LBs.

yeah, this is what scares me as well. i haven't bought madden in a few years, but reading through this blog makes me wonder if the ai defense isn't going to come out with the perfect defense to stop whatever play you've called (again). you're running a sweep? the defense just happens to have called a play with a force defender in the correct spot.

# 67 Datninja619 @ 05/19/16 11:19 AM

"The AI will automatically flip your defense when the offense flips so that your defense aligns to the proper strength in relation to the offensive formation they are seeing after the huddle break. "

Extremely excited about this!

I'd get so frustrated coming out in nickle D and having to flip the D, which sometimes put the defense out of position.

Maybe now we will have a Sam LB(Strong side) and a Will LB (Weak side) as opposed to left and right. This would allow me to but my best coverage LB on the TE. Or at least let us assign them.

# 68 mrprice33 @ 05/19/16 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datninja619


	"The AI will automatically flip your defense when the offense flips so that your defense aligns to the proper strength in relation to the offensive formation they are seeing after the huddle break. " Extremely excited about this! I'd get so frustrated coming out in nickle D and having to flip the D, which sometimes put the defense out of position. Maybe now we will have a Sam LB(Strong side) and a Will LB (Weak side) as opposed to left and right. This would allow me to but my best coverage LB on the TE. Or at least let us assign them.

Unfortunately the flip only flips responsibilities, not positions. So it's getting closer, but not quite there.

# 69 SolidSquid @ 05/19/16 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datninja619


	"The AI will automatically flip your defense when the offense flips so that your defense aligns to the proper strength in relation to the offensive formation they are seeing after the huddle break. " Extremely excited about this! I'd get so frustrated coming out in nickle D and having to flip the D, which sometimes put the defense out of position. Maybe now we will have a Sam LB(Strong side) and a Will LB (Weak side) as opposed to left and right. This would allow me to but my best coverage LB on the TE. Or at least let us assign them.

SAMs and WILLs didn't make it in, Rex said it would be too much to program, but I know a certain game that had it 12 years ago. Hopefully they plan on adding it next year bc it's a big deal to me (I run a 4-3 defense) since SAMs and wills have different responsibilities that require different skill sets.

# 70 brandon27 @ 05/19/16 11:35 AM

This is going to be awesome I think. Especially if it's executed properly. Run fits, gap assignments, playcalls that matter, this is going to be just great to see in action.

The only thing I fear by this... if it does work as designed, I can just imagine all the "The run game is broken!", "There's no gaping holes for me to hit", "It's broken because I can't get more than 3 yards per carry" complaints that are going to follow. Hopefully they don't end up adjusting to cater to that crowd. The ease of use, and big gains for outside run plays in Madden 16 shows the glaring need for this type of system to be implemented.

It's so great to see this Madden team implementing things into the game from a real life NFL standpoint. Good stuff going on with this team.

# 71 Datninja619 @ 05/19/16 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbomb1upc


	This is amazing. As some one that has played D1 college football, this is legit. All of the terms they used we used as well. It will be awesome seeing this in action. I wished they would have given us a video to coincide with the blogs. I really hope I will be able to use real football knowledge to beat cheesers online. Madden really got this right. I played safety in college and the first thing we did was identify the strength of the offense as indicated by the blog. The auto flip feature is HUGE!!!!!! I would manually do this on ever play. Next I would have to know what kind of run fit player I was. Usually it was a force or cutback in Cover 3 or a pass first fill player in cover 2. I am blown away that got all of this in the game. I salute you madden.

Same with me playing MLB in college. In our college defense, the strength of the defense would change based on the package we were in and the play call it's self. Quick example, If we were in Nickle strong, I'd call the strength based on 2+ WR side, Wide field side, OR even QB throwing hand (left or right)

If I come out in a Nickle Strong Blitz in Madden, I'd want the blitz on the STRONG side haha. If I say 4-3 Will blitz, I'd want the weak side backer to blitz.

I guarantee this will be the most satisfying Madden defensively for me. People may not think about it now, but this makes drafting for DEPTH more important. Example, on 3rd and short your going to want to sub in your best run stuffers (Blockshed, strength, tackle, etc) and have them align to the strength of the offense.

I'm going to try not to get tooooo excited and raise my expectations though. Just having this strength flip is an improvement.

Hopefully this means we are closer to DB assignments.

# 72 SolidSquid @ 05/19/16 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon27


	This is going to be awesome I think. Especially if it's executed properly. Run fits, gap assignments, playcalls that matter, this is going to be just great to see in action. The only thing I fear by this... if it does work as designed, I can just imagine all the "The run game is broken!", "There's no gaping holes for me to hit", "It's broken because I can't get more than 3 yards per carry" complaints that are going to follow. Hopefully they don't end up adjusting to cater to that crowd. The ease of use, and big gains for outside run plays in Madden 16 shows the glaring need for this type of system to be implemented. It's so great to see this Madden team implementing things into the game from a real life NFL standpoint. Good stuff going on with this team.

That's what scares me too. They are always so quick to nerf things instead of giving people tips on how to be better. I get it, for a casual all this stuff must have their head spinning but if skills trainer has been improved running though it a couple of times should be enough to help casuals learn. Hell even I'm gonna run through the trainer a couple times to get acquainted to things.

# 73 SolidSquid @ 05/19/16 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datninja619


	Same with me playing MLB in college. In our college defense, the strength of the defense would change based on the package we were in and the play call it's self. Quick example, If we were in Nickle strong, I'd call the strength based on 2+ WR side, Wide field side, OR even QB throwing hand (left or right) If I come out in a Nickle Strong Blitz in Madden, I'd want the blitz on the STRONG side haha. If I say 4-3 Will blitz, I'd want the weak side backer to blitz. I guarantee this will be the most satisfying Madden defensively for me. People may not think about it now, but this makes drafting for DEPTH more important. Example, on 3rd and short your going to want to sub in your best run stuffers (Blockshed, strength, tackle, etc) and have them align to the strength of the offense. I'm going to try not to get tooooo excited and raise my expectations though. Just having this strength flip is an improvement. Hopefully this means we are closer to DB assignments.

As a Linebacker my whole life I can't agree more. Defense is actually going to involve strategy now, the only thing missing is tiered play calling. I hope that's where they are heading. I wanna call the package, front, stunts, coverage and blitzes, if I make a bad combination and leave a gaping whole somewhere then that's on me.

# 74 Datninja619 @ 05/19/16 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon27


	The only thing I fear by this... if it does work as designed, I can just imagine all the "The run game is broken!", "There's no gaping holes for me to hit", "It's broken because I can't get more than 3 yards per carry" complaints that are going to follow. Hopefully they don't end up adjusting to cater to that crowd. The ease of use, and big gains for outside run plays in Madden 16 shows the glaring need for this type of system to be implemented.

I think to counter that early on, the Dev team built those running assist, such as the lane assist. Those assist plus lowering the sliders, should give the Devs plenty of ammo to fire back at the "I barely average 100 yards per game folks".

We shall see though!

# 75 SolidSquid @ 05/19/16 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datninja619


	I think to counter that early on, the Dev team built those running assist, such as the lane assist. Those assist plus lowering the sliders, should give the Devs plenty of ammo to fire back at the "I barely average 100 yards per game folks". We shall see though!

Having to play with the indicators on would certainly hurt some of their pride lol

# 76 Datninja619 @ 05/19/16 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolidSquid


	As a Linebacker my whole life I can't agree more. Defense is actually going to involve strategy now, the only thing missing is tiered play calling. I hope that's where they are heading. I wanna call the package, front, stunts, coverage and blitzes, if I make a bad combination and leave a gaping whole somewhere then that's on me.

I miss that tier oplay calling too. I remember being a freshman or soph in high school and not even knowing the concept of what I was selecting in the other game lol. If the Madden team went that route, they'd definitely have to have it be an option. similar to the gameflow introduction years ago.

Back to the blog though! I think the defense will involve deeper strategy now (for those who want it). By having the Force effectiveness by driven by PRC, this will make it important to have a veteran on the team. A situation player, as they call it IRL. Even if a safety has 78 SPD, if he has 95+ play rec, best believe I'm putting him in the box or 3rd and 3!

Side Note: I'll flip a lid if formation subs is here.

# 77 Allball76 @ 05/19/16 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datninja619


	I miss that tier oplay calling too. I remember being a freshman or soph in high school and not even knowing the concept of what I was selecting in the other game lol. If the Madden team went that route, they'd definitely have to have it be an option. similar to the gameflow introduction years ago. Back to the blog though! I think the defense will involve deeper strategy now (for those who want it). By having the Force effectiveness by driven by PRC, this will make it important to have a veteran on the team. A situation player, as they call it IRL. Even if a safety has 78 SPD, if he has 95+ play rec, best believe I'm putting him in the box or 3rd and 3! Side Note: I'll flip a lid if formation subs is here.

Agree vets play Rec needs to be mort important than rookies skill level that's why it take some rookie a few years to make impact .

# 78 kyle81 @ 05/19/16 12:20 PM

Does anyone know if these gap assignments affect pass rushing or blitzing in any way?? Does this give Dlinemen pass rush lanes now?? Hopefully it makes end contain a thing.

# 79 mvb34 @ 05/19/16 12:22 PM

I hope we can get a camera angle like the God view from the defense side so that I can better play the assignments...

# 80 mrprice33 @ 05/19/16 12:46 PM

Just got confirmation from Clint that gap assignments do not change dynamically with changing the alignment of the DL. How does everyone feel about that?

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