Madden NFL Football 2005

Chapter 3 - Offense

Most of Madden 2005's gameplay tweaks are on the defensive side of the ball. For the most part, strategies and features on offense remain largely the same. But whether you're a new Madden player or a seasoned veteran, this chapter will provide tips to hone and improve your offensive gameplan.

A successful offense moves the ball efficiently and effectively. Predict what the defense is doing so you can gain positive yards on every down. Avoid backpedaling and putting the team in long yardage situations where your course of action becomes much more predictable. Avoid turnovers and look to exploit the opposing defenses' weaknesses and mismatches. This section will provide explanations of offensive formations and packages, offer specific tips on managing an explosive passing and rushing attack, and reveal the best Madden 2005 NFL players at key offensive positions.

Offensive Formations and Packages

When selecting your play on offense, you must first selection a formation. The formation inserts specific personnel onto the field in specific spots. For instance, the shotgun formation typically includes more speedy wide receivers since it's generally a pass formation while the goal line formation includes more big linemen and tight ends because it's generally a run formation.

Note that formations other than goal line also include "sub-formations" that further alter the players' positions. For instance, there's a standard shotgun formation (one running back, three wide receivers) but then there's also a four wide receiver shotgun formation or even a five wide receiver shotgun formation. You can further adjust formation personnel through packages, such as using a jumbo backfield for short yardage, moving the tight end to the slot position, or giving your starting running back a rest. These package substitutions are covered later in this chapter.

The following list covers the basics of each formation, their strengths and weaknesses, and appropriate usage. Certain sub formations of each formation are also covered. Use this section as a guide during your offensive play selection.

• Goal Line: The aptly named goal line formation would be used most often in very short yardage (three yards or less) or goal line situations. It's a compact formation with big linemen blocking for a fullback and running back lining up behind the quarterback. Use playmaker control to switch the direction of your running play depending on how the defense stacks the line. Use package substitution to insert a jumbo backfield for, possibly, better break tackle ability (depending on your team). Switch to the Miami package to exchange the receiver for a better blocking tight end. Mix up your play with a pass out of goal line, which can be very effective. Use a hot route to ensure one of your receivers is running a quick pattern in case the defense has called a heavy blitz.
• I Form: The I Form formation features a fullback then a running back lined up directly behind the quarterback. The formation's name is derived from the backfields resemblance to an "I". It's usually a run formation--the fullback provides a lead block for the running back. But it can be a powerful pass formation as well, especially against aggressive opponents thinking run. For instance, the I Form-Big formation inserts two tight ends and just one receiver. Certainly a good running formation with all that blocking but also a surprising pass formation. In any I Form formation, utilize the running back and fullback (or two running backs if you use the Dual HB package) as options in the flat. If your opponent aggressively blitzes, one of those options is likely to be wide open.
• Strong I, Weak I: These formations are similar to I-Form, but the fullback is offset either to the strong side (the side of the offensive line with the tight end) or the weak side (the side of the offensive line without the tight end). The uses are similar to the I Form. It's an expected run formation but does offer some pass option sub formations and hitting the two backs in the flat or across the middle can be dangerous against an aggressive defense expecting run.
• Far, Near: These formations are similar to Strong and Weak, but the fullback and running back are positioned close to one other behind the quarterback. Look for these formations in San Francisco's playbook.
• Split Backs: This is another two-back set but the two backs are lined up along the same line in a split formation. Both backs are just offset from the quarterback. It holds similar advantages and disadvantages to the other two back sets. It's a decent run formation (though the I Form, Strong, and Weak seem to be consistently better in Madden for running the ball) and is a solid pass formation when you work the backs into the patterns.

• Full House: The full house formation includes three backs in the backfield: one full back and two running backs. The position of the backs resembles a cross between the I Form and the Strong or Weak formation. It's another strong run formation that provides several options. You can hand off to the primary back, the secondary back, the full back, or use it as a passing formation and send three backs into the pattern. The dual HB package moves the secondary running back behind the quarterback; the spell HB package moves the secondary running back to the primary's position and uses a tight end in the full back's spot.
• Jumbo-T: The Packers playbook includes the Jumbo-T, which resembles the full house formation with multiple backs (two running backs, one fullback) behind the quarterback. Like full house, it allows for several run options and can be effective in passing plays with effective back and tight end routes.
• Singleback: The singleback formation is extremely varied. In fact, some of the sub formations don't even include a single back--such as Singleback-Empty 4WR and 5WR. Most, though, feature a single running back and a set of receivers, tight ends, or a mixture of both. Using the sets with a running back, three receivers, and a tight end can be unpredictable and pose match-up problems. If the defense calls nickel, then you have the advantage in the running game. If the defense calls 4-3 or 3-4, then you could have an advantage in the passing game.
• Shotgun: The shotgun formation is a typical passing formation because it allows extra time for the quarterback to read the defense and hit the open receiver before the rush closes in. It's certainly possible and often effective to run out of the shotgun formation as well.