Will we ever see true zone defenses?

[WilsonFisk]

This isn't really a Madden question...maybe a football video game question...kinda long rant. Also this is based on the demo and previous Maddens.

But anyone who has actually played real football knows, zone defense isn't like 4th grade gym class playing soccer where you stay put in your zone no matter what. It is all based on sets of rules (2 crosses over 1, then run to 2/take over 1 etc.)...the way it is in Madden now everyone generally stays in their zone no matter what.

For a lot of plays this doesn't make a difference, but for example...

offense is in 4 WR..you are in Dime playing cover two zone. The offense runs four verticals...the CBs or the safeties have to recognize its four verticals and make the read on the fly to run with the veritcal routes.

In Madden the CBs will just pass off the WRs to the safeties and they will have to make a decision which no matter what will be wrong. It shouldn't come to that and this creates too many money plays because of CPU decisions.

Now I understand this is probably much harder than it seems to program (haven't taken a programming class since HS)...but maybe just dreaming here

Also I hate when CPU defenders are facing away from the ball and magically make the pick / bat it away perfectly...if a user controlled guy does it okay..but CPU WTF!!! lol


sorry for long rant...I am just excited for Madden even if I don't agree w the zones lol

[Jojobaer]

Quote: Originally Posted by WilsonFisk

Also I hate when CPU defenders are facing away from the ball and magically make the pick / bat it away perfectly...if a user controlled guy does it okay..but CPU WTF!!! lol

I defeniately agree on the zones issues (I also noted that defenders are defending no man's land in some cases and the receiver is not matched up and wide open. I'm only a football fan, but I would assume any good defender would move the 3 steps necessary towards the receiver and move back if there is another threat).
But I find it much more annoying when the CPU defenders are facing the ball, should make the play, but instead freeze and the ball passes perfectly right above their head.. In the case you described, one could always argue, that they read the receiver and therefore turned around, but I've never seen any defender on Sunday just freeze in place when a ball is thrown his way...
Atleast, that's what I noticed in the demo (especially on Manning to Wayne passes), I hope that's fixed in the retails.

[SA1NT401]

I dont think we will ever see zone defense like that, at least not on this generation of consoles anyway.

As it is now, the AI defense is controlled as a whole unit, there is no improvising...They just do what they are programmed to do and nothing more. Even if that means 3 guys covering an area which there isnt a soul around....Been that way forever for the most part.

[Vaporub83]

The problem with putting these rules in for zone defenses it that there is no stone hard rule. Each rule is based on formation, personnel on offense and defense, down and distance, and game plan. How can you program all of that into each zone play? We have to face it realistic zones are a dream that will probably never come true.

[WilsonFisk]

I understand what you guys are saying it won't be easy...but if humans are able to go through a basic set of rules to determine their role on each individual play, why shouldn't a CPU?

I am not saying we are asking the CPU to make a judgement...I am saying the CPU should have the same read progression a human should. Literally it would just be one giant IF statement. There are probably a max of 30 (maybe) routes in Madden...each type of zone would just need a progression programmed off each route combination...

I know wishful thinking

[Critical Kills]

I don't think so because it's too complicated. Maybe sometime though down the road, like in 10 years.

[Senator Palmer]

I'd love to be able to play true match-up zones, and I think that if a cycle were dedicated to this as well as other defensive intricacies that it could be done, similar to how the blocking assignments have taken a big leap. But I think that with the moves that have been geared toward the more casual player, it would make the game too difficult. I can just imagine to outcry.

[mojo6911]

Quote: Originally Posted by WilsonFisk

offense is in 4 WR..you are in Dime playing cover two zone. The offense runs four verticals...the CBs or the safeties have to recognize its four verticals and make the read on the fly to run with the veritcal routes.

In Cover 2, the the safety will deliver help over the top while the CB should bump the WR, even on a streak. The CB should cover the guy to a certain point and will release to the safety. If the CBs decide to abandon the flats, the TE will hot read to run a flat, or the single RB will be open in the flats for an easy 10 yards.



Even though that pic doesn't show a 4WR set, the Dimebacks will still play the same zones with the mid zones.