Madden 2003 Tips

[Professor S]

This thread is for people to post their tips and strategies for Madden 2003. Here are some of mine:

DEFENSE

- Stay in coverage schemes (nickel mostly, dime and quarter when you are positive they'll pass) always. Nickel is just as good at stopping the run as standard, in my experience, and it is much better against the pass.

- Use line shifts and manipulate your DBs. I always line shift to the side with a tight end. If a wide receiver goes into motion and loads up one side, I shift my LBs in the that direction. If the offense is in a running formation, move your DBs up closer to the LOS.

- Blitz sparingly. It rarely works and it leaves you more vulnerable to the pass. If you do blitz, BRING THE PAIN. This will give you a better chance of making the QB make a poor throw or get a sack. Most of the time your linemen do a better job of getting there, though.

- I never control my DBs in coverage. Bad things always happen when I try. This might just be me sucking, though. Besides, your linemen get to the quarter back much more easily when you control them and use all the swimming, ripping and bull rushing techniques.

OFFENSE

- Run the damn ball. I know it goes against your instincts, but considering the chance that the opposing team can score at any time, ball control is key. Here are some tips to running successfully in Madden 2003
- Audibles: have run audibles so that if you see the weaknesses to either side, you can take advantage of them. Thsi will make you MUCH more successful
- Tight End Motion: Run weak, the motion to make it strong. the defense doesn't adjust in time if you do it correctly. Not effective against a human opponent as they will get the jist of this quickly.

Ok, I'm tired so I'll write more later. Anyone else have any tips or tricks for the rest of us footbal game addicts? I would greatly appreciate them.

[Perfect Stu]

D

Shift your DBs closer to the line on every play unless it's third and long. You'll pick off way more passes and any quick throws will be batted away.

PLAYING AGAINST HUMAN PLAYERS:

Most people won't use the false snap. So soon after the quaterback yells 'SET' get ready to blitz with the linebacker you're controlling. Running around the O-Line, instead of through them works better in this situation. If you're sprinting at the line when the QB hikes the ball, he doesn't have a chance.

Offense

If you have a good running QB, roll out to the side with him...if there's someone open, pass it...but if there's room to run, you can easily gain 10 or more yards by running up the sidelines. (McNabb, Stewart, Vick and Culpepper are all good for this)

If you have a good TE, use him often, as he will never be double covered. Post routes are especially good.