Hard to run in Madden '05?

Anyone else notice this?

I've had a couple of big games with Portis, but only because I ripped off a long run to pad my stats. I've also had my share of 20-25 carries, 70-90 yards type games. The lineman really get off their blocks quick, I've been stuffed in the backfield more times than I can remember. And the LB's are very quick to the hole.

Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, I like the challenge. Just wondering how it's been for you guys running the ball. Any plays or formations working especially well for you?

I used to also kill the D with swing passes to the RB, but now the LB's are all over that stuff!

Yeah, it definitely has been harder to run the ball. Although I noticed something kind of cool. I played the bucs, and I had trouble running the ball. Then I played the Giants, and averaged about 7 or 8 yards a carry. It was cool to see the difference in defenses. I've found that its usually a lot easier to run it up the gut. Also, counters work pretty well.

Yeah I noticed that also. I remember in 04 Portis would always break a couple of tackles before going down. I did have a 200 yard game with Portis in Madden 05, but it was against the Browns and on All pro. Maybe I should move up to All madden.

it's just different than last year, not harder. I've had a couple 300 yard games with portis, just rushing. try the i formation, two tight ends lined up on one side and use the counter play. if the D loads up on the side that you're running, just use the playmaker mode and go the other way, works 95% of the time for a big gain.

300 yard game?

what level are you playing on?

a whole different one!

I've done some tweaking with the AI and running has been a little easier.

Still, it seems when you go up against a tough run D, they play you tough while in past Maddens you could run on just about anybody at will.

I definatly miss the "jump" feature, which helped me evade tackles from behind. Triangle now protects the ball. Also, i find it very difficult to spin effectively.

I also miss the jump, I can't stop from hitting it though. Well at least I'm protecting the ball, LOL.

I thought the spin button was getting out of control, you used to be able to cut on a dime, it was almost not fair. This year it's definitely not as effective.

It is harder because for 2005, they tweaked the AI to better defend against outside run and counter plays. I think it's a LOT harder to get a decent pass game going this year than any other year. Please share if you guys have some "go-to" plays. I've had some luck using Weak-I Twin WR (Cross Under). If I see man coverage, I would move Portis out to the flanker and hot-route him to a streak pattern and throw deep. If I see them in a zone, I would wing the ball to Coles for a quick 10+ yd gain.