I just got an XBOX a few days ago and have been playing Madden 2005.
I played online last night just to see what it's like. I played back to back games against the filthy birds (I was the Skins), and pretty much got crushed. I faced some of the tactics that Crisp mentioned above but luckily only a couple.
The guy used that defense you described with everyone on the line. He also had a bunch of offensive "money" plays - running McNabb around then dumping off to a receiver that was always open.
Anyways it's disappointing to see that the online community is as childish in Madden as they are in other online games (Spades, Counterstrike...).
I'll try playing online a few more times to give it a fair chance but I suspect I'll be writing my own rant soon. I also have Halo2 which is fun and hopefully can eliminate the clown tactics seen in other games.
Anyways anytime you guys wanna play some Madden let me know. Is there any way we can start a Warpath league online? Then again everyone would be the Skins

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