In the ground game, you also have a bit more control, with ball carriers able to fill in more effectively, while the plethora of moves available on the rush – trucks for example – are more responsive and effective. And if this sounds like all the focus is on attacking play, the defense has its own adjustments. Some of the canned approach has been ditched, so there’s a lot more reaction to what you’re doing. Defensive AI has also been strengthened; the pass rush is much more aggressive and effective, keeping quarterbacks in the pocket and giving them just a few seconds to release the ball. I’ve seen very little of recent Maddens’ over-effective scrambling. Misplaced or poorly chosen passes are also swallowed up by cover, meaning turnovers pose a much higher risk for careless play.
As a whole, you feel like you have more influence on the game after the snap, but that doesn’t mean the play-calls are diminishing. On the contrary, because the improved defensive AI makes strategic decisions on both sides of the line more important than ever.
It’s good is what I’m trying to say, even if those improvements are subtle in themselves. And there are still some old problems that are harder to solve. While those canned animations have been brought back, some plays still make you feel like some results are decided split second in advance to get a neat-looking catch or takedown. There are still some yards to go, but on the pitch Madden has made some real strides.
Off the field… not so much. It feels EA Tiburon has a conundrum here as there is both too much and not enough when it comes to Madden’s modes. Sticking with things like The Yard and Face of the Franchise to keep the options wide is all good, but when no aspect of the game gets its full attention, everything feels undercooked.
The obvious answer is apparently a root and branch reboot; pulling back and focusing on what’s important – as 23 alludes to with its tribute to the late John Madden and fine adjustments on the pitch – but if you do, you’re open to criticism for not offering a more complete package. The battle continues, 4th and inches, decisions must be made. But that’s for EA to address. In the meantime, if you can look past its shortcomings, Madden NFL 23 offers what the famously eponymous coach would simply call “good football.”