74 replies to this topic

[dlaub1811]

Since the game is a little over a month old now, I'd like to hear which playbooks everyone has decided is the one for them and why.

I messed around with Michigan State and Stanford for a while, including some limited vertures into various Air Raid, Run N Shoot and singleback books as well. I dedicated a whole five minutes to flexbone-based stuff as I simply cannot grasp the concepts to run it successfully.

Anyway, after A LOT of labbing online I finally settled on Rutgers and I'll tell you why:

1. Ace sets: So much variety in the pre-snap formations coupled with a ton of pre-snap FB and TE motions make it impossible to guess what's coming at you. There are also some incredibly effective passing plays out of these formations such as Bunch Base PA Verticals or F Pair Twin Dagger.

2. Strong sets: Strong Normal is something I cannot do without. FL Drive is incredibly effective against man blitz. Strong Twins is a new and pleasant surprise I have come to love this season. WR Flag and WR Smash are sick.

3. Shotgun Sets: Generally I am not a huge proponent of SG sets but ths has enough to back your opponent off if need be.

Anyway, like I said, I'm interested to hear what books you all ended up with this year.

[IRISHFBFAN1]

SYRACUSE

Without IMO the best playbook in both NCAA and MADDEN. For what I am looking for in a playbook this has it all. SOLID 2 Back set to throw and run from.
Other 2 back sets just as worthy. SB TIGHT SLOTS IMO is the best SB formation in the game which has not only the most devastating MAN BEATER in PA PUMP and GO, but also has in its set POWER BLOCKING which can be utilized for all the passes in this great set. The addition of SB BUNCH is also a plus with this book which as we all know is the SAINTS book imported from MADDEN.

SG TIGHT with HB WHEEL I cannot say enough. I have talked about this play in every site I have visited both for the PRO and the COLLEGE game. Truly one of the most powerful plays in the game and one of the reasons I chose this book over PAS BALANCED or any other book that resembled this one in madden.
This play alone is worth running this playbook. SOLID SG 2 RB SET with all sorts of man/zone beaters along with some very nice run plays.
SG TREY OPEN is an offense in itself with plays such as DOUBLE POSR, SMASH, VERTICALS, STICK, PA WR IN, STRONG FLOOD, one of the most diverse when talking concepts in the game.

SG SPREAD features in my opinion one of those plays that one would consider underground in POST FLAGS. Absolute man killer as well as a great zone beater when rn correctly.

I could go on and on about this book and I have before. I don't think there is a person in the NCAA/MADDEN Community who doesn't know how I feel about this playbook. Someday, a conversation about over the many years which playbook would be one of the all-time greats, and in that conversation I will promise you that this book will be mentioned. A book that I feel will begin to shape the future of playbooks to come. This playbook truly IMO is the best playbook for those not running any type of option offense, but an offense that has the versatility to meet any user's needs.


irish

[xX Neige Xx]

Tennessee hands down.

- I like running out of 2 TE sets because of the flexibility in run and pass, and has a lot of H-Back motion

- Has enough out of the I-Formation to keep me happy in short yardage

- Decent Shotgun sets for variety

[***LEGEND***]

I've tried for the last two games NCAA 10 and now NCAA 11 to get away from the Option Run PB. Problem is I suck at reading defenses and my passing sucks as well. I tried the SYRACUSE PB based off IRISHFBFAN1 love for the PB. I tried using my beloved Hurricanes PB was able to run but couldn't pass when I really needed too! I love the Colorado State PB but ran into problems with it this yr... I've finally come across the PB for me but I have a new issue...

Kansas State's PB I absolutely love!

It's a good running game book and IMO has some really great passing routes from the Ace and Shotgun formations. I was hesitant to talk about this book here because my OD guys read the forum.. My problem now is... I'm having so much fun with the passing game I forget to run the ball.

I'm constantly passing for 400+ plus yds a game that I get away from my running game. I try to keep a balance i'm avg over 500 yds total offense a game but have had some 250 plus rushing games with 400 passing. It fits my avg joe offense concept... which is to have a PB I can move the ball with where I don't require 3,4 or 5* athletes but can manage with 1 & 2*'s. This way my offense doesn't lose effectiveness because I lose some skill players. In return If, I have the elite athletes... it's just that much more effective.

[PSUEagle]

Syracuse.

It's simply the best playbook in the game. No other one even comes close. I can spread you out in four wides or go to the I Formation. I can run Split Backs or go empty. I can run compression formations in the pass and run game from certain personnel groups and then come out in a spread look the next play from the same grouping.

This book basically moved me from running a traditional pro style offense (90% under center) to a more modern "Pro Spread" scheme. No other playbook offers the versatility this one does.

[dmbrown]

I don't know why this is so hard for ms to decide, because I love the love challenge of playing with all the playbooks. But when it comes down to it, I have to agree with Syracuse playbook. Only for the simple fact that it can't be compared to any other playbook in the game.

[The_Juggernaut]

Air Force...i like the option diversity. I can run I, 1 back, SG, Flex bone. Just a great Option PB,

[GKH31]

I have recently discovered the Multiple book and I love it.

--3 solid Ace Formations
--All the basic I-forms
--A very good selection of shotgun formations, including the wildcat and shotgun heavy, two of my favorites
--Wishbone Tight
--Flexbone Normal

You just have so many different ways to attack the defense in any situation and each formation is pretty well-developed.

I just love going a whole game and never giving my opponent the chance to adjust to what I'm doing. I can go pro-style one drive, wildcat/heavy/power spread another, then follow that up with an air raid drive, and kill the clock with the flex/wishbone.

[Ander1345]

Wyoming/Tulsa constantly duke it out for my favorite book. The only reason Wyoming isn't 100% best for me is because one of the shotgun sets is broken. Tulsa has Wildcat and Wildcat spread, two formations I've grown quite fond of lately.

But Pb I've used most is pro-style because it's the closest you can get to a timing based passing game.

[HongKongPhooey]

I gotta agree on the Multiple PB. I have been trying to find a different playbook, a team specific playbook, because I kind of felt like I was being cheesy by using a generic playbook. But I just can't get away from using Multiple.

I have run an entire game out of Shotgun: Heavy. With all of the formation specific personnel subs, I can always give a different look. Whether is be Wildcat with the QB Sweep or the Speed Option. PA passing with the QB back there. Fades with the QB back there with a little motion to make it look like I'm running QB Sweep again...there are just so many options.

Then throw in the Wishbone: Tight, and the passing aspect of that formation make it flat out deadly...

I like to run the ball, and Multiple has been good for me so far...

[65South]

I've been running with the Michigan State playbook for the first year of my dynasty. But given the many many props I've seen both IRISHFBFAN and PSUEagle give to the Syracuse book on multiple occasions, I'm going to make the jump as soon as this season is over.

Thanks to you both by the way for sharing your thoughts and strategies on the Syracuse book...I'm sold!

[Deathclutch]

IRISHFBFAN1, on 22 August 2010 - 10:28 AM, said:

SYRACUSE

Without IMO the best playbook in both NCAA and MADDEN. For what I am looking for in a playbook this has it all. SOLID 2 Back set to throw and run from.
Other 2 back sets just as worthy. SB TIGHT SLOTS IMO is the best SB formation in the game which has not only the most devastating MAN BEATER in PA PUMP and GO, but also has in its set POWER BLOCKING which can be utilized for all the passes in this great set. The addition of SB BUNCH is also a plus with this book which as we all know is the SAINTS book imported from MADDEN.

I know you've got this play in your "concepts" thread, but I can never, and I mean, NEVER, get it to work! Using your power blocking scheme, protection isn't really an issue. The issue is the WR's are always blanketed because 9/10 people always leave their safeties back to help cover. I know I have to be missing something....

[***LEGEND***]

HongKongPhooey, on 23 August 2010 - 09:05 AM, said:

I gotta agree on the Multiple PB. I have been trying to find a different playbook, a team specific playbook, because I kind of felt like I was being cheesy by using a generic playbook. But I just can't get away from using Multiple.

I have run an entire game out of Shotgun: Heavy. With all of the formation specific personnel subs, I can always give a different look. Whether is be Wildcat with the QB Sweep or the Speed Option. PA passing with the QB back there. Fades with the QB back there with a little motion to make it look like I'm running QB Sweep again...there are just so many options.

Then throw in the Wishbone: Tight, and the passing aspect of that formation make it flat out deadly...

I like to run the ball, and Multiple has been good for me so far...

This PB is the first time... I've ever had to face my beloved wishbone. I must admit, it's a bitch trying to stop Terrell Pryor running wishbone tight!

I went to the lab and found a way though... lol

[HongKongPhooey]

Legend, Zone CB Blitz will slow it down...but if they are running this book and line up in Wishbone and see that you're bringing the CB Blitz, the HB Streaks (I think that's the name of the play) will absolutely roast it...I have scored quite a few TD's by simply chucking it up to the HB as he speeds through the safeties zone

[IRISHFBFAN1]

Deathclutch, on 23 August 2010 - 03:32 PM, said:

I know you've got this play in your "concepts" thread, but I can never, and I mean, NEVER, get it to work! Using your power blocking scheme, protection isn't really an issue. The issue is the WR's are always blanketed because 9/10 people always leave their safeties back to help cover. I know I have to be missing something....

Ya know, I have hit it against cov 1, and I have hit against zone where I misread the coverage or they checked on me, think they were baiting me in DYNASTY. You almost have to thread the needle. My big plays have come vs MAN O

***Let me give you a little tip. You can flip the play without moving a sole or without the defense knowing. So, if you see cov 1 and maybe the safety is cheating to one side you can actually flip the play. Make sure you SMART ROUTE the out and up.

***Also, I have tried isolating that route by using motion of the slot to that side to the left, this will leave out and up all by himself to the right, and you will have a bunch set to the left. If you do this on other plays Like QUICK PITCH to get an extra blocker, or maybe one of the other passes and you work that trips side, ay get the safety even when in cov 1 to cheat, if he does its one on one and you win!


I probably have thrown more pics on this play than any other pass. Reason being is that I have gotten into a habit of forcing the throw instead of checking down if receiver is coverd. DONT you get into the same bad habit I have gotten into, you will know, AND MAN DOES IT NOT FEEL GOOD WHEN YOU HIT THIS PASS? LOLFreaking awesome play!

Edited by IRISHFBFAN1, 23 August 2010 - 08:00 PM.

[***LEGEND***]

HongKongPhooey, on 23 August 2010 - 05:25 PM, said:

Legend, Zone CB Blitz will slow it down...but if they are running this book and line up in Wishbone and see that you're bringing the CB Blitz, the HB Streaks (I think that's the name of the play) will absolutely roast it...I have scored quite a few TD's by simply chucking it up to the HB as he speeds through the safeties zone

Yeah this is the problem I was having... he would audible to the HB streaks or the FB flats and the TE is always open down the middle for a big gain. I've found that Nickel 3-3-5 cover 1 with the two OLB's in yellow zones works well with containing both the run and pass audibles.

[jmsne99]

Pro Style - Wisconsin
Has a great combination of attacks, plenty of SG sets for passing Ace sets for rushing and I sets for power 2 back downhill. It has Off Tackle and TE Attack two of my favorite plays.

One Back - Idaho Great rushing and passing out of Ace, just enough 2 back to run some power if you want/need to and just enough shotgun to run your 2 minute drill if you prefer to pass from SG.

Air Raid - La Tech Love to crossing routes out of pretty much every formation you could want, only 2 5 wide sets but how many do you really need. The spread set even has HB dive out of the SG maybe the best run from sg formations. I have been using it in one of my dynasties and its very effective.

honorable mention - Syracuse I really like this book I have run it in one of my dynasties and its perhaps the most complete of the books I find that I end up just going to the "well" to often with that pb and end up running money plays over and over again.. don't know why just seems like every time i start to have any problems moving the ball I run hb wheel or flags to get my offense going.

[Deathclutch]

IRISHFBFAN1, on 23 August 2010 - 07:56 PM, said:

Ya know, I have hit it against cov 1, and I have hit against zone where I misread the coverage or they checked on me, think they were baiting me in DYNASTY. You almost have to thread the needle. My big plays have come vs MAN O

***Let me give you a little tip. You can flip the play without moving a sole or without the defense knowing. So, if you see cov 1 and maybe the safety is cheating to one side you can actually flip the play. Make sure you SMART ROUTE the out and up.

***Also, I have tried isolating that route by using motion of the slot to that side to the left, this will leave out and up all by himself to the right, and you will have a bunch set to the left. If you do this on other plays Like QUICK PITCH to get an extra blocker, or maybe one of the other passes and you work that trips side, ay get the safety even when in cov 1 to cheat, if he does its one on one and you win!


I probably have thrown more pics on this play than any other pass. Reason being is that I have gotten into a habit of forcing the throw instead of checking down if receiver is coverd. DONT you get into the same bad habit I have gotten into, you will know, AND MAN DOES IT NOT FEEL GOOD WHEN YOU HIT THIS PASS? LOLFreaking awesome play!

Thanks for the tips, Irish! I'll have to try em out.

[Qwigly]

I am stil trying to find the one back book I am most comfortable with. I have some fairly weak team builder teams in 3 dynasties so the personnel isnt yet ideal. The running is good out of all of them, my struggle has been getting comfortable with the passing game so I continue to practice with most of them. I want a west coast/air raid quick passing game in a one back book, not feeling that in any of them yet.

In one dynasty I have started using Georgia, a pro book. It has good ace sets, several regular I forms and pretty solid SG sets. Been having some decent success with it, not flashy but solid book. The ace in the hole for this book is the Goal Line package, all power I plays. It has come in very handy in 3rd/4th and short or around the goal line.

The other pro book that intrigues me is Michigan State, it has a good selection of Ace, I and shotgun. I hesitate to get too into it because I fear my offense will become very Maryland I oriented, that formation and plays are very solid the little bit I have labbed it. I have read it is considered cheesy for online play. I wonder if it that different than running the wishbone or flex? /shrug I dunno. Practicing with it, it seems like a pretty decent book even without the Maryland I set.

Edited by Qwigly, 23 August 2010 - 09:41 PM.

[IRISHFBFAN1]

jmsne99, on 23 August 2010 - 08:25 PM, said:

\

don't know why just seems like every time i start to have any problems moving the ball I run hb wheel or flags to get my offense going.

you sound like a guy I know, exactly lol!