The latest Gridiron Notes is available, as the team goes over the Madden NFL 21 X-Factors and Superstar Abilities, which primarily consist of additions, re-balances, and removals.
Below is a list of all the new X-Factor abilities coming to Madden NFL 21:
Ankle Breaker
Truly devastating receiving threats are the ones that catch and can’t be caught. When they enter the zone; they have increased fakeout rates on spin/juke/hurdle after the catch.
Avalanche
There are tacklers and then there are these guys. When they enter the zone any successful hit-stick made while running towards the line of scrimmage will result in a fumble.
Blitz
Effective D-Line captains aren’t just examples to follow; they are motivators. When they enter the zone; all opposing blockers have their resistance bars wiped out.
Bottleneck
Bottleneck defenders realize that the best way to stop a route is to act early. When they enter the zone; they are highly likely to dominantly win any man press encounter.
Grab and Smash
Not all receivers need fancy footwork. When they enter the zone; they have increased success chance on stiff arm and truck attempts following the catch.
Relentless
The most tenacious defenders beat their blocks by sheer force of will. When they enter the zone; their rush move attempts are free.
Universal Coverage
The most physical coverage defenders prevent catches from happening even when their target has hands on the ball. When they enter the zone; they are nearly guaranteed knockouts.
Vanguard
Vanguard players are the reason running backs thank their blockers in the postgame interview. When they enter the zone; they are nearly guaranteed dominant impact block wins.
YAC ‘Em Up
The best physical receivers don’t just come down with the ball; they carry it home. When they enter the zone; they are nearly guaranteed to break their first post-catch tackle.
Below is a list of all the new Superstar abilities coming to Madden NFL 21:
Adrenaline Rush
Pass rushers with this ability will have all of their pass rush move points restored after sacking the QB.
B.O.G.O.
Defenders with this ability are granted a free pass rush move once per play after spending a pass rush point.
Balance Beam
Avoid stumbling when carrying the ball.
Bench Press
Defenders with this ability apply bonus fatigue to their man coverage target after a successful press win.
Chuck Out
Defenders with this ability apply bonus fatigue to their target after a successful zone chuck.
Closer
Locker room pep talks go a long way. Players with this ability can easily enter the Zone in the 2nd half.
Comeback
When playing from behind; players with this ability can easily enter the Zone.
Deep In Elite
Receivers with this ability catch more consistently while catching passes 20+ yards from the LoS; inside the numbers.
Deep In Zone KO
Defenders with this ability force more catch knockouts and react quicker in deep zone coverage; 20+ yards from the LoS and inside the numbers.
Deep Out Elite
Receivers with this ability catch more consistently while catching passes 20+ yards from the LoS; outside the numbers.
Deep Out Zone KO
Defenders with this ability force more catch knockouts and react quicker in deep zone coverage; 20+ yards from the LoS and outside the hash marks.
Deep Route KO
Defenders with this ability force more catch knockouts and react quicker in deep zone coverage; 20+ yards from the LoS and outside the hash marks.
Defensive Rally
Defenders with this ability will grant a bonus pass rush point to all defensive linemen on any 3rd or 4th down.
Double Or Nothing
Pass rushers with this ability must spend double the pass rush points to perform a move but are granted dominant wins.
El Toro
Defenders with this ability will receive dominant bull rush wins when their pass rush points are full.
Energizer
Ballcarriers with this ability will replenish a portion of their stamina upon successfully performing any skill move.
Extra Credit
Pass rushers with this ability are granted an additional maximum pass rush move point.
Flat Zone KO
Defenders with this ability force more catch knockouts and react quicker in any flat zone coverage; less than 10 yards from the LoS and outside the hash marks.
Fool Me Once
Blockers with this ability gain blocker resistance points as a faster rate.
Instant Rebate
Defenders with this ability are refunded a pass rush point when they successfully shed blocks.
Lifeguard
Blockers with this ability defend against swim/club pass rush moves as if they had an additional resistance point.
Matador
Blockers with this ability have stronger protection against dominant bull rush moves attempted by defenders.
Medium Route KO
Defenders with this ability force more catch tackle knockouts in man-to-man versus medium routes; 10-20 yards from the LoS.
Mid In Elite
Receivers with this ability catch more consistently while catching passes 10-20 yards from the LoS; inside the numbers.
Mid Out Elite
Receivers with this ability catch more consistently while catching passes 10-20 yards from the LoS; outside the numbers.
Mid Zone KO
Defenders with this ability force more catch knockouts and react quicker in any mid-field zone coverage; less than 20 yards from the LoS inside the numbers and 10-20 outside.
Mr. Big Stop
Defenders with this ability will start and 3rd or 4th down with at least half of their maximum pass rush points.
Natural Talent
Blockers with this ability start every new blocking encounter with built-in resistance.
One Step Ahead
Defenders with this ability generally react much faster to receiver cut moves when in man coverage.
Outmatched
Defenders with this ability are highly likely to win contested catches against running backs.
Quick Draw
Passers with this ability have faster passing animations when they are throwing under pressure.
Reach For It
Ballcarriers with this ability will frequently attempt to gain extra yards while being tackled.
Ripper
Defenders with this ability will ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting rip pass rush moves.
Screen Protector
Blockers with this ability will dominantly win impact blocks on screen plays.
Second Wind
Players with this ability have a chance to replenish their stamina, once per play, when it is half depleted.
Short In Elite
Receivers with this ability catch more consistently while catching passes less than 10 yards from the LoS; inside the numbers.
Short Out Elite
Receivers with this ability catch more consistently while catching passes less than 10 yards from the LoS; outside the numbers.
Short Route KO
Defenders with this ability force more catch tackle knockouts in man-to-man versus short routes less than 10 yards from LoS.
Speedster
Defenders with this ability will ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting speed pass rush moves.
Spinner
Defenders with this ability will ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting spin pass rush moves.
Stonewall
Defenders with this ability will frequently prevent additional yardage gains while tackling.
Swim Club
Defenders with this ability will ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting swim/club pass rush moves.
Tear Proof
Blockers with this ability defend against rip pass rush moves as if they had an additional resistance point.
Tight Out
Passers with this ability improve the catching prowess of all tight ends who are open on pass plays.
Tough Nut
Blockers with this ability have an increased number of blocker resistance points.
Unspun
Blockers with this ability defend against spin pass rush moves as if they had an additional resistance point.
Unpredictable
Defenders with this ability are less likely to increase their blocker’s resistance bars when performing shed wins.
The next Gridiron Notes is scheduled to arrive on August 18, focusing on Madden NFL 21 Ultimate Team.
