Football has evolved over the years. It has expanded to a new norm consisting of wide-open spread formations and speed. Today’s game includes the football being slung all over the field from sideline to sideline. The spread style of football requires you to have a solid quarterback and a variety of talent at the wide receiver position. Madden 20 introduces the run-pass option that will bring added creativity to your offensive game plan. If you can utilize the RPO in an effective manner, and lure the defense into playing up then you can take advantage of them by hitting your playmakers on deep balls downfield.
Now, this may be easier said than done. Madden 20 has placed an emphasis on your quarterback’s abilities, which includes his ability to throw against defensive line pressure and also being able to throw accurately on the run. In short, there will be more emphasis on your QB and WR ratings. Therefore the combination of your quarterback and wide receivers will be critical to your air-game success.
Let’s take a look at five WR-QB combinations to look forward to in Madden 20.
Baker Mayfield-Odell Beckham Jr.
These two make for an exciting pair with an endless amount of playmaking ability. Odell Beckham Jr. joins the Browns with fresh colors and all new swag. The Browns don’t have an above average running back to force an opposing defense to bring an extra defender in the box, so you should expect some heavy zones or man to man with over the top coverage. Luckily, not many defensive backs have the ability to cover Beckham straight up. Against the zone, you can get OBJ the ball in space and let him do the rest. In addition, OBJ has X-Factor ability in Madden 20. This in combination with the legs of Baker Mayfield to get out of the pocket will encourage defensive breakdowns and the Beckham deep ball. The fact that Baker has some legs gives this combination much more upside than most other combinations in the league. The negative side to this combination is the average Browns backfield, which will not get respect from opposing defenses.
Matt Ryan-Julio Jones
The Atlanta Falcons possess one of the most godlike combinations of a passer to the receiver we’ve ever seen. Matt Ryan stands tall and can throw with fantastic accuracy and power. The best thing about Julio Jones is you don’t need much accuracy. Jones is an athletic freak composed of size, speed and strength. All you have to do is put the ball near him and he will get his hands on it. Jones is not as fast as some of the other wide receivers being compared here, but double coverage has nothing on him. Whether the defense decides to play man to man, zone or bracket coverage, Jones is always an option. In the red zone, you can utilize the accuracy of Ryan and the freakish ability of Julio to be an almost guarantee on a fade, slant or quick out. Just take the defender out of the play and get the ball high.
Patrick Mahomes-Tyreek Hill
Most likely the most talented QB-WR combination in the NFL, Mahomes and Hill will just plain run by you. We already saw this X-Factor in the Madden 20 EA Play interviews. If Mahomes can’t get the pass off, then he can easily scramble for five to seven yards every play — not to mention his patented no-look pass or the run-pass option. If you creatively place Tyreek Hill in a variety of spots in formations, you can severely damage opposing defenses. Madden 20 screen plays legit this year. You must play them and game plan for them. If the defense isn’t careful, Tyreek can take the jailbreak screen to the house before you even know what hit you. This may be the best combination to look forward to in Madden 20 due to the variety of playmaking opportunities on the offensive side and against multiple defensive schemes.
Ben Roethlisberger-JuJu Smith-Schuster
This combination will be interesting. There is potential for it to explode and exploit the defense. However, against an aggressive, dominating pass rush Big Ben doesn’t have the mobility to get outside the pocket. If you can buy the time and get the defense on their heels, JuJu is explosive enough vertically to put a quick six up on the board. Place Juju in the slot and you can utilize him in different bunch positions, or even get him involved on the fly sweep and let the footwork do its job.
Derek Carr-Antonio Brown
Oakland welcomes Antonio Brown. The big-play ability they have been missing in the past is here in human form. This guy can fly. Brown has the speed to blow by man-to-man coverages and then some. Even over the top coverages will have trouble keeping pace with Antonio Brown’s playmaking ability. The success this quarterback and wide receiver combination hinges on the play of Derek Carr. With upgraded pass rushes in Madden 20 and a pocket that will more quickly collapse, you will need to be able to shuffle with Carr inside the pocket to give time for Brown to get downfield. If not, you can look to get Brown in motion and find him some open holes in a zone defense. A five-yard pass to Brown could lead to a long runs after the catch with his X-Factor status. Either way, fans of the Raiders should welcome the recently added big-play option in black and silver.
