EA has been busy this evening, posting another Madden NFL 18 blog, this one covering the wide receiver and defensive back interactions and mechanics in the game this year. These are tailored for MUT Squads, but available for use in all game modes, the battle that happens between wide receivers and defensive backs will have a big impact on the passing game.
The blog goes over the highlighting coverage indicator, press mechanics, contextual auto chucks, wide receiver release mechanics, cut-out-of-press mechanic, route running and cut move mechanics, call-for-ball mechanic and so much more. We’ve posted some details below, but read the entire blog and post your thoughts!
Another big game-changer for defensive coverage is the new auto-interactions. When a receiver and defender run into each other during a route, you’ll see contextually appropriate two-player animations that take into account the assignments of both players, as well as their Awareness ratings. In some cases, this can throw off the timing of your routes just long enough to get the pass rush home, or even take one of the players completely out of the play if they aren’t aware enough to know what do on contact.
The meta-game between the WR and the DB lies in the direction each player chooses when the ball is snapped, as well as a heavy influence by the ratings of the players involved. If the receiver wants to release to the inside, but the defender is pressing to the inside, the defender will have a much higher chance to win that interaction and prevent the receiver from getting into his route on time, or get any separation. You’ll also see different outcomes from elite players that are not available for players who aren’t rated as highly.
