Madden - progressions

[taylorcoreskin]

How do you guys do your progressions when you pass the ball. How do you determine your first read, second read, third, etc. ? Any tips to making read progressions when passing the ball?

[RAC]

Generally when I pick a play I already have in mind who will be my first read. Then when I get to the LOS, I look to see if there are any match ups that might make me change my first option.

I generally don't expect to have enough time to make more than 2 decent reads in a given play, so I always look for some sort of safe dump off option for a third read that is relatively low risk.

In terms of mismatches, I'd definitely consider using the weapons icons in this year's game. If you can isolate a spectacular catch or speed icon receiver on someone who is either a smaller or slower defender, you're in good shape.

[Chuong9]

I try to get the ball out as fast as possible, while still getting positive/enough yards for whatever the situation may be. The situation tends to get ugly when I start holding onto the ball too long.

[EersSkins05]

Reads are based on the defense. My hot read is almost always either the TE or the RB if I'm pressed for time.

If your opponent is in zone all game, the longer you hold onto the ball, the better.

[taylorcoreskin]

For the past few games, reading deep first, underneath second, and my checkdown third has helped quite a bit. But then I see the blitz and I want to pass, I ALWAYS have to max protect, especially if it's play action pass.

[ncr2h]

I play Madden 06, so I don't know if this still applies...

On passing plays, I have one receiver that's my "zone read" and another who is my "man read". First thing I do on the play is watch the LBs...if 2 LBs start backpedalling immediately, then I can be pretty sure we've got a zone defense, so I throw it to my zone read. If the LBs run towards my running backs and tight ends, then I can be pretty sure we've got a man-to-man defense, so I throw it to my man read.

So now the question is how do you know if a route is good for zone or man? Well, you'll have to practice to find out which routes are easy to hit in zone and which are easy to hit in man. But generally, for my playing style, what I've found is:

MAN: Curls (if they're not in press coverage), comebacks (if they're not in press coverage), outs (esp. if you've got a slot receiver matched up on a safety or LB), flys (if they're in press coverage), or crossing routes

ZONE: Posts (hit the seam btwn LBs and safeties), Flys (you'll get a 1-on-1 with your WR on a safety [or a corner if they play cover 3 - which is more rare]), Ins (iffy...you'll have to time it well)

Hope that helps.