Madden 16: Tips and Strategies for Success in Passing Game Prior to Release Date

There will be a good number of new gameplay features in Madden 16. Air Supremacy is the primary initiative, and it will give virtual quarterbacks more control over pass trajectory, ball placement and creativity when outside of the pocket.

Receivers can even decide whether they will snag the ball looking to make yards after the catch, secure possession receptions, or go for the amazing grab. From my early experience with the game, it's imperative you take advantage of these new mechanics.

Exploit Matchups

Because of the control you have in the passing game, matchups are especially important. In addition to speed—which everyone watches—pay attention to Catch in Traffic and Release ratings for receivers. For corners, safeties and even linebackers who are checking tight ends, press coverage is key. 

Can your defender have success jamming his assignment at the line of scrimmage? Keep it simple; is his Press rating higher than his assignment's Release rating? If the answer is no, you're not going to want to try and get physical off the snap.

Speed ratings are obviously big. If your defensive player is slower, he's going to need help on streaks, slants and crossing routes unless you're getting a ton of pressure on the quarterback.

All it takes is a step, and that could mean six points.

Don't Run Crazy with the QB

The best quarterbacks know how to buy time with their feet. That doesn't necessarily mean taking off down the field whenever you get a chance. Just like in real football, the slight movements up and backward in the pocket can be the difference in a sack and a big completion.

Practice using elusiveness in the pocket over mad scrambles. Due to a more realistic injury system, defenders in Madden will make your QB pay if he takes too many hits. If he doesn't get carted off, there's a good chance he'll fumble.

Know the QB

This rule goes for your team and the opposition. Measures have been taken in Madden 16 to make signal callers play differently. Creative Director Rex Dickson writes on EASports.com:

"

For many players, the most requested change for Madden NFL 16 was an overhaul to the CPU QB AI. We spent several years developing a new AI architecture called “Behavior Coordinator,” which allows us to create a more granular set of behaviors to a given situation.

This not only helps deliver the most challenging CPU QB’s to date, but also creates a clear distinction between different types of QB’s. The game you get from Tom Brady (pocket passer) is dramatically different than the behavior you will see from dual threats like [Marcus] Mariota or [Cam] Newton. Each style of QB will now react to situations differently, based on their traits.

"

If your QB doesn't throw the ball on the run well, you'd better make sure his feet are set when he delivers the ball to receivers. If you're playing a mobile QB, you'll need to account for his ability to hurt your team with his legs. You can now direct any player to break his assignment and chase the QB. This helps to slow down the dual-threat QBs.

The man under center or in the shotgun is the only guy on offense who touches the ball on every play—unless of course it's a direct snap—so understanding his capabilities is a key to success on offense and defense.

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