Fans long clamoring for improved defensive (& defensive AI) in Madden NFL may be getting the biggest improvement in franchise history on that side of the ball in M17: a new zone coverage logic & AI architecture and new user mechanics, among others.

Previously in the series, zone coverage was written independent of the play with defenders dropping to a spot on the field and then prioritizing whom to pick up while utilizing only three underneath zone coverages (flat, curl flat, and hook). Madden NFL 17 features ten new zone coverage assignments with each possessing proper rules and logic designed for specific coverages. This will allow defenders to make progression reads, aka pattern matching, also aided in part by the new 'Receiver Count' system. In Coach Cam, the play art will include the name of the underneath zone inside the zone art.

The blog breaks down the ten new zone assignments, how they are used, and the routes they best defend against. A future blog on zone coverage improvements will cover progression reads for zone defenders in Tampa 2, Cover 3 Match, and 3 and 2 Deep fire zones.

Continue on to read the full blog from designer Anthony White. ...

Special Teams have long been considered nothing more than a mundane task in the Madden NFL franchise, however changes detailed in the latest developer blog appear to aim towards changing that. Coming to Madden NFL 17 are a new kick meter, special team trick plays, and the ability to block kicks.

New Kick Meter - A new 3-click meter similar to that found in baseball or golf titles will require the user to begin the kick, click at the top of the meter to establish power, and then finally press again at the bottom of the meter for accuracy. The more power on the kick, the faster the meter will drop potentially hurting accuracy. Along with this, users will have the option to select for the kick to be normal, sky kick, or backspin (punts)/squib (kickoffs).

The blog mentions that kicker ratings will have a bigger impact in the game this year, but does not go into detail on how exactly. It is assumed that lower accuracy will result in a smaller window and/or faster speed on the drop following the button press for power.

Trick Plays - Playbooks will feature more modern special teams trick plays (run and pass) from both field goal and punt formations. A specific example mentioned in the blog is the fake field goal touchdown pass by Seattle versus Green Bay from the playoffs several years ago. Special team trick plays are designed to be counters/more effective versus blocked kick attempts and not as a standard offensive play.

Block Kicks - Previously, the only chance for a blocked kick came as a result of user exploits. In M17, the development team has implemented "a system that has very tight control over frequency and success chances." On designed block plays, the 'kick blockers' will have a B icon over them on pre-play art. Selecting one of these players and timing the jump the snap mechanic properly will give them a chance at breaking through and challenging the kick.


The blog concludes with information on catch tuning changes, the addition of a swat mechanic, and improved ball physics. Continue on to read the full blog from Madden NFL Creative Director Rex Dickson. ...

It's not just ball-carriers getting improvements in Madden NFL 17 as the defensive AI (vs. run & pass) has been vastly improved along with the addition of gap control. Alignment, assignment, and technique all matter in the new run fits system.

To help with alignment, the game has added a new defensive auto-flip feature. When ON, this will see the AI automatically flip the defense when the offense flips so that the defense aligns against the strength of the offensive formation. The entire defense, coverage, or front could flip depending on the defensive play call. Each play-type has it's own 'flip rules' to make this determination.

While individual defensive gap assignments will be shown pre-snap, it doesn't mean that will be the gap assignment the entire play. Players will react to the action and update their gap throughout the play. The Play Recognition Rating is very important as the higher the rating, the faster the defender will break out of the new 'read & react' animation to fill their gap.

New run-fit techniques help make defenders play their gap authentically. These techniques include: Force, Cutback, Fill, Jet, Crack-Replace and 2-Gap.

Finally, the detailed blog concludes with information on improvements to blocking, namely zone blocking AI and new animations. Continue on to read the full blog with even deeper details and information from M17 designer and former NFL offensive lineman Clint Oldenburg. ...

Madden NFL 17 continues the recent trend of deepening the available controls and ball-carrier moves to give more user-depth and allow those with great stick skills to pull off more moves.

Special moves are spread out in M17 based upon playing style and ratings, letting bigger backs perform more effectively at stiff arms and truck moves, while smaller backs are more proficient at spin moves and jukes. The animations will also play out at at different rates/success, meaning some will be very smooth/effective (Elite) and others not as smooth (Lumbering). Should a player be fatigued, they will be less effective at performing special moves regardless of ratings.

As eluded to in the initial feature overview, ball carrier mechanics include standard moves, speed modifier, precision modifier, and utility moves (with some of those being steerable).

New mechanics are also included to help provide user feedback. Recommended special-move prompts will tell the user the recommended move/button which they can press or ignore, should they choose. On lower difficulties, special move feedback text will let the user know if the timing in the fakeout window was early, perfect, or late.

An under-rated addition is the projected path indicator which will show the current path/direction the ball-carrier is headed based on their stick-input. This is beneficial behind the line of scrimmage in making sure the user is hitting the intended hole and also beyond the line in seeing if they are heading wide of an oncoming defender.

Ball-carrier special moves can be set to auto (CPU will execute moves), assist, or manual (user in control of all moves).

Continue on to read the entire lengthy blog for further details on ball carrier special moves in Madden NFL 17 and then share your thoughts with the community. ...

With the reveal of Rob Gronkowski as the Madden NFL 17 cover athlete, EA SPORTS has also disclosed some early information on the game's feature set.

Ball Carrier Controls: Depending on the player's attributes, players have a have tiered system of special moves that can be executed. Bigger backs are more effective at trucking defenders while smaller backs are more effective at jukes and spins. UI Prompts will indicate the moves available at that instance and on lower difficulties the moves will be automatically executed. The new Path Assist will help users see exactly what hole they are heading towards and also their current path downfield.

New Defensive AI incorporates gap play, force defenders, and improved zone coverages. Defenders are more properly aware and following assignments than ever before, meaning the offense must be able to read defenses in order to be successful against top competition.

Special Teams have long been considered automatic - if not downright boring - in Madden NFL (and NCAA Football before it), but a new Kick Meter (& kick options), ability to ice the kicker, trick plays, and a block kick mechanic will add a new dynamic to the third phase of the game that has long been missing.

Lacking any additional details at this time, EA SPORTS is also touting a redesigned and deeper than ever Franchise Mode.

Continue on to read the blog from EA SPORTS on the first features overview. ...

Announced on SportsCenter, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will be the Madden NFL 17 cover athlete. Gronk and Madden NFL 17 signage were featured throughout the entire broadcast and he also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live later in the evening to promote the game.

The game is currently available on Amazon and is just $48 for Prime members.

Continue on to see the first look at Madden NFL 17 which centers on the cover announcement. ...

The Madden NFL 17 cover athlete will be revealed Thursday, May 12 during the 6 PM ET SportsCenter broadcast on ESPN. Presumably following this reveal, the first M17 gameplay trailer will also be released.

Two of the most rumored (& likely) potential cover athletes center around Panthers QB Cam Newtown and Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski.

Who do you want to see on the cover of Madden NFL 17? What are you hoping to see in the gameplay reveal? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments below. ...

Now available is a new way to play Madden Ultimate Team: MUT Salary Cap. Salary Cap sees users establish a 34-man roster from Player Items in their Item Binder. Each item will have a Cap Value listed on the front of the card and each roster must not exceed 1,000 point in Cap Total.

While most active MUT users now eight months following release will have a loaded roster to aid in forming their roster, welcome and starter packs will include more Gold Players to help newcomers. Establishing a roster will be as important as on-field strategy. Users must decide if they will have a balanced roster or go star-heavy in spots knowing it will cost them in other areas/depth.

Continue on to read additional details on MUT Salary Cap straight from producer Jake Stein. ...

A new game update is now available for Madden NFL 16. While the studio has not posted a detailed list of improvements found in game update 1.09, today's MUTcast shared some information.

The most noteworthy fix finds the RG always looking inside-out for blocking assignments to help prevent B-gap nano-blitzes. The game update also addresses other bugs (EX: FG Block glitch) and stability fixes.

With Madden NFL investing in e-sports, it is imperative that the game continually monitor and address any gameplay exploits. Late-season game updates

Continue on to watch a segment from the MUTcast where game developers discuss the patch. ...

The EA SPORTS Madden NFL 16 Super Bowl 50 prediction forecasts a 24-20 victory for the Carolina Panthers over the Denver Broncos.

The Madden NFL Super Bowl prediction has correctly predicted nine of the last twelve Super Bowls including the exact score and MVP of last year's game.

Continue on to view the video prediction from EA SPORTS. ...

The latest Madden NFL update adds a new aspect to Draft Champions; the ability to play friends.

After drafting their team, users can play five games against people on their friends list. At that point a new team must be drafted. Users can also reset and re-draft a new team once every 24 hours.

This is the second game update that included a new feature/option for Draft Champions. The previous game update added Ranked competition to the mode.

The update also includes the nondescript 'key stability fixes' to help address some in-game crashes. Continue on to read the full blog entry from EA SPORTS on this Madden NFL 16 game update. ...

Madden NFL 16 game update 1.06 is now available and comes in at over 1 GB in size.

The update addresses a significant number of improvements and additions to gameplay, CFM, MUT, presentation, and adds ranked play to Draft Champions.

In order to play Draft Champions Ranked, users will need to 'buy' tickets which can be done with in-game coins (MUT) or through solo challenges. The mode will last until the user wins six games or loses two. Users will receive a MUT pack based on the number of wins earned.

Continue on to see the list of improvements coming to Madden NFL 16 via this game update. ...

TGT community member Rudy has penned an opinion piece on the gameplay of Madden NFL 16.

I had quite a bit of fun with Madden 16 after getting it initially. I believe it is the best Madden on next gen consoles to date. But the game was full of bugs, particularly in franchise mode and I waited awhile to really get into my Dolphins franchise. In the mean time I’ve been playing NBA Live 16 and I popped Madden back into my PS4 and found myself bored. Madden is simply far too generic in gameplay.

Continue on to read the entire column from Rudy and then share your thoughts. Is Madden too generic? What should the franchise do to help alleviate this issue? ...

The second Madden NFL 16 title update is now available. Included are improvements and fixes to Madden NFL 16 gameplay, Connected Franchise, Madden Ultimate Team, and more.

Continue on to read the detailed list of fixes and improvements in this game update. ...

Under 'Add-Ons' in PSN Store (and also available for Xbox One), a Madden NFL 16 Player Likeness Update is now available. The update includes more than 180 players across the league. The file comes in at 613.2 MB on PS4. Click here for the full list of players. Among the players with updates: Eric Weddle, Ameer Abdullah, Jay Cutler, Amari Cooper, and Todd Gurley.

Also, the week one roster update is now available in-game. It includes recent transactions such as Aldon Smith to the Raiders.

Continue on to see some of the updated player face scans from the likeness update. ...

The first Madden NFL 16 game update is now available on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The update comes in at 800 MB on PS4 and includes improvements and fixes to gameplay, Connected Franchise, Ultimate Team, and more. The CFM fixes help address issues that kept many users from starting the popular career mode.

The week one roster update is expected on Friday. Continue on to read the released patch notes courtesy EA SPORTS. ...

A new Madden NFL 16 tuner update addresses WR/DB risk/reward interceptions. It is believed to have increased the number of interceptions on Aggressive catch attempts as well as decreasing the likelihood of a WR catch with multiple defenders in the area.

The tuner update will be automatically downloaded upon starting the game. There is currently no update on the upcoming game patch. ...

Thanks to our friends at EA SPORTS, The Gaming Tailgate is giving away two copies of Madden NFL 16 - one PlayStation 4 copy, one Xbox One copy.

The winner will be selected Saturday, September 5 with copies mailed out that morning (or once winners are contacted). Users can enter each day and social media accounts are not required, though they can add additional entries.

Continue on to enter the contest via RaffleCopter. ...

Long-time community member jaymo76 has written a detailed personal review of Madden NFL 16 for us here at The Gaming Tailgate.

Utilizing EA Access on the Xbox One, he has spent a considerable amount of his 10-hour allotment looking at gameplay, presentation, and Connected Franchise Mode, thus creating the focus of his review.

After reading his review, make sure to check out and leave your impressions of Madden NFL 16 here. jaymo76 and others have been answering community questions and posting game videos.

Continue on to read jaymo76's review. ...