Madden 22 March Update Features Second Franchise Mode Update
The March update for Madden NFL 22 is now available. This update features the much awaited - and debated - second update for Franchise Mode, Coach Adjustments and Coverage Depths added to Practice Mode, a Live Playbooks update, and more.
The second live service update for Franchise Mode includes five new Scenarios: Trench Boost, QB Duel, Immovable Object, Under Siege, and QB Breakouts.
In early December, Sports Gamers Online reported that sources had indicated to them that any future Franchise Mode updates were cancelled as portions of the Madden dev team had been shifted to work on EA SPORTS College Football. In turn, EA turned to IGN in releasing a statement that they were still committed to Franchise Mode and would be releasing two additional Franchise updates.
Continue on to read the blog notes straight from EA.
Hey Madden Fans,
We’re excited to share another title update for Madden NFL 22 with you!
Today’s update features our second live service update for Franchise mode including five new Scenarios that will bring authentic situations and experiences to both new and existing Franchises. You’ll have the chance to bolster your offensive line in the new Trench Boost Scenario or get the new Immovable Object Scenario where you’ll have to decide how to attack one of the toughest defenses later in your season. More details on the rest of the new Scenarios for Franchise can be found below. We still have one more update planned for you Franchise fans in Madden NFL 22, so stay tuned!
One more thing, the Coaching Adjustments feature has returned to practice mode for our Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 players. The team received great feedback from those of you who enjoy the in-depth nuances found in gameplay and we’re happy to say this feature is back.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s included in today’s title update.
Madden NFL 22 (Xbox Series X|S & PS5)
Key Highlights:
- New Scenarios for Franchise
- Coach Adjustments added to Practice mode
- NFL Live Playbooks update
Gameplay Updates:
- Coach Adjustments and Coverage Depths have returned to Practice mode! You will now be able to use Coach Adjustments and Zone Coverage Adjustments in Practice Mode via RS/R3 click from the Play-Call Menu.
- DEV NOTE: When the play-call menu was re-designed in Madden 21 for the launch of Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, some of the functionality from the previous console generation was left behind. As you have told us, you’ve found these options very useful in practice, so the controls to use Coaching Adjustments in Practice have been brought over. Players can click the RS/R3 at any level in play-call to enter the Coach Adjustment menu. Once you back out of the menu, you will be returned to their previous spot in the play-call menu.
- Fixed an issue with the Gun Wing Slot Wk: RPO Power Alert Glance play allowing the QB to break-out of the handoff and scramble instead of handing off or passing.
- Fixed an issue allowing a ‘Playmaker Flip’ on the RPO Stretch play out of the Singleback Bunch TE formation.
- Removed the temporary modifier previously used on RPO Zone Peek plays that was allowing defenders to shed their blocks quicker. Block-sheds on this play are now back to using solely the ratings match-up, as the exploits leading to this modifier have been resolved.
- Fixed an issue with the handoff animation on the Gun Split Slot Open: Triple Option LT play, so that it will function the same as other Triple Option handoffs.
Franchise Updates:
- Fixed an issue with the fifth-year option scenario that was causing it not to trigger in the offseason
- Fixed an issue with a 'Crisis in Confidence' scenario goal that would cause it not award Staff Points upon completion
- Added new Franchise Scenarios:
- DEV NOTE: This update will apply to both new and existing Franchise files, so no need to restart your Franchise.
- Trench Boost: The new Trench Boost scenario gives you a chance to help improve your entire offensive line by building off either a strong rushing or passing performance. The tier-based rewards will compensate you based on your success in the following game and give you the opportunity to immediately beef up your offensive front to either clear lanes for your running backs or keep your franchise quarterback's jersey clean.
- QB Duel: The QB Duel scenario starts during the regular season when two of the league's best signal-callers face off. As a coach, you'll be faced with the choice of calling on your own elite quarterback to have a huge game that leads you to victory or challenging your defense to step up to the plate and shut down one of the league's best signal-callers.
- Immovable Object: A mid-to-late season scenario where your match-up includes facing one of the league's staunchest defenses also known as the ominous "Immovable Object." Do you attack them and try to run right through the wall? Do you take to the skies and try to throw it over the wall? Or do you enter the arena with the attitude to win by any means necessary?
- Under Siege: After dealing with a barrage of sacks in the middle of the season, you'll be forced as a coach to place blame on either your offensive line for not holding up or your quarterback for not getting the ball out quick enough. Following that decision, you'll be tasked with how to approach the following game which can include staying the course, shifting to the run, or extra preparation heading into the game. Depending on your choice and success in the next game, your offense and offensive line can receive the boost they need to bounce back and right the ship.
- QB Breakouts: We've updated the QB breakouts with modular cinematics and similar to our other breakout scenarios, in the week following a standout performance by your quarterback, he'll be given a set of goals that he must accomplish to increase his DEV trait. These goals will scale by DEV trait meaning upgrading a player from Normal to Star will be easier than upgrading from Star to Superstar or Superstar to X-Factor. Already have an X-Factor QB and feel left out? Don't worry as you'll also have the potential to put up a huge day but rather than receiving a DEV trait upgrade, you'll be vying for the chance at a huge chunk of XP.
NFL Live Playbooks:
- 49ers
- Updated Singleback Deuce Close and Gun Split Close Pro to Deebo Package.
- Bears
- Added I-Form Z Close, I-Form Slot, Strong Close, and Gun Split Close Pro
- Bengals
- Added Singleback Wing Pair, Singleback Wing TIght Z, Singleback Y Deep Trips, Gun Split slot, Gun Spread Y-Flex
- Bills
- Added Deuce Close, Doubles Off Close, and Weak Pro,
- Cowboys
- Added Full House Normal Wide
- Giants
- Added Singleback Doubles Off Close, Singleback Y-Trips, I-Form Pro, I-Form Z Close, I-Form Slot, I-Form Tight, Strong Z Close, Weak Pro, Gun Split Slot, Gun Normal Y Off, Gun Normal Y Off Wk, Gun Y Off X CLose, and Gun Trips TE
- Lions
- Added Singleback Wing TIght U, Strong Z Close, Gun Bunch TE, and Gun Trey Open
- Packers
- Added I-Form Slot, Weak Z Close, Gun Split Close Pro, Doubles, Spread Y-Flex
- Rams
Madden NFL 22 (Xbox One, PS4, PC, Stadia)
Key Highlights:
- New Scenarios for Franchise
- NFL Live Playbooks update
Gameplay Updates:
- Fixed an issue with the Gun Wing Slot Wk: RPO Power Alert Glance play allowing the QB to break-out of the handoff and scramble instead of handing off or passing.
- Fixed an issue allowing a ‘Playmaker Flip’ on the RPO Stretch play out of the Singleback Bunch TE formation.
- Removed the temporary modifier previously used on RPO Zone Peek plays that was allowing defenders to shed their blocks quicker. Block-sheds on this play are now back to using solely the ratings match-up, as the exploits leading to this modifier have been resolved.
- Fixed an issue with the handoff animation on the Gun Split Slot Open: Triple Option LT play, so that it will function the same as other Triple Option handoffs.
Franchise Updates:
- Fixed an issue with the fifth-year option scenario that was causing it not to trigger in the offseason
- Fixed an issue with a 'Crisis in Confidence' scenario goal that would cause it not award Staff Points upon completion
- Added new Franchise Scenarios:
- DEV NOTE: This update will apply to both new and existing Franchise files, so no need to restart your Franchise.
- Trench Boost: The new Trench Boost scenario gives you a chance to help improve your entire offensive line by building off either a strong rushing or passing performance. The tier-based rewards will compensate you based on your success in the following game and give you the opportunity to immediately beef up your offensive front to either clear lanes for your running backs or keep your franchise quarterback's jersey clean.
- QB Duel: The QB Duel scenario starts during the regular season when two of the league's best signal-callers face off. As a coach, you'll be faced with the choice of calling on your own elite quarterback to have a huge game that leads you to victory or challenging your defense to step up to the plate and shut down one of the league's best signal-callers.
- Immovable Object: A mid-to-late season scenario where your match-up includes facing one of the league's staunchest defenses also known as the ominous "Immovable Object." Do you attack them and try to run right through the wall? Do you take to the skies and try to throw it over the wall? Or do you enter the arena with the attitude to win by any means necessary?
- Under Siege: After dealing with a barrage of sacks in the middle of the season, you'll be forced as a coach to place blame on either your offensive line for not holding up or your quarterback for not getting the ball out quick enough. Following that decision, you'll be tasked with how to approach the following game which can include staying the course, shifting to the run, or extra preparation heading into the game. Depending on your choice and success in the next game, your offense and offensive line can receive the boost they need to bounce back and right the ship.
- QB Breakouts: We've updated the QB breakouts with modular cinematics and similar to our other breakout scenarios, in the week following a standout performance by your quarterback, he'll be given a set of goals that he must accomplish to increase his DEV trait. These goals will scale by DEV trait meaning upgrading a player from Normal to Star will be easier than upgrading from Star to Superstar or Superstar to X-Factor. Already have an X-Factor QB and feel left out? Don't worry as you'll also have the potential to put up a huge day but rather than receiving a DEV trait upgrade, you'll be vying for the chance at a huge chunk of XP.
NFL Live Playbooks:
- 49ers
- Updated Singleback Deuce Close and Gun Split Close Pro to Deebo Package.
- Bears
- Added I-Form Z Close, I-Form Slot, Strong Close, and Gun Split Close Pro
- Bengals
- Added Singleback Wing Pair, Singleback Wing TIght Z, Singleback Y Deep Trips, Gun Split slot, Gun Spread Y-Flex
- Bills
- Added Deuce Close, Doubles Off Close, and Weak Pro,
- Cowboys
- Added Full House Normal Wide
- Giants
- Added Singleback Doubles Off Close, Singleback Y-Trips, I-Form Pro, I-Form Z Close, I-Form Slot, I-Form Tight, Strong Z Close, Weak Pro, Gun Split Slot, Gun Normal Y Off, Gun Normal Y Off Wk, Gun Y Off X CLose, and Gun Trips TE
- Lions
- Added Singleback Wing TIght U, Strong Z Close, Gun Bunch TE, and Gun Trey Open
- Packers
- Added I-Form Slot, Weak Z Close, Gun Split Close Pro, Doubles, Spread Y-Flex
- Rams
