My Boys' First Game of Madden

Time for a palate cleanser, something that has nothing to do with the Super Bowl. Over the weekend, I taught my boys how to play Madden for the first time and we simulated the Super Bowl—damnit. Oh well.

I was the blue icon.
H was the green icon.
G was the red icon.


Throughout the first half, we had trouble learning how to run routes and get open. We would routinely end up with 4th and long and I would try to scramble for the first down to keep drives alive. (Also, they would often go in motion before the snap, messing up the routes we had just learned.)
For example of not understanding the route running, at 1:17 the red receiver gets open and as soon as I throw it, runs back toward the QB.

But then at 1:38 something crazy happened. We completed a pass! And then completed another 3 in a row to score.



Although we got the hang of offense, defense was a problem. As the red icon had a tendency to do an uncalled corner blitz leaving the opposing receivers wide open.

So late in the game, it's tied and we're driving for the win.

With 1:30 to go, it looks like Williams is open if I can put the ball to the sideline...but somehow it goes straight to a defender. Well, only one thing left to do. Try to force a fumble with Pat Mahomes using the truck stick.

Madden 20

With Mahomes on the cover, I couldn't not try out Madden 20. (I play with 3 minute quarters so each game only takes about 20 minutes, but the stats aren't going to replicate a full NFL game's stats.)

I jumped into Franchise mode and after two games Damien Wilson comes to me and complains about not getting enough touches. I mean we're 2-0 and have the reigning MVP, but sure he wants his carries. When I reassure him that I'll get him in the game plan his morale goes up. In this video you can see the conversation and the first quarter how I tried to get him involved.

So the Chiefs win that game and then Watkins comes to me and says he's not getting enough balls thrown his way. Seriously? We're trying to win the freaking Super Bowl and started 3-0. Why is everyone cranky? So here's the first drive. I did get Watkins involved and then the craziest highlight I've had occurred at the end of this video.



And then at the end of the game, I figured I might as well take a shot on the last play of the game:



So we had a big win on SNF and I fed Watkins. We come off the field and here's what I see (at the 1:40 mark)



Seriously? -5 morale? He had the most receptions and yards. If it wasn't for the flukey 62-yard pass at the end to Hill, Watkins would have had 141 of the team's 203 passing yards. That's not good enough for him? Or is his pissed that Hill came up with two fluky bombs?

Pretty typical for Madden in the last 15 years, that there's a cool feature that ends up not working as well as advertised.

more madden highlights

Cassel and Engram run pylon, with playaction.

Cassel throws a WR screen to Bradley. I never call this play because it never works.

From a previous franchise, Thigpen and Bradley run pylon.

Another old one, Croyle to Sippio, breaking tackles.

it's just like watching me play madden

Madden allows you to save any replay and upload it easily. This is my first one worthy. 3rd and 18...Croyle to Bowe.