ESPN NFL 2K5 - Strategy Guide (Page 02)
Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for ESPN NFL 2K5 - Strategy Guide (Page 02).
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|==|+| JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS |+|==| OVERALL: 86 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | Jacksonville has a rising star in Byron,|
| Marcus Stroud =DT= (95) | but just has some ailments to cure on |
| Chris Hanson =P= (91) | the defense. After that, they're looking|
| Jimmy Smith =WR= (91) | to pounce on some easy prey. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Jaguars are just about in shape to make the playoffs. Most of their
/ rookies are developed enough to be used efficiently. Do a 60/40 pass/run
/ approach, and play man-to-man, seeing that your defensive line can do some
| damage.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Young
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|==|+| NEW YORK JETS |+|==| OVERALL: 81 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | Still with a powerful defensive core, |
| Kevin Mawae =C= (95) | and a reliable QB in Pennington, expect |
| Santana Moss =WR= (91) | the Jets to be a true underdog when it |
| Sam Cowart =ILB= (89) | comes to the playoffs. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Jets are just about to be broken up soon. Your running game is going
/ to have problems, so stick with a large passing attack. Mix up the defensive
/ calls with some 3-4 blitzes, and 4-3 zones. You have speed in the receiving
| core, so use it a lot.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 2 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| DETROIT LIONS |+|==| OVERALL: 81 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Lions are starting to make a slow |
| Cory Schlesinger =FB= (91) | comeback thanks to Mariucci, but it may |
| Damien Woody =G= (89) | not be enough to handle the challenge |
| Jason Hanson =K= (88) | coming up this year. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The rookies are starting to develop into stars, however, your defense
/ still has no pressure up front. Try to make something happen with a 50/50
/ West Coast offense. The defense has speed, but no real strength up front, so
| try some man-to-man hoping for the best.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 5 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Young
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|==|+| GREEN BAY PACKERS |+|==| OVERALL: 84 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Packers are some crazy cheese-heads.|
| Darren Sharper =SS= (96) | Their prevailing offense, yet wailing |
| Brett Favre =QB= (94) | defense gives them trouble at key |
| Ahman Green =HB= (92) | moments. Let's hope they improve. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Packers still have a capable passing attack with Farve, and a running
/ game with Green. You'll have to focus on getting a key receiver, along with
/ some players on the defensive side of the ball. Maybe a 60/40 run/pass
| offense will prevent key turnovers.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 2 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Elder
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|==|+| CAROLINA PANTHERS |+|==| OVERALL: 92 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Panthers are the true team that came|
| Kris Jenkins =DT= (97) | out of the blue, and nearly spanked a |
| Todd Sauerbrun =P= (93) | SB-caliber team. This year they're still|
| Julius Peppers =DE= (92) | highly favored to roar extremely loud. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ Now that the superbowl contenders are back to the drawing board, look at
/ some key aspects missing from last year. Make use of a speedy receiving
/ core, but do a majority of running plays with Davis/Foster. A 60/40 run/pass
| approach is a safe way to the playoffs.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS |+|==| OVERALL: 93 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | With two superbowl victories in 3 years,|
| Adam Vinatieri =K= (98) | and plenty of pride to show for it, the |
| Rodney Harrison =SS= (97) | Patriots are the pinnacle of a dynasty. |
| Tom Brady =QB= (93) | Three times a charm, right? |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Patriots are going to get a huge improvement in the running game thanks
/ to Dillon. Brady will toss his air balls as usual to a mediocre receiving
/ core. Look for a 50/50 run/pass approach to keep opponents off guard. Play
| some man-to-man thanks to a decent line up front.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Elder
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|==|+| OAKLAND RAIDERS |+|==| OVERALL: 89 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | Despite a slip up last year, the Raiders|
| Warren Sapp =DT= (94) | look to charge ahead full steam with a |
| Charles Woodson =CB= (91) | re-energized lineup. Let's hope the |
| Rod Woodson =FS= (91) | pirates can sail the ship this time. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ Look for a very improved team to turn around from last year. The defense
/ is still superb, so playing man-to-man is no problem. Sapp will only
/ increase the leadership. Fortunately, the offense has plenty of varied
| players to choose from. A 50/50 pass/run gameplan sounds intriguing.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 1 year <--> EXPERIENCE: Elder
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|==|+| ST. LOUIS RAMS |+|==| OVERALL: 85 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Rams still prove to be an assaulting|
| Torry Holt =WR= (100) | offense when you least expect it. If |
| Orlando Pace =T= (96) | only they could continue their winnings |
| Aeneas Williams =FS= (92) | in the playoffs... |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ Charge ahead will a full-blown passing attack, however, try to get Jackson
/ some attempts behind Faulk. He will be the replacement once Faulk throws in
/ the towel. Look at a 70/30 pass/run attack, and make use of safety blitzes
| to throw your opponents in turmoil.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| BALTIMORE RAVENS |+|==| OVERALL: 89 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Ravens continue to have one of the |
| Ray Lewis =ILB= (99) | most dominant defenses in the league, at|
| Jonathan Ogden =T= (98) | the sacrifice of a little O here and |
| Chris McAlister =CB= (96) | there. Watch them pound opponents. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The defense is your key here, so constantly mix up 3-4 blitzes, zones, and
/ man-to-man. The running game is the only way to score on opponents, so stick
/ with a 70/30 run/pass attack. Picking the right QB is up to you, and make
| sure you keep Heap with developing numbers.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 4 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| WASHINGTON REDSKINS |+|==| OVERALL: 83 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The revamped Skins are looking to really|
| Lavar Arrington =OLB= (94) | sizzle things up with a new offense, but|
| Laveranues Coles =WR= (94) | slightly depressed defense. Will the new|
| Clinton Portis =HB= (93) | formula work, or explode in disgust? |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Redskins will have a blazing offense this year. Do explosive attacks
/ with Brunell, and learn to scramble around a lot with the faulty line. Use
/ Portis for the majority of the attacks because of his uncanny abilities. The
| defense will struggle without a secondary, so try some zone blitzes.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 2 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS |+|==| OVERALL: 85 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Saints are continuing to struggle |
| Deuce McAllister =HB= (92) | despite some well-based talent around |
| Joe Horn =WR= (92) | them. I hope Mardi Gras inspired them |
| LeCharles Bentley =C= (89) | over the winter. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ It's do or die time in New Orleans. Employ a 50/50 run/pass defense with
/ Deuce and Brooks. Your offensive line is strong for now, but not for long.
/ The defense has to play a mix of zone/man-to-man, and avoid blitzing. Your LB
| core needs some speed before doing so.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 2 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| SEATTLE SEAHAWKS |+|==| OVERALL: 86 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Seahawks continue to fire onward in |
| Walter Jones =T= (96) | dazzle with a superior offense, but |
| Steve Hutchinson =G= (93) | often mess up in pressure-cooked spots. |
| Shaun Alexander =HB= (90) | Maybe the birds will fly sky high. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ Hasselback is developed enough to be an effective weapon with his dual
/ receivers and Alexander at back. Try a 50/50 run/pass approach to confuse
/ opponents. As for the defense, it's strong but lacking speed. Play some zone
| blitzes.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| PITTSBURGH STEELERS |+|==| OVERALL: 80 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | The Steelers have been struggling the |
| Alan Faneca =G= (97) | past few years with awry timed injuries.|
| Hines Ward =WR= (97) | Perhaps this is their year for vengeance|
| Joey Porter =OLB= (92) | with some new philosophies in hand. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ With the decline of Tommy Gunn, the Steelers have to rely on a newly
/ drafted rookie, along with a weak gap at the runningback position. Their
/ entire team has taken a hit without an prepared offense, but don't let their
| stellar defense fool you. Play a 3-4 and blitz for constant pressure.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Elder
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|==|+| HOUSTON TEXANS |+|==| OVERALL: 77 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | With the most losses 7 points or less |
| Jamie Sharper =ILB= (89) | last season, the Texans are as close as |
| Gary Walker =DE= (88) | you can get to tasting the victory soup |
| Aaron Glenn =CB= (86) | leaking from the superbowl trophy. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Texans have shown improvement over the past 2 years with developing
/ stars at various positions. Make use of the extreme speed in your receiving
/ core, and utilize a 60/40 run/pass attack. The defense works well as a 3-4,
| but you may want to play more zones than blitzes.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 4 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| TENNESSEE TITANS |+|==| OVERALL: 86 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | Being a giant for the past few years |
| Craig Hentrich =P= (96) | doesn't help when you have no SB ring to|
| Steve McNair =QB= (96) | prove it. Maybe the Titans can stomp |
| Derrick Mason =WR= (94) | over the competition after all. |
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Titans are still well-rounded with a nice core, however, the RB spot
/ can be troublesome at times. A 50/50 run/pass attack will prove to be well
/ earnest. For your defense, lessen up on the blitz, and make use of man-to-man
| to prevent big gains.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Veteran
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|==|+| MINNESOTA VIKINGS |+|==| OVERALL: 90 |
~===============================~=========================================~
| Top Players: | Despite a few studder steps last year, |
| Randy Moss =WR= (100) | the Vikings have what it takes to be a |
| Matt Birk =C= (95) | true playoff contender. I just wonder if|
| Michael Bennett =HB= (93) | their defense studies the same gameplan.|
~===============================~=========================================~
/ The Vikings still have the unstoppable passing attack which should be
/ used in nearly every situation. Combine that with the speed back Bennett,
/ and this offense is ready to fly to the playoffs. The defense should use a
| bend don't break philosophy.
|
# LIFE EXPECTANCY: 3 years <--> EXPERIENCE: Young
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============================
- 4) Game Modes -
============================
With modern sports games competing like thoroughbreds in a fierce mile pole
run, every title has to have exceptional game modes that stand out from the
rest. Thankfully, this year's ESPN is simply outstanding when it comes to game
modes. Not only can you play a typical franchise, but you may now train your
rosters, have them do workout drills, and even research film footage. A
new "My Crib" mode allows you to customize your own palace based on your in-
game accomplishments. You can challenge special celebs, and create your own
VIP profile which emulates your style of play as an AI opponent. These are the
sorts of elements that set ESPN NFL 2K5 apart from the rest. This section will
go over each of the game modes in the game, and their customization options.
The most in-depth information about franchise mode will be described in the
following chapter.
___________
/Quick Game/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This is pretty much your typical way of playing a game without too much harm.
You can earn credits to purchase items from your Crib, or simply add some
stats to your record. After picking the option, you must then select two
teams. Tap the black and white buttons for a random team. The next screen
allows you to customize your game. For example, you can plop in different
coaches for different teams, or play against a VIP profile.
- One of the unique features is that you can alter the lineup. If you want,
you scramble the starters for each team which are basically just random
starters in the NFL tossed onto your team. The actual rosters will be reset
after the game ends, but it's a fun way to get a variety in your gameplay
options. You may also fantasy draft your team before the game, but it too will
also be reset afterwards.
__________
/Franchise/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
It doesn't get much better than this. Franchise mode is the electrifying way
of playing out as a team owner of a popular NFL team. In franchise mode, you
manange player contracts, draft choices, who goes/leaves, and also have a role
as the team coach. During the preseason, you will schedule workouts and ways
of training your players to make sure they don't get out of shape, or are
overworked. This is the premiere feature of ESPN football, and you can find
more information about it in the next chapter.
______________________
/First Person Football/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Introduced in last year's version (ESPN Football), first person football is a
neat change of pace when you want to try something new. Players will be placed
literally inside the head of a real-life football player. Everything is played
from a first-person view, inside the helmet. You won't hear any fancy voices
on the field, but rather play as a premiere athlete. After clicking on this
option under Game Modes, you will have the same options as a Quick Game.
However, once the game starts, you will be tossed into a player during the pre-
game warmups.
- This mode will put you in control of a primary player on the field. On
offense, you will play as either the QB or HB depending on what play is
selected. On defense, you will usually take control of a linebacker. You can
set it so that you can take place of a WR, or something along those lines.
______________________
/ESPN 25th Anniversary/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Certainly one of the more interesting modes in the game. This special
presentation thanks to ESPN features 25 of the greatest football moments
during the entire history of the NFL. Each scenario is coupled with some
background information thanks to Chris Berman, and you get to relive the
experience by being tossed into the shoes of the players responsible for it.
After the scenario is completed, you will receive a checkmark next to that
situation. If you want a list of the scenarios, or strategies to completing
them, please check out the strategies section.
_________
/Practice/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
When the going gets tough, perhaps it's time you started practicing a bit
more. Practice mode allows you to compete and enhance your skills even
further. After entering the mode, you will be presented with two options -
Basic Training & Scrimmage. Basic Training takes you through all of the in-
game moves, passes, and playcalling tips to ensure you're ready to play the
game. They're sort of like "mini" training drills you could say. They're
extremely basic though, but you will be rewarded with 200 Crib Credits for
completing them.
The second mode is Scrimmage, which is basically what it sounds like. You can
setup options to play only Special Moves, Full Scrimmage, Offense Only, or
Kickoff. You may then set AI playcalling, and ways of the CPU to call random
defenses. The idea is to train up your passing and rushing abilities, along
with timing on specific routes.
__________
/Situation/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
If you've ever wanted to experiment with one single game situation, then this
is your chance. You can set nearly every single option ranging from the score,
to current field position, how much time is left, and even the weather. This
is the ultimate way of placing yourself in high pressure situations, and
seeing if you can prevail.
___________
/Tournament/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Another neat way of interacting with multiple players if you don't have enough
controllers or a system link. You can have up to 4, 8, or 16 teams compete in
a bracket elimination tournament. The winner is crowned the victorian, but you
can also face a few CPU-set opponents, or even VIP profiles if you wish.
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============================
- 5) Franchise Details -
============================
Staying along the course of traditionalism, nearly every modern sports game
out there has to have a franchise mode in order to be a success. If your
players cannot sit down and manage a team like their own kindled Hess Truck,
then the developers have made some serious flaws. This year's ESPN football
game has a very detailed franchise mode that allows you to act as the owner of
the entire team. You'll decide contracts, the schedule for player workouts,
film footages, and even who to draft when it comes to rookie times. ESPN
football comes complete with a weekly recap that makes it feel like you're
watching Sportscenter late at night. This section will describe franchise mode
in detail, walk you through it, and provide some tips for efficiently managing
a team.
- To access Franchise Mode, go to Game Modes and then pick Franchise. You will
be brought to a selection of options. Here are some features you can
incorporate during a franchise:
+ Weekly Preparation {allows you to customize your team's workout ethics,
schedule, practice, and so on. Gives you the chance to
improve players. Sort of like a training camp.}
+ First Person Football {allows you to play your games from a first person
view}
+ Fantasy Draft Roster {allows you to draft a franchise rather than start
with default rosters}
+ Customize League {allows you to place which teams are in each division}
+ Preseason Games {permits to have preseason games or not}
+ Trade Deadline {the deadline is during week 6}
+ Owner Firing {if you're doing a poor job, you can be fired by the CPU.
This option pits you up for a challenge}
+ Edit Rookies {gives ability to edit rookies coming in from the draft}
- Some other controls you can either set to the Player or CPU:
> Drafting Players, Signing Draft Picks, Re-Signing Players, Signing and
Cutting, and finally updating the Depth Chart
- Once you're finished, click START to proceed ahead.
_____________
/Starting Off/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Before you can engage in your franchise, it's necessary to pick some teams you
want to control. At the Team Select screen, check off each of the teams you
want to control as franchises. You may also set VIP Profiles to each team you
control for different behavior patterns. Press START to move ahead.
><>= COACH'S DESK =<><
"This is where most of the Franchise action takes place. This is the main menu
that provides access to all of the franchise controls. The categories are as
follows:"
__________
|(SCHEDULE)|
==============
- Shows upcoming teams for the current week. You can view schedules for
individual teams, or switch over to the regular season Weekly games by using
the Black/White buttons. You may also check off games you want to play or
simulate instead.
______________
|(FRONT OFFICE)|
==================
- This is where the key management decisions are made to improve or maintain
your franchise in tip top shape. Again, there are plenty of options you may
select from:
-----> Franchise Status <-----
"Displays how well your current season is proceeding, along with the team
goals that you have to assess as an owner. You also have a contract as an
owner which is listed at the bottom. The default starting contract is 3
years."
-----> Contracts <-----
"Displays the current player contracts on your team, who's on your roster,
and for how much. Remember that money is everything in the NFL. Players
that are overpaid may not be worth what you're paying them, and it's up
to you if you want to keep them. You can sort contracts via position,
ratings, money, years left, etc. If you right click with the right joystick
button, you will receive a background profile on the player. Some key
terms you should understand:
- Status: How many years left on their contract. It's better to re-sign
players before their contract runs out, because it will save
money in the long run. To alter a player's status, press A on
their highlighted name. More options will be tossed up:
_______________________________________________________________________
|View Contract: shows their current contract with the pay per year,
| and what your team salary cap will look like.
|Re-Negotiate Contract: gives you the ability to restructure a player's
| contract. Here are some more key options:
|
| > SALARY: Total money offered in the contract.
| > CONTRACT: What type of contract you wish to
| offer. You can adjust the pay per year
| so that a player receives more $$
| near the end, middle, or beginning
| portion of the offer. More incentive
| is offered with a Front End contract
| because the player will receive the
| most money early on, but it may prove
| to be a mistake if you have to cut him.
| > BONUS: This is a signing bonus offered on the
| contract. Think of it as a way of giving
| the player instant cash if he signs with
| your team. Higher signing bonuses take
| money out of the salary and pay it right
| away. Offer high % signing bonuses to
| rookies or young stars to lure them away.
| It's also best to use it on aging veterans
| so that they may retire before receiving
| most of their money.
| > LENGTH: This is how long the contract will last.
|
|Release to Free Agency: This will release the player to the free agents
| list. You will take a Cap Penalty based on the
| # listed in the column. Most cap penalties are
| a small % of the player's contract that is
| deducted from your current cap room because you
| decided to make the cut before the contract
| ended.
|Place on Trading Block: This will put the player on your team's trading
| block. This is basically a way of saying the
| player is available for trade. The CPU will then
| make offers to your team for the player, and you
| can reject/accept them.
|Begin Trade: Allows you to form your own custom trade with this player.
|Assign Jersey Number: You can input your own custom jersey number for
| this player.
L________________________________________________________________________
-----> Cap Management <-----
"This neat little feature shows a bar graph displaying your 100% max of the
cap up top with a line. Your current cap point is displayed with the bar. As
the years progress, you will receive more empty space to sign new players.
It will also display your highest paid players for each year to let you know
who is leeching the most money. This can be useful since some players may be
overpaid, and you will want to get rid of them THAT year, rather than
waiting till the end of a contract.
-----> Team Needs <-----
"This option will display the current amount of players at each position,
along with necessary, and cautionary needs highlighted in different colors.
Players at each position will be displayed with contract numbers and ratings
available. Numbers in yellow are below average. Numbers in red require you
to sign or get a player to work that position. These are the usual numbers
for each position:"
QB: 3 CB: 6 FB: 2 C: 2 DE: 3
K: 1 FS: 2 TE: 3 G: 3
P: 1 SS: 2 OLB: 4 T: 3
WR: 6 HB: 3 ILB: 3 DT: 3
-----> Trades <-----
"This option let's you perform a custom trade by adding players or draft
picks to the mix."
-----> Trading Block <-----
"This let's you place players up on your trading block, and the CPU will
place synthetic offers for that player/picks. You can accept/reject any
of the offers."
__________
|(GAMEPLAN)|
==============
- This is where the actual coaching decisions will come into play. Deciding
who starts, subs, and your plays in the playbook will be key events. Make wise
decisions or fail horribly.
-----> Depth Chart <-----
"This is where you will organize the order of players at each position. Any
#1 spot filled with a player is a started at that position, so choose
wisely. You can set the charts for special teams, offense, and defense.
You will be brought to a text screen displaying their names at each spot.
Click on the names and then you'll get a brief overview of the player
ratings (represented by green bars), along with some physical traits. It's
a quick and easy way of deciding who goes where."
***NOTE: During the preseason, your backups and subs will start at the
starter locations. The game does this to prevent injuries to top
players, and help your backups get some playing time to raise
their ratings.
-----> Playbook Manager <-----
"This let's you alter, create, or customize a team's playbook. You may
create your own to use during a franchise. Note that any formation you
desire may be used, and this same created playbook can be loaded into
other modes besides franchise mode."
-----> Coach's Card <-----
"This shows you a brief history on the current coach of the team. His
entire record is shown along with averaged stats, and a Bio that tells
you of his accomplishments."
-----> Coach Gameplan <-----
"Aside from the VIP settings of each coach, this decides the coaching
decisions during a simulated game. You can alter bars that affect
the following settings:"
______________
OFFENSE: { Run / Pass }
________________
PASS: { Short / Deep }
____________________
RUN: { Outside / Inside }
______________
DEFENSE: { Run / Pass }
______________
DEFENSE: { Man / Zone }
_______________
BLITZ: { Less / More }
________________
COVER: { Short / Deep }
__________
|(ESPN.COM)|
==============
- This is the reporting center of where you can view all of the action that
has taken place across the NFL. Transactions, trades, cuts, and player awards
can all be viewed here. It's almost like visiting the real website.
-----> E-Mail Inbox <-----
"This is where you will receive periodic messages telling you important
items. There's always a sender with a new topic. Your first e-mail is an
introduction to the organization and provides links to the in-game manuals."
-----> Team Standings <-----
"This displays the current teams in each division/conference, along with
their records, and whether or not they have clinched playoff births."
-----> Transactions <-----
"Shows off any player transactions that have occurred during the season,
or for each team."
-----> Statistics <-----
"Let's you view statistics for entire teams (rankings), players (career),
and league leaders. Very useful for you stat gurus out there."
-----> Player Awards <-----
"This shows off any player awards handed out during the weeks or a specific
game for reknown stats recorded during a game."
-----> Injury Report <-----
"This shows you any players currently on the injury lists for team, and
the expected time out from their injury."
-----> Power Rankings <-----
"Ranks the team according to their overall defense, offense, points scored,
record, and status accumulated. Best way to see who's the 'best'."
__________
|(THE CRIB)|
==============
- This permits you to access your VIP crib via the franchise menu. There are
some exclusive milestones which can be earned during franchise mode only, and
it's a key to make sure you take care of your crib while living the high style
life.
__________
|(FEATURES)|
==============
- This menu allows you to alter the fine points of your franchise team, and
some key new features not included in last year's version. The menu splits
into three options - VIP, Celebrations, and Stadium Music. The VIP section
will allow you to check out different profiles, your own stats, and alter your
playbook analysis. The Celebrations section let's you alter the current set
celebrations, there are over 25 different ones you may select from. Finally
the Stadium Music section let's you add clips on your Xbox hard-drive to be
incorporated as stadium music during a game. You may also compile soundtracks
via unlocked in-game music.
_________
|(OPTIONS)|
=============
- This is where all of the customization comes into play. After selecting the
options tab, you can alter franchise, game, difficulty, presentation, and
penalty settings. I'd recommend increasing the difficulty to All Pro if you
want a challenge, and make sure you save your franchise/VIP profile before
exiting all together.
^^ - This pretty much sums up the Coach's Desk. We'll now move on to the
PRESEASON.
__________
/Preseason/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This is the five weeks that take precedence before the start of the NFL
season. The idea to the preseason is to allow coaches and teams to get in a
playing groove before going out and attempting to play a grueling 17-week
schedule. It also helps backups and third-stringers improve their playing
abilities. The disadvantage is that you take the risk of providing injuries to
key players. During the preseason, your Depth Charts will move your starts to
the far ends of the order for safety reasons. The game tries to prevent them
from being injured. You will play four random opponents during the preseason,
with one bye week. I would recommend playing at least one game so that you may
get into a groove. However, in preparation for each preseason game (depending
on whether or not you have Weekly Preparation on), you must prepare your team
for the big game.
___________________
/Weekly Preparation/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Visual Concepts decided to toss in a new feature that really sparkles to a
majority of the players out there. The Weekly Preparation is a new setting
that let's you (as a coach) set workout routines, weightlifting sessions, film
footages, and scrimmages on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and
Fridays prepping up for the big game. The idea is to make the most use of your
spare time each day preparing players by keeping them in shape and mentally
focused on the team at hand. There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages.
Overworking a team will get them tired, and low their overall rating for the
big game. Undertraining will do the same problem. However, if you find the
right balance, you can see a fairly large increase in a player's overall at
each position. There are literally hundreds of different layouts you can do,
but I'm briefly going to post one I've discovered on the message boards which
seems to be quite effective. Remember that you must set this every week prior
to the big game. QBs, HBs, and WRs see the biggest boost, while your offensive
line will drop slightly. I'd like to thank SuicidalByNature420 on relaying
this setup to the boards.
- Here's what the format looks like for each drill:
Category / Sets / Player position concentration / Type
****************************************************************************
) MONDAY *
*- Team Meeting: If you're winning, use a default meeting. Otherwise use *
) an upbeat one to get the team motivated. *
*- Coach's Film: Same as above, adjust the films based on what team you are*
) playing. *
*- Film / 2 / ALL DTs / Run Blocking Schemes *
)- Film / 3 / ALL DEs / Pass Blocking Schemes *
*- Aerobic / 2 / ALL DTs / Cross Trainer *
)- Aerobic / 2 / ALL WRs / Wind Sprints *
*- Film / 2 / ALL QBs / Coverages *
)- Film / 2 / ALL ILBs / Run Blocking Schemes *
*- Film / 2 / ALL CBs / Route Combinations *
)- Film / 2 / ALL FSs / Run/Pass Distribution *
*- Film / 1 / ALL WRs / Man/Zone Tendencies *
)- Rest can be selected by yourself. Try to involve everyone except Ks, Ps,*
* FBs, and TEs. Most of the drills and workouts are self explanatory to *
) the position. *
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
) TUESDAY *
*- Full Drill / 1 / 2nd Team / No Pads *
)- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL OLBs / Pursuit Drills *
*- Weights / 1 / ALL DTs / Arms *
)- 7 on 7 / 2 / Partial Pads *
*- Full Drill / 2 / 1st Team / No Pads *
)- Film / 2 / ALL WRs / Coverages *
*- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL Cs / Run Blocking *
)- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL Gs / Pass Protection *
*- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL DTs / Special Move Focus *
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
) WEDNESDAY *
*- Pos Drill / 2 / ALL WRs / Wide Receivers Release *
)- 7 on 7 / 1 / Partial Pads *
*- Full Drill / 2 / 1st Team / Partial Pads *
)- Full Drill / 2 / 2nd Team / Partial Pads *
*- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL DEs / Get Off the Ball *
)- Pos Drill / 2 / ALL CBs / Ball Reaction *
*- Weights / 1 / ALL QBs / Shoulders *
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
) THURSDAY *
*- 7 on 7 / 1 / Partial Pads *
)- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL DTs / Get off the Ball *
*- Full Drill / 1 / 3rd Team / No Pads *
)- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL DEs / Special Move Focus *
*- Pos Drill / 2 / ALL QBs / Routes and Progressions *
)- Pos Drill / 3 / ALL HBs / The Gauntlet (Tire Relay if finesse backs) *
*- Pos Drill / 2 / ALL ILBs / Beat the Block *
)- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL CBs / Backpedaling *
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
) FRIDAY *
*- Pos Drill / 3 / ALL Ts / Pass Protection *
)- 7 on 7 / 3 / No Pads *
*- Pos Drill / 1 / ALL TEs / Pass Receiving *
)- Pos Drill / 2 / ALL WRs / Hand Positioning *
*- Film / 2 / ALL CBs / Run/Pass Distribution *
)- Film / 2 / ALL QBs / Man/Zone Tendencies *
*- Weights / 2 / ALL HBs / Hams and Calves (Calves and Ankles for finesse) *
)- Film / 2 / ALL SSs / Run/Pass Distribution *
*- Weights / 1 / ALL FSs / Calves and Ankles *
)- Film / 1 / ALL Gs / Fronts *
*- Film / 1 / ALL Cs / Fronts *
****************************************************************************
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