Madden NFL 2005 - Strategy Guide (Page 03)

Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for Madden NFL 2005 - Strategy Guide (Page 03).

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	   Goal Line - Normal
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Almost everyone and their mother uses the goal line formation in Madden, and it
works great.  Almost every play in this formation works well, but I tend to use
just a couple of the running plays in the formation.  Why mix it up more when
three plays in this formation always gets the job done for me?



Play Name:		QB Sneak
Play Type:		Run
My Rating:		****
Description:		The QB Sneak is my favorite play of all in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or
4th and one situations.  Out of all the plays in the game, I think that the QB
Sneak gives the best probability of gaining that inch.  The only problem with
running the QB Sneak is the chance that you may fumble.  Other than that, it's
a great play to run with ANY Quarterback in the game.  It doesn't matter if
you're Michael Vick or Peyton Manning, anyone that uses the QB Sneak will get a
yard or two everytime!



Play Name:		HB Dive
Play Type:		Run
My Rating:		***
Description:		The HB Dive works well even when you aren't in goal line
situations.  I always felt a bit dirty when I ran this play in mid field, but I
don't mind when I see the benefits it does to my run game.  When you get the
defense running Dime, and you run goal line on a long 2nd down play, you should
be able to scamper at least 7-10 yards.  With all the blockers on the line, you
will follow them up field until you get tackled.  It's a great play to run in
any sort of occasion, and it's also kind of fun.



Play Name:		FB Dive
Play Type:		Run
My Rating:		****
Description:		The FB Dive from goal line is wonderful. Don't risk running  with
your rb in these situations, give it to your fullback.  The fullback dive is
one of the best play sto run in short yardage situations. When you run it thru
goal line, everyone and their mother knows that you are going to be running a
running play.  While this is bad in a way, it's almost impossible to stop
still.  I feel safer when I run it thru I-Form, but it works just as good thru
Goal Line.


If you have any further questions about offense, feel free to e-mail me.




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	Section:	5
	Name:		Defensive Help
	Last Updated:	8/19/04

===========================================

As the years progress, many people believe that defense wins game.  I totally
agree, I average 2-5 user picks a game against the computer (All-Madden) or
against my friends.  To master playing defense, you first need to not peak at
your friends play.  Peaking while playing Madden is the ultimate Madden sin, so
make sure that you are never convicted of being a "Peaker".  I don't think that
its necessary to even see your opponents formation, I don't believe in that
either.  That is my personal opinion though, and I know a lot of people will
disagree with me for some odd reason.  Well, anyways, similiar to my Offensive
Help, I've added a Defensive Help section.  While Defense is a lot more deeper,
I actually think that there are less plays that you need to run. I only run
about 3-6 total defensive plays, and I have no problem with stopping the run or
the pass with just that many plays.  So instead of rating tons of plays, I'm
going to first go over all the pros/cons of each formation, and then go on to
what plays that I think that everyone should use.  My defense is ran off the
4-3 defensive playbook, which is ultimately the best playbook to use.


Now before I can go on, I must beg you to control your cornerbacks on passing
plays.  I don't mean control them before the ball is hiked, I feel that
controlling your lineman or blitzing with a linebacker who doesn't need to
really cover anyone is the best to control before the snap.  But on passing
plays, it is necessary to control your DB or safety when the ball is in the
air.  Many people feel that they will mess up and give up big plays, but you
make way more big plays in the long run.  I don't even see how the game is fun
to people who don't control their corners, because I feel that defending the
long ball is the most heart pumping part of the game.  Like I mentioned
earlier, I usually average 2-5 User Picks a game.  How do you ask?  Practice,
tons of practice since Madden 2001.  First off, turbo is key whenever you are
controlling a defender.  Always be pumping the turbo button.  But the most
important factor is timing. If you time your jump wrong, you can give up a
touchdown very easy.  A few tricks I do is on deep passes, I slow down the wide
receiver by running in front of him, stopping for like .3 of a second, and then
running again.  Because the ball is already thrown to a spot that the receiver
is expected to run to, the only guy that is going to have a chance to get the
ball is you because the receiver is too far back from the ball.  This is a
cheap move to do, but it works all the time, especially in Madden 2005 where
there are less penalties than any other Madden game.


Another thing that you must remember, is if you are getting beat deep, don't be
scared to dive rather than jump.  Pressing square is the scariest button to
press for some people when the ball is coming down in the receivers hand, but
it usually saves a big play.  Figure it this way.  Say your receiver is beat
deep (could be just due to the formation you were running, not because of you)
instead of pressing triangle to try to pick a ball that is thrown 3 feet over
you, press square right when the ball touches the receivers hand. d You will
tackle him, which will make him drop the ball 80 percent of the time.  Instead
of giving up a long completion play that would probably have gone for a
touchdown anyway, you make a incredible defensive play.  Trust me, have faith
in diving at the feet of the wide receiver right when he catches the ball,
he'll drop it most of the time.

I always blitz someone on each play, I just read the field by pressing R2 and
looking at all the guys on the field.  The guy that I think can leave his man
or leave his position, I blitz in a heartbeat.  It's always different each
play, so I can't really give tips on it.


Finally, on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and short plays, make sure that you move your
coverage to bump and run.  This ensures that they your opponent can not get a
fast throw off, because it will most likely be intercepted.  On long 3rd downs,
make sure you move your coverage off the receivers a lot, protecting the first
down line.


If you need any additional help on controlling your DBs, feel free to e-mail
me.  Now onto the in-depth part.




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	4-3 Formation
-------------------------------
The 4-3 is my favorite formation to run.  While many people argue it sucks when
there are more than two wide receivers on offense, I am always confident that
my safeties or OLBs will cover them.  The 4-3 is the simple, 4 lineman, 3
linebackers, 2 dbs, and 2 safeties.  It is awesome for stopping the run, yet
great for stopping the pass.  I've been using the 4-3 Formation a lot since
Madden 2001, but it does have its problems.  On 5 receiver wide out sets,
everyone is covered man to man, so if you aren't good with controlling your
defensive backs, you may get torched.  I find that running the 4-3 takes a lot
of user control confidence in a person.  I rarely ever get beat deep, whether
when it's man to man coverage, or double coverage.  I think that the 4-3
Formation is a formation that you should run at least 60 percent of the time.
Just remember, it's weakness is when there are many wide receivers out on the
field.



Play Name:		Engage Eight
Description:		This play is great when you expect your opponent of running.  It
brings 8 guys into the box, to stop almost any run possible.  The problem is
that if your opponent passes, there will be no safety help on one side of the
play.  It's not a good play to run twice in a row, but it's a GREAT play to run
when you know your opponent is going to run.


Play Name:		Double QB Spy
Description:		This was the most amazing defensive play last year, and this year
its almost as good.  I run this play all the time, even when I know that a QB
like Brad Johnson isn't going to be running.  This play allows the linebackers
to guard anything in the middle of the field, setting up only deep passes.
Because I can stop deep passes the best, this play is the ultimate interception
play to use.  It's great against the run, and great against the pass.  The only
problem with this play is when two wide receivers line up on one side and both
run streaks.  It leaves one DB covering two guys, which is a bit hard to manage
when you are just learning how to play good defense.




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	3-4 Formation
-------------------------------
I never use the 3-4 Formation at all, because I don't like having that many
linebackers in the game at once.  This formation would only be good for teams
that have 4 better than average linebackers.  You wouldn't want to run this
formation with teams that have weak linebackers, because this defense will get
torched thru short runs and passes.  The 3-4 formation is similiar to the 4-3,
but I don't see really any good in it at all.  I would stay away from this
defense as much as possible, because honestly, it's just a shoddier version of
the 4-3 in my opinion.  Too susceptable to runs, just a tad better for short
passes.




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	Nickel Formation
-------------------------------
I like using Nickel Formation a lot, especially when I believe that my opponent
is going to be passing.  Surprisingly, when you use the two Nickel plays I use
in the game, the nickel formation can easily stop the run too.  I rather be
using 4-3 to stop the run, but Nickel works when necessary.  Nickel defense is
a bit different than the 4-3, because while it still has four big lineman up
front, there's only two linebackers.  There's three corners, which if your
opponent is only lined up with two wide receivers, it's very nice to blitz with
the extra corner or linebacker.  It's hard to get beat deep with Nickel, making
it a very nice formation to use.


Play Name:		9 Velcro
Description:		I love this play when I need to defend the short ball and the
long ball at one time.  It seems like there are 20 guys on the field when I run
this coverage, and it's very rare to get passed on when bringing the corners to
bump and run coverage.  It's a great defense to run on all medium range passing
plays, and it will not disappoint.


Play Name:		Double X
Description:		Getting beat deep?  Shame on you, next time make sure that you
have two guys on him all the time.  Double X, Double Y, Double TE are all good
plays to use when you are getting beat over and over again by the same person.


Play Name:		Engage Eight
Description:		This play is great when you expect your opponent of passing but
he runs.  It brings 8 guys into the box, to stop almost any run possible.  The
problem is that if your opponent passes, there will be no safety help on one
side of the play.  It's not a good play to run twice in a row, but it's a good
play to run when you think there is a small chance that he may still be running
on long yardage situation.




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	Dime Formation
-------------------------------
Like the Shotgun section of my Offensive Help part of the guide, Dime coverage
is very similiar in this section of the guide.  I use to use Dime all the time
back in earlier Madden games, but now I feel that it is obsoleet.  It doesn't
have any better plays than Nickel coverage, yet it takes away a linebacker.  If
you really think that your opponent is going to be throwing deep or running a 4
or 5 wide receiver set, please pick Quarter Defense, which is a lot better in
my opinion.




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	Quarter Formation
-------------------------------
Use this whenever you know a Hail Mary or a deep route is going to be thrown.
This will definately shut down any long pass, especially when you move back the
corners.  By moving back the corners, you risk giving up short passes.  But
other than that, the Quarter Formation is the best formation to use for long
passes with multiple receivers.  There's only one play that you need to use for
defending the long pass and that's prevent.


Play Name:		Prevent
Description:		This is essential to use on 3rd and 20 situations.  The chances
of giving up a pass using Quarter Prevent is very rare, especially when you are
controlling your DB and blitzing the appropriate person.  If it's a really long
play, feel free to move your corners back even farther.




-------------------------------
	Goal Line Formation
-------------------------------
Goal line is great for 3rd/4th down and short plays.  When you are positive
that you opponent is going to run, and I mean POSITIVE, run goal line.  If they
decide to throw on you, there will be man on man coverage at the best, so
beware.  There's only one play I use in the goal line formation, and it seems
to get the job done for me.  It's impossible to always stop the short plays,
but by running goal line, you'll have the best chance to do so.

Play Name:		Gaps Fire
Description:		This sends the whole line in basically, which brings a lot of
pressure to the QB.  If the offense runs a passing play, it's hard to get the
ball off because there is so much pressure.  If the offense runs a running
play, be prepared to stuff the running back right when he gets the ball.  This
is a great play to stop the short running plays!





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	Section:	6
	Name:		Team Rankings
	Last Updated:	8/11/04

===========================================
Here are all the team rankings in the game.  This section of the guide is quite
self-explanatory.


Team Name:		Chicago Bears
Record:			7-9-0
Overall:		70
Offense:		70
Defense:		76


Team Name:		Cincinnati Bengals
Record:			8-8-0
Overall:		83
Offense:		86
Defense:		74


Team Name:		Buffalo Bills
Record:			6-10-0
Overall:		82
Offense:		78
Defense:		93


Team Name:		Denver Broncos
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		80
Offense:		77
Defense:		89


Team Name:		Cleveland Browns
Record:			5-11-0
Overall:		65
Offense:		69
Defense:		68


Team Name:		Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record:			7-9-0
Overall:		80
Offense:		81
Defense:		86


Team Name:		Arizona Cardinals
Record:			4-12-0
Overall:		66
Offense:		70
Defense:		67


Team Name:		San Diego Chargers
Record:			4-12-0
Overall:		62
Offense:		71
Defense:		65


Team Name:		Kansas City Chiefs
Record:			13-3-0
Overall:		90
Offense:		96
Defense:		72


Team Name:		Indianapolis Colts
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		94
Offense:		98
Defense:		78


Team Name:		Dallas Cowboys
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		78
Offense:		66
Defense:		94


Team Name:		Miami Dolphins
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		81
Offense:		86
Defense:		88


Team Name:		Philadelphia Eagles
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		95
Offense:		93
Defense:		89


Team Name:		Atlanta Falcons
Record:			5-11-0
Overall:		84
Offense:		86
Defense:		77


Team Name:		San Francisco 49ers
Record:			7-9-0
Overall:		66
Offense:		69
Defense:		71


Team Name:		New York Giants
Record:			4-12-0
Overall:		70
Offense:		67
Defense:		78


Team Name:		Jacksonville Jaguars
Record:			5-11-0
Overall:		81
Offense:		88
Defense:		80


Team Name:		New York Jets
Record:			6-10-0
Overall:		80
Offense:		85
Defense:		72


Team Name:		Detroit Lions
Record:			5-11-0
Overall:		79
Offense:		84
Defense:		81


Team Name:		Green Bay Packers
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		87
Offense:		91
Defense:		74


Team Name:		Carolina Panthers
Record:			11-5-0
Overall:		93
Offense:		89
Defense:		99


Team Name:		New England Patriots
Record:			14-2-0
Overall:		99
Offense:		90
Defense:		99


Team Name:		Oakland Raiders
Record:			4-12-0
Overall:		77
Offense:		69
Defense:		86


Team Name:		St. Louis Rams
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		90
Defense:		75


Team Name:		Baltimore Ravens
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		90
Offense:		76
Defense:		90


Team Name:		Washington Redskins
Record:			5-11-0
Overall:		82
Offense:		90
Defense:		86


Team Name:		New Orleans Saints
Record:			8-8-0
Overall:		76
Offense:		88
Defense:		72


Team Name:		Seattle Seahawks
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		90
Offense:		91
Defense:		89


Team Name:		Pittsburgh Steelers
Record:			6-10-0
Overall:		74
Offense:		73
Defense:		82


Team Name:		Houston Texans
Record:			5-11-0
Overall:		73
Offense:		81
Defense:		72


Team Name:		Tennessee Titans
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		92
Offense:		89
Defense:		85


Team Name:		Minnesota Vikings
Record:			9-7-0
Overall:		85
Offense:		90
Defense:		84


Team Name:		Admirals
Record:			5-5-0
Overall:		40
Offense:		38
Defense:		39


Team Name:		Centurions
Record:			4-6-0
Overall:		38
Offense:		35
Defense:		34


Team Name:		Claymores
Record:			2-8-0
Overall:		30
Offense:		24
Defense:		23


Team Name:		Fire
Record:			3-7-0
Overall:		35
Offense:		32
Defense:		31


Team Name:		Galaxy
Record:			7-3-0
Overall:		46
Offense:		42
Defense:		40


Team Name:		Thunder
Record:			9-1-0
Overall:		37
Offense:		35
Defense:		35





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	Section:	7
	Name:		Historic Teams Rankings
	Last Updated:	8/11/04

===========================================

Here are all the Historic Teams that are present in Madden 2005.  Some of these
teams you must unlock before you get to play with them.


Team Name:		All Bears
Record:			0-0-0
Overall:		95
Offense:		92
Defense:		97


Team Name:		01 Bears
Record:			13-3-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		94 Bears
Record:			9-7-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		91 Bears
Record:			11-5-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		90 Bears
Record:			11-5-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		88 Bears
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		92
Offense:		92
Defense:		93


Team Name:		85 Bears
Record:			15-1-0
Overall:		95
Offense:		95
Defense:		95


Team Name:		77 Bears
Record:			9-5-0
Overall:		90
Offense:		88
Defense:		91


Team Name:		63 Bears
Record:			11-1-2
Overall:		90
Offense:		90
Defense:		89




Team Name:		All Bengals
Record:			0-0-0
Overall:		94
Offense:		95
Defense:		92


Team Name:		90 Bengals
Record:			9-7-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		88 Bengals
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		91
Offense:		93
Defense:		88


Team Name:		81 Bengals
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		92
Offense:		93
Defense:		91


Team Name:		73 Bengals
Record:			10-4-0
Overall:		91
Offense:		90
Defense:		93




Team Name:		All Bills
Record:			0-0-0
Overall:		95
Offense:		95
Defense:		94


Team Name:		99 Bills
Record:			11-5-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		98 Bills
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		96 Bills
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		95 Bills
Record:			10-6-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82


Team Name:		93 Bills
Record:			12-4-0
Overall:		94
Offense:		94
Defense:		94


Team Name:		92 Bills
Record:			11-5-0
Overall:		94
Offense:		95
Defense:		92


Team Name:		91 Bills
Record:			13-3-0
Overall:		93
Offense:		94
Defense:		92


Team Name:		90 Bills
Record:			13-3-0
Overall:		93
Offense:		93
Defense:		93


Team Name:		89 Bills
Record:			9-7-0
Overall:		86
Offense:		88
Defense:		82