Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Madden Roster Update - October 24th

Roster Update – Next Gen

Weapons
• HB Marshawn Lynch – Bills - Becomes Trucking/Power Back – A smash mouth running back who runs very physical.
• HB LaMont Jordan – Raiders - Becomes Trucking/Power Back – A load to take down. His big body moves incredibly well.
• WR Dwayne Bowe – Chiefs - Becomes Spectacular Catch Receiver – Has made some very acrobatic catches in his first year.
• HB Joseph Addai – Colts - Becomes Elusive Back – Very shifty behind the Colts great offensive line.
• DT Darnell Docket – Cardinals – Becomes Power Move DL – Getting to the QB better than any other DT in the NFL right now.
• DE Kyle Vanden Bosch – Titans – Becomes Power Move DL – Another high motor defensive end that plays to the whistle and gets to the QB.
• TE Jason Witten – Cowboys – Becomes Route Running Weapon – A great pass catching tight end that is having his best season thus far.
• WR Terrell Owens – Cowboys – Loses Hands Weapon – Too many drops to be a hands weapon.
• HB Adrian Peterson – Vikings – Becomes Speed Weapon – Looks like the fastest and quickest running back in the league.
• QB Derek Anderson – Browns – Becomes Cannon Arm QB – Was deserving of this from the get go but has earned it this year firing the ball downfield.
• WR Reggie Wayne – Colts – Loses Spectacular Catch WR – Makes great catches but not the high flying ones.
• LB Joey Porter – Dolphins – Loses Finesse Move – Looking like his time at the top is nearing an end.
• WR Laveranues Coles – Jets – Becomes Spectacular Catch WR – Making great high flying catches week after week now.
• HB Leon Washington – Jets – Becomes Elusive Back – You don’t want to be in the open field with this guy.
• LB E.J. Henderson – Vikings – Becomes Big Hitter – His hits can be heard everywhere. A thumper.
• LT Bryant McKinnie – Vikings – Becomes Crushing Run Blocker – Combines with Hutchinson to form holes giant running lanes.
• WR Andre Davis – Texans – Becomes Speed Weapon - A vertical home run hitter for the Texans.

Ratings Up
• CB Marlin Jackson – 83 to 84 – Key contributor to an improved Colts defense.
• TE Dallas Clark – 87 to 88 – Having a pro bowl season for the Colts juggernaut.
• HB Marshawn Lynch – 83 to 84 – Running hard for the quarterback challenged Buffalo Bills.
• HB LaMont Jordan – 85 to 86 – Looks back to his old self after a year off. A load to tackle for sure.
• QB Tony Romo – 89 to 90 – What did Romo show us this week? How fast and athletic the Dallas QB is.
• QB Brett Favre – 90 to 92 – With little to no running game Favre has been the sole offensive reason the Packers have moved the ball this year.
• WR Donald Driver – 93 to 94 – Vastly underrated by most everyone. He is starting to get his due.
• HB Willie Parker – 90 to 91 – Fast Willie led the NFL in rushing up until his bye week.
• WR Dwayne Bowe – 77 to 79 – How bad did he look in Hard Knocks? How good does he look now.
• DT Darnell Dockett – 87 to 88 – Leads all defensive tackles in sacks. He is starting to live up to his potential in the Cardinals new defense.
• LB Michael Boley – 82 to 85 – Big time tackler in Atlanta.
• CB Phillip Buchanon – 77 to 80 – Hasn’t missed a beat in filling in for the injured Brian Kelly.
• QB Kurt Warner – 80 to 83 – The Cardinals offense is at its best when he is in there running the hurry up.
• WR Greg Jennings – 85 to 86 – Showed that he is back on the game winning touchdown run vs. the Chargers.
• WR James Jones – 78 to 79 – With the exception of the two fumbles vs. the Bears this rookie has the body language and physique of a veteran.
• WR Ruvell Martin – 69 to 71 – Has made several nice grabs in the Packers pass happy offense.
• TE Donald Lee – 78 to 80 – Starting for Bubba Franks now, he adds a new dimension of stretching the defense down the seam.
• HB DeShawn Wynn – 73 to 76 – Getting plenty of touches in the running back by committee Packer backfield.
• HB Vernand Morency – 79 to 81 – Definitely the most explosive and agile of the Packer backs.
• FB Korey Hall – 75 to 83 – The former college linebacker is the making the transition to NFL fullback.
• K Mason Crosby – 81 to 86 – Clutch kicker before his two misses vs. Washington.
• HB Jason Wright – 73 to 76 – Second string back in Cleveland. Filled in for an injured Jamal Lewis for the better part of two games.
• FB Mike Sellers – 83 to 87 – Dump off option for Jason Campbell. Ran over and through several Lions a couple weeks ago.
• HB Derrick Ward – 77 to 80 – Came out of nowhere to fill in for the Brandon Jacobs. Quick hard runner.
• HB Brandon Jacobs – 83 to 84 – If he stays healthy he will put up big numbers behind the underrated Giants Oline.
• WR Plaxico Burress – 92 to 93 – Starting to live up to his enormous potential and is shedding the “Plexiglass” nickname.
• FS Calvin Lowry – 70 to 74 – Starting for the tough as nails Tennessee defense.
• CB Fakhir Brown – 80 to 84 – Intercepted two passes, with 6 pass deflections, in his first game back from a 4 game suspension.
• CB Jabari Greer – 69 to 75 – Stepped up when injuries ravished the entire Bills defense. Shouldn’t lose his starting job.
• DE Anthony Hargrove – 73 to 76 – Underrated pass rusher that missed the first 4 games due to suspension.
• QB Trent Edwards – 70 to 74 – Can he win a game with his arm and is he the starter? The rookie has filled in pretty well for the injured Losman.
• K Nick Folk – 76 to 81 – The rookie kicker beat out Martin Gramatica in the preseason and is drilling everything so far. Including the game winning FG vs. the Bills twice.
• CB Jacques Reeves – 65 to 75 – Nickel back for the improving Cowboys pass defense.
• LB Anthony Spencer – 75 to 78 – His hold on a starting position might be coming to an end with the return of Greg Ellis but he has been solid so far.
• TE Jason Witten – 93 to 94 – Creating nightmares for opposing defenses, except for the Patriots, he already has his tickets to Honolulu.
• WR Ben Obomanu – 68 to 70 – Getting some playing time with the injuries to the Seattle receiving core.
• WR Brad Smith – 65 to 75 – Taking over as the Jets third WR.
• DT Rodrique Wright – 68 to 71 – Getting some playing time after a year on the IR.
• HB Adrian Peterson – 88 to 89 – I can only think of one running back that looks even close to as good as AD right now. The only guy that can stop him right now is Coach Childress.
• DE Aaron Kampman – 95 to 97 – Creating pure havoc on opposing offenses right now.
• DE Cullen Jenkins – 86 to 87 – The stats only say 1 sack, but he has been great defending the run and rushing the passer.
• DE Kabeer Gbaja Biamila – 86 to 88 – KGB is back to sacking the QB again. A great tandem with Kampman.
• LB Brady Poppinga – 75 to 78 – That other LB for Green Bay.
• SS Atari Bigby – 75 to 80 – A huge hitter at safety that might be a liability in the passing game but thumps running backs.
• FS Nick Collins – 78 to 80 – Has shown little progress from his rookie year but with Bigby forms an above average run stopping duo at safety.
• DT Corey Williams – 84 to 85 – Probably the best of the bunch of the Packers defensive tackles. A true pass rushing DT.
• DT Ryan Pickett – 82 to 85 – Big defensive tackle that starts for the stingy Packer defense.
• TE Desmond Clark – 83 to 84 – Has stepped up his game with the emergence of Greg Olsen.
• TE Greg Olsen – 80 to 81 – A true pass catching tight end. Is improving each week.
• HB Kenny Watson – 77 to 79 – Some say he will split carries with Rudi when Rudi is healthy. I wouldn’t go that far but he filled in admirably.
• LG Stacy Andrews – 76 to 79 – Mammoth starting guard for the Bengals.
• DE Justin Smith – 87 to 89 – High motor pass rushing end.
• WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh – 91 to 93 – One of the premier #2 WR’s in the league. Fearless over the middle.
• DT Kyle Williams – 80 to 81 – Stout defender holding down the middle for the surprising Buffalo defense.
• LB John DiGiorgio – 70 to 72 – Starting now for the injured Posluszny at MLB.
• WR Roscoe Parrish – 73 to 75 – The new #2 WR in Buffalo with the season ending injury to Peerless Price.
• WR Josh Reed – 74 to 75 – Slot WR for Buffalo. Not the fastest WR around but goes over the middle and has good hands.
• RT Erik Pears – 79 to 81 – Starting RT for the Denver offense. They just plug in guys in their system and all they do is run the ball.
• RG Montrae Holland – 79 to 81 – Big RG for the Denver Oline.
• LB Nate Webster – 76 to 80 – Starting at strong side linebacker for the Denver defense.
• LG Chris Kuper – 74 to 78 – Injuries have forced this backup into the starting lineup.
• DT Amon Gordon – 77 to 78 – A starter for the Denver defense at defensive tackle.
• QB Derek Anderson – 79 to 81 – This big armed QB has the surprising Cleveland offense scoring big points.
• WR Braylon Edwards – 87 to 88 – He has some of the best catches of the year thus far. Averaging almost 100 yards and more than a TD per game.
• DT Jovan Haye – 78 to 80 – Came out of nowhere to start for the Bucs defense.
• DT Greg Peterson – 66 to 70 – The late round draft pick is getting playing time for the solid as usual Bucs defense.
• FS Tanard Jackson – 75 to 79 – A big hitter at the safety position. A rookie starter who has played well.
• LB Calvin Pace – 70 to 72 – Starting now at OLB for the Cardinals. A big game vs. the Redskins means he will keep going up.
• FS Jarrad Page – 76 to 80 – A first time starter this year has helped the surprising Chiefs defense to a good start.
• DE Tamba Hali – 86 to 87 – Combines with Jared Allen to form one of the top pass rushing end tandems in the AFC.
• DE Jared Allen – 92 to 93 – Leads the league in sacks after missing two games due to suspension. A real problem for offenses.
• SS Bernard Pollard – 81 to 82 – A huge hitter who thumps receivers over the middle.
• WR Jeff Webb – 65 to 70 – Injuries forced him into action and he responded with a 7 catches for 78 yards day vs. the Bengals.
• CB Nathan Jones – 62 to 67 – The dime back for the Cowboys.
• HB Ronnie Brown – 88 to 89 – Was one of the top backs in the league with little to no help from the quarterback position or offensive line before a knee injury ended his season.
• CB Michael Lehan – 68 to 73 – Has moved his way into the starting lineup for the lowly Dolphins.
• WR Wes Welker – 86 to 87 – Starting to show he was worth the huge contract. Catches almost everything he gets his hands on and is extremely elusive and tough.
• TE Brent Celek – 67 to 70 – An injury to LJ Smith forced this rookie into action and he stepped up.
• QB Joey Harrington – 79 to 80 – It’s difficult to be hard on Joey Heisman now that they are down to their 3rd Left Tackle with no running game. Gonna get worse before it gets better.
• DT Trey Lewis – 65 to 67 – The late round draft pick has had to play with so many injuries to the Atlanta Dline but he has stepped up.
• WR Roddy White – 78 to 79 – Still gets a case of the drops too often but has put up solid numbers in the Falcons passing game.
• DE Osi Umenyiora – 87 to 90 – Has feasted on terrible tackles but still is as explosive as they get at the defensive end position.
• QB David Garrard – 83 to 84 – A true game manager. A fast and heady QB should take the Jaguars to the playoffs.
• SS Kerry Rhodes – 94 to 95 – One of the best safeties in the game.
• WR Laveranues Coles – 91 to 92 – Another underrated WR. Could be a big deep threat if the QB had a bigger arm. If Kellen Clemens gets the nod he could be beating defenses deep again.
• DE Kenyon Coleman – 79 to 82 – 40 tackles through 7 games at the defensive end position. More than doing his part.
• HB Leon Washington – 80 to 81 – They need to find more ways to get this guy the ball. The former FSU standout is a playmaker.
• CB David Barrett – 76 to 78 – He was benched in the second half vs. the Bengals but he had been starting before that.
• RG Junius Coston – 70 to 73 – New RG for the Packer Oline.
• K Stephen Gostkowski – 82 to 87 – The accurate kicker for the New England machine.
• WR Derrick Mason – 85 to 87 – Who leads the NFL in receptions through 7 weeks? This guy.
• LB Jarret Johnson – 80 to 82 – Adalius Thomas’ replacement. A tough strong end/OLB that should get to the QB.
• DT Anthony Montgomery – 64 to 77 – The big guy in the middle for the Redskins. They found they couldn’t keep him off the field or out of the starting lineup.
• WR Antwaan Randle El – 74 to 77 – One of the bright spots of the lackluster Redskin receiving core.
• QB Jason Campbell – 82 to 83 – The injuries to the offensive line have created a chain effect on the Redskin offense. Cooley has to block more, the running game isn’t as effective, and the receivers are mediocre at best. But Campbell has played well.
• LB Rocky McIntosh – 81 to 84 – Looking like another big time LB from Miami. He is starting to make a name for himself.
• WR Lance Moore – 73 to 75 – Returns kicks and punts for the Saints and is trying to get more touches in the receiving game with the demotion of Devery Henderson.
• FB Carey Davis – 85 to 86 – New starting fullback for the Steelers. A big boy who can catch the ball out of the backfield.
• HB Najeh Davenport – 79 to 80 – Goal line and third down back for the Steelers. Packs a punch.
• LB James Harrison – 83 to 84 – “Silverback” is a nasty LB for the Steel curtain. Should be close to 100 tackles with 6+ sacks at the end of the year.
• RT Willie Colon – 75 to 79 – New starting RT for the Steelers.
• DT Pat Williams – 90 to 91 – Fat Pat is the immovable object in the middle of the Vikings defense.
• LB E.J. Henderson – 85 to 86 – A big hitter who is a big part of the Vikings rush defense.
• LT Bryant McKinnie – 94 to 95 – Hutchinson and McKinnie form the best left side in all of football.
• RG Anthony Herrera – 74 to 78 – The new RG for the Vikings.
• RT Ryan Cook – 74 to 77 – The RT for the Vikings. He helps pave the way for All Day Adrian Peterson.
• CB Cortland Finnegan – 79 to 82 – A feisty cornerback for the Titans who hits hard and is a playmaker.
• DT Albert Haynesworth – 87 to 90 – Probably the best DT in all of football right now. If he keeps it up he will be the elite DT in Madden in no time.
• DT Tony Brown – 77 to 81 – He starts opposite Haynesworth for the Titans defense.
• LE Antwan Odom – 78 to 82 – A true mammoth defensive end (6-5 275) for the Titans.
• WR Chris Davis – 68 to 70 – Has looked exceptional returning kicks for the Titans. He looks much faster than his combine speed.
• WR Kevin Walter – 71 to 73 – The possession receiver has filled in for Andre Johnson and had some big games.
• WR Andre Davis – 70 to 74 – Another guy chipping in the loss of Andre Johnson. A vertical threat the Texan offense.
• WR Kevin Curtis – 83 to 84 – “White Lightning” is the new vertical threat for McNabb. He should have some big days this year for the Eagles.

Ratings Down
• HB Shaun Alexander – 95 to 91 – Starting to look like a poor mans Duce Staley.
• FS Brian Dawkins – 96 to 94 – Age is starting to catch up with B-Dawk.
• QB Matt Leinart – 84 to 83 – Cardinals look better with Warner in there right now.
• QB Rex Grossman – 83 to 78 – Long time coming.
• QB Drew Brees – 95 to 93 – Not what I expected from the Saints and their QB.
• WR Terrell Owens – 97 to 96 – Too many drops to be up there with the rest of the elite WR’s.
• RG Damien Woody – 91 to 89 – Has been a healthy inactive this year.
• WR Brian Clark – 72 to 70 – Buried on the Broncos depth chart.
• TE Daniel Graham – 86 to 85 – Not involved at all in the Denver offense.
• DE Simeon Rice – 89 to 88 – Shoulder injury is hampering this former superstars season.
• DT Alvin McKinley – 79 to 78 – Not starting and not helping a terrible Denver run defense.
• LB Joey Porter – 92 to 90 – A shadow of his former self. Just got his first sack in week 7.
• QB Byron Leftwich – 82 to 80 – Has to prove his rating after being cut in the preseason.
• WR Joe Horn – 85 to 84 – Still might not be healthy. His numbers back that up.
• WR Ashley Lelie – 74 to 70 – A bystander in the 49ers offense. Has never lived up to the hype. Just a vertical route runner who might not be a burner anymore.
• CB Andre Dyson – 84 to 79 – Not starting anymore and playing time has been limited.
• RT George Foster – 84 to 79 – Benched several times this year due to poor play.
• FS Eugene Wilson – 88 to 86 – Might be scheme related or so that he is fresh for the end of season but some of his reps have been taken.
• DT Terdell Sands – 85 to 81 – Benched for Gerard Warren which is not a good thing.
• DT Hollis Thomas – 85 to 80 – Benched on a terrible Saints defense.
• WR Devery Henderson – 80 to 76 – Drop, Catch, Drop, Drop. Not a good pattern for the speedster. Hands are an issue right now.
• DE Patrick Kerney – 92 to 91 – Not as productive as he once was.
• RG Floyd Womack – 82 to 79 – Been overrated in Madden for a while. A 37 year old starts over him.
• FB Dan Kreider – 88 to 84 – Lost his starting job recently. Still a solid FB.
• RG Artis Hicks – 82 to 80 – Lost his starting job recently in Minnesota.

Transactions
• WR Michael Lewis – Signs with 49ers
• WR Brandon Williams – Released by 49ers
• WR Taylor Jacobs – Released by 49ers
• WR Bryan Gilmore – Signs with 49ers
• HB Ken Darby – Added to Bucs
• HB Josh Scobey – Released by Bills
• CB Jerametrius Butler – Signs with Bills
• HB Clifton Dawson – Released by Bengals/Signs with Colts
• HB DeDe Dorsey – Signs with Bengals
• HB Pierre Thomas – Added to Saints
• TE Courtney Anderson – Signs with Lions
• HB Aveion Cason – Signs with Lions
• WR Keenan McCardell – Signs with Redskins
• WR Anthony Mix – Released by Giants
• WR Domenik Hixon – Released by Broncos/Signs with Giants
• FS Josh Gattis – Signs with Bears
• SS Brandon McGowan – Added to Bears
• LB Andre Frazier – Added to Steelers
• LB William Kershaw – Released by Chiefs
• LB Nate Harris – Added to Chiefs
• C Lyle Sendlein – Added to Cardinals
• LT Renardo Foster – Added to Falcons
• WR Bobby Sippio – Added to Chiefs
• HB Andre Hall – Added to Broncos
• WR Glenn Martinez – Added to Broncos
• C Nick Leckey – Signs with Rams
• QB Matt Moore – Added to Panthers
• FB Mack Strong – Retires from Seahawks
• FB Leonard Weaver – Added to Seahawks
• C Chukky Okobi – Released by Cardinals
• LG Keydrick Vincent – Signs with Cardinals
• SS Bhawoh Jue – Signs with Rams
• QB Tim Rattay – Signs with Cardinals
• FS Lamont Thompson – Released by Dolphins
• DT Sam Rayburn – Signs with Dolphins
• CB Lenny Walls – Released by Rams
• SS Jarrod Cooper – Signs with Raiders
• QB Vinny Testaverde – Signs with Panthers
• CB Keiwan Ratliff – Released by Bengals
• CB David Jones – Signs with Bengals
• RT Kelly Butler – Released by Browns
• CB Brandon McDonald – Added to Browns
• WR Jerheme Urban – Added to Cardinals
• WR Craphonso Thorpe – Added to Colts
• CB Tory James – Released by Patriots
• SS Mel Mitchell – Added to Patriots
• CB Duane Starks – Released by Raiders
• WR Travis Taylor – Released by Raiders
• LB Jon Alston – Added to Raiders
• DE Eric Moore – Released by Rams
• DE Trevor Johnson – Added to Rams
• HB Cory Ross – Released by Ravens
• FS Omar Stoutmire – Released by Redskins
• C Chris White – Added to Texans
• WR Chris Chambers – Traded from Dolphins to Chargers
• SS Donovin Darius – Released by Dolphins
• HB Michael Bennett – Traded from Chiefs to Bucs
• DE Quentin Moses – Released by Cardinals
• WR Koren Robinson – Added to Packers

Injuries
• SS Sabby Piscitelli – Bucs – IR Foot
• C Steve McKinney – Texans – IR Knee
• HB Carnell Williams – Bucs – IR Knee
• LT Luke Pettigout – Bucs – IR Knee
• HB Deuce McAllister – Saints – IR Knee
• LG Mark Setterstrom – Rams – IR Knee
• RG Jason Whittle – Bills – IR Hamstring
• TE Dan Campbell – Lions – IR Elbow
• HB Alvin Pearman – Seahawks – IR Knee
• TE David Thomas – Patriots – IR Foot
• LB Lemar Marshall – Bengals – IR Achilles
• WR Peerless Price – Bills – IR Neck
• LT Wayne Gandy – Falcons – IR Knee
• QB Jake Delhomme – Panthers – IR Elbow
• C Tom Nalen – Broncos – IR Bicep
• LG Ben Hamiton – Broncos – IR Concussion
• SS Jerome Carter – Rams – IR Foot
• RT Adam Goldberg – Rams – IR Knee
• WR Roy Hall – Colts – IR Shoulder
• WR Jerome Mathis – Texans – IR Leg
• DE Darrion Scott – Vikings – IR Foot
• QB Chris Simms – Bucs – IR Spleen
• QB Matt Leinart – Cardinals – IR Collarbone
• DT Chartric Darby – Seahawks – IR Knee
• WR Eric Parker – Chargers – IR – Toe
• WR Tab Perry – Bengals – IR - Hip

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Madden 08 - Next Gen Formation Shifting



One of the big features missing in Next Gen Madden is the ability to formation shift. While we expect to see this feature next year on the 360 & PS3, there is a way to change up looks in Madden 08. With some quick audible work and the right timing, you can create some pretty slick formations.

Madden 08 - Defeating the 3 Man Pass Rush



For many players the bane of their existence in Madden 08 is the 3 man DE Contain pass rush plays. With these in effect it is just about impossible to run plays from under center. With the help of one of our forum members, the VG Sports team went deep into the lab to find a fix for this problem.

Madden 08 - 5WR Motion



Believe it or not, it is possible to put 5 WRs in motion on the same play.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Strategy Corner - Defending Next Gen Heat

Week in and week out people discuss nanos. Some think it is not
fair because you can't make good offensive line adjustments. Others
say, just get in the shotgun. Both are valid points. However, today
I want to look at passing the ball from under Center with six and
seven man protection schemes.

The first play I want to look at this against is the 3-4 Solid DE
Contain. The 3 Man crash in nano brings quick pressure when you
have fast defensive ends. I want to mention up front that this
protection scheme is based out of Compression and Flex sets. So
look for formations such as Singleback Trips Bunch TE, and Flip
Trips.

One of the keys to passing the ball from under center and blocking
the nano blitzes up the gut is to get a WR stacked behind the
tackle. To get this look, simply flip the play two times really
quick. On the 360 that would be X + RT, X + RT really fast. Hot
route block the player that stacks behind the offensive tackle as
well as the HB to block.

On the snap the DEs move to the inside. Even if the Guards did not
pick them up, the HB and our WR stacked behind the offensive tackle
form a 2nd line of protection.

This gives me plenty of time in the pocket to read the field and
get the pass off.

I want to look at this against Engage Eight as well. I will first
look at this against Engage Eight without the Safety blitzing then
I will look at it with the Safety blitzing.

The defense can be stacked at the line. The engage eight brings
some very quick pressure from this set up.

But, with the WR & HB in the scheme, everyone gets picked up.
Rest assured, if anyone gets to the QB here it is because they beat
a block. They will not be running free here.

Now let's look at this with the Safety blitzing as we are going to
get some heat coming up the middle.

This is where our HB steps up and slows that down. I get some extra
time in the pocket to read the field and make the pass. Be sure to
lab these plays and pay careful attention to how the protection
works.

Lab this and get it into your offense. Once you get the pass
protection down then look at installing routes. Again, this only
works in certain formations. Singleback Trips Bunch, Bunch TE, Flip
Trips can definitely be used. On plays in which the HB is already
blocking, you may still need to hot block him.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Madden Tournament Scene

Just a couple of items of note this time around. Congrats to Big B
and the EMB for some steller tournament performances. Brusk took
down the recent 360 Tournament in Trenton, NJ.

Also, Problem grabbed the EMB's first Madden Challenge Regional to
kick off the season. Big B and the crew will be gunning for more
when the events hit the East Coast, so watch out for the EMB!

Coming up soon is Gamestop's 'KOTC New Jersey" Sponsored By Devry
on Sat, October 27th, 2007. The event will be held at:

DeVry University
630 U.S. Highway One
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

For more information, go to http://www.njmaddenballers.com

A Special Message from VG Sports

We have come a long way since I started things off in 2001. We
have grown from a one man shop to a team of dedicated Madden
players who each bring their own unique style of play to the site.
There were 8 of us involved in keeping this ship going the right
direction as we began our 7th season of covering Madden football.

I have been talking with the staff lately about our vision for VG
Sports this year and beyond. We are challenging each other to make
a dramatic improvement in our offerings this year as VG Sports
evolves as a company.

Of course success brings all of the copycats out of the woodwork,
but competition is a good thing. You will see some things coming
out the next couple of months that have never been done before by
any site...period.

As part of our overall goal to continue to push the envelope of
Madden strategy, I am going to make a strong committment to you to
provide more FREE content in the form of our Madden Newsletters.

Each month (or possibly every 2 weeks), I will give you new
strategies you can use to improve your game as well as keep your
informed about what is going on in the Madden Community.

Thanks for being along for the journey and buckle up for a wild
ride the rest of this Madden 08 season.

Best Regards,

Bert Ingley
VG Sports, Inc.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

This Week in the Filmroom

Let me just say that the Filmrom has been on fire lately. The team
has really stepped up as a whole and is bringing not only a lot of
creativity, but a ton of bonuses and timely releases.

Here's what is coming out in this week's (Oct. 8) Filmroom:

The Pistol Offense: Madden 08 Style (NG) - Last week in the
filmroom, we showed how to flip the play twice to counter nanos and
how to send up 5 receivers in motion from one play. Both of those
plays, were from bunch formations. This week we want to show how to get in a form of the Pistol Offense that Nevada runs in college
football. What this formation will do is buy you and extra second
or two to avoid some of the A-B Gap nano heat while lining up under
center.

Compressing the Offensive Line (NG) - This week we got a hot tip
from VG Sports forum member Maddbrett1. What we like about this
tip is it benefits both the pass and run game while lining up under
center.

Creating New Formations on the Fly (NG) - We have been showing ways to create new formations on the fly over the last few weeks. This week, we want to do a blow out on how to get new formations on the fly when calling plays from five different Singleback formations.

Motion Drive: Use of Flipping Plays (NG) - If you have been looking
at the filmroom the past few weeks I have to say that LB and Kobra
have stepped up big time. They found a scheme that you can really
use with a little lab work.

Old School Heat: Audible Down (NG) - Over the years players have
found all kinds of techniques to avoid being sacked. One of more
popular techniques is to sprint the QB away from the pressure as
soon as the ball is snapped.

WR Corner (CG) - The Shotgun Bunch is a set that you can mix in
with the rest of your offense. You can come up from a 2 back set or
a Big set ,and the defense has to play you differently.

Singleback Flip Trips Delta Sit (CG) - Once a month I come over to
the dark side to see how things are going with our current gen
guys. This month on my visit I want to look at the Buffalo Bills
playbook. I have always liked the amount of pass plays that you can
find in this playbook, but the play that I am focusing on today is
the Delta Sit.

Tight Series (CG) - Those of you that have followed my guides
learned that last year it was about expanding your sets with
formation shifting plays for other sets to the one that you like.
This way it makes it harder for someone to lab you up or know what
is coming at them.

To find out how you can get access to the filmroom, go to
http://www.maddenfilmroom.com