Madden 2001\'s defence is hot crap on a stick!!

i use to think the same way you do about how difficult it is to stop the cpu passing game but think about this.  The running game isn\'t that hard to stop, which leave the computer with not much of an option.  The computer passes almost exclusively so based on that alone it will be hard to stop them.  It is hard to play pass defense but if you watch a pro game sometime you will see that even the pro get beat alot in the pass game.  The whole essence to stopping the pass is to get pressure on the QB.  If the QB gets all day to pass then of course he will find someone to pass to and the game is no different.  I think the defense is ultra realistic to some extent.  I find that if you mix your blitzes up alot you will get the crucial sacks at the right times to eventually make the cpu have to punt or kick a field goal.  It takes a lot of practice and good personnel on your team but you can play decent defense.

part of playing good defense is to know who your strong players are and who the oppositions good players are.  You also need to realize who is burning you and on what kind of routes.  If you use a coverage audible and move your backs and safeties up then you will be susceptable to the deep pass.  If you move them back then you are open for the underneath passes.  You have to look at the cpu\'s tendencies and try to predict what they want to do.  There is no way you can shut down the passing game completely and that is true of the pros as well.  Just because you play a dime doesn\'t mean your going to be able to cover every pass play.  This isn\'t playstation 1 madden.  This game plays very realistic and if you don\'t call the correct play on defense you will get burned regardless of what defense your in.  I have won 3 straight superbowls in franchise mode with the Jets and I am finally starting to get a handle on the defense.  I usually can keep the cpu to under 21 pts but I do give up a lot of passing yardage.  I have the bend but don\'t break philosophy of defense.  The only way to keep the passing game under control is to get in on the QB and make him throw earlier than necessary.  That will kill any of those deep routes.  Another thing is that when a pass goes toward a reciever if you take control of the defender you have to be very quick to use the speed burst so you can close in on the reciever otherwise you will not get there in time.  And lastly go for the hit.  Dont worry about trying to intercept the ball, I have found that if you can put a lick on the reciever as he catches the ball, he will drop it a lot of the time. I hope some of this will help you guys

cover 2 and cover 4 are decent but you have to play the middle line backer yourself and patrol the middle of the field to quell crossing routes.  If you are comfortable with the MLB then that is a good defense.  I like using the nickel defence/ under smoke play and control the nickel back on the blitz.  For the most part he will get a clean shot on the QB unless he has running backs staying at home to block then you have to use a little skill but either way the ball will be thrown quickly therefore minimizing those big pass plays.

man.... i wish i knew how to play NFL so i can play madden. i don\'t know what you guys are talking about

Wow, thanks for all the tips. I\'ll try to keep them in mind the next chance I get to play a couple games. I know I\'ll get better if I just stick to it but it\'s hard to stay motivated when you\'re getting burned every drive. Thanks again.

Just put it on easy diff setting, and work ur way from there. I thought it was tough the first time that i played, and that was because it was on hard. On easy my scour is always around 70 to 24. But after playin on easy a while, I have gotten good, and I am now able to play on medium with no trouble at all.

[videoholic]

How long of a game do you guys usually play?  I play 5 minute quarters and you can run the time out so fast if you want.

GO BEARS! I play with the Bears and have no problem. I don\'t allways win but all my games are competetive. Just turn down the cpu qb accuracy and cpu pass catching to help you with your pass def.

ust go into the 3-4 defense and pick DOUBLE MAN...This is a great defense...You take control of the right middle line backer and make sure he has good speed...Then just guard the tight end if there is one or if there is not then guard the reciever closest to the middle on the right side...Every reciever will then be double covered except the most inside reciever on the left side...He is covered by the left outside linebacker which is a mismatch but the computer quarterback rarely hits him...Also you may need to watch the back coming out of the backfield to the right..they like to throw to him if he is open...Hope I was of help...ALSO..this Defense does a decent job stopping the run also...It is very helpful if you have 2 or 3 good linebackers...they are the KEY to this "D"...This is also a good D to pick when playin a friend who passes a lot...

OH one more thing....before the play push R1 to make your line shift to the right...this helps the DE get more pressure on the QB and it helps stop the run cuz your man will not get blocked as easy....Line your backer right in front of the REF..this will give you a chance to read the play and stop the run..You play a huge part in stopping the run...if you miss the tackle it is not good but usually the computer guys will help ya out..this helps the DE get more pressure on the QB and it helps stop the run cuz your man will not get blocked as easy...

Hope this helps!!!

I play exclusivly the 4-3 "D", shift my line to the left (as you are looking at it on the screen), take the DE and line him up right behind the DT. At the snap of the ball, a hole will open up right in front of you, if you can get through without rubbing one of the "O"linemen you will put some excellent pressure on the QB. Works pretty well for me, even with the 4-3 D. The QB rarely has time to set up for very long. In the obvious passing situations I will call the Nickle or Dime and do the same thing with the D-line. I am in the fourth season in Franchise mode and have won the Subpar.....er.....Super Bowl four times. Also, it is highly recommended that you start our on Rookie as anywhere else when you first start out will just be frustrating.

I play with the Bears, and I have the same issues. It doesn\'t mattter who you play with, there are serious issues with the pass coverage. In week 12, I have given up 32 rushing yards ALL SEASON, but I am last against the pass. I am always in a Nickel or Dime, but on third down it doesn\'t seem to matter much, they usually get it. I never lose a game, but it\'s obnoxious to give up 2 yards rushing and 380 passing yards.