The Running Game

Managing an effective running game is similar to managing a passing attack: there are numerous variables to consider that turn a running play’s loss into a running play’s gain. This section will help you gain consistent positive yardage with your favorite running back.

Reading the Defense

The genesis of a strong running game begins with knowing when to run and when to audible out of the run. Achieving consistent run success against "eight in the box" (meaning eight defenders positioned along the line and linebacker spots) is difficult. It’s certainly possible to break through these defenders and pick up an astoundingly long gain but often you’ll be tackled after a short gain or even a loss.

Running against a nickel defense will often be more effective. This defense exchanges a linebacker, who typically excels at tackling the running back, for a cornerback, who typically doesn’t excel at tackling the running back. Call three wide receiver sets and your opponent will often call nickel to protect against the pass. Run out of these sets to mix up your game. Continue to mix it up (passing out of run formations, running out of pass formations) to keep the advantage to your offense.

Shift your receivers along the line of scrimmage against man coverage. This moves defenders to the opposite side of the field. Run toward where the defenders were; now there are fewer defenders there. That’s fewer defenders you need to dodge or break tackle to pick up a solid gain.

Playmaker Control

Use playmaker control pre-snap on a rushing play to quickly switch the play’s direction.

The most important playmaker control in the running game is before the ball is snapped. You can alter the direction of the run play by moving the right analog stick left or right (opposite of the original run play direction). This can make a huge different depending on defensive alignment. If you’ve picked a run play toward the left and the defense as stacked the left side of the field, use playmaker control to shift the running play to the right by moving the right analog stick to the right.

You can also use the right analog stick during a running play for further playmaker control. Moving the right analog stick can adjust the movements of nearby blockers. It’s difficult to put into motion but can be effective when you need just one single block to break a big gain. Note that you can also use this playmaker control on kick returns.

Running Tips and Tricks

The following list offers some tips on managing an effective rushing attack in Madden 2005.

Squeeze out as much yardage as possible on a run by utilizing the special move buttons.

• Examine your favorite running back’s statistics. Faster runners (greater speed and acceleration) can excel in outside runs because they can outrun the pursuing ends and linebackers; slower runners may likely be better in churning out yardage in inside runs, especially if they have a strong break tackle rating.
• Learn the special move buttons, such as spin, stiff arm, and juke. All of these should be used to pick up an extra couple yards or even create a big gain. Press left or right when hitting the spin button to spin in that direction; spin away from would be tacklers. Utilize stiff arm for running over defenders, particularly weak tackling defenders like cornerbacks. Perform a juke move to dodge an incoming defender. You should also use juke to pop through a hole. For instance, you sprint toward a hole in the line and it’s collapsing along the left side. As you enter the hole, perform a juke to the right to squeeze through the hole.
• It’s often best to follow the running play as designed. Your blockers are opening a specific hole for your running back; your goal is to hit that hole and sprint through into the linebackers or secondary. Naturally the play could break down. Observe how the blocking is holding up and adjust to another direction if necessary. Keep your back moving north and south rather than east and west so you’re gaining positive yardage.
• Don’t forget the "protect ball" button, especially when your opponent is lining up a defender to use the hit stick, a new feature in Madden 2005. It’s not a bad idea to practice protecting the ball whenever a tackler approaches.
• This is a general offensive tip but highly applicable to running plays. Monitor your players’ fatigue levels. When you select a play, note the shade of your players’ symbols’ colors. The more yellow the symbol, the more fatigued the player. Running backs can get fatigued quickly from long runs or rough tackles. Use the spell HB package to send in a fresh body. Or if your whole team is fatigued after a lot of hurry up, you may want to burn a time out.

Top Ranked Running Backs

The following chart reveals the top rated running backs in Madden 2005.

Top Ranked Fullbacks

The following chart reveals the top rated fullbacks in Madden 2005.

Top Ranked Offensive Linemen

The following chart reveals the top rated offensive linemen in Madden 2005.