In some sports games, feeling realistic is not a good thing.
Where are the challenge flags? Where are the fake snaps? Where are all those little intricate features that we had grown to love?
They have been replaced by a whole lot of depth in other aspects of the game that the player cannot control, such as whether the AI tries to swat a pass in coverage or try to intercept it. Or whether the AI is more aggressive on the D-line at the expense of more holding penalties.
If this is what you like, a more interactive experience with the AI and more flashy cut scenes and replays, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. Personally, I struggled to enjoy this game every minute that I played it until I finally stopped trying.