One of the newest features in Madden NFL 09 is the ability to now return field goals that are missed. With the increase of field goals being returned for touchdowns in the past couple years we knew that it was only a matter of time before EA put it in the game. The 108-yard return by the Chicago Bears' Devin Hester and the record breaking 109-yard return by the San Diego Chargers' Antonio Cromartie were two of the most amazing plays in NFL history. Fortunately, users will now be able to make some history of their own as there's actually a play that can be selected on defense called FG Block Return.
This may not seem like a big addition at first, but adding a field goal return option should only increase the amount of late game strategy needed to win. Think about this scenario for a moment: the game is tied and you're at your opponent's 38 yardline with 30 seconds remaining. Do you attempt a potentially game-winning 55-yard field goal and risk a possible return for a touchdown by the defense, or do you punt the ball away and just try to take it to overtime? What about what you should you do if you're on defense? Well, if you choose to try to return the field goal you could get tackled before you can even get back to where the ball was held at your own 45 yardline, losing valuable time and yardage if you're thinking about possibly attempting a game-winning kick of your own. However, you also know that the offense has so many slow linemen and tight ends on the field that it creates a scoring opportunity that you may not see again in the game. The addition of field goal returns should only make the game more interesting no matter what your late game decisions are.
Madden NFL 09 - Returning Field Goal Kicks
The design for the FG Block Return looks similar to the Field Goal Block play that most people select when their opponent lines up for the kick. However, the difference in this play can be seen about 40 yards downfield as our returner waits on the goal line to catch the ball if the kick is missed. There's no doubt that the opportunity to return a field goal for a touchdown is definitely there. Sometimes features are added and people are skeptical, but this is one feature that can truly be beneficial if you get good blocking and are able find a seam.
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After the snap, our defensive linemen engage with the offensive linemen. Meanwhile, our cornerbacks still attempt to block the kick as they both try to race around the outsides of the line. The immediate blocks by all the linemen at the line of scrimmage allows us to get the ball with plenty of room to run upfield.
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Unfortunately, because all of the blocks are made in one specific area of the field it makes it difficult for us to find a seam to take it all the way. There's always a chance you can go the distance with the FG Block Return, but to increase your chances of finding an opening we like to use a Prevent defense instead.
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The chances of actually blocking a field goal in Madden are slim. With that in mind, this time the play we select is the Dime Normal Prevent because we want to space out the field with blockers to give us the best possible chance for a big return if the kick is missed.
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Notice that as soon as the field goal is attempted the offensive linemen remain at the line of scrimmage. The members of the offensive line won't begin attacking your ballcarrier until the missed field goal is caught by a member of the defense. Currently, we only have two defensive linemen rushing because the other two already retreated down the field. As the ball begins to die down, the deepest member of our secondary races over to make the catch. With all the blocking that's set up it almost looks just like a regular kickoff return has been formed.
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Antonio Cromartie makes the catch on the missed field goal and begins heading upfield. You can see that Cromartie has blockers lined up from sideline to sideline that can be used to find a crease in the defense. In this example, Cromartie's able to get behind the wall and get to the outside for a big play.
Conclusion
The speed advantage for the defense when returning a missed field goal is really what creates the opportunity to take one all the way. It's worth attempting from time to time simply because it's just one more way that users will now be able to score. EA did a fine job of adding this option because it's not overly effective, but it can still work and it certainly adds more excitement to the game.
