Almost every running play in Madden develops differently after the snap. Learning the different speeds for each running play will help your ground attack grow by leaps and bounds. In this article, we're going to showcase a couple different plays to breakdown some of the little nuances that you're going to want to look for in order to maximize your running efficiency in Madden 08.
General Tips for Effective Rushing
1. Quick exchanges - Find running plays that involve a swift transfer of the ball from the quarterback to the running back. 2. Minimize losses in the backfield - Find running plays that get the ball into the hands of your running back as close to the line of scrimmage as possible.
3. Run North and South, not East and West - Almost every quick developing running play will be the most beneficial when you take the handoff and get up the field as fast as possible. Otherwise, if you dance around in the backfield you run the risk of losing yardage.
HB Slam
The single best running play in Madden over the past couple years is the HB Slam, which can be found in a number of different Singleback formations. In this example, we've chosen to showcase it from the Singleback Big formation. The reason this play is widely known as the best running play in the game is because not only does it develop faster than other runs, but the handoff is received only two yards deep in the backfield. By taking the handoff just two yards deep in the backfield you're minimizing the risk of losing yardage and maximum your chances for any kind of positive gain.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck gives the handoff to running back Shaun Alexander exactly two yards deep in the backfield. However, the defense was set up perfectly and a defender is rushing straight through the open a-gap in the offensive line. Alexander is met by the linebacker about as quick as any defender could possibly get to our ballcarrier on this play. Fortunately, despite the defense being able to blow this play up quickly we are in no way going to lose yardage because the initial hit is made at the line of scrimmage. The extra speed that our ballcarrier was able to get up to before he was met by the linebacker was enough to fall forward for a gain of two yards. This is a great example of what makes this play so well-liked. Our opponent defended this play flawlessly, yet we were still able to pick up two yards.
HB Dive
This time our offense has called the Singleback Big HB Dive play. Upon first glance this appears to be the exact same play as the HB Slam. However, the HB Dive develops slightly different, preventing us from being able to experience the same consistent success.
We want you to notice in this image where quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is handing the ball off to Alexander this time. When running the HB Dive the exchange is made 3-4 yards in the backfield. This means that if you have been choosing to run the HB Dive instead of the HB Slam, then you are giving up an extra 1-2 yards to your opponent than you need to every time. The deeper starting point in the backfield for almost the exact same running play is an obvious reason that we would never suggest using the HB Dive. This time Alexander is met one yard deep in the backfield instead of at the line of scrimmage. One yard may not sound like a big deal, but the difference between a 3rd and 1 and a 3rd and 2 is huge when attempting to convert for big first downs in crucial spots.
The HB Slam / HB Dive comparison can be made with a number of plays that appear to be the same. However, what we want to get you to start thinking about is are you maximizing your running game? Are there other running plays that you could be calling that would serve the same purpose, but be more effective and more consistent? Start thinking about how often you get hit in the backfield when running the ball. The running plays that you call should have little or no chance for a loss. Don't continue to get stuck in 3rd and long situations because you can't execute on 1st and 2nd down. Analyze your running game now to get you thinking in the right direction when Madden 08 finally hits the shelves.
