Hey, Madden gamers, remember when throwing deep was easy? Of course you do.
For years, lobbing the ball to a streaking receiver worked wonders. You'd see Randy Moss double-covered down the right side... no problem, right? Just tap the throw button and hit Moss in stride for the touchdown.
But in Madden 10, the deep ball is different. Receivers have more trouble beating cornerbacks downfield and quarterbacks are far less likely to make the perfect pass. Instead, you'll need strategy and timing to get behind the defense, adding realism and making it tough for even the most experienced Madden gamers.
First, it's important to set up the deep ball properly. By this, I mean using your offensive strategy to open up space for receivers. Try running the ball and throwing screen passes, forcing your opponent to put more defenders in the box. Success with your running game is key to throwing deep, because opposing safeties are less likely to provide help over the top. Much like real football, you'll need to be patient - the deep ball will still work, but only if you look for shorter gains on most plays.
Once you've accomplished this, it's time to think about burning your rival down the field. Once again, the most important factor will be opposing safeties. Check their positioning on the field and whether they'll be in coverage to help cover your receivers. If not, you're in business. Your best receivers should be able to beat plenty of cornerbacks one-on-one, not to mention linebackers (if they get matched up in coverage). So once again, you're looking for single coverage and no safety help if you want to throw deep.
Next, consider the players involved. Is your receiver fast? How tall is he? Obviously, you're looking for speed and height, along with good hands. Elite receivers are your best bet for the deep ball, including most of the usual suspects (Larry Fitzgerald, DeSean Jackson, Calvin Johnson, etc). Any of those guys should have a great chance to beat their man downfield, especially in single coverage. It'll work even better out of the slot if your speedster is matched up with a linebacker.
It's not just about the receiver, though. Quarterbacks have very detailed ratings in Madden 10, including their ability to throw short, medium, deep and on the run. Just because your QB's overall rating is high, it doesn't mean he can throw deep. Similarly, many of the great quarterbacks are unable to throw on the run, even if their regular passes are very accurate.
Taking these factors into account, one of the best combinations for the deep ball is Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald. Warner is incredibly accurate throwing deep, while Fitzgerald possesses the necessary traits to be a downfield threat. The pieces are there, but you still have to execute.
Once again, check the coverage - is Fitz single-covered without safety help? Good... now send him on a streak pattern. If he gets comfortably behind the defense, try lobbing the ball, but not too far downfield. This isn't the old days of Madden where 40-yard lobs worked - instead, throw the ball about 20 yards and let Fitz outrun the defense after the catch.
And if you're going to tap the button for a lob, be careful. Defenders in Madden 10 are much improved and have the ability to run down your receiver without enough separation. If the ball hangs up for too long, there's a pretty decent chance at an interception. Like I said, the best chance at the lob is to use it within the first 20 yards, when the defense is playing bump-and-run on your receiver.
If not, an effective option is the deep bullet pass. By holding the button for longer, your quarterback will fire the ball deep, rather than trying to lob it over the defense. While the lob was more effective in years past, the deep bullet works better in Madden 10.
In any case, you need to be careful with your quarterback's release. For deep passes, he'll need to step into the throw, meaning it takes longer to release the ball. This opens up opportunties for the defense to level your QB with a hit, obviously effecting the throw. If Warner is nailed by the defensive end while letting go of the ball, expect a shorter throw and a chance for the defense to intercept it. This is true on any throw, but especially important on deep attempts. It's hard to hit your downfield receivers while the pressure is on, and you'll need to be very aware of the pocket and pass rush. Ideally, you'll have plenty of time to throw, in a one-on-one situation - that's your best chance at completing the deep ball.
There are some other factors to consider:
First, throwing on the run is very tough. I mentioned this earlier - every quarterback has a specific rating for this type of throw and very few QBs are successful. Sure, shorter passes might work, but it's almost impossible to hit your receiver deep while on the move. Seriously, don't even bother... you're just asking for an interception.
Next, the conditions are very important. Are you playing in a dome? Is there snow on the ground? How's the wind? Obviously, it's easier to throw in perfect conditions, whereas deep balls in the snow and wind are tough to complete.
Finally, pick your spots carefully. I've tried to drive this point home, because it's key to the success of the deep ball. Wait until the defense gives you the right coverage and don't force throws when your receiver is covered. Even if you see him open, it's equally silly to try the throw under heavy pressure.
The deep ball in Madden 10 is incredibly satisfying to pull off. Completing a bomb to Fitzgerald or Jackson can surprise your opponent and break the game wide open, but it's not so easy anymore. Use these tips and catch your rivals off guard at the perfect moment.
Have ideas of your own? Other factors to consider? Use the comments section below to share your thoughts with the Rivalspot community, and then head to our gaming arenas for some hardcore Madden 10 action.