In addition, the AI defense fails to cover the running back on pass plays. It’s not a money play – but far too often the back is left unchecked by the AI which makes it way too easy to move the ball down the field. Of course no one is forcing you to take advantage of this AI failing, but it’s hard to resist when the game is on the line.

These AI gaffes are much less of an issue when playing against a buddy either via Xbox Live or head to head. Two player games are an absolute blast. Speaking of multiplayer, the new online franchise mode, a mode which we really could not fully test due to time constraints is another long overdue feature, and one that many hardcore fans will surely take advantage of. We will have a separate article discussing the pros and cons of online franchise mode as soon as possible.

Offline franchise mode, a feature that has been in Madden for a decade or so, has always been a bit cookie cutter (to put it mildly). This is the first year that I can say that Madden’s Franchise mode is not an afterthought. It’s not hastily cobbled together in order to give you new players each year. This is a serious mode of play and EA obviously did a ton of work fixing the numerous issues that needed to be addressed.

The rookie draft is now full of surprises. In our test the Bears landed the best impact rookie – and he was a 2nd round selection. This is unheard of in Madden and makes this mode so much more enjoyable. You have draft busts and draft surprises – right down the line. In order to successfully draft you need to scout players during the season. I tried to draft without scouting – simply picking the players in the order they were listed – and my draft was absolutely loaded with terrible picks. It’s such a fantastic change of direction from previous games.

Player progression is much improved as well. I still wish older players would start to fall off a bit quicker, especially running backs, but no longer will the league be filed with 100 players rated over 90. Player progression is such a key part of any good franchise mode and Madden has finally cleared that hurdle.

One issue that Madden’s franchise mode still needs to address is how rosters are handled. Hopefully next year we’ll get full practice squads, and active/inactive players so that if I have a full roster and a player is hurt for, say, five weeks, I can make him inactive and bring up a practice squad player or sign a FA without having to cut someone, which is really pretty silly.