It Is What It Is: Cyber Monday's must-watch episode is Mike Tomlin accolades, Bengals lost season and NFL hot takes
As if you needed more reasons to tune into all things ‘It Is What It Is’ today? The crew of Cam’ron, Treasure ‘Stat Baby’ Wilson and Ma$e are back-back with NFL analyst and legend Michael Irvin weighing in on all things NFL.
As if you needed more reasons to tune into all things ‘It Is What It Is’ today? The crew of Cam’ron, Treasure ‘Stat Baby’ Wilson and Ma$e are back-back with NFL analyst and legend Michael Irvin weighing in on all things NFL.
From the Pittsburgh Steelers big wins to what’s going on with the San Francisco 49ers, it’s all about the football talk on a Cyber Monday. Tap in.
Dexter Lawrence: Watching my favorite New York Giants star turning up is pure awesomeness
Low-key? I’m all in on Daniel Jones, Kayvon Thibodeaux and of course Malik Nabers but my goodness if Dexter Lawrence hasn’t been putting in work, work, work for these past few seasons. Holy smokes.
Low-key? I’m all in on Daniel Jones, Kayvon Thibodeaux and of course Malik Nabers but my goodness if Dexter Lawrence hasn’t been putting in work, work, work for these past few seasons. Holy smokes.
It’s a game at a time but it’s clear he’s really setting tones. Enjoy these big Dex moments.
‘You’re going to have to earn that paycheck against me!”’
2K: A much-needed NFL 2K mobile game has officially arrived in 'Playmakers'
While your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and PC are always going to be bae - there’s no denying how much mobile gaming is life goals when you’re away from home. So it’s no surprise a much-needed NFL game for your handheld experience has come together in the newly launched NFL 2K Playmakers.
While your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and PC are always going to be bae - there’s no denying how much mobile gaming is life goals when you’re away from home. So it’s no surprise a much-needed NFL game for your handheld experience has come together in the newly launched NFL 2K Playmakers.
Now it’s not your typical gaming goals setup. This is a free-to-play card-based experience for your mobile device. Peep the details.
The National Football League, NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and 2K, today launched NFL 2K Playmakers, a new non-simulation tactical card battler mobile game for iOS and Android devices* developed by Cat Daddy Games. Users who download NFL 2K Playmakers and create a game account before May 7, 2024, will earn a special launch bundle, including a Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud Player Card**.
“NFL 2K Playmakers expands our mobile footprint and brings a whole new way for NFL fans to play and engage,” said Ed Kiang, vice president of video gaming at the NFL. “We’re excited to see this partnership with 2K - a company with a proven track record at the intersection of sports and gaming - come to life on mobile devices.”
NFL 2K Playmakers allows users to collect NFL player cards to assemble the strongest roster on offense, defense and special teams in this free-to-play card battler mobile game that puts fans squarely on the gridiron. Users can make their mark by leveling up their card collection as they experience a variety of game modes and features in NFL 2K Playmakers, including:
Red Zone Drive Mode - In Red Zone Drive, decisions made on the field matter. Apply your NFL knowledge, call strategic plays and watch your team execute on the field. Draft a custom roster of NFL player cards as you chase the win and earn rewards across different regions.
Seasons Mode - Build your dream team and lead them through an NFL season on your way to a Super Bowl victory. Join an NFL season and earn your way into the playoffs for a chance at becoming a Super Bowl Champion.
Leverage Real NFL Results - Starting this upcoming 2024 NFL season, make predictions about upcoming real NFL games to score points for a chance to win in-game rewards. More information will be available at the start of the 2024-2025 NFL season.
“With NFL 2K Playmakers we're delivering football fans the chance to make strategic calls, build their dream roster, and dominate the field all from their mobile devices,” said John Kim, vice president & general manager of mobile at 2K. “We’re proud to be adding NFL 2K Playmakers to our ever-growing mobile portfolio in partnership with the NFL and the NFLPA.”
“NFL 2K Playmakers elevates gaming with real player likenesses,” said Ashwin Desai, svp, games, interactive & experiences at OneTeam Partners, the NFLPA’s group licensing partner in the digital games category. “We’re thrilled to be working with 2K as they bring to life a mobile game that capitalizes on the inclusion of an expansive roster of NFL players and will test the strategic ability of players worldwide. Our goal is to amplify engagement, realism, and overall value in mobile gaming.”
Developed by Cat Daddy Games, a 2K studio, NFL 2K Playmakers is now available for download free of charge on Apple and Android devices. App includes optional in-game purchases. For more information on NFL 2K Playmakers and 2K, visit the game’s website or the Android or Apple store pages. More details can also be found in the launch trailer.
Popeyes: There's a chance you'll get free wings if a certain team wins the Super Bowl
Need even more reasons to watch the NFL playoffs? Well, fortunately for all you diehard Popeyes fans, it’s all about getting some delicious wings for - you guessed it - free-99 if a certain team wins.
Need even more reasons to watch the NFL playoffs? Well, fortunately for all you diehard Popeyes fans, it’s all about getting some delicious wings for - you guessed it - free-99 if a certain team wins.
Low-key can’t stand the Philadelphia Eagles? Are you a day one Pittsburgh Steelers fan and cringe at rooting for the Baltimore Ravens? Turns out, Popeyes is giving you a reason to reconsider your team loyalty - even if just for this NFL playoffs run.
Popeyes® is launching the most jaw-dropping promotion in its history with playoff matchups upon us – “Wings for Wings” – offering free 6pc Wings with any online or in app purchase* at participating restaurants in USA and Canada if a football team that has wings in its name, logo, or on its mascot wins the big game in February. This means if a team from Baltimore, Philadelphia or even Buffalo wins, then guests get free wings.
The Wings digital offer will be redeemable on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, as a nod to the brand’s New Orleans heritage.
The promotion is designed to celebrate the permanent launch of Wings at Popeyes with five fan-favorite flavors: Ghost Pepper, Sweet ‘N Spicy, Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, and Signature Hot, which will star in the brand’s first-ever TV advertisement during the first quarter of the big game in February.
“The best combo in the world is football, wings, and a little wager,” said Jeff Klein, Chief Marketing Officer for Popeyes. “We are making a bet with Popeyes fans in the U.S. and Canada that if a football team with wings wins it all, then we will give everyone Popeyes NEW chicken Wings to celebrate.”
Popeyes Wings are the perfect meal for football games or really any time! Each exciting flavor features hand-battered and breaded crispy chicken Wings, which are perfectly crisp on the outside just like the signature Bone-In Chicken. All Wings are marinated in just the right amount of distinct Popeyes spices to add that extra flavor and juiciness. Guests can get their Wings fix this football season in five flavors that have quickly become a favorite among guests:
Ghost Pepper: Marinated in a dry spice blend before they’re hand breaded and fried to a perfect crunch, these Wings are the perfect balance of flavor and fire.
Sweet ‘N Spicy: Before they’re tossed in a sweet and spicy blend of chili, garlic, and ginger, these crispy Wings are marinated, hand-breaded, and fried up just right. And yup, sweet ‘n spicy is still the perfect pair.
Honey BBQ: The tangy tamarind, sweet honey, and smoky molasses flavors on this sauce pair perfectly with that signature Popeyes crispy breading, so that each and every bite brings you all the way down south.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan: These Wings pair the rich flavors of caramelized garlic and parmesan and asiago cheeses with our crispy Popeyes breading. So, take a buttery bite and bask in all the flavor.
Signature Hot: Popeyes wouldn’t be from Louisiana if they didn’t have a Cajun hot wing. Tossed in our signature Cajun hot sauce with just a touch of southern sweetness, this flavor is for those who love the heat.
Popeyes Wings are available with prices starting at $5.99 for a 6-piece. Price and participation vary. For more information, please visit Popeyes.com and popeyeschicken.ca
*Free 6pc wings with any online or in app purchase. Valid 2/13/24 only at participating US & Canada restaurants. Terms apply.
NFL: Here's the teams with the most wins - and losses - over the past 10 years
It’s safe to say Kansas City Chiefs have been doing this for a long time - especially when it comes to winning but over the past 10 years? How about the Tom Brady and New England Patriots days? Maybe Aaron Rodgers and those epic Green Bay Packers seasons? The line-up of top teams over the past 10 years is pretty insane.
It’s safe to say Kansas City Chiefs have been doing this for a long time - especially when it comes to winning but over the past 10 years? How about the Tom Brady and New England Patriots days? Maybe Aaron Rodgers and those epic Green Bay Packers seasons? The line-up of top teams over the past 10 years is pretty insane.
It’s a massive salute to the folks over at Oddspedia for coming through on the stats and details. Don't sleep on those Seattle Seahawks either.
Chiefs have won 72% of all games played in the past ten years, ranking as the team that has won the most NFL games since 2013.
Odds and sportsbooks comparison site Oddspedia analyzed the results of NFL games spanning over a decade to determine which teams have won and lost the most games.
Kansas City Chiefs rank in first place, winning 118 out of the 164 games they have played in the past ten years, including their most recent victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team's best year was 2022, when they won 14 games, including the Super Bowl. The team has also lost 46 games over the past ten years, the lowest number of losses out of all NFL teams.
Despite losing their recent game against the Miami Dolphins, ranking in second place is the New England Patriots, who have won 111 games out of 164 total games. Similarly to the Chiefs, the team's most victorious year was 2016, when they won 14 games, including the Super Bowl. The team has lost a total of 53 games since 2014.
Seattle Seahawks ranked third place, having won 104 games out of the 164 games played. The team's most successful year was 2013, when they won 13 games and the Super Bowl; unfortunately, a year later, in 2014, they lost the Superbowl to the New England Patriots.
Tying in fourth place are the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams have won a total of 101 games and lost a total of 61 games. The Packers last won the Super Bowl in 2010, where they played against the Steelers. The Steelers last won the Super Bowl in 2009 when they defeated the Arizona Cardinals.
New Orleans Saints rank in fifth place, winning 99 games of the 164 games played. The team's most successful year was 2019, when they won 13 games. The team had not won the Super Bowl since 2010 when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts.
Surprisingly, the Dallas Cowboys, also known as ‘America’s Team,’ do not rank in the top five. The team ranks in sixth place, winning 96 games since 2013. Rounding out the top 10 are the Baltimore Ravens in seventh place, winning a total of 95 games; Philadelphia Eagles in eighth place, winning 94 games; Buffalo Bills in ninth place, winning 93 games; and the Minnesota Vikings in tenth place, winning a total of 90 games.
At the other end of the scale, Jacksonville Jaguars rank as the team with the most losses. The team has lost 114 games out of 164 games played since 2013. 2020 was a challenging year for the team, losing 15 games and only winning once. The team's most successful year was 2015, winning ten games but still losing six.
In second place are the Cleveland Browns, who have lost 108 out of 164 games since 2013. 2016 was one of the worst years for the team, having lost 16 games and having zero wins.
Following their most recent loss against the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Jets ranked third. The team has lost a total of 107 games since 2013. The team's most successful year was 2015, when they won 10 games. 2020 was their most challenging year since 2013, having lost 14 games.
The New York Giants rank as the fourth team with the most losses over the past ten years. The team has lost a total of 101 games since 2013. 2021 was their most brutal year, where they lost 13 games. The team has also not played in the Super Bowl since 2012, when they defeated the New England Patriots.
The fifth team with the most losses is the Chicago Bears. The team has lost a total of 100 games since 2013. Last year was the most challenging year for the team since 2013, losing 14 games. The team last played the Superbowl in 2007, where they were defeated by the Indianapolis Colts.
Rounding out the top 10 are the Houston Texans, who have lost 98 games; Washington Commanders, who have lost 97 games; and Las Vegas Raiders in eighth place, who have lost 96 games. Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both tie in ninth place, having lost 92 games since 2013. In tenth place is the Atlanta Falcons, who have lost 72 games since 2013.
Oddspedia spokesperson Callum Wilson commented on this study: “These insights provide great visibility on how teams have performed over the last decade. Looking at betting trends and previous results can highlight recurrences; typically, something that has happened more than once is likely to happen again. Therefore, a team that has won more championships consistently is more likely to secure victory. For example, the Chiefs and the Bears go head-to-head this following Sunday, and based on this data, the Chiefs are more likely to secure a victory against the Bears.”
NFL Rivals: Your mobile gaming goals are kicking off with non-stop digital football goals
Ready for the NFL season? Of course you are and what better way to be on the go and enjoying the thrill of crushing the opps with mind-blowing touchdowns and huge defensive stops? Look no further than what’s being served up in NFL Rivals - you know the mobile game loaded with football fun.
Ready for the NFL season? Of course you are and what better way to be on the go and enjoying the thrill of crushing the opps with mind-blowing touchdowns and huge defensive stops? Look no further than what’s being served up in NFL Rivals - you know the mobile game loaded with football fun.
It’s all about gearing up for the official season to kick off in real life with the officially licensed mobile game season ready for your gaming goals. Peep the details.
To celebrate the kickoff of the 2023 NFL season, NFL Rivals, the officially licensed video game of the National Football League (NFL), and the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA), has launched worldwide for mobile devices. NFL Rivals is the first NFL-licensed mobile game that incorporates Web3 digital ownership technology.
After a massively successful soft launch with more than 2 million downloads and more than 15 million games played in under four months, NFL Rivals is starting off the new season with brand-new packs, in-game and live events, new game modes, and unique pack offerings. Players’ dream of becoming a General Manager of an NFL team is now a reality while competing with arcade-style gameplay.. Built through a partnership with the NFL, the NFLPA, and next-generation gaming technology studio Mythical Games, NFL Rivals is a first-of-its-kind mobile video game, incorporating Web3 digital ownership with an in-game utility that allows fans to own, collect, and trade playable digital assets that unlock access to special events, in-game rewards, and other unique features.
Coinciding with the worldwide launch of the game, NFL Rivals is opening the first-ever blockchain-backed in-game marketplace on mobile. The in-game marketplace will allow players to purchase player cards and packs, and to buy other player's cards listed for sale, all without leaving the game. Digital items in the marketplace will be listed in Rivals Credits, a currency gamers can buy through the App Store and Google Play using IAP. Later iterations of the in-game marketplace will also feature bidding.
“The incredible reception by fans during the pre-season of NFL Rivals blew us away,” said John Linden, CEO at Mythical Games. “Now, with the global launch of the game, we’re excited to give NFL fans an opportunity to play, build and own their very own team of licensed NFL players during the regular season.”
Recently, NFL Rivals entered into a new partnership with the Miami Dolphins. The partnership, NFL Rivals’ first with an NFL franchise, gives Rivals prominent in-stadium branding at Miami Dolphins home games and opportunities for fans to win VIP experiences at Dolphins home games throughout the season. This Rivals initiative is in an effort to reach fans in major markets as the NFL season kicks off.
NFL Rivals is now available for download in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Interested players can also visit the NFL Rivals website for more information and to join the NFL Rivals Community.
Odell Beckham Jr.: The New York Giants OBJ return drama might be wrapping up
Could it be? Will it happen? There’s still a bunch of questions connected to where Odell Beckham Jr. will land in free agency but diehard New York Giants fanatic Chuck Knoxx is weighing in on the discussion.
Could it be? Will it happen? There’s still a bunch of questions connected to where Odell Beckham Jr. will land in free agency but diehard New York Giants fanatic Chuck Knoxx is weighing in on the discussion.
He’s coming to terms and even suggests what NFL team most likely has the biggest shot at securing OBJ for the upcoming season. Tap in.
Saquon Barkley's ready for 'Turkey Season' to continue into the playoffs
The NFL playoffs start up in 24 hours and every team in it is pumped. So of course it’s only right New York Football Giants’ Saquon Barkley is ready to put in work, work, work. But it’s more than just No. 26.
The NFL playoffs start up in 24 hours and every team in it is pumped. So of course it’s only right New York Football Giants’ Saquon Barkley is ready to put in work, work, work. But it’s more than just No. 26.
Barks comes through with the ultimate hype video featuring OTF’s Lil Durk and Chief Wuk with ‘Turkey Season’ blazing. Tap in.
The NFL's new Social Justice Organizations headwear collection is must-wear
Whether you’re a diehard New York Football Giants fanatic like myself or prefer to go with the opps, there’s no doubting the importance of how much the NFL has taken the step forward to promote social justice both on the field and off. So of course seeing a fire Inspire Change social justice initiative headwear rollout is mind-blowing beyond belief.
Whether you’re a diehard New York Football Giants fanatic like myself or prefer to go with the opps, there’s no doubting the importance of how much the NFL has taken the step forward to promote social justice both on the field and off. So of course seeing a fire Inspire Change social justice initiative headwear rollout is mind-blowing beyond belief.
The press release can provide more clarity but make sure to get an up-close look at the fits. Promoting a positive message and doing it in style? What more do you want - other than a Big Blue Super Bowl-winning run this season?
This seen on-field collection features seven silhouettes and all 32 are represented with designs that feature your favorite team’s logo, and words including opportunity, equity, freedom and justice enclosing the logo. This headwear will help community organizations focused on education, economic advancement, police-community relations and criminal justice reform. The NFL does not profit from the sale of Inspire Change products. Charitable contributions are awarded by the NFL Foundation to the NFL's Inspire Change nonprofit partners.
Silhouettes include the Cuffed Knit Hat (available in men’s and youth sizes), 9TWENTY Adjustable Hat (available in men’s and women’s sizes), 39THIRTY Flex Hat (available in men’s sizes), Trucker 9FIFTY Adjustable Snapback Hat (available in men’s sizes), COOLERA Headband, 59FIFTY Fitted Hat (available in men’s sizes), and 59FIFTY Low Profile Fitted Hat (available in men’s sizes).
Retailing for $29.99 -$45.99, all headwear is available now at NFLshop.com.
Madden 23: Here's 7 reasons this is 10/10 the best sports game you'll play this year
No offense to the competition in the sports world, which does include EA’s NHL and FIFA franchises - but there’s truly no bigger sports game year in and year out than Madden. Point. Blank. Period. But with the iconic powerhouse feeling the pressure to deliver in bigger ways than ever before for an audience yearning for a hit of something good-good, the geniuses at EA’s Madden came through in epic fashion taking your next generation PlayStation and Xbox to all-new heights with Madden 23 and of course there’s 7 key reasons why it’s the best sports game - 10 out of 10 - you’ll tap into this year.
No offense to the competition in the sports world, which does include EA’s NHL and FIFA franchises - but there’s truly no bigger sports game year in and year out than Madden. Point. Blank. Period. But with the iconic powerhouse feeling the pressure to deliver in bigger ways than ever before for an audience yearning for a hit of something good-good, the geniuses at EA’s Madden came through in epic fashion taking your next generation PlayStation and Xbox to all-new heights with Madden 23 and of course there’s 7 key reasons why it’s the best sports game - 10 out of 10 - you’ll tap into this year.
1. The competition is none
Let’s just keep it 100 - there’s no one messing with the Madden franchise. We’re not going to take those silly Apple Arcade titles serious or any PC-created arena football game, either. R.I.P. to NFL Blitz though - such a legendary arcade title we all still miss. But over the past 20-plus years, the Madden franchise has remained atop of the food chain and even it’s ‘worst’ year is any other brand’s best performing year. It’s just simple facts.
Madden continues to deliver on a yearly basis and it’s like someone complaining about Coca-Cola not being what it was ‘back in the day’ - a few calories might have shifted and some productions might taste a little sweeter than others but the recipe remains the same. Non-stop fun and gaming goals are always achieved whenever you load up a Madden game and the same is true in 2022.
2. Your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S deserve this
I won’t lie - having such a great team at EA Sports and notably the Madden division, they’re determined to make sure reviewers and gamers get an equal opportunity - so having the blessing to test out Madden 23 on both the PlayStation 5 AND (big caps) Xbox Series X - my goodness, I was in love. There are certain games which just cater to a particular system but Madden gives you the same good-good on both consoles.
Let’s keep it authentic, as much as I ride or die for my PlayStation 5, there’s just something about Call of Duty games feeling better on Xbox Series X, even NBA 2K just has a more fun overall vibe and touch on the Microsoft gem. But look at titles like MLB The Show - which finally made its way to Xbox with MLB The Show 21 after years of exclusivity with Sony PlayStation - and NHL, and they feel as if they were ‘only’ made for the PlayStation 5.
The debate is over and I am proud to say I equally found myself loving Madden literally the same on both systems. Neither - in a good way - had an edge over the other and the same amount of jam-packed fun and joystick-pushing and button-smashing action lives on both consoles. The 4K resolution, the graphics and cut scenes plus everything in-between is made for next generation experiences and are properly delivered on both systems.
3. The Franchise mode comes through with some major improvements
I won’t lie - I used to only lock in on the multi-player modes but when you want to zone out and enjoy the gaming goals, sometimes there’s nothing better than tapping into franchise experiences. Madden heads have been in their feelings - myself at times too - for years and the executives have come correct. Introducing the decked-out free agency mode? Oh yes.
Signing players during free agency is now broken out into three different stages during which teams can contact a specific number of players to negotiate with. This creates more tension during the process. A new negotiation and Free Agency Hub screen also help players in the process. To create a sense of pressure within Madden NFL 23, we are introducing the Active Negotiations feature.
During the first stage of free agency, each team will only be able to offer up to 5 players a contract during each Eval Period. This will help ensure that a few teams can’t just come in and sign all the top free agents right away. It’s also now no longer just all about the money - but we will get into that later. In the first stage of free agency, you will need to be calculated on whom you make offers to as you won’t be able to go after everybody you want. In Stage two of free agency, you can offer up to 10 players in each Eval period and then in Stage 3, you can make an unlimited amount of offers to the remaining Free Agents.
While this is more limiting in early stages, it is compensated for by the second feature, Evaluations. Within every week of Free Agency, 3 Eval Offers can be made; when triggered all offers are run allowing players to accept/decline contracts or not make a final decision without the need for the week to be advanced.
This will give each team more opportunity to go back and forth with a player during negotiations and/or possibly allow you to change direction if you get feedback that the player is not interested in signing with you. You will need to pay close attention to all of the factors that go into how a player decides on where he will sign. With the added information, improved flows, and the mix of limitation and opportunity, we hope to bring a more strategic and rewarding experience to one of the most impactful aspects of the offseason.
So if you’re serious about running your operations and want to build a serious contender, the Free Agency experience will take you to a place you’ve never quite experienced before.
4. The graphics are intentionally championship level
The graphics for Madden games have never been bad. Honestly. Never. But just like the reality of 8K quality existing while we all live in a 4K world, Madden made sure to push forward to continue bringing the most accurate and realistic graphics you can imagine. The same is true with Madden 23 having such an epic new player and game day presentation thanks to fresh scans of players.
As mentioned above, to really get blown away, your next generation experience is needed on the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. From the body types and coach likelinesses, you’ll feel like it’s Sunday afternoon every time you load up Madden 23 this summer, fall and heck, all the way to the Super Bowl in February.
5. FieldSENSE is such a game-changer
With 48 hours of gaming goals nearly reached before letting loose this non-stop write-up on Madden 23, it’s safe to say I did not fully get the chance to go all-in on every aspect of the FieldSENSE but needless to say, this factor alone is reason enough to laugh at the competition’s small updates and enhancements.
This year’s title is stacked with a new foundation for ultra-realistic gameplay making authenticity seem as regular as breathing. In other words? This game hits different and has you covered in all regards. In an effort not to nerd out too much, I’ll allow the Madden PR team break down this feature a little better than I can.
FieldSENSE sets a new foundation for consistent, ultra-realistic gameplay that makes Madden NFL 23 more authentic, bringing more variety and realistic, physics-driven outcomes. FieldSENSE manifests itself through a suite of new mechanics: Hit Everything, Skill-Based Passing, 360° Cuts, and WR vs. DB Battles.
Hit Everything: Designed to make sure that hits and tackles do not feel pre-determined, Hit Everything encompasses:
Hit the Pile: Delivers more dynamic, physics-based outcomes for multi-defender tackles.
Stand-Up Tackles: A new 1v1 mechanic that enables you to fight to stay on your feet if you're the ball carrier, or bring the opposition down when you are on defense, Stand-Up tackles gives you more control to risk fighting for extra yards or choose to protect the ball from being knocked out by the defense.
Hitting Blocks: As a defender, use the hit stick when in range to run into a block and blow it up, fight through traffic, or knock a teammate free.
Mid-Air Knockouts: Defenders have more control in how they attempt to break up the play and get off the field. There's less of a need to risk it all and go for the INT, now you can knock the ball out with a well-timed mid-air hit or attack the ball at the point of the catch to break up the pass.
Add-On Blocks: Running backs and tight ends can add onto and leave blocks freely in protection or as they execute their routes.
Branching and Physics Tech: All the above features are made possible by the use of Branching Tech and Physics Information with FieldSENSE to inform how the interactions in the game should play out realistically, with variety, and while preserving momentum.
6. Those Hail Mary passes won’t be so predictable anymore
The one thing I always cringed at playing Madden is the yay/nay factor of passing. Either it’s going to be a completion or interception. We’ve all watched enough real-life football games to know there are so many new elements involved.
What I was most blown away by in Madden 23 in regard to the passing experience is just how many different outcomes there are now. It feels like a pass is no longer just a completion/incompletion or interception - there are jumbles, there are bouncing around before making the completion and even swatting the ball away on defense into a teammates hands all make these experiences even better. But you can largely credit the amount of attention Madden put into the passing for why this is such an advanced perk.
A robust set of all-new customizable options that puts ultimate control of passing in your hands that allows quarterbacks to place the ball exactly where they want to, leading receivers away from pressure, fitting the ball into a tight gap, or putting the ball where only your receiver has a chance to make a play. While you press the button to choose the receiver to throw the ball to, you can move the left analog stick to aim the pass and lead the receiver into space. More layers to Skill-Based Passing include:
Target Area and Target Reticle: Aim the reticle within the target area with just the left stick. This gives you more control while keeping your throw within an area that your receiver should be able to make a catch.
Free-Form Passing: Gives you the ability to pinpoint your throw to your receiver both within and outside of the target area. Hold down the L2/LT to activate then move the left stick in the direction you want to throw. You have additional control within Gameplay settings to decide how fast or slow you want this retical to move noted below.
Passing Meters: You have two choices depending on what feels best: Power Meter and Accuracy Meter.
Skill-Based Passing Settings:
Passing Type: Select between the Power Lead & Accuracy or Power Lead mechanic to use Skill-Based Passing. You can take advantage of the new Skill-Based Passing and all that it offers, but you can also select the classic passing type to use legacy passing mechanics.
Passing Slowdown: We’ve added an offline only slowdown feature for Skill-Based Passing. When beginning your throw, the game will slow down so you can have more time to place the ball exactly where you want to. We also allow you to tune the speed at which the slowdown occurs so you can find the setting that works best for you. We recommend that everyone starts with the maximum slowed down setting on in offline games to gain an understanding of the controls. Once you’ve mastered the mechanics ideally in practice mode, ramp the speed back up to full game speed so that you’re ready to compete online.
Passing Free-Form Max Distance: You’ll have the option to select the maximum distance you want to pass lead outside of the target area when using Free-Form. This setting ranges from keeping your reticle just outside the target area for safer pass leads to allowing you to pass lead the ball anywhere on the field.
Passing Free-Form Speed: This setting will allow you to tune how fast you want your reticle to move when using the Free-Form mechanic. We recommend hopping into practice mode to really dial in the sensitivity that feels best.
Reticle Visibility: Allows you to turn on/off the visuals for the reticle when leading a pass.
Meter Visibility: Allows you to turn on/off the visuals for either passing meter.
A bit blown away yet? The amount of detail for how you can complete a pass, or at the very least attempt one… Daniel Jones … is insane and makes you channel your inner two-time winning Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning with razor sharp precision to Plaxico and Manningham-type players, of course.
7. It’s all about the Motivation
Just like you need motivation to load up your Madden title, the same is true for players. Are you trying to kill time before heading out? Did you want to perfect your skills before a long night of gaming goals? Whatever your motivation is for playing, it’s true for the in-game players. The Motivations factor is nuts and gets very precise into what’s truly fueling your player into wanting to sign on the dotted line when you’re playing Franchise mode.
Motivations: In previous years, players simply signed with the teams offering the most money. Now, every player has three Motivations describing the type of team they want to play for. These conditions can range from location, coach prestige, team composition and more. All players will begin with a set of 3 Motivations but with every year a player continues with a Franchise, these may update to better align with their current situation.
Super Bowl Chase - Evaluated throughout the season, the teams in position to contend for the Super Bowl will be the prime destination for these players. Ex. Von Miller, Buffalo Bills.
Historic Championships - A priority toward Franchises with a winning culture that have shown their ability to bring home the Lombardi trophy over time.
Head Coach Historic Record - Top tier coaches that have proven their contribution to winning games will better recruit players to come on board.
Scheme Fit - Players will look to match the team’s offensive or defensive Scheme to best showcase their talent on the field.
Top the Depth Chart - These players are looking to be starters at their position, plain and simple.
Team Has Franchise QB - Taking the field with an elite Quarterback is a dream to many. If your QB has the “Franchise QB” Player Tag, they’ll be helping you bring these players into the mix. Ex. Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mentor at Position - Developing players can look to find their mentor to help them break through to the next level. They want to see a player on your team at their position with the “Mentor” Player Tag.
Close to Home - Does your city bring a player close to his family? The distance between your stadium and a player’s Home state can be a big draw. Ex. Jarvis Landry, New Orleans Saints.
Big Market - Opportunities off the field can be as appealing as those on. Big Market players are looking to showcase themselves in the largest cities in the world.
Tax Free State - Paydays aren’t always the same when taxes are involved. Teams in states with no income tax provide an extra incentive for some.
Warm Weather State - Sun and fun. States that stay warm throughout the winter will be welcoming to these players.
Highest Offer -Sometimes it is all about the money. Players will think less of how you fit their interests and are simply looking for the biggest deal.
How your team aligns with the motivation of a player sets their overall Interest in your team. This Interest factors heavily in contract negotiations. A player with no Interest in your team would require massive financial compensation to consider signing, while a player who perfectly aligns with your Franchise may take a pay cut to guarantee you bring them aboard.
Just a couple days in and I’m completely in love with Madden 23. I know the EA team would probably prefer me to keep things politically correct and just give an honest rating but without a doubt this is the ‘best’ sports game of the year. From lackluster updates from some other titles and the NFL season looking more promising than ever with the launch of NFL+ and some insane Week 1 face-offs - Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams, anyone - Madden 23 arrives at a perfect time to keep the NFL excitement pumping through your veins from pre-season through post-season.