Does it bother anyone else that the CPU doesn't use the backup runningbacks unless the starter is tired or injured? I think this sucks. It's not a major issue, but I think that the coaches of the CPU teams need to utilize all he can on the roster.

Take Tampa Bay. Based on the rosters that I have, Alstott is a HB. Alstott NEVER touches the ball unless Pittman is hurt. We all know that this is not the case in real life. The CPU should factor in that it is a short yardage situation and we need to run the Power Back. I would like to see the offense line up, and have to pay attention as to who is in the game. The remedy for this could be that the CPU would make substitutions in formations, or maybe just situational, but I think that they need to expand on the coach's strategy in this way.

On a side note. I hope that they add play substitions next year... where you can make substitutions for plays as well as formations. For instance, on defense Nickel Formation. If I'm calling the LB Blitz I might want one LB, if I'm calling Nickel Cover 2, I might want a different one. Same formation, different play. Currently, you would have to pause the game, and make the subs yourself.

And the last thing in this is mass substitutions. I would like to pre-configure a team to be a second string or third string, and then in the game, go to the substitution screen, and choose that team to be subbed in. This is cool for the pre-season games, and the blowout games.


I hope this is not asking too much :(

Yeah, I'd like to see more than one running back used too. After a few years in the franchise mode, every team has a few quality backs. Yet, some of them are never used in actual games. The only time they see time is if the starter gets hurt or if the game is simmed.



Last edited by rvd2kewl at Oct 2 2002, 02:43 PM

just do what I do: choose 32 coaches in franchise and in each teams substitutions place the bruiser backs in on the big formations or formations you know would be used to gain tough inside yardage and the speedsters in on formations like single man, shotgun, etc: formations the comp is likely to throw from...should give you a good mix with both RB's

of course you may have to check after each season to make sure the draft doesn't change your subs...it's time consuming but it should be a decent workaround...



Last edited by marlowe316 at Oct 2 2002, 12:28 PM

Hey,

All you have to do is change the subsition level in the game. like sub out at 80 percent and sub back in at 90 percent.

substitution level gets the job done halfway..but to take out your best back because he has dropped to 90% thats foolish! As was mentioned rotate your bruiser back into bigger up middle formations...hell maybe throw a TE in front of him too!

But he is right we do need more of a substitution option.

LIke comp puts in backups wehn they are blowing you out, and mY BIGGEST QUALM, WE NEED DL substitutions for pass puss (3rd down) and run stop. I hate having the same 4 in all the time.

Again this can be fixed in formation substitutions, but then it kinda inhibits your play calling to a degree.

A little off the topic, but related to the subbing/depth issue: in franchise mode, if you control all 32 teams, can you use older roster updates for the early weeks of this season, and later roster updates as the season progresses, so you don't have to manually create players? This would mean you'de play this season's real schedule with the real life rosters as they change! Anyone?

Originally posted by #19 Bolt@Oct 30 2002, 10:01 AM
A little off the topic, but related to the subbing/depth issue: in franchise mode, if you control all 32 teams, can you use older roster updates for the early weeks of this season, and later roster updates as the season progresses, so you don't have to manually create players? This would mean you'de play this season's real schedule with the real life rosters as they change! Anyone?
no can do...the roster you choose at the beginning follows you through the entire season...a problem that has to do with progression I think...

It bothers me also but thats the CPUs fault. Especially when i have different backs in different pasckages, so things stay fresh and the CPU does not.

I'm guessing that the package subs may be EA addressing this??? Has anyone noticed if the CPU subs RBs?

Originally posted by Simply Smooth@Oct 2 2002, 10:49 AM
On a side note. I hope that they add play substitions next year... where you can make substitutions for plays as well as formations. For instance, on defense Nickel Formation. If I'm calling the LB Blitz I might want one LB, if I'm calling Nickel Cover 2, I might want a different one. Same formation, different play. Currently, you would have to pause the game, and make the subs yourself.



You can use the package sub currently to change which LB is in the formation