This may seem minor, but it leads to the CPU not being able to operate at an expected efficiency level because their own inability to throw certain trajectories is leading to them basically being unable to run many different concepts properly.
The same issue is prevalent in Madden. It needs to be fixed. The videos we've seen so far show a lot of love and care and a game that has a potentially amazing foundation.
However, issues with core parts of the game like this can throw all that out the window because of how much they can derail an entire part of the game. It would be akin to the CPU RB path finding being broken on any zone run play leading to them running those plays poorly more than half the time.
That's what is going on here in the passing game due to what looks like it may be a bug with the QB logic. CPU QB's should have access to all trajectories and should be able to pick and choose which trajectory to use based on the route, or at least the direction the WR is running in the route, the immediate coverage on them, and the obstacles between the QB and WR that would be in the path of the ball.
I would expect these are all things the logic is already able to look since the locations of all players would be tracked and the CPU AI would be able to access that. They should be able to "see" that there is a LB between them and the WR and a touch pass is needed for an 8-yard in as an example. They should be able to "see" on a go that they have 1 on 1 with no safety and the CB is behind and or/inside and they can lead a high arching pass down the field and towards the outside shoulder for maximum catch potential.
I would assume similar systems are already in place and help dictate where some throws are placed given the CPU QB's use different placements and the free form mechanic in Madden. Given that, that's what makes me feel the QB's being stuck throwing bullet passes is a bug and not by design. Hopefully that is the case and EA can get this fixed and soon, if they haven't already fixed it, because this is a major issue that really hurts the defensive experience in Madden and will obviously have the same negative effect on this game until addressed.
Great points overall. I've seen the AI throw touch passes on these routes in Madden, so I wonder if it's related to awareness or how good the QB is. I wonder if the AI is programmed to use the wrong type of pass more often if they're worse statistically. Of course, I've seen the AI complete bullet passes on go routes if there's enough space (like with press coverage), so my question is this just a case where the AI thinks the bullet is ideal because there's a lurking safety or something and it's working as intended? Only EA knows...
Looks like this was touched in the Aug 8th update, looking forward to testing!
"Adjusted AI QB behavior on shot plays to make more lob throws vs bullet passes."
