Proposal: Separate Defensive Tackle (DT) and Nose Tackle (NT) Positions
Proposal: Separate Defensive Tackle (DT) and Nose Tackle (NT) Positions, as well as Distinct Edge and Defensive End (DE) Designations in Madden and College Football
Overview:
To enhance the realism, strategy, and depth of Madden’s franchise mode and College Football’s dynasty mode, I propose EA Sports splits the current “Defensive Tackle” (DT) position into two distinct positions: Defensive Tackle (DT) and Nose Tackle (NT). Additionally, I propose creating a separate position for Edge Rushers (7/9 Tech DEs) and distinguishing them from traditional Defensive Ends (5 Tech DEs). These changes would better reflect the real-life roles, alignments, and responsibilities of these positions, as well as improve roster management and gameplay fidelity.
Rationale for Splitting DT into DT and NT:
1. Differences in Role and Responsibilities:
• Defensive Tackle (DT): Typically aligns in the B or C gap and is more focused on penetrating the offensive line to disrupt plays. They are often 3-technique players in a 4-3 scheme.
• Nose Tackle (NT): Lines up in or near the A gap, often as a 1-technique or 0-technique. Their primary role is to anchor the line, occupy blockers, and control the point of attack, especially in 3-4 schemes.
• These distinctions are currently recognized within Madden’s coding (e.g., DT2 functions as an NT in 3-4 base packages and aligns in formations like 4-3 Over or Under), but the lack of a separate designation creates confusion and hinders roster management.
2. Improved Formation Accuracy:
• For example, in a 4-3 Over, the NT (DT2) shades the center on the weak side, while the DT (DT1) plays the 3-technique on the strong side.
• In a 4-3 Under, the NT (DT2) shades the center on the strong side, next to the 5-technique DE.
• Codifying NT as a separate position aligns with the game’s current logic and would make formation customization clearer for players.
3. Consistency with Other Positional Splits:
• Madden already distinguishes between Fullback (FB) and Halfback (HB), as well as Free Safety (FS) and Strong Safety (SS). These distinctions improve roster building and create clarity for specific roles. Similarly, NT and DT differ significantly in skill sets and responsibilities and deserve separate classifications.
Rationale for Splitting Edge Rushers and Defensive Ends (DE):
1. Edge Rushers (7/9 Tech): Often play outside the tackles in wide alignments and are focused primarily on rushing the quarterback. This role includes players who fit a “stand-up” style in 3-4 defenses but also traditional 4-3 rush ends.
2. Defensive Ends (5 Tech): In contrast, 5-technique DEs in 3-4 schemes are often larger, tasked with setting the edge against the run, and work alongside NTs in controlling gaps. These players are fundamentally different from edge rushers in their responsibilities and physical profiles.
3. Franchise and Dynasty Mode Benefits:
• Splitting DE and Edge Rushers would provide clarity when scouting and drafting players. Users could identify players who fit specific defensive schemes (e.g., a 5-tech DE for a 3-4 vs. an Edge Rusher for a 4-3).
• It allows more strategic depth for roster construction and formations, ensuring teams can field appropriate personnel for their defensive schemes.
How This Change Would Improve Madden and CFB:
1. Realism: Reflects real-world football strategy, where NTs and DTs, as well as Edge Rushers and traditional DEs, are distinct in their roles and skill sets.
2. Roster Management: Simplifies roster construction by ensuring players are appropriately categorized based on their natural roles. For example, a 3-4 team would focus on drafting NTs and 5-tech DEs, while a 4-3 team prioritizes DTs and Edge Rushers.
3. Gameplay Depth: Improves formation flexibility and makes defensive alignments more intuitive. Players could better exploit matchups by selecting personnel that fit their scheme.
4. Scouting and Draft Realism: Offers clearer archetypes for scouting and drafting, enabling players to find scheme-specific fits rather than relying on general attributes.
Implementation Suggestions:
• Split Positions: Create distinct positional designations for:
• DT (3-Tech Defensive Tackle)
• NT (Nose Tackle)
• Edge Rusher (7/9 Tech DE or OLB)
• Defensive End (5-Tech DE)
• Update Depth Charts: Include these new positions in the depth chart to reflect their unique responsibilities.
• Adjust Scouting and Draft Logic: Allow for specific archetypes (e.g., “Run Stopper NT” vs. “Speed Rusher Edge”) to ensure players can draft to fit their schemes.
• Maintain Backward Compatibility: For users who prefer simplified roster management, allow auto-assignment of roles based on scheme selection.
By making these changes, Madden and College Football could offer a more realistic and immersive experience for players, especially in Franchise and Dynasty mode. If FB and HB, or FS and SS, can coexist as distinct positions, it’s time to give DT/NT and DE/Edge the same treatment. This shift would bring Madden and College Football closer to reflecting the intricacies of modern football while improving strategic depth for players.
Thank you for considering this proposal!
