If your running back is an East/West archetype, they’ll often try to bounce outside rather than hit the intended gap, resulting in highly unrealistic behavior. If they’re not that archetype, then poor decision-making is likely tied to a low Overall or Awareness rating, especially if they’re below an 87 OVR, which seems to be the threshold where decision logic noticeably drops off. Unfortunately, the AI logic in this game is fundamentally flawed. You simply can’t trust CPU-controlled players to make smart decisions unless they’re rated 90+, and even then, I’ve seen elite-tier players make baffling mistakes. EA has done a poor job of creating realistic CPU behavior, instead relying on shallow archetypes and traits that don’t reflect real football intelligence. The result is a watered-down experience where players make nonsensical choices—linebackers batting down passes they should easily intercept, offensive linemen ignoring defenders inches away, acting as if they’re completely unaware of the field around them. I could go on for days but I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't even get me started on CPU play calling, especially for RTG.