Gameplay That Makes No Sense ^_^
Just a few thoughts and would like to hear your input. There are definitely other problems besides these, but these are just the 4 main things that I have noticed recently. I'm trying to stick to actual gameplay. Not even stat related issues, because we all know about those as well.
1) Player collisions are interesting and inconsistent. Tackle animations are fine. I'm more concerned with receiver and defensive player interactions in a contested catch situation. The vast majority of interceptions include the defender phasing through the receiver regardless of positioning. If the receiver is in front of the defender the ball will just magically wind up as a take away. This is really too bad because there are times when I see a really clean pass deflection animation and I'm just left thinking wow, I wish there was more of that in the game. If the defender can actually get around the receiver and come in front of them that's one thing, but there are few things more frustrating than making a good read and have it feel like you were punished for it. More pass deflections/animations are welcome.
2) Defensive awareness is borderline hilarious at times. This might be a little more "complain-y" but is it too much to ask to tone down this a little? If a DB is in man coverage and running downfield with a receiver at full speed with their back to the QB. Should they really be able to stop on a dime and run in front of a different route for an interception in the middle of the field? I love watching plays where DB's go off of their assignment to make plays elsewhere, but these happen when they are facing the ball and can see things in front of them. Just having a simple "if not facing ball they are locked onto their assignment" kind of thing would be fine.
3) Offensive plays/route running. Why are there still plays where your own receivers just run into each other on crossing routes? This has been in the game all season. It essentially eliminates half of the options of the play because you can't throw the ball to either of them until they recover from their animation of getting by one another. I only use West Coast, but I would imagine other playbooks could have an issue as well. The fix seems easy enough. Make one crossing route a little deeper so they don't run into each other.
4) Receiver awareness/catching. Especially recently I've noticed weird interactions with receivers just ignoring the ball when thrown to them. Usually this happens when you throw the ball right as they make a break in their route. So maybe the game freaks out and it's not a perfect throw because the trajectory as off a little and the receiver doesn't realize it's for them. That's honestly all that I can think of, but the ball will get there. They follow the ball with their head. It travels right by their face. And they turn to watch it hit the ground next to them. They never even raise their arms. It's funny, yet frustrating.I've seen receivers react to tipped balls that weren't on their route before and still catch the ball, so I don't know what the problem/fix would be for this one.
Anyway, that is all. Thank you for reading and let me know what y'all think. Thanks.
