Player Weapons overhaul

[jose21crisis]

Something I recently noticed is that some Player Weapons affect some players in the entire team (Franchise Quarterback increases Depth Chart #1 O-Line and #1 TE pass blocking and #1-4 WR, #1 TE, #1 HB and #1 FB catching and awareness.). So I plan to make every Player Weapon have an effect, to make the players that have the determinated Player Weapon feel far better at their job. For instance, Cannon Arm QBs will get an increase in Throw Power and the receivers will get an increase in acceleration, and O-Linemen will get a tiny increase in Pass Blocking. Cannon Arm QBs are "the staple of Vertical Offense", so them being able to throw it further down the field and the receivers being able to get there faster will emphasize that, plus the O-Linemen will be able to provide additional protection to allow the receivers to get down the field. Precision Passers are better for West Coast offense, so they will have an increase in Throw Accuracy and the receivers will get an increase in catching. Franchise Quarterbacks combine the accuracy of the Precision Passer (Increase THA and CTH) with the power of the Cannon Arm QB (Increase THP, ACC and PBK) and additionally, they will add Awareness to every one of the involved players. So the Franchise QB will be better at downfield throws than the Precision Passer and be more accurate than the Cannon Arm.

I'll try and make every Player Role emphasize the skills that represents. I'll add more examples as I analyze each Player Weapon.

As an aside, this has nothing to do with Jay.paige's project found here. He is adding the SuperStar Roles to the standard modes. I plan to alter every standard Player Role.

First version is uploaded here

[Brock]

Cool, I'll be looking forward to this project. Can't wait to see what you can do.

[jose21crisis]

All right, first I'll show the description of each weapon, as well as my understanding from what it means for the player/team.

Quarterbacks

• Cannon Arm: A player with a Cannon Arm has the arm strength to throw the ball further down the field than the other Quarterbacks in the league. These players are capable of stretching the defense and producing big time yardage every time they drop back to pass. Cannon Arm QBs are the staple of a vertical offense and are especially effective when paired with a Deep Threat Receiver. Just the threat of the deep pass alone will keep the defense honest and open up the running game.
  
  So these guys have great Throw Power, and his receivers are capable of getting down the field to stretch the defense. So this means increase in THP. Hopefully you have a Deep Threat or a Go-To Guy out there to actually throw it deep.
  
  
• Precision Passer: A Precision Passer has exceptional passing accuracy and is able to squeeze passes into the most difficult places. These Quarterbacks are known for their ability to throw precision routes and timing passes. These players are very effective in short range passing games that rely on accuracy instead of vertical passes. Many NFL teams have success running a West Coast style offense which features quick passes that rely on pinpoint delivery. With the right gameplan, a Precision Passer can be the focal point of a very productive offense.
  
  These QBs have great Throw Accuracy, and his receivers have to be better at those quick timing routes, they have to adjust to his throws. So this means increase in THA. You will requiere a Possession Receiver or Go-To Guy for maximum effectiveness.
  
  
• Scrambler: The Speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Scrambler is a QB with the ability to tuck the ball and run for yards. The defense must scheme specifically to stop the threat of the scramble while still trying to play a normal defensive threat. Being able to run the ball gives the QB another option when the pocket breaks down.
  
  Imagine Cam Newton. He's fast and hard to tackle for a quarterback. I see increases in SPD, ACC, AGI and BTK.
  
  
• Franchise Quarterback: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. The Franchise QBs are some of the most popular personalities in professional sports. These players are multidimensional and are always the focus of opposing defenses. Although they have all the tools to be great, these players are always under immense pressure to perform.
  
  The Franchise QB combines Precision Passer with Cannon Arm. This means increases in THP, THA, receiver's ACC, SPD and CTH. Additionally, you can't have a good Franchise QB without a good O-Line ... unless you want a QB like Aaron Rodgers, who spends half the game running away from the pressure. So the O-Line, TEs, HBs and FBs get an increase in STR and PBK. Finally, everyone gets an increase in AWR. Those team changes are from the standard game. I won't change those, only the QB increases.

Running Backs (I haven't seen a fullback with a Player Weapon yet.)

• Speed Back: The Speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Speed Back is a running back who can out run the entire defense and take it to the house if given enough room. While this player may not be particulary hard to bring down, sometimes it does not matter because the defense nevers gets close enough to try.
  
  Pretty clear here. Increases in ACC and SPD.
  
  
• Elusive Back: Elusive Backs use their quickness and agility to avoid defenders and shake out of tackles. These RBs tend to be creative and run sideline to sideline looking for holes to open up. Defenders have a hard time wrapping these players up, especially when they are using finesse moves to beat the defense. An Elusive Back specializes in jukes, spins, and other elusive finesse moves. These players are especially dangerous in the open field and usually require more than one defender to bring them down. Many teams like to pair an Elusvie Back up with a Power Back to create a two prong running attack.
  
  "Use their quickness and agility to avoid defenders and shake out of tackles". I see increases in AGI and BTK. Also, "run sideline to sideline looking for holes to open up", this cues me increasing their AWR.
  
  
• Power Back: A Power Back is a RB known for powering through tackles and punishing defenders. While these players are not known for breaking long runs, they are very good at getting "3 yards and a cloud of dust." During the course of the game these players not only get yards but also wear down defenses. Typically these players run North-South and favor power moves over finesse evasive moves- making them very effective in short yardage and goaline situations. Pairing a Power Back with a strong offensive line can provide a powerful running attack.
  
  We have increases in STR and BTK for power backs.
  
  
• Feature Back: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. A Feature Back has speed to complement power, making him the worst nightmare of any defensive players. The ability to elude or power through tackles and then take the ball the distance turns every hand-off into a potential touchdown. These running backs can be the focal point of any offense.
  
  When you combine an Elusive, Speed and Power back, you obtain the Feature Back. Which means they should get increases in ACC, SPD, AGI and BTK. Additionally, the O-Line, TEs and FBs will get increases in STR and RBK. This is also from vanilla Madden 08.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends.

• Deep Threat: The Speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. The Deep Threat is a receiver who is able to get behind the defense and get open using his speed. These are some of the fastest players in the NFL and defenders are forced to play off of them out of respect for their uncanny speed.
  
  They get behind the defense using speed. SPD, ACC and AGI are here. AGI because it helps them do sudden cuts, throwing off Quick Corners.
  
  
• Possession Receiver: Possession Receivers are known for having reliable hands and making big catches when their team needs them. They may not be blazing fast, but precise route running and the ability to shield defenders usually makes them the favorite target of their QB. These players are best at running routes that are designed to trick the defense or create passing lanes. Speed routes are not as effective for these players since they lack the ideal speed to get behind the coverage.
  
  Precise Route Running? AWR will help, specially when it comes to running WR/TE option routes. Reliable Hands? CTH is up.
  
  
• Go-To Guy: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. The Go To Guy is a receiver with the hands and speed to make him a threat running any type of route. These players are the favorite targets of their QBs and can beat the defense in a number of different ways. In most cases it takes more than one defender to cover a Go To Guy, and this can open up the field for the rest of the team.
  
  Star Icon players are always combinations. This one increases ACC, SPD, AGI, CTH and AWR for the receiver.

Offensive Linemen

• Run Blocker: Run Blockers are good at getting momentum at the point of attack and opening holes for the running back to get through. Although the RB usually gets most of the credit, a good run blocking offensive line is really the key to an effective running attack. It is important to know where your Run Blockers are, because this is where you should be trying to focus your running attack. Running behind a Run Blocker is a great way to get some extra yards and push into the next level of the defense.
  
  The perfect role for your Guards. It requieres pushing and moving the other guy out of the way. STR and RBK.
  
• Pass Blocker: A Pass Blocker excels at neutralizing the pass rush and protecting the QB while he is in the pocket. A passing game is only as good as the protection that the offensive line provides, so it is crucial that the line gives the QB enough time. A Pass Blocker has the ability to go man-to-man with the best pass rushers in the league, while also having the awareness to figure out advanced blitz schemes. Pass Blockers are best suited to protect the blind side of the QB since this is the most vulnerable side.
  
  And this is better for your Center. If I understand correctly, the Center is the smartest O-Lineman in the field and one of the best pass blockers. They get PBK and AWR.
  
  
• Road Blocker: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. The Road Blocker combines the strengths of protecting the QB as a Pass Blocker with being a dominate Run Blocker. Although they may spend most of their time in the trenches, these offensive linemen can be the cornerstone of a franchise.
  
  The role for Tackles. They need grat pass blocking skills to prevent and neutralize the edge blitzes, awareness to see it coming, strenght and run blocking skills in case of outside running. PBK, AWR, RBK and STR.

Defensive Linemen

• Pass Rusher: The Speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Pass Rusher uses speed to beat slower and less mobile offensive linemen. Rip and Swim moves are not as common with these players since they prefer finesse moves. These defensive linemen are not known for powering through the offensive line, but once they have a clear path at the QB they have great closing speed.
  
  They use speed to beat O-Lineman. They use finesse moves to go around and they can get off the snap pretty quick. This means SPD, ACC and AGI. Vanilla added an increase in STR, but I'll remove it. They also get an increase in AWR, and I'll keep that one.
  
• Run Stopper: A Run Stopper is known for plugging up running lanes and causing havok for the offensive line. These defensive linemen are usually some of the biggest and strongest guys in the league. Using their size and strength, they look to gain leverage in the trenches and penetrate the offensive line. Offenses tend to run away from Run Stoppers, since they are the hardest players for the offensive linemen to seal off. Stopping the opponent's ground attack can be the key to winning the game, and having a big guy in the trenches will help stuff the run.
  
  They simply go forward and destroy anything in front. STR and TAK.
  
  
• Force of Nature: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. The Force of Nature is a nickname given to a defensive lineman who combines speed and power to rush the passer and stuff the run. These players are extremely hard to match-up against because they have the quickness to elude the bigger linemen and the strength to bull through smaller blockers.
  
  They get ACC, SPD, AGI, STR, TAK and AWR.

Linebackers

• Heavy Hitter: Heavy Hitters are highlight reels waiting to happen and they strike fear into the hearts of the opposing players. These defensive players are known for unleashing powerful hits to the ball carrier and knocking the ball out whenever possible. Having a Heavy Hitter on the defense forces the offensive players to be more cautious and one hit can completely change the momentum of the game. Football is all about contact, and these players are the best at creating it.
  
  I see these guys just like Run Stoppers. Mostly power. STR and TAK.
  
• Playmaker: The Speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Playmaker is a linebacker with outstanding speed and agility that allows him to play sideline to sideline. While not known for being strong in the trenches, these players are good in coverage and are also very effective blitzers when rushing from the edge.
  
  And they are the linebacker counter part of the Pass Rusher. ACC, SPD and AGI.
  
  
• Defensive Enforcer: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. The Defensive Enforcer is a player with the combination of speed and strength that makes him the ultimate linebacker. These players are able to cover from sideline to sideline and still tackle with power and authority. In many ways these players serve as a catalyst for the entire defense.
  
  ACC, SPD, AGI, STR, TAK and AWR for these linebackers.

Cornerbacks

• Contaiment Corner: A Containment Corner has a knack for positioning and is great at anticipating the routes of the opposing receiver. While they may not have blazing speed in the open field, these players use their brain and experience to close down angles and position themselves to make a play. These cornerbacks are also known for having a knack for the ball and making the QB think he has a clear passing lane to his intended target. Reliable coverage cornerbacks are considered some of the most coveted players in the NFL today.
  
  These guys are the counter to Possession Receivers. They have the awareness to know where the route is going which makes them dangerous. AWR, CTH and JMP for them.
  
  
• Quick Corner: The Speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Quick Corner has the speed to keep up with the fastest receivers in the NFL. They are not the most perceptive in coverage, but their fast feet can help them recover when they are beaten. These players can also be effective when blitzing because their speed allows them to get to the QB quickly.
  
  They are the counter to Deep Threats ... kind of. If a Deep Threat makes a cut and the Quick Corner does not react fast enough, the Deep Threat is gone. Quick Corners are better in Zone Coverage. Their speed allows them to get to the trouble spot quickly. SPD, ACC and AGI.
  
  
• Shutdown Corner: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. The Shutdown Corner is a player with the speed and awareness to cover any receiver 1-on-1. Not only do they have an instinct for the ball and where to position their bodies in coverage, but they also have top level speed. These are players that you can put on an "island" and let them single handedly take the oppositions best receiver out of the game.
  
  These guys get SPD, ACC, AGI, AWR, JMP and CTH.

Safeties

• Big Hitter: The Big Hitter is a safety who is known for landing hard hits on opponents and stuffing the run. Although not known for their pass coverage abilities, these players commonly come up into the box to help support against the run. A Big Hitter can help neutralize the running game and force the offense to pass. In pass coverage, these players are good at timing hits to receivers in order to knock the ball out of their hands and force incomplete passes. Some of the biggest and hardest hits come courtesy of Big Hitting safeties.
  
  These guys get increases in TAK and STR.
  
  
• Coverage Safety: The Speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. Coverage Safeties are smart ball hawks who are good at anticipating and adjusting to passes. These players are good at playing "center field" which means they roam the deep third of the field and try to read the QB's eyes and body motions. Having a Coverage Safety in the secondary gives teams more flexibility in their defensive play calling since they can assign their safety to cover a receiver without worrying about a mismatch. These players are also very effective in deep zone because they have the range to cover a large area of the field.
  
  They get increases in ACC, SPD, AGI and AWR.
  
  
• Hit Man: The Star Icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one Weapon category. The Hit Man is not only a hard hitting safety, but also one who can roam the secondary and makes plays on the ball. These are some of the most versatile players in the NFL, specializing in blitzing, coverage, and run support.
  
  And they have increased ACC, SPD, AGI, AWR, TAK and STR. Additionally, they get CTH.

[jose21crisis]

First version is uploaded. Every individual player weapon will increase the important stats of the player by +2. Evey combined weapon (As in Star weapons) increase the indicated stats by +3. You will now have to be more careful during the game. Big Hitters and Heavy Hitters are more likely to cause fumbles. Shutdown Corners are more likely to pick the ball. Go-To Guys are better than Possession Receivers at catching. Giving too much room to a Speed Back will allow him to take it all the way. Now you will have to use your Player Weapons to counter what the other side has, and play those weapons to your advantage. A Cannon Arm QB with a Deep Threat receiver paired up with a Contaiment Corner will allow you to throw it deep. A Precision Passer with a Possession Receiver will be more effective when using quick outs or slants. Contaiment Corners should be used against Possession Receivers. Quick Corners against Deep Threats and so on. And don't use Press Coverage against Deep Threats or Go-To Guys.

To install:

1. Download the StreamedData.db attached here.
2. Navigate to your Documents/Madden NFL 08
3. If there is a StreamedData.db in that folder, move it to another folder.
4. Paste the file you downloaded in that folder and fire up the game.

[jjhyt7]

This looks pretty cool. I would argue that Big Hitters should get increased awareness as well though; that way they would be more effective at forcing fumbles and incompletions.

[Jay.paige]

Looks great, very close to my work, but no big deal. Go for it!

[Kevin5455]

First version is uploaded. Every individual player weapon will increase the important stats of the player by +2. Evey combined weapon (As in Star weapons) increase the indicated stats by +3. You will now have to be more careful during the game. Big Hitters and Heavy Hitters are more likely to cause fumbles. Shutdown Corners are more likely to pick the ball. Go-To Guys are better than Possession Receivers at catching. Giving too much room to a Speed Back will allow him to take it all the way. Now you will have to use your Player Weapons to counter what the other side has, and play those weapons to your advantage. A Cannon Arm QB with a Deep Threat receiver paired up with a Contaiment Corner will allow you to throw it deep. A Precision Passer with a Possession Receiver will be more effective when using quick outs or slants. Contaiment Corners should be used against Possession Receivers. Quick Corners against Deep Threats and so on. And don't use Press Coverage against Deep Threats or Go-To Guys.

To install:

1. Download the StreamedData.db attached here.
2. Navigate to your Documents/Madden NFL 08
3. If there is a StreamedData.db in that folder, move it to another folder.
4. Paste the file you downloaded in that folder and fire up the game.

Awesome job Jose!

[damn]

Good stuff so far! I've been looking for something like this for a little while now, particularly in QB arm strength. Been wanting to see if it would be possible to toss it 100 yards just for the shiggles. More importantly, though, I would like to see just how far I could increase the bullet pass speed for throwing in tight windows. Yeah, I know it's stupid, but I think it would be funny to give it a shot. What did you have to modify in order to increase the Canon Arm trait?

[jose21crisis]

Good stuff so far! I've been looking for something like this for a little while now, particularly in QB arm strength. Been wanting to see if it would be possible to toss it 100 yards just for the shiggles. More importantly, though, I would like to see just how far I could increase the bullet pass speed for throwing in tight windows. Yeah, I know it's stupid, but I think it would be funny to give it a shot. What did you have to modify in order to increase the Canon Arm trait?

You have to use MaddenAMP to alter that. You can find it in the forum in the Utilities section. MaddenAMP allows you to edit the StreamedData.db file, which is the file that holds the roles.

If you want to increase the throw speed, you can also tweak a bit the QB Accuracy slider, as it controls both Throw Power and Throw Accuracy.