By 
With the NFL season coming to a close you will start to see Madden 15 go on sale, that means a lot of new players and that means new Madden Ultimate Team (MUT) players, you’ll also see how people will start to incline more to the NBA player prop picks. Below is a plan on building your team to be competitive right away.
WHAT STYLE SHOULD I PICK?
Short pass (SP)
WHY?
Early on you will be tasked with keeping up with the other team’s offense, that means fighting fire with fire. Your team wont be able to win defensive battles right away so all the defensive options are not a good starting choice for newcomers. On the offensive side of the ball your offensive line wont be good enough to gain yards on the ground repeatedly so cross off any sort of running offense. Deep threats will be blanketed by the other team so long pass is not your best option.
WHERE SHOULD I BUILD FIRST?
Here are the three most valuable positions listed by importance…
Quarterback
Tight End
Running Back
WHY?
You need a quarterback that can deliver the ball on target, this is paramount when building your team. If you picked the short pass (SP) play style chances are you have a Johnny Manziel and that will serve you well for now. If you are coming into this after picking another play style then select a QB that is proficient in short pass.
The defense is going to be all over deep routes so at the start you will be doing mostly crossing routes and hooks. A quality tight end will make sure that you always have an outlet to throw to. Look for someone that has high catch in traffic numbers.
The running back closes out the list because you are going to need a dependable back that can get you short yardage by himself but can also be an option out of the backfield. Look for someone who has high numbers in trucking and catching in traffic.
Overall you are looking to build an offense that will limit mistakes while it racks up first downs.
Next we start on defense…
WHERE DO I BUILD ON DEFENSE?
Like the offense I’ll put down the three most vital pieces…
Cornerbacks
Free Safety
Pass Rusher (either end or tackle)
WHY?
The opposing quarterbacks are going to throw on you a lot. Making sure you have at least two quality cornerbacks will help slow down the opposing offense and give you more time to get to the quarterback. This also opens up blitz packages that feature cornerbacks.
The free safety gives you someone to play center field in the passing game while also allowing you to choose blitz packages with the strong safety.
Look for awareness and acceleration when you get a free safety or a cornerback.
Pick a pass rusher from wherever you like to rush. Since you upgraded the cornerback and free safety positions there is going to be more time for you to get to the quarterback. You will also be able to disrupt the running game by pushing back blockers and getting into the backfield. When looking for a pass rusher make sure that they have higher than normal physical or finesse moves.
With those pieces in place you are going to have a defense that will take away the big play.
WHAT NEXT?
Offensive line.
WHY?
This is where you build the foundation of your offense. The better offensive line you have the better you will run and the longer you will have to pass. Also offensive linemen aren’t sought after so you can get all five positions done with and not break the bank.
FINISHING UP?
A quality kicker and punter should be next on your list and then finish up your team with wide receivers on offense and linebackers on defense.
By completing these steps you will have a team that will be able to beat lower ranked teams and grind out wins against tougher opposition.
Come back Wednesday for the second part of our series.
Comments