Cam Newton knows football. So when he says Madden doesn’t play like the real thing, it hits a little different.
On a recent episode of the 4th & 1 podcast, the former NFL MVP opened up about his long-standing frustration with the EA Sports franchise. While he gave props to the developers for trying to improve the experience with patches, Newton says the core gameplay still misses the mark.
One of his biggest gripes? Glitch plays that are practically unbeatable-especially the wide receiver slant, a go-to that works almost every time if timed right. “Slant, slant, slant, slant, slant. Like, c’mon, bro,” Newton said, clearly exasperated.
EA’s monopoly might be holding the game back
Newton isn’t the only one who’s noticed. Hardcore fans have been saying the same for years. The Madden franchise, which holds an exclusive license with the NFL, hasn’t had a true competitor since ESPN NFL 2K5. And with no pressure to innovate, critics say EA Sports has settled for safe, repetitive design.
“Some plays I run, I know they’re going to work before the ball’s even snapped,”Newton added. “That’s not football. That’s a glitch.”
Newton proposed that EA introduce an algorithm to encourage diverse play-calling, rewarding creativity and punishing repetition. It’s a simple idea with big implications-and a potential fix to what many consider Madden’s deepest flaw.
He also pointed out other issues, like run plays that remain unstoppable even when a defense is adjusted correctly. “I slide the whole line, bring the corner over, and it still works,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Madden continues to break sales records, largely due to its dominant Ultimate Team mode. But to Newton-and a growing number of longtime fans-the game’s realism is going backward. And without a rival, EA Sports has little incentive to change that.
Until then, it looks like players will have to keep dealing with the slant.
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