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How to Go Undefeated in a Madden Franchise

"Madden Football" has dominated the sports video game field for more than two decades, becoming one of the pre-eminent game franchises across all systems. Madden provides the most realistic and in-depth virtual football experience for gamers, with franchise mode serving as the unquestioned centerpiece. Gamers can take total control of any of the 32 NFL teams and attempt to build a dynasty. Mastering Franchise mode can be daunting, but with a little patience and a plan in place, gamers can quickly create a dominating team and go undefeated on their way to capturing the Super Bowl.

Instructions

- 1
  Evaluate your team carefully. Before you begin play, study the franchise. Is the offense more pass or running based? What kind of defensive system does it employ? Pay careful attention to the playbook. Each team has an entirely different set of plays unique to the head coach. Successful teams should be built to utilize the playbook strengths. For example, if the playbook is designed for a wide-open offense, teams should have fast receivers, a strong-armed quarterback and a pass-blocking offensive line. Compare the playbook to the current roster to determine any personnel weaknesses.
- 2
  Learn to master the salary cap. In order to add players through trades and free agent signings, the team needs to have enough salary cap space to make the moves. Most teams will be within about $10 million to $20 million of the cap when beginning a franchise. Signing too many high-cost players before shedding salary will quickly consume the available funds, making personnel moves much more difficult. Cutting players to clear up cap room will result in cap penalties that will count against your available funds. The best way to shed salaries is to trade veteran players for draft picks, thus taking on no additional salary.
- 3
  Target players who would be a substantial upgrade and help your team. Free agents are the easiest to acquire, as only monetary compensation is needed to sign. However, the available impact free agents at the beginning of a franchise are usually thin, meaning trades might be necessary to shore up weak spots with improved talent. Trading can be difficult, as not only do you have to figure your proximity to the salary cap, but also that of your trading partner. Most superstar players who can immediately improve your team will obviously be among the higher paid, meaning you might have to get creative in consummating deals as well as giving up equal compensation. Try to trade from a position of depth for one of need.
- 4
  After acquiring upgraded players, practice the game as much as possible. Learn how to best utilize the players and what plays best feature their talents and skills. The Madden franchise mode offers a full preseason schedule to help work out the kinks. Take advantage of this option to play against your competition before the games count. Even before beginning a franchise, play as much as possible to learn the controls and feel comfortable with the game. If you master the game play and build a powerhouse team, you will have no problem going undefeated in your franchise.

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