Game Engine Beta Discussion: Gameplay Updates for 4.7

My primary thought is how much they simulate the RL NFL stats.

There is improvement compared to 4.6 but I think if we release this update as a whole new game engine, but people can take largely the exact same game plan they used in 4.6 to be successful in 4.7, a lot of people are going to wonder what’s the point of waiting for updates and be unhappy. We should call the update 4.6.2 in my opinion, mainly because while there are changes to the game I don’t believe they are large enough at this point in time to warrant that label.

Now 4.7 could be very different once a lot more owners are playing and trying things out and we reach a meta that is somewhat different than 4.6 but three-ish seasons is not really enough to draw conclusions from to me.

I also want to state, I am happy overall with the changes that have been made. Changes I think should be made though:

-I think safeties zone priorities should be changed because, even in a run key, my safety is dropping back 15-20 yards before reacting to a run. I’m going to pay more attention to this next game and maybe make a rule so I can see it in action more but sometimes it feels the ball carrier is 5-8 yards past the LoS before the safety visually reacts and stops being in their zone
-Some passes/formations just seem to be broken in regards to getting the ball out. I felt like I could not call either HB Flare without the play resulting in a sack and the Split Backs Normal formation passes feel that way as well. Regardless of routes and play designation, pressure routinely got through and my QB would just eat a sack/throwaway the ball

My offense for beta is entirely and completely different from the rest of my leagues. I'd say if you're running the same offense in both versions you're leaving a lot on the table somewhere. I strongly disagree that the versions are too similar, and would be more inclined to argue the opposite (that people might get frustrated at having to overhaul their offense to get the same production).

Which was the issue also with LBs - so look like similar fix needed for safeties? Corners wyou can understand not reacting as quickly if receivers have run routes.

Honestly it looks like the zone update made safeties reactions worse. They used to just stand 12 yards deep and kinda slide side to side following the runner before coming towards the ball. I think this is the zone fix at work, just needs tweaked a little to help them come up as run support.

I don’t think I call any plays where my CBs are in zone so I can’t speak to how they have been affected by the change

In my naive non American view, I'd expect secondary, LBs to be backpedaling, so keeping the play in front of their eyes. The code then needs to model the point at which you'd reasonably expect the play to be diagnosed.

Highest priority issue and problem for me is the unequal play familiarity with defensive plays and play overuse. Certain defensive plays can be used as many as 20 times per game or more without an overuse penalty. There are several defensive plays, all highly active selections and heavily used, that do not show any familiarity during scouting. And during the game they do not get penalized for overuse. It really needs equalization across all defensive plays, I have not noticed it on offensive plays other than the overuse penalty not being consistent on when it is called and what impact it has. That is why, myself included, most of the high % win owners use a very limited active defensive play selection, which I do with all of my current 8 teams. The play overuse penalty is blatantly not effective at preventing overuse, especially when a defensive play like 43 Normal QB Spy is used extensively in a game and nothing happens to it. We should have a sticky thread specifically for posting the plays when overuse is observed during the game, in scouting, counts from game play logs, and zero familiarity continuing after extensive experience playing against it.

The play overuse prevention is not working, I think its much more important than the player matrix control. I would rather see the play selection and use controlled by the computer coaches based on league settings, like the position control matrix only for play selection and use. Once a play reaches max use, the computer coach goes to the next best similar active play. As it is, the vast majority are limiting play selection by results and averages, winning team owners use most of the same offensive plays and an active defensive selection of 10 plays or less. I think that is very detrimental to the intent or desire to increase the game simulation to RL NFL football.

Not as important but, the same old messages in the play by play results could use some more variety and/or updating. No one wants to read that their WR made a great move for a 1 or 2 yard gain on 3rd down and medium. At least I dont. And I dont care if a DB or LB got away with a hold or not. I dont think the play by play comments have been improved or added to since Ive been playing MFN,over 10 years now! sheesh!

I think the Statue of Liberty play is not working correctly.
https://mfn1.myfootballnow.com/watch/21835#3984495

That's one way to run the clock down. My O line doesn't protect that long across an entire game.