Two rules set the SFL apart from most other so-called "simulation" football leagues for Madden.  Those are the No-switch Rule and the User LB Rule.  While we understand not everyone wants to play an authentic sim-style experience in their video game football and that the attempt to replicate real football is difficult with Madden's many flaws.  However, the SFL feels that these two rules are essential in maintaining as close to an authentic sim experience as possible.  This article will focus on the rationale behind the SFL User LB Rule. 

 

The rule:  

 

No user may control a linebacker (OLB or ILB/MLB) position with a zone or man pass coverage responsibility.  Users may control a LB ONLY if the called defense has that LB in a pass-rush assignment, and the user MUST honor that called assignment.  

 

The reason:

 

Usering the LB and especially the MLB became more problematic around the release of Madden 17. Madden's defensive camera allows the user defender to see way more of the field than is realistic.  Additionally, EA made usering a player overpowered by seemingly making stick skills override player ratings.  This, along with the flawed camera angle, allowed the LB position to play superhuman, especially in pass coverage.  It is not uncommon even in most "sim" leagues for the MLB to lead their respective leagues in interceptions.  LBs also regularly shatter the long-standing NFL record for interceptions because of these issues.  I've seen sim leagues with MLBs with 30+ interceptions in a season.  This is unacceptable if the goal is replicating realism.

 

To combat this issue, the SFL limits the usering of the LB position in pass coverage.  We attempted to allow users to play LB for a while with rules stating the user had to only play his man or area of responsibility in zone coverage calls.  The difficulty in adequately determining when a user did not follow the rule became virtually impossible.  Thus, the only way to ensure the spirit of the league's intent was to implement a ban on usering the LB.  

 

Users are free to play as CBs and Safeties because the amount of the field visible to these positions is more realistic.  Users may not play as safeties in the specific defenses that place a safety in a traditional LB role.  

 

I hope this article helps our league owners understand why the LB Rule exists.  The goal of the SFL is for users to play realistically with football strategy as the driving force behind wins and losses.  Until EA fixes several flawed issues, we will need rules like this to help maintain the simulation standard we hope everyone enjoys in the SFL.