Empty backfield and then some ??

[clamel]

Can I have plays with empty backfield, 5 WR ??

Can I put players in motion ?

Surely the new version should have a little more plays on Special Teams, OR ? Tricks and more tricks, or different Punt formation depending on field position.

Is the Wishbone in Pro Football 2021 ?

How about 3 WR on right OR left side (All WRs on same side) ??

Maybe the Wildcat ?

[NotMikeZimmer]

Yes, you can create empty back fields with the new motion system. There are motion options but WRs and TEs cant cross the formation.

no trick plays, or variation on special teams.

Yes wishbone, no wildcat.

you can create 3 wide sets left or right side with motion.

[NotMikeZimmer]

you can even create a 4×1 by motioning an RB and an FB out from a pro or I formation.

Defenders never move with motion and cover assignments are determined pre motion so its pretty easy to scheme a motion player open.

[JDB]

This is a little concerning to me. If defenses are not able to make adjustments to the new pre-snap motion plays, it kind of makes them unusable if we want realistic results. If that is the case, please address this as soon as possible.

[NotMikeZimmer]

It isnt completely broken because the QB logic doesn't always hit the open guy. but yes, it is very concerning how behind the defense is.

If you create a 3×1 bunch from the Pro-set for example, with RWR Motion Slot, FB Motion Out. Then run the Full back with an out breaking route, like a QSlant or flat, and assign the WR something that can clear the Safety like a fly, streak or post, and have the Te run anything non-outbreaking, That FB will be wide open for most the play against almost every coverage while there defender tries to move across the formation.

This is just one easy example, there are many more. That said the motion function has some problems too, especially when motioning an RB, particularly to the right side.

[clamel]

Thanks for setting me straight on this.

Some small and bigger steps in the right direction. With that defense reacting to moves, hopefully coming along soon enough.

Think some punt different formations and options should be nice to have too. Wildcat is such wild thing, so I can live without that one.

How about similar "Play as commisioner" as in basketball. Would be easier to change and edit coaches names and skills. Like to see both players and coaches with correct names. Earlier it was fantasy coaches, even in NFL Mods.

I got a bit wondering when reading that the hire of coaches is some sort of auto thing. You just fire one and another pops up. Surely this must be "corrected". The basketball games got a proper coach hiring thing, so why not the Football.
Hopefully I read wrong, since this is a GM/Coach game and should reflect that vital part.

[NotMikeZimmer]

You can change coach names in sandbox if that helps. you can even change the coach names and then convert the game to career mode from settings.

[clamel]

OK, so one can alter stats on coaches, BUT more important was if one really had coaches without jobs (free agent pool) at the start and you just not auto-hire an unknown coach instead of the one you fire perhaps at the start of a save. If that auto-hire is the only option should one then unrealistic sit around and click fire and hire until one get a coach that looks good.
I know the Basketball games got coaches one can select and make offers too when need be or you old coach leaves.

Getting closer to try out this game for sure, but still got these issues.
Maybe the coaches thing is the main one. Not liking "auto-hire" if that is the case. Far to good game not to cover this important part with detailed coaches that one might hire and bring the team forward.

Then....
Only wished we had more "action" on special teams, even had a ST coach. This part in NFL getting more and more detailed and important.
One thing I miss is to set up WHO actually play on different special teams and such. Missing the long-snapper. Not just any old Center could do this.

When you set your rosters some players are in only because of their skills to open tackle on ST plays and that LS, so it would add an interresting angle to the game I think.
We all know that some teams in NFL are very good in ST and some really bad.

Mentioning these odd few playsituations I must ask on how is it with the odd trick from "standard" plays. Would it be possible to have some trick plays, beside the Hail Mary.
Setting a number on how often you might like the AI to run such plays. Not thinking on the Wildcat now, but most teams got something odd up their sleaves to pull out and excite us viewers with a stunning result. Perhaps a "stat" number on the different coaches if they are tricky coaches on not.

Big thanks for taking time to answer these troubled questions about a game that looks damn good in most details really.

[NotMikeZimmer]

Well, the previous game had a coach pool, so they will probably add one in a future update.

I think a full simulation of every possible aspect of special teams is a Huge ask. There are many other things the game doesn't simulate and cant. Football is incredibly complex.

I think the problem some people have is they expect this game to be a complete stimulation of the NFL. I think that is almost impossible. DDSPF isnt an NFL simulator it's a Football game with a parallel but separate definition of that concept.

Every game has limitations. For example in madden, or DDSPF, or any other game I'm aware of I cant design a quadruple reverse Flee flicker to the FB. A real coach could, even I'd it would be silly.

I also cant encourage my Offensive linemen to poke the eyes of the D-line.

Hell, no game even has full complex option route trees. Or Match 7 Rip/Liz coverage systems.

small percentage trick plays, and special teams minutiae simply dont exist in this parallel but separate football universe. But it's still Football Baby!

[brooks_piggott]

There are coach pools that you hire from during staff signing stage. You either make offers to other team's coaches or hire from your own internal pool.