Gaming
onspec March 3, 2024•comments off
Madden 22 is back, bringing both new and returning players to the virtual gridiron. Just like the real NFL, Madden is constantly evolving. Gone are the days of traditional pocket-passers like Tom Brady. The era of dynamic quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, who can make magic happen with their scrambling abilities, is here to stay. However, the concern with real-life scrambling QBs is the risk of injury. Ensuring the safety of your team’s star player takes precedence over scoring that early-game touchdown or first down. Sliding is the key to safety in Madden 22, and here’s a guide on how to do it effectively.
How to Slide in Madden 22
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To execute a slide in Madden 22, simply tap Square (on PlayStation) or X (on Xbox) while running forward. Avoid holding the button for too long, as it may result in an accidental dive instead. Sliding can be done by any player carrying the football, whether it’s a QB, running back, or wide receiver. However, it’s important to remember that the sliding animation takes a moment to activate. To successfully avoid being tackled, initiate the slide before defenders get too close. Now, let’s take a look at when professional NFL players choose to slide in real-life situations.
In a crucial third-and-long scenario, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves trailing late in the third quarter. Though Mahomes has the ability to lead his team to victory by the end of the game, converting this first down would significantly increase their chances of scoring on the current drive. With no open receivers and the check-down option falling short of the first-down marker, Mahomes must rely on his running skills.
However, there’s a slight problem – a 240-pound linebacker charging towards Mahomes as he approaches the first-down line. Should he risk diving for the extra yard or opt for a slide, setting up a more manageable fourth-and-short situation? In this case, Mahomes decides to slide, avoiding the potentially devastating hit and ensuring his availability to run or throw on the next play.
Madden players can sometimes be reckless, particularly when controlling their running quarterbacks. Apart from the risk of injury, diving or absorbing a big hit also increases the likelihood of fumbling the ball. Despite the reliable ball-handling skills of QBs like Mahomes and Russell Wilson, getting blindsided in open field often results in an unavoidable fumble. Now, let’s explore when and why sliding is the best course of action in Madden 22.
The Ideal Moments to Slide in Madden 22
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We’ve already discussed the importance of sliding for quarterback safety. Let’s now consider other situations where sliding may prove beneficial.
Keep the Clock Ticking
In the 2020 NFC Championship Game, Tom Brady completed a pass to WR Chris Godwin near the first-down marker. If Godwin had continued running or had been tackled out of bounds, the clock would have stopped, forcing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to run an additional play. Instead, Godwin made a heads-up decision to slide in-bounds after crossing the first-down line. By doing so, he ensured that the clock continued to run, ultimately securing the victory and a trip to the Super Bowl for the Buccaneers.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, where picking up the first down is all you need to secure the win, remember to slide as soon as you cross the line. This will keep the clock running and help you avoid unnecessary hits.
Avoid Scoring!
Now, let’s examine a situation where a player should have chosen to slide but ended up costing their team the game. The Atlanta Falcons were trailing by two points against the Detroit Lions. With easy field-goal range and the Lions unable to stop the clock, the Falcons only needed to run down the clock and kick a game-winning field goal. QB Matt Ryan instructed Running Back Todd Gurley, “Don’t score!” However, Gurley received the handoff on a simple running play and sprinted towards the goal line, scoring a touchdown and putting the Falcons up by five. As a result, the Lions were given one last opportunity to drive down the field and ultimately emerged victorious.
If Gurley had been playing Madden 22, he would have made the wise decision to slide at the 2- or 3-yard line after picking up the first down. This would have kept the clock running, allowing Ryan to spike the ball with a few seconds remaining and send out the field goal unit. Remember, football is a mental game, and sometimes, opting for a slide is the smartest play you can make.
To stay ahead of the game, consider these helpful Madden 22 resources:
- Madden 23 Face of the Franchise: Tips, tricks, and best positions
- How to read and beat coverages in Madden 23
- Madden 23: Tips and tricks to dominate on the field
- The history of the Madden Curse
- Madden NFL 23’s ‘no-brainer’ cover star is John Madden
Remember, in Madden 22, prioritizing player safety through sliding is key. By employing this technique, you’ll not only protect your star QB but also minimize the risk of fumbling. So, the next time you find yourself in a Madden game, don’t forget to slide when it matters most!
