******************************************************************************* * * * Game: Madden NFL 2008 * * Console: Playstation 2 * * FAQ: Player Roles FAQ * * Author: cjousma (cjousma@gmail.com) * * Version: Final * * * * Copyright 2010 cjousma * * * ******************************************************************************* =============================================================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS =============================================================================== 1 - Introduction 2 - Version History 3 - General Information 4 - Player Roles (Quick List) I. General Roles II. Quarterbacks - QB III. Halfbacks - HB IV. Wide Receivers/Tight Ends - WR/TE V. Offensive Line - LT/LG/C/RG/RT VI. Defensive Line - LE/RE/DT VII. Linebackers - LOLB/MLB/ROLB VIII. Cornerbacks - CB IX. Safeties - FS/SS X. Kickers - K/P 5 - Player Roles (Detailed List) I. General Roles II. Quarterbacks - QB III. Halfbacks - HB IV. Wide Receivers/Tight Ends - WR/TE V. Offensive Line - LT/LG/C/RG/RT VI. Defensive Line - LE/RE/DT VII. Linebackers - LOLB/MLB/ROLB VIII. Cornerbacks - CB IX. Safeties - FS/SS X. Kickers - K/P 6 - Copyright =============================================================================== 1 - Introduction =============================================================================== My name is Chad Jousma and I decided to write a Player Roles FAQ for this game after wondering what the symbols above my players meant. =============================================================================== 2 - Version History =============================================================================== 1.0 - 4/14/10 - Started gathering information and began typing up this FAQ. 1.1 - 4/15/10 - Finished 1st run through rosters and roles for each position. Need to sim through a few seasons to make sure I did not miss any roles. 1.3 - 4/16/10 - Ran a few more simulations and checked the roles to see if I missed any of them. Final - 4/21/10 - Ran more simulations and checked the roles. I ran through a total of 12 years in a Franchise and the last 5 years produced no new roles so I am pretty confident I have them all. =============================================================================== 3 - General Information =============================================================================== You can check what each symbol means and a few paragraphs about it in the Player Management screen. To access the Player Management screen select Rosters -> View Roster -> Then press the X button for the player you wish to view. Scroll down the list and you will see the option "Roles" that will tell you what roles this player has and what they mean. There are general roles and postion specific roles. I cover all of them here. The player roles are important when you are re-signing players or signing free agents because each different role a player has either increases or decreases his value and stats. The player roles are also important if you check the opposing team's roles to adjust your gameplan for different matchups. =============================================================================== 4 - Player Roles (Quick List) =============================================================================== *Note: This is just a list of what the symbols(roles) mean. See section 5 for a detailed list. ++++++++++++++++ I. General Roles ++++++++++++++++ Foam Finger: Fan Favorite Chalkboard with A+: Team Mentor Medal: Team Captain 4 i 9 Symbol: Team Leader Small Star with NFL Symbol: NFL Icon Blue Star: Future Star Helmet with Dollar Sign: 1st Round Pick Wrench with Football: Project Player Stock Chart with Downward Trend: Underachiever Band-Aid: Injury Prone Microphone: Team Distraction Arrow with 3 X's: Return Specialist +++++++++++++++++++++ II. Quarterbacks - QB +++++++++++++++++++++ Star: Franchise Quarterback Cannon or Rocket looking icon: Cannon Arm Sniper Scope: Precision Passer Brown Table: Game Manager Foot with Wing: Scrambler Scoreboard: Captain Comeback Arrow with QB Pointing To Stars: QB of the Future +++++++++++++++++++ III. Halfbacks - HB +++++++++++++++++++ Star: Feature Back Foot with Wing: Speed Back Lightning Bolt: Elusive Back Bulldozer: Power Back Hand Losing Ball: Fumble Prone +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IV. Wide Receivers/Tight Ends - WR/TE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Star: Go To Guy Foot with Wing: Deep Threat Hand: Possession Receiver +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ V. Offensive Line - LT/LG/C/RG/RT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Star: Road Blocker Shield: Pass Blocker Truck: Run Blocker +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VI. Defensive Line - LE/RE/DT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Star: Force of Nature Foot with Wing: Pass Rusher Bull: Run Stopper ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VII. Linebackers - LOLB/MLB/ROLB ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Star: Defensive Enforcer Foot with Wing: Playmaker Hammer: Heavy Hitter ++++++++++++++++++++++ VIII. Cornerbacks - CB ++++++++++++++++++++++ Star: Shutdown Corner Foot with Wing: Quick Corner Lock: Containment Corner ++++++++++++++++++++ IX. Safeties - FS/SS ++++++++++++++++++++ Star: Hit Man Foot with Wing: Coverage Safety Hammer: Big Hitter ++++++++++++++++ X. Kickers - K/P ++++++++++++++++ K with Star: Clutch Kicker =============================================================================== 5 - Player Roles (Detailed List) =============================================================================== *Note: All information was taken directly from the player management screen. ++++++++++++++++ I. General Roles ++++++++++++++++ Note: These roles apply to all or many positions. ------------------------- Foam Finger: Fan Favorite ------------------------- This player received this role because his OVR is at least 90 and he has been with the same team for 5 seasons. This player does not want to be on the trading block. His value will increase by 10% while he has this role. While he has this role, his AWR +1 and the team's attendance will increase. ------------------------------- Chalkboard with A+: Team Mentor ------------------------------- This player is considered a Team Mentor. This role will be removed if his OVR is 85 or less and his MOR is 25 or less at the end of the season. This role increases this player's value by 5%. While this player has this role, young players at his position will receive AWR +2 while veterans at his position will receive AWR +1. ------------------- Medal: Team Captain ------------------- This player is considered a Team Captain. This role increases his value 1%. This player receives AWR +1 while he has this role. ------------------------- 4 i 9 Symbol: Team Leader ------------------------- This player is considered a Team Leader. This role will be removed if his OVR is 85 or less and his MOR is 25 or less at the end of the season. This role increases the player's value by 5%. While this player has this role, young players on the team will receive AWR +1. ------------------------------------ Small Star with NFL Symbol: NFL Icon ------------------------------------ This player is considered a NFL Icon. This role increases his value 10%. While this player has this role, every starter on his side of the ball will receive AWR +1. ---------------------- Blue Star: Future Star ---------------------- This player is considered a Future Star in the NFL. This role is applied to a player that is drafted in the 1st round and who has exceptional talent. This player will lose his role if he fails to meet expectations by his 4th year in the league. This role increases this player's value in trades by 25%. This player expects to be starting by his 3rd year in the league. --------------------------------------- Helmet with Dollar Sign: 1st Round Pick --------------------------------------- This player is a 1st Round Pick. This player expects to start every game by his 3rd year in the league. This role increases the player's value 7%. ------------------------------------ Wrench with Football: Project Player ------------------------------------ This player is considered a Project Player. That means he is a player with plenty of physical talent but a low OVR. This role will be removed if his OVR exceeds 88 at any point in his career. This role increases this player's value by 2%. ---------------------------------------------- Stock Chart with Downward Trend: Underachiever ---------------------------------------------- This player earned this role because his OVR is 82 or less years after he was a 1st round draft pick. The player can shed this role once his OVR is at least 86. This role decreases the player's value by 8%. Players on the team will receive temporary attribute drops while this player has this role. ---------------------- Band-Aid: Injury Prone ---------------------- This player is considered Injury Prone. He earned this role because his INJ is 70 or less while his TGH is 80 or less. Once his INJ exceeds 80, this role will be removed. This player's value is decreased by 10% CPU teams will only sign this player to a 1-year deal. ---------------------------- Microphone: Team Distraction ---------------------------- This player has become a distraction. He's become a distraction because his morale has dropped to dangerous levels. Once the player's morale increases to normal levels, this role will be removed. This role decreases the player's value by 8%. While he has this role, every player on the team will receive a drop of AWR -1. ----------------------------------- Arrow with 3 X's: Return Specialist ----------------------------------- This player is considered a Return Specialist. This role will be removed when the player averages 15 yards or less per kick return or 5 yards or less per punt return for the season. This role increases the player's value 12%. During a return, this player will receive AWR +3, AGI +2, ACC +2, and BTK +2. His blockers will receive RBK +2 while his opponents receive TAK -2. +++++++++++++++++++++ II. Quarterbacks - QB +++++++++++++++++++++ --------------------------- Star: Franchise Quarterback --------------------------- The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. The Franchise QBs are some of the most populare personalities in professional sports. These players are multidimensional and are always the focus of opposing defenses. Although they have all the tools to be great, these players are always under immense pressure to perform. ----------------------------------------- Cannon or Rocket looking icon: Cannon Arm ----------------------------------------- A player with a Cannon Arm has the arm strength to throw the ball further down the field than the other Quarterbacks in the league. These players are capable of stretching the defense and producing big time yardage every time they drop back to pass. Cannon Arm QBs are the staple of a verticle offense and are especially effective when paired with a Deep Threat Receiver. Just the threat of the deep pass alone will keep the defense honest and open up the running game. ------------------------------ Sniper Scope: Precision Passer ------------------------------ A Precision Passer has the exceptional passing accuracy and is able to squeeze passes into the most difficult places. These Quarterbacks are known for their ability to throw precision routes and timing passes. These players are very effective in short range passing games that rely on accuracy instead of vertical passes. Many NFL teams have success running a West Coast style offense which features quick passes that rely on pinpoint delivery. With the right gameplan, a Precision Passer can be the focal point of a very productive offense. ------------------------- Brown Table: Game Manager ------------------------- This player is considered a Game Manager. This player loses this role once his overall exceeds 89 or drops below 81. This role increases his value by 4%. This player expects to play in at least 4 games per season. This player receives a boost of AWR +1 and THA +1 on third down passing plays. ------------------------- Foot with Wing: Scrambler ------------------------- The speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Scrambler is a QB with the ability to tuck the ball and run for yards. The defense must scheme specifically to stop the threat of the scramble while still trying to play a normal defensive threat. Being able to run the ball gives the QB another option when the pocket breaks down. ---------------------------- Scoreboard: Captain Comeback ---------------------------- This player is considered Captain Comeback. This player earns this role if he makes 10 4th quarter comebacks. This role increases his value by 6%. This player expects to make at least one 4th quarter comeback per season. This player receives a boost of AWR +3 and THA +2 in the 4th quarter of game where his team is losing. His teammates on offense receive AWR +1. ------------------------------------------------- Arrow with QB Pointing To Stars: QB of the Future ------------------------------------------------- This player is considered the QB of the Future by his franchise. This role is applied to a QB that is drafted in the 1st round and is a prototype NFL QB. This player will lose his role if another QB is drafted in the 1st round while he is on the roster or if he fails to meet expectations by his 4th year in the league. This role increases this player's value in trades by 25%. This player expects to be starting by his 3rd year in the league. +++++++++++++++++++ III. Halfbacks - HB +++++++++++++++++++ ------------------ Star: Feature Back ------------------ The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. A Feature Back has speed to complement power, making him the worst nightmare of any defensive players. The ability to elude or power through tackles and then take the ball the distance turns every hand-off into a potential touchdown. These running backs can be the focal point of any offense. -------------------------- Foot with Wing: Speed Back -------------------------- The speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Speed Back is a running back who can out run the entire defense and take it to the house if given enough room. While this player may not be particulary hard to bring down, sometimes it does not matter because the defense never gets close enough to try. ---------------------------- Lightning Bolt: Elusive Back ---------------------------- Elusive Backs use their quickness and agility to avoid defenders and shake out of tackles. These RBs tend to be creative and run sideline to sideline looking for holes to open up. Defenders have a hard time wrapping these players up, especially when they are using finesse moves to beat the defense. An elusive back specializes in jukes, spins, and other elusive finesse moves. These players are especially dangerous in the open field and usually require more than one defender to bring them down. Many teams like to pair an Elusive Back up with a Power Back to create a two prong running attack. --------------------- Bulldozer: Power Back --------------------- A Power Back is a RB known for powering through tackles and punishing defenders. While these players are not known for breaking long runs, they are very good at getting "3 yards and a cloud of dust." During the course of the game these players not only get yards but also wear down defenses. Typically these players run North-South and favor power moves over finesse evasive moves, making them very effective in short yardage and goal-line situations. Pairing a Power Back with a strong offensive line can provide a powerful running attack. ------------------------------ Hand Losing Ball: Fumble Prone ------------------------------ This player earned this role because his CAR is less than 76 and he had at least 5 fumbles this season. Once his CAR exceeds 80 and he records 3 fumbles or less in a season, this role will be removed. This player's value is decreased by 10%. While he has this role, this player's CAR will decrease by 5 on 3rd down running plays and in the 4th quarter. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IV. Wide Receivers/Tight Ends - WR/TE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ --------------- Star: Go To Guy --------------- The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. The Go To Guy is a receiver with the hands and speed to make him a threat running any type of route. These players are the favorite targets of their QBs and can beat the defense in a number of different ways. It most cases it takes more than one defender to cover a Go To Guy and this can open up the field for the rest of the team. --------------------------- Foot with Wing: Deep Threat --------------------------- The speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. The Deep Threat is a receiver who is able to get behind the defense and get open using his speed. These are some of the fastest players in the NFL and defenders are forced to play off of them out of respect for their uncanny speed. ------------------------- Hand: Possession Receiver ------------------------- Possession Receivers are known for having reliable hands and making big catches when their team needs them. They may not be blazing fast but precise route running and the ability to shield defenders usually make them the favorite target of their QB. These players are best at running routes that are designed to trick the defense or create passing lanes. Speed routes are not as effective for these players since they lack the ideal speed to get behind the coverage. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ V. Offensive Line - LT/LG/C/RG/RT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ------------------ Star: Road Blocker ------------------ The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. The Road Blocker combines the strengths of protecting the QB as a pass blocker with being a dominate run blocker. Although they may spend most of their time in the trenches, these offensive lineman can be the cornerstone of a franchise. -------------------- Shield: Pass Blocker -------------------- A Pass Blocker excels at neutralizing the pass rush and protecting the QB while he is in the pocket. A passing game is only as good as the protection that the offensive line provides, so it is crucial that the line gives the QB enough time. A Pass Blocker has the ability to go man-to-man with the best pass rushers in the league, while also having the awareness to figure out advanced blitz schemes. Pass Blockers are best suited to protect the blind side of the QB since this is the most vulnerable side. ------------------ Truck: Run Blocker ------------------ Run Blockers are good at getting momentum at the point of attack and opening holes for the running back to get through. Although the RB usually gets most of the credit, a good run blocking offensive line is really the key to an effective running attack. It is important to know where your Run Blockers are because this is where you should be trying to focus your running attack. Running behind a Run Blocker is a great way to get some extra yards and push into the next level of the defense. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VI. Defensive Line - LE/RE/DT +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ --------------------- Star: Force of Nature --------------------- The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. The Force of Nature is a nickname given to a defensive lineman who combines speed and power to rush the passer and stuff the run. These players are extremely hard to match-up against because they have the quickness to elude the bigger linemen and the strength to bull through smaller blockers. --------------------------- Foot with Wing: Pass Rusher --------------------------- The speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Pass Rusher uses speed to beat slower and less mobile offensive lineman. Rip and Swim moves are not as common with these players since they prefer finesse moves. These defensive lineman are not known for powering through the offensive line, but once they have a clear path at the QB they have great closing speed. ----------------- Bull: Run Stopper ----------------- A Run Stopper is known for plugging up the running lanes and causing havok for the offensive line. These defensive lineman are usually some of the biggest and strongest guys in the league. Using their size and strength, they look to gain leverage in the trenches and penetrate the offensive line. Offenses tend to run away from Run Stoppers since they are the hardest players for the offensive lineman to seal off. Stopping the opponent's ground attack can be the key to winning the game and having a big guy in the trenches will help stuff the run. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VII. Linebackers - LOLB/MLB/ROLB ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ------------------------ Star: Defensive Enforcer ------------------------ The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. The Defensive Enforcer is a player with the combination of speed and strength that makes him the ultimate linebacker. These players are able to cover from sideline to sideline and still tackle with power and authority. In many ways these players serve as a catalyst for the entire defense. ------------------------- Foot with Wing: Playmaker ------------------------- The speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Playmaker is a linebacker with outstanding speed and agility that allows him to play sideline to sideline. While not known for being strong in the trenches, these players are good in coverage and are also very effective blitzers when rushing from the edge. -------------------- Hammer: Heavy Hitter -------------------- Heavy Hitters are highlight reels waiting to happen and they strike fear into the hearts of the opposing players. These defensive players are known for unleashing powerful hits to the ball carrier and knocking the ball out whenever possible. Having a Heavy Hitter on the defense forces the offensive players to be more cautious and one hit can completely change the momentum of the game. Football is all about contact and these players are the best at creating it. ++++++++++++++++++++++ VIII. Cornerbacks - CB ++++++++++++++++++++++ --------------------- Star: Shutdown Corner --------------------- The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. The Shutdown Corner is a player with the speed and awareness to cover any receiver 1-on-1. Not only do they have an instinct for the ball and where to position their bodies in coverage, but they also have top level speed. These are players that you can put on an "island" and let them single handedly take the oppositions best receiver out of the game. ---------------------------- Foot with Wing: Quick Corner ---------------------------- The speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. A Quick Corner has the speed to keep up with the fastest receivers in the NFL. They are not the most perceptive in coverage but their fast feet can help them recover when they are beaten. These players can also be effective when blitzing because their speed allows them to get to the QB quickly. ------------------------ Lock: Containment Corner ------------------------ A Containment Corner has a knack for positioning and is great at anticipating the routes of the opposing receiver. While they may not have blazing speed in the open field, these players use their brain and experience to close down angles and position themselves to make a play. These cornerbacks are also known for having a knack for the ball and making the QB think he has a clear passing lane to his intended target. Reliable coverage cornerbacks are considered some of the most coveted players in the NFL today. ++++++++++++++++++++ IX. Safeties - FS/SS ++++++++++++++++++++ ------------- Star: Hit Man ------------- The star icon represents the best players in the NFL. These players have the skills and attributes to fit into more than just one weapon category. The Hit Man is not only a hard hitting safety but also one who can roam the secondary and make plays on the ball. These are some of the most versatile players in the NFL specializing in blitzing, coverage, and run support. ------------------------------- Foot with Wing: Coverage Safety ------------------------------- The speed icon indicates that this player has exceptional speed for his position. Coverage Safeties are smart ball hawks who are good at anticipating and adjusting to passes. These players are good at playing "center field" which means they roam the deep third of the field and try to read the QB's eyes and body motions. Having a Coverage Safety in the secondary gives teams more flexibility in their defensive play calling since they can assign their safety to cover a receiver without worrying about a mismatch. These players are also very effective in deep zone because they have the range to cover a large area of the field. ------------------ Hammer: Big Hitter ------------------ The Big Hitter is a safety who is known for landing hard hits on opponents and stuffing the run. Although not known for their pass coverage abilities, these players commonly come up into the box to help support against the run. A Big Hitter can help neutralize the running game and force the offense to pass. In pass coverage these players are good at timing hits to receivers in order to knock the ball out of their hands and force incomplete passes. Some of the biggest and hardest hits come courtesy of Big Hitting safeties. ++++++++++++++++ X. Kickers - K/P ++++++++++++++++ -------------------------- K with Star: Clutch Kicker -------------------------- This player is considered a Clutch Kicker. This player earns this role if he makes 3 game winning kicks and loses it if he misses 3 game winning kicks. This role increases his value 5%. This player expects to take 80% of team FG attempts. This player receives a boost of KAC +3 and KPW +2 for every 4th quarter FG attempt in game. **Note: I have not seen any roles for FB's besides the general roles. I have seen a P with the role of "Foot with Wing: Scrambler" under the QB section. =============================================================================== 6 - Copyright =============================================================================== Madden NFL 2008 is copyright by Electronic Arts Inc and NFL Properties Inc. This FAQ is copyright by me, Chad Jousma, and may be used for personal use only. This FAQ may be posted on any gaming site as long as it is free to users. If you have any questions about the FAQ you can contact me at cjousma@gmail.com. Thank you for viewing this FAQ and hopefully it helped with any questions you had about the roles for players. =============================================================================== Copyright 2010 cjousma