Chapter 3 - Read & React Weapons

Madden 08's new read and react player weapon feature is a visual representation of a star player's skills. Read this information at the line of scrimmage and spot where your opponent's best players are on the field and react and adjust your play accordingly. Perhaps you should to pass away from your opponent's Shutdown Corner or key your Brick Wall Defender on your opponent's Power Back.

This section covers Madden 08's read and react player weapons. You'll find descriptions for each weapon and all players that feature that weapon. Also included is the player statistic tied into that weapon.

Note that these lists are based on the default version of the game. If you play online, a roster update will alter some of these lists. For instance, the Oakland Raiders signed former Jaguar safety Donovin Darius, who is a Big Hitter.

Also, there have been some issues with the Smart player weapon. For players with multiple weapons, the icon displayed below the player is that player's highest corresponding rating (if his tackle rating is highest, it'll show a Brick Wall Defender). This poses some problems with the Smart weapon; if the Smart light bulb icon isn't displayed then its ability to read plays doesn't appear to work properly.

Cannon Arm QB

The Cannon Arm QB player weapon is tied into the quarterback's throw power rating--signal callers with over a 95 throw power rating possess the weapon. The following quarterbacks can throw the farthest deep passes and the fastest bullet passes (hold down the receiver button to throw a bullet pass).

Accurate QB

The Accurate QB player weapon is tied to the quarterback's throw accuracy rating. These quarterbacks will be more precise on their throws, though all quarterbacks are less accurate on deep balls or while the quarterback is on the run.

Smart QB

The Smart QB weapon is a reflection of the quarterback's awareness rating--Super Bowl MVPs Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have the highest possible awareness rating in the game. Awareness also affects the size of the passing vision cone. If the opposing defense calls the same play over and over again, the Smart QB can use the coach's cam (right trigger) and press the left shoulder button to reveal the defense's playart. Counter the ability by calling a diverse selection of defensive plays.

Speed QB

These quarterbacks are the fastest in the game. A scrambling quarterback adds a different element to the offense. If the offensive line protection breaks down, these quarterbacks have little trouble avoiding the penetration and can scamper outside the pocket or even start downfield as a ball carrier. Check our Defense Training Camp section for SportsGamer's tips on stopping--or at least containing--a Speed QB.

Elusive Back

The Elusive Back weapon is tied to the elusiveness rating. Elusive Backs are generally tougher to wrap up and can spin or juke their way out of a tackle (these backs are generally higher in spin move and juke move ratings than trucking or stiff arms). Being generally smaller than Power Backs, the Elusive Backs are vulnerable to Brick Wall Defenders and Big Hitters--they'll fall backwards instead of forwards and could be more susceptible to fumbling if you overdo sprint or special moves. Cover the ball!

Power Back

The Power Back weapon is associated with the player's trucking rating. These backs are generally better at knocking off defenders with power moves like the truck stick and stiff arms than using spin and juke moves. Power Backs also have a greater tendency to fall forward for additional yardage. Tackle a Power Back with a Brick Wall Defender or Big Hitter by using the hit stick down to take out the Power Back's legs.

Stiff Arm Ball Carrier

The players with the highest stiff arm rating in the game have the Stiff Arm Ball Carrier weapon (it includes two receivers, Terrell Owens and Anquan Boldin). These players have strong stiff arms capable of shedding defenders. Beware that you're more susceptible to fumbles while using special moves, especially from Big Hitters (and attempts to strip the ball).

Possession Receiver

The new catch in traffic rating corresponds to the Possession Receiver weapon. These receivers (and some tight ends) are the best at catching the ball in traffic. Performing a user catch (doing the action yourself) will assist in holding onto the ball. Big Hitters are best at jarring the ball loose from the Possession Receivers.

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