A minute to learn, a lifetime to master...

The first big obstacle in learning to play any version of Madden is the controller interface. Every time the game is remade for a new console, almost all of the old button configurations get thrown out the window. The button tree gets completely recreated to try to take advantage of the new technology in the system. For example,
Throwing deep to Randy Moss on the old system (PS2) is:
1. Use buttons circle, X, or square to select a passing play.
2. Hit triangle button to select "hot route".
3. Hit circle to select Randy Moss as the player to "hot route"
4. Hit forwards on the right thumbstick to send him on a jet pattern.
5. Hold down L2 and hit select circle to make Moss the primary target.

This five step process can be used on any of the four other eligible receivers.

Throwing deep to Randy Moss on the new system is:
1. Use button X to select a passing play.
2. Hit triangle button to select "hot route".
3. Hit circle to select Randy Moss as the player to "hot route"
4. Hit forwards on the right thumbstick to send him on a jet pattern.
5. Hold down R2 and hit select circle to make Moss the primary target.

It would seem that a total of 2 buttons changed, but that is for one receiver on one play. Every aspect of every play has one or two new wrinkles that are just enough to cause a game losing interception for a touchdown. It usually takes ma about a couple of dozen games before I feel comfortable running plays, and even then, it takes a few months to actually get great at it.

I mention this because it is once again cut-down day in the NFL and dozens of players are hitting the streets in search of new jobs. People who have spent the last months or years learning one system are making the rounds trying to catch on with new teams. This seems rather like living in a very small country and speaking one language, then being kicked out. The other countries you can move to have similar, but different languages and customs.

I always read the waiver wire this time of year with a sense of nostalgia. Watching former Super Bowl MVPs cut from bad teams in their early thirties always seemed kind of unjust. These men who you watched toil and hurt themselves for the glory if the team are sent to pasture. Clearly, they understand the offense and defense and could probably coach it to the next generation, but teams can afford the contracts. I really don't think football players get enough credit for understanding the intricacies of the game.

When I think back to my JV days, I couldn't remember our six plays. Within the first two weeks, the coach took me out of the offense altogether. In my defense, I was probably wondering why I couldn't get a date a lot more than I was wondering why Coach Ice was yelling at me. With the gift of hindsight, I now understand either obnoxious attitude or noxious body odor was most likely the reason I was dateless.