Football is considered the ultimate team sport. From a young age players are taught that that it takes 11 players operating as one in order for the team to succeed. However, football is just like basketball in that in order to increase your chances of victory you need to get the ball in the hands of your best players.

EA Sports has given Madden fans a glimpse of 25 new plays in Madden 12. We will take a look at three of the new passing plays in the game and explain how designing plays to get the ball to your best players increases your chance of victory.

The first play we want to take a look at is from the Philadelphia Eagles Playbook and is designed to get wide receiver DeSean Jackson the ball. The PA Eagle Boot LT is the exact play the Eagles used to open the Monday Night Football game versus the Redskins. With a talent like DeSean Jackson and the fact that 14 of his 24-career TDs are in the first quarter, it’s smart to get the ball to him early.

The Cowboys are another team in Madden 12 with a respected offense. Miles Austin has made them a force on the field as well as the virtual gridiron. Our second play takes a look at alignment and personnel to get the ball into the hands of this Cowboy playmaker. The Cowboy Slot Slant is a new formation that places Austin in the slot next to Jason Witten. Placing Austin in the slot will force one-on-one coverage by the defense in the middle of the field and allow for an easy completion to Austin or Witten.

The final play we look at is from the Kansas City playbook. The KC Z Spot is similar to many of the common tight formation plays that have become the norm in Madden. This play is designed to get the ball in the hands of Jamal Charles as he releases out of the backfield. His hands, quickness, speed and power make him a serious threat in the passing game.