[mm-video type=video id=01f9es4p6fwv82ede9tn playlist_id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f9es4p6fwv82ede9tn/01f9es4p6fwv82ede9tn-ac59f7cf4b5195d0c93fbb9f9aad20b5.jpg]
Few NFL venues are as intimidating for visiting teams as the Superdome, and New Orleans Saints fans have worked hard to keep it that way. It’s one of the loudest stadiums in pro sports, fueled by a raucous crowd, and it’s cool to see that home field advantage recognized in the next entry of the popular Madden video game franchise.
Madden NFL 22 will introduce bonuses for home teams, and players using the Saints might enjoy the strongest advantage of any team in the game. Per Thursday’s announcement, the Saints will have the “Who Dat” buff, which reads:
“On Away Team 3rd/4th down conversion attempts, a random receiver will have an incorrect route when he lines up in preplay.”
That’s very significant. While most other teams have various “momentum” or “fatigue” changes, teams playing against the Saints won’t be able to call perfect passing plays on critical downs. It reflects the communication issues that visiting teams have in New Orleans when the 70,000-strong crowd is on its feet, which feels appropriate.
But wow, this is going to cause headaches for opposing players. Imagine calling a play on 3rd-and-forever that floods three receivers to the left with a fourth pass-catcher streaking right into the open field — only for him to cut his route off far short of the sticks, leaving little chance of a conversion? It’s going to lead to frustrating situations. Which, again, feels appropriate.
It’ll be fun to see how that plays out in practice, once the new version of Madden launches later this year. Stay tuned for more details on how playing with (or against) the Saints will provide a different experience from other options.
[vertical-gallery id=45372]