I found this on ESPN.com's Page 3 today. I think they are pretty funny and very true. These rules can apply to all football video games. (The author is Peter Schrager)
10.
No Clock Killing It is never acceptable to kill the clock, simply because it's an act of cowardice. Any player who selects "QB Kneel" out of the "Goal Line" formation is liable for a slap in the back of the head.
9.
Punt on Fourth Down Nothing screams "amateur" louder than a player who continually goes for it on fourth down. Folks, it's safe to assume that the creators of "Madden 2005" are not idiots. And I'm here to tell you that they're way ahead of you, and rarely allow for far-fetched fourth down conversions. If you're not sure where to draw the line, ask yourself, "What would Mike Martz do?"
If the risky head coach for the St. Louis Rams would punt, then punt and live to fight another down!
8.
Refrain from "Vick-tory" Dating back to Bo Jackson in Nintendo's "Tecmo Bowl," and No. 16 in Sega Genesis' "Joe Montana Sports Talk Football," there is usually one stand-out player who is almost too good for the game. Well, the same can be said for Michael Vick in "Madden 2004." Winning by overly relying on Vick is simply unethical. Play fair!
7.
Pause Control -- Don't use it! I don't care if the phone is ringing, your girlfriend is at the door or if the house is on fire -- there is no good excuse for hitting "PAUSE." Pausing messes with reflexes, psychological patterns, and the overall purity of the game.
6.
Even Playing Fields There are two controllers -- both should work properly. My buddy Ditro is famous for giving his opponent the "bad" controller. You know, the one with the sticky up-down button. He also turns up the air conditioning and wraps himself in a blanket, leaving his opponents like popsicles somewhere in the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field.
5.
Super Bowl champs are off limits Unless, of course, the reigning Super Bowl champs happen to already be a well-established favorite team. Otherwise, it's too easy (and evil!) to be the team that's already the best.
4.
Exhibit Social Discipline When there is a waiting list to get on the stick, once a 28-point lead has been established, all games should be terminated. Take your skunking and move on. Let whoever has "next" take his or her stab at the player whooping your butt.
3.
Use Instant Replay Sparingly Instant replay is regulated in the NFL, it should be regulated in "Madden" as well. It's there for legitimate purposes -- when a play is in question -- not to re-watch the amazing catch your star wide receiver just made. Yet, if an opponent has the audacity to call a play "cheap," feel free to analyze the heck out of it ... from all 32 angles.
2.
Maintain Player Positions Listen, my buddy Crowley was notorious for moving Raiders' CB Charles Woodson to the third wide receiver spot, and using his 99-rated speed out of the slot. It ain't cool, clever or cute -- and the same applies to Champ Bailey, Shawn Springs or any other cornerback you'd like to see as a wideout.
1.
No Peeking Clearly the cardinal rule of "Madden." Sadly, we all know a few snakes who select their defensive sets according to the offense you've already selected -- that's just shady. A true champion plays the game with his eyes on his own screen!
