Look Ahead

Now what have we learned...

With Problem having arguably the greatest individual Madden Year ever; winning the Madden Challenge, Madden Nation, and several under ground tournaments, the argument for the Greatest of All Time will heat up. Secret made another final four appearance and Chow went the furthest he has ever gone. 40 Gees made a return to the gaming scene and Big Gene left the conversation open as to who is the best player ever by his early exit. Young Nephew's quest to be the heir to the throne was delayed and Jet Steel and his fellow G-Code members were unable to bring the title back to the south. As you look to next years challenge, it is tough to predict who will return. Prior to this years challenge, if someone would have told me that Jarvis, Fool, Shayan and Pretty Boy all would fail to win a Regional Tournament, I would have never believed them. Each year there are several players like RG, Kornstar, and Evil Ken that were close the year before and finally make the leap and win a Regional.

TOP 10

1. Problem- This year's grand prize winner. He won the first Challenge of the year and continued his dominance through the Challenge. He has won every local tournament he has played in. Combining his great stick work and aggressive blitzing scheme, Problem is the man to beat this year. It will be interesting to see if Problem is able to win the first Regional for a third year in a row or will he be forced to chase the bus like everyone else. Either way, he is the King of the Hill until someone dethrones him.

2. Chow- Known primarily for his defensive prowess, this year’s runner up had his best year ever. Chow has not switched up his offensive scheme since he has started playing Madden competitively. His defensive stick work has crossed over to the offensive side of the ball, as he showed that his rocket catch has become quite a force to be reckoned with.

3. Secret- Secret did not win a Regional this year, but once he was allowed in, he made the most of his opportunity. He now has two final fours and a trip to the finals on his Madden Resume. He is one of the most feared players on the planet. If not for a dropped pass in the first half against Problem, Secret may have gone on to win the tournament. When it comes to Madden there are certain names that are synonymous with winning and his is one.

4. Big Gene- Arguably the greatest Madden player ever. Every year Gene comes up with a new and creative offense. This year was no different. His shotgun tight formation posed problems to any defense. Gene was the only returning Challenge winner to win a Regional this year. Some players think Gene has been resting on his past accomplishments and it has made him seem more mortal, thus dropping him down a few spots this year.

5. Jet Steel- After watching fellow G-Code member Houseshoe win the Atlanta Regional, Jet bounced back and won the final Tampa Regional. A good balance of stick work and play calling will make Jet a tough out come next year. Combine that with lab partners like Houseshoe and Secret who is ranked #3, and that is a recipe for trouble. Jet said he doesn’t need a nickname but if he continues to improve on his play from this year we may be calling him Madden Challenge Champion.

6. Young Neph- A solid player on both sides of the ball. His stick work allows him to play a number of different defenses, and on offense he doesn't have a go to play, he has a number of plays he can go to. This four time Regional Winner has become more of a fixture on the Madden Tour then D Train. Look for him once again to make a run deep in the tournament.

7. Forty Gees- The senior statesman of the Madden Community. He showed everyone that he can still compete with the best players in the world. He had a tough loss to Secret in a game that will forever be remembered as the "Forgotten Kick". If Forty continues to play Madden competitively then it will be up to him and his concentration level as to how far he goes.

8. Prodigy- Fundamentally sound player who uses the underneath routes to set up the deep ball. He showed good composure in the semi-final game of the San Francisco Regional when he was able to rally back against seasoned veteran Save Time. Prodigy was in the game against Problem early, if he can work on finishing games the way he starts them then he may have a bright future in the Madden world.

9. RG- The Online Winner looked solid throughout his run to the title, but was dominated by San Diego Regional Winner and lab partner Chow when they met. It will be interesting to see if he continues to lab with so many people next year or will he go back to the attitude of him and Big Laff versus the world.

10. Kornstar- New to the Madden community, the Indianapolis Regional Winner made a name for himself after shocking the world and beating Big Gene. He lost Randy Moss on his road to the Regional title and had no problem playing thru the adversity. His lab partner Brusk won Pittsburgh but was unable to compete. Time will only tell if he will have what it takes to compete on this level on a regular basis.

Final Week

Episode 6: The FINALS

Chow and Problem squared off it what most will consider a battle for the ages. The first half of football was one of the most intense back and forth matches we have even seen. Both players were trying to feel each other out. Once halftime came, Problem made the necessary adjustments, and Chow didn't. After getting sacked repeatedly, Chow completely abandoned the run, and was trying to figure out how to get a pass off against Problem's blitzing defense. Instead of taking what the defense gave him, Chow got caught up with trying to prove to himself that he could pick up all of the blocks needed to get a pass off. Chow was set on making his plays work instead of looking for plays to beat the blitz Problem was running. With Problem causing havoc on the defensive side of the ball, Chow was not able to get focused on defense. Problem dictated the flow of the game the entire second half. He was able to keep Chow off balance with his defensive scheme and put up points on offense. Problem was preaching defense all tournament, and made everyone a believer.

Episode 5

BRACKET Finals

Problem continued his march to greatness as he was able to derail Secret in their final four match-up. Problem was able to hold Secret to a field goal early in the first half, and never looked back after that. When two players of that caliber battle it out, the game comes down to execution. These heavyweights traded blows back and forth like Ali and Frazier. When Secret lost to Brusk in the Pittsburgh Regional, there were no defensive stops, he lost because Brusk had the ball last. Problem started the second half with the ball and continued to trade scores with Secret. The initial drive of the game would wind up being the difference in the epic battle. Problem is helping to prove true the saying, that offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. The normally outspoken Secret, was relatively quiet all game as he tried to figure out ways to slow Problem down.

Chow showed why he is considered one of the best defensive players to ever play when he stopped Jet Steel by the 21 point rule in their semi-final game. He opened up a 17-0 lead to start the game. Chow established his run game from the start. You can't hope to stop Chow's passing game if you have 10 men in the box to support the run. Jet managed to make a couple of big plays but it wasn't enough. In speaking with Jet after the game, he felt that his defense was playing well it was just that LT broke a lot of tackles. Most of the players who won Regionals run a pass heavy offense. Jet didn't have a chance to practice against any look that even remotely resembled what Chow was running, whereas everyone that Chow played was running a similar offense to Jet. Chow said that he would rather face the Patriots the Chargers. He stated that all of the players who used the Patriots played a one dimensional style of football that would not work against his blitz happy defensive scheme.

Episode 4

RED Bracket Showdown

Problem, the highest remaining seed, made quick work of the San Francisco Regional Winner Prodigy. Prodigy seemed to be in the game early but one mistake compounded another. Problem's defense kept Prodigy off balance all game. He was playing Randy Moss manually and daring Prodigy to test his stick. With Problem sending a tenacious blitz, he was able to capitalize on Prodigy's rushed throws with multiple interceptions. In order to compete with a player such as Problem, you cannot turn the ball over. Problem, an L.A. native, was able to move the ball with ease on offense. That added pressure was too much for Prodigy, who lost by the mercy rule after Problem broke another long run with LT. Problem faced the same scenario the Truth faced in his first round matchup with Marc Dog. He was in the red zone and had enough time on the clock to run one more play. He did not try and get the mercy rule, he took the field goal and built on the momentum in the next half and walked away a winner unlike the Truth who lost after going for the game ending score.

Secret, in keeping up with Problem, defeated Young Nephew by the mercy rule as well. Normally known for his offense, Secret turned to his defense to pull this win out. In addition to getting a safety, Secrets defense caused multiple turnovers. Every time Nephew went to the shotgun, he would roll out before his lineman was able to get the block to seal the DE. With Secrets defender having a clean rushing lane to the quarterback, his Patriots forced both fumbles and interceptions. Nephew could no get a handle on Secrets Dime defense. The zone base with man to man underneath had Nephew struggling to find an open read. When Nephew fell behind two scores because of the safety, that just gave Secret the green light to blitz even more. Secret gave everyone and earful as he marched on to beat Young Nephew, even claiming he was the best in the world when interviewed by Topp Taylor.

Episode 3

BLACK Bracket Showdown

Jet Steel, one of the three members of G-Code, proved the point as long as there is a Moss there is a way. Trailing Kornstar with 16 seconds and two time outs, Jet managed to get into field goal range and pull out one of the biggest comeback wins of the tournament. A couple of questionable calls on both sides of the ball may have cost Kornstar the game. Prior to the half running out, Kornstar tried to go deep to Moss in Triple coverage. He had an underneath route open, which would have made the field goal he missed a lot more manageable. On the other side of the ball, it is ok to mix in gimmick defenses here and there, but when you know your opponent needs to pass and has a limited time do so, you need to be playing man to man and make sure no gets beat deep. Jet needed to go the full length of the field in under a minute when he won the Tampa Regional, so his two minute offense looked like a well oiled machine against Kornstar.

Chow faced a familiar opponent in his lab partner RG. Since both of these players knew exactly what each other wanted to do, the game came down to execution and stick work. Chow got a huge break right before the half when LT broke two tackles on his way to an 80 yard touchdown run. This game resembled all of RG's regional experiences. In the New York Regional, RG had the chance to end the game, but poor clock management led to the Big Show getting the ball back and winning the game. In Boston, he would play great defense for two or three downs but he always allowed Evil Ken to make the big play for the first down. He fought so hard, but could not get the big stop when he needed it. Chow got the ball back with 1:22 left on the clock and RG got him to a 3rd and 17 situation, but could not get off the field. Chow clicked on and made a wonderful rocket catch with Vincent Jackson to keep the drive alive. Chow appeared cool, calm, and collected as he nailed the 55 yard winning field goal. The field goal, which happened to be the longest of the tournament, proved to be the only difference between these two evenly matched friends.

Episode 2

The Sweet 16

In a shocking turn of events, Kornstar proved that you play the game and not the name, as he defeated #1 seed Big Gene in overtime. Kornstar was in control of the game from the start. I think they bye actually hurt Big Gene. He looked a little nervous to start the game out, and against a competitor such as Kornstar you don't have that kind of time. When Gene threw an interception on an out route, I knew he was in trouble. In this years Madden game a lot of the players practice bend but don't break defense. Kornstar mixed in some gimmick coverages and kept Gene off balance enough that he was able to jump out to an early lead. Normally Gene is patient on offense and waits for his players to run their routes, but in this game he seemed as if he wanted to live up to the hype of being the greatest of all time. Kornstar was actually up two scores and had the chance to put the game away, but the savvy veteran that Gene is, he managed to come back and tie the game.

In what will forever be known as wide right, Gene missed the game winning field goal and the look on his face spoke volumes. When Kornstar won the coin toss and elected to receive in overtime that game was over. I think Gene came into this game underestimating his opponent. All of these players went thru a lot to get to the finals and on any given day an upset can occur. In all of the interviews preceding the game Gene just knew this was his tournament to lose. Kornstar had a chip on his shoulder coming into this game. He felt that Gene had to go to 9 Regional Tournaments before he was able to win, and since he won on his first try, he should have a higher seed. Kornstar did everything he needed to do to back up his statement and prove that he should me mentioned with the Madden Elite.

Forty Gees and Secret may go down as one of the greatest games in Madden History. There were lead changes, great play calling, excellent execution, and enough trash talking to fill a few dumpsters in this epic battle. The jury is still out on whether Secret won this game or Forty lost it....You be the judge. But this game is a perfect example of how Secret and his trash talking can get someone out of their game. Forty was so anxious to give Secret a taste of his own medicine that he couldn't even wait to win the game. Hate him or love him the Secret Man, as he likes to be called, found a way to move on. He was given a second chance when the Pittsburgh Regional Winner Brusk wasn't able to make it, and now he is given a third chance by Forty forgetting to kick the game winning field goal. Even though most feel Secret wasn't supposed to win that game, he played well and it all came down to one interception. With that being said, be afraid be very afraid, as this Madden juggernaut is picking up steam. If Secret continues to get breaks like these he can only help but improve on his runner up performance. In speaking with Forty, all he could do was tip his hat to Secret, and let everyone know that Secret is as good as advertised. When you have the talent that William Wolfe has and you mix that with some luck, the rest of the tournament field is in trouble.... And if Secret has anything to do with it we will hear about it the whole time it is happening.

Episode 1

From 24 to 16

The first round of games was packed with great action and a lot of in your face trash talk. Kornstar, Jet Steel, Bledsoe, and Evil Ken all moved on quite easily in their first round games. During the announcement of the brackets, SJR made it known that he was not intimidated by Secret and welcomed the challenge.

While technically all of the competitors have an equal shot to win this tournament, there are four clear cut favorites to bring the title home. Big Gene, often called the greatest to ever play Madden and the black side of the brackets #1 seed, tops my list. When you put together his stick work, knowledge of the game, and Madden resume Gene is one player that none of these guys want to face.

The other #1 seed is Problem. He presents problems for anyone who faces him. Problem has won the first challenge the last two years in a row. During my time on Madden Tour I had the opportunity to see all of the players and their respective Madden games. The only question I have about Problem is whether or not his Chargers and the run-first philosophy that he uses will be able to keep pace with the high octane New England passing attack that most of the players are running. In addition to the grind it out offense, Problem has a wide array of defenses that he can go to when trying to slow down Moss and company.

Speaking of defensive specialists, Justin Chow's name comes to mind. He, like Problem uses the Chargers and his game plan isn't the normal shotgun formation that everyone is using. Chow's question mark comes because he runs his offense-under center, and when he goes up against some of these blitzes he may have trouble getting his passes off.

Another player to be on the look out for is one of the most infamous players in the Madden Community - Secret. After finishing second in Pittsburgh, Secret was able to compete in the finals after the Regional Winner Brusk was unable to make it. Secret is the last person that a lot of these players wanted in this tournament. In 2006 he went to the finals of the Madden Challenge and in 2005 he was in the final four. His trash talking style is a lot for players to handle. When you couple his antics with an understanding of the game and stick work to match, you have a recipe for success.

Two names you may not be so familiar with now but by the end of the tournament you will be, are Prodigy and Kornstar. This is Prodigy's second year winning a challenge, but he is still virtually and unknown commodity. When he won the San Francisco Regional, he told me that this is the best he has ever felt in Madden. I look for him to do big things. My other dark horse pick is Kornstar. WIth this being his first Madden Challenge, Kornstar said his motto is "You play the game not the name". By that he means he cant get caught up and get star struck by these players and their reputations he just need to be focused and play the game like he knows how to. When Kornstar won the Indianapolis Regional, he lost Randy Moss in the first quarter, so he is used to dealing with adversity. Hopefully Kornstar will have all of his weapons, because if he hopes to win this tournament he will need them.

Pre Show Re-Cap

Road to LA

EA Sports along with GameplayHD traveled to 17 domestic cities, 3 foreign countries and conducted an online tournament to find the 24 best Madden Players on Earth. All of the competitors are coming to Hollywood with one thought on their mind, leaving with the title of Greatest Madden player on Earth.

While technically all of the competitors have an equal shot to win this tournament, there are four clear cut favorites to bring the title home. Big Gene, often called the greatest to ever play Madden and the black side of the brackets #1 seed, tops my list. When you put together his stick work, knowledge of the game, and Madden resume Gene is one player that none of these guys want to face.

The other #1 seed is Problem. He presents problems for anyone who faces him. Problem has won the first challenge the last two years in a row. During my time on Madden Tour I had the opportunity to see all of the players and their respective Madden games. The only question I have about Problem is whether or not his Chargers and the run-first philosophy that he uses will be able to keep pace with the high octane New England passing attack that most of the players are running. In addition to the grind it out offense, Problem has a wide array of defenses that he can go to when trying to slow down Moss and company.

Speaking of defensive specialists, Justin Chow's name comes to mind. He, like Problem uses the Chargers and his game plan isn't the normal shotgun formation that everyone is using. Chow's question mark comes because he runs his offense-under center, and when he goes up against some of these blitzes he may have trouble getting his passes off.

Another player to be on the look out for is one of the most infamous players in the Madden Community - Secret. After finishing second in Pittsburgh, Secret was able to compete in the finals after the Regional Winner Brusk was unable to make it. Secret is the last person that a lot of these players wanted in this tournament. In 2006 he went to the finals of the Madden Challenge and in 2005 he was in the final four. His trash talking style is a lot for players to handle. When you couple his antics with an understanding of the game and stick work to match, you have a recipe for success.

Two names you may not be so familiar with now but by the end of the tournament you will be, are Prodigy and Kornstar. This is Prodigy's second year winning a challenge, but he is still virtually and unknown commodity. When he won the San Francisco Regional, he told me that this is the best he has ever felt in Madden. I look for him to do big things. My other dark horse pick is Kornstar. WIth this being his first Madden Challenge, Kornstar said his motto is "You play the game not the name". By that he means he cant get caught up and get star struck by these players and their reputations he just need to be focused and play the game like he knows how to. When Kornstar won the Indianapolis Regional, he lost Randy Moss in the first quarter, so he is used to dealing with adversity. Hopefully Kornstar will have all of his weapons, because if he hopes to win this tournament he will need them.