TL;DR: EA just dropped a patch that fixed broken Hard Flats, nerfed formation flip exploits, and added Slot Receiver flat routes. But they also broke Stunt selection in online games (here's the workaround). Plus there's a NEW feature that lets you Untarget defenders in the run game — basically you can tell your blockers to ignore certain defenders and block someone else instead. This is HUGE for setting up big runs.
Look — EA actually listened to us for once. These aren't just random updates. These are fixes the community's been asking for since launch. Some good, some broken, but all important if you're trying to Win More Games online.
How Do You Untarget Defenders in the Run Game?
This is the coolest new feature nobody's talking about yet. You can now tell your blockers to IGNORE specific defenders and block someone else instead.
Here's how to do it:
- Hold Left Trigger (LT on Xbox / L2 on PlayStation)
- Hold the right stick to the left — this shows your blocking preview
- Flick the right stick UP pre-snap
- Move the flame icon to any defender
- Press X/A to select them
That defender with the flame? Your blockers will completely ignore him. On PURPOSE.
Why Would You Want Defenders Unblocked?
Because sometimes the guy your blocker is assigned to isn't the real threat. Here's what I mean:
Example 1: On Inside Zone, your Slot Receiver might be blocking the Slot Corner. But that corner's 15 yards away — he's not making the tackle. Untarget him. Now your receiver blocks the Safety instead, who WAS going to be unblocked and blow up your run.
Example 2: On Trap plays going left, that backside Defensive End isn't catching you. Untarget him. Let him come free while your O-Line gets an extra double team in the middle.
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Example 3: See a Linebacker blitzing on your RPO? Untarget him. Why block someone who won't even be there for the read?
Bottom line — this gives you INSANE control over your run game. You're not stuck with whatever blocking EA gives you anymore.
Did EA Fix Hard Flats Zone Coverage?
YES. Finally. Hard Flats were broken for MONTHS.
The Problem: You'd call Hard Flats to stop underneath routes, but receivers would still catch the ball 3-4 yards downfield. On 4th and 3? Your Hard Flat defender would just watch them convert.
The Fix: Hard Flats now actually play 0-4 yards deep like they're supposed to. If you shade underneath or call Cover 3 Hard Flat / Cover 2 Hard Flat, those flat routes are DEAD.
Here's the deal — when you commit to Hard Flats, you're accepting that Corner routes might be open. That's YOUR job to quick adjust to. But the underneath NEEDS to be taken away, and now it actually is.
Pro Tip: Stock Hard Flat plays (Cover 3 Hard Flat, Cover 2 Hard Flat) work even better now. You don't even need to press your defenders. They'll jump those routes for pick sixes if you user click-on.
Why Can't I Flip Formations Instantly Anymore?
Because EA nerfed it. And honestly? Thank God.
What Changed:
- Formation flips are no longer instant
- You have to wait for your team to get set after flipping
- Try to snap too early? FALSE START penalty
- Even in hurry-up, you gotta wait
Why This Matters: Sweats were breaking the huddle and INSTANTLY flipping formations. Defense couldn't adjust. It was basically a glitch that caused misalignments every play.
Now when you flip at 10 seconds on the play clock and try to snap? Flag. Every time. Works in EVERY formation too — not just certain ones.
This is a massive quality of life improvement for online games. No more cheap alignment wins.
How Do You Call Stunts After the New Patch Broke Them?
Yeah, they broke something. You can't select Stunts from the play call screen in online games anymore. Here's the workaround:
- Go LEFT on the D-pad
- Tap Right Bumper (RB on Xbox / R1 on PlayStation)
- Select from four different Stunts
- Tap D-pad again to scroll through ALL possible Stunts
My Advice: Call your Stunt IMMEDIATELY when you break the huddle. Not when they align. Not when they get to the line. IMMEDIATELY.
Look — it's annoying but not game-breaking. I never used the menu version anyway. Calling Stunts at the line always felt smoother to me.
If you have a go-to Stunt you call all the time? You'll get fast at it. Just gotta adjust until EA patches this again.
Can Slot Receivers Run Flat Routes Now?
YES — and it's about time. Flat routes are BACK for Slot Receivers.
How to Hot Route:
- Press Y/Triangle to select your Slot WR
- Tap Right Trigger (RT on Xbox / R2 on PlayStation)
- Boom — Flat route
Works on ANY Slot Receiver in ANY formation.
Why Flat Routes Beat Out Routes
Before this patch, you had to use Out routes instead. Here's why Flats are better:
Out Routes:
- Go deeper (takes longer)
- Zone coverage plays them easier
- Scary throw even when stemmed down
- Bad spacing with other routes
Flat Routes:
- Get horizontal IMMEDIATELY
- Can throw it sooner
- Receiver stays protected from defenders
- Better spacing (Flat + In route actually works)
Who Can Run What Routes?
- Slot WR: Flat routes (NEW)
- Tight End: Wheel routes (starts as a flat, becomes a streak)
- Halfback: Flat routes (flick up on right stick)
- Outside WR: Out routes only (NEVER flats)
Formation Tip: In Cluster formations, there are no outside WRs — those positions might actually be Halfbacks. Some formations have FIVE Slot Receivers, giving you maximum Flat route options.
These updates show EA's actually paying attention. Some stuff's broken, some stuff's fixed, but at least they're trying. Master these changes and you'll have a real advantage online — especially that Untarget feature. Nobody's using it yet.