Buzzmaster

  (1:57 PM)

We're about to get started, everybody!

Jim H., Athens, GA

For Big Gene: What's the key to winning a Madden Challenge Regional event? How many hours do you play a day?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (1:59 PM)

It depends. I'm a perfectionist--I need to perfect offense, so I look at every single play in the game. For the first two weeks to a month, I play about 10-12 hours a day. After that, maybe 2-3 hours a day, or with a few days off. To win an actual Madden Challenge, you have to learn the type of player you're playing against. I play fast for instance, so you'd have to slow me down. You want to create both types of offense.

Noshame Treangen, San Fran

For Big Gene: What do you think about the new "Read and React" system?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:00 PM)

To tell you the truth, I don't think much about anything until I've played with it for a few weeks. It could be a good thing, but it could be easily glitched.

chauncey (teaneck)

What is the best team to use in madden?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:01 PM)

Everyone's team this year will be the Patriots. Me, I like fast QBs, so I play with the Titans and the Eagles. Other people like tall receivers, so they'll go for the Giants. If you're just starting out, use the Patriots.

Bill - Atlanta

When the chips are down and you need a big play on offence, what play do you turn to?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:02 PM)

Honestly, I'll think big. I would go to Plaxico Burress last year, with different plays. Every year, you have to come up with something new. When Oakland had Randy Moss, I would go to him. I usually go to tall receivers.

Zack (Syracuse)

Is it better to have good stick skills or a good stratedgy?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:04 PM)

Good stick skills. You won't make it without good stick skills. I'm sure at least half of the nation has good strategy, but I can go right at you if you don't have good stick skills.

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:04 PM)

It's pointless to play in the Challenge if you don't have good stick skills. You won't survive.

Corey (brooklyn park MN)

what are you most looking forward to in madden 08?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:05 PM)

Honestly, the only thing I honestly look for is how to move the ball. I'm not a defensive player. I need know new ways to move the ball. So that's what I look for when I first get the new version.

Darren, Dallas, TX

What defense do you run when you're playing with one of these annoying guys that just throws bombs on nearly every play, and relies on the law of averages?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:06 PM)

If I see someone like that, I'd love to play them. I'll play a man defense and jam the receivers. The jam gives you one or two seconds and will let you get the QB. If I'm playing a safety up top, I'll play way back and the middle of the field.

Sean-Alberta

Don'ts you hate when everyone you play uses the patriots? When i play online everyone uses them, whats your ideal team to beat them with?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:08 PM)

Honestly, I would use Atlanta, and run a route with Vick to stretch their defense out. Any offensive team with a lot of speed can beat them. I would probably use the Patriots to beat the Patriots, though.

Matthew - San Antonio

What is the best way to improve your stick skills?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:09 PM)

You want someone to throw at you, to get better.. I'll play with a friend and have them go at me, and I'll try to get passes myself. Once you're comfortable with someone going at you, it carries over from year to year.

Rob (Boston)

When you're playing defense, what player do you stay highlighted on before the snap? Do you use someone on the line, a linebacker, safety, or does it change depending on the situation?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:10 PM)

It changes depending on the situation. Sometimes you'll have to keep on the safety, because the safeties can be stupid. Last year, I was on the D-line because the safeties and CBs did their jobs. Find out which section of the defense reacts dumb, and play that section.

Travis (Fairfax VA)

How much of an impact will Devin Hester's 100 speed rating be?

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:12 PM)

Very little. It's not a big problem. If kick return is a big problem for you, kick it high in the air or out of bounds. You'll give up field position, but not a touchdown. His blitz will be faster, but when you get to a certain level, you can handle it.

Eugene ''Big Gene'' Williams

  (2:13 PM)

Thanks for all your questions! I enjoyed listening to them!

Buzzmaster

  (2:13 PM)

Next up will be Jarvis "Young Jarvis" Thomas.

Airball Stigall, Chaminade

For Jarvis: What is the first thing you do with your new Madden game when you get it? How do you go about "breaking it down"?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:16 PM)

When I get it, I go in the dungeon, lock myself in, and don't leave until I get myself a nice offense and some good blitzes.

Rice J., Kingsford, MI

For Jarvis Thomas: What is your strategy on defense that won you a Madden Challenge Title?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:17 PM)

Just to be very aggressive. I blitz about 70 percent of the time, mixing in a good coverage D. I try to keep the offense guessing.

Scott (MI)

What's the main difference between top Madden gamers and average players, in your opinion?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:18 PM)

I think we take it more seriously and put more time into it. We practice six or seven hours per day, while y'all just plug it in and start playing,

Matty - San Antonio

Hey Jarvis, what would be your number one thing to look for in an opponent when matched up in a challenge?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:19 PM)

I want to see his confidence level. If' I'm matched up with someone who's cocky, I want to get a big play to shut him up, and if not, I want to keep talking to throw him off his game.

Rob (Boston)

What is the best way to contain a mobile QB like Vick or V. Young?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:19 PM)

The best way to contain them is to send pressure from the side he throws from. He'll have a hard time throwing from the opposite side. Also, mix it in with corner blitzes.

Adam C., New Orleans, LA

What is your stratgey for punt returns? They seem to average only 4-6 return yards per try and VERY rarely is one broken for a TD. What is your advice on punt returns?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:20 PM)

Punt returns are rarely taken for TDs. You want to go for as much yardage as you can. Don't juke--just pick a side and go for it, at an angle towards the sideline.

Scott (MI)

What is the best way to beat bump n run man-to-man coverage? I see this all the time online and struggle with it...

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:21 PM)

You want to either put the receiver on a streak or a quick slant or curl.

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:21 PM)

If your receiver is quick, use the former, and if he's big and slow, use the latter.

Ben Madison, WI

How do you know if you are actually good? I beat all my friends easily, and have some success on all-madden mode. Would you say if I can blow out the computer on all-madden mode its a good time to give a regional challenge a try?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:22 PM)

If you're blowing out the computer on all-Madden,and you're an average player, you should go to a challenge to see how good you actually are, and how far you make it. Playing online helps you see how good you are as well.

John Henry (Northvale NJ )

Personally, what is your favorite version of the madden franchise? And also which version would you say were you the best at?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:23 PM)

I like the '04 and '06 versions, and I think I was the best at the '04 one.

Scott (Spartanburg, SC)

It seems more and more every year that players are relying on glitches and exploits for cheap wins. Would you employ cheap tactics in a tournament?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:24 PM)

You go to a tournament to win, so I would do anything I could do to win. Whatever you can do to win, you should do.

Justin , Fort Myers FL

How many hours a day do you play madden?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:25 PM)

When it first comes out, six to nine hours a day. For a month after, maybe three to six.

Brett (Boston)

What team do you usually play with

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:25 PM)

The Eagles, because they have a mobile QB and a strong defense.

Marcus (Minnesota)

How often do you throw in a trick play? (HB pass, reverse, or flea flicker)

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:26 PM)

I don't really do those plays because I don't find they worrk as much.

The Mayor, Tucson AZ

How long does it take you to have a good grasp of your opponents offense and deffense in the challeges? also do you do any scouting of players in the challenges?

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:27 PM)

Anytime you finish a game early, you always look at your next opponent. It takes me about one series to pick out his tendencies.

Jarvis ''Young Jarvis'' Thomas

  (2:27 PM)

Get '08, it's a very good game, and you'll see me in the championship round!

Buzzmaster

  (2:29 PM)

Next up is Ayan "Fool" Tariq.

Mick (Albany, NY)

What position do you usually use on defense?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:31 PM)

I usually play with the free safety on whichever side has more room.

Gene(Norman)

Do you play online "Fool?"

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:31 PM)

Yeah, I do. Shayan30 on XBox Live.

rob

What do you think the most overrated team on madden 08 is?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:32 PM)

I'm guessing the Titans and Falcons, because those QBs aren't as good as throwing on the run as last year.

Brendan (NY)

How does it feel to be among the elite of video game jocks?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:33 PM)

It feels alright. It's not my life, it's just getting good and making money off of video games.

Jim-Ct

wat do you reccomend when im getting burned by fast recievers

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:33 PM)

Usually double team them or guard them yourself with a safety.

4-Trey

How often do you practice on strategy a day?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:34 PM)

Not much, about an hour before I sleep. I'l go on practice mode and make up new plays. The strategy comes along while you're playing.

Big Crash (Atlanta)

How do you choose your playbook?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:34 PM)

It usually depend on what kind of plays it has. I like formations that have quick passing plays, West Coast Offense types.

Gene(Norman)

What's your favorite team? Any tricks that you can do offensively??

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:35 PM)

This year's game, it's the Patriots or Rams. The Pats have Randy Moss, who's really big, and Stallworth, who's really fast, but I like the Rams because of Jackson, Holt, and Drew Bennet with a good QB.

Danny (NY)

What is the key to the running game and juking?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:37 PM)

there's no key to it, you just have to know when to spin and which way to juke

Andrew walpole ma

what type of defense is best against the deep and intermediate pass and then the run

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:38 PM)

A 4-3 or 4-6, and guard the deep ball yourself.

Jared (Detroit)

What is the best way to get pressure on an opposing QB?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:39 PM)

Blitz up the middle, and outside from his blind side.

CP (Austin)

When covering receivers do you normally go with the swat, intercept, or big hit?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:39 PM)

If I'm far away from the WR, I'll go for the swat. Closer, the interception. If he's covered by two or three people and still catches the ball, I'll hit stick him.

Jason, Virginia

I like the Rams but their corners and safeties always get burned how do you fix that?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:40 PM)

There's not much you can do except guard the WRs yourself. Or change up your team.

Trevor (arizona)

which is more important reggie bushes 100 acceleration or devin hesters 100 speed

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:41 PM)

Devin Hester's 100 speed. It's more effective than acceleration.

Ed Charlotte, NC

What is the best 1st step for somebody just pulling madden"out of the box" to gain skills?

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:41 PM)

Try to find routes that work against man coverage and catching the ball yourself. Your receivers won't drop it as much.

Ayan ''Fool'' Tariq

  (2:42 PM)

Keep on playing and practicing, and maybe you'll get as good as me!

Buzzmaster

  (2:42 PM)

Next up is William "Da Secret" Wolf.

Buzzmaster

  (2:52 PM)

William will be here in about five minutes.

Josh (San Jose,CA)

how has winning Madden Nation last year changed your life?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (2:59 PM)

It hasn't really in a big factor, but people do recognize me on occasion. That's the main difference.

John Henry Northvale NJ

Willy, whats your favorite version of the madden franchise?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:00 PM)

Madden '04, with Michael Vick on the cover. The most fun one.

Mayor Movalson, Ann Arbor

For Da Secret: Tell us what happened in the Challenge finals last year?how?d you fall?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:00 PM)

Michael Vick got hurt in the fourth play of the game, and it's hard to beat someone who's as good as you without your best player.

Ed(so cal)

In tournaments, do you stick to your money plays or do you use the entire playbook?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:01 PM)

I stick with six money plays or so. The play I come out in, and then five audibles.

Kris, Houston, TX

What team is the most challenging to play with?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:02 PM)

It swtiches, but the Browns are not that great. This year it would probably be the Packers or someone like that. The Browns, Packers, maybe the Bills.

Ruler (Cincinnati)

Do you make up all the plays you use yourself or do you get a bit from everyone and use it? (if it's all you, what goes into knowing what to do to make a good play)

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:03 PM)

Most of the time it's me, but sometimes I'll get one from someone else. You gotta be in practice mode and try things out vs. different defenses. After you try in in practice mode, you can try it online.

joe (ohio)

is it more important to have a good runing game or passing game?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:04 PM)

Depends on the year, but usually a good passing game, by far. It was pretty easy passing the ball on the 360 last year, though.

Carl Z (PA)

When playing in a tournament and people get in your face, do you think it is best to try and ignore them and let the sticks do the talking or talk back?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:04 PM)

If they're talking trash to you, and you're losing, it's better to keep playing, but if it's close and you score, I always talk trash back. All depends on your personality.

Scott (MI)

What team will you use mostly this year?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:05 PM)

I think the St. Louis Rams.

Toasted Hillsborough, NJ

What your favorite defensive playbook?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:05 PM)

In years past, a balanced defense. This year, it'll be 4-3.

Aaron ((Texas))

Someone else is the Chargers and they audible to goal line with LT up the middle. How do you stop that?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:06 PM)

Usually you have to audible to., say, a 4-6 cover 2, and blitz all your linebackers.

Neil Buono

How often do you see one of the elite like yourself lose to a much inferior player in a tournament? Do the 'luck' plays seem to balance out or some games does it not matter how well you play, the chump is going to win?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:07 PM)

Elite players usually never ever lose to someone who's much worse. Luck only plays a part when there's two excellent people playing.

Toasted643

What can I do to work on my stick skills?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:07 PM)

Go to DB Swat drill in the minicamp, and use that.

Tyler (Cal)

Do you like a runing back you has speed and can cacth or a back who can run over people?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:08 PM)

Both, but it really depends. I don't think it matters that much. I like Steven Jackson, he has everything. Maybe I prefer speed.

CP (Austin)

Do you take control of your receivers to catch balls even on short-mid crossing routes?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:09 PM)

I take control of my receiver on pretty much everything, but not on short crossing routes.

Weez (LA)

How do practice D? and how do you know when you have a good D to stop all the high-powered o's out there?

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:10 PM)

It's the exact same thing with offense--go into practice mode with two controllers and find a defense that stops it--trying stuff, looking around, and then try it online.

William ''Da Secret'' Wolf

  (3:10 PM)

Thanks for all yoru questions!