on defense learn to pick your own plays. This year zone is a lot more effective than man to man. if he is beating you over the middle then do not use cover 2. if he likes to pass then choose a formation like nickel or dime. if he likes to run then use 4-6 or even 4-3. Most importantly dont be affraid to blitz. I use the 46 playbook.
On offense i like to do short passes. you can ask any of the opponents i just faced in a recent madden tournament here but the bread and butter of my offense is screens. my fave is the flanker screen found in a lot of playbooks. i use NE playbook. i have 5 plays that i find i can go to anytime if i need a first but call a variety of plays to use at any time. you noted that you can run the ball effectively, therefore you should use the playaction alot. There is a playaction that i really like out of NE playbook but i'm not sure what its called. dont be afraid to scramble either.
Subject: new guy with trouble 
hey i am new and i need a lot of help i am great at running the ball but i need to learn to pass better. Also i always let madden pick my plays for defense should i stick with that or pick my own?
