Madden NFL 12: Tactics for the Fourth Downs

The fourth down is your last chance to get a first down or get a field goal. If you’re past your opponent’s 40 yard line on a fourth down, your first instinct should be to consider scoring a field goal. Of course, this option depends on how strong your kicker is. If you find yourself in the fourth down and you are in your own end of the field, your instinct should lean towards punting. There are three situations where the strategy above doesn’t apply.

Screenshot from Madden NFL 12 (Credit: EA Sports)

First and foremost, if you are only inches away from a first down, it may be worth it to pass or run the ball to get the necessary yardage to get a first down. Second, if the game clock is winding down and you are in the first down, this might be your last chance to score. In this situation, you might want to consider a passing play or run if you are down by more points than a field goal can deliver. Finally, the third exception to the fourth down strategy above is when you’re in a wild card type situation. This play takes place when you are so near to the end zone that a touchdown seems likely. Alternatively, if you find yourself in the area of the field where it doesn’t make much sense to punt or kick a field goal. There’s no hard set rules for these three situations. You have to feel them out and weigh your options and chances. The standard fourth down strategy above applies most frequently when you find yourself deep in your own zone.

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