I remember back during the media blitz before the launch of “Madden 08” that a producer of the game was asked about the competitive nature of the CPU in offline play. More specifically, people felt that the CPU would “cheat” to either make the game tight at the end or to outright win the game. While the producer denied that there was any coding in the game to cause this issue, I believe there’s still a ghost in the machine.

Playing Franchise mode with my beloved Seattle Seahawks, I entered into my Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints a perfect 5-0 on the “All Madden” setting. I’d even adjusted some of the individual sliders in the settings to make it “more realistic,” according to a post in the Madden forums (and it’s true - the game plays well). The first quarter ended well, with the Seahawks up 10-0 and by halftime, the Saints were on the board but still trailing 20-7. Seattle’s defense had even knocked Saints QB Drew Brees out of the game, putting backup Jamie Martin into the lineup. After a few turnovers, the Saints were back into the game 23-17 by the end of the 3rd quarter. Then the train went off of the tracks.

In the 4th quarter, Saints linebacker Mark Simoneau hit Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander causing a fumble and Simoneau not only recovered the ball but ran it in for a 49-yard touchdown. 24-23 Saints. Working the clock, I take Seattle down the field. WR Bobby Engram catches a 9-yard touchdown reception and I convert a 2 point conversion to go up 31-24. With 1:56 left in the game, the Saints score to tie the game. Next possession, Seattle gets the ball back but Alexander fumbles again. C’mon. Really? This guy’s already got 117 rushing yards so he’s not having a bad game, but two key fumbles in the second half? The Saints take advantage of the turnover as running back Deuce McAllister scores a touchdown. Saints up 38-31 with 1:16 remaining. Next Seahawk possession, QB Matt Hasselbeck orchestrates a magnificent drive, culminating in a 36 yard pass to DJ Hackett which ties the game with 30 seconds remaining. Whew… OK, we’ll take this to overtime.

Nope.

Saints received the ensuing kickoff and start at their own 20-yard line. Setting my defense to a deep zone coverage, the impossible happened. Motherf-ing backup, Jamie Martin, hits motherf-ing Marques Colston for an 80-yard bomb. Game over. Saints win 45-38. For those of you keeping score at home, the New Orleans Saints score 28 points in the 4th quarter alone.

This game was tainted. Mark Simoneau ended his day with 16 tackles, 1 INT returned for a touchdown, 1 forced fumble and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. If the Seahawks meet the Saints in the playoffs, I’m taking control of Walter Jones and breaking Simoneau’s knees… The only good that came from this game is that I’ve found a money play to my slot receiver, which is good for at least an 8-yard gain.

For the rest of the season, the NFL will feel the repercussions of this loss. The Seattle Seahawks will be playing with such power and intensity, their opponents won’t know what hit them (unless they check the replay highlights). St. Louis, your next.