The best of the franchise; defense + offense = balance!
You have an actual defense in this version.
One that make a three yard run an accomplishment. This isn't to say you can't dominate with a good running game versus a poor run defense, or that you can't break it out and go 70 for a touchdown - it's just more like real football. Running isn't just for show like in the other games where you can run for 7, but can pass for 22 every down. Running gives you control, wears at the other team, and slowly grinds the ball forward.
Pass defense is all about what you call and what configurations you make at the line. Unlike other Maddens, you can't just bomb the ball on your opponent all the time.
And this isn't just a rant about how a good football game is in the defense - I'm just saying that if you have a good defense in a game, you have a good offense that the defense must match.
This makes for the chess match of football, versus the ESPN glamor reel of flashy catches. A balanced game that makes you think tactics every play.