It would be a nice test of how you handle the mike's and cameras wouldn't it? Stand there and exclaim that your team played poorly today, didn't execute well on third and short, and committed too many penalties. Sound like a useless endeavor?

What if you could do a postgame press conference? What if your gameplay experience depended partially on your ability to handle the media? What if your occasional tirade made the lead story on Sportscenter? Coaches do that sort of stuff.

My idea calls for players of NFL Head Coach 09 to give press conferences after each game, just like the pro coaches do. You stand there, answer some tough questions, and some softies too, do your best to handle the mood of the room, describe your team's work ethic, and then go home. How do you make something like that?

Madden has had these silly IQ tests and interviews in Superstar mode for a couple of years now, and I'd just amplify that type of format. Questions would be posed by the media relative to your team's performance and matchup, then you'd have to select which answer best suits your mood and how you'd like to address the media at that time.

Point could be awarded or reputation could be built based on how you handle the media. Many coaches are still around today because they anchored their careers on handling stressful situations. Having to stand in front of 20 sports writers and explain to everyone how your defensive secondary kept giving up big plays can sure be a drain on your image, but it's reality baby!

Also, some of the questions could be play specific. Answer those questions correctly and your coach's awareness rating improves.

Additionally, when your team wins, you could use the press conference Q and A time to bolster the ego and improve your coach's level of motivation. Handling a loss well could also improve your team's morale and improve your upcoming week of film study and practice.

I can't think of anything wrong with including this little tidbit of real life in this game. Maybe the devs could give me a call and we'll talk...

Bob-san