EA Sports previews Madden NFL 21 with new gameplay trailer, headlined by Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

After a season that earned him MVP honors, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is officially the cover athlete for EA Sports’ Madden NFL 21.

Ahead of a big shift in gaming towards next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, EA Sports put out their first trailer of what fans can expect when Madden NFL 21 hits stores in August.

After Madden NFL 20 turned into one of the most run-dominant installments in the franchise’s history, the company seemed to lean into the trend, with a trailer full of running backs and mobile quarterbacks like Jackson.

“Go All Out in Madden NFL 21 with innovative gameplay mechanics that offer advanced levels of control and inspire creativity on both sides of the ball,” EA Sports wrote.

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The latest gameplay trailer showcases the new “All Out Control” ball carrier skill stick, highlighted by Jackson, Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, Giants running back Saquon Barkley and more of the league’s young stars.

The video also emphasized the game’s new pass-rush control, marketed by the phrase “Dominate the Edge.” Viewers were able to see gameplay featuring defensive stars like Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Packers linebacker Za’Darius Smith, Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon, and Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, just to name a few.

The trailer also put a focus on new “realistic open-field tackling,” seeming to imply that the game may put attention on the battle in the trenches, and the aftermath of a running back breaking into space and entering a one-on-one battle with a linebacker or defensive back.

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Football fans also got a glimpse of the Bengals’ number one pick Joe Burrow, along with players entering the 2020 season with a new team, like Matt Breida with the Dolphins.

The EA Sports’ reveal also previewed new “user-controlled celebrations,” and showed off the cover art for the game’s “MVP Edition,” with Jackson on the cover.

Madden NFL 21 will be available for customers to play on its release date, August 28, 2020. Those who pre-order the MVP Edition will be able to play the game three days early on August 25, 2020.

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