http://sports.ign.com/articles/702/702305p1.html
This is just part of the new emphasis on not only trick plays, but special teams. You'll find reverse runs, fake reverses, and of course, a new way to block both punts and kicks. In one-player games, you can actually switch to a new camera that focuses in on the defensive player you want to use in attempting to block the kick.
Hit the sprint button right before or right at the snap of the ball, and your player will explode off the line, getting a jump on the tackle or guard as you dive toward the ball with an all new set of animations specifically for blocking kicks.
But with every action, the other team has an opposite and equal reaction as for the first time, gamers will be able to abort kicks while the play is in process, turning the holder into a quarterback if you sense the defense is about to block the ball. Even onside kicks have been given an overhaul as the camera shot is on the ball and you move an icon on the pigskin where you want to thrust your foot (helped out with the all new kick meter that uses the right analog stick to pull back to start the motion, then flick up to kick, even aiming left or right). Kick it on the top to send it straight down into the turf for the high bounce or kick underneath it to try and lob it in the air. The choice is yours (although the big bounce is the way to go).
Other gameplay tweaks include more accurate throwing power (you can finally see the difference in velocity between a star QB from USC and some scrub from D2), along with less broken tackles throughout the game. Last year, there were too many small running backs who could all break through the line no problem. This year, it depends more on rating, with the smaller guys slipping tackles instead of trucking over everyone in their way. In addition, look for formation specific audibles. Using the right analog stick at the line of scrimmage, you will have four audibles automatically at your disposal for every formation. This way, you're not changing in and out of formations when changing your play, enabling you to hide your calls a bit better from your competition.
You can't flip on the game without noticing the ESPN impact. ESPN.com stat screens, online ESPN tickers, ESPN radio. The Greatest Games feature is now called ESPN Instant Classics. The magazine in Dynasty mode has switched from SI to ESPN. In the coming years, expect the integration to become even deeper and creative, but what's here already is pretty cool, especially the ticker. When online, you can have the ticker display scores from real life or from your dynasty, keeping you up to date on whatever season actually means more to you (tough choice).
Check back to IGN Sports tomorrow for the exclusive first look at NCAA Football 07 for the Xbox 360. Also be sure to check out IGN Weekly this Friday for interviews and footage straight from EA Tiburon. Until then, click on the media links to watch direct feed of the game, including a trick play and a one-handed grab that will make any Wolverine proud.