Why are the passing stats all so bad? I've heard a lot of complaints about the "new engine" or update or whatever, but these numbers are just ridiculous.

Yes, its version 4.6. Version makes pass rushing more effective, which basically eliminated long passes. And ramped up the ability to run the ball. Lot more other stuff involved, but yes, short answer is passing mostly sucks now, so run the ball 50-70% of the time.

yeesh. alright lol

what if I've got a duel threat QB who can evade pressure? Then does passing work?

Dual threat is not a thing in this game. There isn't a playbook that allows the QB to actually run the ball on a designed play. He may run on a scramble, which is typically about a 10 to 15 yard gain, but you can't make the QB scramble. At least I don't know how. Maybe smirt has a means to force a QB to scramble more.

but would having a speedy QB help him evade pressure, thereby giving him more time to throw, thereby making passing a little more effective?

Theoretically yes, but I doubt know that that have be proven to be true just yet.

In v4.6 the running QB is nullified because you need a long pass and/or one that garners sacks to achieve a scramble. Therefore, it's a fruitless mission. You'll get 10 yards running on a PA streak, per se and then the very next play (same play call) you'll get sacked for -10 yards. You'd be chasing your tail in a whirling dervish attempting to have the QB scramble.

Only 1 play yanks the QB around based on design: 113 Post Flags.

Mmm, I remember one time in a past version the QB took off on the 3-1-1 medium pass, however, that was like Haley's Comet and I couldn't figure out how to make it happen otherwise.