It was a completely different game then and played nowhere to the high % passing attack where everything connected to little or no yardage with high gains being a relic.
Basically, in v4.2 you'd look at a 50-60% connection rate with high impact plays often hit and the game was to out-last the opponent. Have your defensive plays and strategies built up enough to bend but not break and win over the opponent by having the QB need to fire out more passes to score and thus tire by the end of the game.
Your guy preserved and you come out on top.
A lot more action, a lot more streaking touchdowns and excitement.