All pretty good ideas. Other than what you already have, the best idea is:

1. Less John Madden. I can't stand him, or either of the announcers. They are so repetative, but Madden more than the others (including NBA and NCAA football). Some of the things they say are quite obvious and just stupid. I'd like it if they added the option of taking out the commentary and just adding music, which brings me to my next improvment:

2. Larger playlist, kind of like the ones on Tony Hawk, however less Rap or "hip hop". Even though some people do like it, football's music is like hard rock. (and Rap for basketball).

3. Better cutscenes. After your team wins, they always do have the same reactment, unless it's a Super Bowl/ playoff game. Big wins should be celebrated differently than blow outs, and are.

Also, ESPN features aren't going to be in 2006. Since their current contract doesn't run out until January 1 2006, EA got a contract with them after it ends. There might be small features introduced from the ESPN series but I doubt it .