Al Davis and I agree *GASP*

[Warhammer]

I have based my team on the following with some interesting results:

I run a 3-WR offense with about 35-40% runs, with most of the passes being medium and long. I thought that a top flight QB would make the offense go, but the key cogs in the offense are the top two receivers. However, surprisingly, the offense works best with one of the following: a top tier TE or FB.

I have used QBs with ratings from 87 down to 57 (since improved to 70) and have had some stunning results. However, only when using a good TE or FB have the results been spectacular. I have averaged anywhere from 25-33 points per game over the last 20 seasons.

My running game has not suffered as I routinely have RBs that have ratings in the 50s that avg. 4.5 YPC and gain 1400 yards over the course of the season.

On defense, I have consistently been in the top 5 in points per game, allowing between 11-15, by using great cornerbacks combined with above average safties, and waiver wire pickups for the front 7. The only defining feature of my front 7 is that they are all good at stuffing the run.

What is scary about all this is that I once heard John Madden talk about his differences with Al Davis. Madden thought you built your teams from the lines out, whereas Davis believed in building from the sidelines in. From what I can figure out, I am following Davis' blueprint.

From looking at the results, my TDs by my QB are not extraordinary, 25-30 per season, but my RBs totals have been higher than expected running in the 8-13 range from my RB and 3-6 for my FB. My running totals are also better when running up the middle, as I usually have a 4.6-4.9 YPC up the gut, compared to 3.8-4.2 aroound the outside.

My guess is that I spread out the defense then jam it up the gut. I get a lead, and then my secondary plays a tight defense that causes turnovers, and a high amount of drops that translate into big wins. Most sacks appear to be caused by blitzes up front, as most of my opponents TDs are caused by turnovers in my end of the field, or by a long pass play on busted coverage (I assume).

I just can't believe that I agree with Mr. Jumpsuit, and that it works!

[QuikSand]

I just can't believe that I agree with Mr. Jumpsuit, and that it works!

Interesting post.

In the "for what it's worth" column, there is a long-standing precent when playing FOF that probably applies here. If you use a certain strategy in FOF, the fact that your team has success does not itself demonstrate that the strategy was effective.

Point being that this game gets pretty easy to "beat" over time. Most reasonable gamers can do a better job identifying talent and assessing its value than can the AI opponents. The long-term result? In all likelihood, you'd be having wonderful success whether you built from the outisde in, the inside out, or anything in between. When you make good decisions in the small scale, the big picture tends to take care of itself.

Congratulations on the good run, and good luck as you move forward with whatever challenges interest you in the game.

[Franklinnoble]

Interesting post.

In the "for what it's worth" column, there is a long-standing precent when playing FOF that probably applies here. If you use a certain strategy in FOF, the fact that your team has success does not itself demonstrate that the strategy was effective.

Point being that this game gets pretty easy to "beat" over time. Most reasonable gamers can do a better job identifying talent and assessing its value than can the AI opponents. The long-term result? In all likelihood, you'd be having wonderful success whether you built from the outisde in, the inside out, or anything in between. When you make good decisions in the small scale, the big picture tends to take care of itself.

Congratulations on the good run, and good luck as you move forward with whatever challenges interest you in the game.
Isn't that generally true in real football as well? There are teams that win with a smashmouth running attack, teams that win with a west-coast offense, teams that win with an all-out pass attack, and teams that win just because they have incredible defense... and some that have a combination of any of the above. What usually separates the champions from the runners-up is who has the best talent, and the most depth, and then tailors their game planning to complement their assets.