A view from across the pond

[rush_27]

I would just like to write a short post on my experiences of the game so far.

I am a big NFL fan from the UK and I only bought the game a few days ago but already I love everything about it, especially the realism. I am a sports fan and gamer but always strive for realistic gameplay and statistics more than anything.

I have searched the forum for a few things that I am still unsure about so hopefully a few of you can school me or at least point me in the right direction.

Firstly I need to get used to the salary cap and how the finances work so is there any hints, tips or guidance on the best way to handle this?

What matters most? Scouted rating or Stats? I had a 35/35 Charlie Whitehurst asking for $12m + after a season of playing like a top 5 QB.

Also, I have got better at Scouting draft picks but still would like some guidance on what to look out for.

All in all, loving the game :)

[agrimsley]

Hey fellow brit!

Salary cap:

Look to extend contracts for 2/3 years on players you like ahead of them running out.
If possible keep the bonus low and salary high as when you cut a player the bonus is the only money that count for future years e.g. you sign a player for 3 years at 5M per year with a 3M bonus. This will count as 6M per year against the cap with the bonus split equally. If you need to cut the player after 2 years, he will only count for 1M against the cap in the third year. Experience plays a large part in how much players will want so make sure you utilise the undrafted free agents and drafted players as they will cost very little.

As I am very new to the game, I would advise you listen to some of the very smart people on here with a lot of experience but personally why break what isn't broken? If Whitehurst is performing well in your gameplan then it indicates he has the right bars. The overall rating is often a misnomer so try not to use that too much.

Finally, I took the jump and joined a multiplayer league and I'm loving it. If that's for you then I can't recommend it enough!

[garion333]

What matters most? Scouted rating or Stats? I had a 35/35 Charlie Whitehurst asking for $12m + after a season of playing like a top 5 QB.


There's no good answer to this, really. Do you think he will continue to be successful on your team? Is he a one year wonder? Are his bars trending up? Do you have top 5 OL/WR/TE/RB and anyone will be successful? Etc.

Once you determine why his stats were so good this year you can better understand whether or not to keep him.

Keep in mind that if you started him a lot, he's going to ask for a lot more money even if he was the 20th rated QB. Starting time matters a lot in contract discussion.