FOF4.0C---Houston Texans (Integrated with Kentucky TCY Career) [Archive]

Ben E Lou

07-06-2003, 10:09 AM

I decided to do a dynasty report with the new patch. I started with Houston, with the expansion draft. I'm using Empty Cupboard rules, and importing draft files from my Kentucky Wildcat TCY Career (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=000820), which I'll finally continue once the pro career catches up to it. A different twist on this dynasty report: I went ahead and played out the first five seasons without writing up a report. I wanted to go ahead and establish a little history, and didn't want to slow myself down in playing through those first few horrid years of an Empty Cupboard franchise. Here are my results from the first five years:

Front Office Football: The Fourth Edition
GM Performance for Ben Lewis of the Houston Texans

Year Team Eval Perf Diff Proft FrVal Record Playoffs
2006 HOU 31 10 81 27 39 5-11-0 None
2005 HOU 38 22 81 44 35 6-10-0 None
2004 HOU 28 0 79 32 32 0-16-0 None
2003 HOU 30 2 75 35 35 2-14-0 None
2002 HOU 47 0 73 89 37 0-16-0 None

Ben E Lou

07-06-2003, 10:27 AM

HOUSTON TEXANS 2007 PRELIMINARIES</center>

HALL OF FAME
None.

RETIREES
None.

STAFF HIRING PERIOD
Here’s the staff:

HEAD COACH
Courtney Murphy
Age: 59
Record: 21-30
Playoffs: 1
Bowl Wins: 0
REPUTATION
QB: F YOUNG TALENT: A
RB: A MOTIVATION: V
WR: G DISCIPLINE: G
OL: E OFFENSE PLAYCALL: A
K: V DEFENSE PLAYCALL: VG
DL: G AVOID INJURY: E
LB: A
DB: G

SCOUT
Donny Sheldon
Age: 43
Record: 39-43
Playoffs: 2
Bowl Wins: 0
REPUTATION
QB: A DL: A
RB: G LB: V
WR: V DB: G
OL: G YOUNG TALENT: G
K: A

Ben E Lou

07-06-2003, 11:54 AM

INITIAL ROSTER REPORT</center>

Player # Pos Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Cntrct OnTeam
Burnett, Mel 8 QB 3 46 62 1 yr. 2005
Ellard, Warren 2 QB 5 33 54 --- 2003
Stubbs, Tyrone 4 QB 4 29 41 1 yr. 2004
Nowlin, Colin 19 QB 2 15 53 1 yr. 2006

One of the big reasons for my franchise’s lack of success to date has been the lack of a legit starting QB. I drafted a guy 1(1) in 2002 who looked like the future, but he got hurt in his second season, and came back with severely reduced ratings the next year. I went ahead and cut him to take the cap hit before I could hit the FA market in Year 5. (That guy is a UFA this year, rated 29/37). At any rate, Burnett looks like he COULD be the guy. He has 14 TD’s and 17 INT’s as the starter in parts of 2 seasons. He’s rated 94 in 3rd-down passing, 100 in timing, 32/57 in avoiding interceptions, but only 18/37 in reading the “d”. He’s got a 45/71 in short passing, but he looks like he could be best at stretching defense: 50/76 in long passing and 66/99 in deep passing. Having a QB who is a big threat to throw it deep would be a nice complement to my preferred grind-it-out style. Burnett could keep defense honest. Nowlin started 6 games as a rookie, and turned in a decent-for-a-rookie 73.2 QB rating. He’s got reds in the teens and 20’s, but several greens over 80.Tatum, Corwin 49 RB 6 51 54 --- 2002
Morris, Frank 37 RB 6 40 47 --- 2006
Brandt, Trent 48 RB 6 39 41 --- 2002
Peters, Brad 42 RB 4 32 33 1 yr. 2004
Ford, Kenyon 44 FB 6 66 66 --- 2002
Sampson, Nathan 40 FB 6 46 51 1 yr. 2002 Tatum has been the biggest frustration of this career. He was my 2(1) pick in our inaugural season, and his rushing ratings look quite nice: 32,67,91,65/76,80/84,94 in order. However, he’s been consistently out-performed by other backs with lesser ratings. I keep giving him a chance, and he keeps letting me down and losing his starting spot. He’s carried 753 times for 2498 yards (3.3ypc) and 10 TD’s in his 5-year career. Morris, a guy I signed to a one-year deal near the end of free agency last year, rushed for 1,135 yards with a 4.3 ypc last year. At FB, Kenyon Ford has been very solid for me since being picked 4(1) in ’02. I chose not to renegotiate with him before last season was over because he had a serious injury, and I’ve had several guys in this career come back a shell of their former selves, ratings-wise, after injuries. However, Ford is looking good still. He’ll probably get the franchise tag. He’s averaged 4.6 ypc in his career, and has caught 40+ passes every year. Sampson, picked up as an undrafted free agent in ’02, has stuck around as a backup fullback and pretty solid blocker.Reynolds, Brock 80 TE 3 44 44 2 yrs. 2005
Wayne, Glenn 88 TE 6 33 33 --- 2002
Poole, Myron 85 TE 4 23 32 --- 2006
Hitchcock, Steven 83 FL 6 75 76 4 yrs. 2006
Borrego, Bruce 87 FL 3 32 43 3 yrs. 2005
Russell, Mitchell 84 SE 6 50 50 2 yrs. 2006
Buchanan, Bob 89 SE 6 46 46 --- 2002
Graham, Deion 81 SE 6 41 45 2 yrs. 2002 At TE, Reynolds, a 3rd-rounder in ’05, is a one-dimensional guy, rated 95 in route running and 57 in avoiding drops, but only 22 in run blocking and 20 in pass blocking. Due a couple of minor injuries last year combined with my desire to get a better run-blocker in there, he only started 5 games. He caught 52 passes the year before as a rookie however. Wayne and Pool were both undrafted FA’s with decent run-blocking skills. Wayne has a 69 in route running, and started 12 games last year, catching 28 passes and turning in a 38.4 BPct. As far as the WR’s go, Hitchcock was a big-money FA pickup last year, but got hurt and only started 10 games, only catching 22 passes. He’s costing me $8.35M in cap room, or 7.5% of the cap. I need him to be a lot more productive! Deion Graham, despite mediocre ratings, has been out leading receiver for each of the past four years. He was a 6th-round pickup in ’02 and was a part-time starter that year, but the last four years have seen him average 65 catches and 868 yards per year. Borrego is a deep-threat 3rd wide receiver type. He’s rated 87/96 in 3rd down catching and 96 in big-playing receiving, but only 6/13 in route running. Russell is also a big-play-only guy, rated 98 in big plays, but 28/32 route running and 29 in 3rd-down catching. Brodie, Marc 76 LT 5 43 50 --- 2005
Anderson, Keith 68 LT 6 28 35 1 yr. 2004
Adams, Quentin 71 LG 5 61 65 2 yrs. 2005
Money, Grant 59 LG 4 18 32 1 yr. 2004
Burns, Jeffrey 57 C 4 53 77 1 yr. 2004
Renteria, Jorge 66 C 6 24 48 1 yr. 2004
Woodard, Buddy 70 RG 6 53 54 4 yrs. 2005
Brandon, Ronald 60 RT 2 38 59 5 yrs. 2006
Lightner, Brett 67 RT 6 15 15 2 yrs. 2002 I traded the 1(1) pick in ’05 to Buffalo to get 3 other picks, plus Adams and Woodard, who would become my starting guards. Adams has been solid, but Woodard could use some work. Burns could become a mainstay at center. Brandon had a pretty good rookie year, and is rated 51/83 in pass blocking. I could really use a left tackle. Brodie has a career 22.4 run block pct, and 14.1 Opct.Austin, Lenny 18 P 3 75 75 1 yr. 2005
Baumgartner, Ty 15 K 4 86 92 3 yrs. 2004 Both are considered the #2 player in the league at their position, according to the “Roster Strength” ratings. Nice.**Scurlock, Andy 73 LDE 5 35 46 1 yr. 2006
Banfield, Rusty 77 LDE 4 24 33 1 yr. 2006
Castillo, Cory 96 LDE 6 21 21 --- 2006
Newton, Dean 79 LDT 4 13 21 2 yrs. 2006
Marcheck, Randy 97 NT 6 25 28 --- 2002
Colinet, Myron 78 RDT 4 75 75 3 yrs. 2004
Thomason, Carlos 72 RDT 5 35 36 --- 2003
Hartmann, B.J. 99 RDE 6 40 41 --- 2002
Wells, Richie 93 RDE 6 22 31 --- 2006 I’ve had a TOUGH time getting a solid DL together. Perhaps the new draft AI values linemen highly, or isn’t producing enough quality ones, but not enough info to know yet. DT Colinet has been very solid though. He was the 1(2) pick in ’04, and has a 10.3 TKPct in 3 seasons. None of the other guys are much worth mentioning. Castillo had 13 sacks in ’03, but hasn’t done much of anything since. Hartmann could be serviceable. He has 14.5 sacks and 36 hurries over the last two seasons. Burke, Johnnie 90 SLB 5 39 39 2 yrs. 2003
Oliver, Freddie 94 SLB 2 38 68 2 yrs. 2006
Joseph, Lenny 44 SLB 6 33 37 --- 2004
Beam, Ross 56 SLB 3 15 25 4 yrs. 2005
Knauls, Greg 51 MLB 2 49 72 1 yr. 2006
Gilmore, Dana 52 MLB 2 34 59 2 yrs. 2006
Lemons, Dennis 58 WILB 6 63 71 1 yr. 2002
Bergstrom, Darren 53 WLB 6 64 68 3 yrs. 2006
Campbell, Nolan 50 WLB 3 53 73 2 yrs. 2005It looks like I’ve got the proper pieces in place here in Oliver, Lemons and Bergstrom. With Knauls and Campbell also looking quite good, I may end up having to abandon my preferred 4-3 defense for the 3-4.Wilkerson, Troy 21 LCB 3 55 59 3 yrs. 2005
Sanderson, Les 24 LCB 6 34 49 1 yr. 2006
Dial, Alvin 22 RCB 6 53 53 2 yrs. 2004
Gardner, Jason 31 RCB 5 50 53 1 yr. 2003
Krueger, Martin 25 SS 5 57 57 1 yr. 2003
Scoggin, Geoff 33 SS 6 38 41 --- 2002
Heath, Bobby 43 FS 6 70 71 3 yrs. 2006
Bouse, Louis 23 FS 6 29 29 3 yrs. 2002 Those who have followed any of my dynasties in the past know that I believe zone defense is for sissies. All four corners on my roster have solid or better M2M ratings, and FS Heath is just a stud (81/89 M2M, 77 Bump and Run). SS Krueger has 100 ratings in both run defense and M2M. Utterly perfect for my system!

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Offensively, I’d like to get a true feature back, an all-around TE, and a LT. On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line needs addressing, either by signing the guys we need, or by switching to the 3-4.

Ben E Lou

07-06-2003, 02:03 PM

2007 20-STEP PROCESS</center>

Franchise Player:: FB Kenyon Ford (Note: As a house rule, I always sign the franchise player immediately in free agency.

Amount Available For New Players: $21.58M

Extensions To Save Cap Room (Only offered in final year of contract)
WILB Lemons: 3yrs, $7.7M
RCB Gardner: 3yrs, $8.6M

Thoughts After Examining FA and Draft Pools
Three of the Top 10 players in year 6 or under (empty cupboard rules) are DE’s, and there are two RB’s in the draft pool who look like they could go in the Top 5. (I have the #5 pick) Nice!!!

New UFA’s Signed During 20-Step Process
DT Scottie Poindexter (5.2)—3yrs, $6.0M. Poindexter was a 3-year starter in Denver, putting up an 8.2 TkPct. He’s rated 40/81 in run defense. His presence could allow me to stick with the 4-3!
DE Julio Stermer (5.6)—4 yrs, $25M. His specialty is getting to the QB. He’s rated 94 in technique, and 62 in strength. Career PRPct of 6.0.
DE Tyrus Hoffman (7.3)—5yrs, $49.5M. All-around stud. He was a 2nd-Team All Pro last year, racking up 57 tackles, 15 sacks, and 29 hurrries for Seattle.

My Own RFA’s and UFA’s Re-signed
None.

FA Analysis
Well, I filled the holes on the DL. We could have one of the best defenses in the NFL this year!

Ben E Lou

07-06-2003, 10:47 PM

2007 AMATEUR DRAFT</center>

KENTUCKY PLAYERS IN THE DRAFT
QB Tom Supple—He came to us as the #472 player, and #40 QB, in the nation, out of John Glenn HS in Elwood, NY. After red-shirting, Supple became the starter in his 2nd playing season. He had a 54.9 completion pct. That year, with 1930 yards, 13 Td’s and 19INT’s for a 4-7 squad. Supple lost his starting job, however, to the highly touted Mitchell Ford (the #23 HS player in the country his year), for the past two seasons. Supple will not likely be drafted.
T Neil Gomez—He came to us from Lincoln HS in Lincoln, Nebraska, and became a starter as a true freshman despite his high school’s 8 rating in athletic prep. He was the #953 player in the land, and the #99 T. He had a KRB pct of 31.3 over the course of his career. His green ratings are all 10 or worse. He won’t be signed by anyone.
P Malcolm Natale—Natale came to us from Waggener Trad HS in Louisville. He was the #987 player in the nation and the #24 punter. He punted for us for four seasons, averaging 37.8 yards per punt. He is rated 76/82 overall, and the details are 87,73/80,84. Natale shows up in the draft rated 36/42, 25/28, 12/32. I doubt anyone will need him.
DE Lawrence Branch—Branch came from Bath County HS in Owingsville as the #563 ranked player in the land. After red-shirting, he became a starter for a year, but lost his starting job as we signed blue-chippers. He finishes his college career with only 13 starts, but a respectable 7.1 PR Pct. Branch could develop into a starter. He’s rated 9/60,10/63,28,11/62,7,42/71.
DE Clyde Webster—Webster signed from Shelby County (KY) HS. He was the #164 player in the nation, and the #14 DE. He was a 4-year starter, getting 25.5 sacks during his career. He was named 2nd-team all SEC his senior year. His overall ratings are 70/70, with the details being 77/94,78/95,35. Webster looks like he could be signed by someone as a FA, but doesn’t look like an impact player. He’s rated 2.9.]
DT Riddick Bussey—He came to us from Sodus (NY) HS. The #682 player in the nation and the #47 DT, he became a 4-year starter. His best statistical year was his 2nd, when he had 72 tackles and 6.5 sacks and was 1st-Team All SEC. Overall, he had 178 tackles and 14.5 sacks. A torn rotator cuff ended his senior year after 8 games. His current ratings are 68/83 overall, with 73,73,79 being the details. Bussey could be useful at stopping the run for someone (8/60).He’s rated 3.0 overall.
ILB Orlando Carpenter—This guy came out of nowhere to become a Kentucky legend. He came to us from Murray (KY) High School, an unheralded #991 player in the country, rated 61- by our scout and being a slight 6’1”, 201 lbs. He was considered to be only the 42nd best ILB coming out of HS that year. He developed quickly and became a 4-year starter after a red-shirt season. His first season showed the promise of things to come, when he had 87 tackles and 24 assists, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. He went on to rack up 3 straight All-SEC ILB honors, and was a 2nd-Team All-American in his final season, and was an All-Senior ILB. He finished his career with 361 tackles, 104 assists, 32 sacks, and 8 interceptions. He leaves holding the SEC record for tackles and tackles for losses (87). He is listed as an MLB in the draft, with no hope, rated 2.0.
OLB Ty Harmon—He came to us from West High School in Wausau Wisconsin. He was an injury-prone four-year starter. He missed 17 starts in his career due to injury. He was the #736 player coming out of HS, and the #47 OLB. He is currently rated 52/61 with his strongest rating being a 67/76 in pass rushing. In his abbreviated career he recorded 123 tackles and 8 sacks. His numbers aren’t impressive. Probably won’t be on a roster. Overall rating is 2.7
CB Lamar Springer—From Monett (MO) HS, I wonder what might have been with this #843 overall, #69 CB. He suffered season-ending injuries in each of his first two years playing, which undoubtedly cut short his development. He had solid seasons his last two, but his green ratings are very much untapped still. He has a 48/90 rating in man-to-man defense, and overall is 33/56. He had 7 interceptions and a PDQ of 20.2 in his career. Rated 2.0. Won’t be drafted or signed in all likelihood.
S Alan Mills—He’s from Ohio County HS in Hartford, KY. He started all 45 games in his career at strong safety. He was the #858 player coming out of HS, the #56 safety. For his career, he had 6 interceptions and a 20.0 PDQ to go along with 211 tackles and 95 assists. He was 2-time SEC All-Academic Team. Ditto Springer. 2.0.

THE DRAFT
Well, I pull off a VERY risky trade. When it gets to the #5 pick, there are both a studly RB and studly T available, and they are the top two players left according to the scout consensus rating, and of course both are positions of great need for me. I decide to trade for the #6 pick! I send my #1 picks for the next two years to Tennessee for the 1(6) pick this year. Here’s how the draft plays out…

1(5): T Billy Joe Magnuson (24/89/7.6)—Billy Joe was a “Five Great Men” recruit: the #1 player in the country, from Oak Ridge HS in El Dorado Hills, CA. After a red-shirt season, he was a four-year starter at UCLA. He was three-time All Pac-10, 3-time Academic All America, and a First Team All-American once. He is rated 9/94, 10/93, 88, 34/60. I’m hoping he’ll anchor my offensive line for a very long time.
1(6): RB Adrian Bryant (58/72/7.1)—Bryant, a kid out of South Meck in Charlotte, brings a 100 rating in hole recognition to the table, plus a 96 in breakaway speed. He managed 4.2 ypc for his career, running behind some dreadful lines at NC State. He never got to play in a bowl game in college.
3(5): FB Winfred Burke (39/72/6.4)—This Michigan Wolverine from Howard Lake, MN, was a 3-time All Big 10 selection. He was a pretty good pass catcher, and I intend to convert him to a TE, as he’s 6-1, 260lbs, and rated 11/69 in run blocking, and 26/93 in route running. He could be that all-around TE I’m looking for.
4(5): C Alonzo Perez (26/64/5.6)—Perez, from River Valley High in Mohave Valley, AZ, came out 2 years early from Arizona State after never starting a game. His 1.62 GPA may have had something to do with it. At any rate, he’s the best-looking player available, if he doesn’t bust. He’s pretty symmetrical though: 16/64,17/66,63,36/63.
5(5): QB Marco Conway (12/58/4.8)—Conway, a 2nd-team All Conf. USA QB his senior year at Southern Miss, could be a solid starter if he develops to his potentials. Nearly every potential rating is 60 or better, with the highest being read defense (27/84) and timing (51/80).
6(5): TE Leon Quinn (21/52/4.3)—Quinn left Northwestern University early after Academic Probation. He’s rated 12/60 in run blocking, and 12/53 in route running.
7(5): RB Andre Macias (32/47/4.2)—He could be decent: 47/66 in hole recognition, and 14/92 in route running.

KENTUCKY PLAYERS DRAFTED
78. Indianapolis – Branch, Lawrence, DE, Kentucky
159. Jacksonville – Webster, Clyde, DE, Kentucky
167. Cleveland – Bussey, Riddick, DT, Kentucky

Ben E Lou

07-10-2003, 08:45 PM

2007 HOUSTON 60-MAN ROSTER REPORT</center>

Player # Pos Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Cntrct OnTeam
Burnett, Mel 8 QB 3 48 60 1 yr. 2005
Stubbs, Tyrone 4 QB 4 30 40 2 yrs. 2004
Nowlin, Colin 19 QB 2 19 52 1 yr. 2006
Conway, Marco 10 QB 1 14 47 3 yrs. 2007 Burnett enters his contract year. He needs to step it up a notch. If he can’t, then the search will begin anew for the man who’ll lead us.Bryant, Adrian 27 RB 1 57 66 6 yrs. 2007
Ackerman, Karl 29 RB 1 34 46 2 yrs. 2007
Karamazov, Chris 28 RB 1 33 40 2 yrs. 2007
Peters, Brad 42 RB 4 32 33 2 yrs. 2004
Macias, Andre 45 RB 1 32 43 3 yrs. 2007
Ford, Kenyon 44 FB 6 66 66 4 yrs. 2002
Sampson, Nathan 40 FB 6 48 50 2 yrs. 2002
Webster, Jesse 39 FB 1 21 35 2 yrs. 2007 1st-round draft choice Bryant will be given every chance to start at tailback. Interesting development at fullback. Brad Peters has become the leader of the backfield, and Ford has a conflict with him, while Sampson has a Srtong affinity with him. Sampson is also a better blocker than Ford. This could get interesting. Reynolds, Brock 80 TE 3 51 51 2 yrs. 2005
Wayne, Glenn 88 TE 6 34 34 1 yr. 2002
Burke, Winfred 47 TE 1 33 66 4 yrs. 2007
Quinn, Leon 82 TE 1 22 43 2 yrs. 2007
Hitchcock, Steven 83 FL 6 74 74 4 yrs. 2006
Borrego, Bruce 87 FL 3 32 38 3 yrs. 2005
Russell, Mitchell 84 SE 6 54 54 2 yrs. 2006
Graham, Deion 81 SE 6 41 44 2 yrs. 2002
Erickson, Gerald 86 SE 1 25 44 2 yrs. 2007 TE will be interesting. Converted FB Burke will get the starts in preseason, but he’s got a whole lot of green and not much red in run blocking and route running, so I’m planning to go with Wayne to begin the season, as he’s a much better run blocker than Brock Reynolds. I’m looking for a big season from Hitchcock, and Graham continues to get the start at SE over Russell. I wonder if Graham has performed so well because he’s the receivers’ leader Borrego (81/86 3rd down, 97 big play), will be the 3rd WR.
Brodie, Marc 76 LT 5 43 50 --- 2005
Anderson, Keith 68 LT 6 28 35 1 yr. 2004
Adams, Quentin 71 LG 5 61 65 2 yrs. 2005
Money, Grant 59 LG 4 18 32 1 yr. 2004
Burns, Jeffrey 57 C 4 53 77 1 yr. 2004
Renteria, Jorge 66 C 6 24 48 1 yr. 2004
Woodard, Buddy 70 RG 6 53 54 4 yrs. 2005
Brandon, Ronald 60 RT 2 38 59 5 yrs. 2006
Lightner, Brett 67 RT 6 15 15 2 yrs. 2002 For the first time in franchise history, the starting offensive line looks pretty good, particularly if Magnuson can hit the ground running at LT. Austin, Lenny 18 P 3 74 74 1 yr. 2005
Baumgartner, Ty 15 K 4 92 92 3 yrs. 2004 Can’t complain about the kicking game. Nice.Stermer, Julio 74 LDE 5 57 57 4 yrs. 2007
Hoffman, Tyrus 75 LDE 5 43 45 5 yrs. 2007
**Scurlock, Andy 73 LDE 5 37 41 1 yr. 2006
Banfield, Rusty 77 LDE 4 25 33 1 yr. 2006
$$Poindexter, Scottie 92 LDT 5 41 57 3 yrs. 2007
Newton, Dean 79 LDT 4 15 20 2 yrs. 2006
Marcheck, Randy 97 NT 6 27 30 1 yr. 2002
$$Colinet, Myron 78 RDT 4 78 78 3 yrs. 2004
Wells, Richie 93 RDE 6 24 31 1 yr. 2006 Like the offensive line, it looks like the DL could become solid for the first time with Stermer, Hoffman, Colinet and Poindexter starting..Oliver, Freddie 94 SLB 2 41 68 2 yrs. 2006
Burke, Johnnie 90 SLB 5 40 40 2 yrs. 2003
Knauls, Greg 51 MLB 2 51 71 1 yr. 2006
Gilmore, Dana 52 MLB 2 37 61 2 yrs. 2006
Lemons, Dennis 58 WILB 6 67 71 3 yrs. 2002
Bergstrom, Darren 53 WLB 6 68 69 3 yrs. 2006
Campbell, Nolan 50 WLB 3 59 74 2 yrs. 2005 As I said earlier, the linebacking corps is solid and deep. I could see trading someone away even.Wilkerson, Troy 21 LCB 3 56 56 3 yrs. 2005
Sanderson, Les 24 LCB 6 37 49 1 yr. 2006
Robbins, Luke 41 LCB 1 26 41 2 yrs. 2007
Gardner, Jason 31 RCB 5 51 51 3 yrs. 2003
Dial, Alvin 22 RCB 6 47 47 2 yrs. 2004
Krueger, Martin 25 SS 5 55 55 1 yr. 2003
Collier, Danny 35 SS 1 18 35 2 yrs. 2007
Heath, Bobby 43 FS 6 71 72 3 yrs. 2006
Bouse, Louis 23 FS 6 30 30 3 yrs. 2002 No changes in the secondary from last year. We look pretty good here.
We’ve got an 86 in roster rating. This could be our first year to contend for a playoff birth.

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 07:26 AM

2007 PRESEASON RECAP</center>

RECORD
2-2

ROOKIE(S) IN THE SPOTLIGHT
RB Bryant had 56 carries for 302 yards (5.4ypc). Looking like the feature back I’ve craved!

INJURY REPORT
From: Personnel Department

Injury Report:
Darren Bergstrom, WLB - Strained Elbow Tendon, Out, full strength in about 5 weeks.
Steven Hitchcock, FL - Separated Shoulder, Out, full strength in about 3 weeks.
Andy Scurlock, LDE - MCL Knee Surgery, Out, full strength in about 12 weeks.
Julio Stermer, LDE - Torn Ankle Ligament, Out, full strength in 2008.
Scottie Poindexter, LDT - Strained Achilles Tendon, Probable, full strength in about 1 week.
Myron Colinet, RDT - Torn Quadriceps Muscle, Out, full strength in late 2008.
Mel Burnett, QB - Knee Tendinitis, Probable, full strength in about 2 weeks.
Freddie Oliver, SLB - Hyperextended Knee, Probable, full strength in about 1 week.
Colin Nowlin, QB - Sprained Thumb, Probable, full strength in about 5 weeks.Ack! The DL, which I thought could become a strength, is SERIOUSLY depleted, with three starters out, and only one looking like he’ll be back before the year is over. It looks like I’ll be forced into the 3-4 this year.

CUTS
QB Marco Conway
RB Chris Karamazov
FB Jesse Webster
TE Leon Quinn
T Brett Lightner
CB Luke Robbins

I cut two draftees. I almost NEVER cut one draftee pre-patch. I’m sure I never drafted TWO guys in the same year (one a 5th-rounder), that didn’t make the team. Nice.

OUTLOOK
I’m not very familiar with the 3-4. I guess I’ll blitz a lot. If the defense can hold itself together, the offense is looking like it can move the ball fairly well this year.

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 08:45 AM

2007 FIRST HALF DIARY</center>

WEEK ONE: Houston (0-0) at Indianapolis (0-0) (-1)
Ty Baumgartner his 4 FG’s as neither team finds the end zone in this one. We come away 12-9 winners in this field-position battle. Burnett is 15 for 24 for 184 yards with 0 INT’s, and Bryant carries 27 times for 79 yds.

WEEK TWO: Atlanta (1-0) (-2) at Houston (1-0)
We win a wide-open one by a 36-34 count today, despite our entire defense leaving there muttering, “ImetTrentGreen”. Green throws for 410 yards against us, but we sack him 6 times and come away with 2 interceptions. (I’m wondering if maybe I’m blitzing a little TOO much in the 3-4.) However, Burnett has a near-perfect day: 28 for 32 for 234 yards with 3 TD’s, 0 INT’s, and is only sacked once. He spread the ball around: 6 different receivers had 3 catches or more. Graham lead the way with 5 for 80 and 2 TD’s.

WEEK THREE: Baltimore (1-1) at Houston (2-0) (-5)
The team clicks on all cylinders this week in a 27-6 win. The D holds the Ravens to 201 total yards and 12 first downs, and the offense keeps the ball for 36:17 en route to piling up 433 yards of total offense. Bryant carries 40 times for 153 yards, and Burnett is 16 for 22 for 206 yards with 2 TD’s and 1 INT. Graham again is the leading receiver, with 6 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s. The defense records 5 sacks and 2 INT’s. FL Hitchcock re-injures his shoulder in this one, and is Out for 5 more weeks. I think this time I’ll sit him until he’s fully healed.

WEEK FOUR: Houston (3-0) at San Diego (3-0) (-2)
We win a seesaw battle of unbeatens on the west coast this week by a 27-24 score. Bryant is the workhorse, carrying 32 times for 157 yards with 2 TD’s. Burnett cools off a bit this week, going 17 for 26 for 144 yards with 0 TD’s and an INT. OLB Johnny Burke is the game MVP, recording 12 tackles, 4 assists and 3 sacks on the day.

WEEK FIVE: Oakland (2-2) at Houston (4-0) (-6)
Good news and bad news this week. First, the bad: first-round draft pick and starting RB Adrian Bryant suffers a compound leg fracture on our second play from scrimmage, and is done for the year, and of course I’d consider his career to be in jeopardy. The good news is that 7th round draft choice Macias came in and carried 40 times for 192 yards! We win this one 23-7, as the defense picks up 8 sacks.

WEEK SIX: Houston (5-0) (-8) at Kansas City (2-2)
The Chiefs burst our unbeaten bubble this week, and an old nemesis of mine drove the dagger in. Cornelius Younger caught the first TD pass of his professional career with 1L47 to play to vault KC to a 24-20 win. Younger is a Top 100 guy I recruited heavily when I was at UK, but he chose to go to arch-rival Louisville instead. In three games against me at UK, he caught 14 passes for 245 yards and 2 TD’s. Grrrrrrr. Graham has 7 catches for 128 yards on the day, and Macias carries 17 times for 73 yards.

WEEK SEVEN: Denver (3-2) at Houston (5-1) (-6)
This is the most monumental defense struggle I’ve seen in FOF. We play to a 6-6 tie. Burnett is injured in the 2nd quarter, and Stubbs is pretty ineffective off the bench: 14 for 29 for 159 yards. Macies carries 22 times for 79 yards.

WEEK EIGHT: Houston (5-1-1) (-2) at Tennessee (3-3)
QB Burnett is doubtful with a hyperextended elbow, and I give the start to Colin Nowlin, who does ok: 23 for 43, 288 yards, 1 TD , 1 INT. We’re undone by two fourth-quarter turnovers, and fall 23-16. ILB Lemons has 3 sacks.

WEEK NINE: Bye

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 08:52 AM

2007 MID-SEASON REPORT</center>

Record: 5-2-1
Standing: 2nd. Jax leads the division at 7-1.
QB Stats: Mel Burnett: 117 for 171, 1148 yards, 9 TD’s, 4 INT’s, 94.8 QB Rating.
Leading Rushers: Andre Macias, 114 carries for 507 yards, 0 TD’s. Adrian Bryant, 117 carries, 448 yards, 3 TD’s. (Bryant is out for the season)
Leading Receiver: Deion Graham—35 catches for 517 yards, 6 TD’s.
Leading Tackler:LB Dennis Leomons—52 tackls, 18 assists, 6 sacks.

*-denotes NFL leader

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 09:36 AM

2007 SECOND HALF DIARY</center>

WEEK TEN: Indianapolis (3-5) at Houston (5-2-1) (-6)
We struggle to a 17-13 loss, despite outgaining ‘em 358-265. 3 turnovers, and Macias only picking up 57 yards on 19 carries, prove to be our undoing. Burnett returns (as does FL Hitchcock) and goes 17 for 32 for 266 yards with a TD and an INT, and Hitchcock catches 4 for 126 yards, but sprains his knee and will be doubtful next week. Is this guy brittle or what???. We fall from the first Wild Card spot to the 2nd.

WEEK ELEVEN: Houston (5-3-1) at Jacksonville (8-1) (-5)
DE Scurlock is listed as Probable (3 wks) from his MCL surgery. I decide to risk it and use him as the pass-rushing DE since we’re in such a free-fall right now, and could use a win against the division leader. He doesn’t re-injure himself, but we get spanked nonetheless 27-7. Nothing really goes well in this one. Tennessee passes us in the race for the final Wild Card spot with that loss.

WEEK TWELVE: Houston (5-4-1) (-8) at Tampa Bay (2-8)
GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! It seems like nothing can go right for us. After a 5-0 start, we’ve been 0-5-1 since. This time we fall 16-3 to the lowly Bucs in the rain. We hold the edge in time of possession and total offense, but 4 turnovers (to their zero) undo us. We’re still only a half game behind the final Wild Card spot though.

WEEK THIRTEEN: Houston (5-5-1) (-3) at New Jersey (4-7)
FINALLY!!! After six straight games without a win, we roll to a 38-17 victory, and have no turnovers. Burnett leads the way, going 18 for 27 for 251 with 3TD’s. The defense comes up with 4 interceptions on the day as well. Denver(also 6-5-1) holds the tiebreaker edge over us for the final Wild Card spot, but Pittsburgh is only a half-game ahead of us. We’re in the hunt.

WEEK FOURTEEN: Houston (6-5-1) at New Orleans (6-6) (-2)
In a game with big-time playoff implications for both teams, we prevail 25-22 on the strength of two late TD passes from Burnett, the last one coming with 1:08 to play after a successful onside kick. We overcome four turnovers (to none for NO) to win this one. The Steelers lose this week, and we’re back in the final playoff spot.

WEEK FIFTEEN: Jacksonville (11-2) (-6) at Houston (7-5-1)
The big, bad Jaguars come to town, led by QB Pennington and this time we give them a much better battle before succumbing 37-34 in overtime. Burnett has a near-perfect day: 19 for 23, 260 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Tennessee (8-6) and Denver (8-5-1) both win this week though, and we’re a half-game out of the playoffs right now.

WEEK SIXTEEN: Carolina (5-9) at Houston (7-6-1) (-6)
QB Burnett is questionable with a sprained knee, but this is a must-win situation and he proves to be a gamer as he leads us to a 41-24 victory on 21 for 30 passing. Tennessee (9-6) and Pittsburgh (9-6) hold a half-game lead over us, and Denver (who has a better conf. Record) is at 8-6-1. We play Tennessee, Denver has the Chiefs (6-9), and Pittsburgh plays Cleveland (11-4). We’ve got a shot, but we’ve got to take care of our own business against the Titans first.

WEEK SEVENTEEN: Tennessee (9-6) at Houston (8-6-1 (-3)
In the final game of the regular season, with both teams battling for a playoff spot, we win in overtime, 20-17. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh (10-6) and Denver (9-6-1) also win, and we’re staying home this postseason. Still, I’m happy to have posted our first winning record.

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 09:46 AM

2007 END OF REGULAR SEASON REPORT</center>Front Office Football: The Fourth Edition
2007 Summary for Houston Texans

Record: 9-6-1
Winning Pct.: .593

Houston Texans Team Rank
Rushes 534 4
Rushing Yards 2139 5
Yards Per Carry 4.00 14
Pass Attempts 490 29
Completions 306 25 (T)
Passing Yards 3196 31
Yards Per Attempt 6.52 26 (T)
3rd Down Conversions 41.1 13
Points Per Game 21.7 18
Turnovers 24 14 (T)
Turnover Margin +11 2 (T)

Opponents Team Rank
Rushes 409 6 (T)
Rushing Yards 1571 7
Yards Per Carry 3.84 10 (T)
Pass Attempts 575 30
Completions 352 28 (T)
Passing Yards 4039 27
Yards Per Attempt 7.02 17
3rd Down Conversions 40.6 16
Points Per Game 19.3 9 (T)
Turnovers 35 1

Week Team Versus Oppnt
1 12 at IND 9
2 36 ATL 34
3 27 BAL 6
4 27 at SDO 24
5 23 OAK 7
6 20 at KCY 24
7 6 DEN 6
8 16 at TEN 23
10 13 IND 17
11 7 at JAX 27
12 3 at TBY 16
13 38 at NJY 17
14 25 at NOS 22
15 34 JAX 37
16 41 CAR 24
17 20 TEN 17

Passing Pos Att Comp Yards Y/Att TD Int
8 Burnett QB 418 269 2749 6.57 19 14
19 Nowlin QB 43 23 288 6.69 1 1
**Team --- 490 306 3196 6.52 20 15

Rushing Pos Att Yards Y/Att TD
45 Macias RB 248 965 3.89 4
27 Bryant RB 117 448 3.82 3
44 Ford FB 55 222 4.03 3
29 Ackerman RB 55 241 4.38 2
**Team --- 534 2139 4.00 13

Receiving Pos Targ Catch Yards Y/Ctc YAC TD
81 Graham WR 125 69 1000 14.4 166 9
88 Wayne TE 57 38 250 6.5 58 1
44 Ford FB 54 38 175 4.6 90 1
83 Hitchcock WR 48 24 367 15.2 56 1
80 Reynolds TE 43 29 234 8.0 53 0
87 Borrego WR 41 29 419 14.4 81 2
84 Russell WR 38 16 245 15.3 38 1
45 Macias RB 31 22 208 9.4 33 1
**Team --- 489 306 3196 10.4 687 20

Defense Pos Tack Asst Sack Hurr Ints Defn
58 Lemons ILB 108 37 11.5 7 1 3
43 Heath S 89 27 1.5 1 6 10
25 Krueger S 78 30 0.0 0 2 4
50 Campbell OLB 59 24 7.0 15 1 7
51 Knauls ILB 55 21 9.0 3 1 8
24 Sanderson CB 54 17 2.0 0 2 10
53 Bergstrom OLB 51 18 3.0 10 2 3
22 Dial CB 50 9 2.5 4 0 2
90 Burke OLB 49 15 10.5 5 0 1
21 Wilkerson CB 47 8 0.0 1 4 9
75 Hoffman DE 31 7 1.0 3 0 0
92 Poindexter DT 25 11 0.0 2 0 0
23 Bouse S 17 5 0.0 0 0 1
99 Dawkins ILB 17 4 0.0 1 0 1
**Team --- 881 269 66.0 74 22 64Other notables:

G Quentin Adams led the NFL in KRB, with 49.

The offense line gave up 33 sacks, the 4th-fewest in the NFL.

We led the league in sacks, with 66.

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 10:01 AM

2007 POSTSEASON REPORT</center>

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS
P Lenny Austin: 3 more years.

He’s the only one I can afford.

PLAYOFF RESULTS

Green Bay wins the Super Bowl 34-27, mainly because Clint Stoerner, of all people, threw 3 2nd-half TD passes! This was his first year as a starting QB. Stoerner, whose QB rating was under 80 for the season, had the game of his life: 25 for 34 for 421 yards with 4 TD’s and 2 INT’s to win the MVP.

AWARDS
Front Office Football: The Fourth Edition
2007 Awards List

Award Player Team
Player of the Year Steve McNair BUF
Front Office Bowl MVP Clint Stoerner GBY
Coach of the Year Phillip Sutter GBY
Legend of the Game Ty Law NED
Offensive Player of the Year Marshall Faulk STL
Defensive Player of the Year Chris Claiborne DET
Offensive Rookie of the Year Thurman May WAS
Defensive Rookie of the Year Moe Rogers CAR
All-League First-String Quarterback Steve McNair BUF
All-League First-String Running Back Marshall Faulk STL
All-League First-String Fullback Norm Royster DAL
All-League First-String Tight End Anthony Becht BAL
All-League First-String Wide Receiver Torry Holt DAL
All-League First-String Wide Receiver Rod Smith MIA
All-League First-String Center Jeff Christy SEA
**All-League First-String Offensive Guard Quentin Adams HOU
All-League First-String Offensive Guard Steve Hutchinson BAL
All-League First-String Offensive Tackle Cornelius Burke PIT
All-League First-String Offensive Tackle Chris Samuels WAS
All-League First-String Punter Nick Harris DET
All-League First-String Kicker Jeff Wilkins KCY
All-League First-String Defensive End Drew Stevenson SDO
All-League First-String Defensive End Lorenzo Bromell MIA
All-League First-String Defensive Tackle Russell Davis SEA
All-League First-String Defensive Tackle Anthony McFarland CIN
All-League First-String Inside Linebacker London Fletcher BAL
All-League First-String Outside Linebacker Chris Claiborne DET
All-League First-String Outside Linebacker Joey Porter PIT
All-League First-String Cornerback Charles Woodson PIT
All-League First-String Cornerback Sam Madison MIA
All-League First-String Safety Luke Rusk CAR
All-League First-String Safety Rodney Harrison DET
All-League Second-String Quarterback Michael Vick SFO
All-League Second-String Running Back Corwin Tatum ARI
All-League Second-String Fullback Everett Flowers BAL
All-League Second-String Tight End Lamar Epperson CHI
All-League Second-String Wide Receiver Marty Booker STL
All-League Second-String Wide Receiver Joey Galloway JAX
All-League Second-String Center Andy McCollum NYK
All-League Second-String Offensive Guard Larry Allen SDO
All-League Second-String Offensive Guard Lennie Friedman SFO
All-League Second-String Offensive Tackle Jeff Backus ATL
All-League Second-String Offensive Tackle Everett Copperfield KCY
All-League Second-String Punter Josh Bidwell GBY
All-League Second-String Kicker Todd Peterson WAS
All-League Second-String Defensive End Jevon Kearse GBY
All-League Second-String Defensive End Hardy Morton CAR
All-League Second-String Defensive Tackle Richard Seymour NED
All-League Second-String Defensive Tackle Gerard Warren CLE
All-League Second-String Inside Linebacker Rob Morris NOS
All-League Second-String Outside Linebacker James Farrior PHI
All-League Second-String Outside Linebacker Takeo Spikes CIN
All-League Second-String Cornerback Deltha O'Neal JAX
All-League Second-String Cornerback Aaron Glenn CAR
All-League Second-String Safety Eric Brown TEN
All-League Second-String Safety Johnnie Atwater MIA

Herb's Ratings
Performance: 52
Frnc. Value: 43
Profit/Loss: 25
Difficulty: 83
YrEnd Score: 42

Well, Burnett appears to be the solution at QB. Now the trick becomes re-signing him.

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 10:13 AM

HOUSTON TEXANS 2008 PRELIMINARIES</center>

HALL OF FAME
None.

RETIREES
None.

STAFF HIRING PERIOD
Here’s the staff:

HEAD COACH
Courtney Murphy
Age: 60
Record: 30-36-1
Playoffs: 1
Bowl Wins: 0
REPUTATION
QB: F YOUNG TALENT: G
RB: A MOTIVATION: V
WR: G DISCIPLINE: G
OL: E OFFENSE PLAYCALL: A
K: V DEFENSE PLAYCALL: E
DL: G AVOID INJURY: E
LB: A
DB: G

SCOUT
Donny Sheldon
Age: 44
Record: 48-49-1
Playoffs: 2
Bowl Wins: 0
REPUTATION
QB: A DL: A
RB: G LB: V
WR: V DB: G
OL: G YOUNG TALENT: G
K: A

I see no coaches or scouts who I like better, so I stand pat.

Ben E Lou

07-12-2003, 02:29 PM

2008 20-STEP PROCESS</center>

STARTERS/KEY PLAYERS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY
QB Mel Burnett—Gotta re-sign him. He’s only a 4th-year man, so he’ll be an RFA.
TE Glenn Wayne—2nd-year man Burke is probably a better option anyway. He won’t be a priority.
C Jeffrey Burns—The offensive line leader, and he appears to be entering his prime. 33.0 BPct and 4 sacks allowed last year. I want to keep him.
DE Andy Scurlock—He was hurt most of the year, but played pretty well in 5 starts. He wouldn’t be a starter, but a good backup. I’d like to get him if I can.
ILB Greg Knauls—He’s an RFA, but I have 2 starting-caliber DT’s on the roster. I may go to 4-3 now. If so, Knauls won’t have a spot.
CB Les Sanderson—He had a pretty solid year. I’d like to re-sign him if I can, but I’m fairly deep at CB.
SS Martin Krueger—He’s been solid against the run and the pass. I want him back.

Franchise Player:: None.

Amount Available For New Players: $-$2.37M (uh oh!)

Extensions To Save Cap Room (Only offered in final year of contract)
SE Graham: 5yrs, $18.45M
OLB Johnnie Burke: 4yrs, $9.45M

Cuts To Save Cap Room
QB Tyrone Stubbs: He hasn’t shown much in four seasons on the roster.
RB Brad Peters: Ditto.
SE Mitchell Russell: With Graham signed for the long-haul, Russell is the odd man out: a fourth wide receiver making a little too much $$$ for that role.
T Keith Anderson: He was the fourth-best tackle under contract.
C Jorge Renteria: Would have been #3 center, (assuming I can re-sign Burns), and he’s unhappy any way with playing time.
DT Dean Newton: This guy just isn’t worth much at all. Overall ratings 16/21.
CB Alvin Dial: Relegated to fourth CB role last year, and costing us $2.5M in cap room. Bye-bye.
S Louis Bouse: $1.4M a year in cap cost is not what he is worth.

The renegotiations didn’t save us much, but the cuts did. We’ve got $9.72M for signing new players now, but I’m not done yet. I have four starting-caliber OLB’s on the roster. I decide to trade the most expensive: Darren Bergstrom. He gets shipped to Jacksonville, along with the 6(19) pick this year, for RB Dustin Eubanks, a 3rd-year man who has never been a starter, but is rated 66/84 in hole recognition and 86 in breakaway speed. We now have $14.5M to spend on new players.

Thoughts After Examining FA and Draft Pools
Well, I can’t afford any starter-caliber FA’s this year, and I don’t have a first-round draft pick, so the FA and draft pools don’t really matter that much, huh?

New UFA’s Signed During 20-Step Process
None.

My Own RFA’s and UFA’s Re-signed
S Krueger—4yrs, $15.5M
C Burns—3yrs, $18.66M
QB Burnett—5 yrs, $37.75M

FA Analysis
Well, I re-signed all three of the guys I felt like I really needed to bring back. I enter the draft with all 24 starting positions filled with a player who is current estimate of “Good” or better. I have to be happy.

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 06:57 AM

Ugh. I just noticed that RB Corwin Tatum, who never played up to his potential with us, was 2nd-Team All Pro last year in his first season away. He rushed for 1413 yards, and caught 44 passses for 496 yards for Arizona, both more than DOUBLE what he ever did in Houston.. :mad:

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 07:10 AM

2008 AMATEUR DRAFT</center>

KENTUCKY PLAYERS IN THE DRAFT
G Nolan Osborn—Osborn is a graduate of Patrick Henry HS in Glade Spring, VA. He was a four-year starter for us, missing only 2 games during that time. He had a KRB Pct of 31.9 during his career, and an Opct of 22.5. He was a 2nd-Team All SEC guard in 2007. He was the #406 player in the land, and the #33 G when he was recruited. His 78 key run blocks in his career stand as a Kentucky record. He’s rated 8/38, 11/42, 38, 31/49, and 16/40, 3.4 overall. He could go in a late round, or get picked up by someone as a FA.
RB Bubba Torres—Bubba was never a full-time starter for us, mainly due to the presence of Fred Hancock, but he had a 4.4 ypc average over his career. Torres leaves UK with some untapped potential: 37/82 breakaway speed, 35/81 catch frequency. Torres is rated 2.7, 16/30 overall, and appears to have modest potential as a 3rd-down back. I doubt he’ll get drafted, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets signed after the draft.
OLB Calvin Swann—Swann came to us from Riverdale HS in Fort Myers, FL. He was unranked, and the #95 OLB in the land. He worked his way up to starting by his final year. He had a decent year that year with 36 tackles, 18 assists, 7 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks. Calvin is unlikely to ever play in the NFL. He has no current or potential rating over 40, and he’s rated 14/25, 2.2 overall.
T Jeffrey Baump—Baump was an unranked national recruit, and never started at UK. He was only in on 405 plays in 4 years of eligibility. He left UK rated 36/39, 45/54, 44. This guy is dreaming. He’ll never play in the NFL. He’s rated 8/17/2.0
DT Nicky Quintero—Quintero, a graduate of Piqua (OH) HS, was an unheralded #947 in the land recruit, only listed as the #69 DT. He started for 2 ½ seasons for us, winning 2nd-Team All SEC honors in his final season. In his career, he had 98 tackles, 40 assists and 9 sacks. Quintero looks even worse than Baump. Rated 7/10/2.0, he looks to have no future at all in pro football.

THE DRAFT
With starters in every position set, I’ll go with the best player available throughout. I have traded away some of the picks for this year, too.

2(19): DE Vinny Greene (32/48/4.3)—This kid could be a good pass-rush specialist. He’s got a 24/62 in technique, and 74 in strength. His other ratings are pretty weak. He was the #55 player in the land in his HS class, from Hayfield HS in Alexandria, VA. He was a 4-year starter at Va. Tech, and was 2nd-Team All Big East twice. In his final season, Greene record 15.5 sacks, 24 hurries and blocked 1 pass, good for a 13.0 prpct.
3(19): ILB Bryant Rhodes (32/53/4.8)—Has solid potential at run defense (17/62), and looks like he could be a good pass rusher right now 53/95, 85). He went to Washington State from Battle Ground (WA), HS, but he wasn’t exactly what they call college material. Well, he’s dumb as dirt (2 asp, 0 int). He was red-shirted his first year, but got on Academic Probation. He did a hair better his 2nd year in the classroom, but with a 1.70 GPA after 2 years, he elected to declare himself draft-eligible after never having played a snap in college.
4(19): QB Terrell Fleming (22/58/4.8)—He has some very solid potential ratings, several over 70. He could be a starting QB in the NFL at some point, according to my scout. He is from Xenia (OH) HS, and started nearly all four years at Cincy. He missed 9 games in his 2nd season due to injury though. The Bearcats operated out of the Power I, and he didn’t get to throw too much, attempting only 879 passes in 3+ seasons. He had a 127.5 QB Rating, and was once a 2nd-Team All Conf. USA selection. The biggest knock on him is his ability to avoid the INT. He threw 51 TD’s and 39 INT’s in college, and is rated only 18 in avoid int. as a pro.
7(19): DT Harold Edward (20/37/3.2)—Edward may make a decent backup. He’s 23/57 in run defense and 19/54 in pass rush technique. He was primarily a backup at Tennessee, (it appears they ran the 50 or the 3-4—only one DT started), but had a very nice 10.9 TkPct.

KENTUCKY PLAYERS DRAFTED
169. Detroit – Osborn, Nolan, G, Kentucky

After the draft, I have 41 players under contract, and only $1.03M left for new players. I have to make some hard decisions. First off, I trade WR3 Borrego to Arizona for a kid they drafted in the 4th round at safety, Antoine Wiggins, who has some decent potential as a free safety. Then, I trade backup OLB Dana Gilmore to Miami for their 3rd-round draft choice next year. Backup TE Brock Reynolds gets shipped to Dallas for a younger, cheaper TE Kennedy Musser and a 6th-round draft choice. Finally, RB Andre Macias, who rushed for 965 yards last year, gets cut. I am left with $6.85M in cap room, and 39 players under contract. That’s enough to get us up to 53. I re-sign QB Colin Nowlin, and a bunch of rookies to fill the roster.

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 08:34 AM

2009 HOUSTON 60-MAN ROSTER REPORT</center>

Player # Pos Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Cntrct OnTeam
Burnett, Mel 8 QB 4 58 60 5 yrs. 2005
Fleming, Terrell 1 QB 1 24 49 3 yrs. 2008
Nowlin, Colin 19 QB 3 23 53 2 yrs. 2006
Berry, Bobby 14 QB 1 12 40 2 yrs. 2008
Glenn, Tito 3 QB 1 8 43 2 yrs. 2008 Burnett settled in nicely as the starter last year, and now has a long-term deal. Fleming and Nowlin will both get a good bit of preseason playing time, as I see both of them being potential viable backups.Eubanks, Dustin 49 RB 3 45 56 1 yr. 2008
Daniels, Jay 34 RB 1 40 52 2 yrs. 2008
Ackerman, Karl 29 RB 2 36 46 1 yr. 2007
Bryant, Adrian 27 RB 2 35 43 5 yrs. 2007
Money, Moe 32 RB 1 32 35 2 yrs. 2008
Devlin, Cornell 38 RB 1 28 38 2 yrs. 2008
Yoon, Renaldo 42 RB 1 27 36 2 yrs. 2008
Ford, Kenyon 44 FB 7 61 61 3 yrs. 2002
Sampson, Nathan 40 FB 7 50 50 2 yrs. 2002 Eubanks and Ackerman look like the odds-on favorites to start. Bryant should be ready to go around Week 5 of the regular season, but he took a pretty serious ratings hit after his compound leg fracture. Ford and Sampson remain capable FB’s. RB Moe Money was picked up for his name alone.Burke, Winfred 47 TE 2 38 63 3 yrs. 2007
Musser, Kennedy 85 TE 2 24 42 3 yrs. 2008
Smith, Bruce 84 TE 1 20 41 2 yrs. 2008
Hitchcock, Steven 83 FL 7 72 72 3 yrs. 2006
Fogg, Warren 82 FL 1 19 23 2 yrs. 2008
Graham, Deion 81 SE 7 42 45 5 yrs. 2002
Erickson, Gerald 86 SE 2 29 45 2 yrs. 2007
Provo, Paul 89 SE 1 12 41 2 yrs. 2008Well, I cleared the way for Burke to start at TE. Hopefully he can respond. Hitchcock is in the spotlight. He’s costing over $10M in cap room, and has only caught 46 passes in 2 seasons with us. This is a critical year for him.
Magnuson, Billy Joe 69 LT 2 50 84 5 yrs. 2007
Adams, Quentin 71 LG 6 72 72 1 yr. 2005
Lavoie, Daryl 62 LG 1 13 25 1 yr. 2008
Burns, Jeffrey 57 C 5 77 78 3 yrs. 2004
Perez, Alonzo 54 C 2 29 46 3 yrs. 2007
Woodard, Bill 56 C 1 13 26 2 yrs. 2008
Woodard, Buddy 70 RG 7 56 56 3 yrs. 2005
Conway, Michael 65 RG 7 43 43 2 yrs. 2007
Brandon, Ronald 60 RT 3 53 53 4 yrs. 2006
Patton, Justin 61 RT 6 43 61 2 yrs. 2007
Reischl, Isaac 66 RT 1 18 37 2 yrs. 2008 The offensive line did quite well last year, and everyone returns and has another year under their belt. This should be a strength.Austin, Lenny 18 P 4 77 77 3 yrs. 2005
Baumgartner, Ty 15 K 5 95 95 2 yrs. 2004 The kicking game should be among the best in the business.Stermer, Julio 74 LDE 6 58 58 3 yrs. 2007
Greene, Vinny 95 LDE 1 33 51 4 yrs. 2008
Griffith, Butch 98 LDE 1 20 32 2 yrs. 2008
Poindexter, Scottie 92 LDT 6 45 57 2 yrs. 2007
Palmer, Sammie 76 LDT 1 10 30 2 yrs. 2008
Colinet, Myron 78 RDT 5 62 62 2 yrs. 2004
Edward, Harold 79 RDT 1 22 33 2 yrs. 2008
Hoffman, Tyrus 75 RDE 6 41 46 4 yrs. 2007
Daily, Warren 72 RDE 5 35 35 2 yrs. 2008 Well, this unit was hit with a ton of injuries last year, but if they can stay fairly healthy, they could be solid.Oliver, Freddie 94 SLB 3 45 66 1 yr. 2006
Burke, Johnnie 90 SLB 6 42 42 4 yrs. 2003
Jordan, Marco 55 SILB 1 27 42 2 yrs. 2008
Rhodes, Bryant 59 MLB 1 33 48 4 yrs. 2008
Lemons, Dennis 58 WILB 7 69 71 2 yrs. 2002
Jarvis, Brant 53 WILB 1 21 45 2 yrs. 2008
Campbell, Nolan 50 WLB 4 69 74 1 yr. 2005 At this point, I still plan to go with the 3-4, with Lemons in the middle, Campbell on the weak side, and Burke and Oliver fighting it out for a starting spot on the strong side.Wilkerson, Troy 21 LCB 4 63 63 2 yrs. 2005
Hamilton, Butch 26 LCB 5 35 40 2 yrs. 2008
Blair, Karl 28 LCB 1 16 29 2 yrs. 2008
Pringle, Alan 45 LCB 1 11 31 2 yrs. 2008
Gardner, Jason 31 RCB 6 57 57 2 yrs. 2003
Krueger, Martin 25 SS 6 55 55 4 yrs. 2003
Collier, Danny 35 SS 2 18 31 2 yrs. 2007
Heath, Bobby 43 FS 7 69 69 2 yrs. 2006
Wiggins, Antoine 33 FS 1 17 41 2 yrs. 2008 Gardner steps in at 2nd CB, from nickel back last year. Otherwise, this unit that was 27th against the pass remains the same. We need to get better.

ROSTER STRENGTH
QB: 56/15
RB: 41/36
FB: 73/72
TE: 23/16
WR: 63/12
C: 95/37
G: 76/46
T: 66/44
P: 78/0
K: 100/0
DE: 54/50
DT:75/42
ILB: 76/52
OLB: 61/80
CB: 92/19
S: 71/12
OVERALL: 84, 2nd in the NFL to SD.
INITIAL POWER RATING: 72, 3rd in the NFL.
COHESION: 68/67/63/63

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 09:36 AM

2008 PRESEASON RECAP</center>

RECORD
1-3

ROOKIE(S) IN THE SPOTLIGHT/POSITIONS UP FOR GRAB
Eubanks out-played Ackerman and won the starting RB job.
Oliver did slightly better than Burke at OLB. He’ll start at the beginning of the season.

INJURY REPORT
From: Personnel Department

Injury Report:

Nathan Sampson, FB - Sprained Ankle, Probable, full strength in about 1 week.
Johnnie Burke, SLB - Strained Quadriceps Muscle, Probable, full strength in about 2 weeks.
Julio Stermer, LDE - Sprained Thumb, Probable, full strength in about 3 weeks.
Mel Burnett, QB - Dislocated Shoulder, Out, full strength in about 4 weeks.
Adrian Bryant, RB - Compound Leg Fracture, Probable, full strength in about 3 weeks.Overall, I’m in a MUCH better situation than last year. (I bumped up time spent in the training room in camp this year, so maybe that is why.) However, the starting QB is hurt. Nowlin will begin the season starting as a result.

CUTS
QB Tito Glenn
RB Moe Money
RB Cornell Devlin
G Daryl Lavoie
C Bill Woodard
ILB Brant Jarvis
CB Alan Pringle

OUTLOOK
I expect we’ll struggle a bit until QB Burnett returns. Otherwise, I feel quite positive about this season. I expect to be a playoff team.

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 10:51 AM

2008 FIRST HALF DIARY</center>

WEEK ONE: Jacksonville (0-0) at Houston (0-0) (-4)
Ty Baumgartner connects on a 19-yard FG with 54 seconds left to give us a 17-14 win in the opener, the franchise’s first-ever win against the Jags. Ackerman out-rushes Eubanks from off the bench, carrying 15 times for 73 yards, as opposed to Eubanks’ 16 for 45, and earns himself a start next week. Nowlin avoids mistakes at QB, going 16 for 24 for 114 yards with 1 TD and 0 INT’s. We lose backup FS and 4th-round draft choice Antoine Wiggins for the season due to MCL damage.

WEEK TWO: Houston (1-0) at Chicago (1-0) (-2)
Shaun King leads the Bears on a game-winning drive, culminating with a 3-yard run with 35 seconds to play,m and we fall 28-24. Nowlin got knocked out of this one early, and Fleming came in and didn’t do very well, but we still hung with ‘em until the end.

WEEK THREE: Houston (1-1) (-1) at Denver (2-0)
We move to 2-1 with a 20-12 win this week as Ackerman carries 27 times for 159 yards. Nowlin is adequate again, going 18 for 28 for 170 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. OLB Freddie Oliver has a MONSTER day: 11 tackles, 3 assists, 2 sacks and 3 interceptions, good for NFL Defensive Player of the Week. G Adams is 7 for 10 in KRB on the day.

WEEK FOUR: Houston (2-1) (-3) at Pittsburgh (1-2)
We fall 24-22 to the Steelers in this one as the running game sputters to 94 yards on 32 carries. Nowlin has a nice day though, going 21 for 36 for 294 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. FL Hitchcock has a day worthy of his big contract: 8 catches for 176 yards. Freddie Oliver has another big game: 6 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack and 1 INT.

WEEK FIVE: Bye

WEEK SIX: Cleveland (3-2) at Houston (2-2) (-4)
QB Burnett returns this week, but the running game is the story on the offensive side of the ball. Ackerman carries 24 times for 120 yards, and Eubanks chips in 9 carries for 47 yards as well. Burnett looks quite rusty: 11 for 19, 78 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s. Nonetheless, we come away with a 27-19 win.

WEEK SEVEN: Houston (3-2) (-6) at Tennessee (2-3)
We pick up another win on a rainy day in Nashville, on a Ty Baumgartner 41-yard FG with 11 seconds to go, 20-17. Burnett looks to have shaken off the rust now, going 19 for 33 for 280 yards with a TD and an INT on the day. Ackerman is held to 18 carries and 53 yards. Deion Graham has 6 catches for 125 yards, and DE Julio Stermer racks up 3 sacks

WEEK EIGHT: Cincinnati (3-4) at Houston (4-2) (-5)
We have a click-on-all-cylinders day, as we romp 41-10 over the Bengals. Burnett is 20 for 27 for 220 yards with 2 TD’s, and we run the ball 38 times for 142 yards. Bryant returns from his compound fracture with 10 carries for 49 yards off the bench. I’m going to let him start next week, as Ackerman has a strained calf muscle. FL Hitchcock, the ever-brittle one, breaks his ankle, and is Out (8 wks). :mad:

WEEK NINE: Houston (5-2) (-6) at Baltimore (3-5)
Bryant has a solid day in his return to the starting lineup: 24 carries for 88 yards. Burnett struggles with Hitchcock out of the lineup: 13 for 29 for 150 with 2 TD’s and 1 INT. We come away with a 17-13 victory.

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 10:55 AM

2008 MID-SEASON REPORT</center>

Record: 6-2
Standing: 1st. Jax is in 2nd at 5-4.
QB Stats: Mel Burnett: 63 for 108 for 728 yards, 7 TD’s, 4 INT’s, 84.9 Rtg.
Leading Rushers: Karl Ackerman—133 for 587 (4.4ypc), 1 TD.
Leading Receiver: Deion Graham—32 catches for 429 yards, 2 TD’s
Leading Tackler:OLB Freddie Oliver—50 tackles, 15 assists, 6 sacks.

*-denotes NFL leader

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 11:57 AM

2008 SECOND HALF DIARY</center>

WEEK TEN: Houston (6-2) (-2) at Indianapolis (4-4)
We struggle to a 24-19 loss this week. Bryant carries 16 times for 74 yards, but Burnett struggles again: 16 for 33, 163 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s. Graham is a good target, but with only one target, he’s having a hard time.

WEEK ELEVEN: Houston (6-3) at Jax (5-4) (-2)
Burnett rights himself this week: 18 for 28 for 210 yards with a TD and 0 INT’s. We win 26-7. Graham again is the leading receiver, with 7 catches for 92 yards and a TD. The carries get spread around, and overall we have 39 for 155 yards, with Yoon (11 for 70) leading the way.

WEEK TWELVE: Green Bay (4-6) at Houston (7-3) (-3)
Hey, a win is a win, and we’re doing just enough to win. This time Baumgartner nails a 47-yarder to win in overtime. Yoon starts at RB, and carries 26 times for 95 yards. Burnett goes 24 for 33 for 235 yards with 2 TD’s and 1 INT. Graham catches 7 for 109 yards.

WEEK THIRTEEN: New England (2-9) at Houston (8-3) (-11)
We almost lose to the lowly Pats, but Burnett-to-Graham for 73 yards and a TD with 1:02 to play bails us out, and we win 20-17 on a day where we struggled most of the way. We have a 2-game lead over Indy with 4 games to play.

WEEK FOURTEEN: Houston (9-3) (-5) at Detroit (6-6)
We clinch a playoff birth with a 28-21 win this week despite the Lions holding the ball for 38:40! :eek: Ackerman carries 19 times for 99 yards, and Burnett is 8 for 13 for 118 yards with 3 TD’s and 1 INT. Burnett sprains his knee and is Questionable (3wks).

WEEK FIFTEEN: Tennessee (4-9) at Houston (10-3) (-11)
With Burnett sitting to rest his sprained knee, the offense struggles, but Baumgartner his a 30-yard FG as time expires to give us a 13-10 win. We run it a LOT today: 50 times for 216 yards. Ackerman leads the way with 28 for 105. We have now clinched the division title, and Oakland has the next-best record in the AFC at 9-5, so we’re likely to have home-field advantage also.

WEEK SIXTEEN: Minnesota (5-9) at Houston (11-3) (-10)
With the division title clinched, and home-field advantage a near-certainty as well, every player with even a minor injury is made inactive. We still come away with a 23-17 win, clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. DE Sterner collects 3 sacks on the day.

WEEK SEVENTEEN: Indianapolis (7-8) at Houston (12-3) (-6)
This one is meaningless, other than SE Graham going for 1,000 yards on the year. He had 924 going in. The starters’ playing times are lowered to 1 for this one. Graham comes up shy, but we win 16-10 with Fleming at starting QB. Seven different players have QB sacks for us in this one. FL Hitchcock returns and catches 4 balls for 58 yards and a TD.

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 12:25 PM

2008 POSTSEASON REPORT</center>

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS
Can’t afford any.

PLAYOFF RESULTS
Wild Card Round
Carolina 27, Chicago 24
Dallas 21, Seattle 26
KC 14, Cleveland 20
Pittsburgh 13, Oakland 12

Conference Semi-Final Round
Carolina 10, New York 37
Cleveland 14, Miami 45
Seattle 13, Tampa Bay 38
Pittsburgh (10-7) at Houston (13-3) (-5)
The Steelers, led by QB Kurt Warner, come to town and dash our championship hopes with a 28-13 win despite Burnett having a stellar day: 30 for 40 for 305 yards with a TD and 0 Int’s. We were undone by big plays as we outgained the Steelers 398-323, and held the ball for 32:41. :mad:

Conference Final Round
Pittsburgh 7. Miami 16
Tampa Bay 14, New York 27

Super Bowl
The Dolphins upend the Giants 34-21 to win it out. RB Bob Sellers, a part-time starter and former undrafted free agent, is the MVP, with 31 carries for 107 yards and a TD.

AWARDS
<font=”Courier”> Front Office Football: The Fourth Edition
2008 Awards List

Award Player Team
##Player of the Year Trent Green ATL
##Front Office Bowl MVP Bob Sellers MIA
Coach of the Year Perry Kerr NYK
Legend of the Game John Mobley DEN
##Offensive Player of the Year Trent Green ATL
##Defensive Player of the Year Jimmie Roe MIN
##Offensive Rookie of the Year Lawrence Westbrook NED
##Defensive Rookie of the Year Neal Gardner CIN
##All-League First-String Quarterback Trent Green ATL
##All-League First-String Running Back Shawn Alworth NYK
##All-League First-String Fullback Tyrus Durrough DAL
##All-League First-String Tight End Todd Heap TBY
##All-League First-String Wide Receiver Rick Watson DET
##All-League First-String Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison CIN
**All-League First-String Center Jeffrey Burns HOU
##All-League First-String Offensive Guard Roman Jenkins PIT
##All-League First-String Offensive Guard Sammie Bruce DAL
##All-League First-String Offensive Tackle Marvel Smith CIN
##All-League First-String Offensive Tackle Jason Fabini NJY
##All-League First-String Punter Josh Bidwell GBY
##All-League First-String Kicker Harvey Heaton DAL
##All-League First-String Defensive End Horace Olevao TEN
##All-League First-String Defensive End Aaron Smith DEN
##All-League First-String Defensive Tackle Russell Davis SEA
##All-League First-String Defensive Tackle Richard Seymour NED
##All-League First-String Inside Linebacker Jimmie Roe MIN
##All-League First-String Outside Linebacker James Farrior PHI
##All-League First-String Outside Linebacker Chris Claiborne DET
##All-League First-String Cornerback Charles Woodson PIT
##All-League First-String Cornerback Samari Rolle JAX
##All-League First-String Safety Lawyer Milloy ATL
##All-League First-String Safety Gene Brewer STL
##All-League Second-String Quarterback Aaron Brooks DAL
##All-League Second-String Running Back Ernest Alston NJY
##All-League Second-String Fullback James DeVries NED
##All-League Second-String Tight End Mike Lucky STL
##All-League Second-String Wide Receiver Carl Beckley MIN
All-League Second-String Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson CAR
##All-League Second-String Center Olin Kreutz CHI
**All-League Second-String Offensive Guard Quentin Adams HOU
##All-League Second-String Offensive Guard Tre Johnson CHI
##All-League Second-String Offensive Tackle Cornelius Burke PIT
All-League Second-String Offensive Tackle Matt Joyce SEA
##All-League Second-String Punter J.J. Lightner STL
##All-League Second-String Kicker Carl Hendrix SEA
##All-League Second-String Defensive End Eric Hicks CHI
##All-League Second-String Defensive End Andre Carter SFO
##All-League Second-String Defensive Tackle Shaun Sieh DET
**All-League Second-String Defensive Tackle Myron Colinet HOU
##All-League Second-String Inside Linebacker Carlos Polk PHI
##All-League Second-String Outside Linebacker Andrew Buckley SDO
All-League Second-String Outside Linebacker Jamir Miller NED
##All-League Second-String Cornerback Sam Madison CAR
##All-League Second-String Cornerback Herb Trunsky DAL
##All-League Second-String Safety Stanley Mills DAL
##All-League Second-String Safety Aric Morris MIA 

Herb's Ratings
Performance: 86
Frnc. Value: 39
Profit/Loss: 41
Roster Strength: 85
YrEnd Score: 54

A very good performance. However, both OLB’s, who were keys to our defense, become FA’s, as well as one of our offensive guards. It will take a miracle to figure out how to keep these guys around.

Ben E Lou

07-13-2003, 12:38 PM

HOUSTON TEXANS 2009 PRELIMINARIES</center>

HALL OF FAME
None.

RETIREES
None.

STAFF HIRING PERIOD
Here’s the staff:

HEAD COACH
Percy Guynes
Age: 56
Record: 0-0-0
Playoffs: 0
Bowl Wins: 0
REPUTATION
QB: A YOUNG TALENT: A
RB: G MOTIVATION: G
WR: A DISCIPLINE: A
OL: A OFFENSE PLAYCALL: A
K: G DEFENSE PLAYCALL: V
DL: A AVOID INJURY: G
LB: E
DB: V

SCOUT
Donny Sheldon
Age: 44
Record: 61-53-1
Playoffs: 3
Bowl Wins: 0
REPUTATION
QB: A DL: A
RB: G LB: V
WR: V DB: G
OL: G YOUNG TALENT: G
K: A

Both my coach and scout were up for new contracts. I was able to re-sign Sheldon, but not my coach. Guynes is a step down it appears.

korme

07-13-2003, 12:49 PM

great read, Skydog

I love the arial touch in all of your dynasties btw :)

Ben E Lou

07-14-2003, 04:21 AM

Originally posted by Shorty3281
great read, Skydog

I love the arial touch in all of your dynasties btw :) Thanks. I looked at several roster options yesterday afternoon, and it has become apparent that I'm not going to be able to re-sign anyone this year. :( I may even have to cut someone just to have enough $$$ to field a team.

Ben E Lou

07-14-2003, 06:40 AM

2009 20-STEP PROCESS</center>

STARTERS/KEY PLAYERS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY
G Quentin Adams—He’s been All-Pro the last two years.
OLB Nolan Campbell—79 tackles last year, and 72/74 scouting report.
FS Bobby Heath—Three year starter in the secondary.
OLB Freddie Oliver—89 tackles and 10 sacks would be hard to replace. He’s an RFA.
RB Karl Ackerman—I can probably replace his 897 rushing yards.

Franchise Player:: G Quentin Adams—Just gotta keep that offensive line together.

Amount Available For New Players: -$4.96M

Extensions To Save Cap Room (Only offered in final year of contract)
K Baumgartner—3yrs, $6.8M

Cuts To Save Cap Room
QB Bobby Berry—4th QB
RB Renaldo Yoon—Didn’t do much to justify making above the rookie minimum.
FB Nathan Sampson—It hurts, as he has been a capable backup, but I can get three rookies at the amount of $$$ I’m paying him to be a backup fullback.
TE Kennedy Musser—3rd TE
WR Warren Fogg—5th WR
G Michael Conway—Solid backup guard, but can’t afford his $1M+ salary.
T Isaac Reischl—4th T
OLB Johnie Burke—This former defensive rookie of the year simply doesn’t fit into my plan any more at his $2M salary.
FS Antoine Wiggins—He has very little future in this league.

After these cuts, I’m left with enough cap room fill the roster with rookies, but not enough to re-sign anyone or approach any new free agents. I’ll have somewhat of a patchwork defense, with both OLB’s and the FS being rookies.

Thoughts After Examining FA and Draft Pools
Well, I can’t afford any starter-caliber FA’s this year, and I don’t have a first-round draft pick, so the FA and draft pools don’t really matter that much, huh?

New UFA’s Signed During 20-Step Process
None.

My Own RFA’s and UFA’s Re-signed
None.

FA Analysis
Good to see things are tough enough that I can’t keep my team together.

Bee

07-14-2003, 08:24 AM

Skydog,

How are you finding the draft import classes from TCY since the patch? There seemed to be a drastic reduction in overall talent with the game generated draft classes, are you seeing the same thing in the imported draft classes?

Ben E Lou

07-14-2003, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by Bee
Skydog,

How are you finding the draft import classes from TCY since the patch? There seemed to be a drastic reduction in overall talent with the game generated draft classes, are you seeing the same thing in the imported draft classes? ABsolutely. The talent level is a LOT lower with imported classes than it was. (If you recall, the talent level was much higher than in game-generated draft classes.) I think they're about the same now. Couple that with the fact that the AI does a tremendously better job of drafting, and the draft is much less of a slam dunk for getting new talent.

Bee

07-14-2003, 11:21 AM

That may be the best news I've heard for a while. I have always wanted to do a career tying the two games together, but with the draft files like they were it just ruined the experience for me. Now it looks like a legitimate way to play.

Godzilla Blitz

07-14-2003, 02:20 PM

Originally posted by SkyDog
ABsolutely. The talent level is a LOT lower with imported classes than it was. (If you recall, the talent level was much higher than in game-generated draft classes.) I think they're about the same now. Couple that with the fact that the AI does a tremendously better job of drafting, and the draft is much less of a slam dunk for getting new talent.

Ditto what Bee said. This is great news!