LTs vs. RTs

[michael1123]

Just about everyone agrees that LT is the most important position on the offensive line, and one of the most important on the offensive side of the ball. However I've spoken to a few people who believe that RT is actually the least important position on the offensive line (in real life, and assuming a QB is right handed).

How different do you guys think the value of an RT and a LT is in FOF 2007?

Is it worth moving a really good RT to LT if your LT isn't near as good, even if they have to take a 88% penalty to their ability? Or should you just keep your RT on the right side but have the TE on the left side to help the LT out?

Likewise, would you rather draft a really good LT or a great RT if you need tackle help at both sides and both guys are likely to go soon after you pick?

[CU Tiger]

All players drop when moved to LT, but they will sign for much less $$$....
The rest of the conversation I think comes down to specific options and costs associated with.

[Noop]

I believe I have had RT's who I moved to the left side not drop at all.

[jzicc]

Originally Posted by michael1123

Or should you just keep your RT on the right side but have the TE on the left side to help the LT out?

I wish TEs were assignable right or left but to ensure this you would have to go dual TEs

I think that consensus thinking is that the entire line's ratings come into effect when running (different weightings according to where you run of course) --- but definitely, your highest rated tackle (even with an 88% hit) should be on your left side

[michael1123]

Originally Posted by Noop

I believe I have had RT's who I moved to the left side not drop at all.

Yeah, right now I have a RT my scouts (good at OL) say is 70/70. When I go to move him to LT it says he'll go down to 88% of his abilities. But when I do it he's then listed at 65/69.

However there's a pretty good chance that there's a scouting error of his original abilities or his new ones once being switched.

Interestingly, his pass blocking went down from 63 to 56, his blocking strength stayed the same, his endurance went down from 88 to 94, however his run blocking went from 61/61 to 54/74. Perhaps my scouts are mistaken there, and his run blocking potential is 61 or less.

I also have a 32/53 LT going into his second year, who played well starting last year (15 KRB and 1.0 SPct.), but my RT is a clear step up talent wise.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

If I have good vet RT and have a need at LT, I have him play at LT, without switching his position -- until I get my young LT I want. I don't like an 88% hit, especially if I eventually may have him play RT again.

After the draft is the time to make the switch. I have seen several excellent rookie RTs make the switch to LT before training camp with hardly any penalty. It depends on the message you get before the switch.

[MrBigglesworth]

Originally Posted by jzicc

I think that consensus thinking is that the entire line's ratings come into effect when running (different weightings according to where you run of course)

I don't think that is the consensus, but according to the KRB thread it is an idea being thrown around that needs to be tested.

Originally Posted by jzicc

definitely, your highest rated tackle (even with an 88% hit) should be on your left side

What are you basing this on? A quick glance at my MP leagues shows me that for similarly rated players, sacks occur just as frequently on the left and right. The best pass rushing DE's are also split on either side of the line.

[dj_morton]

Originally Posted by Vinatieri for Prez

If I have good vet RT and have a need at LT, I have him play at LT, without switching his position -- until I get my young LT I want. I don't like an 88% hit, especially if I eventually may have him play RT again.

After the draft is the time to make the switch. I have seen several excellent rookie RTs make the switch to LT before training camp with hardly any penalty. It depends on the message you get before the switch.

I do the same thing

[jzicc]

Originally Posted by MrBigglesworth

I don't think that is the consensus, but according to the KRB thread it is an idea being thrown around that needs to be tested.


What are you basing this on? A quick glance at my MP leagues shows me that for similarly rated players, sacks occur just as frequently on the left and right. The best pass rushing DE's are also split on either side of the line.

My feeling is probably biased due to RL and given that Jim has coded a helluva game and I don't think he screwed up on this --- but you are correct I do not have empirical evidence ---

[MrBigglesworth]

Originally Posted by jzicc

My feeling is probably biased due to RL and given that Jim has coded a helluva game and I don't think he screwed up on this --- but you are correct I do not have empirical evidence ---

LT's are only more important IRL because most QB's are right-handed, right? But that part of the game is abstracted. So I'm wondering if there is a benefit to having your LT be your stud. I could see that being the case if the majority of great DE's in your league were on the right side of the defense. But I don't know if there is an inherent reason in the programming to put your stud on the left.

[Leonidas]

Originally Posted by MrBigglesworth

LT's are only more important IRL because most QB's are right-handed, right? But that part of the game is abstracted. So I'm wondering if there is a benefit to having your LT be your stud. I could see that being the case if the majority of great DE's in your league were on the right side of the defense. But I don't know if there is an inherent reason in the programming to put your stud on the left.

I agree with your assessment. I don't think it really matters. I've played the game with LTs who were predominantly run blockers and RTs who were mostly pass blockers, and I have noticed no glaring consequences. And I do not think the game strictly puts pass rushers on the right more often than the left. Personally, I like to put pass rushers at left end just because it's a good matchup.

[Sgran]

I have one star defensive end and a bunch of bums (most of whom are LDE, i think). The star's position in RDE. When I hit recommend, they always send the star to LDE. I have no idea what that means, but it seems relevant.

[michael1123]

Originally Posted by Sgran

I have one star defensive end and a bunch of bums (most of whom are LDE, i think). The star's position in RDE. When I hit recommend, they always send the star to LDE. I have no idea what that means, but it seems relevant.

They do the same thing for other positions too, such as LCB over RCB and Flanker over Split End. I've always suspected these may be more important, but I really doubt that LE's are more important than RDEs, since typically in the NFL the dominant pass rushers play from the right side (to be on the QBs blind side).

Anyone have any evidence to support that LCBs or Flankers are more important than their counterparts?

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by michael1123

Anyone have any evidence to support that LCBs or Flankers are more important than their counterparts?

Well the starting flanker, is the only WR on the field if you don't touch the formation settings, in 1 WR Sets (i.e. 2 back, 2 TE sets). I would guess that the LCB is lined up against the flanker in the default settings.

[michael1123]

Ahh, I kind of assumed that the top WR would be used in those sets by default. I guess the RCB covers a TE in man to man coverage in those sets? And what would help the RCB to tackle the bigger TE, assuming they catch a pass? Would that be the run defense attribute?

If so it seems like it'd be better to have your LCB be your best coverage corner and your RCB to be a good run stopper.

Back to the original subject, something I just thought of. Doesn't the penalty for a RT moving to LT (but no penalty for a LT moving to RT) imply that the LT IS more important? Why make it harder for a player to play LT if there's no benefit of having the better T play there?

[Hoya1]

Originally Posted by Noop

I believe I have had RT's who I moved to the left side not drop at all.

these are rookies before training camp, no?