49ers Franchise [Madden 11]

[PGaither84]

Welcome to my Madden NFL 11 simulated 49ers franchise. I will be moving over all of my posts from the Madden 11 impressions thread for you to catch up on first and then I will post all new updates here.

[PGaither84]

The following Spoilers are from my impressions thread postings

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So I thought I would talk about franchise mode for a moment. I just spent around 2 hours simulating games and scouting Josh Looman's hand crafted prospects. After a full season [the patriots beat the Vikings in the Superbowl 33-20 for those who care/wanted to know] I am looking at stats before I go in to draft. Stats are better than Madden 10, but we are going to need more samples to get a real hand on averages. Long story short, most players numbers are about the same as their real life number from last season. THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS! The first being Chris Johnson who only ran for 1,110 yards instead of 2000+. There were NO 2,000+ yard rushers, not even anyone close. I think the league leader had 1,600+ yards. Tight Ends don't get the ball that much. I was the 49ers and made the coaching slider set TE to 100 priority and WRs down to 80 priority and made my TE full on receiving [block/balanced/receiving] and he only had 39 receptions for 444yards and 0 TDs. Dallas Clark went from a real life 100 receptions for 1106 yards and 10 TD to a simulated 69 receptions for 915 yards and 4 TDs. Jason Witten went from real life 94 receptions for 1,030 yards and 2 TDs to 62 receptions for 657 yards and 11 TDs. QBs appear to have stats that are close to last years as well, except most QBs tend to throw more INTs overall. Funny how Favre only had 7 picks, but Manning, Brady, Brees and others had 12-17. their TDs in general were a little bit lower than average/last years. not much but all a little lower. Overall, like I said, most of the stats look like that player's last years numbers with a few anomalies. A random player may have a break out year in TD grabs like Witten going from 2 to 11 while Vernon Davis goes from 13 to 0. I don't know how to change this, or this was good/bad luck for each of them. More testing will need to be done. I will do more with out scouting after the draft. I also want to see how my 6-11 49ers progress. Our two rookie offensive linemen are A potential if I recall, and backup SS Taylor Mays is as well. My linemen played, Mays did not. Josh Morgan is only a B potential this year instead of an A like Madden 10. I will be back to tell you how my players progressed and how my draft went [I'll use spoiler tags for my draft pick names so i won't spoil it for anyone who doesn't want to know.] Oh yeah, Patrick Willis' tackles were just over 100, but that was all. Far shy of where they have been in real life. Also, Wes Welker only had like 68 receptions, well shy of his 110+ the last 3 real life seasons.

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I am only going to list the position, OVR rating and potential of my draft picks, i don't want to spoil their names. After going 6-11 I had the 8th overall pick in the draft, no trades. 1.) MLB-85-A 2.) RG-89-A 3.) WR-65-B 4.) CB-56-C 5.) ROLB-80-A 6.) FB-60-C 7.) DE -33-F The 3-4 defense needs depth at the Linebacker position. Outside of Patrick Willis, the49ers LBs aren't that impressive. I like takeo Spikes, but he is old now, he is no answer looking forward. I also like Manny Lawson and Paris harilson, but they have never panned out like we hoped they would. With an 85 OVR A potential MLB to replace Spikes and an 80 OVR A potential OLB [and a gem in the 5th round] to replace Lawson or Harilson [both 5 year pros with B potential who are also 80 OVR,] I like where this Virtual defense is heading. My RG was a steal in the 2ed round. An 89 OVR rookie with A potential almost bothers me as "too good." Almost. After all, I did draft him, so that feels good. With last years draft picks [who went from an 83 to an 87 and a 77-ish to an 82] and the young Joe Staley [an 87 OVR 4 year pro with A potential,] I really like where my line is at now and moving forward into the future. My 7th round pick, a 33 OVR was drafted with minimal scouting. the thing that stood out to me was 99 strength. I figured he might be nice to put on the D-line in a 3-4. I guess not Oh, and Taylor Mays goes from being a 71 OVR with A potential to a 77 OVR if you let him ride the bench. I think I will let him take a seat one more season and see how he does. He should be ready to go his 3rd season in the league. I also think I may let my 80 OVR OLB ride the bench his rookie year and let Lawson and Harilson fight it out to see who is going to stay.

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Maybe it is a coincidence, but in my second season I noticed hat my team was set up for the 4-3 and not the 3-4 like it was supposed to. making a few more changes to the coaching tendencies along with last year's off season, I am now 7-4 [and past my bye week.] Sadly, I think you may have to control a 32 man franchise to get hard core results. It hasn't been bad controlling just my 49ers, but I don't know how many other teams aren't "coached right" for simulated games. EDIT/UPDATE: I made it to 10-6, made the playoffs, earned the bye week, beat the Packers at San Fran, hosted the Lions [10-6 as well] in the NFC championship game and now I am off to face the Ravens [who beat the Titans] in the Superbowl in my 2ed year of franchise. In the offseason i picked up 79 OVR Matt Hasselbeck [changed from #8 to #18 for those who care, not giving him Steve Young's number ] who threw for just over 3,100 yards, 18TD and only 7 picks. I sent my two guards and my center to the pro bowl along with Crabtree, my two OLBs and finally CD Nate Clements. OH! I moved my 85 MLB I drafted to OLB and he went up to a 91 OVR and I moved the 80 OVR OLB to MLB where he went up to an 81 OVR. So Lawson and the rookie OLB are in the pro-bowl, so that answers how long I keep Paris Harilson. Also, Patrick Willis' tackles dipped again this year. In fact they dipped under 100. maybe because my LB core is a lot better now so it is spreading the tackles out, but wow... ANOTHER UPDATE: So apparently the Ravens picked up Kerry Collins to back up Joe flacco. Flacco must have gotten hurt at some point because Collins is the starter and Flacco is out for 2weeks/the Superbowl. I am atg the kick off and the introductions were not nearly as nice as the "Play now Superbowl" for season 1. It was empty of commentary until we got to the generic QB match up audio. I wonder how the end game will look for either team. Superbowl: Long story short, Kerry Collins throws four interceptions while Matt Hasselbeck and Vernon Davis connect three times for scores and Frank Gore Runs all over the Ravens D. Until i see realistic sliders, I have to disagree with ODogg, the computer just can't cut it. i am using game flow and not controlling my defenders. I really think I need to swtich back and forth between offensive units to keep games close. AWESOME!!! My XBox froze during the Superbowl ending presentation. I'm so mad right now... I am going to sim to a victory. I hope it freezing in the Superbowl cut scene isn't a bug, but just a coincidence.

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Okay, coming off of a Superbowl winning season, here are my progressions: Joe Staley was hurt most all season so he only went from an 87 to an 88 OVR with A potential. Mike Upatti is now a 91 OVR, my center Eric Heitmann is an 83, my 2ed round pick 89 OVR A potential RG is now a 91 OVR, and Anthony Davis has gone from a 77 or so rookie to an 87 OVR two year pro. My 1st round selection who was an 85 OVR MLB was moved to OLB where he became a 91 OVR and made the pro-bowl his rookie season. He progressed to become a 94 OVR. My 5th round steal OLB who was an 80 OVR was moved to MLB where he went up to an 81 OVR and now he has progressed into an 84 OVR. After riding the bench for two seasons, Taylor mays has gone from a 71 or so OVR rookie into an 82 OVR SS in two years. With Michael Lewis down to a 78 OVR and a Superbowl Ring on his finger, I expect him to retire soon. Mays is ready to start. Other players to note after two years: Sam Bradford has gone from an 80 to an 88 OVR Mark Sanchez is now a 92 OVR Tim Tebow is only a 75 OVR Colt McCoy is an 81 OVR Jimmy Clausen is an 84 OVR Suh is a 94 OVR Eric Berry is a 96 OVR Gerald McCoy is a 92OVR Spoiler While looking up player progressions i found that Josh Looman created a Defensive end with the last name of Sacks who after one season is a 91 OVR. Everyone laugh... hahaha Sacks, see what he did there? Again, most players stats are similar to their real life numbers from 2+ years ago. Overall there are actually dips in most of those numbers with an occasional spike for a player here or there. None of the spikes are crazy. If anything, the stats appear to be lower than desirable. In the end I would rather have this than the 5 or so 2,000 yard rushers from Madden 10. My understanding is that progression does take production into account, but only a portion of it. Mostly it checks against the rest of the league instead of a set standard. it's possible that the season stats are a bit lower so user games [for those who don't play full 15min quarter games with accelerated clock] aren't punished by having lower numbers throughout a season. The draft: 1. FS-79-A 2. QB-78-B 3. LE-74-C [Moved to 81 DT] 4. DT-54-D [Cut] 5. CB-77-C 6. LE-47-F [Cut] 7. FB-73-B My 1st round selection was an attempt to answer D. Goldson [80OVR] and it looks like I have. he has 95speed, 84 acceleration and 86 tackle. He looks like he may ride the bench for one season to help improve his horrid awareness rating. However, with Taylor Mays starting this season, it looks like my secondary could be really nice moving forward. My 2ed round selection, 64th overall pick, isn't that bad with a 78 OVR B potential QB. His 90THP and 87THA are nice. With some time on the bench he could mature into something nice. Matt hasselbeck earned a resigning for two more seasons [he is 37.] I don't mind if Matt Plays out his both of his two seasons with us or retires a year early. I may just have my QB for the future. My 3rd and 4th round selections had to do with me looking for an answer on the defensive line. I am still looking for big strong defensive linemen. madden favors pass rushers over 3-4 linemen. Even then, a 54 OVR with 99 strength just isn't going to cut it. Here is hoping for better luck next year. My 5th round pick isn't too bad and will fill in the slot nicely with his 95 speed. My 6th rounder was another grasp at a defensive linemen with a lot of strength. These guys just don't have much awareness, tackle, or potential to grow. I cut these guys with the idea that they don't make it on the final roster after pre-season. My final pick wasn't too bad for a Mr. Irrelevant! He may even start. Norris is the same OVR now and is old. maybe I will keep Norris playing this season while my FB matures. going into next season I need to start scouting HBs. Frank Gore will be 30 next year and I had to put the franchise tag on him. I don't expect to keep him around too much longer I am sorry to say. This is still a business after all.

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Okay, I'm back and I am going to start my 3rd season of offline franchise. First off though, people have sent me a number of questions for things I didn't cover: The free agent pool in the both years didn't have any Super Stars in them. Not one. In fact, my second season's top two players were my backup offensive linemen that I let go, 84 OVR RG Adam Snyder and 83 OVR LG Chilo Rachel. The first year I do remember that Colts WR Pierre Garcon, who went from an 80 to an 85 OVR, was in the free agency pool. I passed on him because I have Josh Morgan, who has moved up to an 80 and then an 86 now, and Michael Crabtree. the Ravens picked up both Pierre and back up QB Kerry Collins. I guess it worked out for them because they ended up playing my 49ers in the big game. Oh, and before I forget, I did grab Garrett Hartley in the Free Agency. Joe Nedney is 14 years pro in madden 11 and 37 years old. It was nice to get a Superbowl Winning kicker. Now he has two rings and wants to chase Adam V. Next, people were asking about the Salary Cap. Going into my 3rd season I am pushing it. I think I am only around 2mil under the cap. I am more than likely going to let Gore and NT A. Franklin go in the off-season. They are both costing me a TON of money. Gore will be 30, which in real life is either the final year or too late for most RBs. It's time to scout more NTs and HBs. ----- My goal in scouting is to find a replacement for RB Frank Gore and NT A. Franklin. I would also like to find a Center to replace E. Heitmann and a CB. As I am typing this, my team is 4-5 going into week 11 against the Seahawks who are 2-7. My losses have been close ones. I lost two games in OT, and two games as the other team scored inside the final two minutes according to the box score. I guess my D just isn't what it was last year... and after writing that I sim the Seahawks game where they come out and throw 5 TD passes on my team and crush me 38-19. I am getting worried these last three seasons as Frank Gore just hasn't been getting it done averaging under 4ypc all years so far. Idon't know what to do to get his ypc up either. I have run blocking linemen across the board and have tried all sorts fo Coaching schemes. Maybe the game just had him "hit the wall" early. Players like Steven Jackson are still getting their 4+ypc seasons, so I don't think it is a franchise stats issue. Okay, get mad at me if you have to, but scouting defensive backs is a joke so I thought I would try out the DB scout accelerator [cheat] and see what that would tell me. just liek I thought, it didn't do anything important and I wasted 40 MS points. What ever, just learn from me and don't buy that. Just like last year, you cannot learn anything important about defensive backs through scouting. You don't learn about their man or zone coverage ratings, their pursuit, play recognition or anything like that. Okay, so after making a few more coaching changes I am 6-6 going into week 14 against the 6-6 Patriots. I am two games behind the 8-4 Rams. I doubt I will catch up, but i still have a chance to win the NFC West. Oh, and for those who care, it is supposed to be 27 degrees and snowy in week 14. I never got very far with madden 10's franchise mode, but my understanding was that the weather wasn't working correctly last year. At least for this week 14 contest it is. EDIT: After losing to the Patriots 17-15, I faced off against the division leading and rival St. Louis Rams. I go into the game with the following coaching sliders: Offense Run/Pass: 30/70 [which means 70% running... go figure] Aggression: 40/60 [conservative] Defense Run/Pass: 80/20 [Stop the pass] Aggression: 50/50 I finally might have found the settings i want as I beat the Rams 38-17 to go one game under. I defeat Seattle the following week 30-3 while the Rams lose to the Bills 13-10 and our record is tied going into week 17. I am scheduled against Dallas and the Rams will face the Patriots. Simulate the week and WOW I am in the wild card. looking back, I defeat Dallas 24-14 and the Rams lose 20-17. What a wild ride. Now it is time for the wild card as I am set to host the 10-6 Bears Sunday night [62 degrees and clear skies.]

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before playing the Bears I wanted to look closer at season stats now that 3 years are in the books. One thing I forgot to look close at was sacks for OLBs in a 3-4 and DEs. D. Ware for example was disappointing going under 10 sacks these last three years while OLB Shaun Phillips had 11 in 2010, 6 in 2011 and 13 in 2012. I think this has to do with the coaching sliders for each team. Like I said before, my first year I didn't notice my 49ers were set to the 4-3 scheme. After moving to the 3-4 and drafting an amazing OLB [11.5 sacks this year,] I am noticing a difference in how my team plays. this is again why I think you almost HAVE to control all 32 teams and set their coaching sliders for each season. I am having fun with my 49ers, but purists will want to do 32 teams again I am sure. Another stats to note: Manning and Brees throw for over 4,000 yards again, but they are the only ones to do so. They have around 28 TDs each with around 15 picks. The passing leaders by rating are Matt Ryan, Matt Moore, and Tom Brady with around 3,600 yards 24-ish TDs and 10-ish INTs each. Michael Turner lead the league in rushing with 1,400 yards and 13 TDs. the rest of the pack follow behind with around 1,300-1,400 yards and around 12 TDs each as well. they all average around 4.6-5.1ypc Only two WRs have 100 or more receptions again, this number is too low for my tastes, but it is serviceable. Receiving TEs still don't get their numbers or their TDs. 19 defensive players had 100 or more tackles, Patrick Willis finally came back over 100 with 111 on the year. As I scroll down the list and dip into the 90's for total tackles every single player has been a linebacker. Freeney led the league in sacks with 18.5 followed by E. brown with 18 and the list slowly goes down with 16 and lower sacks, mostly all defensive ends. Louis Delmas of the Lions led the NFL in picks with 7, tied with Vernon Davis's little brother Vontae Davis. After that is a list of people tied with 6 and 5 each for a while. Something stupid [in my opinion] is that Peyton manning has won the MVP the last 3 years. Yes, in my franchise Peyton manning is a 7 time MVP winner. What ever. Okay, i will make another post about my post season [see what I did there. that was punny]

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And... derp! My season ends just like that. Bears win 14-10 Hasselbeck plays alright going 14/22 with 1 TD and no picks, but Frank gore is held to 71yards on 26 carries for an average of 2.7ypc and no TDs. Cutler throws for 1 TD while matt Forte carries 19 times for 85 yards [4.4ypc] and a TD. In short ,i came in set up to try and stop Jay Cutler and the pass, so they ran all over me. it didn't help when frank Gore, who worked his way up to 5.1ypc on the season some how couldn't put it together on the ground for us. Moving forward now. The Broncos travel to Baltimore and lose seending the Ravens to back-to-back Superbowls while the Eagles travel south to New Orleans where they lost to the Saints. the ravens are the favorite at 13-3 against the 9-7 Saints... and they win 20-17. Now it is time to move to the off season. The first thing I noticed was my rookie QB moved up from a 78 OVR to an 82 OVR effectively becoming the best starting QB the 49ers have had by rating since Jeff Gacia in 2002. My FB didn't change at all. He is still a 76 OVR. WR Josh Morgan has stayed at 86 OVR with B potential, which is about where he should be. Crabtree has stayed at a 92 OVR as well. Davis has stuck at a 96 OVR, and that's fine with me. Maybe if he got his TDs he would have gone up, but he hasn't dropped, so what ever. Joe Staley finished a full injury-free season for the first time in my franchise and has gone up to a 90 OVR. Iupati is now a 93 OVR LG. Heitmann has gone down to an 81. The RG I drafted is now a 95 OVR after two seasons. Anthony Davis is a 91 this year. Okay, A. Franklin is only 33 this year with A potential and he has dropped to an 85 this off season. I may keep Frank gore for one more go around with a franchise tag again. He is 30 years old now and is still a 93 OVR, but Franklin is all kinds of gone. He was never Bryant Young. I am in favor of keeping fan favorites, so that makes the Frank gore decision difficult. the real issue is he will be asking for big money over the age of 30 no doubt. My MLB has gone up to a 91 OVR now from an 87. My OLB has stayed at a 94 OVR. My FS has gone up from a 79 OVR to an 85 while Taylor Mays has gone from a 71 OVR rookie to an 85 OVR player in three years. My secondary looks really nice. not Super stars, but really talented. LOTS of speed and hit power. ----- Former retired players come back to be coaches. For some reason T.O. wants to coach, and obviously he wants to be a HC. Pat Williams is available. I signed tony Richardson to be a Special teams coach. Wade Phillips was fired I guess so I picked him up to be my defensive coordinator. I thought about having T.O. be my special teams coach, but then I thought better of the idea. How big of a distraction would he be when he is in charge of the locker room?!? I honestly don't pay too much to retirements in franchise mode. I just want to know if someone on my team has hung up their cleats or not. I ended up applying the franchise tag once again to Frank Gore while I look for a replacement in the draft. I resigned some low 70's players and let a lot of back ups who were in the high 70's go. between the draft and the free agency pool going into next season i will pick up the spots I need. Across the board I have a lot of my starters already fixed: My QB of the future is in place. Gore is my feature back and i am looking for his replacement My future FB [hopefully] will take over this year My starting two WRs Josh Morgan and Crabtree are still here to stay. Vernon Davis isn't going anywhere My O-Line is stacked, and will be for years. My D-line is hurting. I need to draft someone soon. My Linebackers are stacked and will be for years. My Corners are average at best, I'm looking to the draft here as well. My Safeties are here to stay. So, needs: RB, D-Line, CB. I'll post the free agency and the draft next.

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In the free agency, again, there are no Super Stars. There are two players rated 90 and 92 OVR who are both 32 years old and play on the offensive line. After that we have my NT A. Franklin and the MLB the 49ers drafted in real life who only turned out to be an 83 OVR. After that we pretty much have a flood of low 80's and high 70's rated players. There aren't any starters I am interested in, that is for sure. I am likely going to not sign anyone and just go straight to the draft. After the off-season ends I will look at the remaining free agency pool and fill in roster spots. Okay, after doing some more searching before moving on, Jerome Murphy, 3 year pro [rookie drafted by the STL Rams in the 3rd round in real life] is an 84 OVR CB with 99 man coverage and 92 Zone Coverage. He isn't a speed demon, only 87 Speed, but he does have 95 acceleration and 95+ jump. His weakness is his 47 awareness. He has high tackle and hit power for a CB. I am offering him 35mil over 3 years and just under 10mil guaranteed. I hope he accepts the offer. He wasn't interested in the base offer he was "asking for." I cut a year off and added a lot of money. 99 man and 92 zone coverage... wow. Also, the Jets drafted a steal in the 6th round. An 81 OVR DE with 94 strength and tons of awareness and tackle. He is 6'6" and is not a pass rusher. I am assuming that the money he wants and the fact that he is only an 81 OVR [and not a 4-3 pass rusher] the Jets didn't want him. He is only a 1 year pro. I am offering him a big contract of 70mil for 7 years. this is just the kind of player I am looking for in the 3-4 and they don't come around all that often. They accept the offers and that should sort of change my draft plans. Depending on who is one the board, I may even trade down. I still want a star CD and a big NT. NFL Coaches have been quoted saying that the NT in the 3-4 is the most important player in that scheme. It doesn't hurt to have Patrick Willis, but a NT to anchor the line is still very important. Here we go into the draft: 1. LE-75-C [6'8" 94 strength] 2. CB-62-D 3. HB-87-A [86speed, 91Trucking, 99carry 86awareness, 85BCV] 4. DT-61-D 5. MLB-65-D 6. DT-79-B 7. WR-51-C [cut] The DE I signed in the free agency also has A potential. I think he will be worth every penny of the 70mil I will end up paying him. My rookie DE will likely move over to RE and start after Justin Smith leaves. Drafting CBs in this game is a crap shoot I'm sorry to say. I am happy with my HB pick up. While he won't break away for the score like Frank Gore, he can still pound the rock. the rest of the picks are pretty much junk, but that happens in real life. A good balance to the monster drafts I had my first two years. I still have my 81 OVR B potential 99 strength NT from last year. We'll see who ends up being better as my other NT is a 79 B potential. Now I just have to fill out the roster before going into the preseason and we will be off to the races for another year. For those who bought madden tonight, tell us what you think!

[PGaither84]

I am going to try and get some team play in now that the game is live. i'll be back for more updates.

[CajunPunk]

Following.

[adembroski]

Stalking...

[PGaither84]

Okay, online team play is crazy fun! I found myself playing it all night long. I will be back tonight for more though. Thanks for following.

Also, if we find great game play sliders, I hope to play the post season games and post highlights. I like to actually play with these rookies. Playing the Superbowl was fun, but lop sided. those linebackers I drafted are beasts. It feels like having 3 Patrick Willis's out there, and in a way I do. Willis has 90 speed, the #2 MLB has 91, the OLB has 88 speed and 95 acceleration, and Manny Lawson has around 88 or 89 speed. Even with sliders I would kind of feel bad for the computer. I still like the idea of playing offense for the computer, and using GameFlow to call the computer's plays.

While I am off topic about Online Team play [OTP,] I wanted to say that having three players with mics is so important. Last night I made friends with 4 people on XBL to play OTP with. Having a running back and WR who will listen to you is so important. Who ever picks LB calls the defensive plays. I don't want to be selfish, so I often pick QB and CB. Part of the fun is the team work of having two different players call the game, one on offense the other on defense. Knowing you are playing against another human team is a ton of fun.

[PGaither84]

Okay, I'm back and it's time to play franchise mode some more.

We last left off at the start of the preseason for year 4, and I have roster spots to fill. Offensively, I am going to need a LT, LG, and a RG. Defensively I am going a ROLB and a SS. Diving into the free agency pool I went and found mid 60's range players to fill in the needed spots and sign them to short term contracts [1-3 years.] Now it's time to reorder our depth chart and enter the pre-season, where we ended up going 1-2-1.

Entering Week 1, I want to identify what positions I wish to scout. A WR, Center, Defensive lineman, OLB, and CB are all possiblities. We really don't have a galring weakness that needs to be drafted next year. What we have is a team stacked with players in their prime, young draft picks, and a few vets with their "replacements" already in the wings [we hope.]

Week 1 vs Seahawks: 13-9 W
Week 2 @ Buccaneers: 24-20 W
Week 3 @ Cardinals: 20-10 L
Week 4 vs Rams: 17-6 W
Week 5 @ Vikings: 14-13 L
Week 6 @ Texans: 26-20 W [OT]
Week 7 @ Titans: 25-22 W
Week 8 BYE 5-2 record
Week 9 @ Falcons: 34-17 L [Lost 95 OVR RG for season]
Week 10 vs Jaguars: 16-10 W
Week 11 @ Rams:14-10 L
Week 12 vs Cardinals: 20-13 W
Week 13 vs Saints: 33-28 W
Week 14 vs Eagles: 20-15 L
Week 15 vs Panthers: 27-26 W
Week 16 @ Seahawks: 28- 21 W
Week 17 vs Colts: 13-6 W

Finished the Season 11-5! We won the NFC West and have a bye.

NFC
1. Saints 13-3
2. 49ers 11-5
3. Giants 10-6
4. Packers 10-6
5. Rams 10-6
6. Falcons 9-7

AFC
1. patriots 12-4
2 Chiefs 11-5
3. Dolphins 11-5
4. Broncos 10-6
5. ravens 9-7
6. Colts 9-7

League Leaders

Passing
1. T. Brady - 3,933 yards 33 TD 9 INT
2. D. Brees - 5,185 yards 38 TD 19 INT [seriously!]
3. 49ers QB - 2,476 yards 14TD 5 INT
4. M. Ryan - 3,121 yards 22 TD 7 INT
5. A. Rodgers - 3295 yards 25 TD 11 INT

Rushing
1. Denver HB - 2,113 yards 19 TD 4.8 average
2. S. Greene 2,106 yards 20 TD 6.2 average
3. Frank Gore 1,749 yards 14 TD 4.5 average
4. A. Peterson 1,740 yards 16 TD 5.1 average
5. M. Turner 1,710 yards 16 TD 5.2 average
[Note: 6th place has 1,500 yards, 7th has under 1,400 yards]

Receiving
1. R. meachem 115 rec 1,487 yards 11 TD
2. R. ayne 106 rec 1,504 yards 10 TD
3. B. marshall 103 rec 1,179 yards 11 TD
4. L. Fitzgerald 103 rec 1,522 yards 6 TD
5. D. bowe 98 rec 1,114 yards 8 TD

Defense
Tackles
P. Willis 121
B. Ruud 121
C. Lofton 115
T. Hali 115
Bills ROLB 114

Sacks
Dallas Rookie DE 22.0
D. Freeney 185
A. Brown 17.5
P. merling 17.0
C. Jenkins 17.0

Interceptions
T. Thomas 8
A. Bethea 8
K. Ellison 7
Chiefs SS 7
E. Wright 7

NFL MVP - D. Brees

49ers in the Pro Bowl
HB - F. Gore
RT - A. Davis
LT - J. Staley
LG - M. Iupati
C - E. Heitmann
ROLB 95 OVR

NOTE: Every offensive linemen on our team made it to the Pro Bowl except our 95 OVR RG who was lost for 1/2 the season. Wow!

PLAYOFFS

Wild Card Round
Broncos 38 - Ravens 33
Falcons 31 - Giants 35
Dolphins 20 - Colts 23
Rams 27 - Packers 17

Divisional Round
Colts 16 - Patriots 38
Rams 24 - Saints 28
Broncos 10 - Chiefs 32
Giants 13 - 49ers 9

NOTE: 49ers didn't turn the ball over, but were unable to put a TD on the board. The Giants TD was scored by the FB on a dive in the red zone according to the box score.

Conference Championship Round
Chiefs 20 - Patriots 23 [OT]
Giants 10 - Saints 38

Super Bowl 13 degrees
Patriots vs Saints

Right off the bat the presentation is bad. It is 2014 and Chris Collinsworth is talking about how Drew Brees just defeated the Colts last season. they said the words "Last year" multiple times. It wasn't like they were referring back to the last time the Saints were in the Superbowl, or the last time Drew Brees was.

Super Sim has the score 17-10 Patriots at the end of the 1st quarter. At half time the score is 27-24 Saints. 41-27 Patriots at the end of 3. The score is 44-41 with 3:30 left in the 4th, Patriots ball 3 time outs remaining for both teams. Ball on the 21 yard line. I think this is a good time to enter the game as NE and try to work some Superbowl magic. [I am a Patriots fan as well for those who don't know.] Auto Passing [coach mode] on. I call the plays and Brady works his magic, TD with little time left the Saints are unable to come back. I don't know after just one game if Supersim is out of hand, after all these are both high powered offensive units, but that is a crazy score. I don't think accelerated clock is factored into the equation. the presentation didn't freeze this time and it was just generic celebration. At least that worked properly. it's 2014 and Obama is still President, so in the game he wins a 2ed term [not getting into politics AJ ] We will see if Madden cares at all about this and has a generic president after both terms are up.

Now it is time to move into the off-season. See you next post!

[PGaither84]

I regret not playing the Divisional playoff game. I got so into siming and recording stats and what not this time around I just simulated right past it. Oh well, such is life. Moving forward, I would like to find some nice coaching mode sliders. That way if I have a key regular season game or a playoff game I can go in and use my team and see how well they play. I am looking forward to using my "new" 3-4 defense, pimp All-Pro Offensive line, young gun QB and Frank Gore's "replacement." I don't expect to win the Super bowl ever year, and I am glad I haven't. I am looking to go back though and do my best to keep this team as competitive as possible for as long as possible.