Tips for Noobie....

[kcarr]

1) sometimes more is less in the playbook. Too many plays can be tough for some players to learn. Also, you can build your coaches to help with learning.

2) An 85 overall player who is smart and has been with your team a while can be more valuable, especially for the salary you pay him, than a new shiny 90 overall player who doesn't know your playbook.

3) build from the inside out. Oline and dline can really come into play a lot in this game opening up for the run, protecting the qb, and rushing the qb.

4) Don't get too wrapped around potential. There are a lot of guys with great potential who won't be great. Also there are guys with low potential who can contribute even if the game says they are busts. Learning and injury are the 2 major things stopping high potential players. Specialized areas are the main thing helping lower potential players.

5) 1 year contracts are a great way to fill in some key lower profile spots with decent vets if you have a little space left going into the preseason. In my current career at one point I picked up ty law as a nickel back, at one point pat surtain, and for slot receivers I have picked up issac bruce and roy williams at different times. I have also picked up decent fullbacks this way, 2nd TEs, and other less used positions. These 1 year deals are great because you have the cap room which you can't do anything else with at that point and they won't hurt for the future.

6) trading down is a great way to build a team when you have a lot of holes. Also, a lot of drafts have nearly as much talent late as early. Only trade up for a truly special one of a kind player. If you can get someone almost as good later then trading up probably isn't worth it.

[jweaks]

A lot of the advice above is very good so some of this repetitive:

1. Study your roster so you will know what you have and don't have. Where you need to upgrade, etc...

2. Do not go crazy during free agency. You may want to avoid all players over 90 in free agency, they cost too much. Look for bargains in free agency, 80+ types with modest salary requirements.

3. Have a draft strategy. Trade down if you are not sure about a pick. Keep an eye on the overall list during the draft so he can see how the draft is going and what players are likely to be taken next.

4. Avoid big contracts and big bonuses unless you are absolutely sure you want that player locked up.

5. After the draft when you get to pick 5 undrafted players look for the sleepers there may be one still there.

6. HERE IS A BIG TIP! Warning: Might be considered something of a spoiler.

Spoiler

You will notice during preseason that you have to make roster cuts until week one when you have to be down to your season roster. During this period other teams are cutting down too. Keep checking the free agents for rookies that become available. (just before and just after week 1 of the regular season are the best times to go hunting for these jewels) A rookie with a 60 or better OVR rating could turn out to have a POT of 80 or better. Cut the junk players on your roster and load up on these guys so that you can evaluate them. You should see there POT right away. If they aren't any good, you can cut them and go try some more. To help narrow down which ones might turn out to be decent before you sign them look at their key stats - for example, if you need an OL and you see two rookies that are 68 OVR, what are their blocking numbers? If one has blocking numbers in the 60s and the other has 70s or even 80s then go for the higher block numbers. You might find a starter this way. You will definitely find some upgrades for your weaker players.

7. Make sure your playbook and your philosphies match up.

8. Strip your playbook down (OFF and DEF) to the bare basics and get the plays learned. Then you can add to it. A big playbook is useless if your team doesn't know the plays.

9. And get a decent trainer to help with fatique and injuries.

jw