Official Gridiron Discussion Thread

['Sider]

Fellas, please use this thread to discuss games, their content or issues that need to be addressed as well as general conversation/feedback for the league itself.


As you may have noticed, I unstuck some threads, ones that will make their way to the top as needed and merged some threads to cut down on a ton of stuck threads. It clutters up the top of the forum and some things just dont need to be up there. Im recommending a video conference tonight for all those that are interested to discuss any problems or concerns. Dont freak out if you cant make it, just attend if you can. NOTHING is going to be changed, its just a chance for people to get to know one another and speak about the league in general. This is NOT a mandatory meeting and can be accessed via camera, headset or bother, whichever you have available. Im making this meeting at 9pm EST for those that want to attend. Ill send the invites to everyone that I have on my list. I dont recognize some of your PSNs so you may want to add me if you havent, Outsider9573. Mike must be going through some rough stuff so I figured I would help out, but in the end, its his league, his call on special circumstances/decisions.

Try and keep all conversations and such in this thread or they will be deleted. We dont need threads calling people out, asking questions, etc when they can be either PMed or posted in here. Lets get this thing going

[Rouchicus]

I'm up for the meeting 'Sider. I have a headset no cam.

PSN - RedSea_Rouch

[rrmcguire]

sorry, can't make the meeting tonight...

[mikesa_tx]

Sider is officially my co commish. I will be away from the CPU tonight Sider. Sorry.

['Sider]

I'll be starting up the league and sending out invites to WHOMEVER has replied in the Final Owners thread. After that, you will have 24 hours to update that thread or you WILL BE REPLACED. This league will be ran with an iron fist yet fun and exciting for those involved. The way I see if, if you signed up but dont have the common courtesy to check the site DAILY, you aint that damn interested in playing so kick rocks.

[Brownss4Eva]

Thank you sider i 100 prececent agree i got people who havent accepted the friends invite sad, man and if you cant visit the site at least once a day. Then you have really no commitment and will hold us back love the iron fist approach. After people get into how much fun this will be they will come around i hope if not. Next

[Brownss4Eva]

To what you said in my thread "is the leauge on" Sider, yes i have been on here looking around everyday, and that is what everyone has been doing the offical leauge start day was 9/20 right. So that is why i posted that question. I also think people are leaving because their getting sick of the wait,i do not mind it.But i also do not think it is going to be easy to find 32 users if we keep post ponding our leauge everytime the ball gets rolling.

[MF Prime]

Well tonights meeting was decent, seen some of the unluckly bastards who will have the pleasure of watching me hoist the virtual lombardi trophy. However the rest of ya's need to really get settled in and start signing up and stuff. 'Sider posted some stuff in the owners thread, but I think here would be a good spot to gather some intel.

IMO when it comes to the gametime we really should shoot for 2games every week. I think Having it broken down like Mon-Wed for 1 game and Thur-Sat for 2nd game is easily manageable. Pretty sure most won't wanna play on Sun cause thats when the real game is to be held.

Another thing.... 8min Qtrs with 15sec Accelerated clock?...Yes

['Sider]

I did notice when I set the league up that accelerated clock could be turned off, so thats something to think about as well, if its available. Im looking for ideas from EVERYONE involved in this league, no voice will go unheard.

I mentioned in the chat that Im thinking of having some sort of incentive for the NFC and AFC Champions as well as the Super Bowl champion (Dcoy, I havent forgot about your hat bro lol). Something to think about as some of you guys are debating on whether or not to sign up or not. It WILL be worth your while.

As for games, Im all for two games a week, but I want to hear from the busier guys in the league, sometimes that may cause a problem if they are married, kids, nightjobs, etc.

Times yours, Im off to eat a Totinos pizza and watch The First 48

PS-Beware of Vick lol

[Brownss4Eva]

I think 2 games a week is fine but 8 minute quaters is too much een with acc clock, I think no more then 7

[rrmcguire]

I think one game per week is better makes everything all the more worthwhile, game prepping, scouting opponent, etc...also I do have kids

[MF Prime]

I can see where you guys are coming from with the 1 game allows more security when it comes to playing games, but from the way things are looking half the league itself may be nothing more than CPU controlled. Why should we wait a whole week to play the CPU?

Don't get me wrong I understand that people have bigger obligations than a league, but having 1 game a week will make it go at a snails pace and with such a layover between games people may lose even more interest. IMO

As far as time thats cool, I've tried everything from 6-8min Qtrs online and everything comes out under an hour of play time. I just want to have some reasonable stats when it comes to the games which is why I said 8min, but if we don't need ACC clock then something shorter is fine by me.

[JimmyT85]

I'll be up for 2 games a week, but you guys need to bear in mind that I am from the UK, so a little patience would be needed as to when we'll be able to play together and stuff.

[NFBCPlayer]

Our meeting last night was really cool...If you didn't get to make it, you gotta make the next one, it makes the league way more enjoyable. Like I said before, If we could find 32 owners like that, we would have the best league ever created.

I like 7 min quarters, acc clock. I would also be happy with anything that is decided.

Another suggestion...Sider, do you think it would be a good idea to make a e-mail address just for the league? I could start putting the e-mail address out there on message boards on many different sites...you could read the emails of those interested and determine if they would be a good fit for the league. I understand we are starting this thing on Monday...no matter what, and thats the best possible thing to do. But, the more dedicated owners..the better.

I would post something like this....I just made up that e-mail address out of the blue until you make up one.

PS3 Online Franchaise League looking for a few more 100% dedicated owners. A few teams left, e-mail TheGridiron2010@yahoo.com.
League will have possible prizes for AFC,NFC Champs, along with Superbowl winner. League is FREE to join.
League also has its own website.
League will play 2 games per week...vs 100% owned human teams.
League starts Monday 8-24-2009.
Just e-mail and put in your desired team and the commish will write you back and let you know if that team is available, if it's not...he will let you know what teams are left.

[Brownss4Eva]

That is a great idea nfbc i just have this feeling we will not get 32 user and that would suck, what urt us was waiting for this roster update byt that was necessary people just don not have patrience these days. I like the e mail idea, also 7 minutes is fine 8 is just too much lol.

[mikesa_tx]

I like it.

['Sider]

Ive decided to give out the PWs via headset/camera in a chatroom instead of on the boards to prevent anyone that has not signed up from getting the PW and taking a team in the league.

[Rouchicus]

I really dont think 8 minutes is too much. With the acc clock, it moves just fine. I'll play whatever we decide on but the more minutes, the more sim style this league will be.

I can do 2 games a week. It will just be a little bit more organization on everyone's part. I understand that some people can only do 1 game a week because of whatever reason, but I think some people who are really questioning if they will be able to get 1 a week in, may not be as dedicated as we were looking for.

We should all put it out there about the league this weekend and get as many people as we can. I say we go through the list of owners at the end of today and those who have not been that active, cut 'em. We can find people, I'm sure of it. I also think that the people who are in the league now and have been active should get a choice to change teams if they like. Maybe somebody just got in late and didn't get their first choice.

Just some ideas. We have a few days to toss things around. I say all the active owners keep a good line of communication so we can get this thing rolling.

[Brownss4Eva]

Sider has the leauge already created i just found it he just hasnt given the password out yet. Also Sider you can give the password to a few people you trust to help you pass it on to the rest of the users. The leauge he has set right now can always change but the setting is 7 minutes, all-pro

[NFBCPlayer]

Hey Sider,
I posted that message on a coupld quality websites....Id like to give you the password to the email address. Il send it to your screen name later today. Hopefully there is some responses in it.

The email was TheGridiron2010@yahoo.com

If any of you have some good madden websites you are affiliated with, plese post the recruiting post.
Thanks

[NFBCPlayer]

o yeah, great idea on how to hand out the password.

You could give it to the origianl 8 or 12 that have been weathering this storm for awhile, then let the other people be on a 1st come..1st serve basis. Whatever works for everyone else works for me. This league is starting to fire up again...lets get that fire back like it was 3 weeks ago!!!! FIRE FIRE

[Rouchicus]

What about FA? I know plenty of people have expressed issues with how it is handled. Does anybody have any ideas? I have never been in a good league, it was always a mess. I remember an idea about a point system.....all I know is that what we have doesn't seem like it will work.

[NFBCPlayer]

Rouchicus,
I agree with you there. If you look at the other leagues on this site...Irish103's ps3 league has those rules set with a point system. I really dont want to butt into their postings or league but maybe the commish could? I bet they would combine with our league if possible. We could transport their rules over to our league because it seems to be working for them. They are also playing under the old rosters, so I bet they would love to come to our league. They have about 13 dedicated members...so it would work out perfect. Only in a perfect Madden world :)

[Rouchicus]

That may bring up some recruiting violations but....to each his own. I violate recruits all day.....wait.....probably poor wording.

I don't see any harm in checking out other leagues and see how their FA is working out. We can find something better.

[Brownss4Eva]

lmao hahaha i violate recruits daily ahahah tats a classic, man lets getr 32 people even if we have to beat them to join and stay commited

[NFBCPlayer]

dude...we have people kicking down the door...If someone is on the PS3, send ousider and message to check out this site.
I cant keep up with the e-mails ")

[NFBCPlayer]

send Outsider9573 a message... we will fill the league...easy

[Rouchicus]

I was looking around at some leagues on here and Pasta's had a relatively interesting idea with FA and whatnot.

Basically they had "Protected" Players (22 of them I believe) that they could keep on their team and the rest were open for bidding. They had a bidding system as well but I didn't get into it much.

[LiLNipsFatal]

What did we decide on quarter length?

8 minutes with 15 acc sec runoff is too short IMO.

Don't know if you guys are aiming for quick games or more realistic stats. From my personal experience, I think 10 minutes with a 15 sec accelerated clock will allow for a much more realistic number of plays and stats.

I'm guessing the accelerated clock was put into place to prevent all the manual pre-snap adjustments. It's extremely difficult to put players in motion, call audibles, and go through specific defensive player adjustments with an acclerated clock.

I'm normally able to go make my normal defensive line / linebacker / coverage adjustments but I don't have time to cycle through players and set individual defensive assignments.

Anyways, I'm new to this league but I have plenty of ideas and thoughts.

['Sider]

At this point, everyone is just playing around with times over the weekend. We are having another owners meeting via Chat on Sunday evening to finalize the quarter lengths, league should be ready to go by Monday evening

[Rouchicus]

I personally play with 10 min 15 acc. clock and while I feel it is a more realistic representation of an NFL game, I doubt people would jump on board with that here.

I'm pretty content with the new FA rules. So we are still doing the limits to how many players of a certain rating you can sign, not how many you can own? That's how I read it at least. Were we just following the Waiver Wire Rules for all of the FA signing at the begginning of the season or what?

[LiLNipsFatal]

We're definitely going to have to go over the FA rules. Not sure I really understand what's going on. It seems like some of the rules are written as if the online franchise mode allows for contracts, and we all know those aren't included.

If 26 players are protected, does that mean each team is releasing the rest of their roster into the FA pool after every season? If that's the case, we're going to have TONS of guys in FA (29 x user teams) since I don't believe the commish can drop players for CPU controlled teams (if we're going to have any)....

I'm also not understanding the restrictions at the bottom talking about how many 90 rated players, 80 rated players, 70 players you can keep or sign...

['Sider]

The bottom was erased, it shouldnt have been included. And yes, you are only keeping 26 and can bid on the rest of the pool and keep room for your rookies, totaling the 52 man roster

['Sider]

Im open for suggestions regarding an easy FA solution as well

[Rouchicus]

I think I'm pretty happy with the FA how it is. I'm sure once it comes down to it, we will have something pop up, but I don't see why the current system will not work.

[LiLNipsFatal]

26 players into free agency per team is going to be a lot of work if you ask me.....

Just seems like it'd be much easier if we weren't forced to drop half our team. Sounds like we'll all just be swapping a whole bunch of backups. I don't see the point.

[Brownss4Eva]

I agree with you there, everyone will keep their starters and we will bid on backups. It also defeats the purpose of getting young talent and making them bette to release them my backups will never see the field and their ratings will go down every year.

[Brownss4Eva]

Dude 10 minutes is way too long i wouldnt want anyrthing morre then 7to8.The scores will be outrages between good players and decent ones.

['Sider]

26 players, up to 10 draft picks, that leaves 16 backups. Of course theres going to be alot of cuts, but that will help out weaker teams depending on the player progression



You guys come up with a time, I dont care, but come Saturday, things are getting started and if theres not a consensus, Ill just make a decision. I want opinions and ideas, but battling back and forth over small details will not happen. Thats why I wanted all you guys together in the chat last night, to come to an agreement. We will have another chat Sunday night to make the final decision. Those that were in attendance were told to toy around with the times, I suggest everyone do that so a decision can be made. The quarter time will not stop this league from proceeding.


I suggest everyone play some "preseason" games this weekend, someone can start a game scheduling thread if you want and meet up there.

[Dirty-Dozen]

My vote is 7-8 min no acc. clock

[Brownss4Eva]

my vote is 7-8 with acc clock. Makes it more sim

[Twigg4075]

Dude 10 minutes is way too long i wouldnt want anyrthing morre then 7to8.The scores will be outrages between good players and decent ones.

I agree. I think it should be 8 minutes tops. 7 or 8 should be great.

[Kordeanos]

my vote is 7-8 with acc clock. Makes it more sim

+ 1 :bananadance:

[rrmcguire]

7 minute with acc. clock works for me

[adun79]

Anything between 8-10 min with acc clock should do fine, my suggestion

[Kuzakian]

my vote is on 9-10m acc clock or 7-8 no acc

[LiLNipsFatal]

9 or 10 with accelerated clock is best IMO.....

Couple reasons

1) It produces a fairly realistic number of plays like the NFL (around 60 plays per scrimmage). It actually ends up being around 80 if I remember correctly (if I had to err on one side, I'd prefer more so that we can get realistic statistics). It also depends on how quickly you pick your plays and hike the ball and will also vary when you're playing CPU opponents (that won't really apply in this league since we're hoping to fill all the slots).

2) Accelerated Clock is good to limit the number of unrealistic pre-snap adjustments. You're still able to make a couple adjustments, but you don't have time to manually adjust every player on defense, which is unrealistic.

[NFBCPlayer]

I LIKE lilnipsfatal's post. I would like realistic stats for the league. Some people want 7,8,9 or 10...lets go with 9 with acc clock. What do you guys think...I will discuss this with the other commish's and we will come up with a solid time tonight.

[LiLNipsFatal]

I LIKE lilnipsfatal's post. I would like realistic stats for the league. Some people want 7,8,9 or 10...lets go with 9 with acc clock. What do you guys think...I will discuss this with the other commish's and we will come up with a solid time tonight.

I've played several 8, 9, and 10 minute games with 15 sec accelerated clock runoff (anymore is way too much IMO) and the games normally produce some pretty decent statistics.

FYI....

15 sec runoff means 15 secs come off the clock when you pick your play quickly. It DOESN'T mean the clock automatically goes down to 15 seconds. Just trying to help with any potential confusion :)

[Ndjansy]

LilNipsFatal

Go to the thread Teams, Owners, and Sig Bars and copy your Vikings' league sig from there.

[Rouchicus]

I play with 10 minutes 15 second acc clock with my offline franchise and it is working out very well. My thing is, the online franchise is defaulted to normal speed, offline is slow.

[LiLNipsFatal]

I play with 10 minutes 15 second acc clock with my offline franchise and it is working out very well. My thing is, the online franchise is defaulted to normal speed, offline is slow.

They just fixed that for online games (default = slow) and are supposedly in the process of fixing it for online franchise games as well.

[Kuzakian]

lol i never even noticed.. ohh man =(

[Ndjansy]

Yeah one of the producers announced it via Twitter ..... I don't think we run the risk of having to restart our franchise, in case the change implemented after our start. I think the changes will encompass new and current franchises.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Yeah one of the producers announced it via Twitter ..... I don't think we run the risk of having to restart our franchise, in case the change implemented after our start. I think the changes will encompass new and current franchises.

Hopefully so....

[Rouchicus]

Yeah, last thing we need is to deal with restarting. I think I would ram my face into an axe.

[Ndjansy]

No don't do that ... just move in with 'Sider ...LOL

[LiLNipsFatal]

LilNipsFatal

Go to the thread Teams, Owners, and Sig Bars and copy your Vikings' league sig from there.

Hard to do anything here at work. Nothing displays properly with IE6. I don't see any of the logos or anything. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out when I get back home.

[adun79]

They just fixed that for online games (default = slow) and are supposedly in the process of fixing it for online franchise games as well.


Head to head games in OF will be on slow. Games vs the CPU in OF will be on slow only after a patch.

[LiLNipsFatal]

testhjkhjk

[LiLNipsFatal]

work signature!

[Dirty-Dozen]

I've been waiting forever for this league to get started. Hope we get an update on when that happening soon.

[Rouchicus]

The three of us are meeting tonight and one of us will be sure to post what we have discussed/decided by the end of the night.

[Brownss4Eva]

Yeah, last thing we need is to deal with restarting. I think I would ram my face into an axe.

lmao dude dont we need you

[Rouchicus]

Pretty quiet day so far.

[Brownss4Eva]

yes it is lets run one i see you on right now.

[Snake Eyes]

Just had a thought I know ndjana, or at least i think it was, you were talking about power rankings. What about doin kind of a game of the week feature, kind of gives it more of a feel if you know what i mean. Also if possible which ever of the two teams that make the Super Bowl each year makes a recording of the game and post it. We did this for a few seasons in another league I was in awhile back.

[Ndjansy]

Good idea, I was just discussing game of the week feature with Rouchicus for the site, as well as "Up and coming Players" or "future stars" .... and maybe an end of year awards such as " owner/executive of the year" .... keep the ideas coming though......

[Ndjansy]

I don't know if there is an MVP, Offensive and Defensive, Rookie of the year award in online franchise, i don't think so, but we can def make our own, either via a poll / vote.

[Snake Eyes]

Yeah we use to do that and have coach/owner of the year and things like that.

[MF Prime]

Just got finished playing my first game. I swear I have never had a more frustrating game since I played Madden 09. Everything I did was either a turnover or.... a turnover. Then to top it off I'm playing one of those screen/flat-left/right guys...which is the most annoying thing ever. I swear to gaming gods if it happens again I might just end up on the news.

And to whoever I played.... I hate you

[JimmyT85]

I too have just finished my first game against Twiggy who was the Bears.

It was a real nail biter!

Final score:
Chicago Bears - 10 V.S Green Bay Packers - 16 (OT)

It was a great game, and pretty much back and forth throughout. I think my running game just edged it for me in the end. Twiggy tied it with 2 seconds to go in normal with a nice field goal, after I tried to ice him (lol).

Here are some stats from the Packers side of the ball.

Total Offense: 281 yards - 166 yards Rushing - 115 yards Passing.
Aaron Rodgers: 14 of 20 for 115 yards - 0 TD 1 INT.
Ryan Grant: 24 carries rushing for 165 yards - 6.8 avg - 2 TD's.

Defence mention:
Charles Woodson: 2 INT's.

So all in all, a great game, and it was played in great spirits.

Thanks Twiggy, and look forward to our next game.

[Kuzakian]

dang at least 2 overtimes in just hte first small handful of games. that's great news.

[JimmyT85]

Also, forgot to mention, Twiggy returned the ball 102 yards with Urlacher, on an INT for a TD! :eek:

[Snake Eyes]

Also, forgot to mention, Twiggy returned the ball 102 yards with Urlacher, on an INT for a TD! :eek:

Were your guys running the other way?

[JimmyT85]

Were your guys running the other way?

Haha. All my 'quicker' players were in the end-zone waiting for the ball :(
When he caught it and ran, he only had my line-men to beat :shakehead:

[Snake Eyes]

Haha. All my 'quicker' players were in the end-zone waiting for the ball :(
When he caught it and ran, he only had my line-men to beat :shakehead:

Rodgers trying to be like Farve

[Rouchicus]

Just finished my first game against the Ravens(jdubb5516). I ended up coming out on top 24-14. Game started off bad with Jamaal Charles fumbling the opening kickoff. We both scored 14pts in the first quarter. The rush never really got going for either of us. I broke of one 24 yard run with LJ. Other than that, all my rushing yards were on my final drive from burning clock.

The real story of the game for me was Matt Cassel. He went 18-22 220yrd 3TD and no INT. That's what I like to see out of my future. Granted 82 of his passing yards were on one play...but still.

Solid game. Jdubb5516 plays a straight game. Won't be an easy opponent for that AFC North.

[Snake Eyes]

AFC North will be the toughest division I think

[Rouchicus]

They got some good teams and I'm sure good owners. I know jdubb was not bad at all. Browns look to be bringing it. Steelers are obviously a great team. Let's not forget about those pesky Bengals....who are ownerless.....so nevermind.

[Snake Eyes]

They got some good teams and I'm sure good owners. I know jdubb was not bad at all. Browns look to be bringing it. Steelers are obviously a great team. Let's not forget about those pesky Bengals....who are ownerless.....so nevermind.

True and nice work with Cassel by the way

[Rouchicus]

If he plays like he did against the Ravens D, all season long....watch out boys.

[Brownss4Eva]

Who? if you dont mind me asking

[Brownss4Eva]

Wow Cassel my bad i am a idiot. Good stuff Rouch congrats

[Snake Eyes]

Ratliff Baby Ohh Yea lol you cant sack me im too smooth lol Im a smart player not so much stick just enough for user picks. And my Steeler hate shall prevail.
Wanted to move this convo out of game sched .

Hate and user pick all you want to still won't change you shopping for two new quaterbacks in FA. :)

[pbates86]

Need...WR...help...badly. I saw Stuckey drop too many passes and get jammed at the line too many times...

[Ndjansy]

Damn Texans D started out good but ran out of steam, we pulled it out though. The best defensive player on the team and undisputed leader on D makes a statement by picking the rookie QB off and to the house.

[Brownss4Eva]

Wanted to move this convo out of game sched .

Hate and user pick all you want to still won't change you shopping for two new quaterbacks in FA. :)

Ohh dude it is on now Shaun Rodgers will do to Big Ben, what he did to that poor girl, and then some, and then some lol

[Dirty-Dozen]

Need...WR...help...badly. I saw Stuckey drop too many passes and get jammed at the line too many times...

What team are you?

[Rouchicus]

What team are you?

He is the Jets....Chansi Stuckey.....come on.

[pbates86]

I just demoted Lito Sheppard to nickel corner. He has a 38 tackle rating....what the hell???

[Rouchicus]

I just demoted Lito Sheppard to nickel corner. He has a 38 tackle rating....what the hell???

Wow, I didn't know it was that bad. I didn't expect it to be great, but wow. You have Revis though. He'll be able to cover half the field in a year.

[pbates86]

Wow, I didn't know it was that bad. I didn't expect it to be great, but wow. You have Revis though. He'll be able to cover half the field in a year.

I knew something was up when Ryan Moats escaped the grasp of Lito and ran for a TD. RYAN MOATS.

Anyway, I have a feeling Lito will be better covering slot guys anyway.

[Rouchicus]

From the sound of things, you only want him in coverage anyways. He apparently couldn't tackle an infant

[Snake Eyes]

Ohh dude it is on now Shaun Rodgers will do to Big Ben, what he did to that poor girl, and then some, and then some lol

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07222009/photos/andrea_mcnulty.jpg


:shakehead: He could had done alot better

[Brownss4Eva]

ahahah i know dude i wouldnt event tap that ^^^^

[Snake Eyes]

Course through beer googles

http://namm.zlimp.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/marissa_miller4.jpg

[Kuzakian]

lol...

[Ndjansy]

Barring the other non-played games, Jets @ Texans had to be the game of the week and would be up for replay on NFL Network.

Final score: Jets 31 - Texans 37 OT

The Texans came out the block mixing up the run game with up and coming superstar Slaton (19 car / 94 yds), and the short passing game. A Bart Scott interception set up a short drive for the Jets which was capped off by Sanchez's first NFL TD pass to TE Keller (Brett Favre's ex fave target). The Texans stuck with the gameplan and pounded the ball, which set up a 61 yd strike from Schaub to TE Daniels. The seconf quarter, the Texans extended their lead by 2 scores, with Slaton as center of attention, with a 20 yd run and a screen pass converted. Up 2 scores, the Texans braced themselves for A Jets reply in the form of Mark Sanchez scramble run up the middle on 3rd down for the TD right before the half.

Shonne Greene, completed the Jets' comeback in the 3rd quarter, galvanizing the Jets whose Rex Ryan defense started showing signs of what they could become by frustrating the Texans O. The Jets young rookies were stepping up and showed why Jets ownership were excited about their rookie class. The nail in the coffin seemed to be a Calvin Pace fumble return TD off a Chris Brown fumble, (who incidentally was scheduled for release prior to the game but suited up and had to deputize after an injury scare to Slaton). Again Bart Scott was at the center of the Jets' defensive turnaround causing 2 turnovers.

The Texans were reeeling after the Jets ran off 21 straight points to take the lead, capitalizing on key red zone turnovers. These were the type of games the Texans lost last season, wondering how they let a game get away, could they answer the call? Although quiet workmanlike performances, Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels stepped up to answer the call with a couple of big catches to restore the Texans' offensive confidence. A Ryan Moats pass reception TD, marked by his trucking of Lito Sheppard (the media has had a rough go at Sheppard calling for his demotion to nickel duty).

The Jets showed their resolve by calmly marching down the field with big catches from Cotchery and Stuckey. It all seemed to have unraveled for the Texans in their own stadium when Feely kicked a 44 yd FG with 45 sec left in the 4th quarter. The Texans would have to turn their 2 min drill into a less than a minute fast break. Jacoby Jones did his part in setting his team up with decent field position at the Texans 31 yd line. Aware that they only needed about 35 -40 yds to get in FG range, Schaub showed his poise by concluding with a deft spot pass to Andre Johnson who had crept in behind coverage on a crossing route and showed his underrated smarts by running out of bounds after the catch with 3 sec to go. Pressure was on Kris Brown to deliver, and did he, kicking his team into OT with a 43 yd FG as time expired.

The Texans had a short time to rejoice after escaping defeat, hoping for a reversal fortune in OT, only to lose the dreaded OT coin toss, which awarded the Jets the ball, as they elected to receive. The Texans defense had to make a statement and bail out the offense whose turnovers had brought the game to this junction. On the first play of the Jets' drive, the undisputed leader and pass-rushing specialist was asked to drop into coverage, which was the last move the Jets were expecting; the ruse worked to perfection as Mario Williams picked Mark Sanchez, as if he had played DB his whole career; and to further prove his all-world talent, Super-Mario ran it back to the end-zone, capping off a wild opening day game for the Texans and breaking the Jets' spirits, who will surely look back at a lost opportunity to seal a game they had within their grasp. A Game for the Ages.

Players of the game:
Matt Schaub - 270 yds pass / 3 TDs
Steve Slaton - 125 tot yds / 2 TDs

Bart Scott - 3 solo TAK / 1 INT / 1 FF
Mark Sanchez - 177 yds pass / 2 TDs | 21 yds rush / 1 TD

[SpookJuice]

Lost 41-23 to Wright, Good Game man. Fumble on punt return did me in and for the life of me I have no idea how to call fair catch. Not taking anything away from the guy he plays a straight game.

[pbates86]

Barring the other non-played games, Jets @ Texans had to be the game of the week and would be up for replay on NFL Network.

Final score: Jets 31 - Texans 37 OT

The Texans came out the block mixing up the run game with up and coming superstar Slaton (19 car / 94 yds), and the short passing game. A Bart Scott interception set up a short drive for the Jets which was capped off by Sanchez's first NFL TD pass to TE Keller (Brett Favre's ex fave target). The Texans stuck with the gameplan and pounded the ball, which set up a 61 yd strike from Schaub to TE Daniels. The seconf quarter, the Texans extended their lead by 2 scores, with Slaton as center of attention, with a 20 yd run and a screen pass converted. Up 2 scores, the Texans braced themselves for A Jets reply in the form of Mark Sanchez scramble run up the middle on 3rd down for the TD right before the half.

Shonne Greene, completed the Jets' comeback in the 3rd quarter, galvanizing the Jets whose Rex Ryan defense started showing signs of what they could become by frustrating the Texans O. The Jets young rookies were stepping up and showed why Jets ownership were excited about their rookie class. The nail in the coffin seemed to be a Calvin Pace fumble return TD off a Chris Brown fumble, (who incidentally was scheduled for release prior to the game but suited up and had to deputize after an injury scare to Slaton). Again Bart Scott was at the center of the Jets' defensive turnaround causing 2 turnovers.

The Texans were reeeling after the Jets ran off 21 straight points to take the lead, capitalizing on key red zone turnovers. These were the type of games the Texans lost last season, wondering how they let a game get away, could they answer the call? Although quiet workmanlike performances, Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels stepped up to answer the call with a couple of big catches to restore the Texans' offensive confidence. A Ryan Moats pass reception TD, marked by his trucking of Lito Sheppard (the media has had a rough go at Sheppard calling for his demotion to nickel duty).

The Jets showed their resolve by calmly marching down the field with big catches from Cotchery and Stuckey. It all seemed to have unraveled for the Texans in their own stadium when Feely kicked a 44 yd FG with 45 sec left in the 4th quarter. The Texans would have to turn their 2 min drill into a less than a minute fast break. Jacoby Jones did his part in setting his team up with decent field position at the Texans 31 yd line. Aware that they only needed about 35 -40 yds to get in FG range, Schaub showed his poise by concluding with a deft spot pass to Andre Johnson who had crept in behind coverage on a crossing route and showed his underrated smarts by running out of bounds after the catch with 3 sec to go. Pressure was on Kris Brown to deliver, and did he, kicking his team into OT with a 43 yd FG as time expired.

The Texans had a short time to rejoice after escaping defeat, hoping for a reversal fortune in OT, only to lose the dreaded OT coin toss, which awarded the Jets the ball, as they elected to receive. The Texans defense had to make a statement and bail out the offense whose turnovers had brought the game to this junction. On the first play of the Jets' drive, the undisputed leader and pass-rushing specialist was asked to drop into coverage, which was the last move the Jets were expecting; the ruse worked to perfection as Mario Williams picked Mark Sanchez, as if he had played DB his whole career; and to further prove his all-world talent, Super-Mario ran it back to the end-zone, capping off a wild opening day game for the Texans and breaking the Jets' spirits, who will surely look back at a lost opportunity to seal a game they had within their grasp. A Game for the Ages.

Players of the game:
Matt Schaub - 270 yds pass / 3 TDs
Steve Slaton - 125 tot yds / 2 TDs

Bart Scott - 3 solo TAK / 1 INT / 1 FF
Mark Sanchez - 177 yds pass / 2 TDs | 21 yds rush / 1 TD

After the game, Jets coach Rex Ryan had some words of encouragement for the understandably down Mark Sanchez. "He played a damn good game. He's a rookie and we know he's going to make mistakes. I still have total confidence in Mark, and if we were put in the same situation again, hell yeah I'd be comfortable with the ball in his hands" Later in the press conference, Ryan declined to comment when asked to address rumors that Jets running back and kick returner Leon Washington was being traded to the Packers. Washington, unhappy to be losing caries to rookie Shonne Greene, posted on his twitter "how bout dem Packers???"

Details of the trade are uncertain, but its no secret the Jets would like to add a weapon on the outside for Sanchez. Stay tuned for details.

[Rouchicus]

I'm gonna start having Ndjansy writing my post game updates. Damn man.

[LiLNipsFatal]

LOL nice PBates :)

[pbates86]

When are you guys doing the trade voting? I've got 2 deals in the works.

[Ndjansy]

We're awaiting a counter-proposal or specifics in terms of what restrictions should be loosened, before we decide on a vote. If the counter-proposal is within reason, then there may not need to be a vote, as it could be copied directly into the free agency guidelines / salary cap thread. I must stress that there has to be some sort of restriction, otherwise we might as well not a have a cap system and waste any further time. If there will be vote, I'm hoping we can round up the 29 owners for vote by Wed. night, deadline of week advancing.

[LiLNipsFatal]

When are you guys doing the trade voting? I've got 2 deals in the works.

None of your trades would be affected. If we end up doing a vote, it would only affect future rookies and how long their contracts are etc. I'd love to hear your opinion on this matter as well.

FYI....

I already approved your trades in the proposed trades threads.....

More of my thoughts on trading rookies and bad drafting....

In the real world, NFL owners are able to trade rookies and that sure hasn't helped the Detroit Lions who drafted Roy Williams, Charles Rogers and Mike Williams in three out of four recent drafts and we've seen how far that's gotten them.....

Additionally, I'm still trying to understand why you feel it's necessary to place restrictions on trading rookies, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year players in our league since it's not even required in the NFL.

If an owner is bad at evaluating talent in the draft, I would assume they struggle in evaluating players in trades as well.

With that being said, I'm going to think about it some more and would welcome any additional discussion.

I would probably lean towards removing all restictions since there aren't any restrictions in the NFL.

[Rouchicus]

We have had quite the disagreement over in the Proposed Trades thread about the new trade restrictions that have been put in place involving the trading of rookies.

Ndjansy and myself took this league over with the hopes of making it....

A) Successful
B) Organized
C) Sim

Let's put the emphasis on Sim. This league has never claimed to be anything but a "Sim" league. That means attempting to make this league as close to the real NFL as possible. Now, in the real NFL, they don't go around trading rookies. Especially rookies drafted in the early rounds. They keep these guys around and hope they blossom into good players.

Now like the real NFL, each GM in The Gridiron has their own way of building a team. Whether it is through the Draft, Free Agency, Trades....the amount of ways build a team are limitless. With that being said, the Draft is always looked at as the biggest part of the off season in the NFL. Sure, some teams don't value the Draft as much as others, but that doesn't change the importance of the Draft. If you, as a GM of your given team, does not value the Draft, then trade your future draft picks! It's that simple. If you want a rookie that badly, well the Draft is never more than a few months away. You think the Chiefs wouldn't mind being able to trade for Aaron Curry to add to their current crop of draft picks? They would love to, but that will never happen in the NFL and will not happen in our league.

It's been stated already, but if it's that much of a problem, we can have a league vote. Just know that we have been very open about the fact that this league will be a realistic representaion of the NFL. If you want to Fantasy Draft, the doors is right over there. This league isn't about building the best video game football team possible, it is about staying true to the spirit of the NFL.

[Ndjansy]

If I may just clarify, with the rules being effective next season, it means that a rookie this year, traded or not, will NEVER be affected by this rule, meaning that the first wave an only wave of players to be affected by the rule will be next year's rookies. No contracts will be attached to any current rookies, 2nd year, or 3rd year players, this should theoretically ease the impact of the rookie contracts in pretty slowly, as current rookies and their seniors will never be tied to any contracts, unless they are released / cut and sign a new contract falling into the category of:

Players with OVR [80 - 99] under age of 29 will sign minimum 3 year contracts - can not be traded or released.

Players with OVR [70 - 79] under age of 27 will sign minimum 2 year contracts - no trade or release.

Players with OVR [80 - 99] between the ages of 29 and 33 will sign minimum 2 year contracts / can not be traded / released

Stipulations, which are currently effective as free agent bidding has been abided by under these guidelines.

Hopefully that's a little clearer.

[LiLNipsFatal]

If I may just clarify, with the rules being effective next season, it means that a rookie this year, traded or not, will NEVER be affected by this rule, meaning that the first wave an only wave of players to be affected by the rule will be next year's rookies. No contracts will be attached to any current rookies, 2nd year, or 3rd year players, this should theoretically ease the impact of the rookie contracts in pretty slowly, as current rookies and their seniors will never be tied to any contracts, unless they are released / cut and sign a new contract falling into the category of:



Stipulations, which are currently effective as free agent bidding has been abided by under these guidelines.

Hopefully that's a little clearer.

Yes, that is. Thanks!

[LiLNipsFatal]

We have had quite the disagreement over in the Proposed Trades thread about the new trade restrictions that have been put in place involving the trading of rookies.

Ndjansy and myself took this league over with the hopes of making it....

A) Successful
B) Organized
C) Sim

Let's put the emphasis on Sim. This league has never claimed to be anything but a "Sim" league. That means attempting to make this league as close to the real NFL as possible. Now, in the real NFL, they don't go around trading rookies. Especially rookies drafted in the early rounds. They keep these guys around and hope they blossom into good players.

Now like the real NFL, each GM in The Gridiron has their own way of building a team. Whether it is through the Draft, Free Agency, Trades....the amount of ways build a team are limitless. With that being said, the Draft is always looked at as the biggest part of the off season in the NFL. Sure, some teams don't value the Draft as much as others, but that doesn't change the importance of the Draft. If you, as a GM of your given team, does not value the Draft, then trade your future draft picks! It's that simple. If you want a rookie that badly, well the Draft is never more than a few months away. You think the Chiefs wouldn't mind being able to trade for Aaron Curry to add to their current crop of draft picks? They would love to, but that will never happen in the NFL and will not happen in our league.

It's been stated already, but if it's that much of a problem, we can have a league vote. Just know that we have been very open about the fact that this league will be a realistic representaion of the NFL. If you want to Fantasy Draft, the doors is right over there. This league isn't about building the best video game football team possible, it is about staying true to the spirit of the NFL.

Right, but are you aware of rules that prevent rookies from being traded? I'm not aware of any. True sim WOULD allow you make trades, not restrict you from making them. Real life GM's tend to stand by their picks since they're basically required to fork over massive rookie contracts.

I'm not suggesting that everybody go out and immediately flip every high draft pick they acquire. That would definitely be ridiculous. I'm just proposing that owners have the ability to make trades for young players since they have that ability in the NFL.

If we want to limit the number of these types of trades (so that our league closely resembles the NFL), I'm fine with that. But if truly want to be realistic and "sim", we wouldn't completely get rid of the ability to trade young players at all. That's not sim.

And remember we aren't just talking about rookies. If we tie rookies into 3 and 4 year deals, that means you can't trade them for 2, 3, or 4 years. So I definitely agree that NFL teams don't go around trading rookies in their first year. There should definitely be the most restrictions (but not completel restriction) on first year players, but restrictions should loosen as players go into their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years. More to follow....

[pbates86]

None of your trades would be affected. If we end up doing a vote, it would only affect future rookies and how long their contracts are etc. I'd love to hear your opinion on this matter as well.

Rookies are rarely traded, but 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year players are more likely to be traded so maybe we should still prevent rookies from being traded and lift some of the restrictions on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year players (effectively reducing their contract years).

FYI....

I already approved your trades in the proposed trades threads.....

I like the idea of punishing teams that don't scout or draft well. A bad draft can set you back for years, just look at the Lions. A good draft can make a scrub team a playoff contender, just look at the Falcons. When a team drafts someone, they are betting their future on who they draft. Think of the worst draft busts in this decade: Mike Williams, Charles Rogers, Kyle Boller to name a few...all of those franchises were stuck with the busts they drafted. Mike and Charles only spent 2 years as a Lion, so my suggestion would be to shorten the 3 year mandatory contract of rookies to 2 years.

[Rouchicus]

Rules like this need to be put in place to avoid the players (that I'm sure we have) trade for every Rookie they possibly can. You're right, no rules are in place in the real NFL to prevent rookie trades BECAUSE they can count on GM's to stand by their picks. We don't have that luxury because of the premium placed on young players with potential in Madden. Without that luxury, we have to put rules like this in place. Sure it may be a little restictive but I would rather be restricted than have all hell break loose amongst trades.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Rules like this need to be put in place to avoid the players (that I'm sure we have) trade for every Rookie they possibly can. You're right, no rules are in place in the real NFL to prevent rookie trades BECAUSE they can count on GM's to stand by their picks. We don't have that luxury because of the premium placed on young players with potential in Madden. Without that luxury, we have to put rules like this in place. Sure it may be a little restictive but I would rather be restricted than have all hell break loose amongst trades.

Remember though, we do have a trade committee and could decide not to approve trades if we detect owners who abuse the rules.

I'm most concerned with the severity of the rules especially when you consider that the OF can only go 10 years and it's doubtful we even make it through 5 seasons. 2 year contracts would be more reasonable in my opinion and it's not like we couldn't veto trades for rookies where young talent or draft picks isn't going back in the deal....

What's the harm in allowing rookies to be traded for rookies? I think the biggest concern is when one owner is gouging another by giving up aging veterans for A potential players. I think most owners in the league understand the potential concept to some degree. If they don't, that's what the trade committee is for.

Is there scouting in our online franchise like there is for offline franchise?

[pbates86]

Remember though, we do have a trade committee and could decide not to approve trades if we detect owners who abuse the rules.

I'm most concerned with the severity of the rules.

LilNips, the thing is the rules aren't just so that teams don't get screwed over in the draft, it's to simulate rookie contracts. If online franchise operated like offline franchises did, the average rookie, boom or bust, will AT LEAST play out a couple years of their contracts, because of cap penalties.

These restrictions aren't perfect, but they are the best shot we have of simulating being owners and GMs of our franchise, not just coaches. Playing out our games is only half of what this franchise is all about. The other half is how we handle free agency and the draft and working under the cap.

[Ndjansy]

I think people should remember the whole point of the restrictions was to have a system come as close as possible to replicating contracts in the league, and owners not being able to trade their way every season to a whole new team, which I 'm sorely against and would not have joined this league if I felt it was that kind of party. In mentioning real-life restrictions not being placed on rookie trades, i'll remind you that the reason they happen so rarely if at all is partially because of the signing bonus, which would negatively affect a team's cap number. There is obvioulsy no numbers or signing bonuses in our league so there is no penalty for teams trading, where as most trades in real-life, there is a penalty as that player's bonus cap number stays on your books for the duration of the signed contract.

The other point is also, real-life, a GM can't continually wheel and deal his draft picks 1 or 5 th round picks, because he would be fired as he shows an incapacity to handle the draft, key part of his job. Obviously owners in this league can't be fired, and we don't want them to be, however we shouldn't encourage guys to wheel and deal at no penalty. I want no parts of a league of "serial" trading. Most of the serious leagues I've actually read up on, place a restriction on number of trades allowed per season.... but that's another issue ....and I think LilNipsFatal might pass out if that came about....LOL

[pbates86]

OMG, have any of you checked the scores of some of the games? Heavy_hittas(eagles) had over 700 yrds of offense and scored 77 points. The Panthers, his opponent, had 10.

[Ndjansy]

Heavy-Hitta is definitely a gamer, but I wish he would have waited until at least tonight to see if that slot wouldn't have been filled by a human. Scores like that is why I hate pitting humans against the CPU. Not saying any of this is Heavy's fault or that he displayed any lack of sportsmanship, but humans play a certain way, the AI plays another , especially given the fact that we are playing on All-Pro setting which renders thrashing the CPU as almost effortless for some of the seasoned madden ballers.

[Dirty-Dozen]

I hate the restrictions on trading rookies. Just about everyone in this league knows the importance of rookies. But if a team feels they can let a rookie go for a player they really want, we should let them do that. It seems like ya trying to shelter people from making a mistake. You may feel you made a mistake down the road but thats what being a GM is all about. Every real NFL team doesn't make a right decision all the time and it should be the same way in this league. Risk/Reward.

[Dirty-Dozen]

And are we ever goin to get a Bills owner. I really want to play my 1st game.

[pbates86]

Every real NFL team doesn't make a right decision all the time and it should be the same way in this league. Risk/Reward.

Thats the way the system works. Teams that draft poorly shouldn't be able to just erase their mistake in year 1 or 2, because that doesn't happen in real life.

[dritsch01]

I love the idea of making the draft matter. However to the extent we are talking, sometimes 3 or 4 seasons of not being able to trade someone, maybe there is a compromise in years? Perhaps something like 1st-3rd rounders cannot be traded for two seasons?

[Dirty-Dozen]

Thats the way the system works. Teams that draft poorly shouldn't be able to just erase their mistake in year 1 or 2, because that doesn't happen in real life.

How would they get it erased? People won't trade good players for a bust.

[LiLNipsFatal]

How would they get it erased? People won't trade good players for a bust.

That's exactly my point. You're not erasing anything unless you can actually trade the guys away. And that's the whole point of having a trade committee, which is to ensure that extremely ridiculous and lopsided trades don't happen (although there are no such restrictions in real life).

I do understand NdJansy and Rouchicus points, but I personally think a compromise would be a better solution where we could at the very minimum reduce the number of years on the initial contracts down to 2 year contracts for 1st rounders and 1 year contracts for rounds 2-4 (even PBates who doesn't like trading rookies supports shorter contracts). I personally think that would be much more reasonable when you consider the likelihood of even getting through a couple seasons. How many seasons do you think we're actually going to get through? Can we at least make it a bit interesting for a couple seasons? If we truly want to "give everybody a shot at the Superbowl" (NFL parity), we have to allow owners to make free agency mistakes, trade mistakes, and draft mistakes.

How much fun is it going to be if we force everybody to live with all their mistakes and give them no chance to get up? Maybe they can capitalize on another owner who makes a mistake in evaluating talent in a trade....

These rules remind me of fantasy leagues where you have some commissioner who sits on the throne and vetoes every trade because it's not fair and "ruins the balance of the league". Sorry, there's no trade committee or vetoing in the NFL. If you're a shrewd GM, you benefit. If you don't know what you're doing, you suffer.

At least give us some wiggle room to make some deals....

[Ndjansy]

Oddly enough I've only heard about 3 - 4 people on this issue (not including Rouchicus), when the league has 28 owners. I will revisit the restrictions with Rouchicus and see how to reduce the amount of years on a contract by round. It won't be to the extent you've requested as again, I hear mostly your point of view, and Dirty-Dozen in favor of ridding of the rookie contracts.(pbates86 has ben back and forth, but overall just wants a balanced system) WE do appreciate your input, and your initial cap rules and regulations did inspire our system, but we were already going to a cap system. Furthermore, our system when actually given a chance will not take the FUN out of the league or anything that's been suggested.

I'm a little disturbed that on two occasions you mention not wanting to be tied down by contracts, because you can't commit that you'll last more than a couple of franchise seasons. I mean no disrespect or ill-will when I say this, but you were welcomed into the league as your league was a little slow getting off the ground; our own league went through ups and downs before finally coming together through the COMMITMENT and TRUST of all of our core owners. The rest who have joined, have abided by the rules and been active owners. You've pushed an issue which truly wasn't one until you brought it up. Just stating the facts. You are more than free to implement your idea of free agency and cap rules in IrishLeague, but I believe it's a slap in our face for us to promote a philosophy of sim, and for it to be questioned, granted it's an arbitrary as everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Every league has its own identity which is why guys will sometimes opt to play in different online franchises.

As I said, Rouchicus and I will loosen up some of the rookie restrictions and we'll leave it at that. I hope none of what I've just said will be taken out of context, and I welcome continued insight and input of anything that will improve our league COLLECTIVELY.

RULES / ROOKIE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN UPDATED - CHECK THREAD

[SpearchuckerJoe]

NFBCPlayer and I attempted to play, but the game booted us in the second half or something after I went down 21-3 we both finished against cpu but neither result stuck I don't think. He won either way, though my version had a closer ending I'm sure, but I don't know what happened or how to handle it.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Oddly enough I've only heard about 3 - 4 people on this issue (not including Rouchicus), when the league has 28 owners.


That's because most people don't want to speak up or don't care enough to voice their opinion. If you put it to an actual vote, I would be willing to bet there would be more that agree with me.

I'm a little disturbed that on two occasions you mention not wanting to be tied down by contracts, because you can't commit that you'll last more than a couple of franchise seasons.

You've obviously misunderstood me. I never said I'm not committing to the league for more than a couple seasons. I'm just referencing the percentage of leagues that fall apart, but that's obviously not something I want to happen.

The rest who have joined, have abided by the rules and been active owners.

I haven't broken any rules that I know of, and I've been extremely active.

You've pushed an issue which truly wasn't one until you brought it up. Just stating the facts.

I guess you could call it "pushing an issue" if that means I'm voicing an opinion that is different from yours.

You are more than free to implement your idea of free agency and cap rules in IrishLeague, but I believe it's a slap in our face for us to promote a philosophy of sim, and for it to be questioned, granted it's an arbitrary as everyone's entitled to their own opinion.

So it's a slap in the face if I disagree with you? I realize I can be persistent sometimes, but it's only because I want the league to be as good as it possibly can be. Throughout the entire discussion, I've felt as if I've been respectful and grateful for your work in getting the league together.

As I said, Rouchicus and I will loosen up some of the rookie restrictions and we'll leave it at that. I hope none of what I've just said will be taken out of context, and I welcome continued insight and input of anything that will improve our league COLLECTIVELY.


Awesome. The new rules look more reasonable....

[pbates86]

Yeah, I didn't agree at first but I changed my mind. I'm in another franchise where the Colts are trading for Brian Cushing, and although the Colts is giving up a good player(Addai), the trade just doesn't. But the trade is going through because restrictions don't exist, and it seems "fair". But its not realistic.

And LilNips, these contracts aren't only addressing trading young players, but releasing them. You are absolutely right in saying if a team drafts a bad player, then he wouldn't be traded anyway...but without restrictions he would be released after a quick look at his rating and his potential grade. With rookie contracts, that won't happen.

[Brownss4Eva]

I just do not want to agree, disagree and step on toes plus i do not plan on trading nor realeasing my rookies thats why i draft them to become starts. Also why i see no issue

[Tallywood]

Yeah, I didn't agree at first but I changed my mind. I'm in another franchise where the Colts are trading for Brian Cushing, and although the Colts is giving up a good player(Addai), the trade just doesn't. But the trade is going through because restrictions don't exist, and it seems "fair". But its not realistic.

And LilNips, these contracts aren't only addressing trading young players, but releasing them. You are absolutely right in saying if a team drafts a bad player, then he wouldn't be traded anyway...but without restrictions he would be released after a quick look at his rating and his potential grade. With rookie contracts, that won't happen.

That trade between the Colts and Texans isn't going to go through due to the community vote by the way :P

[LiLNipsFatal]

Yeah, I wasn't trying to step on toes but it's obvious I did. Guess I'll just try to be less proactive from here on out....

[dritsch01]

I think 3 years for first rounders is fine. Even then if you want to trade them they will still be 25-27 in age range which still counts as the young players people love to covet.

[pbates86]

Well...looks like everyone is relatively happy...so now the trade committee can vote on my trades...right?

[Ndjansy]

Owners - We appreciate all your input and insight and I'm glad we were able to come to an agreement which seems to appease owners on both sides of the issue. Looking forward to your continued participation and support in making this the best league possible.

[Dirty-Dozen]

I just do not want to agree, disagree and step on toes plus i do not plan on trading nor realeasing my rookies thats why i draft them to become starts. Also why i see no issue

Just because you believe in that doesn't mean the rest of the league does. Everyone should have full control of there own team, just like a real GM. If you feel you need to trade someone then you should be allowed to, just like the real NFL.

[Ndjansy]

GUYS PLEASE CHECK THE FREE AGENT / BIDDING thread or the FREE AGENCY /CAP RULES thread, on updates on the bidding process. Remember all signings are subject to review before going official.

Dirty-Dozen please release MATT JONES

[Dirty-Dozen]

GUYS PLEASE CHECK THE FREE AGENT / BIDDING thread or the FREE AGENCY /CAP RULES thread, on updates on the bidding process. Remember all signings are subject to review before going official.

Dirty-Dozen please release MATT JONES

Already did. Didn't realize it was more people than me & MF bidding for him.

[SpearchuckerJoe]

Den 24: Cin: 10

Well, the Bungles throw the game away as usual in the first half. Cedric Benson can get nowhere, though some wildcat was mildly successful. Palmer tried to carry the team but the young oline let him down and tipped passes are bad for business. Of course, Carson takes the blame for the worst one of them.

To add to the misery Starting DE Antwan Odom broke his collarbone and will miss the first half of the season. Rookie Michael Johnson will start now in his place.

[MrHale]

Den 24: Cin: 10

Well, the Bungles throw the game away as usual in the first half. Cedric Benson can get nowhere, though some wildcat was mildly successful. Palmer tried to carry the team but the young oline let him down and tipped passes are bad for business. Of course, Carson takes the blame for the worst one of them.

To add to the misery Starting DE Antwan Odom broke his collarbone and will miss the first half of the season. Rookie Michael Johnson will start now in his place.

after my trade goes through, i can trade willie parker or kevin smith for some1 if interested in getting a back

[Kordeanos]

SD : 32 - OAK : 48

Very big D for the raiders, 2 sacks , 4 ints , 2fumbles forced, 3 D TDs.
1 rush Td for justin Fargas, 1 rush TD for Mcfadden (76 yards on the first and only wildcat play of the game) and 1 pass TD for McFadden.
The game was very frustrating because my oppenent uses too much pass to the HB (you know, the HB goes to the flat and there is nobody to cover), 10 rec for 115 for LT and only 1 rushing attempt for 2 yards. WTF

Oakland off plays :
-14 pass
-24 run

San diego off plays :
-41 pass
-4 run

WTF #2

[MrHale]

colts and jags need to play!

[pbates86]

SD : 32 - OAK : 48

Very big D for the raiders, 2 sacks , 4 ints , 2fumbles forced, 3 D TDs.
1 rush Td for justin Fargas, 1 rush TD for Mcfadden (76 yards on the first and only wildcat play of the game) and 1 pass TD for McFadden.
The game was very frustrating because my oppenent uses too much pass to the HB (you know, the HB goes to the flat and there is nobody to cover), 10 rec for 115 for LT and only 1 rushing attempt for 2 yards. WTF

Oakland off plays :
-14 pass
-24 run

San diego off plays :
-41 pass
-4 run

WTF #2

Yeah, I'm afraid of running into that. Maybe there should be a rule, because some people are abusing passes to flats.

[LiLNipsFatal]

RE: FREE AGENT BIDDING

IF BIDDING IS STILL ONGOING AND NEXT CLOSEST BID IS LESS THAN 5PTS, BIDDING WILL CONTINUE FOR ANOTHER 12 HOURS - so if the first bid came in @ 12am and bidding runs it 48 hour course, if bidding is still close, teams will have another 12 hours to SEAL the deal, meaning the extension will be at Noon. There will be no other extension than the 12 hour one, so stay updated.

Quick point of clarification. Does the 12 hour extended bidding period apply to teams that placed bids in the first 48 hours or does it apply to all teams? What if I placed bids within the first 48 hours but didn't have one of the two highest bids when the 48 hour period ended? Can I still bid in the 12 hour extended period? What if I hadn't placed any bids in the first 48 hours? Can I still bid?

[PhillyPhanatik]

Just had a great season opener against the Colts. Best game ive had all year(Maybe even last years madden can be included in that sentence). Was really a quaterbacks game, neither one of us could really stop each other's passing game. Manning had like a 90 quaterback rating, and my Qb(Garrard) had a pretty good game too, with a rating of 101.1 . He pretty much stopped my run offense for most of the game, but i still managed to get 100 yards on the ground. Great Game man, best of luck in your franchise

[Ndjansy]

I understand what you mean with the free agency bidding, but no way am I going to be able to keep track of that. Plus I think that's a part of negotiations and gamesmanship, maybe i can come in and drive your bid up a little higher, to make you spend more points, teams do it all the time. Aren't we a restriction free league? Why hinder someone from changing their mind on a potential free agent on second thought?

[pbates86]

I'll give away my 1st round to the first person that can help me get pressure out the 3-4 defense.

[Ndjansy]

You have to use a lot shifting from the linebackers sometimes spreading them out if pressure is coming from the outside or pinching them in if it's up the middle, the point is confuse the lineman enough that one of them misses their assignment and VOILA .....another thing a lot guys don't do is scout .... go at their weakest link on the line, teams usually have a weak link on the line........ maybe even your best pass rusher around to cause a mismatch, or bring a speed rusher against an offensive lineman with no agility. I think most times guys just show up play, where as you should really gameplan and know your guys weaknesses and how you're going to attack them, especially in 9 min quarter games.....

[pbates86]

You have to use a lot shifting from the linebackers sometimes spreading them out if pressure is coming from the outside or pinching them in if it's up the middle, the point is confuse the lineman enough that one of them misses their assignment and VOILA .....another thing a lot guys don't do is scout .... go at their weakest link on the line, teams usually have a weak link on the line........ maybe even your best pass rusher around to cause a mismatch, or bring a speed rusher against an offensive lineman with no agility. I think most times guys just show up play, where as you should really gameplan and know your guys weaknesses and how you're going to attack them, especially in 9 min quarter games.....

I'll try the scouting thing...I haven't done that. It just seems like my guys never come off their blocks.

When I when the AFC East, you all will have Ndjansy to blame. Rex Ryan is my the head coach for God's sake, I gotta bring the heat.

[LiLNipsFatal]

I understand what you mean with the free agency bidding, but no way am I going to be able to keep track of that. Plus I think that's a part of negotiations and gamesmanship, maybe i can come in and drive your bid up a little higher, to make you spend more points, teams do it all the time. Aren't we a restriction free league? Why hinder someone from changing their mind on a potential free agent on second thought?

Your response leads me to believe that any team can place bids in the 12 hour window. Is that correct?

[LiLNipsFatal]

One more quick thing....

Players with OVR [80 - 99] under the age of 29 will sign minimum 3 year contracts - can not be traded or released.

Players with OVR [70 - 79] under the age of 28 will sign minimum 2 year contracts - no trade or release.

Players with OVR [80 - 99] between the ages of 29 and 33 will sign minimum 2 year contracts / can not be traded / released.

When you say "under 29" and "under 28", does that include 29 and 28?

[Ndjansy]

Nope, doesn't include those ages. there are going to be steals in free agency of guys 29 and over who may have peaked a little later than most in their football career.

[Ndjansy]

What do you guys think of passes to the flats being abused? On one hand, I mean Steven Jackson was the leading receiver in yds and catches on his team, if i'm not mistaken last year, and Marshall Faulk, Marcus Allen are other examples; I think those teams mixed in a bunch of variation of screens in pass plays for those guys. On the other hand, I don't want to see 4 - 5 out of the top 10 in receiving yards be HBs. The most effective way of stopping passes in the flats to backs is mixture of zone cover 2 coverages, while bringing pressure, cover 3 will not work unless your LBs can run and have high ZCVG ratings. Also the Chargers - Raiders game was ridiculous in terms of pass/ run ratio, I mean 3 run plays all game is ridiculous. What are you thoughts on this and how do we combat this? It's a very fine line. I mean if a guy is blitzing up the middle and crashing his D-line in every play then yeah I might be inclined to send my backs on some flat routes to keep him on his heels. I just think once you start placing restrictions on guys selection of play types, you treading thin ice, as it turns into doing the same on the defensive side of the ball as well. Do we limit the number of blitzers those serial blitzers send out there as well. Hopefully what ends up happening is those guys who play only one way are consistently spanked so they understand that you have mix your playcalling up, which is part being a good gamer, part having a little football acumen.... What are your feelings on this?

[Kordeanos]

The problem is the HB becomes the first target so HB ----> WR#1 .
4 or 5 pass to the HB okay, but 10 it's a bit high IMO.
But the main problem was the pass/run ratio, 40 pass plays/4 run plays ... with LT and sproles in the backfield.
(i don't want to blame him, but he also uses a lot of no huddles in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, and repeats same plays 4 or 5 times in a row).

[Ndjansy]

Well repeat no huddle is only allowed in certain situations during the game. Refer him to the rules / code of conduct thread, and hopefully he sees sort of attention one doesn't want attached to their name.

[Obisan]

Just from years of playing Madden, the RB pass to the flats is a bit op imo. But, there is a way to defend that, which you mentioned. That is the part of the player factor coming in that makes this league so versatile. We cannot start restricting things like this because you start sliding down that slippery slope. If someone is going to pass 93% of the time, you should know what defense to run. And on top of that, if you are feeling a bit slighted on the whole authenticity factor of the game and don't want to do the same thing.. your loss. The Patriots would use a variety of short passes to make up for their non run game. Acclimating yourself to the game could remedy a whole lot of the issues when it comes to play calling etc.. (minus things that are against the rules).

[Rouchicus]

This is something that really bothers me about this game a lot and hell, I'm the Chiefs, I'm almost have to depend on short passes. I think this is something we can't really make a specific rule about. I think guidelines should be set in place. Obviously some teams pass much more than run and vice versa. But 40-4 is crazy, especially as the Chargers. LT and Sproles should be getting those carries. I think the most we can do is put a set of guidelines up about blitzing, abusing the RB flats, and any other nuiance of the game and have owners not only report people who continue to not play by the guidelines but provide the statistical evidence. Then we will decide how to proceed with punishing the player and whatnot.

What does everybody think?

[Tallywood]

I honestly think you can't make a rule about passes in the flat just because you CAN stop it, and because it is a big part of football.

But, like everyone else has been saying, having such a bizarre pass/run ratio is not realistic. I don't know if this online franchise has been set as a "sim" or "realistic" football franchise, but if it has, I think you need to enforce a realistic type football experience and game for everyone. With that being said, I think we just need to monitor and confront the outlandish behavior on a case by case basis, not the one play as a whole by itself.

If you do know football, and you do know how certain teams play in the NFL, playing a sim-type football game in this online franchise will not be hard. Madden 10 was built with the intention of having a chess match on a football field where play selection matters. Setting up the pass with the run, reading defensive sets before the snaps, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses all matter so much that I don't see how anyone could play old-style madden in this current year's edition.

Like I said before, I think we need to enforce realistic play (if that is in fact what we strive for) and if it is not seen, we make changes to the owner, not the rules for everyone.

[Rouchicus]

This league was set up as a Sim-Style league. You bring up good points Tallywood. I think one of the most interesting aspects of Madden 10 is the fact that it is making several Madden players change how they play because they were shooting for the creation of the chess match style of play.

I think one of the reasons the HB flats has been so effective in the big picture is because people got used to playing defense against the deep route. So most people set up defense based on deep pass where as Cover 2 has a decent chance at stopping the flats or at the very least slowing it down. I don't think a lot of people were accustomed to running a Cover 2 D anywhere that wasn't the Red Zone.

So many different ways to tackle this. Hmm.....

[LiLNipsFatal]

I honestly think you can't make a rule about passes in the flat just because you CAN stop it, and because it is a big part of football.

But, like everyone else has been saying, having such a bizarre pass/run ratio is not realistic. I don't know if this online franchise has been set as a "sim" or "realistic" football franchise, but if it has, I think you need to enforce a realistic type football experience and game for everyone. With that being said, I think we just need to monitor and confront the outlandish behavior on a case by case basis, not the one play as a whole by itself.

If you do know football, and you do know how certain teams play in the NFL, playing a sim-type football game in this online franchise will not be hard. Madden 10 was built with the intention of having a chess match on a football field where play selection matters. Setting up the pass with the run, reading defensive sets before the snaps, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses all matter so much that I don't see how anyone could play old-style madden in this current year's edition.

Like I said before, I think we need to enforce realistic play (if that is in fact what we strive for) and if it is not seen, we make changes to the owner, not the rules for everyone.

Could not agree more. I don't think it's fair to punish everybody for a couple people who are abusing the AI on the game.

I don't know if any of you play Fight Night Round 4, but online is filled with guys who spin the left stick so they're doing circles the entire fight. It's extremely difficult to time their head movement, which enables them to get "counter windows" and win most fights on decision.

It isn't realistic and it's extremely annoying to play against (since the developers didn't think to reduce stamina for head movement).

People will always find a way around the rules so I think we should do just as Tallywood proposed. Address it on a case by case basis. If somebody repeatedly resorts to "cheese tactics" (3 strikes maybe), boot them out of the league. Simple as that, but don't create rules that make it impossible for the rest of us to enjoy the game.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Sorry thought of one more question about FA. I think I have this correct, but I want to make sure.

When I bid on a player and acquire him for LESS than his true value (according to our position/overall chart), is he on the books for the price we paid or him OR the chart value?

When I bid on a player and acquire him for MORE than his true value (according to our position/overall chart), is he on the books for the price we paid for him OR the chart value (think we decided on bidding price - Kuzakian was going to keep track?)

Answers would be appreciated! Thanks in advance :)

[Rouchicus]

The player will be on the books for what the winning bid was to acquire him. So I think I witnessed 60pts for DeWayne Robertson, well that is 60pts on the books then. It's like real FA in that respect.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Oh yeah, one more thing. I'm full of questions this morning :) As I was perusing through the online franchise last night, I didn't see an option to scout the incoming rookie draft class (which is obviously an option in offline franchise).

Does anybody know how we're supposed to know anything about the players we're drafting?

Pretty important to think about it especially when you consider the fact that we're awarding multi-year contracts to rookies. I would think it would be difficult to make informed decisions about players without being able to scout them.

[LiLNipsFatal]

The player will be on the books for what the winning bid was to acquire him. So I think I witnessed 60pts for DeWayne Robertson, well that is 60pts on the books then. It's like real FA in that respect.

So that applies to bids that are LOWER than "chart value" as well? Reason I ask is because I think that means my cap number would virtually be the same even though I just acquired significantly better talent.

With my most 6 recent transactions, my cap space would have only gone up 8 points even if I assign chart value. If I use bid value, my cap space is only going up 2 points.....

Just want to make sure that's intended procedure....

[Rouchicus]

Gotta love those good deals. It's kind of like somebody sitting in FA that has all the talent in the world but can't find a job. He will be forced to take less money so he can prove himself and earn that money.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Gotta love those good deals. It's kind of like somebody sitting in FA that has all the talent in the world but can't find a job. He will be forced to take less money so he can prove himself and earn that money.

OK! Then I'm overstating my cap. I'll change that now. Thanks. LOL, I now have THREE more points of cap space after acquiring 6 FA's :)

Brings me to one more question. Obviously, the guys with the contracts (that fit the FA requirements) will hold the "bid value" for the length of their contracts. What about all the other guys I acquired for less than "chart value" that don't have guaranteed contracts?

Let's take LG, Anthony Davis for example. He's 29 years old and he's rated 71. Normally, he'd be worth 4 points. I got him for 2. How long does he stay on my books for 2 points? Until I release or trade him?

[Rouchicus]

OK! Then I'm overstating my cap. I'll change that now. Thanks. LOL, I now have ONE more point of cap space after acquiring 6 FA's :)

Brings me to one more question. Obviously, the guys with the contracts (that fit the FA requirements) will hold the "bid value" for the length of their contracts. What about all the other guys I acquired for less than "chart value" that don't have guaranteed contracts?

Let's take LG, Anthony Davis for example. He's 29 years old and he's rated 71. Normally, he'd be worth 4 points. I got him for 2. How long does he stay on my books for 2 points? Until I release or trade him?

Clear your PM so I can reply to you.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Clear your PM so I can reply to you.

Cleared it....

[Obisan]

Kind of interested what the answer was to your question.

[LiLNipsFatal]

Yeah, I actually recalculated it again and I have three MORE points of cap space now that I signed my FA's (my cap space is down to 244 from 247). It makes sense when you think about it since I bid half of what guys are worth and I won all my bids.....

And the only way I can get the newly signed guys on my team (with their good deals) is to release guys with "chart value". So once the "bid value" guys replace the "chart value" guys, you can see how your cap might actually go down if you don't meet much resistance in FA.

I bid 2 for guys that were worth 3 and bid 2 on guys that cost me 4. Out of my 6 signees, only 2 fit the FA signing requirements (required to sign 2 year contracts). The other 4 don't require contracts, and I'm going to assume I can keep them at my bid price until I hear otherwise....

[JimmyT85]

So are we officially on Week 2 now?

[dritsch01]

So are we officially on Week 2 now?

Yes.

[JimmyT85]

Yes.

Awesome

[Ndjansy]

I'm gonna predict that we will most likely make those free agents play under the minimum points that were bidded for their services, for 1 season, upon which their cap number will go back to whatever their OVR dictates, if they're still with the team. And let's face it, this shouldn't be a big deal because most of those guys got minimum bids b/c they were fringe players, granted some owners may be able to get the best out of them.

[LiLNipsFatal]

I'm gonna predict that we will most likely make those free agents play under the minimum points that were bidded for their services, for 1 season, upon which their cap number will go back to whatever their OVR dictates, if they're still with the team. And let's face it, this shouldn't be a big deal because most of those guys got minimum bids b/c they were fringe players, granted some owners may be able to get the best out of them.

Thanks for the response. I'll keep their cap numbers at the lower number for now, and we can decide what to do when we reach the 2nd season....

[JimmyT85]

I'm gonna predict that we will most likely make those free agents play under the minimum points that were bidded for their services, for 1 season, upon which their cap number will go back to whatever their OVR dictates, if they're still with the team. And let's face it, this shouldn't be a big deal because most of those guys got minimum bids b/c they were fringe players, granted some owners may be able to get the best out of them.

The minimum points? So like the first bid that was made for said player?

Does this apply to all?

[Ndjansy]

No I'm talking about players who had minimum bids placed for them and signed at the minimum bid level.

[LiLNipsFatal]

The minimum points? So like the first bid that was made for said player?

Does this apply to all?

Sorry! Matt Jones costs you 32 throughout the life of his 2 year contract :)

[Snake Eyes]

Jesus and to think I started the bid a like 2pts

[pbates86]

Sorry! Matt Jones costs you 32 throughout the life of his 2 year contract :)

Yep. Hope he puts you over the top. Is he even going to start?

[Snake Eyes]

He'll play a week then get arrested again

[LiLNipsFatal]

Yep. Hope he puts you over the top. Is he even going to start?

I really wanted him so I could have 3 fast receivers on the field at once, but my stinking division rival was willing to break the bank for him. :)

I remember him tearing Texas up back in the day (I graduated from UT) so I've always kept an eye on him....

[pbates86]

He'll play a week then get arrested again

LOL, and he'll try to make every catch with one hand.

[PhillyPhanatik]

Just finished my 2nd game of the season against the Cards. Defensive battle most of the game, first person i played online who shut down my RB completely. Game came down to a 2nd half interception for a touchdown by my D. GG.
Final score 17-10

[dritsch01]

Just finished my 2nd game of the season against the Cards. Defensive battle most of the game, first person i played online who shut down my RB completely. Game came down to a 2nd half interception for a touchdown by my D. GG.
Final score 17-10

Yea gg on that INT my guy was behind and a good few steps past your LB who was just standing there, even lead the WR didnt think the backer would just zoom over like that.

[JimmyT85]

Haha, thanks for the hostilities guys! Stinks of jealousy, Sheesh ;)

I got Matt Jones to boost my pass offense. I traded Jordy Nelson to the Jets, so I needed a decent WR to come in. And Matt is going to be my #3 WR.

[pbates86]

Jericho Cotchery...talk about the anti-number 1 reciever. Jets still looking for WR help.

[pbates86]

COURTESY RULES:
1. Allow your opponent a couple of minutes to set his depth chart and or audibles
2. Some of us have babies/toddlers we must watch while playing(wife law: you have time for madden, you have time for baby) if your opponent pauses the game, give him a few minutes as he may have to tend to something, be it a baby, the doorbell or dinner acting up

Just want to reiterate this rule, especially for my opponents. I have responsibilities, if i pause, I promise its for a reason. THIS time I'll let it slide, but next time...

[rrmcguire]

I second this as well...

[pbates86]

I second this as well...

Picture this. The score is 11-14. Less than 3 minutes left. Patriots have the ball and the lead. It's 3rd and goal at the 9 yard line. My aunt who is confined to wheel chair calls me to take her to bathroom. I pause and go. 5 minutes later, I return to the game, I have the ball and its 1st and 15. The score is 21-11. FML.

[Snake Eyes]

Man thats jacked up

[SpearchuckerJoe]

Hmm, how is that even possible?

[Kuzakian]

in his defense, he may have just hit resume out of habit as soon as you paused then the timer force the game back and he cant really tell that well if its human or not on defense. I mean he should have paused at some point sure...but i don't think he would do it with bad intentions

[pbates86]

I figured. Thats why I'm not really complaining, just making sure everyone sees that rule. After all, I was supposed to lose to Patriots anyway :) I had a chance to win the game even after that, as I scored quickly, forced a 3 and out, got the ball back with about 1:20 left on the clock and promtly threw my 4th interception. Damn the deep ball.

[Kuzakian]

Yeah i can't have you blowing my predictions like the browns and broncos game :( i'm perfect aside from that so far

[Snake Eyes]

I put my 3rd string in and lose to the bears

[Dirty-Dozen]

Picture this. The score is 11-14. Less than 3 minutes left. Patriots have the ball and the lead. It's 3rd and goal at the 9 yard line. My aunt who is confined to wheel chair calls me to take her to bathroom. I pause and go. 5 minutes later, I return to the game, I have the ball and its 1st and 15. The score is 21-11. FML.

You never paused the game, which had me wondering what the hell you were doin. That why after the 1st penalty i kept declining until you came back. I even send you a message askin you what you were doing because you forgot to pause.

Plus the only reason the game was close cause i kept sleepin at certain points and you called the same defense for a long period of time, whenever you called more than one play i was moving the ball. The KR, and that one pass TD where i left my man. If it wasn't for that the game wouldn't of been close. But GG.

[pbates86]

You never paused the game, which had me wondering what the hell you were doin. That why after the 1st penalty i kept declining until you came back. I even send you a message askin you what you were doing because you forgot to pause.

Plus the only reason the game was close cause i kept sleepin at certain points and you called the same defense for a long period of time, whenever you called more than one play i was moving the ball. The KR, and that one pass TD where i left my man. If it wasn't for that the game wouldn't of been close. But GG.

I'll be better prepared next our next game. I could make a lot of excuses too...4 ints. That kick return really did nothing for me, I got to the 1 yard line and called two runs...both times you got to Sanchez before he could hand the ball off. GG like you said.

Is it cheese to call the same defense? If it is, I won't. I play a lot of cover 2, out of every formation: Dime, Nickel, 3-4. Its a habit I've formed to stop with the RB to the flats cheese.

[Brownss4Eva]

It is cheese if your doing it and it doesnt work to stop them, but if it works bro call it all day, if it aint broke dont fix it. My view guys wait for you to blitz to screen and cheese on offense but you dont and your being consistent they wine. Talking in general my opinion not directed towards anyone.

[Dirty-Dozen]

IMO, I don't think its right to call the same defense ALL game. You don't see that happen in the NFL and it is suppose to be a sim league.

[Snake Eyes]

Calling the same defense play is on the same level as calling the same offense play

[Brownss4Eva]

Dude i agree but if it works i dont care how mad you get im getting my W. For example your the pats and your run 4 wr and rb probly a lot i would lol. What you want the man to do blitz and get burned no run that cover 3 cover 2 drop zone combo 80 precent i would

[Dirty-Dozen]

I could easily call the same defense call all game and get 6+ picks each game. But i like to mix it like a real NFL do. Keep offense guessing if i'm blitzing or not. Play some man, zone, man blitz, zone biltz, blitz OLB, blitz MLB. Give different looks on defense. I just expect the same from the other person. Not facing the same defense for the rest of the game after you give up 1 TD.

[Dirty-Dozen]

Dude i agree but if it works i dont care how mad you get im getting my W. For example your the pats and your run 4 wr and rb probly a lot i would lol. What you want the man to do blitz and get burned no run that cover 3 cover 2 drop zone combo 80 precent i would

But what about facing the same defense play no matter what formation i pick? All i'm sayin is mix it up. What the point of playin someone who calls the same play every time.

[Brownss4Eva]

i dont care man lol i dontr see anything wrong with it plus please use that one same game and get 6 + picks on me lol no way. I mix it up i blitz run 4-3, 3-4 and nickle a lot so dont care. But if i can stop your 1 money play by playing cover 3 all game i will dont care how mad you get muwahahahah beat me with something else everything has a weakness just counter it they switch that d really fast

[pbates86]

I could easily call the same defense call all game and get 6+ picks each game. But i like to mix it like a real NFL do. Keep offense guessing if i'm blitzing or not. Play some man, zone, man blitz, zone biltz, blitz OLB, blitz MLB. Give different looks on defense. I just expect the same from the other person. Not facing the same defense for the rest of the game after you give up 1 TD.

Your argument doesn't quite fly because things don't work in real life as they do in the game. You mention blitzing. Blitzing is ineffective in Madden 10 unless you are doing it to stop the run. For this reason, I rarely blitz. I actually prefer when my opponent blitzes, because its usually an easy completion.

I have played more than a number of guys online and you are the first guy to say something about my defense. You also happen to be the first guy that it really really worked on. I realize that I called that defense too often during our game, but only because it was so effective. At some point, you have to prove, as other opponents I've faced have, that you can beat a cover 2 defense.

[Brownss4Eva]

Dude you ran cover 2 ahahah you have randy freaking moss playaction and throw deep right away he catches it between the saftey and corner every time. bro cover too is bad very bad only good to stop RB to flats be careful

[pbates86]

Dude you ran cover 2 ahahah you have randy freaking moss playaction and throw deep right away he catches it between the saftey and corner every time. bro cover too is bad very bad only good to stop RB to flats be careful

Its not very bad for me. My secondary is built for it. I got corners that can jam pretty good, and a couple of safeties that fit what I do perfectly. Atari Bigby can cover ok, but he has 94 hit power. That means drop balls. Kerry Rhodes is a 91 OVR safety who can play a deep zone quite well. I actually just traded away Rhodes but I think who I'm replacing him with will do the job just as well, if not get more ints since his hands are better.

[Brownss4Eva]

ok good luck hope i play you lol

[pbates86]

Don't get me wrong. Moss still had 100+ yards. Brady threw 2 ints but played a pretty good game. But I can live with that. Who is going to stop Moss anyway?

[Brownss4Eva]

i did with the Browns when i played him moss had 35 yards 3 catches something like that

[Dirty-Dozen]

Your argument doesn't quite fly because things don't work in real life as they do in the game. You mention blitzing. Blitzing is ineffective in Madden 10 unless you are doing it to stop the run. For this reason, I rarely blitz. I actually prefer when my opponent blitzes, because its usually an easy completion.

I have played more than a number of guys online and you are the first guy to say something about my defense. You also happen to be the first guy that it really really worked on. I realize that I called that defense too often during our game, but only because it was so effective. At some point, you have to prove, as other opponents I've faced have, that you can beat a cover 2 defense.

This is SUPPOSE to be a sim league. Thats the difference between joining a regular league where anythign goes and playing a sim league. Your suppose to keep it as real as you possibly can, running the same play over, over, over, over isn't sim.

This section is about the specific nuances of game play. Remember "sim" football is the name of the game – if you wouldn't see it in the NFL on Sunday, do not do it in this league.

Again, we are trying to simulate the NFL, so if it is not commonly seen in the NFL, it should not be seen in our league.

I don't know how we achieve this if people call the same plays over and over all game.

[Brownss4Eva]

So you have never seen the defense in nfl go preven and staraight zone for 10 consecutive plays when a team has 4wr set out. I have

[WrightNReyes]

child please!

[Dirty-Dozen]

^^^^^^^^^^

[Brownss4Eva]

ahahah dude i am for real the browns do it every year in the 4th against the steelers and they lose. Also stop trying to compare madden to real life so much. Not even rfreaking close and never will be. Which brings my point guys no team gets two kick returns for a td in a game not even in a season lets make it sim and run out of bouce thank you get for real.

[MF Prime]

Damn I hope I don't have to play you, I bet you run the hell outta the Direct HB/WR cause its an auto 8+ yards each time. :wanker:

More and more I look at this league and see I'm going to be playing a bunch of screen/flat users :shakehead:

[pbates86]

Damn I hope I don't have to play you, I bet you run the hell outta the Direct HB/WR cause its an auto 8+ yards each time. :wanker:

More and more I look at this league and see I'm going to be playing a bunch of screen/flat users :shakehead:

Screens cheese too? I never seem to have time to wait for them to develop.

I've played two games, both guys played straight up. I've played unranked games against some of these guys and they also play straight. I don't think we are going to have a problem with cheesers, and you can always scout opponents to see what they like to do and prepare for it.

[Brownss4Eva]

Dude i have never ran a sceen in my life if you talking to me. Or a direct snap i think bolth are chees as hell in madden but i will not complain about them in a leauge outside a leauge i send a message saying so why do you buy this game to run a screen 50 precent everyone knows it is chees i found it easy to stop this year

[Dirty-Dozen]

Dude i have never ran a sceen in my life if you talking to me. Or a direct snap i think bolth are chees as hell in madden but i will not complain about them in a leauge outside a leauge i send a message saying so why do you buy this game to run a screen 50 precent everyone knows it is chees i found it easy to stop this year

But you see nothing wrong with callin the same defense for 95% of the game. With your logic, why would the opponent stop using screen if its workin. :rolleyes:

[Brownss4Eva]

dude i dont see anything wrong with it i dont do it. Patriots do not talk anything that works against your team is a blessing lol. Best wr best linebackers best d line top 4 o line best QB. Enough said. Poor poor browns

[Dirty-Dozen]

dude i dont see anything wrong with it i dont do it. Patriots do not talk anything that works against your team is a blessing lol. Best wr best linebackers best d line top 4 o line best QB. Enough said. Poor poor browns

So the good teams like Pats Steelers Cowboys etc. aren't allowed to talk about whats sim and have a fair game cause there team is good. Your reasoning makes no sense.

Its funny how you don't see anything wrong with a team running the same defense play all game but you say callin screens 50% of the game isn't sim. Its basically the game thing, but i bet you do the 1st which is why you probable don't see whats so wrong about it.

[fchami]

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u84/newiconz/gridiron/sig-neworleans.jpg

[ARSENAL]

Hey ...

Is there a way we can vote or something to make the quarters longer and get rid of the auto-run off clock ????

The games end in like 2 min now and who ever scores first has a huge advantage. Running in the game is impossible with no time and stats cannot be compared to real games cause we only play 1/4 of real nfl games. I thought the idea of madden was to play it and not play a simulation type of season. Lets make this league more friendly to play and action (trades, ect.) and open this league up. Rules only take away from the game, which is to manage a team, use out own strategy, grow a franchise, and play out a full season.

[Brownss4Eva]

So the good teams like Pats Steelers Cowboys etc. aren't allowed to talk about whats sim and have a fair game cause there team is good. Your reasoning makes no sense.

Its funny how you don't see anything wrong with a team running the same defense play all game but you say callin screens 50% of the game isn't sim. Its basically the game thing, but i bet you do the 1st which is why you probable don't see whats so wrong about it.

you do not know what i do aand will never know because then you may actually be good.... and noo i do not do that screen is cheese running same play on d is not that's just letting you abuse that play all game long. If you are good at madden you will solve your over2 problem buddy

[Dirty-Dozen]

you do not know what i do aand will never know because then you may actually be good.... and noo i do not do that screen is cheese running same play on d is not that's just letting you abuse that play all game long. If you are good at madden you will solve your over2 problem buddy

Its not havin a problem with someone using cover 2. I have a problem with someone using it all game long and not callin a different play. It wasn't that hard since i still came away with a win. And i still find it funny you say callin screen half of the game is cheese but yet callin the same defense all game isn't?? .....right.......

[MF Prime]

Dude i have never ran a sceen in my life if you talking to me. Or a direct snap i think bolth are chees as hell in madden but i will not complain about them in a leauge outside a leauge i send a message saying so why do you buy this game to run a screen 50 precent everyone knows it is chees i found it easy to stop this year

Never said you did guy, just using what you said as an example of what makes the game unfun. Dirty already covered what is so wrong with your logic, but you just don't see it.

Me personally don't have any say on my playcalls as I use whatever the hell goofy ass Madden Calls as my playbook. Sure I can go into my playbook and search for that certain money play like most people and win my games but that is lame to me. If I lose is cause of bad execution not cause of bad playcalling. Cause out of the games I've played outside of Dirty in this league I don't see a variety when it comes to calling plays.

Like I said I got into this league for fun but when you play people that just run flats and screens to speedy or bruiser backs who don't go down at all its boring. I mean I can run outs and crosses to Witten or throw to the flats with Felix all day but its cheap... IMO!

[Brownss4Eva]

We disagree, you can not do that all day it is called nickle cover 2. Or a blitz making one of your corners cover rb.

[JimmyT85]

Just finished my 2nd game of the season, a 24-7 loss to the Bengals (I think it was 24, may have been 27?).

Anywho, I just couldn't stop the pass AT ALL! I couldn't get any pressure because Joe was too clever and moving his QB around, so I couldn't really get to him. I did well stopping the run, and I held Cedric Benson to 11 yards of 13 carries, until he broke out of a 5-man tackle (WTF?!) and took it 78 yards, before I stopped him.

An the offense, I had a couple of nice carries with Washington and Grant, but it wasn't enough to get me back into the game. Rodgers threw 2 INT's (1 was tipped to Ray Maualuga (sp?)).

I was unlucky with regards to penalties. Ryan Grant took it into the end-zone on a 64 yard run, but it got called back for holding :( Then I did well to stop Joe and made him go 3 and out in FG range. His FG attempt was good, but the ref called it back as I ran into the kicker (even though it was a CPU controller player, not me). Needed less to say, on the resulting play, he scored a TD.

So all in all, it was a good game from Joe, a bit of a stinker from me. And I am now 1-1.

Thw power rankings prediction was correct ;)

[SpearchuckerJoe]

It was certainly an opportunistic win from the Bengals, helped by the fact that Palmer was sober today and the receivers held on to everything. The bomb to 'ocho' was certainly pretty.

There was also that pass interference call in the endzone that gave me an easy score...though the call was right imo :p To be fair though on your TD drive I had you stopped but then got a QB roughing call, so it wasn't all against you.

The Bengals are happy to be in the win column, but that game was felt closer than it looks on the scoreboard.

Give Benson his due for that one, since my oline sure doesn't open any holes for him ;-)

[JimmyT85]

LOL, I forgot about the pass interference! I tried to dive at your QB, but you got the pass off just before I could, then the icon changed to Nick Barnett and he slammed Ocho Cinco to the ground as the ball whistled past haha. Lame!

Was a deserved victory though dude.

I need to buck my ideas up if I want to do well in this league!

[pbates86]

I really wish we could export our teams to play offline.

[Kuzakian]

yeah me too haha

[Ndjansy]

You can .... I did it in a creative way ... And i've been able to go in practice mode with the exact guys on my roster, free agent pickups everyhting ... I think it's important otherwise you're just coming in and just playing without any decisice plan a , b , or c...

[Tallywood]

All I know is people need to play. The deadline was yesterday!

:)

[pbates86]

You can .... I did it in a creative way ... And i've been able to go in practice mode with the exact guys on my roster, free agent pickups everyhting ... I think it's important otherwise you're just coming in and just playing without any decisice plan a , b , or c...

Yeah, I figured out how to do that. I practice with my team all the time now. Now I just wish I can scrimmage in online franchise...play games against you guys with our teams and not have it really count toward anything.

[Ndjansy]

That defeats the purpose of surprising guys or sneaking up on guys ..... hopefully if everyone stays around in YEAR 2 of the franchise, you should have a pretty good idea of how your division opponents especially and maybe a couple other guys....

[Tallywood]

That defeats the purpose of surprising guys or sneaking up on guys ..... hopefully if everyone stays around in YEAR 2 of the franchise, you should have a pretty good idea of how your division opponents especially and maybe a couple other guys....

Yea, like how the Texans figured out how to remain 0-0 through 2 weeks... ;)
(im looking at you, texans' signature)

Ndjansy, tell people to play their games :) lol

[JimmyT85]

How do you guys play with your teams offline?

Just sign the free agents in the rosters menu and use the team in exhibition mode?

[pbates86]

How do you guys play with your teams offline?

Just sign the free agents in the rosters menu and use the team in exhibition mode?

Correct.

[Kuzakian]

Yeah, I figured out how to do that. I practice with my team all the time now. Now I just wish I can scrimmage in online franchise...play games against you guys with our teams and not have it really count toward anything.

Been practicing against those titans?? :) I've been doing practice mode all day trying to play pass D. I think i've got rush D on lockdown.. 95 yards total rushing in 2 games so far prettttty good. Now i just need to stop those passing yards hmmm

[Ndjansy]

It helps that your personnel is built to stop the run also, bit admit, you turned Tulloch MLB into a monster in our game and I should've used motion to offset him a little bit with extra blockers. But you see i kept trying to pound it which i think is key ..... once you go one dimensional .... pack it in

[Ndjansy]

And guys the Deadline for games is tonight ..... not yesterday Tallywood

[Kuzakian]

It helps that your personnel is built to stop the run also, bit admit, you turned Tulloch MLB into a monster in our game and I should've used motion to offset him a little bit with extra blockers. But you see i kept trying to pound it which i think is key ..... once you go one dimensional .... pack it in

Yeah I really enjoyed our game even though i got beat down it was good for learning

[Tallywood]

And guys the Deadline for games is tonight ..... not yesterday Tallywood

I disagree.

According to YOUR post in the new TRIGRIDIRON info thread.
found here (http://www.pastapadre.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4672)

Second Game of Week: Thurs - 12am EST (midnight) ---> Sat - 11:59pm EST

Note:

The new league name is TRIGRIDIRON I will be sending out the password to all the owners via PSN between tonight and tomorrow morning.

The league is slated for kickoff Sunday August 23 @ 8pm EST. We will be playing 2 games/week, according to the following format:

First game of Week: Sun - 12am EST(midnight) ---> Wed - 11:59pm EST
Second Game of Week: Thurs - 12am EST (midnight) ---> Sat - 11:59pm EST

All times Eastern time zone



STAY TUNED

[Snake Eyes]

I knew i wasn't crazy

[pbates86]

Yeah, but there are still 4 games left to be played. I'd hate to SIM all of those.

[Snake Eyes]

I was trying to get my done last night but bears is on vacation

[rrmcguire]

hopefully Bears is back before next week.....if they don't show up...do we just play vs. CPU?

[Snake Eyes]

yeah commish has to drop him first

[ARSENAL]

lets just sim games, or give a mandatory 2 or 3 days past all deadlines to play the games, if and only if the owner has spoken to that team or the commish before hand.

Lets play wk 3 :)

[ARSENAL]

Hey ...

How can i get a hold of the Buccaneers owner ? I cant find his information anywhere.

If your reading this hit me up or if someone else has it please let me know.

thanks.