02-18-2001, 06:12 PM | #1 | ||
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Cincinnati Muskrats
The upcoming season is 2007 and our fans have never been happier coming off our 2nd Bowl win. This report will bring you up to speed on our staff, economy, and some key player profiles. This year sees an even mixture of original NFL players and the draftees. Started with all settings even across the board (default) eight seasons ago. The stadium was brand new in the initial season with a slightly above average rating which is slipping into mediocrity. I also believe that the surface is instrumentally involved in the abnormally high amount of injuries my team suffers from year in and year out. Alas, I still have almost a decade before anything can or will be done about that situation despite the overwhelming fan support backing that project.
As for the economy here in Cincy we are in the bottom 30% of the league and experiencing negative growth. However our fan base is strong based on our success on the field and head coach Prescott. He is in the last part of a 5-year contract which initally made him the highest paid in the league. Going into this season his salary ranks in the bottom third. Accolades include a .649 winning percentage and the only HC with two bowl victories. The Muskrat scout is no where near as established. Bilodeau sits as the youngest in the league at 36 and carries one of the lowest salaries also. He has no real strengths or weaknesses. House rules 1. No contractual backloading 2. Can only request for a new stadium every 25 years. Renovations to existing stadiums allowed. 3. Ticket prices can not be higher than an average of my two closest regional rivals. 4. No Francise Player disignations 5. Must draft a player from in-state every season. 6. Renegotiations only upon players in final year of contract 7. Can sign one major free agent in the first ten weeks of the free agent signing period 8. Can sign up to 3 free agents deals in the final ten weeks of the free agent signing period 9. Can initiate 2 player trades per season with the exclusion of players demanding trade. 10. No in-game play calling I've enjoyed and learned from reading all the different dynasties. Each has certain qualities that makes reading them more than just informative. It shows a passion in the writing that makes you a fan of the team itself. My house rules are far from the stringent requirements of many others. Ive wanted to start posting one for awhile now and only have about 30 total seasons under my belt. I tend to take more time than most with weekly adjustments from logs and box scores. Player profiles from my existing team are forthcoming. |
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02-18-2001, 06:53 PM | #2 |
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QB - Brunell - 3 time All-Pro and twice NFL MVP during both Bowl wins. He enters his 15th season and is on the decline due to the numerous injuries suffered. Still the expected starter despite the low 30s throwing power.
RB - Edge James - Only award in his career was SB MVP LY. Solid performer when on the field as he has only started every game of the season twice in eight attempted year. Depth at this position has been a priority. WR - Cory Coleman - Top 5 based on sheer "paper" ratings for the former 1st rounder. However his ability to mesh with QB Brunell limits his success. In four seasons as starting FL - career high in receptions is 62 and touchdowns 7. DT - Lewis "Lil' G" Griffin - Top notch pass rusher on the line standing 6'4" 320. Comes off long term knee injury limiting him to 3 starts last season, came back for playoffs and was instrumental. CB - Rob Henson - 1st rounder in 2002 has only missed 2 games in four seasons. That news alone makes the local papers. Ability to shut down one side of the field and allow defense to shift towards the line. |
02-18-2001, 09:51 PM | #3 |
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Muskrats bring back Barber after futile upgrade attempt
The Cincinnati Muskrats began the first week of free agency looking for a new outside linebacker. The Super Bowl champions started the second week of the signing period by deciding that the old one was plenty good enough after all after negotiation attempts failed with Max Semple. The Cincy SportsNetwork has learned that the Muskrats on Monday night reached a contract agreement with linebacker Shawn Barber to retain the ten-year veteran and halt his brief fling with unrestricted free agency. General manager Jonas Rudolph and agent Mark Bartelstein worked most of Saturday and Sunday to fashion a contract amenable to both sides. Barber will sign a three-year, $7.69 contract with a signing bonus of $2.4 million. Only a week ago, it appeared Barber's career with the Muskrats had ended. In the first weekend of free agency, he visited with the Chicago Bears, but then their interest waned, in part because of a broken leg sustained in the AFC championship game. On Thursday, he was paged at the airport as he was about to make a trip to Washington and was informed the Redskins had signed veteran LB Dwayne Rudd instead. At the same time Barber was shopping for a new team, the Muskrats were attempting to upgrade at the position. Team officials met with unrestricted free agent Max Semple of Pittsburgh but could not close a deal. They also considered bringing in Rudd before he signed in Washington, and Reese in the past week spoke with agents for at least four other linebackers including the later 14th stage addition - twelve year veteran Bruschi who inked a similar 8.1m three year contract. In the end, Barber agreed to extend their eight-year marriage. Barber, 30, began his career with the Arizona Cardinals as a fourth-round draft pick in '98. He moved into the starting lineup in his second season and has been a fixture for the Muskrats since arriving via trade in 2002. With the exception of 2004, when he missed six games after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, Barber has started at least 12 games every season since 2000. For his career, Barber has played in 108 regular-season games, with 102 starts. He has 518 tackles, 12 sacks, 6 interceptions, five forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He played in and started 16 games last season and was fifth on the team in tackles with 61. The Muskrats are also believed to be close to signing defensive tackle Gary Walker, a thirteen-year veteran and unrestricted free agent who spent his entire career with Chicago. If that deal is consummated, it could precipitate the release of platooning DT's McLaurin and Conyers. Walker combined with "Lil' G" Griffin would create perhaps the strongest defensive tackle combo in the AFC. The Muskrats last week signed Bruschi from Tampa Bay and the veteran can play middle linebacker or the strongside spot and adds a much needed pass rushing aspect. Team officials said his role in Cincinnati would be by whether draft players were available. |
02-19-2001, 12:06 AM | #4 |
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2007 Draft Roundup
Jimmy James Cincinnati Inquirer Butch Stickney OT 6-5 312 Dominant College player, who permitted only one sack during his college career. True LT-outstanding pass protector- solid run blocker- athletic- fast for OL- quick- excellent feet- fine balance and mobility- long arms- effective pulling or trapping. Outland trophy finalist. Is agile, a finisher, very athletic, keeps good balance. Needs to add upper body strength. Has had some left shoulder problems, due to tendinitis. Should start early in 2008 but could see significant time this season. Wade Chelios LB 6-5 260 Leader of the Arizona defense and one of the most dominating defenders in college football in 2006. 17 Sacks and 11 Tackles for loss. A natural for the position, with terrific burst and explosiveness. His size makes him a tougher fit as a pro as he will not match up as a DE. Likely to be moved to OLB, as he has shown the capability to drop into coverage. Had an average Combine. Major playmaker overall, who is expected to be a contributor for the future and can learn behind the existing veteran corps. Darrin Stone TE 6-6 270 Great size and agility. Big target. 45 receptions and 5 TDs LY. Prototype physically and solid productivity at Pitt. Great hands, makes circus catches. Fluid. Great route runner, tough to bring down. Needs to add strength. 40 time 4.90. Good finesse type blocker but needs improvement also. Brady Jensen QB 6-4 222 Athletic. Intelligent with decent arm strength. Quick release. Throws well on the run. Strictly developmental as the draft was thin at this position. (2145 yds, 52 % Comp rate., 13 TDs, 10 INTs) Marlon Giles G 5-11 340 Can play LT. Huge. Inconsistent. Former DL and local favorite from Dayton. Average pass-blocker, slightly better run-blocker. Had a serious knee (torn ACL, left knee) injury in 2003. Still developing. The Muskrats didn't have a worthy QB pick due to the early selections, but added some players who can help them in the draft. First round pick Butch Stickney (C.Fla) is a fine run blocker who could possibly take over because Searcy retired. Darrin Stone played tight end at Pittsburgh, but may be better suited to play wide receiver in the NFL. Stone has great hands and should be an effective receiver for the Rats. Quarterback Brady Jensen is big and a great athlete but has poor arm strength. He may be the equal of starting quarterback taken 4th round - no more. Linebacker Wade Chelios (Arizona) will provide depth to a linebacking corps that is just getting older. Overall Grade B- |
02-19-2001, 11:35 AM | #5 |
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Name Tm GP GS Att Yards Avg Lg TD Associated Press CINCINNATI -- As he hobbles into the final game of his fifth straight injury-plagued season with the Cincinnati Muskrats, Edgerrin James is wondering whether he'll be elsewhere next year. "I really don't know, and then again, I'm not really worried about it," James said Wednesday. "It's been a frustrating year, I'm not going to lie. Games like I had against New Orleans prove that I am a top back in the league." There has been speculation that James, who has missed 27 games because of injuries since he was picked by Cincinnati in the first round of the 1998 draft, could be released or traded at the end of the season to clear much-needed salary cap room. Especially considering the performance of second year backup Pound. James, who has missed five games this season with turf toe and six last year with an ankle injury, said he talked recently with coach Prescott about his future, but he would not discuss what was said. Prescott also declined to discuss the conversation but said he expects James to be back next year. "Jonas and I have the same goals for this team next season, and having the best talent on the field is priority one." ATLANTA-- Close wasn't nearly enough for the Cincinnati Muskrats Sunday. They came to the Georgia Dome to beat the Falcons and to renew their seat on the throne as bowl champions They left with a loss -- 24-14. It was encouraging that they weathered the Falcons' start with a courageous comeback. But, ultimately, that mattered little. ``Losing stinks,'' said nose tackle Lewis Griffin. "After being on the other sideline as a winner, this is hard to take." Eventually fatigue, injuries, and an aging roster took its toll on the Muskrats. With playoff injuries to All-pro Fl Coleman and starting SE Scott, the team put its fate in the hands of RB James. He was simply outdone. The Falcons, on the other hand, are starting to look like the beginnings of a dynasty. Having clinched the NFC West title early on behind the strength of a newfound running attack led by rookie sensation Mark Benson. Name Tm GP GS Att Yards Avg Lg TD Naturally winning Off. ROY, Off. POY, NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and 1st Team All-Pro Honors. He is the cornerstone that Atlanta will build around for the future seasons to come. But want to guess what was more satisfying for the Falcons? Ending the seven year reign of AFC superbowl dominance against the defending champion. Box Score: Cincinnati Muskrats at Atlanta Falcons. [This message has been edited by B & B (edited 02-19-2001).] [This message has been edited by B & B (edited 02-19-2001).] |
02-19-2001, 06:58 PM | #6 |
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Head Coach comes back on his own terms
It was almost certain that Horace Prescott, architect of the Muskrats three Super Bowl appearances in five seasons at the helm would be welcomed back. After visiting several cities where he could land a job in one of three places he was a candidate, he made an unpredictable decision. Choosing to turn down the highest offer in a 5-year deal from Cincinnati in favor of just a 2-year deal with the same team for quite less per season. The Cincinnati Free Press learned the last minute deal was struck because of discrepancies with GM Randolph. Both sides had no comment at the time. Thus, of the nine coaching openings this season, all were filled by higher paid coaches. Assuming things remain, the 59 year old head coach would be among the lowest paid over the next two seasons. CincinnatiMuskrats.com reports the Rats head coach Prescott wouldn't comment on whether or not the team has any interest in renegotiations in 2008. Coach Prescott also firmly stated he wants the team's feelings on potential players to be kept in house. In other news, Prescott stated RB James (foot) is progressing well and will continue to do everything he can to get in the best possible shape. He also noted his pleasure in having one back that could step up and fill in for James should problems continue as he's not in favor of the committee approach the team used two years ago when James was injured. Muskrats scramble after Scott retires Darnay Scott has played his final down for the Cincinnati Muskrats. Scott, the team's all time leading receiver, has informed his agent, Joe Iggal, that he has made the decision to retire. Scott suffered a severe thumb injury in the regular season finale against Cleveland when he struck it between two Browns helmets. He failed to return for the playoffs. One of the few agreements between Randolph and Prescott was the severity placed on finding a replacement. Pro Bowl wide receiver Reuben Linquist , who set a Colts franchise record for receptions last season with 90 for 1,419 yards, was traded from Indianapolis to Cincinnati in exchange for former Pro Bowler LB Bruschi along with 1st and 5th round draft picks. Bruschi joined the Rats last season coming over from Tampa Bay where he had 98 tackles in 2006. His next year numbers in Cincy were brief. 39 tackles and 3 sacks in 12 starts. Bruschi fell victim to the mysterious home surface in week 8 and missed the next four games to injury. Coming into 2007 he had previously started 110 consecutive games. Amateur Draft Report: Rnd 1 - Traded 1st round selection along with LB Bruschi and a 5th round pick for All-Pro WR Linquist Rnd 2 - Randall Franz, DE, Wake Forest Excellent pass-rushing skills and position technique. Rnd 3 - Oscar Holman, RB, Illinois This guy came out of nowhere to have a monster year and with another year in college he would have been better off and likely drafted a lot higher next year. However, he could turn out to be the steal of the draft. Best 3rd string RB in football Rnd 3 - Les Reed, S, San Diego State A physical player that punishes opponents. He has good range and field awareness. Subpar combine. Rnd 4 - Kurt Levine, WR, Nevada 4th stringer with potential Rnd 4 - Stanley Markel, DE, Southern California Bad camp, very raw. Rnd 7 - Carlos Carlisle, LB, Toledo Potential future starter and home state product. Good size at 6'4" 241 Again the Muskrats didn't have a worthy QB pick late in the first round, but added players who provide depth. First round pickup Lindquist is the only clear impact player. Disappointing DE's and slow developing safety. Best draftee by far sits behind two starting running backs. Overall GradeC |
02-23-2001, 01:40 PM | #7 |
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EA.com Front Office Football 2001 With Boise City and Roanoke to choose from, went with the latter. The Roanoke Rebels were formed and had an uninspired preseason going 0-3-1 with an opening day 17-17 tie to the hated rival Redskins. From: Personnel Department EA.com Front Office Football 2001 The first season will be rough as expected, but playing a lot of rookies on this defense should pay off. All counted 5 players will be defensive rookies. [This message has been edited by B & B (edited 02-23-2001).] |
02-23-2001, 03:00 PM | #8 |
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Altogether the defense played quite admirably and held close in most games. Unfortunately, all wins were on the road and we are looking at the #2 selection in the draft yet again. Prior to the start of last season we were offered and traded our 6th round drafted C for an upcoming 4th round pick in the draft. Offensively, we were horrible - amassing a total of 3900 yards. Our sole Pro Bowler was 18 year veteran Baldridge. Standout S Robinson narrowly missed ROY honors due to a two game injury.
Cohesion will go in the toilet as roughly 90% of the expansion signees will not be resigned and the Rebels will build with the forthcoming draft. |
02-23-2001, 05:52 PM | #9 |
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My only All-Pro punter retired. HC Lyons was retained reluctantly because of the lack of a legitimate replacement.
Amateur Draft Report: 2018 Rnd 1 - Bubba Prior, QB, Ohio State Rnd 2 - Adrian Moulton, RB, Columbia Rnd 3 - Mickey Drew, LB, Virginia Tech Rnd 4 - Leslie Videl, WR, Auburn Rnd 4 - Matthew Marsh, WR, Notre Dame Rnd 4 - Ty Pearsall, CB, Southern California Rnd 5 - Arnold Van Anden, K, Tennessee Rnd 6 - Jerome Peak, CB, East Carolina Rnd 7 - Artie Hall, T, Michigan State Predraft we were offered a third 4th round pick for our backup RB. Considering that our starter had less than 500 yards last year, we accepted. The first round selection was a no-brainer. Its only fitting that the Rebels offense centers around a QB named Bubba "Quite a few" Prior(s). LB Drew was just too good to pass up for his potential, but he wont see any PT unless injuries occur. Its bad when a 4th rounder will start at CB, but last years crew was overpaid and after entering the FA market - they will not find a job this year. The Rebels were prepared to draft CB's in the early rounds but talent to dictate the salary and the paycheck werent there.
After a stint in rehab, former 1st rounder S Robinson has declined a severe amount in the offseason. Apparantly, tobacco isnt the only thing they grow here in Virginia. |
02-23-2001, 07:48 PM | #10 |
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Roanoke Rebels Lost starting and best defender MLB Trevor Justin. Therefore rookie Drew started from game 1. Halfway through lost our top secondary player S Robinson and there is concern and finger pointing over his selection in the draft two years ago. Bubba had an average rookie season, looking great at times and throwing 5 ints in others. Here's the line. Name Tm GP GS Att Comp Pct Yards Avg Lg With little or no help from rookie RB Moulton who had modest numbers himself. Name Tm GP GS Att Yards Avg Lg TD Last years starter Zook was injured almost half of the season as well. When he played he was constantly banged up. With our young improved DT's having 2 years under their belts and the LB corp finding maturity - all our attention will fall on improving the secondary. With so much divisional parity - the playoffs are not out of reach with an improved running game and some balance on offense. |
02-24-2001, 03:58 AM | #11 |
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2019 Roanoke Rebels
First and foremost comes the retirement of HC Lyons and his entire staff. Although only 58 he leaves the game with a 10-22 lifetime record. Conflicts upon direction and declining performance the franchises' first draft pick Robinson caused enough for his departure. We reluctantly sign scout Glover for his ability to evaluate secondary and offensive line talent. He inks a one year contract and is fully aware of his role with the team. Our new HC Butch Adcock comes from Mississippi Valley State and brings with him an incredible ability to develop talent. His coaching is adequate but he is known for routinely letting his players run wild and his lack of big game motivation has limited his success and ultimately kept him from joining the 1-A college ranks. The rebels agree to a 3 year deal for his services. Rebels Amateur Draft Report: Rnd 1 - Mercury Strong, LB, Colorado State Rnd 2 - Ellis Looney, S, Northeastern Rnd 3 - Captain Bill Clevenger, CB, Miss. Valley St. Rnd 4 - Conrad Pehrson, G, Stanford Rnd 4 - Archie Parker, P, Arizona State Rnd 5 - William Rodriguez, CB, Florida State Rnd 6 - Sammie Coles, S, Connecticut Rnd 7 - Conrad Knechtel, WR, North Texas Summary: There was no top notch available cornerback in the entire draft. There was a NFL caliber starting safety, but the ability to make that selection was not made available to the new coach with the first round pick. We passed on him with our 6th selection and he went to Denver at 10. LB Strong is not a starter but provides enough depth to warrant a switch over to a 3-4 style which Adcock ran at MVS. Coach wanted to take his own CB - Captain Bill Clevanger in the second round but opted to gamble and chose a strong safety. Luckily despite 12 other corners taken before our selection we nabbed Adcock's disciple to his chagrin. P Archie Parker was a pleasant suprise and could be All-Pro potential. Post Camp Our first rounder was somewhat of a bust. His potential declined marginally, but his red lines dropped significantly. Looney will play backup behind 6th rounder Coles - at least for one season..... and Captain Bill looks to be a very raw starter. Parker will be an impact player. Overall grade C+ |
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