SkyDog's House Arrest Austin Plainsmen

[Ben E Lou]

2013 GAME PLANS

Offensive Philosophy
As I mentioned earlier, I’m going to use 2 backs and 3 WR’s quite a bit this year. With QB Sherman still developing, I’ll continue to run more than I throw, but I’ll throw more than last year.

Offensive Game Plan
1st Down: 40,55,70,45
2nd Down: 55,70,40,40
3rd Down: 80,25,15,30
4th Down: 80,10,0,0
Pass Distance: 10,55,25,5,5
Running: I-30, Pro-30, Weak-20, Strong-20
Very Likely Running: I-40, Pro-25, Weak-15, Strong-20
Passing: I-10, Pro-60, Weak-15, Strong-15
Very Likely Passing: I-5, Pro-75, Weak-10, Strong-10
FB As Runner: 85

0WR: 20
1WR: 20
2WR: 50
3WR: 85
4WR: 75
5WR: 50

Defensive Game Plan
I leave the down tendencies alone always.
4-3:100 3-4: 0
Nickel: 50
Dime: 50
Prevent: 0
Blitz Tendency: 65
Blitz Multiple: 60
M2M: 85
Bump/Run: 15

[ 04-21-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]

[Ben E Lou]

2013 MID-SEASON REPORT

Record: 7-1
Division Standing: First place. KC is 5-2. Oakland is 4-3.
QB Stats: Gary Sherman (6 starts) 96 for 153 (62.7%), 990 yards, 9TD’s, 0INT, 100.9 Rating*. (missed most of one game and all of another due to injury)
Leading Rushers: Andrew May, 119 carries for 560 yards (4.7ypc), 6 Td’s. Leonard Vance 65 carries for 385 yards (5.9ypc), 2 Td’s. David Bonk 75 carries for 294 yards (3.9ypc), 3 Td’s.
Leading Receiver: WR Dennis Wayne—40 catches for 597 yards, 7TD’s*.
Leading Tackler:LB Perry Parish—54 tackles

*-denotes NFL leader

No major injuries so far.

[ 04-21-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]

[Ben E Lou]

2013 END OF REGULAR SEASON REPORT

Season Recap

Record: 11-5
Standing: First place. 3rd Straight Division Title. 9th Straight Playoff Birth
QB Stats: Gary Sherman, 173 for 294 (58.8%), 1926 yards, 17TD’s, 8INT’s, 86.3 Rating.
Leading Rushers: Andrew May, 215 carries for 1035 yards (4.8ypc), 9 Td’s. Leonard Vance 103 carries for 616 yards (5.9ypc), 3 Td’s. David Bonk 147 carries for 544 yards (3.7ypc), 4 Td’s.
Leading Receivers: WR Dennis Wayne—71 catches for 1063 yards, 11TD’s*. WR Nolan Chrysler—60 catches for 843 yards, 8TD’s. FB David Bonk—58 catches for 319 yards, 2 TD’s
Leading Tackler: S Whipple 100 tackes
Leading Pass Rusher: DE Graham Billig—11.5 sacks, 5 blocks, 10 hurries
Leading PDQ DB: CB Rich Dominquez—23 catches, 5 INT, 5 defensed, 35.9PDQ

Points Scored: 358
Points Against: 269

Key Injuries
Starting QB Sherman missed a couple more starts in the 2nd half.

Rushing Yards: 2403 (2nd)
Rushing Average: 4.5 (League Average 4.0)
Passing Yards: 3139 (31st)
Passing Average: 6.3 (League Average 6.8)
Rushing Defense: 1596 (6th)
Rushing Average Allowed: 3.6 (League Avg 4.0)
Passing Defense: 3744 (25th)
Passing Average Allowed: 6.6 (League Avg. 6.8)

*-denotes NFL leader

[ 04-21-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]

[Ben E Lou]

2013 POSTSEASON REPORT

Division Playoffs vs. New England
Pre-Game Injuries of Note—QB Sherman is questionable with a broken nose but will start.

The offense puts a very nice showing together, and the defense comes up with 4 interceptions against the Patriots. Sherman is a very efficient 24 for 33 for 275 yards with 2TD’s and an INT. Wayne catches 8 passes for 105 yards and a TD and Chrysler has 5 for 70. May has 14 carries for 50 yards, and Bonk contributes 12 carries for 67 yards and a TD.

NFC Championship at Pittsburgh
Pre-Game Injuries of Note—QB Sherman is upgraded to probable and continues to start.
We end the first quarter against Pittsburgh in a 7-7 tie, but the Steelers rip off 3 2nd-quarter TD’s to take a 28-10 lead going into the half. We respond in the 3rd quarter with a TD and a FG to cut it to 28-20, but only can manage 2 FG’s in the 4th quarter, and we lose 28-26. May carries 15 times for 118 yards, and Bonk 12 for 70. Pittsburgh eliminates us in a close game for the 2nd year in a row.

Pittsburgh wins the Super Bowl 24-0 over Carolina.

Awards

FB David Bonk—1st Team All Pro—rushing and receiving stats above. 9 for 27 KRB. 6th straight 1st Team All Pro selection for him.
G Brett McIntyre—1st Team All Pro—43 for 112 KRB, 5 sacks allowed, 22.5 OPCT
G Paul Blackburn—2nd Team All Pro—37 for 95 KRB, 3 sacks allowed, 19.2 OPCT
S Victor Whipple—2nd Team All Pro—statistics above

Herb's Ratings
Performance: 78
Frnc. Value: 97
Profit/Loss: 76
Difficulty: 68
YrEnd Score: 83

2013 Profit: $68.15M

[ 04-21-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]

[Ben E Lou]

AUSTIN PLAINSMEN 2014 PRELIMINARIES

HALL OF FAME
None.

RETIREES
G Brett McIntyre--He retires after 9 seasons in Austin. McIntyre was drafted 4(19) in the 2005 draft. He started all 16 games that season, and was a starter for the rest of his career. His best two years were his last two, and he ends his career with back-to-back 1st Team All Pro Awards and like QB Ike Croft leaves while still at the top of his game. He had two more years left on his contract, so we'll take a bit of a cap hit this year.

STAFF HIRING PERIOD
There’s a better scout out there than mine I sign him. However, I’m instituting another house rule effective henceforth. No signing new coaches or scouts until their contracts run out. Here’s the update:

HEAD COACH

Donald Boyd

Age: 59

REPUTATION

QB: G         KICKER: G

RB: G         YOUNG TALENT: E

WR: G         MOTIVATION: F

OL: F         DISCIPLINE: G

DL: G         OFFENSE PLAYCALL: E

LB: G         DEFENSE PLAYCALL: VG

DB: VG        AVOID INJURY: E

SCOUT

 Lenny Malone

Age: 57

REPUTATION

QB: G      DL: G

RB: G       LB: VG

WR: E       DB: VG

OL: G       YOUNG TALENT: E

K:  G

Ticket Price/Stadium Information
Fan Loyalty: 88
Support For New Stadium: 100

I bump ticket prices to match those of the Cowboys.

Upper Deck: 78
End Zone: 79
Mezzanine: 92
Sidelines: 143
License: 5,900
Club Seats: 4,500
Luxury Boxes: 243,000

[ 04-21-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]

[Ben E Lou]

2014 20-STEP PROCESS

Initial Cap Room: $32.7M
Amount Needed For Draft: $4.76M

Nor’easters’ UFA’s and key RFA’s (*--represents players I feel the need to re-sign or acquire someone to replace as starters)

*WR Nolan Chrysler—He’s in his 13th season. I’ll see if I can get him signed to a one or two year deal.
C Mike Wheeler—Hmmm. He only wants a one-year deal, which would probably be ideal, then last year’s 3rd-round pick, Preston Walls, would take over next year. If I can afford the one-year deal, I’ll grab him.
T Gabe Oglesby—I’ve got 3 pretty solid options at replacing him. I’ll let him fly.
*P Nathan Spencer—has been solid, plus he’s from Baylor
*K Jamie Haines—We’ll see who is around come week 11.
*DE Graham Billig—Has had 11.5+ sacks each of the last 4 seasons
*DT Burt Earley—Best DT and a 6-year starter. Gotta keep him.
*LB Perry Parish—Looks like he’s ready to become one of the league’s premier LB’s. I want him back.
LB Junior Crosland—Leland Watkins looks ready to step up. If I can sign Parish, I’ll let Crosland fly.
S Victor Whipple—Well, he’s a 3-time All-Pro and a 10-year starter. I’ve got 2 solid safeties under contract in Oskolkoff and Rivero, but I’d still like to keep a star like Whipple.

Biggest Priorities: WR Chrysler, DE Billig, DT Earley, LB Parish
Secondary Priorities: S Whipple, P, K
Lowest Priorities: C Wheeler

Cuts to Save Cap Room
RB Trent Long
WR Lionel Judkins
DT Clyde Rose

New Signees During Last 10 Weeks
LB Billy Joe Downs—3yrs-$6M, 2nd year man, 24/60,28/71,20/52,30/78,57. Should develop into a starter.

My Own RFA’s and UFA’s Re-signed
LB Parrish—4yrs,$22.48M
S Whipple—3yrs,$11.49M
DT Earley—5yrs,$37M
WR Chrysler—3yrs, $17.85M
K Haines—3yrs,$3.54M

{Oakland signed DE Billig away. Arrggh! St. Lake City signed P Spencer away as well.)

FA Analysis
For the first time in this career, I don’t have my way during free agency. I got nearly everyone back, but losing key player DE Billig and my Texas punter hurt.

[Ben E Lou]

2014 AMATEUR DRAFT

Starters Needed: DE, P
Improvement/Better Started Wanted: None
Depth Needed: TE, G, DT

1(30): DE Pat Tyler, Western Carolina: 31/38,45/68,33. Pass-rushing DE to replace Billig.
2(30): CB Rob Southard, Alabama: 29/77,33/89,21/57,64….50 endurance. Nice
3(30): P Andre’ Franklin, Delta State: 40,22/73,18/72. Didn’t want him to get grabbed in round 4.
4(30): S Jon Slocumb, Baylor:I needed a DB from Texas, and this guy should contribute with 84 in punt returns and 82 in kick returns. Other ratings are pretty weak: 10/19,11/18,12/21,66….84 endurance.
5(30): TE Mario Norris, Middle Tennessee St.: 20/58 run blocking, 21/63 catch frequency. Serviceable backup TE.
6(30): G Sammy Harry, UNC: 19/66,10/30, 14. Low endurance means he’ll never start, but could be a good backup if he develops.
7(30): DT Charlie Franklin, Indiana: 8/21, 27/65, 66. Good depth, especially this late in draft.

After the draft I sign RFA TE Kurt Romero to a one-year deal.

Seven Year Signee: WR Carlton O’Neal, Texas A&M: 3/4, 36, 22/31, 36,60….23 endurance. With his near redliner status, I’m hoping he breaks out.

I then sign a few rookies to fill out the roster and head to training camp.

[Ben E Lou]

2014 ROSTER

Position/Player         Current Est  Future Est     Exp   Sgnd

  QB  Gary Sherman                  8          12       3   2017   

  QB  O.J. Scrafford                3           6       2   2015   

  QB  Nathan Tong                   2           4       1   2016   

  RB  Andrew May                   11          12       3   2015   

  RB  Wendell Wheeler               9           9       1   2016   

  RB  Buddy Wallace                 8           8       1   2016   

  RB  Leonard Vance                 6          10       2   2015   

  FB  David Bonk                   12          13       8   2014   

  FB  Rob Pettis                    6           9       2   2014   

  TE  Trent Shafer                 12          12       8   2014   

  TE  Kurt Romero                   9          12       4   2014   

  TE  Mario Norris                  5          13       1   2015   

  WR  Nolan Chrysler               16          16      13   2016   

  WR  Dennis Wayne                 13          14      13   2014   

  WR  Al Lluellyn                  10          14       2   2016   

  WR  Tyrone Carmazzi               5           5       1   2016   

  WR  Luke Schweitzer               5           7       2   2015   

   C  Preston Wells                 9          15       2   2016   

   C  Roman Hall                    7          11       3   2014   

   C  D.J. Lattimore                5           8       1   2014   

   G  Paul Blackburn               15          15       9   2016   

   G  Eugene Morrison               7          11       3   2014   

   G  Darnell Silas                 5           9       1   2014   

   G  Sammy Harry                   3          10       1   2015   

   T  Brandon Child                14          14      12   2015   

   T  Mark Bauer                    8          11       5   2014   

   T  Patrick Everett               7          10       3   2015   

   T  Artie McDonald                6          10       4   2014   

   P  Andre Franklin                6          14       1   2016   

   K  Jamie Haines                 10          10      14   2016   

  DE  Walter O'Donnell              8           9       4   2015   

  DE  Pat Tyler                     7           8       1   2018   

  DE  Jesse Nickel                  6           9       3   2014   

  DE  Travis McCain                 6           9       2   2014   

  DT  Burt Earley                  12          14       7   2018   

  DT  Jessie Madison                7          10       5   2014   

  DT  Grady James                   5           7       3   2014   

  DT  Charlie Franklin              4          11       1   2016   

  LB  Perry Parrish                16          17       5   2017   

  LB  Heath Williams               11          13       6   2014   

  LB  Leland Watkins               11          14       4   2014   

  LB  Billy Joe Downs               7          13       2   2016   

  LB  Ryan Medley                   4           5       1   2016   

  LB  Zack Anthony                  3           8       2   2019   

  CB  Gerald McNeil                10          10       4   2016   

  CB  Rich Dominquez                9          12       3   2015   

  CB  Bubba Pender                  6          11       2   2015   

  CB  Rob Southard                  6          14       1   2017   

  CB  J.C. Doyle                    2           2       1   2016   

   S  Victor Whipple               16          17      11   2016   

   S  Malcolm Rivero               11          12       6   2016   

   S  Andre Oskolkoff              10          10      12   2014   

   S  Jon Slocumb                   5           6       1   2016 

Stadium: 76
Roster Strength: 100 (Baltimore’s is 95, Denver’s is 80.)
Support: 88
Economy: 52
Cohesion: 78,86,77,82

Outlook: I know what the roster rating says, but this just doesn’t “feel” like a championship-caliber club. After losing a key G retirement and a key DE to free agency, this team doesn’t seem to me to be as good as last year’s. We’ll see.

[Ben E Lou]

2014 GAME PLANS

Offensive Philosophy
Very similar as last year’s.

Offensive Game Plan
1st Down: 40,55,70,40
2nd Down: 40,70,40,30
3rd Down: 80,20,10,15
4th Down: 80,10,0,0
Pass Distance: 10,55,25,5,5

Running: I-30, Pro-30, Weak-20, Strong-20
Very Likely Running: I-40, Pro-25, Weak-15, Strong-20
Passing: I-10, Pro-60, Weak-15, Strong-15
Very Likely Passing: I-5, Pro-75, Weak-10, Strong-10
FB As Runner: 85

0WR: 20
1WR: 20
2WR: 50
3WR: 95
4WR: 30
5WR: 20

Defensive Game Plan
I leave the down tendencies alone always.
4-3:100 3-4: 0
Nickel: 50
Dime: 50
Prevent: 0
Blitz Tendency: 65
Blitz Multiple: 60
M2M: 85
Bump/Run: 15

[Ben E Lou]

2014 MID-SEASON REPORT

Record: 4-4
Division Standing: Third place. Oakland is 6-3, Denver is 5-4.
QB Stats: pretty much irrelevant at this point. Sherman is out until the playoffs. Backup O.J. Scrafford has started the last two games and has been dreadful.
Leading Rushers: Andrew May, 57 carries for 439 yards (7.7ypc*), 6 Td’s. Leonard Vance 68 carries for 387 yards (5.6ypc), 3 Td’s.
Leading Receiver: WR Dennis Wayne—32 catches for 477 yards, 3TD’s.
Leading Tackler:LB Leland Watkins—56 tackles

*-denotes NFL leader

Key Injuries: TE Shafer started the season out with a broken wrist. (Good thing I re-signed Romero!) FB Bonk started out doubtful/inactive with shoulder tendonitis. He first saw action in game 4.QB Sherman started out questionable with a hyperextended knee and was fully healed by game 4. DT Burt Earley sprained his back in Game 4, and is still listed as Out at this point. BIGGIE: Sherman breaks his jaw in game seven and is said to be Out until the playoffs. I’m running the ball a LOT more the rest of the way.

[ 04-22-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]

[Ben E Lou]

2014 END OF REGULAR SEASON REPORT

Season Recap

Record: 11-5
Standing: First place. 4th Straight Division Title. 10th Straight Playoff Birth

I never thought I’d be able to win the division. 3rd-string QB Nathan Tong started the last six games and we went 6-0 over that stretch. We ran a LOT over that time, and Tong did just enough to let us win.

QB Stats: Gary Sherman, 64 for 121 (52.8%), 895 yards, 6TD’s, 4INT’s, 79.6 Rating (6 starts). Nathan Tong, 102 for 167 (61.0%), 1049 yards, 6TD’s, 7INT’s, 73.6 Rating (6 starts). O.J. Scrafford, 72 for 144 (50.0%), 731 yards, 6TD’s, 8INT’s, 55.6 Rating (4 starts).
Leading Rushers: Andrew May, 163 carries for 1014 yards (6.2ypc*), 11 Td’s. Leonard Vance 117 carries for 579 yards (4.9ypc), 3 Td’s. David Bonk 114 carries for 569 yards (4.9ypc), 4 Td’s.
Leading Receivers: WR Dennis Wayne—61 catches for 818 yards, 3TD’s. WR Nolan Chrysler—53 catches for 839 yards, 5TD’s. FB David Bonk—34 catches for 150 yards, 1 TD.
Leading Tackler: LB Watkins, 97 tackes
Leading Pass Rusher: DE Walter O’ Donnell—6 sacks, 2 blocks, 4 hurries
Leading PDQ DB: CB Gerald McNeil—30 catches, 12 INT’s*, 4 defensed, 53.7PDQ*

Points Scored: 399
Points Against: 283

Rushing Yards: 2518* (1st)
Rushing Average: 4.9* (League Average 3.8)
Passing Yards: 2675(33rd)
Passing Average: 6.1 (League Average 6.6)
Rushing Defense: 1636 (17th)
Rushing Average Allowed: 3.7 (League Avg 3.8)
Passing Defense: 3573 (20th)
Passing Average Allowed: 6.6 (League Avg. 6.6)

*-denotes NFL leader

Shocking. After Sherman went down and we fell to 3-4 the following week. I was just hoping to salvage a winning season and maybe a playoff birth. Now, we get a bye week and Sherman should be healthy for the Division Playoffs. Who knows what could happen???

[Ben E Lou]

2014 POSTSEASON REPORT

Division Playoffs vs. New York Jets
Pre-Game Injuries of Note—QB Sherman is up to probable with his broken jaw and starts. T Brandon Child is questionable with a broken hand but will start also.

Sherman returns and throws 4 interceptions. Maybe I should have stuck with the rookie. We lose 31-15.

Tampa Bay beats Pittsburgh 34-7 to win the Super Bowl.

Awards

FB David Bonk—1st Team All Pro—rushing and receiving stats above. 13 for 24 KRB. 7th straight 1st Team All Pro selection for him.
C Preston Wells—1st Team All Pro—44 for 102 KRB, 3 sacks allowed, 21.1 OPCT
LB Leland Watkins—1st Team All Pro—97 tackles, 21 assists, 7.5 sacks, 1 hurry, 1 int, 2 passes defensed.
CB Gerald McNeil—1st Team All Pro—coverage stats above. 47 tackles, 11 assists.
S Victor Whipple—1st Team All Pro—47 catches, 7 INT’s, 11 defensed, 42.6 PDQ, 92 tackles, 26 assists

Herb's Ratings
Performance: 81
Frnc. Value: 100
Profit/Loss: 69
Difficulty: 70
YrEnd Score: 83

2014 Profit: $53.90M

[Ben E Lou]

AUSTIN PLAINSMEN 2015 PRELIMINARIES

HALL OF FAME
None.

RETIREES
None.

STAFF HIRING PERIOD
Neither contract runs out. Here’s the update:

HEAD COACH

Donald Boyd

Age: 60

REPUTATION

QB: G         KICKER: G

RB: G         YOUNG TALENT: E

WR: G         MOTIVATION: F

OL: F         DISCIPLINE: G

DL: G         OFFENSE PLAYCALL: E

LB: G         DEFENSE PLAYCALL: VG

DB: VG        AVOID INJURY: E

SCOUT

 Lenny Malone

Age: 57

REPUTATION

QB: G      DL: G

RB: G       LB: VG

WR: E       DB: VG

OL: G       YOUNG TALENT: E

K:  G

Ticket Price/Stadium Information
Fan Loyalty: 91
Support For New Stadium: 100

Cowboy prices stay the same. So do ours.

Upper Deck: 78
End Zone: 79
Mezzanine: 92
Sidelines: 143
License: 5,900
Club Seats: 4,500
Luxury Boxes: 243,000

[Ben E Lou]

2015 20-STEP PROCESS

Initial Cap Room: $32.49M
Amount Needed For Draft: $4.9M

Nor’easters’ UFA’s and key RFA’s (*--represents players I feel the need to re-sign or acquire someone to replace as starters)

*FB David Bonk—7 straight 1st Team All Pro Awards---gonna keep him
*TE Trent Shafer—Last year’s 5th-round pick, Mario Norris, isn’t ready yet. Might be forced to start Norris if the money isn’t right though.
*WR Dennis Wayne—Hmmmm. WR Al Lleullyn looks ready to start, but Wayne has been SO good for SO long. Hard to let go. We’ll see.
*G Eugene Morrison—RFA—Didn’t look all that great last year in his 1st season as a starter. Potentials aren’t very high either. I’ll see what else is around come Week 11. However, being an RFA he’ll come fairly cheaply.
T Mark Bauer—Had a pretty solid season, but T Patrick Everett is under contract and looks just about as good as Bauer.
*DT Jesse Madison—Wasn’t all that solid. I’ll bet I can find a better option in the last half of free agency or via the draft.
*LB Leland Watkins—an All-Pro last year in his first full season as a starter.
LB Heath Williams—Has never been all that strong. Billy Jo Downs looks ready to step in and start in his 3rd season.
S Andre Oskolkoff—With Whipple and Rivero under contract, Oskolkoff probably won’t stick around.


Biggest Priorities: FB Bonk, LB Watkins, DT
Secondary Priorities: G, TE Shafer
Lowest Priorities: WR Wayne

Cuts to Save Cap Room
LB Zack Anthony

New Signees During Last 10 Weeks
TE Alfred Schwartz—1yr, $2.75M—Schwartz was a four-year starter for Salt Lake City. Solid blocker and a very good pass catcher.

My Own RFA’s and UFA’s Re-signed
FB Bonk—3yrs,$6.99M
WR Wayne—3yrs,$17.1M
LB Watkins—3yrs,$21.98M
DT Madison—3yrs,$17.5M

FA Analysis
Well, I got everyone back who I felt I needed to hold onto. I’ll wait on signing RFA G Morrison until after the draft. Bottom line: we’re still a playoff team.

[Ben E Lou]

2015 AMATEUR DRAFT

Starters Needed: none.
Improvement/Better Started Wanted: G, T, DE
Depth Needed: FB, DT, LB

1(31): G Joe Gomez, UNC: 31/70,23/51, 72. I may not sign G Morrison now.
2(31): FB Amos Thurman, Temple: When David Bonk hangs ‘em up, Thurman looks like my next stud FB. 27/88, 24/85, 64, 26/98,20/70, 30/100, 64, 51, 90
3(31): T Dwight Nastovska, Louisiana-Monroe: 20/59,9/34, 64. Could start at RT one day.
4(31): DT Herman Newsome, Vanderbilt: 8/37,18/74, 51. Not my prototypical DT, but solid for this late.
5(31): TE Joey Kelley, Ole Miss: near redliner—will be a solid backup at worst—48/56,33/38,66,43/50,83,46,46.
6(31): DE Shane Christensen, Cincinnati:12/34,9/30,40. Backup.
7(31): LB Christian Perez, California: near redliner, 17/18,19/21, 17/24,22/25, 40.

After the draft I sign RFA C D.J. Lattimore to a 3-year deal and T Bauer to a 4-year deal.

Seven Year Signee: LB Walt Vinatieri, Tennesee: 16/21,11/14, 7/10, 10/14, 44.

I then sign a few rookies to fill out the roster and head to training camp.

[Ben E Lou]

2015 TRAINING CAMP

Training Camp Settings

Special Skills
Overall Time: In the middle
I zero out hail mary and FG/PAT block.
Top three settings are punt return, punt cover/block and red zone offense.

Offense
Like last year, with strength at RB, FB and 3 strong WR’s and a solid but not great TE, I’m going to run 2-back sets with a lot of usage of 3WR’s. I set I, Pro, Strong I and Weak I high, and zero out single back and shotgun. Goal line is set in the middle.

Defense
I maximize 4-3 and Man To Man. I minimize 3-4 and zone. Others are near the middle.

Post Training Camp

Significant Breakouts: None.

Significant Busts: 1st Round Pick G Gomez drops from 31/70,23/51, 72 to 20/62,11/35, 66. Not huge, but enough to make me worry and re-sign G Morrison.

Season Ticket Sales: 64,600 out of 66,700

[Ben E Lou]

2015 ROSTER

Position/Player         Current Est  Future Est     Exp   Sgnd

  QB  Gary Sherman                  9          11       4   2017   

  QB  O.J. Scrafford                4           8       3   2015   

  QB  Nathan Tong                   4           4       2   2016   

  RB  Andrew May                   11          13       4   2015   

  RB  Leonard Vance                 8          10       3   2015   

  RB  Buddy Wallace                 8           8       2   2016   

  RB  Wendell Wheeler               7           7       2   2016   

  FB  David Bonk                   13          13       9   2017   

  FB  Amos Thurman                  5          14       1   2018   

  TE  Alfred Schwartz              14          14       5   2015   

  TE  Joey Kelley                  10          10       1   2016   

  TE  Mario Norris                  8          12       2   2015   

  WR  Nolan Chrysler               16          16      14   2016   

  WR  Dennis Wayne                 13          13      14   2017   

  WR  Al Lluellyn                  10          13       3   2016   

  WR  Harvey Howard                 6           6       1   2015   

  WR  Luke Schweitzer               5           6       3   2015   

   C  Preston Wells                12          16       3   2016   

   C  D.J. Lattimore                6           7       2   2017   

   C  Roosevelt Martins             3           4       1   2015   

   G  Paul Blackburn               15          15      10   2016   

   G  Eugene Morrison               8          11       4   2015   

   G  Sammy Harry                   4           9       2   2015   

   G  Joe Gomez                     4           7       1   2018   

   T  Brandon Child                14          14      13   2015   

   T  Mark Bauer                    8          10       6   2018   

   T  Patrick Everett               6          10       4   2015   

   T  Dwight Nastovska              3           7       1   2018   

   P  Andre Franklin               13          14       2   2016   

   K  Jamie Haines                 10          10      15   2016   

  DE  Walter O'Donnell              8           9       5   2015   

  DE  Pat Tyler                     7           9       2   2018   

  DE  Shane Christensen             1           8       1   2016   

  DE  Brant Lyle                    0           0       1   2015   

  DT  Burt Earley                  10          12       8   2018   

  DT  Jessie Madison                7          10       6   2017   

  DT  Charlie Franklin              4           9       2   2016   

  DT  Herman Newsome                1          12       1   2018   

  LB  Perry Parrish                17          18       6   2017   

  LB  Leland Watkins               11          15       5   2018   

  LB  Billy Joe Downs               7          12       3   2016   

  LB  Christian Perez               5           5       1   2017   

  LB  Ryan Medley                   4           5       2   2016   

  LB  Walt Vinatieri                4           4       1   2021   

  CB  Gerald McNeil                11          11       5   2016   

  CB  Rich Dominquez               10          12       4   2015   

  CB  Rob Southard                  9          14       2   2017   

  CB  Bubba Pender                  6          11       3   2015   

  CB  J.C. Doyle                    2           3       2   2016   

   S  Victor Whipple               16          17      12   2016   

   S  Malcolm Rivero               10          12       7   2016   

   S  Jon Slocumb                   5           6       2   2016   

   S  Maurice McDonald              4           7       1   2015

Stadium: 70
Roster Strength: 100 (Baltimore and Pittsburgh are at 95, TB and NO are both at 83.)
Support: 90
Economy: 54
Cohesion: 76,72,66,84

Outlook: Hmmm. With another year under QB Sherman’s belt, I think the offense looks like it is championship caliber once again, but I’m not so sure about the defense.

[Ben E Lou]

2015GAME PLANS

Offensive Philosophy
Very similar as last year’s.

Offensive Game Plan
1st Down: 40,50,75,40
2nd Down: 40,75,40,30
3rd Down: 80,20,10,15
4th Down: 80,15,0,0
Pass Distance: 15,50,20,10,5

Running: I-30, Pro-30, Weak-20, Strong-20
Very Likely Running: I-40, Pro-25, Weak-15, Strong-20
Passing: I-10, Pro-60, Weak-15, Strong-15
Very Likely Passing: I-5, Pro-75, Weak-10, Strong-10
FB As Runner: 85

0WR: 20
1WR: 20
2WR: 60
3WR: 95
4WR: 30
5WR: 20

Defensive Game Plan
I leave the down tendencies alone always.
4-3:100 3-4: 0
Nickel: 50
Dime: 50
Prevent: 0
Blitz Tendency: 65
Blitz Multiple: 60
M2M: 85
Bump/Run: 15

[Ben E Lou]

2015 MID-SEASON REPORT

Record: 5-3
Division Standing: First. Oakland is 4-3. SD is 3-4. Denver and Seattle are 3-5.
QB Stats: Sherman, 128 for 219, 1367 yards, 6 TD’s, 8 Int’s, 70.6 Rating
Leading Rushers: Andrew May, 101 carries for 485 yards (4.8ypc), 7 Td’s*. Leonard Vance 71 carries for 311 yards (4.3ypc), 3 Td’s.
Leading Receiver: Wayne, Chrysler, Schwartz and Lluellyn all have 23-27 catches for 281-355 yards.
Leading Tackler:LB Leland Watkins—45 tackles

*-denotes NFL leader

Key Injuries: LB Parrish went out with a torn thumb ligament in Game 5. He is listed as doubtful at the mid-point of the season. WR Chrysler sprained his back in Game 7 and is still listed as out.

[Ben E Lou]

2015 END OF REGULAR SEASON REPORT

Season Recap

Record: 7-9
Standing: Tied for 3rd with SD. Oakland went 11-5, and KC went 8-8.

QB Sherman missed 3 games, FB Bonk missed four, and WR Chrysler didn’t return until the next-to-last week of the season. We couldn’t overcome these three key injuries.

QB Stats: Gary Sherman, 153 for 264 (57.9%), 1625 yards, 9TD’s, 9INT’s, 73.1 Rating (13 starts). QB Scrafford had a 59.8 rating in 3 starts.
Leading Rushers: Andrew May, 214 carries for 1087 yards (5.0ypc), 9 Td’s. Leonard Vance 97 carries for 428 yards (4.4ypc), 4 Td’s. David Bonk 119 carries for 468 yards (3.9ypc), 5 Td’s.
Leading Receiver: WR Al Lleullyn—49 catches for 675 yards, 3TD’s.
Leading Tackler: LB Watkins, 92 tackes
Leading Pass Rusher: DE Pat Tyler—10.5 sacks, 1 block, 5 hurries
Leading PDQ DB: CB Gerald McNeil—26 catches, 5 INT’s, 5 defensed, 40.3 PDQ

Points Scored: 341
Points Against: 350

Rushing Yards: 2230* (1st)
Rushing Average: 4.3 (League Average 3.8)
Passing Yards: 3130 (32nd)
Passing Average: 5.7 (League Average 6.7)
Rushing Defense: 1526 (8th)
Rushing Average Allowed: 3.7 (League Avg 3.8)
Passing Defense: 3442 (12th)
Passing Average Allowed: 6.9 (League Avg. 6.7)

*-denotes NFL leader

After 10 straight playoff appearances, we miss. All of a sudden, we look VERY vulnerable to having some lean-to-mediocre years. Our QB looks to be no better than mediocre. Our stud WR’s are ancient and could retire at any time. We DO look solid in the offensive line, linebacking corps and secondary.

[Ben E Lou]

2015 POSTSEASON REPORT

The Giants beat Oakland 23-0 to win the Super Bowl

Awards

FB David Bonk—1st Team All Pro—rushing stats above. 28 catches for 168 yards and 1 TD. 5 for 19 KRB. 8th straight 1st Team All Pro selection for him.
C Preston Wells—1st Team All Pro—42 for 95 KRB, 2 sacks allowed, 20.5 OPCT
G Paul Blackburn—1st Team All Pro—38 for 96 KRB, 5 sacks allowed, 20.1 OPCT

Herb's Ratings
Performance: 43
Frnc. Value: 100
Profit/Loss: 61
Difficulty: 69
YrEnd Score: 72

2015 Profit: $44.81M

[Ben E Lou]

AUSTIN PLAINSMEN 2016 PRELIMINARIES

HALL OF FAME
None.

RETIREES
None. WR’s Chrysler and Wayne stick around for year 15!

STAFF HIRING PERIOD
Neither contract runs out. Here’s the update:

HEAD COACH

Donald Boyd

Age: 61

REPUTATION

QB: G         KICKER: G

RB: G         YOUNG TALENT: E

WR: G         MOTIVATION: F

OL: F         DISCIPLINE: G

DL: F         OFFENSE PLAYCALL: E

LB: G         DEFENSE PLAYCALL: VG

DB: VG        AVOID INJURY: VG

SCOUT

 Lenny Malone

Age: 57

REPUTATION

QB: G      DL: G

RB: G       LB: VG

WR: E       DB: VG

OL: G       YOUNG TALENT: E

K:  G

Ticket Price/Stadium Information
Fan Loyalty: 92
Support For New Stadium: 100

Cowboy prices change a bit. So do ours.

Upper Deck: 77
End Zone: 79
Mezzanine: 93
Sidelines: 142
License: 6,100
Club Seats: 4,700
Luxury Boxes: 246,000

[Ben E Lou]

2016 20-STEP PROCESS

Initial Cap Room: $18.61M
Amount Needed For Draft: $5.25M

Nor’easters’ UFA’s and key RFA’s (*--represents players I feel the need to re-sign or acquire someone to replace as starters)

*RB Andrew May—I haven’t kept a RB beyond his initial contract, but May looks like the best one I’ve had to date, and with the passing game declining I could use a workhorse back. I’ll have to at least consider re-signing him.
RB Leonard Vance—RFA—Over 3 seasons, he has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 317 carries. Would be cheaper than May due to being an RFA.
TE Alfred Schwartz—Not a good run blocker (41) and 2nd-year man Joey Kelly looks ready.
*G Eugene Morrison—Tough call here. Had a solid season, and 2nd-year man Gomez looks like he’ll be the G of the future, but doesn’t look ready yet.
*T Brandon Child—gave up 8 sacks last year, but had 42.6 KRBpct. No one else looks ready to play LT.
DE Walter O’Donnell—has been decent, but not great, can probably be replaced for lower price.
CB Rich Dominquez—former breakout player, but 3rd-year guy Rob Southard looks ready to start, and is signed through next year.

Biggest Priorities: T Child
Secondary Priorities: G Morrison, RB May
Lowest Priorities: DE O’Donnell

Cuts to Save Cap Room
RB Wendell Wheeler

New Signees During Last 10 Weeks
None.

My Own RFA’s and UFA’s Re-signed
T Child—3yrs, $18M
G Morrison—4yrs, $20.5M

FA Analysis
Well, kept the offensive line in tact, which means I should be able to run the ball if I can find someone in the draft to run it.

[Ben E Lou]

2016 AMATEUR DRAFT

Starters Needed: RB, DE
Improvement/Better Started Wanted: QB, K
Depth Needed: TE, WR, CB, S

1(17): QB Marlon “Captain” Kirk, Savannah State: Nicknamed Captain for his exceptional leadership skills. His being drafted signifies our lack of faith in Gary Sherman as our long-term QB. Kirk’s ratings are 36/84, 26/54, 20/51, 34/76, 40/80, 98, 34/74, 38/75, 73, 69. Looks like a very good QB, one who can stretch defenses. His significantly better long and deep passing potential (76 and 80) than short and medium (54, 51) will tempt me toward a BIG departure from my normal way of doing things offensively.
2(17): DE Allen Burnett, LSU: 35/58, 33/48, 53. Looks like he’ll start from day 1.
3(17): RB Pete Winters, Truman State: Quite solid looking. 81 in breakaway speed
4(17): K Archie Robbins, Michigan St.: 54/89, 62, 92, 90. Great kicker!
5(17): CB Rickey Kinney, Nevada: 15/18, 37/52, 15/21, 43….58 endurance—could develop into decent M2M cover corner.
6(17): WR Christian Slocum, Tulsa: 6/8, 43, 11/14, 42, 59…45 endurance—near redliner—best available current value WR.
7(17): TE Shane Torres, Eastern Michigan:21/26, 18/21,34, 17/22, 49,34,49. Near redliner, best available TE.

Seven Year Signee: WR Randy Sharpton, Washington St.: 9/43, 55,9/41, 59,57….44 endurance…should be solid 3rd WR in a couple of years.

Needing a bit of cap room to get up to 53, I go ahead and cut K Haines and LB Walt Vinateri. I then sign a few rookies to fill out the roster and head to training camp.

[Ben E Lou]

2016 TRAINING CAMP

Training Camp Settings

Special Skills
Overall Time: In the middle
I zero out hail mary and FG/PAT block.
Top three settings are punt return, punt cover/block and red zone offense.

Offense
Gonna keep FB Bonk on the field at all times, with a lot of usage of 3WR’s. I set I, Pro, Strong I and Shotgun high, and zero out single back and weak . Goal line is set in the middle.

Defense
I maximize 4-3 and Man To Man. I minimize 3-4, dime and zone. Others are near the middle.

Post Training Camp

Significant Breakouts: None.

Significant Busts: None, but “Captain” Marlon Kirk improves a bit from 36/84, 26/54, 20/51, 34/76, 40/80, 98, 34/74, 38/75, 73, 69 to 37/82, 27/70, 20/52, 32/83, 38/92, 100, 34/78, 37/84, 72, 68. He’s going to get a hard look at being the starter from day 1.

Season Ticket Sales: 64,600 out of 66,700

[Ben E Lou]

2016 ROSTER

Position/Player         Current Est  Future Est     Exp   Sgnd

  QB  Gary Sherman                 10          11       5   2017   

  QB  Marlon Kirk                   9          14       1   2020   

  QB  Nathan Tong                   5           5       3   2016   

  RB  Pete Winters                  9          10       1   2019   

  RB  Luke Levine                   8           8       1   2018   

  RB  Buddy Wallace                 7           7       3   2016   

  RB  Dwayne Hundon                 5           5       1   2016   

  FB  David Bonk                   11          12      10   2017   

  FB  Amos Thurman                  9          13       2   2018   

  TE  Joey Kelley                   9          11       2   2016   

  TE  Shane Torres                  7           7       1   2018   

  TE  George Andrews                5           6       1   2016   

  WR  Nolan Chrysler               13          13      15   2016   

  WR  Dennis Wayne                 12          12      15   2017   

  WR  Al Lluellyn                  10          14       4   2016   

  WR  Randy Sharpton                6           9       1   2022   

  WR  Christian Slocum              5           5       1   2017   

   C  Preston Wells                13          14       4   2016   

   C  D.J. Lattimore                6           6       3   2017   

   C  Brent Kerr                    2           3       1   2016   

   G  Paul Blackburn               14          14      11   2016   

   G  Joe Gomez                     9           9       2   2018   

   G  Eugene Morrison               8          10       5   2019   

   G  Arnie Reeder                  5           9       1   2018   

   T  Brandon Child                13          13      14   2018   

   T  Mark Bauer                    8          10       7   2018   

   T  Dwight Nastovska              8           8       2   2018   

   T  Renaldo Bullock               3           7       1   2018   

   P  Andre Franklin               14          15       3   2016   

   K  Archie Robbins                8          17       1   2017   

  DE  Pat Tyler                     9          10       3   2018   

  DE  Allen Burnett                 8          10       1   2019   

  DE  Shane Christensen             3           7       2   2016   

  DE  Cory Oglethorpe               0           5       1   2016   

  DT  Burt Earley                  10          11       9   2018   

  DT  Jessie Madison                8          10       7   2017   

  DT  Herman Newsome                6          12       2   2018   

  DT  Charlie Franklin              6           9       3   2016   

  LB  Perry Parrish                16          16       7   2017   

  LB  Leland Watkins               12          14       6   2018   

  LB  Billy Joe Downs               8          12       4   2016   

  LB  Cory Lacey                    5           5       1   2016   

  LB  Ryan Medley                   5           6       3   2016   

  LB  Christian Perez               4           4       2   2017   

  CB  Gerald McNeil                11          11       6   2016   

  CB  Rob Southard                 10          14       3   2017   

  CB  Tommie Winters                6           6       1   2018   

  CB  Rickey Kinney                 5           7       1   2018   

  CB  J.C. Doyle                    3           3       3   2016   

   S  Victor Whipple               15          16      13   2016   

   S  Malcolm Rivero               11          12       8   2016   

   S  Mel Fields                    6           6       1   2018   

   S  Jon Slocumb                   4           4       3   2016  

Stadium: 67
Roster Strength: 82 (Pittsburgh is at 100, Baltimore is at 80.)
Support: 92
Economy: 55
Cohesion: 85,92,88,83 (Passing drops to 79 if I insert Kirk as starting QB.)

Outlook: Somewhat tough to tell. We look strong on the offensive line, and improved defensively with experience. QB controversy brewing. I’m going to take a hard look at Kirk in the preseason.

[Ben E Lou]

2016 OFFENSIVE GAME PLAN

Offensive Philosophy
VERY interesting situation here. I think the best thing for the long-term benefit of the team is to go with a running-oriented offense and start Kirk at QB to begin his development. If things are looking seriously troubled, then Sherman could return and we’d put it up more.

Offensive Game Plan
1st Down: 50,50,65,40
2nd Down: 50,65,45,40
3rd Down: 60,15,5,25
4th Down: 70,10,0,0
Pass Distance: 15,50,25,5,5

Running: I-30, Pro-35, Strong-20, Shotgun-15
Very Likely Running: I-45, Pro-30, Strong-15, Shotgun-10
Passing: I-15, Pro-30, Strong-15, Shotgun-40
Very Likely Passing: I-5, Pro-35, Strong-5, Shotgun-55
FB As Runner: 85

0WR: 20
1WR: 30
2WR: 50
3WR: 99
4WR: 60
5WR: 20

[Ben E Lou]

2016 MID-SEASON REPORT

Record: 7-1
Division Standing: First. KC is 5-2, Denver is 4-3, Seattle is 4-4.
QB Stats: Kirk (5 starts), 77 for 132, 767 yards, 6 TD’s, 2 Int’s, 83.7 Rating, Sherman (3 starts), 71 for 118, 963 yards, 7 TD’s, 7 Int’s, 81.2 Rating
Leading Rushers: David Bonk, 106 carries for 347 yards (3.2 ypc), 3 Td’s. Pete Winters 53 carries for 340 yards (6.4ypc), 3 Td’s.
Leading Receiver: Wayne, 46 catches, 639 yards, 7TD’s*
Leading Tackler:LB Leland Watkins—42 tackles

*-denotes NFL leader

Kirk missed three starts due to a broken finger and is questionable now. The only loss was in a Sherman start. If Kirk comes back as strong as he started, he has the job permantly.

[Ben E Lou]

2016 END OF REGULAR SEASON REPORT

Season Recap

Record: 13-3
Standing: First. KC, Denver and Seattle all went 10-6.

QB Kirk returned after a loss while still probable, looked good in that game, was still probable for the next, re-injured his finger and down-graded to doubtful, then didn’t return until game 16, where he threw FIVE interceptions. (He only had three all season before that game.) Not sure who I’ll start in the first playoff game.

QB Stats: Kirk (8 starts), 127 for 223, 1329 yards, 9 TD’s, 8 Int’s, 72.8 Rating, Sherman (8 starts), 171 for 274, 2058 yards, 18 TD’s, 13 Int’s, 87.4 Rating
Leading Rushers: David Bonk, 199 carries for 687 yards (3.4 ypc), 3 Td’s. Pete Winters, 118 carries for 648 yards (5.4ypc), 5 Td’s, Luke Levine, 81 carries for 422 yards,(5.2ypc), 5Td’s.
Leading Receiver: WR Al Lleullyn—54 catches for 749 yards, 5TD’s.
Leading Tackler: LB Watkins, 100 tackes
Leading Pass Rusher: DE Pat Tyler—6.5 sacks, 5 block, 6 hurries
Leading PDQ DB: S Victor Whipple—34 catches, 6 INT’s, 13 defensed, 47.1 PDQ

Points Scored: 459
Points Against: 244

Rushing Yards: 2157 (4th)
Rushing Average: 4.1 (League Average 3.8)
Passing Yards: 3466 (20th)
Passing Average: 6.8 (League Average 6.8)
Rushing Defense: 1449 (5th)
Rushing Average Allowed: 3.7 (League Avg 3.8)
Passing Defense: 3557 (23rd)
Passing Average Allowed: 6.3 (League Avg. 6.8)

*-denotes NFL leader

Dennis Wayne missed the last 8 games due to injury, but is healthy for the playoffs.

[Ben E Lou]

2016 POSTSEASON REPORT

Division Playoffs vs. Jacksonville
Sherman gets the nod at QB due to his fine play down the stretch. He throws 3 Int’s, but the defense is stellar and the running game is very strong. We take a 30-13 victory. The defense comes up with 3 Int’s, and holds ‘em to 3 for 15 on third down.

AFC Championship vs. Baltimore
After last week’s performance from Sherman, I’m going with Kirk, who tends to throw fewer Int’s. Kirk turns in a 21-for-30, 1 TD and 0 INT performance in his first-ever playoff game. Bonk has 89 yards rushing and Levine 70. We hold the ball for 36:21 and hold the Ravens to 10 for 30 passing and 164 total yards in a 30-10 romp.
The Giants beat Oakland 23-0 to win the Super Bowl

Super Bowl vs. Arizona
Kirk earns the Super Bowl start with his solid AFC Championship game. He looks good early, starting out 6 for 8. However, we’re down 13-3. Early in the 2nd quarter, Kirk runs a QB draw and bruises his shoulder, knocking him out of the game. Sherman comes in and holds the ship steady, going 21 for 31 with no interceptions the rest of the way. The defense steps it up a notch the rest of the way, allowing only 2 more field goals as the offense slowly grinds it out and comes back. K Robbins hits four field goals in regulation, and when Luke Levine takes off on a 54-yard run early in the fourth quarter, Robbins’ extra point finally brings it back even. No one score the rest of regulation, and we go to OT. We get first possession in OT, and take it from our 20 to the Cardinals’ 44, but can get no closer for a FG try. Our defense stuffs Arizona on 3 plays, and they shank a 28-yard punt back to us. We take over on the Arizona 46. Sherman hits Chrysler to set us up on the 31-yard line, and K Robbins hits his fifth FB of the day to win the game and win the MVP Award. GO PLAINSMEN!!!!

Awards
FB David Bonk—1st Team All Pro—rushing stats above. 24 catches for 169 yards and 0 TD’s. 7 for 28 KRB. 9th straight 1st Team All Pro selection for him.
C Preston Wells—1st Team All Pro—41 for 110 KRB, 3 sacks allowed, 23.7 OPCT
CB Gerald McNeil—1st Team All Pro—26 catches, 7 interceptions, 6 defensed, 43.0 PDQ
CB Rob Southard—2nd Team All Pro—32 catches, 5 interceptions, 3 defensed, 33.2 PDQ
LB Leland Watkins—2nd Team All Pro—100 tackles, 26 assists, 5.5 sacks, 1 block, 3 hurries

Herb's Ratings
Performance: 100
Frnc. Value: 85
Profit/Loss: 77
Difficulty: 69
YrEnd Score: 84

2016 Profit: $125.26M

[Ben E Lou]

AUSTIN PLAINSMEN 2017 PRELIMINARIES

HALL OF FAME
None.

RETIREES
The great Nolan Chrysler finally decides to hang ‘em up after an outstanding 15-year career. He was drafted 7(1) in our inaugural season, 2002. He became a breakout player after that first training camp. Chrysler had 8 1000-yard seasons as a receiver. His career stats were: 968 catches, 13956 yards, 71 TD’s. At the time of his retirement he is 4th all-time in receptions, 1st all-time in receiving yards, and 11th all-time in receiving TD’s. He owns a single-game postseason record with 212 receiving yards in a game against Tampa Bay in the 2007 Super Bowl. His best all-around season was 2008, the only time he was named to the Pro Bowl. He had 79 catches for 1378 yards and 12 TD’s that year.

STAFF HIRING PERIOD
The scout’s contract runs out and I re-sign him. Coach is still under contract. Here’s the update:

HEAD COACH

Donald Boyd

Age: 62

REPUTATION

QB: G     KICKER: G

RB: G     YOUNG TALENT: VG

WR: G     MOTIVATION: F

OL: F     DISCIPLINE: F

DL: F     OFFENSE PLAYCALL: E

LB: G     DEFENSE PLAYCALL: VG

DB: VG    AVOID INJURY: VG

SCOUT

Lenny Malone

Age: 60

REPUTATION

QB: G     DL: G

RB: G     LB: VG

WR: E     DB: G

OL: G     YOUNG TALENT: E

K:  G

Expansion teams join the league in Greensboro and Cheyenne. I lost three insignificant players to expansion draft.

Ticket Price/Stadium Information
Fan Loyalty: 94
Support For New Stadium: 100

I submit a maximum-signed stadium plan, with no contribution from the team. We’ll see what the community says. Dallas’ ticket prices remain the same, as do mine.

Upper Deck: 77
End Zone: 79
Mezzanine: 93
Sidelines: 142
License: 6,100
Club Seats: 4,700
Luxury Boxes: 246,000

[ 05-08-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]

[Ben E Lou]

2017 20-STEP PROCESS

Initial Cap Room: $35.05M
Amount Needed For Draft: $4.9M

Nor’easters’ UFA’s and key RFA’s (*--represents players I feel the need to re-sign or acquire someone to replace as starters)

TE Joey Kelley—RFA—FB Amos Thurman can start at TE. I probably won’t pay to re-sign Kelley.
*WR Al Lleullyn—With Nolan Chrysler’s retirement, Llleulyn is needed to start. His continuity will be needed, as WR Wayne will surely also retire after this, his 16th season.
*C Preston Wells—3 straight 1st-team all pro honors. Gotta do all I can to keep him.
G Paul Blackburn—Both Joe Gomez and Eugene Morrison are capable solid starting guards. Blackburn is clearly better, but if it comes down to a financial decision, he won’t get re-signed.
*P Andre Franklin—RFA—One of the best in the business. I’ll re-sign.
*LB Billy Joe Downs—Ratings all in the 40’s and 50’s. I can probably do better in the last 10 weeks.
*CB Gerald McNeiil—CB has averaged 6 Int’s per year as a starter. I want him back.
*S Victor Whipple—14-year vet (and 14-year starter) has been awfully good for awfully long time. Career 41.7 PDQ and 4 All-Pro honors.
*S Malcolm Rivera—Had a very good year last season. One of the best around.

Biggest Priorities: CB McNeil, S Whipple, S Rivera, WR Lleullyn
Secondary Priorities: P Franklin, C Wells, LB
Lowest Priorities: G Blackburn

Cuts to Save Cap Room
QB Gary Sherman—With Marlon Kirk taking over and leading us in the Super bowl, this move makes sense to help keep other pieces in place.

New Signees During Last 10 Weeks
None.

My Own RFA’s and UFA’s Re-signed
C Wells—4yrs, $20M
WR Lluellyn—5yrs, $39.25M
S Whipple—3yrs, $11.15M
S Rivero—4yrs, $17.48M
LB Downs—1yr, $3.75M
P Franklin—2yrs, $1.75M

You’ll notice the absence of CB Gerald McNeil. He got signed away by St. Louis. ARRRGGGGHHH!

FA Analysis
It was a qualified success. Kept a solid team together for the most part, but I’m going to have to get a starting CB and my best pick is the 36th pick in the draft.

[Ben E Lou]

2017 AMATEUR DRAFT

Starters Needed: CB,
Improvement/Better Started Wanted: RB, G, DE
Depth Needed: TE, WR, LB

1(36): CB Gus Greene, Penn St:46/88, 38/66, 45/80, 63, 27, 82, 78. If he pans out, we’re in contention for another Super Bowl.
2(36): DT Kim Davidson, Texas Tech: 22/80, 13/45, 54. Good run-stopping DT from Texas.
3(36): DE Danny Greer, Virginia Tech: 6/28, 15/69, 54. Should start in a year or two.
4(36): QB Deon Crane, Maryland.: Nice-looking kid for this late. Most potentials in 60’s and 70’s.
5(36): TE Courtney Blackburn, Maryland: 33/72 in run blocking, 37/73 in catch frequency. Should develop into solid starter.
6(36): LB Monty Torres, Texas Southern: 14/20, 23/33, 28/36,15/19, 47. Near redliner from Texas.
7(36): WR Cory Leathers, Vanderbilt: near redliner, 23/29, 70, 20/30, 43,53….31.

Seven Year Signee: [b]RB Timothy Wiggs, Tuskegee[b] pretty much redliner: 42,26/27, 51,31, 28,20,9,17,23

Stadium vote failed 50.4% to 49.5%

I re-sign S Slocumb to a one-year, $960K contract, then sign a bunch of rookies and head to camp.

[Ben E Lou]

2017 TRAINING CAMP

Training Camp Settings

Special Skills
Overall Time: In the middle
I zero out hail mary and FG/PAT block.
Top three settings are punt return, punt cover/block and red zone offense.

Offense
Lots of 2-back, 2-WR, 1 TE sets will rule the day this season. I put all my emphasis on I, Pro, Strong I and Weak I.

Defense
I maximize 4-3 and Man To Man. I minimize 3-4, dime and zone. Others are a bit above the middle.

Post Training Camp

Significant Breakouts: None. 7-year RB Timothy Wiggs improves a bit from 42,26/27, 51,31, 28,20,9,17,23 to 49,31/33,61,40/49, 30,22/26,10,21,26.

Significant Busts: None.

Season Ticket Sales: 64,600 out of 66,700

[Ben E Lou]

2017 ROSTER

Position/Player         Current Est  Future Est     Exp   Sgnd

  QB  Marlon Kirk                  11          17       2   2020   

  QB  Deon Crane                    3          10       1   2019   

  QB  J.R. Brady                    2           3       1   2017   

  RB  Pete Winters                 12          12       2   2019   

  RB  Luke Levine                   8           8       2   2018   

  RB  Timothy Wiggs                 8           8       1   2023   

  RB  Rod Jordan                    5           5       1   2017   

  FB  Amos Thurman                 12          13       3   2018   

  FB  David Bonk                   11          11      11   2017   

  TE  Joey Kelley                  10          11       3   2017   

  TE  Courtney Blackburn            7          11       1   2018   

  TE  Willie O'Neill                3           3       1   2017   

  WR  Dennis Wayne                 11          11      16   2017   

  WR  Al Lluellyn                  10          13       5   2021   

  WR  Corey Leathers                8           8       1   2019   

  WR  Randy Sharpton                7          10       2   2022   

  WR  Preston Leyva                 6           8       1   2019   

  WR  Charlie Fleming               6          10       1   2019   

   C  Preston Wells                14          14       5   2020   

   C  D.J. Lattimore                6           7       4   2017   

   G  Joe Gomez                    10          10       3   2018   

   G  Eugene Morrison               9          10       6   2019   

   G  Arnie Reeder                  7           7       2   2018   

   G  Neil Dearing                  3           3       1   2017   

   T  Brandon Child                13          13      15   2018   

   T  Mark Bauer                    9          10       8   2018   

   T  Dwight Nastovska              9           9       3   2018   

   T  Renaldo Bullock               3           6       2   2018   

   P  Andre Franklin               14          15       4   2018   

   K  Archie Robbins               13          17       2   2017   

  DE  Pat Tyler                    11          11       4   2018   

  DE  Allen Burnett                 9           9       2   2019   

  DE  Jeff Pierce                   2           2       1   2017   

  DE  Danny Greer                   2          13       1   2020   

  DT  Burt Earley                  10          11      10   2018   

  DT  Jessie Madison                8           8       8   2017   

  DT  Herman Newsome                6          10       3   2018   

  DT  Kim Davidson                  3          13       1   2020   

  LB  Perry Parrish                16          16       8   2017   

  LB  Leland Watkins               12          14       7   2018   

  LB  Billy Joe Downs               9          11       5   2017   

  LB  Monty Torres                  5           5       1   2018   

  LB  Randal Bustamante             4           5       1   2017   

  LB  Karl Barlow                   4           5       1   2017   

  CB  Rob Southard                 10          13       4   2017   

  CB  Gus Greene                    8          16       1   2020   

  CB  Rickey Kinney                 7           9       2   2018   

  CB  Sherman Wheeler               4           4       1   2019   

  CB  Andrew Ford                   4           4       1   2017   

   S  Victor Whipple               15          15      14   2019   

   S  Malcolm Rivero               12          12       9   2020   

   S  Jon Slocumb                   7           7       4   2017   

   S  Mel Fields                    5           5       2   2018   

Stadium: 83
Roster Strength: 100 (Baltimore is at 90. Arizona and Tennessee are at 84.)
Support: 92
Economy: 56
Cohesion: 69,85,92,93

Outlook: This looks like a very solid team. I think if we can avoid major injuries, we have a very good chance of repeating.

[Ben E Lou]

2017 OFFENSIVE GAME PLAN

Offensive Philosophy
The offensive line looks very strong, and I’ve got strong backs. I’ll use all four 2-back sets and run it quite a bit, but with Kirk at the helm, I’m not afraid to put it up either.

Offensive Game Plan
1st Down: 50,50,65,40
2nd Down: 50,65,45,40
3rd Down: 60,15,5,25
4th Down: 70,10,0,0
Pass Distance: 15,50,25,5,5

Running: I-25, Pro-25, Strong-25, Weak-25
Very Likely Running: I-40, Pro-10, Strong-25, Weak-25
Passing: I-15, Pro-55, Strong-15, Weak-15
Very Likely Passing: I-5, Pro-85, Strong-5, Weak-5
FB As Runner: 80

0WR: 20
1WR: 30
2WR: 80
3WR: 60
4WR: 30
5WR: 20

[Ben E Lou]

2017 MID-SEASON REPORT

Record: 7-1
Division Standing: First. Denver is 5-3, KC is 4-4.
QB Stats: Kirk (5 starts), 129 for 212, 1648 yards, 13 TD’s, 6 Int’s, 93.7 Rating
Leading Rushers: Pete Winters 119 carries for 568 yards (4.7ypc), 2 Td’s.
Leading Receiver: Wayne, 27 catches, 358 yards, 1TD.
Leading Tackler:S Victor Whipple—45 tackles

*-denotes NFL leader

[Ben E Lou]

2017 END OF REGULAR SEASON REPORT

Season Recap

Record: 11-4-1
Standing: First. SD went 10-6, SD 9-7.

QB Stats: Kirk (8 starts), 263 for 440, 3125 yards, 20 TD’s, 12 Int’s, 85.2 Rating
Leading Rushers: Pete Winters, 228 carries for 1205 yards (5.2ypc), 7 Td’s, Luke Levine, 82 carries for 442 yards,(5.3ypc), 1Td. David Bonk, 148 carries for 394 yards (2.6 ypc), 3 Td’s.
Leading Receivers: WR Al Lleullyn—39 catches for 617 yards, 1TD. David Bonk—49 catches, 360 yards, 0 TD’s, Amos Thurman (playing TE)—44 catches, 501 yards, 5 TD’s
Leading Tackler: LB Parrish—88 tackles
Leading Pass Rusher: DE Pat Tyler—16.5 sacks, 3 blocks, 10 hurries
Leading PDQ DB: CB Gus Greene—29 catches, 2 INT’s, 8 defensed, 30.6 PDQ

Points Scored: 367
Points Against: 271

Rushing Yards: 2327 (3rd)
Rushing Average: 4.2 (League Average 3.8)
Passing Yards: 3183 (29th)
Passing Average: 7.0 (League Average 6.8)
Rushing Defense: 1493 (9th)
Rushing Average Allowed: 3.6 (League Avg 3.8)
Passing Defense: 3752 (30th)
Passing Average Allowed: 6.6 (League Avg. 6.8)

*-denotes NFL leader

[Ben E Lou]

2017 POSTSEASON REPORT

Division Playoffs vs. Miami
We were able to put this one away very early with a 27-0 first quarter. We coast to a 48-21 win the rest of the way. Winters carries 27 times for 225 yards and a TD to do the majority of the damage for us.

AFC Championship vs. Indianapolis
The Colts come down to Texas for the AFC championship showdown and our much-maligned secondary comes up big, holding them to 125 passing yards and coming up with 3 INT’s. The offense grinds out enough yardage to win 13-7. Winters has 18 carries for 115 yards.

Super Bowl vs. Arizona
In a rematch of last year’s classic overtime confrontation, we take on Arizona once again, this time in Arizona. Our weakened secondary finally catches up to us. The Cards jump out to a 31-7 halftime advantage, mainly through the air, and coast 34-22 to the Super Bowl title. They lit us up for 351 passing yards and 3 passing TD’s. The great Dennis Wayne has 8 catches for 157 yards and a TD in what will likely be his last game.

Awards
FB Amos Thurman—1st Team All Pro—receiving stats above—played TE all year. 10 for 24 KRB. Breaks Bonk’s streak of 1st Team awards.
FB David Bonk—2nd Team All Pro—rushing and receiving stats above. 24 catches for 169 yards and 0 TD’s. 11 for 22 KRB. 10th straight All Pro selection for him.
T Brandon Child—1st Team All Pro—19 for 78 KRB, 1 sack allowed, 17.6 OPCT
LB Perry Parish—2nd Team All Pro—88 tackles, 33 assists, 5 sacks, 2 hurries, 1 INT, 8 passes defensed
K Archie Robbins—2nd Team all Pro—38 for 48 FG’s, 33 for 33 PAT’s

Man! We came awfully close to winning back-to-back titles. I must say that this team is doing remarkably well considering the House Arrest restrictions.

Herb's Ratings
Performance: 95
Frnc. Value: 97
Profit/Loss: 63
Difficulty: 69
YrEnd Score: 83

2017 Profit: $85.94M

[ 05-09-2001: Message edited by: SkyDog ]