Carolina Panthers - An Experiment (HC09)

[twl221]

Sup guys. I'm back from constant lurking and whatnot (still been playing, college kinda forces the lessening of forum posting). Expect some cool stuff I hope tomorrow if not by Thursday.

[twl221]

Anyways, this dynasty is going to be my attempt at running a football team like I would in real life.

General team philosophy:
On my teams, I want an offense that can control the ball by pounding the rock. Not giving the opponent a chance to score usually means victory. My offensive playbook in West Coast + Maryland I, so we'll see how that goes. I want a QB who can control the ball and not make mistakes, while getting the ball to playmakers in space (Field General), while my interior line needs to be crushing run blockers, I want my tackles able to do anything. On defense, I look to my DTs to stuff the inside run, while on the edge I want the biggest, strongest, fastest SOBs available. I blitz a lot and play man coverage.

General thoughts going into the draft / free agency.
Alex Brink / Andre Woodson in the late rounds. Never had either.
An upgrade to my #2 DT and an End.
A better back, as well as a speed threat.
A left Guard in general.
OLine / DLine depth.

[Mike3207]

What are the numbers after their school?

[twl221]

OK well, here's the recap of the offseason:
FAs:

Stacy Andrews (LG, 87) - 5 years, $26 total, $4 bonus.
Asante Samuel (CB, 92) - 5 years, $45 total, $8 bonus.
Dontarrious Thomas (MLB, 73) - 1 year, $1.2 total.

While Andrews and Samuel were expensive, I believe they are worth it. An elite corner changes the game and a stud guard helps in more ways than one. Thomas was signed as depth.

Draft:
I traded down from 13 as nobody was available that I liked. I sent it to the Cowboys for #28, a 3-#28 and a 7th rounder next season.
#28 - Kenny Phillips (SS, Miami). I needed some help in the secondary even after the signing of Samuel.
2-11 - Calias Campbell (RE, Miami) - Another defensive guy, who will start right away.
3-3 - Jamaal Charles (HB, Texas) - A speed threat who can do multiple things on the field.
3-10 - Dre Moore (DT, Maryland) - #2 DT, who with Keamoatu makes a very large interior.
3-28 - Jermichael Finley (TE, Texas) - A TE who can stretch the field is a wonderful asset.
4-10 - Mario Manningham (WR - Michigan) - A 3rd receiver on the team who will eventually replace Muhammed.
6-15 - Alex Brink (QB, Wazzu) - Developmental QBs are always worth the draft spot.
7-14 - Anthony Aldridge (HB, Houston) - A speed back compared to sproles, will return Punts and Kicks.

Guys I wanted but couldn't get:
McFadden fell to 10, but I didn't want to give up anything to trade for him.
Avery was high on my list, but I felt wasn't worth the #28, and I have Steve Smith, who fills the same role.
Rice went late second, and I didn't remember to trade up for him.

Looks like runningback by committee this season!

UDFAs:
FB Mark Croxdale
WR Paul Hubbard
MLB Jeremy Leman
OLB David Vobora
LG Kurt Edwards

[twl221]

Head Coaches Thoughts on the upcoming season:

I've always been a fan of 3 and a cloud, but I don't know who's going to do that. I'll give DeAngelo Williams a shot, but I'll probably pick up Ron Dayne and carry 4 Halfbacks. I've never much cared for running the ball (especially in Head Coach) without as many dedicated blockers as in the box (usually 7). That's why I love using more than 5 offensive lineman on running plays (because I don't think the game recognizes that a Tight End is not a Tight End, or the same for Fullbacks). I usually make some running plays with Maryland I as a base, and 8 or 9 blockers.

Another thing that I've always believed in is giving the ball to playmakers in space. That's why I'm looking for Steve Smith to shoulder a heavy load; he should see anywhere from 125-150 passes, and about 50 runs this season. A 5 yard slant can turn into an 80-yard touchdown given the right player. And while Delhomme can do these things, I don't want to find myself in situations where I need to air it out all the time, because I don't necessarily like doing that, nor do I think I can.

I also loving calling Blitz-Press man coverage, because given the right defensive backs, many turnovers can be forced; just look at what the Seahawks did last year.

In general, my season goals (at the crux of my career, that is), are to have the best pass defense (and to a lesser extent, rush defense), the top running game, and a good enough passing game that is not the focal point of the offense. Of course, these things could change given the right players; if I do draft a Franchise QB, why not let him do what he was drafted for? I'd be wasting money and talent otherwise.

Improvement wise, I am already at 5 performance. I'm saving for Ambition (should be enough by the end of Preseason), and will focus mainly on Defensive back special skills, Offensive Line skills, and Running skills. If I can force turnovers and run effectively, the other team simply has no shot to win.

[twl221]

Rookie deals, Preseason games, and other stuff.

Kenny Phillips - 5 years, $10.57 total, $5.00 bonus.
Calais Campbell - 4 years, $3.38 total, 500K bonus.
Jamaal Charles - 3 years, $1.95 total.
Dre Moore - 3 years, $1.99 total.
Jermichael Finley - 3 years, $1.49 total, 250k bonus.
Mario Manningham - 3 years, $1.59 total.
Alex Brink - 3 years, 650K total.
Anthony Aldridge (1/54 learning... 5 Intangibles, wow) - 3 years, 840K total.

I picked up Cedric Houston from the waiver wire - 1 year, 900K.

I got hammered in the preseason, finishing an astounding 0-4. My owner also expects me to finish above .500? I'll do my best. I'm on the Sweetney path... do I smell a running back of the future?