Piloting the Jets: A Madden Franchise

[gamerMark]

Title/Console: Madden 15 on PS3

Settings:
Offline CFM - Owner
Skill level - All Pro
Sliders - Armor & Swords (customized)
Quarter length - 13 mins (acc 15 sec)
Default roster
All games played

Player statement:

This is my first dynasty on any forum so please bear with me as I learn as I go. I've enjoyed Madden franchise mode since its inception and my goal has always been to run the most realistic franchise as possible. I don't have any house rules in place, just my discretion to keep the franchise running how I see fit.

I've lurked this forum for quite some time and have really enjoyed the work of many here and it has tempted me to begin my own project. My lack of knowledge in web design, coding and all that fancy stuff some if you are capable of has deterred me until now. It is my hope that I can make up for my deficiency in that area with the details of the project to make it enjoyable. If not, at least I have a new space to summarize my franchise.

Disclaimer: All accounts of this franchise are fictional and are for entertainment purposes only.

[gamerMark]

Johnson relinquishes ownership of Jets, local recycling innovator Murphy wins auction

The Associated Press
Phil Harnett (AP Sports Writer) July 1, 2014 1:08 AM

NEW YORK, N.Y. (AP) -- Facing a federal indictment and pressure from the other 31 NFL owners, Woody Johnson has given up control of The New York Jets. Federal prosecutor’s re-opened an investigation earlier this year upon receiving new evidence of Johnson’s participation in a sham tax shelter. Johnson had previously testified in 2006 before a Senate panel regarding the allegations which resulted in a settlement with the IRS. The new evidence has now revealed that Johnson was not only a participant, but that he was the lead conspirator in the tax evasion plan. It is charged that Johnson, through his company Johnson Company Inc., used purchases of approximately $2 billion in capital gains losses to erase taxable gains garnered from stock sales. As a result, the U.S. treasury lost an estimated $600 million in revenue. With immense back tax penalties, fees, and a possible criminal prosecution on the horizon, the NFL owners held an emergency meeting and unanimously agreed that Johnson was no longer fit to continue his ownership of the Jets. Soon after being informed of the decision, a desperate and demoralized Johnson agreed to step down and allow the NFL to auction off his franchise.

A statement released late Monday night by the NFL’s commissioner’s office announced the winning bid for the ownership of the New York Jets. New Jersey businessman Mark Murphy won the competition with a staggering $2 billion bid, the largest purchase price for a NFL team to date. A Long Island native and resident of Wychoff, N.J., Murphy (45) is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where he earned a mechanical engineering degree while playing defensive back for the football team. Following graduation and five years of active duty service as a helicopter pilot, Murphy began working for his Uncle, the late Norman Nicholls, at Nicholl Paper Mills located in Elmwood Park, N.J. Upon the passing of his Uncle in 2009, Murphy assumed control as Chairman and CEO of the company and led its transformation into the industry leader in recycled paper products. Murphy is also owner of Greenland Inc., a timberlands and real estate investment company.

Murphy was reached for comment following the announcement and said, “Our family is blessed to have this opportunity. As lifelong fans of the Jets, we are committed to being a first class organization in every way and most importantly, winning the Super Bowl.”

The sale is subject to approval by a three-quarters majority of the NFL’s other 31 owners which will be expected to come at league meetings July 15. With deep pockets and an impeccable reputation, it’s considered by insiders as a formality as the NFL looks to move on quickly from the disgraced Johnson.

[gamerMark]

NFL owners unanimously approve sale of Jets, Murphy eliminates team president position

The Associated Press
Alan Toomey (AP Sports Writer) July 15, 2014 4:25 PM

NEW YORK, N.Y. (AP) -- The sale of the New York Jets to New Jersey businessman Mark Murphy was finalized earlier this afternoon as the NFL owners met in New York to vote on the purchase. Thirty one approval votes were submitted to the relief of Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We’ve righted the ship with the addition of Mr. Murphy as owner of the Jets.” Goodell said, “The last few weeks have been difficult for this office and the owners, but we feel we have restored credibility to the league and we look forward to the start of the season.”

New Jets owner Mark Murphy has wasted no time in assuming his new position. His first move was adding an office for himself at the Atlantic Health and Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. The state-of- the-art facility is the organization headquarters and serves as the practice location for the Jets. This is a departure from Woody Johnson whose office was located at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan and it signals that Murphy may have a more hands on approach than his predecessor.

When contacted at his new office via conference call, Murphy announced that earlier today he accepted the resignation of team President Neil Glat. Murphy explained, “Mr. Glat recognizes our need to move on from the previous organizational structure and we thank him for that.” Glat has been subpoenaed by federal prosecutors to testify in the case against Woody Johnson. With his close ties to Johnson, it is more likely that Glat was asked to resign. When asked about a replacement for the position Murphy stated, “I will assume the role and delegate all the responsibilities related to the business side of our football team.”

Following the conference call, Murphy’s office released notice of a scheduled press conference for Thursday at the Jets practice facility in Florham Park to officially introduce Murphy as owner.

[gamerMark]

Flight Leader
Murphy’s measured responses show he can handle hawkish NY media

Newsday Sports
Jack Reilly July 15, 2014

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- It’s been rough a few weeks for the NFL and Jets fans in particular. With the Woody Johnson scandal behind him, Commissioner Roger Goodell officially introduced Mark Murphy as New York Jets owner. Following a brief opening statement in which he remarked on his family and growing up as a Jets fan Murphy exclaimed, “A new era of Jets football is here, one that will strive to be the best and most fan oriented professional sports organization in existence.”

Murphy set the tone for the press conference when he rigorously declined to answer any questions regarding former owner Woody Johnson. “He (Johnson) is no longer owner of this franchise, what happened is well documented, I have nothing to add,” Murphy said.

The topic quickly turned to John Idzik and the rest of the personnel department. Since announcing his takeover of the responsibilities previously held by team president Neil Glat, speculation has been raised that Murphy may have his eye on control of player personnel. Murphy stated, “John has had success in this league and I look forward to getting to know him.” When further pressed on whether his role will expand outside of the business side of the organization Murphy firmly replied, “We have a personnel department in place.”

The conversation then shifted to Murphy's inherited head coach. Rex Ryan was given a 3 year extension by Johnson following an 8-8 2013 season. The incentive laden deal includes a clause that makes his salary non-guaranteed after 2015. Murphy was asked about the lack of job security in his head coach’s contract. "Coach Ryan and I have met a couple of times over the last two days and with our players reporting to camp on Sunday, our focus is on the upcoming season. If at some point the language in his new contract becomes an issue, it will be discussed privately. A strong relationship between ownership and the head coach is very important and it’s my goal to share one with Coach Ryan."

Murphy was also asked if he had reached out to any of the players and what he thought of second year QB Geno Smith. "Our players will be arriving in Cortland soon and I will address them as a team." On Geno he added, "Geno is a gifted young player who has great potential. It's our job to provide him with an environment that breeds success and it's his job to work hard. Together we can develop that potential and make it a reality. This is our approach with all of our players."

The buzz following the press conference wasn't so much about the message, but how it was delivered. Murphy's deep and stern voice is matched by his physical presence and confident demeanor. The stocky 45 year old former pilot is indeed a far departure from his unassuming predecessor. Only time will tell if the results on the field will differ. One thing is for sure after today, the Jets are led by a focused and passionate owner.

[Cheese2121]

Welcome to the dynasty reporting ranks my friend. I am very happy to see you trying your hand at it and really hope you enjoy.

Your writing is very good and I will definitely be following along. If you need help with anything always feel free to message me. My first dynasty report, which was one my favorites was very basic and I still had a blast with it. I hope you do as well!

Always my best.

[gamerMark]

Position battles take shape as training camp opens for Jets

SNY.TV
Matt Cosci July 21, 2014

Cortland, N.Y. -- Coaches and players are glad to be back to football after a tumultuous offseason that resulted in a change in ownership. The atmosphere on the practice fields of SUNY Cortland, home the Jets training camp, was noticeably subdued the first day compared to the last few years. Owner Mark Murphy, who has been present at each practice commented, “It’s a big change and it’s understandable that the players and coaches are a bit shell shocked, but I addressed the team and expressed my commitment to them and the coaching staff.”

As the team moved onto the second practice of day two the enthusiasm seemed to have picked up as position battles began to emerge. “There’s nothing like competition in training camp to jack up the tempo,” said Rex Ryan. Quarterback Geno Smith is showing better command of the west coast offense in his second year and free agent addition Michael Vick has been vocal in his acceptance as the back-up and his support for Smith. “I’m here to help Geno prepare and succeed,” Vick said.

The starting roles that are up for grabs on offense are at the running back, left guard, tight end, and wide receiver positions. Running back Chris Johnson signed a two year deal in the spring and is expected to push incumbents Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell for the starting job. Left guard is a battle between two second year pros, Brian Winters and William Campbell. At tight end rookie Jace Amaro is expected to split time with Jeff Cumberland whose play last year earned him a new contract.

The wide receiver position opposite of free agent addition Eric Decker will be hotly contested as the Jets currently have 10 other receivers in camp. Jeremy Kerley is best suited for the slot receiver role, but David Nelson, Stephen Hill, and a host of others including three rookies will get a look. Other than Decker, Nelson has the most experience and career production of the group and is a solid red zone target. Hill is rumored to be in danger of being cut after showing little progress in his first two seasons after being selected in the second round in 2012. The Jets spent three mid round picks in this year’s draft to address depth at the position, Jalen Saunders from Oklahoma and Shaq Evans from UCLA in the 4th round, and Quincy Enunwa out of Nebraska later in the 6th round.

On defense, questions at outside linebacker and in the secondary will need to be answered. The Jets have one of the top defensive fronts in the league, but veteran outside linebacker Calvin Pace is aging and could be challenged by Antwan Barnes. Barnes is a pass rush specialist who is coming off two injury plagued seasons.

Following an up and down rookie season, cornerback Dee Milliner is assured a starting spot, but depth behind him is a serious issue at this point. Journeyman defensive back Dimitri Patterson has been getting reps opposite Milliner at the start of camp with veteran Kyle Wilson playing the nickel back position. Wilson is in his 5th season but hasn’t developed into the player the team had hoped for after selecting him in the 1st round in 2010. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract. Behind him is a hodge podge of lesser veterans and rookies which includes this year’s 3rd round pick Dexter McDougal. McDougal was productive early in his college career at Maryland, but he suffered a serious shoulder injury in his final season.

Both safety positions are up for grabs as 1st round pick Calvin Pryor along with veterans Dwan Landry, Josh Bush, Antonio Allen, and Jaiquawn Jarrett fight for two starting spots.

The Jets face the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game at home in two weeks and will need to trim their roster to 70 players by that time.

[gamerMark]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cheese2121

Welcome to the dynasty reporting ranks my friend. I am very happy to see you trying your hand at it and really hope you enjoy. Your writing is very good and I will definitely be following along. If you need help with anything always feel free to message me. My first dynasty report, which was one my favorites was very basic and I still had a blast with it. I hope you do as well! Always my best.

Thanks for the warm welcome cheese! I may take you up on that offer at some point. I'm really enjoying your EMU dynasty. Thanks again for the kind words.

[BrandonRocket]

I'll be following along too, as a New York Native (Giants fan, but still NY), interested to see what you do with the team.