DSP Madden Online Franchise Season 2 thread

[Zeppo]

Rejoin now! Why not? Rob needs some competition and some company up in there. A three-CPU division is making him soft.

[Danimal]

Hey guys. Sorry I just disappeared like that. Things got pretty crazy at work and at home. I left the league so you wouldn't have to worry about me getting my games in. Looks like everyone is having a good time still. If there is a place for me to rejoin after season 2, I'd love to be there. If not, I understand.

Take care.

Mike

The league is more fun when there is more owners and I don't have an issue with you coming back, even right now if you want. But it would of been nice to have at least a post like Scoop did that he was gonna be leaving.

[RobVarak]

Rejoin now! Why not? Rob needs some competition and some company up in there. A three-CPU division is making him soft.

Ha! I'm soft to begin with. A three-CPU division is giving me false hope. LOL

G7, I'm trying to figure out my weekend. I'll drop you a PM.

[Jared]

Im positive Jared is rejoining, but I'm not sure when. He's out of town I believe, but he is definitely in for the long haul.

I'm rejoining. I was out of the country, and when I came back, my 360 went RROD. Haven't been able to get out to the 'burbs to return the 360 because of Snowmaggedon over here. I will do it, probably after the weekend; and then I'll be back in.

[tmdba37]

Titans 42 Dolphins 14

The eager to have their coach back, CPU-led Miami Dolphins hung in there with one of their fierce AFC Rivals, even knocking out Donovan McNabb for the game and getting within 14 points at one point, but it is clear they are a majestic Galleon without its sails missing their fearless and most accomplished leader. . .

Case in point, Ted Ginn breaks a rare tackle on this 67 yard reception but starts his “high steppin'” routine a few yards early and is caught at the 4 yard line:

<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>


After getting scoring on back to back possessions the Dolphins snuck up to Tennessee to make it 28-14, but interim coach CPU drops the ball again by not challenging this clear glitchy "44 Yard TD" run by Chris Johnson:

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Ultimately, it was the three untimely INTs that Chad Henne threw that did Miami in--none more costly than this one to Asante Samuel who takes it in for six:

<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>


In week 13, the Dolphins will hopefully welcome Coach Jared back to lead them against the resurgent Pittsburgh Steelers while the AFC South Division Leading Titans will travel to San Diego to play a usually game Chargers squad.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jared,

Sorry about us not being able to play this live. . .hopefully you'll get a chance to dance all over my defense with Ronnie Brown in season three as you certainly get a lot more out of the Miami squad than the CPU does.

It'll be a happy day once you're back at the helm of this team and in our league as well!

[corgy99]

Tomorrow is possible but Im not sure Ill be able to make it... Saturday night or sunday are best for me. Let me know which works best for you.

Saturday will work best for me

I should be good any time after 8.

8-ish works for me.

[XXXIV]

Saturday will work best for me

I should be good any time after 8.

8-ish works for me.

Cya then.

[vader29]

Cleveland goes into Pittsburgh and knocks off the Steelers 45-35 and pulls into a tie for the AFC North Division title at 8-3.

On Clevelands opening drive they scored on this 50 yard pass play to Josh Cribbs:
<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>

After Cleveland made it 10-0 on a 54 yard field goal Santonio Holmes scored the first points for the Steelers on this 106 yard kickoff return:
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Santonio Holmes would score on a 39 yard pass play late in the first quarter to put the Steelers up 14-10:
<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>

Brady Quinn would score on a 1 yard run to put the Browns back on top 17-14 before Santonio Holmes returned his second kickoff for a touchdown in the first half, this one also going for 106 yards:
<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>

The Teams would exchange tds with Brian Robiskie scoring for the Browns and Erik Pollard for the Steelers before Cleveland would score a late field goal make the score 28-27 Steelers at the half.

Erik Pollard would score on a 9 yard run in the third quarter for the Steelers to put them up 35-27 before Jerome Harrison would score on a 55 yard pass from Brady Quinn and a two point conversion would see the game tied at 35 at the end of the third quarter.

Fourth quarter saw the Browns score on a 19 yard field goal and a 26 yard pass to Brian Robiskie and they were able to keep the Steelers off the scoreboard in the fourth quarter.

Josh Cribbs came up big for the Browns with 8 catches for 203 yards and a td but Brady Quinn was even more impressive going 23 for 34 with 427 yards passing 4 tds and 0 ints. Turnovers really hurt the Steelers as Ben Roethlisberger threw 3 ints and LeRon James lost a fumble in the game.

Pittsburgh will take on the Dolphins next week in Miami while Cleveland will host the Falcons.

[Zeppo]

Danimal, are you collecting highlights at all at this point, or is that over?

[XXXIV]

Rams defeat the 49ers 34-19.

Only one highlight due to technical difficulties. As in Im an idiot.
Steven Jackson goes for a 38 yd TD in the 4th to put the Rams up 31-12.
<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>


Steven Jackson finally plays to potential rushing for 158 yds on 27 carries with two TDs. He also caught one pass for 44 yds and a TD. Rookie Jake Scott, who played much of the second half filling in for an injured Bulger went 5-7 for 106 yds and a TD.
For The Niners qb Nate Davis threw for 217 yds on 19 of 33 passes with 1 TD. Frank Gore was held in check at least this game with 65 yds on 11 carries.

The Rams go on a three game road trip/death march with trips to Dallas and Denver before they roll in to Frisco for what should be the game that decides the NFC west. The Niners should be tuning up with games against the Cards and Seahawks.

Good game Corgy. Im looking forward to the rematch. Well kinda as I know that payback can be a b*tch.

[Zeppo]

Washington Redskins 24 - Philadelphia Eagles 12

The Redskins went up to Lincoln Financial Field and defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-12 thanks to two 4th quarter interceptions of Kerry Collins. Jason Campbell threw two interceptions of his own in the first half, and the Skins defense had trouble containing the short passing game of the Eagles, but were able to come away with the win thanks to a strong 2nd half.

The 7-4 Redskins now face the CPU Packers before hosting the Eagles.

[Danimal]

Danimal, are you collecting highlights at all at this point, or is that over?

I don't have the time right now to do a hihglight show.

sorry wish i did, but too much real life stuff going on.

[Brando70]

Texans 21, Bills 14

Houston -- The Houston Texans overcame three turnovers and a 300-yard passing day from Buffalo's Trent Edwards to win their second game in a row, a 21-14 victory at home over the Bills.

Buffalo's defense stymied Houston's passing attack all game, bottling up receiver Andre Johnson and tight end Owen Daniels after both players had back-to-back 100-yard games. Johnson had but one catch for the game, but it was a big one: a 19-yard touchdown reception that put the Texans up 7-0 in the first half:

<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>

Houston had a mere 137 net yards passing, in part because quarterback Matt Schaub spent most of the first half looking at the Houston dome instead of his receivers. Buffalo's defense recorded five first-half sacks, thanks to a wide variety of blitzes that caught Houston off guard. The Texans took advantage of that aggressiveness in the third quarter, with Schaub finding running back Steve Slaton alone in the flat after a Buffalo blitz:

<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>

Slaton took the short pass 50 yards for the score and a 14-0 lead. Slaton was the Houston offense, finishing with 82 yards receiving and 102 rushing on the day.

Buffalo prevented the Texans from running away with the game, however, adding a touchdown in the third and another on a 53-yard score by receiver Terrell Owens to tie the game at 14. The Texans managed one last drive as Schaub and Slaton pushed Houston into scoring position. With Houston picking up the blitz, Schaub found receiver Isiah Stanback, who broke one tackle, juked a defender, and broke a second tackle to score with 1:15 left in the game:

<embed src="http://cdn.www.easports.com/static/110. ... player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="height=360&width=640&file=http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2/ ... ="></embed>

The Texans defense held on Buffalo's final drive to give Houston its fourth win. Buffalo visits Detroit next while Houston hosts Indianapolis.

[GameSeven]

Giants whooped by Da Bears 37-7

Giants O-line could not contain the Bears' tenacious B as in blitz. Several runs and pitches blown up before Eli could even hand the ball off and Manning's 2 pick-6's in the first half set a tone that the Giants could not overcome.

Good game, Rob. On a positive note, as a result of our game chatter (and, perhaps, seeking to wash away the stench of my pitiful gridiron performance) I started the first Mass Effect and am a couple hours into my backlog!

[Slumberland]

JETS over the hapless LIONS 98-21.

There's the CPU I know and love!

[Danimal]

You threw the ball 54 times in this game, and ran 18 times. This isn't exactly what I had in mind when starting this league. The idea was to try and play games in as sim a fashion as possible.

If you need to throw that much due to game situations that's is one thing. But the fact is you were up 42-14 at half time and still proceeded to throw, I just don't get it.

I've had several people voice their displeasure at people running up the score on the cpu and I can see why now, I just don't know what to do about it.

EDIT: I want to be clear I am not attacking Slumber, I've heard complaints for weeks now on the score. 70's, 80's, 90's? Half the members in this league could work the cpu to get these scores but they don't.

I even had someone suggest we sim all games against the cpu, which at first I totally blew off as ridiculous, now I am starting to think maybe that was not such a crappy idea.

Sorry to be venting but this year has surely seen some unrealistic scores and it seems people are hell bent on having the highest score or something.

[Brando70]

I don't really have an issue with people playing the CPU any way they want. It's not like the stats really mean anything in the league or that there's any reward for scoring a lot of points. We haven't really had any sportsmanship issues in human games, so if CPU games are an opportunity to stretch out the playbook or practice their passing, I don't care if that keeps people interested enough to stay in the league.

If it was spilling over into human games, I'd see the issue.

[Slumberland]

Really? Sorry, I didn't know people would be bugged by it.

When the CPU games get lopsided, it's just fun to shoot for the moon. I play as sim as possible against human owners, but I was wholly unaware that CPU games were held to the same standard. Is the concern that the season stats are getting out of whack? That's fine, I guess.

I'll put in the scrubs and run the ball in the second half next time. And if that gets unbearable, I'll hit the road.

[Danimal]

Again I was venting because I know that some people will be stewing. I really don't have an answer to it and to be clear again, Slumber is not the person I am singling on. He has had two high scoring games in a row, but this has been going on for a while.

Brando I know it doesn't bother you, but it does bother some people. Me i am on the fence, it's a lot of work to run a league and keep everyone happy. I just wish their was some way to make it interesting. Aside from the once in a while CPU skewed game, it's an automatic win.

[Danimal]

I'll put in the scrubs and run the ball in the second half next time. And if that gets unbearable, I'll hit the road.

I'm not asking you to do that. I am just trying to have an open conversation about this, I guess if the people who are bothered by it don't comment here then it doesn't matter.

[Slumberland]

I absolutely do wish there was a cure for the automatic win part. That's tricky... especially in the midst of this seven week stretch on my schedule where I only play one human opponent.

It'd be interesting if Madden IQ could keep adjusting difficulty for individual participants, but they'd have to implement that. Other than that, all I can think of is a rule where at a certain threshold (say, three wins in a row against the CPU) you have to sit your three top rated players for the next CPU game, or something weird and extreme like that.

[Zeppo]

It doesn't bother me either. I feel like we chose to play a league in Madden, the video game, and this is what Madden is. Let's play to win, compete against each other with the tools the game gives us, and have at it.

I don't want to end up with a laundry list of what is acceptable behavior in order to create some elusive standard of 'sim.' Madden is what it is, and when we play against other humans, I think it's as fair a game as anyone could hope for. There really isn't any money play or style of play that can't be stopped by a human opponent doing the right thing to counter it, at least I haven't seen it yet.

Against the CPU, that's a different story, but who cares, really? Eventually you will have to play a human in the playoffs, so there are no easy CPU-only roads to the Super Bowl.

The one thing I think could be addressed is getting more human-filled divisions as the number of players gets smaller. I don't know what could be done about it, but I can't imagine a season where I only played four or five human games would be that much fun for me.

On the other hand, it would be easy to schedule! And there's always the playoffs at the end of the season. I'm curious as hell to see what later years look like in terms of the talent as the fictional draft players develop. I hope we can keep this going for a while.

[Danimal]

Zep -

I had given a lot of thought to seeing who was open to switching teams and trying to get more full divisions. It's just tough heading into season 3 to lose your team if you've worked at them.

My Broncos may suck but their my Broncos, I want to see how James advances. I know who to go after in the draft etc.

Of course if EA had decent tools we could move teams around in divisions but no such luck.

[vader29]

The perfect game would have the cpu teams eliminated so all games would be human vs human but it is what it is and I have no problem with people running up the score on the cpu, actually wouldn't mind seeing someone break 100 points in a game against the Chiefs.

[Brando70]

Zep -

I had given a lot of thought to seeing who was open to switching teams and trying to get more full divisions. It's just tough heading into season 3 to lose your team if you've worked at them.

My Broncos may suck but their my Broncos, I want to see how James advances. I know who to go after in the draft etc.

Of course if EA had decent tools we could move teams around in divisions but no such luck.

I know what you mean. I'm kind of attached to my team now, despite all the losing. But maybe at the end of this season, before the offseason stuff, we can just see if anyone wants to volunteer to move. If we could get it so the human divisions all have at least three players, that would help. Even if just 3-4 people would be willing to switch, that could help.