So, I've just completed my first allocation draft in MFN74, which was awesome - if a little time-consuming!! I've made a few offers on the Late Free Agency and moved a few of the players positions to suit their skills and to create a balanced roster etc. So now to Gameplanning...

Just as I thought I was getting somewhere with this game, I now realise how much I have been dependent on using the OffPlay stats (Familiarity, Times used and most importantly for me: Avg Yards). I tend to use these as a guide to select plays, then when seeing what sort of plays in particular I want to aim for most, I adjust the bars in the Offense section (1st tab I think). This soons narrows down my 20 or so plays to become prioritised per section etc.

HOWEVER: here there is obviously no previous data to go on!! Could someone suggest a starting point?! Should I just try all of the plays in my first 4 games and see which pull good yardage?! (Seems a bit naive or poor).

I know what someone will suggest: look at your strengths and go from there - but that doesn't help me choose plays yet as I don't have the knowledge. You can see which are my better players I assume - a starting point I guess would be to suggest which filters to use mostly (e.g. 1RB2TE2WR etc and Med pass etc). This is where my lack of 20 years experience in the sport is clearly evident - but I'm willing to learn and really wanna improve so any help would be great

Thanks in advance

jh

Under the "my team" button is "position distribution". There will give you some position minimums for your roster. They can guide you to a balanced roster.

This game uses player fatigue rates to regulate alot of happenings, and on a brief glance your defense might be at a disadvantage right from the start. Your core of players are good but much depth is needed. You will have offensive guys playing D without more defenders for substitutions .

I would say your thinking for plays is correct. Sometimes you just have to see how your team will do.

This roster has alot fast guys on it. Alot are big too! Formations utilizing all those TEs /FBs could be a benefit, and speed is everywhere so you probably could (play wise) run anything. (5wr formations might have a TE/ RB playing WR, due to lack of WR)

It will take some time for your guys to learn the position /plays. You can start by picking plays that your QB or most used players know the best.

Thanks ray - much appreciated as ever. Has my PA sent over your consultation fees for this month? !

Good idea about looking about key players favoured off plays but when I looked at them they each had about 30 plays all with similar looking bar - however the bar didn't seem to be the same as the stat when clicked on. I assume one relates to him and one to the team - which way?

Think I might have to just **** it and see. Yes I knew my defence looked weak but generally felt I got some good quality players and plenty for future.

Last question:
Some time back we talked about having a west coast minded HC. Should I therefore choose more short pass plays because of him OR having his mindset has simply given me the play book that I have now?

I would say a little of both, but some guys on your team could go deep. One QB is slow and one has a weak arm. Neither are handicapped but going deep consistently with both will flaw the weak armed one with interceptions and the slow one with sacks.

Probably the main reason (along with your head coach) that I would play a west coast style with bigger formations and shorter passes as a tweak.

Still, in a 3wr 1te set with a single RB you could play your converted FB at the slot WR as like an H -back. This is one way to work around your lack of WRs ,but still run out of that more spread formation.

Let me add to this.

ALWAYS have at least one Non-Hail Mary Deep Pass. If your QB isn't Strong Arm, I suggest it be a Play Action.

My QB in Denver (MFN-7) sucks... but he has 98 Speed. So he can roll out, buy time, and wing it. Sometimes he throws it into the ground... because, like I said, he sucks (we're talking a Current Arm Strength under 50 and Accuracy under 40... I mean SUCKS).

Yet he threw 2 TD in Week 1... one for 55 Yards and the other for 68... both on PA Deep Pass Plays. One to a WR with Sub 70 Speed... Play Action got him THAT open.

You have to take a shot down field, because as soon as Coaches no you don't have ANY Deep Passes, they can Game Plan more effectively against you because they never have to worry about that part of your Game.

So even if your QB sucks, give the guy a chance to keep the Defense honest. You might like he result.