[Treks1]

Back to the box. I love the box, altough I have had MANY devistating calls go against me. It brings into the game a missing element that you would have in a real game. Personal fouls, holding calls, injuries and a few more turn-overs than you would have without it.

What used to bother me are the fumbles when a player is in the clear with no-one around him.

This was pretty unrealistic, however, in a real game how often do you see a back or a receiver break the line of scrimmage and there is no one around him for 10- 15 yards? It does happen, but not that often. Except when the board stops, miniature players don't pursue the ball, nor they reach out and punch the ball out of ball carriers' hand, or grab a face mask or hit a guy after the play is over. The box gives you most if not all of the intangible aspects of the game you just don't have without it.

Frankly the game was getting boring and predictable before the box came along. I don't think the box makes average coaches better. Practice, talent and experience will do that, but just like real football, a turnover or a penalty or even an injury can mean that the best team may not win.

If we take an honest look at the need for national set of rules, you have to consider some form of a shake box for the element it ads to a pretty static board game.