[Reginald Rutledge]

Detroitchild,

I know that different teams in different eras played at different levels. I thought about that too. I felt that I had to at least start with a baseline of equality somewhere. My experience has always shown me that if teams are not starting with some standard of equality, the teams with superior bulk usually win.

So for the sake of equality, I wanted to at least let all teams start off with 160 grams divided between 40 players (5 on reserve squad). Now I know that the Packers of the 60s would not stand up to the Bears defense of 85. However, with the injuries and the distribution of weight where you want the weight to be, it will make up for whether one team of one era can compete against another team of another era.

You've got to remember, all these teams were, moreless, Super Teams of their era. So they were the best of the best. And if you take away the fitness, nutrition, and quality of athletes, they would competed well against each other. These teams were a progression of the best of the best so I don't want to take that away from them.

If we allowed the best team to be at the top of the chart, I guess the teams of the 2000s would beat the 85 Bears, the Steeler dynasty, and the perfect Dolphins. They probably would. And I don't want that. I think the weight distribution will be exciting because I know all teams were not strong on the O-line. And guys like you are helping me big time in putting this thing together, whether you know it or not! I listen to what you are saying and I make adjustments accordingly.

I definitely value your opinion. You have proven to be a wise-guy with great instincts for the game. When I use to play, it was 4.0 across the board in my solitaire league. But now, I want to see what the a injury factor over 2, 3, 6, 8 or 10 weeks can have on a team! It's a game of attrition. Right now, on paper, the Dolphins are the perfect team. They will have an O-line at 6.0 per player and backs around that too. However, if Larry Little gets an 8 week injury or Kuchenberg go down for any significant time, the second-teamer will probably be about 3.0 grams. What a major dropoff!

But the Dolphins are the standard but other O-lines (in places) will be more physical and even less physical. Record keeping will be at a premium for this type of thing but the great thing is, I've given myself 3 years to complete this at my own leisure.

So keep talking to me and being that "Devil's advocate". Because believe me, others are learning, gaining insight, and are inspired by what is going on with this.

Reg