I saw first hand the impact of the Injury

[Reginald Rutledge]

In the NFLGTSL, it is a star system-based league where the most dominate players have more weight and better bases. Because of the enormity of a 32 team league and 40 players, you have to spread the wealth.

One of the things I was so looking forward to was the impact of injuries during a football game. You know, when I played the game between Dallas and SF, Jerry Rice got injured for 6 weeks on a 4th down play. Little did I know I would suffer critique from people who called me on my house phone, asking "How could this have happened?", or even in emails that his injury could have and should have been avoided. To me, that was the highest compliment. There were actually people out there who cared about what the heck I was doing.

Fast forward to the Baltimore v. Miami game and Manny Fernandez goes down. He's one of the Dolphins best DL. As a matter of fact, he was playing NT in the 3-4. I saw first hand what the impact of his injury was to the Dolphins.

Before his injury, Lenny Moore was doing pretty good but then, the offense really went on a tear. Here are some of Lenny Moore's run summaries after the injury to Fernandez.

48. Berry, 19 pass from Unitas (PAT)/Injury to defense. Manny Fernandez, season ending injury - HE'S DONE
53. Moore, -1 yd/Den Herder.
54. Moore, 8 yds.
60. Moore, -1 yds/Heinz.
77. L. Moore, 23 yds/Buoniconti, 7 play injury to Anderson.
87. L. Moore, 99 TD run (NFLGTSL record) PAT 24-14
99. Moore, 9 yds/Heinz.
100. Moore, 9 yds/Foley
Final Score
Baltimore Colts 31 Miami Dolphins 28


While the stats do not look just overwhelming, Lydell Mitchell was inserted into the game because Ameche got hurt for Baltimore. Right away, Mitchell broke for a 33 yarder. The impact of losing Ameche will be huge for Baltimore but I think, it was crucial in the Dolphins inability to stop the run. Lenny Moore finished with 257 yards rushing on 16 carries, including a 99 yarder. We expected Moore to average 5.5 -6.0 yards rushing but that injury to Fernandez was very important to the Dolphins season, probably moreso than the loss of Ameche (FB) for the Colts.


Two season ending injuries in a single game is as rare as a total eclipse but on this day and in less than a quarter, two star players go down. I love such an impact in a football game. How do these teams recover from such a devastating loss? We will see.

Reg

[the french guy]

It's cool ! It remembers me the "campaigns" we played in wargames tabletop games. You build your squad...and a guy die or is severly wounded during the battle. Next battle, you 'll have to deal with that. It's the same thing in your league.

i believe it give a good spicy interest in solitaire league. THe weight idea also

[RavennaAl]

You know Reg, for years guys have been doing all sorts of things for the game... Multiple stop, weights, custom boards, decals, customizing figures, adding hair, chin straps, face masks.... all in the name of realism trying to make the game more like a real game. Yet when it comes to things like penalties, fumbles and injuries, they run away. I guess these things make the game too real for them to handle. I'm glad you have a positive outlook about it. I try and do the same with penalties and fumbles. If I had more players on my teams, I would add injuries as well. As it is, occasionally have a player who loses a BB, or maybe breaks a nose (3 times now on my Bozos). In those rare instances, I consider that player injured and use another player in his place. Usually, the team suffers. Sometimes the substitute player actually plays better then the original guy. There's nothing like the element of surprise to make the game more interesting. Keep it up!

[Reginald Rutledge]

for some time as you know and probably been the most vocal over the past 17 years on these websites regarding injuries, penalties, and fumbles.

The guys that don't like it is usually centered around things like in their style of play, they get limited opportunities for offensive possessions so they don't want any type of chance element stopping their progress. That really PO's them!

They think that something happens on every play. The Box rarely have things happen. In the course of that game between the Colts and Dolphins, we had two penalties all night and that was because of hitting ineligible linemen, not the Box. That was rare!!! But sometimes, you can shake the Box all night and nothing happens and then other times, there is a rash of penalty. Bo Pellini of Nebraska had the Box shaked on him 16 times last weekend .

Something else I find interesting is that some guys say "As long as it is craps, I have no interest" and then those are the same ones who will turn around and use cards and other simulations.

But I can tell you that all the coaches who have played in the Shootout (or 99%) will tell you that there is no way they can go back to playing without it. The reason is simple. Many understand that even in defeat, football is a game of skill and chance. They know that without this element, the game becomes SO BORING where you're just running into the line, with hopes that something good will come of it.

For oh so long, I was ridiculed about this element of the game. Even guys who were suppose to be my supporters would never defend my stand on this matter. Yet all of "WE" would benefit from it.

I can tell you now, it would be MORE THAN UNLIKELY (100%) that I would ever compromise on such a fascinating part of the game. Playing otherwise without that element is something I will never do. Chance or luck or bad luck or whatever you call it, is a part of football. Injuries happen all the time. Penalties happen all the time. Fumbles happen.

It does help when you play in styles of play that give you many chances for offensive or defensive opportunities! I know in the Shootout system, you can run off as many as 100 plays (if refs and statisticians are efficient). When I play alone in the Shootout way, I do run 100 plays and thus, you know there will be momentum swings. And the action simulation Box is what gives you those great opportunities.

But this is a dead horse I have beaten over the years. I remember the early years on these boards how it was a tidal wave against my thinking. Now, a has been created to give it a little respect!

Oh, what a world, what a world!!!


Reginald

[Hoop27]

Reginald do you have a photo of a 'box'?

It's one of the things I've read and found intriguing and would like to see a picture of it if possible.

[the french guy]

Personaly, on 1vs1 playing, I'm against random effects. I played wargames soooo long that I don't want to use dices anymore in confrontations. I'm not saying it's good or bad, I just don't like it. IT's the same thing about TTQB, I prefer the sticks, not because they are better, but just for a matter of personal preference.

BUT random effects are a great way to improve solitaire game. Like stadiums, and stuff like that.

To make a comparison, for me 1vs1 gaming is like playing pool, table soccer darts or whatever tabletop sport game. Solitaire game is more like roleplaying game.

[Reginald Rutledge]

some photos of the Box. I've talked so extensively about the Box and the actions it simulate over the years. I will send you that information or just do something off this post here.

It does bring an element of surprise into the game that makes for lively action and unrpedictability.

Reg

[Coach K-LO]

very interesting in your league as the season moves on....you might find another injury to a key WR left on the team...

what happens ...do you "sign" another player

[Hoop27]

Thanks Reg. It's something I've read about a lot. Sometimes a picture helps putting what you read into perspective. I've had a couple ideas how to use the box in our games in a smaller extent.

btw the website's front page looks much cleaner! can't wait to see it running 100%

Originally Posted by Reginald Rutledge

some photos of the Box. I've talked so extensively about the Box and the actions it simulate over the years. I will send you that information or just do something off this post here.

It does bring an element of surprise into the game that makes for lively action and unrpedictability.

Reg