2015 VNFL Preview Part 1

8/14/2019 2015 VNFL Preview Part 1

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2015 VNFL YEARBOOK


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http://www.bearsruletheworld.com/vnfl

VNFL2015ANNUAL

The vNFL is about to commence its 10th season. Once

again Seattle and New England went to war in the

Superbowl. Once again I regard them as the front

runners in 2015. The Patriots will be going at it with a

new guy under center this time around. But thats not

the only change to be considered this year. There are anew set of rules set to limit the effectiveness of the

passing game to be considered.

Rumor has it that the new rules will also make the

running game a more potent weapon. Well, not exactly

in this writers view. It will become a more viable

alternative, simply because the passing game has been

weakened and cannot dominate games as it once did.

The likes of Alex Smith will now be less likely to bring

opponents to their knees and overcome in spite ofeverything. So we are in for a change at the top!?

Not so fast. As per usual the two marquee franchises

seem to be ahead of the game. Wade Dilly now joins

Matt Forte in New England, and Seattle somehow got

hold of the top talent in the draft, RB Steven Gunn.

So can we expect defensive teams to dominate I hear

you ask? Again, I think the rule changes have been

largely blown out of proportion. Defense appears to be

more dominant in the game on the surface. The reason

for that though is simply due to the new rules working

against the passing game. The end result though,

appears to be a far more balanced game. It will no

longer just be a matter of best passing game wins. More

likely, the best football team wins.

Perhaps the biggest news of the off season was Ben

Roethlisberger joining a very talented Colts side. With

ForewordINSIDE THIS ISSUEForeword by Pat Kirwin 1

NFC Divisional Preview 2

VNFLl Feature Article 18

AFC Divisional Preview 21

Predictions & Odds 35

Biggie Small and House Martin already on board this coul

have quite an influence. Big Ben is a huge upgrade on thechump MKII Seabury. They have a real shot. The

interesting dynamic though, is that the other team who

have serious designs on the Patriots crown is Jacksonville

who also sit in the AFC South. The Jags went 13-3 last ye

and are also in position to mount a real challenge.

Over in the NFC, Caniggia has been silent by deadly over

the last few years for the Panthers, quietly building the

biggest challenge Seattle has seen in the conference sinc

Dallas were at their prime. Like Seattle they jumped up

the draft boards, to snag WR Ty Sullivan at 1.2, a much

needed receiver. A very nice move, make no mistake. W

Lion under center, Jimmie Kelly in the backfield and

maybe the best offensive line in football, the Panthers

have the offense. A solid secondary and Patrick Willis

rushing the passer make this team tough to pass against.

In a similar patient and considered manner the St Louis

Rams are now looking like a very well rounded football

team. Knaga at QB, Jonathan Stewart finally rid of that

nagging turf toe that limited him so in 2014, the Camel a

the primary WR is hugely underrated and one of the

leagues best. On defense they have an equally impressiv

cast, Joey Donovan and Harvery Sweeney impress at

Linebacker and Hutcheson, Franklin and Flannery form a

defensive line that is perhaps only second to Washington

We have some interesting new variables to consider then

in 2015. Here is to a great season, may the best team wi

V o l ume 1 , I s s ue 1

By Pat Kirwin


3/21

Page 2 2015 VNFL Preview

The Bears are yet to make a single transaction this off

season other than retirements and a coach hiring. It

has been a depressing start to the 2015 season for the

fans of Chicago. The reigning back to back NFC north

champions are digging themselves a hole that they

might not be able to dig out of.

- Biggest acquisition hired new defensivecoordinator from KC, Sammie Watkins (stretching, I

know)

- Biggest loss SLB Keith Ellison, retired this off

season when he finally was coming into his own.

Looking at their draft is also an unexciting task as the

bears were without a first and second round selection.

3.31 brings DT Jonathan Maurer (27/47 pre camp

rating) to Chicago with future starting potential, butwont help much in his rookie campaign. They may

have found something in the 5th rd with the selection

of OLB Brad Peterson (no rating yet). He looks

underrated and masked with blue combine scores in

agility and bench reps, he will be a powerful run

defender and may be forced to start right away. He

could grow.

Overall draft grade is a D+

The Bears strength this season will be their offensiveline. They are well rounded and averaging a 69

current rating between the 5 starters. They will pave

the way for the balance Chicago must deploy in order

to have any success.

The biggest weakness will be the defense this year.

Usually Chicago deploys a bend but dont break

defense, but they will have trouble fielding a defense

Chicago Bears

The Bears celebrated their second

straight NFC North Title in 2014.

Theymay have found

something in the 5th round

with the selection of OutsideLinebacker Brad Peterson.

apart from a few studs. There is no depth on this

side of the ball despite having a few dominant

players, they will be over matched and pickedapart by even the mediocre offenses.

The key players leading the charge this season will

be the three headed monster, RB Joel Pukenas, WR

Joey Rhett, and quarterback Sam Kellar. On offense

the bears will focus on balance and clutch play out

of Kellar. The balance these 3 give the bears will

keep them in games and may help them win a few.

9-7, 2014 division winner


4/21

Page 32015 VNFL Preview

Its been a long road for new ownership in Detroit since

taking over. The roster is starting to fill out with some

quality playmakers. Its still an uphill battle. They have

added talent smartly. Meaning they havent reached for

a QB or WR and instead built from the inside out with a

solid foundation of trench guys and defense. This off

season passed without them landing a significant

improvement at QB or WR, but that doesnt mean that

Detroit hasnt improved.

- Biggest acquisition C Martin Kramer (60/60, 6th

year)(from ARZ via trade)Brought in to stabilize the line,

and he has already assumed the offensive line leadership

role.

- Biggest loss 2.24 (traded to ARZ)

The draft brought Detroit several prospects on the

defensive side of the ball. 1.5 WLB John Czyz(38/58 pre

camp rating) looks like the real deal with serious passrushing ability, they passed on offense, but you cant

argue with the selection. The third round brought 2

more prospects to the defense. DE Ray Meadows (24/51)

and CB Matt Downs (22/53). Downs looks like a solid

cover corner with good endurance. He may lack big play

ability, but he can cover in any scheme. Meadows is a

run stopping right end, a perfect fit for a 34 defense.

The addition of the WLB earlier in the draft signals a 34

defense is in the works. A slight reach in round 2 was WR

Ryan Freeze(21/37) I think this was too early for freezebut hes a deep ball threat whenever he steps on the

field(4.40 40 yard dash).

Overall draft grade B

The strength of this team is a coin flip between, the

finesse run game. 4th year running back Jimmie

McClesky, shoulders the load and will take a little heat

off the passer. Also the front 7 of the defense is very

strong. Ends Corey McConnell(72/82) and Derrick

Harvey(73/73) anchor the line. Jonathan Vilma was

tendered the franchise player and still has big play

ability in his 12th season. The flame may be getting

pass to youngsters like WLB John Czyz, who was

chosen 1.5 for a reason. He can bring the heat. This

front seven could make this defense a bright spot

for Detroit which for a change will give its owner

something to smile about during the season.

The weakness is the passing game. There are a

stable of mediocre quarterbacks. Odds are that

newly signed veteran Tony Romo will be starting on

opening day. He hasnt seen significant starting

action in years, but played well in a handful of

starts last season, and gives Detroit the best chance

to win with his 90+ sense rush. He does bring his,

life is like a box of chocolate intelligence to

town, but it has never stopped him before. The WR

corps has some young, raw talent. Nothing stands

out, and not much is mature enough to help out.

The passing game will hold this team back and will

be streaky at best.

Detroit Lions4-12, 2014 3rd in North

If the Lions can get out to a fast

start they might contend in 2015


5/21


talent. The results havent been there in recent past both stats and record. This season brings a fresh slate

though, and the window is open for anyone to step up

and grab this division. I encourage Inferno to use some

of the offensive and defensive playbooks that the VNF

film rooms have to offer and tinker with them this pre

season. A few new philosophies could go a long way fo

this 2015 Packers squad.

Key players are QB Rickey Hatcher and RB Rob

Cochrane(1,399 yards). Cochrane came out of the gat

hot in his rookie campaign and showed that his added

running skills could pave the way for Hatcher to finall

break out and dominate in the passing game. Hatcher

had his second best year as a Pro, and that is due in

large part to the emergence of Cochrane and his 4.79

yards per carry. If these two can lift the packers to a

division title, anything can happen in the playoffs. I

dont want to get ahead of myself, but this pairing ca

be special in Green Bay for a long time.

The packers made strides last year but still under achieved

if you ask this reporter. Its becoming a clich to say the

packers are underachievers, but what else can you say after

10 wins over the last 2 seasons. This division is always for

the taking and they usually boast the best talent.

- Biggest acquisition 1.11 pick lt Omar Zapata (31/70 pre

camp rating)

- Biggest loss mlb Nick Barnett retired along with his

1,300+ tackles

The draft was a success for the packers this off season. The

1.11 pick of Zapata will bring stability to the line for years

to come. Later in the first the pack nabbed a lde, Jim Reilly

(23/62 pre camp rating). The second started off with a

bang grabbing potential first rounder dt Jeremy Taliancich

(40/57 pre camp rating) who plummeted out of the first

due to his horrible 40 time(5.21). he can play the run and is

a steal in the second and looks like he can play right away

and fill a need. They found a sleeper in the 3rd with wrLeonard Wright (22/60 pre camp rating) he will come down

but has decent speed and agility to have long term success

as a role player and potential to be a starter if he doesnt

slide too far. Hell probably end up around a 46 rating with

decent bars where you need them, not bad for the third

round. The Pack drafted a few other nice picks too and has

done a great job of evaluating talent.

Overall draft grade is an A+

The strength of this Packers 2015 squad is its skillpositions. They have done a great job of adding talent like

qb Rickey Hatcher (71/71), rb Rob Cochran (86/86), SE

Kendrick Richard (64/64), rcb Kurt Hertz (69/69). The

question remains can they utilize this talent and turn it into

a playoff appearance finally. QB Hatcher has the ability and

the weapons to put up some serious numbers.

The weakness unfortunately lies with the owner Inferno,

and his ability to game plan and get the most out of all his

Green Bay Packers

On top: How the Packers look on paperon the

bottom how they end up looking in the standings.

7-9, 2014 2n in North


6/21


One of the busiest off seasons in all of the VNFL is coming

out of Minnesota. The action was fast and furious and

before you knew it the face of the franchise had undergone

plastic surgery, Mickey Rourke style.

- Biggest acquisition Carson Palmer. The biggest

acquisition that owner Frankie Starz has ever made came

within hours of Carson Palmer being put on the trade block.

He struck fast like a flying elbow off of the top turnbuckle.

- Biggest loss starting QB Mack the knife Owens. This is

actually a positive in the scheme of things. His career 69 QB

rating have been shipped out of Minnesota.

Remarkably the Vikings still held pick 1.6 in the rookie draft

after the deal for palmer. Arnie Olman (RB 61/70) pre camp

rating) was selected 6th overall. Starz continued to build an

upper echelon offense with this pick. Olman has an elite

skill set and the endurance to make him a work horse.

Frankie Starz will be styling and profiling all the way to thebank as he cashes in on Olman from day 1. Minnesota

lacked many picks after that due to the flurry of trades

they made.

Overall draft grade C

The strength lies with the newly improved passing

game. WRs Geoff Clayton and Larry Fitzgerald(traded from ARZ) make up one of the most dynamic

duos. Add to that tight end Kyle laird and rookie RB

Olman out of the backfield and a mediocre

quarterback could put up all pro numbers. But when

you factor in Carson Palmer chucking the rock, the

potential is off the charts. A light went off in Starz

head this off season and it triggered a series of

brilliant moves to make this one of the most

devastating offenses. Palmer will be doing the double

J, Jeff Jarrett strut a lot this year as his signaturetouchdown celebration.

The weakness lies with the front seven on the

defensive side of the ball. With only one real pass

rusher in the bunch (Jackie Dunmore DE) it will be

tough to be dominant in any aspect on defense. The

defense will put this team into a lot of shoot outs. I

predict the defense will be good enough to hold most

opponents to fewer points than their offense scores,

except against those other quality offenses. Thedefense may let them down in the big games.

The key player starts and stops with Carson Palmer.

He brings 3 championship rings to town and instant

credibility to this franchise. The sky is the limit for

Palmer and the Vikings. The ownership has shown a

serious competitive spirit this off season and it should

translate into serious production for Palmer. He must

be licking his chops as he looks to finish his career in

one of the weakest divisions in the VNFL.

Minnesota Vikings

Vikings fans may actually have a good reason to shout

this season.

Only time will tell if adding Palmer was the right move

or a desperate move for Minnesota.

4-12, 2014 4t in North


7/21


Key Additions- QB Rob Brown, RB Bruce Holmes ( IR )

Key Subtractions- DT Jimmy Kennedy,

Key Draft Picks- CB Tommy Asmus, LB Phillip Barnes,

LB Jason Aridge,

Overview

An open competition at QB going into Training Camp ,and overpaying for mediocre FAs are what marked

Dallas offseason, their draft may have produced the

best CB to come out in years in Tommy Asmus, plus

LBers Phillip Barnes and Jason Aridge should start at

2of the 4 LB spots after looking at the depth on this

team.

In all fairness, the team was gutted last season, and

the 1-15 record they posted was a learning experience

for the young players.The signing of RB Bruce Holmes

may pay off next season, but hes injured, and maynevewr come back at full strength.

The Rob Brown trade ( NE ) may make the Cowboys a

little more competitive this year, providing hes give

the opportunity to win the QB Job, but Dallas is still a

few seasons away, and the front office knows this.

This is the 2nd year of a rebuild, and 2 years ago, this

team was 15-1.

Strengths-

The Linebacker Unit- Aridge, Barnes, Fritz & Irons

make up the best unit on this team and it looks as if

they will be very busy,

The Interior Offensive Line- Trepanier, Kuzkowski, and

Garrison are good, but they cant do it all, Dallas needs

a pair of Tackles, and WRs who can catch the ball,

otherwise Whoevers at QB will be on his back and ass

for most of 2015.

The Kicking Unit- Dallas franchised their Kicker Rob

Jennings, and their Punter David Reblin is one of th

best in the NFC.

Weaknesses-

The WR Unit- This squad may lead the league in dro

provided Brown, Ojala or Colt Brennan has time to

the ball to them,

The Run Game- If Bruce Holmes were healthy, this

weakness may be a strength, but for now, Garrett

Marshall is the man here in Dallas, and he amassed

yards on the ground last year.

Youth- Youth is both a strength and weakness, and

year, it may be listed under strengths, but this year

be a hard one on the youth of this team.

Key Players to win- If QB Rob Brown, RB Garrett

Marshall, CB Tommy Asmus, LBers Barnes and Aridg

make key plays therell be a few wins, the D, as a u

will also have to hold steady,

Dallas Cowboys

It will be sometime before things start looking up in

Dallas.

1-15, 2014 4t in East


8/21


Key Additions- LB Bobby Carpenter, RT Adam

Goldberg

Key Subtractions- LB Carlos Dansby,

Key Draft Picks- None ( no 1st or 2nd Rd picks )

Overview- The G-Men havent done much to improve

themselves, even with having almost 20 Million in cap

room available from last season, they plugged some

holes, replaced Carlos Dansby with Bobby Carpenter

and havent done much more. QB Eli Manning, RB

Marshawn Lynch & WR Reynoldo Blair are the entire

offense for the G-Men, the team appears healthy, and

the good news for the Giants is none of the other

teams in the NFC East has seemed to do very much

more to improve themselves either, The Linebackers

and Safeties are a solid group, but overall it seems

there wasnt much of a movement by the front office

to improve this team, of course, the FA Pool was

mediocre, and there were really no impact players at

a need position for the G-Men anyways, The Giants

have no 1st Rd pick in 2016 either, so barring trades,

major improvement seems 2 years away . Wed

recommend a rebuild for this Giants team.

Strengths-

Quarterback- Eli Manning has what it takes to be one

of the better QBs in the league, unfortunately, hesgot limited weapons and options.

Running Back- Marshawn Lynch- If the line cant block

for him, hes just another receiver to cover, 1000

yards may be a reach, providing he stays healthy.

The LBers- The best unit on this team, Bobby

Carpenter moving from a inside 3-4 to a Outside SLB in

4-3 may cause problems though,

DE Feazell & DT Weber- 2 , solid, strong Defensive

Lineman that, with help, could change a game.

Weaknesses-

The Offense as a whole- No major receiving threat, an

average O Line, and no help for Manning and Lynch makes

for a long season for Giant Fans.

The Lack of Depth- The Giants have no real depth beyond

their starters, and a lot of their starters would be

considered depth on better teams.

The Lack of Youth- The Giants are tied for 7th oldest

team in the league,

The Lack of an Impact Player- 9th year RB Marshawn

Lynch is this teams Impact player, but with no supporting

cast, and a history of foot, ankle, and leg injuries, and

coming off a season where he only started 8 games last

year, we wonder how much of an impact hell make.

Key Players to Win- 9th year RB Marshawn Lynch is the

key to the Giants season, but if teams can stop him by

stacking the box, Manning wont survive, as his WRs are

pedestrian after Reynoldo Blair, The D will have to playabove its head, and keep this team in games.

New York Giants

Time might be running out for Eli to get a Championship

7-9, 2014 East division winner


9/21


10/21


Key Additions- TE Heath Miller, FS Anthony Smith

Key Subtractions- CB Marlin Jackson, P Donnie Jones,

DT/NT Carlos Wilson

Key Draft Picks- CB Anthony Stevens , LB Junior

Arnold, P - J.R. Alba, S Martin Worley

OverviewThe Skins may not have the receivers to throw

downfield to consistently, in fact, you might call their

receivers pedestrian, but their running and short

passing game should be enough to keep Defenses

honest, the addition of TE Heath Miller should/could

open up some of the outside routes for the Wideouts,

as hes very difficult for a S or LB to cover 1 on 1, RB

Joseph Addai & FB Richard Dirnabauer will shove the

ball down peoples throats, and providing they stay

healthy, and CJ Taylor can manage a game, make apass here and there and not force the ball into double

coverage, the Skins are the class of this division, a

better than average O Line, a Killer D Line, and add 2

very good coverage cornerbacks( Rookie Stevens, and

Roosevelt Swift) and Anthony Smith at S, you have the

makings of a team that has no excuse to not win this

division.

The Linebackers need to perform above their abilities,

and the Wide Receivers do as well for this team to

gain any major momentum though, but we have to say

this is the most improved team in the NFC East. C.J.

Taylor is in yet another put up or shut up year,

although with no one to throw to/hold onto the ball,

hes doing the best he can.

Strenghts-

The Run Game- Addai running behind Dirnabauer can

gain the yards, but if other teams stack the box vs the

run , can CJ Taylor find receivers to get open, and

hold onto the ball?

The Defensive Line- The main strength on this

Washington team, I dont think youll find 3 better

Down Lineman suited for the 3-4 in the vNFL.

The Secondary- ( R )Stevens, Swift, Smith and ( R )

S- Martin Worley are a solid unit, there will be

gaffes with 2 rookies in the secondary, but the

Skins will overcome that this season.

Weaknesses-

The Linebackers This isnt REALLY a weakness, but

Junior Arnolds rookie season will be a test, as Moss

,Gordon & Brooks shift around to let Arnold play hisnatural WLB position, who goes where remains to

be seen, and how they adapt could become a

liability.

The Passing Game- ( QB, WR ) See the run game.

Key Players to Win this season.- CJ Taylor to

manage the game- The WRs to get open and catch

passes, the OL to do what they have to, and the

Linebacker corps being able to adapt.

Washington Redskins

Draft analysts were skeptical of the decision to draft a

Punter in the 2ndround, calling it Al Davis Like

6-10, 2014 3r in East


11/21


Has been the NFCs team to beat for past 9 seasons.

With 117 wins in that time, an average wins per year

of 13. They have won the NFC West 8 seasons in a

row. They do not rebuild they resupply each and every

year with Nick doing a terrific job of grabbing "system"

free agents and gauging draft picks that work for his

offense. It always helps having one of the best QBs in

the league as your signal caller too.

From the outside looking in Seattle really lost no

players that will hurt them immediately. Guard

Brandon Moore has 105 games started tied for most all

time 1st in KRB and KRBO for career and 7th in

pancake blocks in Seattle. He was really tailing off the

last few years of his career though. Rocky Mcintosh

has 30 games started in 3 years with the Hawks and 17

sacks. He had an outstanding 6% pass rush percentage

but was injury prone his last two years which looks the

reason he retired. Shantee "Iron" Orr ILB had 84 starts

as a Seahawk and played well up until the last two

years. He averaged 60 tackles a year and 1 and a half

forced fumbles each year. Orr was the main Cog in the

middle and will be missed the most of the 3 here.

- Biggest acquisition

To replace Orr Seattle traded with Pitt to get Ernie

Clary to help man the middle. Ernie will have alot of

pressure to fill some great shoes. The other player

that got brought in off a trade was Donny Szmanskiwho comes over from Miami and looks like a reserve

that is great against the run(nickel CB in zone fit).

In free agency Charlie Frye must have really sparked

Nick's interest as he inked him to a 2 year deal. He

had two good years 6 years ago in Miami but like

always Nick must know something we do not. With the

lack of real DE , Myron "popular" Murray was signed

away from Cleveland and might take a starting role

after being in the league for 6 years and only

getting a 1 start. The other DE is Lamont Rivera

who was signed over from Jacksonville and has a

better starting record but is more of a run stop

player. Claude Wroten 10th year DT played 29 playsall year last year but is a perfect 3-4 pass rushing

DT. Nolan Wagner MLB has terrible play diagnosis

but plays the run very well and will fight with Clary

for the starting Job.

- Look at their draft

Steven "The Machine" Gunn was better than wide

receivers in the 40 and agility drills and did more

reps in the bench press then 85% of the defensive

players. He is one of the best players that i

personally have ever seen come out at RB in a MP

draft.

7th rounder Bo Johnstone is a kicker that might be

on the practice squad but will probably be a

casualty this season.

- Strenghts

Nick will out work and out gameplan anyone in this

league. Anna Nicole Smith can make all the throws

and does not turn the ball over very often. I think

he will struggle to put up the same points this year

with his offense. For the next few years it projects

to be a top notch unit as there is much youth on

board.

-Weaknesses

Will Gunn hurt or help the offense? Is this team

going to be able to make use of a stud RB or is he

just another tool in the bag for Alex Smith and Nick

to play with. Is this average defense accross the

board going to hold up against 2 of the top 15

offenses in the league this year?

- Keys players to win this season

Everything every year revolves around Alex Smith

on offense. How Nick gets this slightly average

defense to play so well is beyond me. He really

does not have a good edge rusher at LB or DE. His

secondary is a scheme and if they can score on

offense he can "protect the lead" with his defense.

Seattle Seahawks13-3, 2014 NFC Champion


12/21


The last three years this team has been in the playoff

hunt or fighting for a playoff spot. That is a world of

difference from the 6 straight years of sitting in the

cellar before that. They still are hungry for their first

division title after their first playoff trip last year.


Nick Federspiel a 5th year corner who looks like he can

start in this league is going to an already strong defensive

team. He started 15 games last year and had 1 pick and

53 tackles. In an effort to make a potent running game

even stronger Willie Calleteau OT was signed to strictly

be used on run heavy plays.

- Biggest loss

Adrian Wilson the safety and heart of the defense will be

missed after his retirement this year. He started 16

games had 2 picks and 92 tackles. Fred Bennett was the

other leader on the defense and he departed in FA to

Carolina he played very sparingly last year. To almost

round out a whole secondary gone, Stanley Wilson the

11th year vet went to Cleveland after starting 5 games

last year and the whole previous three seasons at RCB.


At 1.24 Brent Specter was grabbed and he looks like he

might be the best hitter of the safeties in the draft. He

looks like more of a zone defender and a little weaker in

the run department then BK would want for sure here.At 2.23 Chris Mims looks like a decent grab at tight end

but unless he jumps in camp was a little bit of a reach.

To fill most of the Dbs that left Deon Dussault was picked

at 4.25 and can fly. He will probably end up starting or

playing nickel or dime.

5.2 Kerry Ruddick as a pass blocking Tackle was one of

the faster feet at the senior bowl.

The most intriguing pick to me was Cedric Sobien the DT

at 5.24. He looks like a stud run blocker and finesse pass

rusher. His endurance is brutally bad and gets

manhandled on straight rushes.

6.23 Justin Sheldon has bars of a 2nd round pick and

combines of a 4th rounder. He is small but should be a

great slot receiver for this strong running team.

7.22 The best pure run blocker left in the draft Patrick

Wieland. He is good with his body but awful at

controlling the defender.

- Strenghts and weaknesses

The defense is the heart and soul of this team. There is

not a single glaring weakness accorss the board in STL.

The other key component was Jonathan Stewart who

got hurt last year and he was poised to have another

breakout season after posting 1400 yards rushing the

year before and almost 1900 total yards. Last year

Brownkeg found

out he has decent depth at RB as the backups rushed

for almost 1500 yards.

The only real glaring weakness is wide receiver. Camel

is great, i will not doubt that, but for most offenses to

be successful you need to have a guy that can make the

3rd down grab or take the ball at any time to the

house.


Knaga has to take the pressure off the defense and

running game. If Knaga stays away from his 15 picks a

season this team and moves the chains on 3rd down the

Rams should be on the rise this year.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams hope to have the Refs on their side in 2015.

10-6, 2014 Wild Card


13/21



Archie Troutt T was signed in the offseason to to a three

year deal to be a swing man at the tackle position and

potentially start if needed. Tommy Richmond signal caller

6th year man was really just signed as depth behind

Gant. Last year when Gant went down and we traded

Irwin there was a cupboard left bare and that was scary.

Austin King is a 13th year vet who is still a work out

warrior but is really a platoon guy. Antonio Martinez

might be the second best off season acquisition as he may

end up starting at WILB and has decent skills accross the

board.

- Biggest loss

Jamaica Rector was only a 5th stringer and had only 2

grabs last year. The ageless wonder Bradie James took

the WILB position and played great at times and will be

missed. Robert Mathis had some lingering injuries but did

not have the same edge rushing ability he showed earlier

in his career with only 3 sacks last year. Randy McMicheal

was our long snapper and our 2nd TE and we loved what

he brought last year. Chester Pitts is a guard and we all

know how guards are overrated right? I think he was the

worst loss in San Fran.


2.28 Dwight Ralston OLB was one of the better all around

backers in the draft. He had the bars and has better then

average combines. He will probably come in and start forSan Fran with the old crew they have there.

Vinny Davison T at 4.22 was a terrific fit in a more run

oriented/play action scheme...that is not what the 9ers

run

5.22 Jeff Norris G looks like he can step in and start but

will struggle at first on running plays.

6.27 Lewis Meyer RB looks like exactly what BHR has

now...a rb that can recognize the hole, convert 3rd

downs, and run inside...is that a bad thing?

7.26 TE Gene Rolle does not look like a 7th rounder at

all. He has great GD and AD and 3rd down grabs. This

pick will not hold up but could be a sleeper if it does.

- Strenghts and weaknesses

The offense rolls downhill. I mean it as Gant can make

every throw and both Meachum and Simpson can take a

5 yard route and go 80 yards or take a long 76 yard

bomb past coverage. This defense was in the top ten in

almost every catagory and it must be the scheme. This

defense has gotten a little better with the draft and

trade of Mahoney. The real weakness is Gant. If Gant

goes down can this team stay alive. They did not really

beef up the offensive line enough and everyone thought

they would trade up to get a running back to take the

pressure of him. They did not select a running back

until the 6th round and Meyer looks just like the other

2 kids they have. This team is

older then they look and a bad TC could send things

tumbling a little more into a spiral. I expect this team

to stay status que but that is not enough to over take

the two teams that stepped up in the offseason.


I said "Gant" alot already and everyone knows why.

Maybe the second most important players are Gentilli

and Mahoney. This defense relies on pass rush. The

secondary is average and the scheme is all based on

getting pressure on the QB. As long as those two can

terrorize the offense on run and pass this team can

excel.

SF 49ers

erome Simpson has averaged 11 TDs per season over his

4 year career.

11-5, 2014 Wild Card


14/21


CY is two years away from taking this team through one of the strongest

playoff runs in the history of vNFL. Last year ended a 6 year streak of

consecutive playoff appearances. The salary cap have cometh this year.

When he opened the trading deadline gates it brought out a big glaring

over the cap number before the draft, and without signing a single

player.


Mack"The Kinfe" Owens played three years in Minne and started 17

games. He throws alot of picks and will hurt this team if he really is

starting for them this year. In an effort to just add a whole lot of QBs

with not alot of talent Cy traded for Brian Brohm to compete for the

starting nod this year. Lawrence Barker MLB was signed away from New

York and not a coverage guy but better then average at the other

skillsets. Chester Lelie has thrown more INTS then tds in his career but

will have a chance to start withthis new regime. Derrick Warren WR

looks like a special teams player and mabee a 3rd teamer guy if he can

make the team. One of the major singings that went under the radar

was John Carlson TE. Carlson looks perfect for this new younger offense

on 3rd downs and running plays. Chad Crawford is the draft dream

player with Str bars but has never really turned into anything.

- Biggest loss

Chad Johnson finally hung up his cleats....finally and is all time in about

every receiving category in vNFL. He started 14 games last year but was

only a shadow of himself. The best way to do this is make a list:

Qb Carson Palmer 77/77 Minne

FB Earnest Holmes 51/51 Minne

WR Larry Fitzgerald 71/71 Minne

TE Leonard Pope 50/50 Cleveland

C Martin Kramer 61/61 Detroit

DE Paul Lindsay 72/72 San Diego

DT Cornell Mahoney 71/71 49ers

CB Antrel Rolle 50/50 Indy

S Bernie Flowers 39/39 49ers

Ok so let me show you this analysis:

the average player had a rating of 68 overall...average...and there were

9 of them!144 games started last year from these players...41% of the

starting roster is completely gone


This will take a bit but let me start off with kudos in the rebuild the

only real need pre TC i see is QB before there is a real competition

from Arizona. At 1.15 the best TE comes off the board and Gabe

Shockley makes this team an upgrade at TE from last year's 50 rated

Pope. Speed kills and 1.20 Raymond Breckinridge is amazing in kick

returns and ran a stud 4.37 at the combine.

1.25 Butch Clemons is another speed guy in the open field but

struggles to stay on the field and does not always make the right cut.

So why not grab a stud FB in the first round if you have too many

picks right? Horace Finley ran as fast as the running backs and repped

29 times 225 on the bench so 1.32 he should fit right in for Cy.

Cornell Bahr was the 5th pick in round two and one of the stronger

blocker in the draft. In an effort to stay with the speed kills theory

2.14 Lance Scwartz a DT that ran a 4.95 40 but only benched 24xs.

Dominic Marshak 2.24defines the word complete blocker. He does not

have the STR or END but does that matter? Desmond "I Am" Money

was picked at 2.32 and was a combine 1st round talent but bars he

was a 7th round kid. 3.23 Alex Williamson was a bit of a reach pick

but may turn out OK for a zone scheme. Buddy Ayala 3.31 is a pass

blocking legend from Purdue as he did not allow a sack in his career

there. Chester Learned was grabbed number 12 in the 4th and will

probably bust all over the place with 5 bench reps. Korey Boone

should not have been available at 5.28 so taking a step in starter was

a great call here. What a steal Irv Prescott at 5.32 has 4 bars over 40

and his combine was decent. What might be the 4th best back in the

draft Blaine Winters at 6.25 has speed and the ability to cut.

A player that is drafted at S and looks like a LB is Neal McGraw at

6.31. Is the switch coming? Does the 7th rounder matter? If you take

40 rated bars this kid has 6 and in spots that could be perfect.

Strengths and weaknesses

The strength of this team will be what CY can do with such a young

team. His draft looks alot like the other team in the division, St.

Louis. Running game and defense and then get a an adequate qb

hopefully. When i really look at this team everything depends on the

rookies which could be tough this first year. The number one

weakness is the unknown of the rookie class again but i will say this

defense is going to really struggle against all of the teams in this

division. Meachum, Camel, and Wetzel's biggest concern at the line of

scrimmage is 2nd year kid Nathan Ross who had 3 picks in 13 starts

but only played 74% pass defense. The other corner is exactly

that.....it will be the guy chasing the wide out downfield on the

big passing play.

Arizona Cardinals10-6, 4t in West 2014


15/21


vNFLs greatest Quarterbacks - Really.

Its been discussed over and over. Carson Palmer followedby Alex Smith conventional wisdom will tell you. But lets

step out of vNFL character for a second, who _really_ isthe greatest QB in the vNFL? Which line of code is simplythe most awesome? Here we are going to look at whoreally are the best Quarterbacks in the vNFL 6.3a era inreal terms.

Eye opening. I have been here since the beginning, andprobably know the league as well as anyone. Still, therewas a great exercise in learning and fun at the sametime. When you look at the young players on this list itdrives the point home how weak the Quarterback positionhas been in recent drafts - and how tough its going to befor many teams when their established veterans retire ordecline.

Other than Ryan and Flynn only Stevens, Rapaport andOwens made the top 32 when considering 1 to 5 yearplayers. Seabury will get there, but isnt worthy yet.Down the line that will have an impact on the league,and it will be extremely exciting. I would consider Ryanand Flynn as invaluable; there is nothing you could giveme to part with one of these guys.

6.3a and QB evaluationThe passing game in 6.3a isnt a shadow of its formerself. In the red zone completion rates are down from

around 70% to around 50%. Interception rates are up.Average per attempts and passer ratings are down. All inall we now look to have a passing game that is anexcellent simulation of what we see in the NFL. Great tosee the game improving, and moving forward.

Just recently analysis has taken place to determine ifQuarterbacks perform differently in this new version. Theanswer it appears, is absolutely, yes. That appears to bebeyond debate now.

Last time out you will remember, if you read the results,that sense rush absolutely dominated pretty much all

measurable stats. As avoid interceptions is a hidden bar,this could not be evaluated. Thus, comparing theimportance of the two was difficult. The majority of theleading minds in the game seemed to agree that theywere certainly the two most important bars in the game.Most didnt think there was much difference between thetwo. In hindsight knowing what I do now, I believe senserush was clearly more important. I will explain why later.

This time round in the stat testing sense rush wasnowhere to be seen. It vanished out of all calculations,bar one. It appears now sense rush does what is supposedto do only, and is no longer a magical route to success.

Namely it does what it says one the tin, in that itsinfluence is all about the Quarterback evading the rush.More specifically whether he gets sacked, or not.

The related variable of the Quarterback fumbling the balloff of a sack is still very much related to sense rush. Sowhile sense rush may not show up in passer rating oraverage per attempt any longer, it still is an importantbar. After comparing 6.2 with 6.3a, Quarterbacks arefumbling 20-25% more often in this new version. Thatsnot an awful lot in real terms, roughly an extra fumble ayear for the average QB. Also though, defensive fumblesrecovered after sacks are leading to a lot more returns.Often returns for touchdowns, as there often isntoffensive players in position to make the stop.

Accuracy was very significant in this recent 6.3a analysis.I do suspect that Jim made some changes that madeaccuracy more important, but just de-emphasizing senserush and putting more emphasis on short passes (whereaccuracy really helps) may help to explain these results.Accuracy was shown to have an small but ever presentinfluence in the major passing categories, to me this is areliable indicator of its importance.

Trying to compare accuracy, avoid interceptions andsense rush is not as easy thing to do if your trying toconsider overall importance. Having the results of a statstest is one thing. Correctly interpreting the results isarguably the tough part.

In an effort to understand the information at hand I wentto great source of information,http://www.advancednflstats.com Pulling football apartis what these guys do, its there business.

The average interception equates to 3.8 points in agame or 60 yards. A sack, when considering the relatedpossibility of fumbles, and returns, counts for 2.0 points,or 32 yards.


16/21


I know Jim reads this site, and my findings recently haveindicated that FOF stats are now very close to the NFL.With that in mind I felt fairly comfortable using thesefigures.

Now we need to make an estimate. How manyinterceptions does the average 0 avoid interceptions QBthrow, and how many does the average maxed out QBthrow. Same principle for sacks relating to a QBs senserush. Not very scientific, granted, but as always time is afactor.

I'm going to make an educated guess of 13 interceptionsbetween the 0 and 100. My guess for sacks is 24. Thatwould make 49.4 points over a season for interceptions,and 46 points over a season for sense rush. I have done asense rush experiment in the past, so I'm basing myopinion on that. Both numbers are very much open for

discussion though.

Not accurate in any way, but maybe a reasonable startingpoint.

Now, if we were to work out the increase in yardageaccuracy gives, and then transfer that into points.

Quote:if you want to know what impact they have, just pick arandom bar difference, say 10 points, and multiply it bythe stat. So, if accuracy has a coefficient of 0.012, then10 points of accuracy correspond to .12 YPA.

100 points of accuracy then, equal 1.20 yards. Lets thentake the average number of passes thrown in a season.Thats about 545 passes. 545 x 1.2 = 654. The differencebetween having 0 accuracy over a season, and 100 over aseason, would be 654 yards. 654 yards equals 40.9 points.Roughly 16 yards equate to 1 point according to NFLadvanced stats, so 654 yards equals 40.9 points.

Thus my estimation is as follows:Sense rush = 46 points over a seasonAvoid interceptions = 49.4 points over a seasonAccuracy = 40.9 points over a season

In a crude study such as this I am coming away with theopinion that all 3 of these bars are in the same ball parkand of similar importance. Using this system in 6.2, senserush would have been somewhere around 100 points. Farand away more important than any other bar. In 6.3athough these 3 are now the main measuring sticks.

So that brings us back to title, if you remember it. 6.3a

and QB evaluation. Where does the power now lie. Someguys are going to profit from this, some are going to fall.Sense rush is now a lot less important, and accuracymuch more so.

Here is my take on the leagues top 32 Quaterbacks, in the6.3a era. If the player made Gretas avoid interceptionlist last year he will be marked with an AI 7th, forexample.

1. Ryan (AI 1st)Almost the perfect specimen.

2. Flynn (AI 3rd)You cant find a weakness, just a blink behind Ryan hereand there.

3. BreesThe 15 year veteran is now a pretty awesome QB.

3. Palmer (AI 7th)Reality lives up to fantasy, almost.

5. YoungYoung has underachieved in the league. Perhaps 6.3a iswhat he was waiting for.


17/21


6. LionheartThe greatest journeyman in history is very underrated.

7. Roethlisberger (AI 5th)There was a time when Ben would of topped this list, buthey, he is still pretty sharp.

8. A. Smith (AI 9th)Smith has 14 formations these days, and he still has barsin the right places.

9.T. SmithA solid across the board kind of guy has become prettydamn sharp in this version.

10. Terry (AI 8th)Sense rush lets him down a little, but he still has lots oftools.

11. HatcherHatcher is well rounded, but nothing special where itcounts.

12. GantWhere did this guy come from. Only 10 formations, butstill, with the right guy is charge a good franchise QB.

13. TaylorYet to get it done in the vNFL, but on paper a goodplayer. Only 12 formations is a weakness, but 93 senserush is a nice strength.

14. KnagaThrows his fair share of picks, but overall is a very solidveteran.

15. KellarSeems it was mainly Jimmy, and Kellar was just hangingoff his coat tails. 6.3a has given him new life.

16. KolbAnother veteran who has had a nudge up from 6.3a

17. Rivers (AI 4th)The sense rush bar has always been his main downfall,

but still a quality QB if used correctly.

18. QuinnHe was a decent system QBI guess. The chump only getsbetter in 6.3a

19. RussellNever has had much of a chance in the vNFL, but a verysolid player all round on paper.

20. StevensAn improving 3rd year pro. Only 11 formations, and on facvalue an average avoid interceptions bar.

21. GutteriezAs close to a human clone of Leak as your likely to get. Haskills where they count.

22. LeakSee Gutteriez.

23. Frye (AI 2nd)For years Frye has boasted one of the best AI bars in theleague. His sense rush bar means he is a limited passerthough, plus he also struggles hitting intermediate routes

24. CutlerStrictly WCO only, decent in that role. Was last seasons 8interceptions a fluke? The jury is out on Cutler.

25. TatangeloHas consistently demonstrated a better ability to avoidinterceptions than his combine would indicate. Otherwisefairly average player across the board who has benefited fa smart gameplan during his time in the vNFL.

26. DunnThe stats say he should be on Gretas list, but oddly neveany sign of him. Tough to find a system for a guy who isaverage across the board.

27. Owens

A very similar player to Dunn. Owens is perhaps a better ffor the WCO, although needs to show he can avoid theinterceptions.

28 WashingtonWho? Dale Washington. Id never heard of him. Projects topretty good though.

29. ManningA gun slinger who will throw more picks than he should. Cto maxed on sense rush, which has chiefly taken him over30,000 yards as a pro. The end is nigh for this dinosaur.

30. FeeleyThis guy played in a Superbowl for the Ravens. In his 15thyear, but he can still play.

31. RapaportRapaport has been disappointing scouts of late and appeaslipping. Solid enough, but not what Houston thought he w

32. L. McCownThis forgotten man has certainly benefited from 6.3a. He

his 12 year though, so dont get to excited.


18/21


Buffalo Bills

The Bills lived in the shadow of the Pats in the last couple

of years. Having fine seasons but not playing a playoffs

game the last 2 seasons because of the very good AFC

North. The Bills lost 2 players to retirement. Corner

Terrence McGee who was mainly a backup last year after

8 seasons of starting for the Bills and TJ Houshmandzadeh

who had a great career but barely played last year inBuffalo. So no huge lost there.

It was different in free agency since they lost 10 players.

No superstar but they lost 2 quarterbacks in Romo and

Moretti who wouldve been better than their current

starter, Keith Stuart who threw 11 TDs and 11

interceptions in 12 games last season. They also let go 2

good corners in Kenyon House and Anthony Jones. They

also didnt have a major signing during free agency. The

biggest one being RB Walt Foerstel, who started the last 2

seasons in Houston doing an ok job.

They got some talent in the draft thought. I think they

made 2 good picks in the first 2 rounds. Ben Maxwell is

gonna be a very good safety and will start right away.

Matt Cepeda, picked in the 2nd round, shouldve some

playing time at tackle but hell be behind veteran Levi

Brown. 3rd round pick Leonard Cochrane is looking really

good too and is their best option at RDE in my mind since

Gene Shuler couldnt sack a QB to save his life and Hali is

getting old. Theres nothing much after that but these 3

are good enough for them to be very happy about their

draft.

They have a very dynamic offense that include a very

strong oline, a RB I really like in Dillon and a lot of

targets for their QB. Unfortunately, the quarterback

position is a huge question mark. I cant see any huge

holes on defense and they have one of the best seconda

out there. Last year their offense was very good on the

ground and terrible in the air. You can expect the same

thing since nothing has been done to help the passing

game. On defense, they should do better than last year

against the pass with the Maxwell and Cochrane additio

They built on their strength but didnt fix their

weaknesses this offseason so I cant see how they could

do better.

10-6, 2nd in East

Bills fans will expect more than just double digit wins in

2015

The Bills have the talent to get out ahead and make a

difference in the AFC East.


19/21


Miami Dolphins

Now to Miami, I was talking about how good Beargrowlzs

was as a GM but heres a guy who has the same

reputation in the FOF community. Its his second season

in the league now so his team is probably more like he

love it and we should start to see some good result in

Miami. The Dolphins lost only 1 guy to retirement and he

barely played last season and the only real loss they had

in free agency is center Bennie Shea.

They barely lost anything and signed some good ones in G

Morris Pearson and DT Lonnie Jones in free agency. Then

they made a huge trade with Jacksonville sending QB Kim

Terry and a bunch of low picks for Troy Smith and 2 first

round pick. In my mind, I dont see a lot of difference

between Terry and Smith so I think they made a huge

trade their. They will not feel the effect of that trade

this year but I dont think Smith is a downgrade to Terry.

Now, about their draft. I think they got the best of an

incredible safety group in Kim England. One of the best

coverage safety Ive ever seen. They didnt have a 2nd

round pick but they picked a good run stopper in round 3

in Frank Stearsman and what looks like a steal in the 5th

round in tackle Harvey McKinney.

Their offense doesnt look very good, but Bill is the kind

of guy who can get 1500 yards out of a an average RB like

Gaylor so I cant wait to see what hell do with TroySmith and his rushing attack this year. They will be as

good as last year on the ground we know that, but will

they be better with their passing attack? When we look at

the offseason, I would say no, but its all on Troy Smiths

shoulder. On defense, they have one of the best pass

rusher in the game, good linebackers and a good

secondary. They were good against both the run and t

pass last season and Kim England should help them be

even better.

8-8, 4t in East

Miami was +17 in turnover margin in 2014 leading the AFC


20/21


New England Patriots

We can't talk about their offseason without talking about

the retirement of Tom Brady. The Pats lost their long

time leader and the fans lost a chance to sit close to

Gisele Bundchen during games. Two very bad news for

them. I don't think they'll find a replacement for Gisele

but Matt Gutierrez could be good enough to keep the

Patriots on top of the division. He did a good job in 3

years as a starter in Tampa and he has one of the best

game planners to help him. Beargrowlzs also tried to

bring some competition for him trading for Chris Leak but

he lost a finger in a cigar accident and he wasn't the

same during training camp. I don't see how he could

compete with Gutierrez.

Their biggest acquisition was without a doubt Wade Dilly.

He was a huge disapointment in Arizona but he could do a

good job in New England. He still has good speed and

didn't show any sign of slowing down. Dilly is a very good

pass catcher so he should help the passing game as well.

They also added 2 good corners with the same skills set

during free agency in Monroe and Madore. Both are very

good m2m guys and they'll join an already very good

secondary. Their biggest lost in free agency is probably

center Dan Koppen but he shouldn't be that hard to

replace.

Now, heres the place where I would talk about their

draft but theres not much to say. The Pats didnt pick

before the end of the 4th round and in my mind, only

running back Wayne Morris could have some impact. He

got good running skills, but dont get too excited, hes

not gonna unseat Dilly as the starting RB.

When you look at their offensive unit, you see some holes

on the oline, 3 long time stars at wide receiver in Welker,

Cotchery and Williamson, an underachieving running back

in Dilly and a journeyman at quarterback. Would it be

enough for Beargrowlzs to dominate, I don't know, but it's

sure gonna be enough to win 10 games. On defense,

they're not that impressive either. They have some talent

in the middle of the line, a very good backer in Franz and

another good pass rusher in Caldwell. They have 4 solid

corners and so-so safery. Again, nothing flashy, but I'm a

firm believer of Mr Beargrowlzs and I know he'll find a

way to make it work.

16-0, VNFL Champions


21/21


New York Jets

The Jets finished 3rd of the division last year but had awinning record for the 1st time since 2008. Unfortunatelythey were hit hard with retirement losing 5 playersincluding star quarterback Donovan McNabb who had hisbest season as a Jet last season. They also lost theirstarting nose tackle Sione Pouha and running backChristian Doyle.

Ok lets talk about free agency. In fact the 2015 freeagency was interesting for 1 reason: The New York Jets.

They lost 12 players to free agency including the 3 guyswho got the most money offered to them this year: SConrad Steele, WR James Hardy and G Frank Tanner.They also lost several good players with S Charles Dayne,Dany Dixon, DT Lewis Mueting and corner Deon Dupree.They had a very good replacement for McNabb in JesseRutter, but they lost him to Seattle. When Seattle isgoing hard after a QB, you know hes good.

They had to be very aggressive in FA to cover that groundso they signed 18 players there but nothing close to thequality they lost. The best of them are probably QB LevonMoretti, WR Samie Parker, C Benny Shea and RB Kenyan

Balent. They also had talents in the draft. The best ofthem being safety Julio Stephenson who should be atackling machine. Also in the 1st round was DE CliftonDunn who will be a starter right away like OLB Tommy

Cornelius who was picked in the 2nd round. In the laterrounds, I like 6th round defensive end Michael Tracey.Hes a project but could help them down the road. 4thround tackle Mario Banks also look like a good one.

Its really hard to say if a team got better when you havthat much movement during an offseason but Ill say th: The New York Jets wouldve been a serious contenderthis division without all the departure in free agency. Nway a guy like Conrad Steele shouldve left New York.They were a good rushing team and an average passingteam last season. I could see them being as good on the

ground since I really like McFadden, but theyre gonna ba mess in the air. Their best 2 offensive players areolinemen but they have nobody to protect. On defenseits another story. Theres no big weakness and some bistars there. The Talib, Humphrey, Stephenson isincredible. Imagine that with Conrad Steele. Can theiroffense make up for their horrible offense? I dont thinkso. Not in this league, not in this division. Its back unde.500 for the Jets.

9-7, 3r in East

Neglecting its upcoming free agents this offseason has Jets

Its going to take a lot of extra work for this Jets squad to

get back to 9-7 this season.

2015 VNFL Preview Part 1

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