(S51) Offseason Task

[SwagSloth]

7. Write 600 words or more on something about anything in the league that interests you. It could be related to statistics, a league issue that you take seriously, or a niche part of history that doesn’t fit neatly into either of the above categories. This must be directly related to the league, so don’t wax 600 words about your team’s participation on a Werewolf server or something.

I’ve been gone for a while. And one of the first things I noticed when I logged in was that I had exactly one notification. It was an article from a year ago that I was tagged in, talking about the history of the Yeti. The part involving me was about S15 Draft, where I traded them the 11th overall and a few other picks for the 7th overall. I picked Roly and they were eyeing Frick_Nasty, who would still be there at the 11th pick, which meant they got their guy plus a few extra picks to boot. Great move by the Yeti and honestly they nabbed a tremendous player. Frick was super high on our list as well, even though he was a LB and we didn’t need one as badly as we needed other positions; however, the user shrined through.

But this did get me thinking about the legacy of the Outlaws. I took over the team around the end of S13 after burnout set in for the previous GM and co-GM. They gambled on some moves that didn’t pan and I thought the team was due for a refresh. Admittedly, I tend to be very all or nothing when it comes to these types of things. Maybe that’s not the best approach, but it was the approach I chose. So, I blew the team up. I had a heart-to-heart with the team and made it a goal to move away our veterans and anyone who didn’t want to ride out the rebuild. We tried to convert everything we had into picks and youth. I don’t know if we made the best moves we could long-term; as the draft above would highlight, drafting is all about betting on players. Not every move is going to be the best possible result, but we had a clear plan in mind and we were consistent in our approach. It was important to me that we keep things transparent and simple. I wanted all of our teammates to know what was going on and what the plan was for the future of the team.

The S15 draft was a massive one. I think it was something like 5-6 rounds of actives. It was a saving grace after several weaker drafts. The people involved in recruiting for the league had done a stellar job and the GMs were hyped for the possibilities ahead. Following a S14 season in which the Outlaws resembled more of a DSFL team than an ISFL one, we called up our S14 and S15 picks and hit the ground running as a unit. It was a strong effort for a group as young as we were. We went 6-8 and saw things heading in the right direction for us.

I figured S16 would be another step for us, another rebuilding year, but a step forward. The schedule changed from 14 games to 13 and we moved from 6-8 to 7-6. A winning record. Only two seasons in the rebuild, we were ecstatic with that alone. But then a funny thing happened. We made it into the playoffs, fully expecting to be wiped out in the quarter-finals. We beat the San Jose Sabercats,who also had a 7-6 record. This was more of a coin flip, but it still felt good to get a play-off win when we didn’t expect it. The semi-finals had us facing off with the 10-3 Orange County Otters, who by all rights owned the ASFC. All reasonable bets were on the Otters advancing to the Ultimus to face the Chicago Butchers, who were also 10-3 and facing another 7-6 team in the Philadelphia Liberty. That day, not one, but two miracles happened as the Outlaws and Liberty both overcame the odds and defeated their higher-ranking opponents. Any Given Sunday, as they say. And so the Ultimus came down to a pair of underdogs, battling for a title that no one thought they had any chance at. The match-up was close, 34-30, but the Outlaws emerged victorious. Obviously, our locker room was ecstatic. A lot of people were quick to call it a lucky win and we weren’t denying that it was a long shot, but we emerged victorious and it felt good to win the big one. It would end up being our only Ultimus win in that era, but it’s a time I look back on fondly. And I hope our teammates feel the same way. (743 Words)

(It’s been years and I don’t have the full list of users that contributed to our team during this phase. I’d like to maybe do an article playing tribute to the team and that’ll be on my short list of things to do in the future, but it’ll have to wait until I have the time to do some proper research and retread my steps. For now, I don’t want to only mention a few names and leave people out. But for my fellow former Outlaws, it was a pleasure playing alongside you.)

[TheNC206]

Pass

[Raven]

Code:

0. Update your own players wiki page with a brief summary, 450 words minimum, of the most recent season, and Update your stats table to reflect your players career stats table to reflect the most recent season. Link your wiki page below along with a brief explanation of what was updated.

Gusztáv Farkas' Wiki Page

540 word update + stat table

[LGLAC613]

14. It’s downright ridiculous that the ISFL don’t have a team in North Carolina while California’s sittin’ pretty with two! Now, let me tell ya, North Carolina is a football state through and through. We got the passion for the game, whether it’s college ball with the Tar Heels or the Wolfpack, or high school teams fillin’ up stadiums every Friday night. But somehow, the ISFL overlooks us in favor of givin’ California two teams? That just don’t make a lick of sense!

You walk into any diner or bar in North Carolina during football season, and folks are talkin’ football like it’s the most important thing in the world! We got fans that's as dedicated as they come. A North Carolina team would instantly bring in a dump truck load of energy, with loyal fans packin’ the stands week in and week out. Just think about the rivalries we would have with teams like Austin and Sarasota—it’d be a bloodbath!

Meanwhile, out in California, they already got two teams, and while they might be big and flashy, they just don’t have the same heart we got here in the Tar Heel State. Our football culture runs deep, from the ACC to all our local high school championships, and the ISFL is missin’ out on that energy.

Plus, geographically, North Carolina is in a prime spot, sittin’ right dead in the heart of the southeast. We’re close to a bunch of other football-crazed states, which means travelin’ fans and rivalries galore. It’s a no-brainer!

So why’s California gettin’ two teams while North Carolina gets the cold shoulder? It’s high time the ISFL wised up and recognized the passion and potential here. North Carolina deserves its shot in the big leagues, and leavin’ us out is not only missin' out on a revenue stream from the TV rights, it's just plain foolish!



19. As a power-rushin’ defensive end, I bring a whole lotta strength to the table, the kind that’ll flat-out overwhelm offensive linemen. I ain't just quick off the line, but I got the power to bull-rush straight through blockers, pushin’ ‘em back like they’re on skates. When I get my hands on a tackle, you better believe I’m drivin’ ‘em into the backfield, collapsin’ that pocket and makin’ quarterbacks real uncomfortable.

Ain't no runnin' game gonna thrive on my side, neither. I got the strength to hold my ground and control them gaps, so runnin’ backs ain't findin’ no daylight. I love gettin' physical, settin’ the edge, and keepin’ that outside contained. With my power, once I lock onto a blocker, I can toss 'em aside and get after the ball.

Any DSFL team lookin' for a big, powerful presence on the D-line? Well, they’d be hard-pressed to find someone who’ll out-muscle me, that’s for sure.



30. The Osaka Kaiju got the best brandin’ in the ISFL, hands down. That name—Kaiju—makes you think of them giant monsters from over in Japan, and it’s got a fierce, powerful feel to it. But it’s their colors that really seal the deal—the purpley blue and red. That colour combo gives off a mighty and fiery energy, with purpley blue creatin’ a dark, stormy vibe, while that pop of red shows highlights how no nonsense they operate. They're comin' for ya, and there ain't nothing y'all can do about it.

Their logo, with that big ass Kaiju, looks even more fearsome in those colors—it’s like a force of nature comin’ for ya. You'd be hard pressed to find any colour and logo combo in the league that as striking and intimidating as them Kaiju. Honestly, what on God's green earth is a fuckin' grey duck? That's just a different colour duck! Who the hell is scared of a duck? Not this guy.

[Dmac1200]

19. Dixon Yamada is one of this years drafts hot commodities. Along side plenty of talented prospects, Yamada's "nose to the grindstone" work ethic will allow teams to confidently choose a player they know will put the work in to make sure he leaves an impact on the field. With many teams displaying interest in his talents, Dixon preaches his mentality of wanting to be the first fear in every quarterbacks mind when game planning for his future defense. If defense wins championships, he will be on that defense. Many scouts comparing him to award front-runner in the DSFL this year; Xander Le Roux. Although high praise for the young man entering the draft, Dixon Yamada seems poised to fill that level of expectation. When asked what his highest priority will be after getting drafted, Yamada states he will be looking to build his reputation as a strong building block for his franchise.

20. The main thing to focus on when breaking ground on a new stadium is always going to be fan experience. Without the fans, we'd be nothing. I'd like to see an expansive fan zone in the building with many different league related activities as well as a family friendly rest area where people can relax and get ready for the game. You also have to make sure theres plenty of space in the parking lot for the long time pre-game tradition of Tail Gating. An expansive seating arrangement is obvious but I would like to see a higher availability of price friendly seating with only a few VIP reserved seating areas to make sure as many of our fans can be accommodated as possible. When it comes to the field itself, We should be looking at a hybrid roof allowing for both closed and open roof games when weather appropriate. The Field must be grass for the safety of all league players.

28. If cornerback was not available to be selected when creating my player, I would have selected to be a Safety. The reason being is obviously you still have a huge role in pass defense and can be just as big a nuisance for any offenses game plans. The difference between cornerback and safety could the your value in the running game, meaning I would need to invest more in my tackling abilities. However being able to influence the center field can create nightmares for quarterbacks in any system. With Versatile safeties, moving up in the box and creating a numbers advantage can make or break stopping a strong running game. I have confidence that in both positions, I could continue to have the impact I am looking for in building a defense wins championships mentality. Safeties are also more likely to blitz, creating the possibility of adding another tally to the stat sheets.

23. Jimmy John Rushmore is high on my list of priority picks for this upcoming draft. His bull rush cannot be matched by any blocker he lines up against. Coming out of the UTEP Miners, he may be the best professional prospect the school has ever produced. You'll hear scouts rave about the way he conducts himself as a professional and is a constant leader in the locker rooms. You'll even have coaches and GMs praising his front office knowledge and ability create the  best possible line ups for his team to succeed. I don't disagree with any of these points but once he hits the field, the beast is unleashed. Quarterbacks in the league, its time to take note. Mt.Rushmore is here and the sack records are at risk. If you pass on this prospect, I hope you apologize to your qbs for that punishment.

[toivo]

PBE PT

[SonOfCar]

16. Describe your player and/or team’s journey through this latest season. What were the highlights? What were the lower points? What might you have done differently? What are your expectations for next season?

The season of 51 was an interesting one for freshly new create Shakir Hodges-Allen. Coming from the SonOfCar agency as the "next big thing" (we'll see if that reigns true), Hodges-Allen is a WR Prospect just getting ready for the DSFL draft that is going to be happening within the next couple of weeks (which I am super hyped about, cannot wait to finally get this season to start). It's not easy coming in as a 50 TPE guy for sure, but I luckily have been able to say that I have had more time under my belt to get everything done and do some Point Tasks and also make some quick money. I am really hoping that is going to make a big difference in my player as he goes into his official Year one. I'm honestly expecting to be working for a possible award in that very first season, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here now. We gotta focus on S50, after all!

So, I was actually fortunate enough to get to play here in S50. That is because I created at the Trade Deadline, meaning I was eligible to be a waiver pickup for a team! How hype is that? I got picked up by the Minnesota Grey (Gray?) Ducks and honestly never really looked back. It was a really fun locker room experience, and it was really fun to work with those guys and HONK around all the time. But let's take a quick look at each of the whopping 4 (yes, four!) games that Shakir Hodges-Allen got to play in this season:

@Buccaneers: 2 Receptions for 43 yards
vs Portland: Nothing...
@Tijuana: 2 Receptions for 15 yards, 1 TD
vs London: 3 catches for 51 yards, 1 TD

It wasn't very eventual for those 4 games, but Minnesota had a pretty stacked lineup in terms of receiving and also running the ball. So we take what we can get. Excited for what things will look like for next season.


Make a scouting report for any of the ISFL or DSFL draftees. Show their stats, abilities, TPE, or highlights.

Shakir Hodges-Allen (DSFL Prospect) is a high-motor and speedy wide receiver looking to make an immediate impact for whatever DSFL team. He already is already one of the quickest in the game, boasting a 79 speed after updates go through, and that immediate burst of speed could easily not only get him open and create separation from that of his defender, but boost down the field and get big-time gains at what seems to be mere ease. The one thing about Hodges-Allen, though, according to his close sources, is his ability to bring in the ball. He may not get a lot of flashy plays, but he is going to simply the ability to catch the ball. Expect him to rank in the upper percentile when it comes to receptions, and maybe when it is all said and done he will be in the top percentile or even top 10 all-time in that category, who knows!


What are your thoughts on the sim engine? What sort of improvements would you make to the sim engine if given the opportunity?

Draft Day Sports Pro Football is an interesting sim engine. I am not going to act like it is the greatest one in the world because it definitely has it flaws, at least from my remembrance of it throughout its time. I only explicitly used the 2016 version, as that was what was used in a previous sim league, so I do not have any experience with the newer versions of this series. It could have gotten a lot better, which I would not put past the developers, but I simply would not know. I do always wish that there was more variety in what we had in terms of sim engines. There is basically only one or two to chose from for each sport, which obviously sucks because that means you are stuck to work with it if you have no other option. I do think overall the sim engine is good and I think because there is a team rebalancing stats and making it more fun for users that it works out okay.


5 + 2.5 + 2.5 = 10

[YetiTaz]

1. The Season 50 Ultimus and Ultimini have officially come to an end. Congratulations to the the Bondi Beach Buccaneers and Baltimore Hawks for each winning their respective championships. How did each of the finalists in either the Ultimus or Ultimini arrive at the playoffs? Were there any teams that surprised or disappointed during the playoffs? Did the outcome of either championship game surprise you at all?

Defense wins championships.

The Baltimore Hawks and the Bondi Beach Buccaneers took completely different paths but both ended their journey with the Trophy of Champions.

The Hawks took over the Pineapple Haters and Ketchup Enthusiasts Conference as the number one seed and tied with the Honolulu Hahalua with the best record in the entire ISFL. They were consistent by going with identical 6-2 records at home and on the road. The Hawks proved the old saying "defense wins championships" to be true as they allowed the fewest points in the ISFL with the second best rushing defense in the league.

Following a humiliating 45-17 loss at home to the Sarasota Sailfish, the Hawks rolled off seven wins (including the playoffs) in a row to become the S50 Ultimus Champions. They allowed under 20 points in four of those seven games and in 10 total games (including playoffs) of the season.

The Hawks went the entire season without suffering back-to-back losses and always had at least two wins in between losses.

The Hawks playoff road was a struggle as they were forced to face teams that had beaten them in the regular season. The Hawks avenged a Week One loss by knocking off the Yellowknife Wraiths 21-18 in the Quarterfinals. Wolfie McDummy Jr connected woth Anakin Skywalker on a 21 yard touchdown pass with just a minute and 50 seconds left in the game to pull out the win.

In the Semifinals, the Hawks had to face the same Sailfish that had blown them out in Week 12. The Hawks built a 34-16 lead and then had to survive a furious Sarasota rally to hang on to win 34-31.

The Ultimus Championship Game was another hard-fought contest for the Hawks as the New York Silverbacks took a 27-24 lead with 12:39 left in the game. But the Hawks, losers of the previous two Ultrimus Championship Games, would not be denied. Skywalker scored on a one-yard run with 4:20 to go in the game to put the Hawks up for good. Master Chief added a 39-yard field goal with just over a minute and a half left to provide the final points.

For the Bondi Beach Buccaneers, they entered the DSFL playoffs with an 8-6 record, the worst record among the four playoff teams. While the Hawks were the top favorites to win the Ultimus Championship, the Buccaneers were the longest of longshots to take home the Ultimini.

But that is exactly what happened when they took a page out of the Hawks playbook and held both their playoff opponents under 20 points.

After starting the season 3-3, the BBB became an inconsistent team in putting wins together, followed by losing streaks as the would fall from 5-1 to 8-6, losing three of their last four regular season games.

However, the Buccaneers resembled the Hawks in having tough defense, finishing second in the DSFL in points allowed as well as rushing yards allowed.

In the 16-14 win over the Dallas Birddogs in the Semifinals, the Buccaneers held Dallas to just 51 yards rushing for the game and leaned on the leg of Jack Wolf's three field goals to make the difference in the game.

Then, in the Ultimini Championship Game, the Buccaneers had to overcome the defending Ultimini Champions and a team that had beaten them twice in the regular season. But, again, the BBB defense rose to the occasion, allowing just 44 yards rushing and forcing four turnovers in the commanding 27-14 victory that saw Bondi Beach take the lead for good late in the second quarter.

Though they both took different paths to reach the championship, both Baltimore and Bondi let it be known that defense still wins championships.

(621 words)

[modpro]

7.

The ISFL has a serious issue. It is mitigated by how long player career's take, but it is a serious issue that limits their ceiling as an activity and as a community. There is a lack of diversity and flexibility within the sim at basically every point. For starters, gameplans have very very little wiggle room. I'm not insanely familiar with the war room process but I was in the ducks war room for a bit and you legit just run the sim a bajillion times and pick one of the 5 or so options MAYBE shift around positions. The whole thing is very formulaic and doesn't have the creativity that you would expect gameplay to entail. Now, understandably, a more customizable gameplan might require too much work on the war room's end, but IMO it would be way more fun and would keep matchups from feeling the same. The fact that the sim is dots and not real players make plays feel very similar. You don't get "highlight" plays. You don't get to see players put on a great move, make a great pass breakup, make a great catch, avoid a great sack, or lay someone out. These plays in many ways define football fandom IRL. There's a reason promotional videos highlight these sorts of plays. You lose out on the competitive and exciting nature of games when every catch is the same, every PBU is the same (sometimes the players aren't even where the engine technically locates them so you get pass breakups from dudes who are not even in the vicinity). In this same vein, the plays act like each other. You don't get tipped balls, hook and laterals, even bootlegs and play action basically don't exist. I'm not even sure if we have gun versus under center. It makes everything homogenous and repetitive in a way that football really shouldn't be. Most importantly, every player of a position are the exact same. There is basically no such thing as a play style. QB's can be more or less rushing focused, but otherwise they're all the same. You don't see bruiser versus speedy backs. You don't see route running specialists versus contested catch guys. If you pick a position, you will be just like everyone else of that position. This is the biggest deal to me. You lose out on a lot of fun because you can't differentiate your player. You can break records, you can win championships, but you can't create a distinct playstyle and therefore your legacy and impact are significantly less. The amount of times people talk about real life football players in the manner of: "Man watching ___ play was something else" you don't get that here, and I think that's an issue.

My solution I admittedly have not thoroughly examined, but I feel strongly about it nonetheless. We should switch the Sim to an older version of Madden. Doesn't need to be too old, but just one that is easier to get because it's not the current one anymore. This would solve basically all of the issues I listed above. (I don't know how gameplan would work, but that one was the most minor so it's fine). A few potential issues would arise. Firstly, the game would basically only be accessible to those with gamepass on Xbox. It is insanely expensive in any other format even for old versions. Gamepass gets you it for free though. I have no idea what the supply chain is like for simmers. Secondly, importation would be difficult, but would be worth it IMO. The third issue I think is highly fixable though, game length. Game length of a normal Isfl game is around 12-13 minutes. 2 or 3 minute quarters would approximate this length. As far as I've seen, the short quarters would not affect average scoring totals although I could be wrong. Overall, if we can find a way to make Madden work, the experience would be SO much better. Watching your player would be actually exciting as they get to actually make plays and separate themselves from others at the position.

[Dev0]

OT paid for