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Title: It can be done, from losers to winners Post by: Paul-London on January 07, 2008, 09:30:27 AM Its no coincidence that GM's who have a losing record do not make so many changes as they would if they had a winning team, its the old pattern, a team starts losing and the downward spiral continues, no changes and the team gets worse and worse.
However there are 'fasttracks' to success such as several franchises have shown in the past.... Montreal were 0-14 when GM David Harwood took over. He used the top pick on a franchise QB Danny Wuerffel, made some great trades for HB Lawrence Phillips and soon after Corey Walker, made some key trades defensively. Two good drafts later and his team were in the playoffs. London were 5-8-1 just two seasons ago. The Monarchs traded up for QB Drew Henson, the key trade was for HB Joe Hall who was a little used backup with RB-heavy New York. Decent draft picks, some key trades for other teams backups (who then became starters with London) and the Monarchs started winning again. Berlin just two seasons ago were 3-10-1 and one of the jokes of the league. Their 1st round QB Nate Hybl hadnt worked out so they drafted a new QB this year and started him from day 1 and he has been exceptional. HB Avon Cobourne developed with Berlin and has been one of the top RB's the last few years and the team are winning this year. Paris have long been a losing team but they made some key trades this year picking up defensive help such as LB Steve Jasue, DE Derrick Crawford, they have had some great drafts lately and finally picked up a franchise HB in Thunder Collins. Now Paris are 7-5 and potentially heading for the playoffs. "If you can spot a gem on a teams roster who is a backup then its worth a shot trying to trade for them" said an unknown FWL source. "Many teams also forget veterans, they can be key in helping your team turnaround. Once a team starts winning in the FWL they get a confidence which can take them far". Can teams such as Barcelona, Rhein and Raleigh turn it around ? Some of the teams have parts in place (Franchise QB - Raleigh, Barcelona), 1000 yard WR - Rhein) but are missing badly in other key areas such as slow LB's or secondary. Title: Re: It can be done, from losers to winners Post by: Andrew-Neutral on January 08, 2008, 08:11:41 AM It seems that picking up one or two players can make a lot of difference to your team. Paris were 0-14 last year. When I took over, I only made a couple of trades and now we're looking much better.
When you're losing, it can be hard to trade, however. It is hard to know what to offer the other team, as you don't want to lose one of your few good players or a potentially high draft pick. But, if you can spot a decent guy who is not starting at other team, it is always worth making an approach - the worst that can happen is that your offer is declined! Title: Re: It can be done, from losers to winners Post by: Paul-London on January 08, 2008, 08:34:06 AM To win in the FWL you have to have a decent RB. Just crucial, you may have a great defense, top passing attack but without a decent running back its normally non-playoff years constantly.
What i tend to do is look at other teams rosters and see how they build their teams. Eg most playoff teams secondary have a fair bit of speed, most playoff teams LB's have 80+ SP and similar skills. Sometimes you can get 'lucky' and get someone who just clicks, eg Berlin QB Jeff Rowe has fitted in superbly with his team. Other times it takes a while to develop, eg Orlando QB Kliff Kingsbury. Theres a fair few decent RB's out there, many who are backups who could start for a fair few of the losing teams. Looking at some of the teams... Barcelona - badly need a faster secondary, faster LB's Orlando - Good all round team, next year HB Brown should develop and help out that team Raleigh-Durham - Great offense (had unlucky injuries this year), not great defense Rhein - Would say needs a new big franchise QB But yeah that big trade with the Riders really helped Paris out, had a top LB out of it and a good HB1 which is crucial as Robert Edwards has aged badly |