What's the Key to Winning?

Despite it being a computer game i love the way that not everything is always the same, eg a 90 90 90 player doesnt mean he'll rush for 1000 yards etc.

I really think theres some luck involved, some players just 'play well' in the software whereas others despite good player stats just dont perform. Like other help files say ,if a player just isnt performing no matter how great his player stats are get rid.

I 'used' to win lots by having a good mix of young players and also veterans. A lot of people instantly dismiss veterans because of their age but i think you need a good mix.

I started off by building my offensive line, then defensive line and then i looked at the QB position, i admit i got lucky trading for Todd Bouman. I liked his INT and other skills and the payoff worked out well. My QB before that Charlie Ward had terrible INT but had some good seasons.

The biggest key i think to winning is getting a rushing attack, took me a while, i actually had a decent HB in Roel van Teefelen but didnt realise as i used him as FB because of his ST. However i wanted to upgrade and get some speed and until this year Mike Green was doing well for me.

With LB's i've tended to look out for ones who basically make plays, Kinnon Tatum always has so i traded for him. LB Mark Brown is doing very well for a young player, even Claus Biedermann in his 11th year has more sacks than most of my other LB's who have seen action.

In the seconday i try to go for SP and HA . Got a good mix of youngers (Tatum Jnr, Riley to an extent) and vets. Pascal Ritzheim is about 104 years old but has 2 interceptions this year despite only starting a few games.

Special teams is of course important as many games are down to 3 points or less.

Saying all that my team sucks this year but i've had a good 5 year spell. Drafting is key , not just for young players but for trading as if you have a great young player you could trade him for multiple picks then do the same all over again. Trading is of course very important, to try to find some 'gems' on other rosters and after a training camp or two theyre well worth it.

Even though i go on about vets all the time New York have shown that you can get by with a lot of youngsters. They must be hitting the 'right age' at the moment as theyre performing so well and Adam has a strong side now for years. Mexico still need some work but they have young talent and again in the future should be a strong team.

David has done very well retooling the Machine as he has a new young HB, a new young starter on the d-line and has made other changes to a long time winning squad. This year hes had some very unlucky tight losses but hes kept his team together well.

Totally unsure about the Surge, DT Jameson Kernutt actually 'fitted' my defense well last year so perhaps i shouldnt have traded him. Hes doing nothing for London but he seemed to play well for me. I've got Lamanzer Williams back for a year (after somehow disappearing off the files last year) but so far hes been a flop for me.

Its very difficult to tell but if you can trade for a player which can come right in and 'fit' perfectly then you are onto a winner. Austria WR Matthew Hatchette has blossomed since going to Austria, whereas other players simply go through a bad year, eg Surge DE Mike Sutton or London WR Maurice Bryant.

I do love the game as its a great mix of knowing what to look for, a bit of luck and patience

Looking at powerful teams around the league, my quick unofficial view is....

New York : Drafted a great QB in Stambaugh, added a fierce defensive line and found out they had a great RB behind Michael Black
San Antonio : Great trade for Michael Bishop, drafted Curtis Alexander for the rushing game, have a great duo of WR's in veteran Williams and young Looker. Built up an amazing d-line

Montreal: Drafted Danny Wuerffel, traded for Lawrence Philips, had some great drafts and good trades

Frankfurt: Thanks to a great trade it turned out to be the #1 overall pick, drafted Rohan Davey who fit straight in as a rookie, veteran Joe Aska did the business on the ground and a constant good defense helped them

Teams such as Ohio and Paris could get much stronger, both are finding a rushing attack this year and have offensive power at QB. The defenses have some young talent but might take a while for them to really get going defensively

Berlin: A great mix of veterans and young stars, Michael Black has looked like a new player in Berlin, Pat Barnes is the leagues 'Brett Favre' and despite his age plays so well. Defense plays very well also

Amsterdam: Got a decent (fumbling) QB in Heath Rylance, took a wihle to build the defense but some good drafting and trading bought several good players on the d-line and LB's and secondary. A trade for HB Mike Reed worked out as he gained 1000 yards and more recently their new HB seems to be getting the yards done on the ground, also built up the o-line in trades.