Building a franchise

[primetime]

Hmmmm....If I were to start a franchise today, I would pick:

Offense: Peyton Manning. He is by far the brightest QB in the NFL. Without him, the Colts are terrible on offense. Anyone remember the preseason when Jim Sorgi was running the offense. Yeah....The Colts need Manning. To answer some other points, Manning is not a "system" QB considering he oftens changes plays at the line of scrimmage. He is like an offensive coordinator on the field playing the game. I will always go with Manning. Besides, he is helping my fantasy football teams tremendously!

Defense: Ray Lewis. Without a doubt, this guy is the best LB/Defensive leader there is in the NFL. True, he is slowing down, but who else brings the intensity, the emotion and the leadership like Ray? He is the QB of the defense. Like Manning, he is a defensive coordinator playing the game.

The only thing about these two guys would be their age. But if I am building a franchise from scratch, I want instant leadership to get past the initial "newness" of the franchise. I want to win from the gate, while building for the future. But, if I had to choose "younger" guys it would be:

Offense: Adrian Peterson. This guy is a STUD, no doubt. The only thing that concerns me is that because he runs hard on every play, he is more susceptible to injury. So I might go with Matt Ryan instead.

Defense: Patrick Willis. This guy is a Ray Lewis clone minus the emotion. He is a beast on the field and I only pray Mike Singletary remains the 49ers coach, so he can thrive in a good defensive system.

As for "all time".

Offense: Joe Montana. Now really, is there anyone better than "Joe Cool"?

Defense: This one was hard, but I think I like punkrockergirl's choice, Deacon Jones. There was no one EVER in the history of the game that was ferocious as Deacon. I mean, he lived to destroy people. But, if we played with today's rules (no headslapping), he might not be as beastly. If that is the case, then I am going with Singletary for the same reason I would choose Ray Lewis. Leadership skills, plus unreal talent.


But, how would you complete your team?

Offense:

Peyton Manning QB
Adrian Peterson RB
Lorenzo Neal FB
Steve Smith WR
Calvin Johnson WR
Jason Witten TE
Walter Jones LT
Steve Hutchinson LG
Jeff Saturday C
Alan Faneca RG
RT (I need to think about this one)

Defense:

Dwight Freeney DE
Albert Haynesworth DT
Kris Jenkins DT
Kyle Vande Bosch DE
Ray Lewis MLB
Shawne Merriman OLB
Joey Porter OLB
Champ Bailey DB
Dominique R-Cromartie DB
Ed Reed FS
Bob Sanders SS


What about everyone else?

 

[Fangz]

Good question. I'll post my squad without my reasons and we can debate them if you like.

Tom Brady QB
Adrian Peterson RB
Lorenzo Neal FB
Larry Fitzgerald WR
Calvin Johnson WR
Kellen Winslow TE
Walter Jones LT
Steve Hutchinson LG
Shawn O' Hara C
Alan Faneca RG
Ryan Cook RG

Defense:

Justin Tuck DE
Albert Haynesworth DT
Tommie Harris DT
DeMarcus Ware DE
Lofa Tatupu MLB
Shawne Merriman OLB
James Harrison OLB
Champ Bailey DB
Nick Collins DB
Ed Reed FS
Troy Polamalu SS

 

[punkrockergirl]

Considering the Colts had only 5 winning seasons from 1980-1997 (before Manning was drafted) and 9 in 10 years since (including a SB and 5 straight 12 or more W seasons and counting) ... I'd have to disagree.

He threw 26 TD's his rookie season under Mora while throwing to the likes of Ken Dilger and Sean Dawkins.

And the only reasons I take him over Brady (and every other RB) is because:

a. I hate Brady and the Pats.
b. Brady just suffered a career-altering injury.
c. RB's break down faster than QB's; can be easier to defend/develope a D gameplan against.

Peyton has had at least 4 different RB's over his career (Faulk, Edge, Rhodes, Addai) but the Colts keep winning regardless of who he hands the ball off to.

He's not a 'system QB'.

He's just damned fantastic.

but manning wasnt a great qb until dungy got there.. i think its more dungy's timing system than it is peyton.. dont get me wrong manning is good i just dont think that without the system he is in that he would be great

 

[punkrockergirl]

Hmmmm....If I were to start a franchise today, I would pick:

Offense: Peyton Manning. He is by far the brightest QB in the NFL. Without him, the Colts are terrible on offense. Anyone remember the preseason when Jim Sorgi was running the offense. Yeah....The Colts need Manning. To answer some other points, Manning is not a "system" QB considering he oftens changes plays at the line of scrimmage. He is like an offensive coordinator on the field playing the game. I will always go with Manning. Besides, he is helping my fantasy football teams tremendously!

Defense: Ray Lewis. Without a doubt, this guy is the best LB/Defensive leader there is in the NFL. True, he is slowing down, but who else brings the intensity, the emotion and the leadership like Ray? He is the QB of the defense. Like Manning, he is a defensive coordinator playing the game.

The only thing about these two guys would be their age. But if I am building a franchise from scratch, I want instant leadership to get past the initial "newness" of the franchise. I want to win from the gate, while building for the future. But, if I had to choose "younger" guys it would be:

Offense: Adrian Peterson. This guy is a STUD, no doubt. The only thing that concerns me is that because he runs hard on every play, he is more susceptible to injury. So I might go with Matt Ryan instead.

Defense: Patrick Willis. This guy is a Ray Lewis clone minus the emotion. He is a beast on the field and I only pray Mike Singletary remains the 49ers coach, so he can thrive in a good defensive system.

As for "all time".

Offense: Joe Montana. Now really, is there anyone better than "Joe Cool"?

Defense: This one was hard, but I think I like punkrockergirl's choice, Deacon Jones. There was no one EVER in the history of the game that was ferocious as Deacon. I mean, he lived to destroy people. But, if we played with today's rules (no headslapping), he might not be as beastly. If that is the case, then I am going with Singletary for the same reason I would choose Ray Lewis. Leadership skills, plus unreal talent.


But, how would you complete your team?

Offense:

Peyton Manning QB
Adrian Peterson RB
Lorenzo Neal FB
Steve Smith WR
Calvin Johnson WR
Jason Witten TE
Walter Jones LT
Steve Hutchinson LG
Jeff Saturday C
Alan Faneca RG
RT (I need to think about this one)

Defense:

Dwight Freeney DE
Albert Haynesworth DT
Kris Jenkins DT
Kyle Vande Bosch DE
Ray Lewis MLB
Shawne Merriman OLB
Joey Porter OLB
Champ Bailey DB
Dominique R-Cromartie DB
Ed Reed FS
Bob Sanders SS


What about everyone else?

if ur gonna finish ur team u have to be realistic .. no way u get all these players under the cap

 

[punkrockergirl]

if i were to finish my team.. (making it a realistic team that would fit under the cap) i would go

QB- Chad Pennington .. decent arm doesnt make mistakes
RB- Michael Turner- fast decent tackle breaking and a good pass catcher
FB- Leron Mcclain- hes a beast.. nuff said
WR- Andre Johnson- best wr in the game right now
WR- Santonio Holmes- good hands good speed.. would like brandon marshell but thats not realistic
TE- Owen Daniels- great pass catcher and good enough blocker
LT- Joe Thomas- big young kid, doesnt allow sacks
LG- David Deihl- great run blocker
C- Kevin Mawae- great thinker and leader on the line
RG-Davin Joeseph- decent.. has good upside and is young
RT-Shane Olivea- in my opnion the best right tackle in football

DE-Robert Mathis- great pass rusher.. good mix of power and speed
NT- Shaun Rogers- BIG and hole stuffer
DE- Aaron Kampman- not flashy but makes plays year after year
LOLB-Rocky Mcintosh- great young linebacker
ILB-Patrick Willis- Best young linebacker in the game.. very fast
ILB-James Farrior- gives the defense veteran leadership..a tackling machine
ROLB- James Harrison- Best linebacker in football plain and simple
SS- Troy Polamalu- no explanation needed
FS-Chris Holt- ball hawking saftey
CB-Antinio Cromarte- very athletic and tall
CB-Fabian Washington- so fast

CB-

 

[Cy/MiG]

if ur gonna finish ur team u have to be realistic .. no way u get all these players under the cap

Yup. Not even in 'Madden'

Course, isn't the NFL going to be 'capless' after 08???

Crap, now I have to make an all-time list and a current roster...

I can't resist!!!

 

[Cy/MiG]

QB: Either Peyton or #7 Big Ben (Manning is older and would cost more, Ben makes more mistakes... but I want/need a winner @ QB)

RB: Johnathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams platoon (Went to HS with Stewart, gotta show him love and respect. DeAngelo was dominate @ Memphis)

FB: Owen Schmitt/Leonard Weaver (Hawks have good FB's... and nothing else really)

WR: Calvin Johnson (BEAST!)
WR: [A healthy] Marques Colston (Again... BEAST!)
WR: Miles Austin/Nate Washington (They're both speedy and suprisingly decent for slot WR's)
TE: Heath Miller (Can block and catch)

I'm not sure who my O-lineman would be... but it wouldn't be Pittsburghs *ZING!*

DE: Aaron Smith (Reliable vet, semi-cheap)
DT: Albert Haynesworth (Best there is... other than maybe Casey Hampton)
DE: DeMarcus Ware (Double BEAST!!!)
MLB: Patrick Willis (BEAST who feasts on BEASTS!!!)
MLB: Some rookie/old vet (I have Willis, Ware and the Woodley-Harrison duo... who CARES who my 2nd MLB in the 3-4 is!!! It could be Brian Bosworth and I'd rack up 5 sacks a game! 😀 )
OLB: LaMarr Woodley (Killer edge rusher)
OLB: James Harrison ('Mr everything')
DB: ??? Ashomoga (sp?) (That bloke from ChOakland... he's a ballhawk)
DB: Ike Taylor (He's a passable coverage guy, plus I need to save money at SOME positions...)
FS: Some rookie/old vet (I need to save cap space, Plus I have Polamalu! 😀 )
SS Troy Polamalu (Nuff said.)

 

[Tickle Fiend]

Yup. Not even in 'Madden'

Course, isn't the NFL going to be 'capless' after 08???

Crap, now I have to make an all-time list and a current roster...

I can't resist!!!

I think it'll be capless beginning with the 2010 season. If a new CBA is reached then they'll have a cap. It doesn't sound like a new agreement will be agreed upon with all that is being said.

 

[Dave2112]

Hmmm...off the top of my head...

QB - currently, I'd have to go with Matt Ryan. Yep. Matt Ryan. I have my reasons.

RB - Adrian Peterson. 'Nuff said.

FB - eh, probably Weaver

The Giants offensive Line

WR's - Andre Johnson, Steve Smith (the good one), and for a third-down possesion receiver....Amani Toomer.

TE - a HEALTHY Jeremy Shockey

The entire Vikings' Defensive Line

Safeties - Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed. Let em switch off 'tween free and strong.

Linebackers - Antonio Pierce, Chad Greenway, James Harrison

Sorry, but corners seem pretty interchangeable this year.

 

[primetime]

Why even bring a salary cap up? This is fantasy. After all, if we were to start a franchise TODAY, would we really have access to a franchise QB/RB/WR/Defensive player anyway? Would we have any access to any "All time greats" if we were to start a franchise TODAY? No. So, why not give a team you would create with today's players, regardless of salary? After all, do all of us really know how much EACH player in the NFL makes? So, we couldn't do a salary cap based team, even if we tried. We would have to know their salaries in order to be accurate. If we did, we wouldn't have MOST of the guys we've named.

Now, WHERE would you start your franchise since we are doing one from scratch? Obviously it can't be in a city that already has a franchise. So, where would you start? Of course, my franchise would be in the "City of Angels", Los Angeles California....

 

[punkrockergirl]

if i had to pick a city it would be las vegas.. not sure if they would really give a damn about football but thats where i would put it

 

[punkrockergirl]

Why even bring a salary cap up? This is fantasy. After all, if we were to start a franchise TODAY, would we really have access to a franchise QB/RB/WR/Defensive player anyway? Would we have any access to any "All time greats" if we were to start a franchise TODAY? No. So, why not give a team you would create with today's players, regardless of salary? After all, do all of us really know how much EACH player in the NFL makes? So, we couldn't do a salary cap based team, even if we tried. We would have to know their salaries in order to be accurate. If we did, we wouldn't have MOST of the guys we've named.

Now, WHERE would you start your franchise since we are doing one from scratch? Obviously it can't be in a city that already has a franchise. So, where would you start? Of course, my franchise would be in the "City of Angels", Los Angeles California....

good point about bringing up the cap, but if u dont make it have to be somewhat realistic everybody would pick the same people u would see polamalu, reed, haynesworth, manning over and over, i want to see different people not just everyone put the probowl team down

 

[primetime]

Las Vegas would actually be a good place to put a team. It would be different, that's for sure.

Understandable reasoning for having an imaginary cap. People would put Pro Bowlers on their team. So, here is an altered team that will include franchise guys/Pro Bowlers and some "good players".

QB Peyton Manning
RB DeAngelo Williams (This kid can run!)
FB Lorenzo Neal
WR TJ Houshmanzadeh
WR Hines Ward
TE Jason Witten
LT Tony Ugoh (he's getting better)
LG Steve Hutchinson
C Nick Mangold
RG Leonard Davis
RT Kareem McKenzie

Defense:

DE Jared Allen
DT Marcus Stroud
DT Adam Carriker
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch
MLB Ray Lewis
OLB James Harrison
OLB Terrell Suggs
DB Champ Bailey
DB Dominque R-Cromartie
FS Ed Reed
SS Darren Sharper

 

[punkrockergirl]

if u were building a team.. it would be a expansion team therefore u would recieve the number one pick in the draft.. so if you could have any kid from the draft who would you make it? i thought about it and it would be between crabtree and tebow, i would go with tebow .. i know he doesnt have the best arm but he can run.. hes got perfect nfl size and hes a smart player.. if he didnt work out at qb he could play some rb,fb or even tight end.. so id go with him

 

[primetime]

Isn't Crabtree a Sophomore? I don't think he is eligible for the draft yet.

As for the #1 pick, I don't know yet. I might have to go with Bradford, but I'm not sure. I might even go with Rey Maaluga (spelling) from USC, or Laurenitis (spelling) from Ohio State. I will have to wait and see to evaluate.

Tebow is good, but coming from that type of system can't be useful. Ask Alex Smith....

 

[punkrockergirl]

Isn't Crabtree a Sophomore? I don't think he is eligible for the draft yet.

As for the #1 pick, I don't know yet. I might have to go with Bradford, but I'm not sure. I might even go with Rey Maaluga (spelling) from USC, or Laurenitis (spelling) from Ohio State. I will have to wait and see to evaluate.

Tebow is good, but coming from that type of system can't be useful. Ask Alex Smith....

yes but he is a redshirt sophmore, and has already said he is coming out, i also thought about laurenitis

 

[Cy/MiG]

Hmmm...off the top of my head...

QB - currently, I'd have to go with Matt Ryan. Yep. Matt Ryan. I have my reasons.

WR's - Andre Johnson

The entire Vikings' Defensive Line

Sorry, but corners seem pretty interchangeable this year.

Hey, Ryan's solid.

Can't believe I forgot about Andre J... he's amazing.

I'd take the Vikes D, too, if I wasn't worried about suspensions and/or boat parties on lake Minnetonka 😀

Corners are moot in the new NFL.

Love seeing everyone pick Troy P and James Harrison. The Steeler fan in me is thrilled!

 

[Cy/MiG]

Why even bring a salary cap up? This is fantasy. After all, if we were to start a franchise TODAY, would we really have access to a franchise QB/RB/WR/Defensive player anyway? Would we have any access to any "All time greats" if we were to start a franchise TODAY? No. So, why not give a team you would create with today's players, regardless of salary? After all, do all of us really know how much EACH player in the NFL makes? So, we couldn't do a salary cap based team, even if we tried. We would have to know their salaries in order to be accurate. If we did, we wouldn't have MOST of the guys we've named.

good point about bringing up the cap, but if u dont make it have to be somewhat realistic everybody would pick the same people u would see polamalu, reed, haynesworth, manning over and over, i want to see different people not just everyone put the probowl team down

Yup. At least I started Brian Bosworth as my #2 MLB

Now, WHERE would you start your franchise since we are doing one from scratch? Obviously it can't be in a city that already has a franchise. So, where would you start? Of course, my franchise would be in the "City of Angels", Los Angeles California....

Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Green Bay; a small town devoted to their fans

If it has to be a 'New' place...

NOT FLORIDA! 😀

Portland, Toronto or... hmm... not many other potential die-hard fan-led cities left...

 

[Cy/MiG]

Isn't Crabtree a Sophomore? I don't think he is eligible for the draft yet.
As for the #1 pick, I don't know yet. I might have to go with Bradford, but I'm not sure. I might even go with Rey Maaluga (spelling) from USC, or Laurenitis (spelling) from Ohio State. I will have to wait and see to evaluate.

Tebow is good, but coming from that type of system can't be useful. Ask Alex Smith....

He's eligible.

Tebow will be the next Andre Ware/Charlie Ward/Michael Vick.

yes but he is a redshirt sophmore, and has already said he is coming out, i also thought about laurenitis

I heard the opposite; that he's staying on for his Junior year.

Cause lord knows the Lions will draft him #1 overall! 😀

(or worse, he'll end up in Seattle )

 

[punkrockergirl]

He's eligible.

Tebow will be the next Andre Ware/Charlie Ward/Michael Vick.


I heard the opposite; that he's staying on for his Junior year.

Cause lord knows the Lions will draft him #1 overall! 😀

(or worse, he'll end up in Seattle )

no way tebow is too dedicated to let himself not succeed i think he is more likely to be the next peyton manning, he is so football intelligent

 

[Cy/MiG]

no way tebow is too dedicated to let himself not succeed i think he is more likely to be the next peyton manning, he is so football intelligent

Didn't you call Peyton a 'system QB'?

Cause Tebow is... he totally is.

Remember Tommy Frazier, Eric Crouch, Dave Klinger, every QB from Texas Tech, every Jeff Tedford QB...?

That will be Tim Tebow.

Unless he bulks up and grows a few inches.

 

[punkrockergirl]

Didn't you call Peyton a 'system QB'?

Cause Tebow is... he totally is.

Remember Tommy Frazier, Eric Crouch, Dave Klinger, every QB from Texas Tech, every Jeff Tedford QB...?

That will be Tim Tebow.

Unless he bulks up and grows a few inches.

yes i did call peyton a system qb in ways, but he is very smart.. are you sure you know tebow.. bulk up? he is huge.. hes bigger than a lot of linebackers and hes 6-2 hes got perfect size.. and being called a system qb isnt an insult it just means they are lucky enough to get into a system that is perfect for them..

 

[Cy/MiG]

yes i did call peyton a system qb in ways, but he is very smart.. are you sure you know tebow.. bulk up? he is huge.. hes bigger than a lot of linebackers and hes 6-2 hes got perfect size.. and being called a system qb isnt an insult it just means they are lucky enough to get into a system that is perfect for them..

Hmm... never payed attention to that; thought he was smaller.

Big Ben is 6-5, 241

Tebow is 6-2, 238... (which is only 3 lbs less than McNabb) never would have guessed it.

Still not sold on Tebow. Unless somehow the 'Wildcat' catches on more.

Spread/Run n Shoot/Option QB's don't succeed in the NFL.

 

[punkrockergirl]

get him in seattle (which isnt likely) and i think he would be great they run a run and gun.. and detroit its the same thing a sort of run and gun

 

[Cy/MiG]

get him in seattle (which isnt likely) and i think he would be great they run a run and gun.. and detroit its the same thing a sort of run and gun

Seattle would probably be best to play him at RB. 😀

Detroit would play him at WR. And lest we forget Andre Ware AND Joey Harrington?!



I think Tebow in a 'Wildcat' offense could do some damage. But not much else.

I'll gladly eat my words if and when he proves me wrong at the pro level.

Two more words:

VINCE. YOUNG.