That could be a first, lost to a team not owned, roster only ****!

Ugh, I'm sorry. :(

That's what happens when strategies are taken away or attempts made to level things off.

I nearly lost a playoff game today to an AI team, so I feel your pain. :(

Wieczoreks and I will be facing off in the league championship in the Shadow League. I'm shooting for my second undefeated season while his team went an impressive 15-1. Two high powered offenses averaging over 40 points per game. Will be one of my last attempts to win with the fun and gun 4.3 version.

4.4 is a more ball control, west coast offense type offensive version where you need a solid run game.

No disrespect intended, ball control and west coast are complete opposite ends of the offensive spectrum.

The west coast offense principles of Bill Walsh are 65-80% short, precise passing as a substitute to the running game. The scheme also uses multiple backs primarily for pass protection first, check downs second. The theory is that having the defense defend short horizontal passing it will open up deep passing opportunities. Ball control or running the ball serves the same purpose. I find using the short passing of the west coast offense coupled with a power run game, you get the best of both worlds in 4.4.

Multiple backs in the backfield for blocking plus check downs to some if the fastest players on my team. It works for me but no I cant run a true west coast offense because the deep passing is broken for the most part

I know there are variations to the west coast. I watched most of them and you are correct it is based on the principles that a receivers catch short 5-10 yard slants, but it is also based on the premise those receivers can break it open at any time. With a spread formation, the idea is to open up the game for a long run or pass. In regards to multiple rb’s there have been cases, but those are more of a coaches preference. In the ball control the focus is to get 1 first down at a time in whatever play or yardage increments necessary to get those 10 yards. These are minor differences, but that does come into play with whatever game plan is set up. I do agree the west or passing offense is not a true option in 4.4 and should be disbanded from the coaches characteristics in general. We are saying the same thing, I just notice the very small differences, good post.

I just entered what is probably my final championship game in MFN 11, by beating my friendly rival smirt. I will let you know how it turns out.

The main focus for your offense in 4.4 has to be beating the blitz which is on steroids at this point but I disagree about the passing game being dead in 4.4, you just have to be smart about it. Short, precise passing works, in the Rivals league, my QB has an 81.8% completion percentage with 7 TDs and 0 INTs. You make the greatest point in your post, the recievers have to get yards after the catch which my team has had success doing hitting 90 speed RBs coming out of the backfield. Yes, there have been many variations of the west coast offense, the label isnt important, it's the execution of quick, precise passes which moves the chains with the hope that somebody breaks a tackle. That was really my only point, bombs away passing is on life support in 4.4

Yes we are saying the same thing just different variations. The offense an owner runs is obviously personal preference. The one thing that shouldn’t change, bad defenses should still be bad regardless of the version.

Good luck to all in the hunt for a Championship!