Endurance of 16 games

[Dean-Atlanta]

In the PNFL Gazette, I assume this was Rich writing this, was this line:

"Falcons are usually close the playoffs but seem to lack the endurance of 16 games"

This is spot on correct and even despite efforts to have more endurance for a full season, this ends up being true.

In 2047, I lost 17-7 to Miami week one and followed by with wins against NY, PHI, JAX, MIN, and WASH to reach 5-1 and look pretty good. After losing at CHI and at WASH I was dropped to 5-3 at the half way point. Week 9 I survived vs GB and lost to DEN week 10, now 6-4. I finsihed the last 6 games 3-3 to end up 9-7, getting the loss to CHI in the wild card game.

In 2048, I started with wins vs PHI, NY, and DEN for a 3-0 record. Week 4, 3 turnovers leading to 21 points leads to a MIN win. 3-1. I survive SEA 21-13 then give up 32 points to BUF and NE the next two weekw to fall to 4-3. Week 8 I lose a 41-44 shootout to GB, totally failing in my scouting and I am at 4-4 half way through the season facing a tougher second half schedule that includes MIA, CHI, and SF and 2 WASH games. I lose all of those except SF and go 3-5 in the second half of the season, those 3 wins being vs. SF, NY, and PHI. I gave up 30+ points EIGHT times, and 7 of those games were losses. I had the 2nd best scoring offense (6 points less than CHI) and the 2nd WORST scoring defense (PHI gave up 21 more points).

The Dolphins gave up 257 points, only WASH at 251 was better. My team gave up 420. That will not get a team into post-season.

Most of the playoffs teams allowed fewer than 300 points in 2048.

DEFENSE is the endurance to be competitive for 16 games.