3 Areas Where PCFL > PNFL

[Donovon-Steelers]

Haven't been back in the PCFL that long, but 3 things that really stand out to me while watching those games are:

* A few more broken/big plays

* A few more injuries that challenge managerial skills

* A few more penalties during the game (some which we almost never see in the PNFL)

In those 3 areas, I would daresay that the PCFL is more realistic than the PNFL, makes our senior league look a little bland & the PCFL a little more fun to watch IMO.

I would guess(?) the cause is slightly lower PCFL DI ratings across the board. Using Rafie's, the avg DI in the PNFL is about 91.4 (+ small floor/ceiling) and PCFL is 86.5 (+ broad floor/ceiling) - only about 5 pts difference, but makes a noticeable impact WITHOUT making gameplay arcade-like.

I've heard sentiments from both Rich and Dean that in the PNFL defenses almost never "make a mistake" and this seems true. For the coaches that play in both leagues, do you notice the same difference and think the PNFL might benefit from a little tweaking this regard? Just curious what others thought.

[Mitch-Dolphins]

PCFL game play is more entertaining to watch in my opinion as well.

I think the overall variation in ratings is the reason for it. That said, it's not crazy wide either which keeps things competitive.

Steve and others have shared a desire to have wider variances in EN, IN and DI for players in the PNFL. Many times in the NFL draft, you hear of players with "great tools", but just can't stay on the field. How many times do you see new WRs who have great speed but don't run routes well or CB are athletic but get fooled on double moves or are too aggressive? Those mistakes are impactes by IN and DI.

So... yes, I think a wider range in IN, DI and EN would add some fun and realism to the PNFL game.

[James-Eagles]

I think a wider range in all attributes would be better

[Dean-Atlanta]

Two points on what Donovon posted:

1. The ratings system for the PCFL was designed to be somewhat like the PNFL but have a degree of ratings diversity so the players are clearly 5-star, 4-star-, 3-star, 2-star and 1-star talent levels. There are total points range for each at each position where the players created must be in those ranges to keep from most players being too similar and otherwise having too many players with too much or too less skills ratings.

2. Some of the players in the 2, 3, and 4 star talent levels have lower IN/DI ratings to comes under total points guidelines. This leads to creating some players with good athletic talent but lower IN/DI.

I think these aspects of the ratings model lead to the results that Donovon and others have noticed.

[Brian-Broncos]

I agree that a wider range in IN, DI and EN would add some fun and realism to the PNFL game. However, the rest of the attributes are so close, and amount of quality players available so high, that people just wouldn't draft or pickup the players with significantly lower IN and DI, in particular, at the risk of giving up big plays. They'd just take the other guy available with normal IN, DI, and EN and ST and HA just one point lower.

[Matt-Jacksonville]

First, I'd like to say that we need to have a distinction between PNFL and PCFL beyond the obvious PRO/College. Do we want players that are cookie cutter and the games come down to who has the better PPP, do we want variable ratings and cookie cutter PPPs, or do we want some mix of both?

I think we need to stay the course in the PNFL and not jump too quickly to new ratings. The ratings gaps will force more people to be better GMs and put more time into that part of the game...they may not like this or want to do that part of the game. The ratings gaps may force people to spend more time on their PPPs to be more competitive. That may also cause us to lose ownership. Let's be VERY careful to make sure we don't lose competitive balance and the simplicity we have that has helped us stay relatively full. Above all let's not make the PNFL the PCFL. They need to be different. I think we are progressing toward differentiated ratings even if it isn't as fast as some would like. We will get there and we will have enough time to adjust back the other way if we see issues.

[Dan-Cincinnati]

I agree with Matt. The NFL SHOULD have smarter more disciplined players who miss fewer tackles and give up fewer big plays. I really noticed an enormous difference when scouting this draft from the last time I was in the league, and I think that is the best route to continue on with

[Steve-Buffalo Bills]

I have no desire to change the PNFL ratings at all. Let the PCFL have this variation so it more realistically feels like the college game. The PNFL on the other hand should be the best of the best. That said, I think the PNFL does have variation. For example, my team reflects my preference for high EN players while other teams clearly don’t. I take risks on below 90ST DEs and below 82SP WRs a lot more than other teams. There are differences because we all have varying preferences and predispositions for specific ratings for each position. Plus, Charlie has slowly introduced more variation - we need to give it time.

[Matt-Jacksonville]

I've heard sentiments from both Rich and Dean that in the PNFL defenses almost never "make a mistake" and this seems true. For the coaches that play in both leagues, do you notice the same difference and think the PNFL might benefit from a little tweaking this regard? Just curious what others thought.

From what I've witnessed, PNFL = strong defenses and weaker offenses PCFL = stronger offenses and weaker defenses

So, this is most likely producing two distinctively different leagues. PNFL = lower scoring more defensive games PCFL = higher scoring, bigger plays, more offense.

It depends on what appeals to you as to what is more fun. Some guys like the stiffer defense and challenge of the PNFL. Some guys prefer more offense. Which I think is in keeping with real life. Some people like the higher flying offense and thus the reason we've seen rule changes to open up the game the last 20 years while others like myself prefer stuff a bit more old school.

[Rich-League Officer]

Just remember...
The wider the gaps in player attributes, the greater chance for a dynasty. (just like real college)
It will expose the bad GMs.
It will enhance the great coach.
Mix a great coach with a great GM, and good luck to you.
How many seasons has the PCFL played?
How many champions have you had?