The case for moderating the "zone" rules in passing plays

[Dean-Atlanta]

I have repeatedly called for reform in the "zone" rules in pass plays because they severely nerf the passing game. I understand that we had and medium pass plays that were bombs, but as always, we over-reacted and went way too far the other way. One key point that came out in the discussion of passing game stats is the fact that, unlike in the NFL, we have little or no run after the catch, leading to yards per completion on passing plays being too short.


We really need to add at least 5 yards to the zones in short, and 10 yards to the zones on medium passing, for the first two receivers. And on plays using only two receivers, the second receiver needs to go at least 10 yards deeper than the first receiver.

I think this is a very moderate change and would help improve our passing stats and lead to some innovation in creating new plays (not clones).

What do you all think? Please respond with some constructive discussion and not just a mindless reactionary no way in response...

[Jerry-Redskins]

I still believe the zones are only for categorizing the play and that you can build anything you want already in the play editor, but just not name it what you want. I also believe your proposed change as it would affect PS plays would just be what you can build in PM right now and call in all situations already, but I must be getting soft in my old age. Send Charlie and I a PSL, PSR, PML, and, PMR with the current rule and edited to reflect your change. I will look at them and see if you can change my mind.

[Dean-Atlanta]

I did some testing last night and the results were entirely inconclusive, so I don't have anything to send to you and Charlie yet. I wish Eric Davis was still a member here, he was quite good at designing new passing plays (his plays caused the "zone" rules to be added) and I know he could come up something that would show even adding 5-10 yards to the zones for PS and PM plays would increase their effectiveness.

Either that...or, how do we create more plays that will have more run after the catch, if that is even possible in FBPro98?

[Jerry-Redskins]

The zones only create a way to name them. You can literally create any play you want. They in no way restrict play design that I see unless I'm missing something. Hence the reason I need to see it. They only restrict the category they go in.

[Rich-League Officer]

I think after 40 seasons of playing, if run after the catch were possible, we would have seen it already!

[Steve-LA Chargers]

Run after the catch happens all the time against me. I've seen countless receivers catch the ball, knock my defender to the ground, and take it to the house.

[Dean-Atlanta]

Run after the catch happens all the time against me. I've seen countless receivers catch the ball, knock my defender to the ground, and take it to the house.

50-something ST CBs are more likely to allow receivers (especially TEs and RBs) to so that.