Consider this a strategy guide for season 4. Goal Line Blitz has evolved and I feel the long term benefits of the changes made to the effectiveness of player builds are for the best.
First, I want to address the skills that have been altered that are "handcuffed" to another skill. I will use this term, "handcuffed" from here on out to describe what must work together in order to achieve success. Here are the skills, by position, which must be used as handcuffs to one another. These handcuffs do not necessarily mean that one skill must equal the other. It simply implies they should be at least near together. In the case of speed to agility, there should be a ratio of 2 agility for every 3 speed points. The negative to not following this is that your skills will not be utilized fully. Let's say, as an example, your speed is 70 and your agility is 20. This is a 3.5 to 1 ratio of speed to agility. You will run AND accelerate slower than your skill. How much slower? Only Bort can say, but I feel it is enough to notice and enough piss you off so you change how you are building your player! I would suggest getting every single one of these skills to a 3 to 2 ratio ASAP. The only ones I might slack on are ones that may not be REALLY relevant, such as Strength to Blocking for WRs. It's obviously important to be a good blocker, but that isn't AS important as Speed to Agility.
DISCLAIMER: This is not Admin/Bort approved strategy. This is my own personal opinion as a GLB expert. Yes, GLB expert. I spent many hours per day researching, watching game film for 8 teams, reading forums and using my own players / friends' players as examples in order to compile all of this information over the course of the last two and a half seasons. This is not absolute truth, just a general suggestion that should be very close to accurate. Most of this information is more applicable to LV 15+ PLAYERS! For low level leagues, specialist builds (high speed HBs or high strength OL, etc) can work much more effectively and consistently. But once you get into Pro or AAA level builds, this guide becomes much more relevant.
QB Strength-Vision-Confidence (even), Throwing:Strength-Vision-Confidence (3:2)
HB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Carrying (3:2), Strength-Blocking (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
FB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Blocking (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Strength-Carrying (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
WR Speed-Agility (3:2), Catching-Vision (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Strength-Carrying (even), Strength-Blocking (even), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
TE Speed-Agility (3:2), Catching-Vision (even), Strength-Blocking (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Strength-Carrying (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
OT Strength-Blocking (even), Agility-Speed (3:2), Vision-Confidence (even)
G Strength-Blocking (even), Agility-Speed (3:2), Vision-Confidence (even)
C Strength-Blocking (even), Agility-Speed (3:2), Vision-Confidence (even)
DE Strength-Tackling (even), Speed-Agility (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2)
DT Strength-Tackling (even), Speed-Agility (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2)
LB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
CB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
FS Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
SS Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
P Strength-Vision-Confidence (even), Punting:Strength-Vision-Confidence (3:2)
K Strength-Vision-Confidence (even), Kicking:Strength-Vision-Confidence (3:2)
OFFENSIVE PLAYER BUILD ORIENTATION
(Major skills - Very Important, Minor Skills - Don't ignore me but don't over-do it skills, Meh Skills - Not THAT important, yet)
QB (Quarterback)
Quarterbacks are a tricky position to build and there are multiple approaches. Some guys focus more on throwing, some guys try to keep it balanced. In my opinion, builds are common sense at every single position and QB is no different. Throwing works to increase accuracy and catchability of passes. Vision is your QB's ability to read defenses, predict where the openings are and find open receivers. Strength is how deep you can throw but also how much velocity your QB can put on the ball, this can also work to make passes more difficult to intercept AND more difficult to catch. Confidence will make your QB take more chances on tough passes, make likely to throw if he's being hurried, and more likely to not lose morale if he throws interceptions or incompletions. Agility will help him avoid the rush, the higher agility the more he can burst out of the way of a pass rushing defender. Speed will help him scramble away from trouble. Carrying will increase his ability to hold onto the ball if sacked. Catching and jumping have no confirmed big effects.
NOTES: Presently, Scrambling QBs DO NOT work. DO NOT EVEN TRY IT. Until Bort creates better plays for rushing QBs, I REPEAT, DO NOT TRY IT.
MAJOR SKILLS Throwing, Vision, Strength
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Agility
MEH SKILLS Speed, Carrying, Catching, Jumping
SPECIAL ABILITIES All of the Pocket Passer and the first Scramler Abilitiy "On the Run"
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Field General" & "Tight Spiral" in Pocket Passer
HB (Halfback / Running Back)
The Halfback position is very straight forward position to build. Speed works best in the open field so don't think it is the end-all be-all skill for a HB, since most of your runs will involve you having someone within 3 yards of your player. Also, this does not include outside rushes, which would require more speed. Agility helps you hit the hole in the line of scrimmage fast as well as increases the effectiveness of jukes, head fakes, cut-backs and shiftiness. Strength greatly helps, in addition to agility, to burst through the line of scrimmage. It appears weaker backs get brought down much more easily against very strong D-linemen; and strength obviously also helps break tackles and keeps players to not fumble. Carrying helps secure the ball and minimize fumbles. Vision improves the HB's ability to see where the line will open up as well as make adjustments/cuts during their runs in order to evade defenders. It has been mentioned by many GLB experts and Bort himself that for whatever reason, Vision can hurt a HB in that your player will perceive too much and adjust too much, therefore just slowing him down and not hitting the hole at the line of scrimmage with a lot of force. Confidence improves your HBs ability to not get tackled for a loss and also hit holes he might otherwise ignore and to take chances on, low confidence can cause him to sometimes get caught up in the backfield and tackled. Jumping helps you at the goal line in order to dive in or to just gain an extra yard or two while being tackled. Blocking does just that. Throwing may be a factor in the future when trick plays may or may not be added
NOTES: Balance pays off. Do not try to go too far in creating a back entirely elusive or entirely power. You need a bit of both, think Emmitt Smith.
MAJOR SKILLS Speed, Agility, Carrying, Vision, Strength
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Catching
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Blocking, Throwing
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Juke" in Elusive and "Power Thru" in Power
FB (Fullback)
Fullbacks are unheralded but a great one can make the running game that much more effective. Always remember your place on the team, you are a lead blocker first and a rushing/passing option second the great majority of the time on the great majority of teams. Strength and blocking should be your first priority. Talk to your HB, if he's faster than you, you will only hinder his abilities since he will often be right behind you. Furthermore, he might bump into you if you are much slower than him. If you are too slow, he'll just run past you and you'll end up blocking a defender who isn't a factor on the play. Agility will help you burst through the line of scrimmage and if you combine that with strength, you might be able to create a hole in the line yourself. Carrying will decrease the chances of you fumbling the ball away. Confidence will also help you attack the line more quickly since a low morale might result in you taking fewer chances if the hole in the line is small or limited.
NOTES: Fullbacks should be tailored specifically to your offense, if you rush quite a bit, focus more on the rushing skills (speed/agility/carrying) or if he's more of a lead blocker, focus on the blocking skills (strength/blocking)
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Blocking, Speed
MINOR SKILLS Agility, Vision, Carrying, Confidence, Catching
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Lead Block" in Blocking and "Power Thru" in Offensive.
LOT (Left Offensive Tackle)
Left offensive tackles are the main pass blocking cog of the offensive line. They've got to be agile and reliable going up against RDEs who are the pass rushing specialists of defenses. Blocking, like all offensive linemen positions, is key. In addition, agility must be elite in order to keep up with the very fast and quick blitzers and pass rushers. More emphasis should be placed on agility rather than speed since OTs very rarely will need straight line speed but don't be deceived. Agility works in conjunction with speed. The more speed you have, the faster agility can accelerate you towards the defender. Vision will work best with your technique as well as keep you position. It can also improve your footwork as well as your ability to use your hands. Strength is not as important as it may be for guards but you will encounter very strong DEs on a regular basis. Confidence will keep your morale high, as I explain in many of these, since you will get pushed around quite a bit throughout a game. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: The "Protect" SA under the Pass Blocking tree can greatly boost the overall effectiveness of your whole offensive line but only works for players who are at LOT.
MAJOR SKILLS Blocking, Agility, Strength, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Protect" & "Pass Block" in Pass Blocking and "Run Block" and "Pancake" for Run Blocking
LG (Left Guard)
Left Guards are usually one-on-one with the opponent's DT positioned defensive tackle. It's important that this guard be solid and reliable since a breakdown at this point along the offensive line can really cause problems for an offense's rhythm in the passing game. Strength, in addition to blocking, are the two most important factors for a successful LG. He's got to be able to keep the DT busy in order to give the QB time or to give the HB a running lane. Be sure that vision is paid attention to because it affects how knowledgeable your LG is about the techniques involved with blocking, including footwork and how to use his hands. Last of the major skills is agility. DT positioned defensive tackles are usually bit faster so you're going to want to have a fast burst off the line of scrimmage. The faster you can engage a defender, the more easily it might be to win a battle during the game. Don't forget about confidence as you won't get pancakes every play and you might get manhandled from time to time, which can negatively affect your morale. Speed is not that important, but keep in mind, agility is dependent upon speed. If your speed is 15 and your agility is 50, you'll get to that 15 speed fast, but it won't have that same desired effect when you blast into the defender. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: Left guards tend to be the lesser G between LG and RG but don't take that as a put-down. All offensive linemen are important and your role on the team is to protect the QB, just like the LOT. A bad LG can ruin a team.
MAJOR SKILLS Blocking, Strength, Vision, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Pass Blocking tree more than the Run Blocking tree
C (Center)
Centers are the offensive line's anchor. A good C has to protect his QB on pass plays and block his tail off on rushing plays. Centers also do it all in that they block DTs, LBs and the occasional DE if he breaks loose from the offensive tackle. Blocking and Strength are again the main attributes for a Center. More than any other position, centers are usually integral to stopping the blitz. LBs usually blitz within range of the C, so it's important the C has great Vision to keep himself in position. Agility factors in the same way it does at the G position. A C usually works as a double team against the NT. A valuable C would be best served as a player who can do everything well. Confidence will also help him make the right decisions since low morale will only work against him. Tackling is only important on special teams.
NOTES: Centers don't need elite strength but it can only help. They are often worked in double teams so it's not as necessary as one might think. The bigger skill may in fact be vision since Centers, at least in real life, are often the Line General, just as their special ability suggests.
MAJOR SKILLS Blocking, Vision, Strength, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY C - "Pass Block" and "Line General" in Pass Blocking & "Run Block" and "Pancake" in Run Blocking
RG (Right Guard)
The RG is the main run blocker. He's got to be physically dominate and have the ability to impose his will on defenders. This can be best accomplished with elite strength and blocking. These two skills together can take an NT right out the play and open up a big hole along the offensive line for the HB to sneak through on running plays. Along with that, confidence is important in order for him to stay on top of his game. A low morale will only create inconsistency. Agility is important in order to generate steam behind the push. Speed, along with agility is vital for outside rushes. On some outside rushes, the RG will pull out into the open field and depending upon how fast your HB, a RG will require great speed to stay ahead of him and remain effective. Vision can work to increase a RG's chances of staying in position at all times as well as increase the effectiveness of his blocking. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: Right Guards just aren't the name of a deodorant but they do protect you from smelly results. A poor RG would be built with not enough blocking and strength and too much agility and speed. Remember, a Guard is usually right in the thick of things and not as regularly out in the open field. Keep your priorities straight.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Blocking, Vision, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Run Blocking tree more than the Pass Blocking tree
ROT (Right Offensive Tackle)
Right offensive tackles should be able to do what an RG and LOT can do. That is block for both the run and pass. Strength works to handle the LDE, who is usually the stronger DE between RDE and LDE. Since you're also more often than not involved with running plays, its more important to gain ground, rather than lose it. Along with strength, blocking needs to be elite. You just cannot allow the LDE to get free from an engaged position, since he'll just slow down or stop the progress of your HB. Vision will naturally improve his ability to block and heighten his awareness of what is going on around him, especially if the LOLB comes in on the rare blitz. Agility is also a big factor since many LDEs were built to be pass rushers, not strictly run stoppers. You're going to need to be quick off the ball so speed factors in there as well. Confidence has been explained many times now, but you just can't allow the ROT to lose any confidence since sometimes he will be matched up one on one against a LDE. One bad play can result in some very inconsistent play during a game if your morale goes down. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: ROTs should always have more of a run blocking focus, so because of that, you should not have any points in the "Protect" special ability in pass blocking if you exclusively play ROT and are not a starter/backup at LOT as well.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Blocking, Agility, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Run Blocking tree more than the Pass Blocking tree, but can be relatively equal
WR/TE (Wide Receiver/Tight End)
Speed is obvious, if you want to fly by the defense, speed will require that. Agility is a bit more subtle in that it will help you make faster cuts while running a route, in addition, it'll naturally help you get off the line more quickly. Catching is obvious as well, but keep in mind, Bort has added a natural drop rate, which can never reach zero so even if you have 100 catching, you'll still drop the ball from time to time. Naturally, the deeper the pass, the more catching you will need as well in order to catch a difficult pass. Vision will help you with your route running technique, thus making you lose less speed while making adjustments to those routes... furthermore, vision will help you locate the ball faster while in the air. Lastly, vision will help you block more effectively. Jumping does just that, and it can work to increase the radius at which you can make a diving catch or leaping catch as well as when it is needed for a WR or TE to leap up for a catch. Confidence is important in that if you drop a ball, your morale will decrease making your more susceptible to dropping balls again and again. Carrying will help you not fumble. Strength will help you to break tackles since many CBs only have about lower strength and tackling than other defenders. Blocking will obviously help you block on running plays. Keep in mind, that naturally TEs can be built very similarly to WRs. The only difference is how effective of a blocker do you wish to be? The more of a blocker you wish to be, just more points to strength and blocking.
NOTES: TEs do of course require more strength and blocking, but also realize they will also be used in double-team scenarios more often than not on running plays. So it's not as necessary to give them huge strength and blocking numbers. As for WR blocking, this is true as well since most CBs do not have superior strength.
MAJOR SKILLS WR - Speed, Agility, Catching / TE - Strength, Speed, Agility, Catching, Blocking
MINOR SKILLS Vision, Jumping, Confidence, Carrying
MEH SKILLS WR only - Strength, Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
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DEFENSIVE PLAYER BUILD ORIENTATION
(Major skills - Very Important, Minor Skills - Don't ignore me but don't over-do it skills, Meh Skills - Not THAT important, yet)
NOTE: This defensive player build orientation is geared towards the 4-3 defense. In addition, all defensive players should read all the information for every position since skills can work in different ways if you play multiple positions whether as a starter or backup. Lastly, how a lot of these skills can overlap and bits of information might be relevant to any or every other player on defense.
NT (Nose Tackle)
Nose tackles stop the run. Period. Strength works to maintain position since NTs are usually double teamed, more strength is required than normal in order to combat nasty OL double teams. Agility isn't THAT important but does help greatly catch tired offensive linemen offguard with a sudden burst into the action of the line of scrimmage, in addition, agility helps all of your pass-rushing moves. Tackling works as you might assume, with tackling. But also works to increase your ability to make tackles while out of position, with your arms to slow down ball-carriers, think of increasing tackling as increasing the radius at which you can tackle someone. Vision increases the NT's ability to outmaneuver and outsmart those crafty OL in order to gain position or make a play on the ball, this also includes all your pass rushing moves. Confidence works to keep your morale high as you will likely get neutralized some plays since you are almost always double-teamed. Speed, on the off chance you break free from the double team, obviously helps you get after the QB or catch up a HB who is juking a LB just behind the line of scrimmage. Run play failures (big gains or rushing TDs) affect morale. Blocking has no confirmed benefit on defense but will help if you play special teams in order to engage players for blocks. Jumping increases your ability to make diving tackles and jump to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage.
NOTES: Careful to really increase tackling. With the new player build changes, since you strength is naturally so high, it can negatively affect tackling since they are unbalanced.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Vision, Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Blocking, Jumping
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All Run Stuffer Abilities. "The Glare", "Shed Block" and "Strong Base" in the Pass Rusher tree.
DT (Defensive Tackle)
Defensive tackles stop the run and occasionally break loose to disrupt the QB and make a sack. Since they are almost always only blocked by the LG, they have a much better chance of being free to make a play in the backfield. Read NT except add more emphasis to agility, slightly less to tackling, and slightly less to strength.
NOTES: Vision may be the difference between a one tackle statistical day and a 3 sack, 5 hurry performance, oh and read the note for NT as well. I say this because DTs are rarely double teamed and when you are only dealing with one OL, it's possible to really break his morale with just a small handful of good plays.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Vision, Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Blocking, Jumping
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
RDE (Right Defensive End)
RDEs are pure pass rushers of the defensive line. The keys to a good pass rush remain strength and agility. Strength here works in the same way it works for DTs. The only small difference here is that a DE's agility needs to be higher in order to get after the offensive line even faster. Agility, again, works as you'd expect. It helps the RDE get off the line faster as well as makes their pass rush moves quicker. Vision will help your technique and in will also assist you in finding holes that you might be able to exploit if an offensive linemen is out of position. Speed will help you burst off the line like agility, but naturally, it comes into play best when you are not engaged by an OL and in the open field. Tackling does just that. Confidence will work to keep morale high, causing you to play at a higher level throughout the game, even if you pancaked a time or two.
NOTES: Elite agility can really screw with an average LOT, the OL who blocks you since if you can get around them a time or two, you will have an easier time getting around them throughout the game because their confidence will decrease.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Tackling, Vision, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Pass Rusher tree should have more points in it than the Containment tree
LDE (Left Defensive End)
An elite LDE can really shut down a running game since almost all runs go right at him in this game. Tackling should be higher since more plays go to him and he will be able to make a play on the ball more often than a RDE in a game. Speed and agility will work together to create a great, fast pass rush. Vision will improve technique as well as make small adjustments to the ball carrier or in pass coverage. Confidence sustains morale at a high level since OL will sometimes win the battle at the line of scrimmage, enabling the LDE to stay consistent. Jumping will contribute to swatted passes while blocking has no confirmed effects other than on special teams if he is one of the blockers involved.
NOTES: LDEs are basically like RDEs, except for the potential to make more big plays in the running game, rather than the passing game.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility, Tackling, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY The Containment tree should have more points than the Pass Rusher
ROLB (Right Outside Linebacker)
ROLBs are the main blitzer in the game, but that can change drastically depending upon your team's playbook. For all intents and purposes, they basically need to be very balanced with the four main major skills except more speed/agility/strength since they pass rush much more. Jumping will increase your ability to make diving tackles and knock down passes. Catching does just that and since all defensive failures (touchdowns or long gains) affect the LB, confidence must be paid attention to.
NOTES: Getting through the line of scrimmage consistently on a blitz will require a combination speed, agility, vision and strength. Each skill relies on the other throughout a game so don't ignore any of them in your player build.
MAJOR SKILLS Speed, Agility, Strength, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Tackling, Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All except "Defense General" in the Hard Hitter tree
MLB (Middle Linebacker)
The MLB blitzes a lot but does do more pass coverage than the other players in the game, especially against HBs and FBs. Just like ROLB, MLBs need to have a good combo of strength, vision, speed and agility. MLBs are also a little bit closer to the Guards and Centers of the game, who are very strong so you have to make sure your MLB is strong as well when he blitzes up the middle. Catching does just that and since all defensive failures (touchdowns or long gains) affect the LB, confidence must be paid attention to.
NOTES: I feel speed/agility may be most important at MLB of all the linebacker positions since they cover HBs and HBs are usually very very quick and shifty. MLBs appear to be important to the pass defense so don't slouch on their ability to cover the pass. Strength and tackling must be high since the MLBs is in the mix almost every single play. Speed and agility work the same way they always do but because of the MLB's pass coverage responsibilities, they must be able to keep up with fast TEs and HBs/FBs who go out for passes. In most man coverages, the HB is the MLB's match-up. Jumping will create more effective diving tackles as well as when the LB needs to bat down a pass.
MAJOR SKILLS Tackling, Strength, Agility, Speed, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All, be sure to add to "Defense General" in the Hard Hitter tree
LOLB (Left Outside Linebacker)
LOLB can be the most important defender on your team. Most runs go right at him and his ability to disrupt the running game can change the game drastically. Strength and tackling must be superior. Power RBs can have huge strength so if you miss a tackle, it can lead to a slippery slope for your morale. Catching does just that and since all defensive failures (touchdowns or long gains) affect the LB, confidence must be paid attention to.
NOTES: In my opinion, more than any other position on the field, the LOLB has to be the most reliable and balanced build you've got. He blitzes, defends the run and defends the pass. If he can't do it all, it will affect your entire team's success negatively.
MAJOR SKILLS Tackling, Strength, Agility, Vision, Speed
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Jumping, Catching
MEH SKILLS Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All but with more focus in the Hard Hitter tree, except no "Defense General"
CB (Cornerback)
Cornerbacks can be very fickle. It appears that depending upon your advanced tactics, you can be a shut down corner or have a lot of trouble defending the pass. Speed will help you mostly in man to man defense when the WR goes deep but will of course help you keep up with a receiver throughout the route. Agility will help you react quickly to a pass, I would argue agility is more important than speed because it affects zone and man coverage a great deal. Vision at CB can be huge. In my opinion, playing CB requires some of the best technique so vision can give you a huge boost to you ability to keep up with WRs cuts and pass routes. In addition, it will give you an added bonus to just reacting to the play while the ball is in the air. Jumping naturally helps you deflect passes that are up for grabs as well as dive for pass deflections. Catching does just that. Carrying, I guess if you get an INT or fumble recovery, you don't want to fumble it right back to the offense, right?
NOTES: The difference between a 3 PD day and a 2 INT day is catching. How many INTs do you think CBs drop per season?
MAJOR SKILLS Agility, Vision, Speed
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Strength, Tackling, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Carrying
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Shutdown corner tree and unless you return kicks, you don't need much "Return Specialist" in Speedster
FS (Free Safety)
Free safeties should usually be built in a mold that puts them in between the skills of a CB and SS. CBs are faster and more agile than all other defenders while SSs tend to have more strength and tackling to assist in run defense. FSs should have high vision, you never want to have them tricked or fooled by a playmaker with the ball in his hand. Vision will work to keep you discipline, in position and taking the best line of pursuit. Speed and agility will, of course, help you keep with fast WRs. In addition, agility should be thought of something as your reaction time as you break towards the ball/play. The faster you get going from your usually deep position on the field, the better off you will be. And just like SS, FSs require quality strength and tackling. You do not want them ever missing tackles since FSs are the last line of defense almost every play. Jumping will help you make plays on passes up in the air as well as assist in swatting balls away whether it be dives or jump balls. Catching does just that and carrying will ensure you secure the ball and don't fumble the ball away on INT or fumble returns.
NOTES: Safeties should have excellent vision, especially FS since they are usually the last line of defense. The last thing you want is your FS out of position and beaten deep.
MAJOR SKILLS Vision, Speed, Agility, Strength, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Carrying
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
SS (Strong Safety)
Strong safeties, in the real world, are usually more agile LB types. You know 6'1" 225, hit like a ton of bricks usually. Vision will help you not get faked out and make a much faster reaction to the ball. Speed and agility work together to create great pass coverage. Agility may be slightly more important here since agility will work almost like a reaction time. The faster you can break towards the play, the better since SSs are usually at least 5 yards back in coverage every single play. Since most running plays go to this side, tackling is also very important. Because of this, inherently strength is important as well. You don't want to miss tackles since SSs are sometimes the last line of defense. Tackling and strength should therefore not be under-appreciated.
NOTES: Think of SS as a quicker LOLB.
MAJOR SKILLS Vision, Speed, Agility, Strength, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Carrying
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
KR/PR (Kick Returner / Punt Returner)
In a nutshell, major skills are speed, agility and vision. Also add some points to catching/carrying so you don't fumble it away. In my opinion, CBs should be KRs/PRs. CB4s or CB5s usually get about around 25 plays a game so they have the flexibility and energy to play more on special teams and run long distances. Vision will increase your ability to find running lanes as well. A stronger focus in speed and agility is obviously necessary to be truly dominant. A KR/PR should be the fastest player on the team more often than not.
K (Kicker)
The kicking skill works in multiple ways in conjunction with support skills like strength, vision and confidence. Kicking can multiply the effectiveness of all these support strengths, but in general, kicking improves accuracy and consistency. Strength increases kick velocity as well as the obvious, the length of the FGs you can attempt. Vision will assist in technique more than anything, but will also improve consistency and accuracy. Confidence will keep morale high if kicks are missed or you happen to get a missed tackle.
P (Punter)
The punting skill functions in similar ways to the kicking skill. It increases your technique and you ability to kick long, accurate punts. Punting also works with the support skills like strength, vision and confidence. I'm sure strength works as a ratio skill in that it is necessary to kick the ball long as well as high. Confidence will improve your ability to take chances, such as coffin corner punts (punting within the opponent's 20). Vision will also help your technique, in addition to seeing where/how to punt a kick that requires more accuracy than strength.
First, I want to address the skills that have been altered that are "handcuffed" to another skill. I will use this term, "handcuffed" from here on out to describe what must work together in order to achieve success. Here are the skills, by position, which must be used as handcuffs to one another. These handcuffs do not necessarily mean that one skill must equal the other. It simply implies they should be at least near together. In the case of speed to agility, there should be a ratio of 2 agility for every 3 speed points. The negative to not following this is that your skills will not be utilized fully. Let's say, as an example, your speed is 70 and your agility is 20. This is a 3.5 to 1 ratio of speed to agility. You will run AND accelerate slower than your skill. How much slower? Only Bort can say, but I feel it is enough to notice and enough piss you off so you change how you are building your player! I would suggest getting every single one of these skills to a 3 to 2 ratio ASAP. The only ones I might slack on are ones that may not be REALLY relevant, such as Strength to Blocking for WRs. It's obviously important to be a good blocker, but that isn't AS important as Speed to Agility.
DISCLAIMER: This is not Admin/Bort approved strategy. This is my own personal opinion as a GLB expert. Yes, GLB expert. I spent many hours per day researching, watching game film for 8 teams, reading forums and using my own players / friends' players as examples in order to compile all of this information over the course of the last two and a half seasons. This is not absolute truth, just a general suggestion that should be very close to accurate. Most of this information is more applicable to LV 15+ PLAYERS! For low level leagues, specialist builds (high speed HBs or high strength OL, etc) can work much more effectively and consistently. But once you get into Pro or AAA level builds, this guide becomes much more relevant.
QB Strength-Vision-Confidence (even), Throwing:Strength-Vision-Confidence (3:2)
HB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Carrying (3:2), Strength-Blocking (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
FB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Blocking (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Strength-Carrying (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
WR Speed-Agility (3:2), Catching-Vision (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Strength-Carrying (even), Strength-Blocking (even), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
TE Speed-Agility (3:2), Catching-Vision (even), Strength-Blocking (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Strength-Carrying (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2)
OT Strength-Blocking (even), Agility-Speed (3:2), Vision-Confidence (even)
G Strength-Blocking (even), Agility-Speed (3:2), Vision-Confidence (even)
C Strength-Blocking (even), Agility-Speed (3:2), Vision-Confidence (even)
DE Strength-Tackling (even), Speed-Agility (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2)
DT Strength-Tackling (even), Speed-Agility (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2)
LB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
CB Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
FS Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
SS Speed-Agility (3:2), Strength-Tackling (even), Vision-Confidence (3:2), Catching-Jumping (3:2), Vision-Catching (3:2)
P Strength-Vision-Confidence (even), Punting:Strength-Vision-Confidence (3:2)
K Strength-Vision-Confidence (even), Kicking:Strength-Vision-Confidence (3:2)
OFFENSIVE PLAYER BUILD ORIENTATION
(Major skills - Very Important, Minor Skills - Don't ignore me but don't over-do it skills, Meh Skills - Not THAT important, yet)
QB (Quarterback)
Quarterbacks are a tricky position to build and there are multiple approaches. Some guys focus more on throwing, some guys try to keep it balanced. In my opinion, builds are common sense at every single position and QB is no different. Throwing works to increase accuracy and catchability of passes. Vision is your QB's ability to read defenses, predict where the openings are and find open receivers. Strength is how deep you can throw but also how much velocity your QB can put on the ball, this can also work to make passes more difficult to intercept AND more difficult to catch. Confidence will make your QB take more chances on tough passes, make likely to throw if he's being hurried, and more likely to not lose morale if he throws interceptions or incompletions. Agility will help him avoid the rush, the higher agility the more he can burst out of the way of a pass rushing defender. Speed will help him scramble away from trouble. Carrying will increase his ability to hold onto the ball if sacked. Catching and jumping have no confirmed big effects.
NOTES: Presently, Scrambling QBs DO NOT work. DO NOT EVEN TRY IT. Until Bort creates better plays for rushing QBs, I REPEAT, DO NOT TRY IT.
MAJOR SKILLS Throwing, Vision, Strength
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Agility
MEH SKILLS Speed, Carrying, Catching, Jumping
SPECIAL ABILITIES All of the Pocket Passer and the first Scramler Abilitiy "On the Run"
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Field General" & "Tight Spiral" in Pocket Passer
HB (Halfback / Running Back)
The Halfback position is very straight forward position to build. Speed works best in the open field so don't think it is the end-all be-all skill for a HB, since most of your runs will involve you having someone within 3 yards of your player. Also, this does not include outside rushes, which would require more speed. Agility helps you hit the hole in the line of scrimmage fast as well as increases the effectiveness of jukes, head fakes, cut-backs and shiftiness. Strength greatly helps, in addition to agility, to burst through the line of scrimmage. It appears weaker backs get brought down much more easily against very strong D-linemen; and strength obviously also helps break tackles and keeps players to not fumble. Carrying helps secure the ball and minimize fumbles. Vision improves the HB's ability to see where the line will open up as well as make adjustments/cuts during their runs in order to evade defenders. It has been mentioned by many GLB experts and Bort himself that for whatever reason, Vision can hurt a HB in that your player will perceive too much and adjust too much, therefore just slowing him down and not hitting the hole at the line of scrimmage with a lot of force. Confidence improves your HBs ability to not get tackled for a loss and also hit holes he might otherwise ignore and to take chances on, low confidence can cause him to sometimes get caught up in the backfield and tackled. Jumping helps you at the goal line in order to dive in or to just gain an extra yard or two while being tackled. Blocking does just that. Throwing may be a factor in the future when trick plays may or may not be added
NOTES: Balance pays off. Do not try to go too far in creating a back entirely elusive or entirely power. You need a bit of both, think Emmitt Smith.
MAJOR SKILLS Speed, Agility, Carrying, Vision, Strength
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Catching
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Blocking, Throwing
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Juke" in Elusive and "Power Thru" in Power
FB (Fullback)
Fullbacks are unheralded but a great one can make the running game that much more effective. Always remember your place on the team, you are a lead blocker first and a rushing/passing option second the great majority of the time on the great majority of teams. Strength and blocking should be your first priority. Talk to your HB, if he's faster than you, you will only hinder his abilities since he will often be right behind you. Furthermore, he might bump into you if you are much slower than him. If you are too slow, he'll just run past you and you'll end up blocking a defender who isn't a factor on the play. Agility will help you burst through the line of scrimmage and if you combine that with strength, you might be able to create a hole in the line yourself. Carrying will decrease the chances of you fumbling the ball away. Confidence will also help you attack the line more quickly since a low morale might result in you taking fewer chances if the hole in the line is small or limited.
NOTES: Fullbacks should be tailored specifically to your offense, if you rush quite a bit, focus more on the rushing skills (speed/agility/carrying) or if he's more of a lead blocker, focus on the blocking skills (strength/blocking)
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Blocking, Speed
MINOR SKILLS Agility, Vision, Carrying, Confidence, Catching
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Lead Block" in Blocking and "Power Thru" in Offensive.
LOT (Left Offensive Tackle)
Left offensive tackles are the main pass blocking cog of the offensive line. They've got to be agile and reliable going up against RDEs who are the pass rushing specialists of defenses. Blocking, like all offensive linemen positions, is key. In addition, agility must be elite in order to keep up with the very fast and quick blitzers and pass rushers. More emphasis should be placed on agility rather than speed since OTs very rarely will need straight line speed but don't be deceived. Agility works in conjunction with speed. The more speed you have, the faster agility can accelerate you towards the defender. Vision will work best with your technique as well as keep you position. It can also improve your footwork as well as your ability to use your hands. Strength is not as important as it may be for guards but you will encounter very strong DEs on a regular basis. Confidence will keep your morale high, as I explain in many of these, since you will get pushed around quite a bit throughout a game. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: The "Protect" SA under the Pass Blocking tree can greatly boost the overall effectiveness of your whole offensive line but only works for players who are at LOT.
MAJOR SKILLS Blocking, Agility, Strength, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY "Protect" & "Pass Block" in Pass Blocking and "Run Block" and "Pancake" for Run Blocking
LG (Left Guard)
Left Guards are usually one-on-one with the opponent's DT positioned defensive tackle. It's important that this guard be solid and reliable since a breakdown at this point along the offensive line can really cause problems for an offense's rhythm in the passing game. Strength, in addition to blocking, are the two most important factors for a successful LG. He's got to be able to keep the DT busy in order to give the QB time or to give the HB a running lane. Be sure that vision is paid attention to because it affects how knowledgeable your LG is about the techniques involved with blocking, including footwork and how to use his hands. Last of the major skills is agility. DT positioned defensive tackles are usually bit faster so you're going to want to have a fast burst off the line of scrimmage. The faster you can engage a defender, the more easily it might be to win a battle during the game. Don't forget about confidence as you won't get pancakes every play and you might get manhandled from time to time, which can negatively affect your morale. Speed is not that important, but keep in mind, agility is dependent upon speed. If your speed is 15 and your agility is 50, you'll get to that 15 speed fast, but it won't have that same desired effect when you blast into the defender. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: Left guards tend to be the lesser G between LG and RG but don't take that as a put-down. All offensive linemen are important and your role on the team is to protect the QB, just like the LOT. A bad LG can ruin a team.
MAJOR SKILLS Blocking, Strength, Vision, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Pass Blocking tree more than the Run Blocking tree
C (Center)
Centers are the offensive line's anchor. A good C has to protect his QB on pass plays and block his tail off on rushing plays. Centers also do it all in that they block DTs, LBs and the occasional DE if he breaks loose from the offensive tackle. Blocking and Strength are again the main attributes for a Center. More than any other position, centers are usually integral to stopping the blitz. LBs usually blitz within range of the C, so it's important the C has great Vision to keep himself in position. Agility factors in the same way it does at the G position. A C usually works as a double team against the NT. A valuable C would be best served as a player who can do everything well. Confidence will also help him make the right decisions since low morale will only work against him. Tackling is only important on special teams.
NOTES: Centers don't need elite strength but it can only help. They are often worked in double teams so it's not as necessary as one might think. The bigger skill may in fact be vision since Centers, at least in real life, are often the Line General, just as their special ability suggests.
MAJOR SKILLS Blocking, Vision, Strength, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY C - "Pass Block" and "Line General" in Pass Blocking & "Run Block" and "Pancake" in Run Blocking
RG (Right Guard)
The RG is the main run blocker. He's got to be physically dominate and have the ability to impose his will on defenders. This can be best accomplished with elite strength and blocking. These two skills together can take an NT right out the play and open up a big hole along the offensive line for the HB to sneak through on running plays. Along with that, confidence is important in order for him to stay on top of his game. A low morale will only create inconsistency. Agility is important in order to generate steam behind the push. Speed, along with agility is vital for outside rushes. On some outside rushes, the RG will pull out into the open field and depending upon how fast your HB, a RG will require great speed to stay ahead of him and remain effective. Vision can work to increase a RG's chances of staying in position at all times as well as increase the effectiveness of his blocking. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: Right Guards just aren't the name of a deodorant but they do protect you from smelly results. A poor RG would be built with not enough blocking and strength and too much agility and speed. Remember, a Guard is usually right in the thick of things and not as regularly out in the open field. Keep your priorities straight.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Blocking, Vision, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Run Blocking tree more than the Pass Blocking tree
ROT (Right Offensive Tackle)
Right offensive tackles should be able to do what an RG and LOT can do. That is block for both the run and pass. Strength works to handle the LDE, who is usually the stronger DE between RDE and LDE. Since you're also more often than not involved with running plays, its more important to gain ground, rather than lose it. Along with strength, blocking needs to be elite. You just cannot allow the LDE to get free from an engaged position, since he'll just slow down or stop the progress of your HB. Vision will naturally improve his ability to block and heighten his awareness of what is going on around him, especially if the LOLB comes in on the rare blitz. Agility is also a big factor since many LDEs were built to be pass rushers, not strictly run stoppers. You're going to need to be quick off the ball so speed factors in there as well. Confidence has been explained many times now, but you just can't allow the ROT to lose any confidence since sometimes he will be matched up one on one against a LDE. One bad play can result in some very inconsistent play during a game if your morale goes down. Tackling is only relevant on special teams.
NOTES: ROTs should always have more of a run blocking focus, so because of that, you should not have any points in the "Protect" special ability in pass blocking if you exclusively play ROT and are not a starter/backup at LOT as well.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Blocking, Agility, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Tackling
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Run Blocking tree more than the Pass Blocking tree, but can be relatively equal
WR/TE (Wide Receiver/Tight End)
Speed is obvious, if you want to fly by the defense, speed will require that. Agility is a bit more subtle in that it will help you make faster cuts while running a route, in addition, it'll naturally help you get off the line more quickly. Catching is obvious as well, but keep in mind, Bort has added a natural drop rate, which can never reach zero so even if you have 100 catching, you'll still drop the ball from time to time. Naturally, the deeper the pass, the more catching you will need as well in order to catch a difficult pass. Vision will help you with your route running technique, thus making you lose less speed while making adjustments to those routes... furthermore, vision will help you locate the ball faster while in the air. Lastly, vision will help you block more effectively. Jumping does just that, and it can work to increase the radius at which you can make a diving catch or leaping catch as well as when it is needed for a WR or TE to leap up for a catch. Confidence is important in that if you drop a ball, your morale will decrease making your more susceptible to dropping balls again and again. Carrying will help you not fumble. Strength will help you to break tackles since many CBs only have about lower strength and tackling than other defenders. Blocking will obviously help you block on running plays. Keep in mind, that naturally TEs can be built very similarly to WRs. The only difference is how effective of a blocker do you wish to be? The more of a blocker you wish to be, just more points to strength and blocking.
NOTES: TEs do of course require more strength and blocking, but also realize they will also be used in double-team scenarios more often than not on running plays. So it's not as necessary to give them huge strength and blocking numbers. As for WR blocking, this is true as well since most CBs do not have superior strength.
MAJOR SKILLS WR - Speed, Agility, Catching / TE - Strength, Speed, Agility, Catching, Blocking
MINOR SKILLS Vision, Jumping, Confidence, Carrying
MEH SKILLS WR only - Strength, Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
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DEFENSIVE PLAYER BUILD ORIENTATION
(Major skills - Very Important, Minor Skills - Don't ignore me but don't over-do it skills, Meh Skills - Not THAT important, yet)
NOTE: This defensive player build orientation is geared towards the 4-3 defense. In addition, all defensive players should read all the information for every position since skills can work in different ways if you play multiple positions whether as a starter or backup. Lastly, how a lot of these skills can overlap and bits of information might be relevant to any or every other player on defense.
NT (Nose Tackle)
Nose tackles stop the run. Period. Strength works to maintain position since NTs are usually double teamed, more strength is required than normal in order to combat nasty OL double teams. Agility isn't THAT important but does help greatly catch tired offensive linemen offguard with a sudden burst into the action of the line of scrimmage, in addition, agility helps all of your pass-rushing moves. Tackling works as you might assume, with tackling. But also works to increase your ability to make tackles while out of position, with your arms to slow down ball-carriers, think of increasing tackling as increasing the radius at which you can tackle someone. Vision increases the NT's ability to outmaneuver and outsmart those crafty OL in order to gain position or make a play on the ball, this also includes all your pass rushing moves. Confidence works to keep your morale high as you will likely get neutralized some plays since you are almost always double-teamed. Speed, on the off chance you break free from the double team, obviously helps you get after the QB or catch up a HB who is juking a LB just behind the line of scrimmage. Run play failures (big gains or rushing TDs) affect morale. Blocking has no confirmed benefit on defense but will help if you play special teams in order to engage players for blocks. Jumping increases your ability to make diving tackles and jump to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage.
NOTES: Careful to really increase tackling. With the new player build changes, since you strength is naturally so high, it can negatively affect tackling since they are unbalanced.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Vision, Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Blocking, Jumping
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All Run Stuffer Abilities. "The Glare", "Shed Block" and "Strong Base" in the Pass Rusher tree.
DT (Defensive Tackle)
Defensive tackles stop the run and occasionally break loose to disrupt the QB and make a sack. Since they are almost always only blocked by the LG, they have a much better chance of being free to make a play in the backfield. Read NT except add more emphasis to agility, slightly less to tackling, and slightly less to strength.
NOTES: Vision may be the difference between a one tackle statistical day and a 3 sack, 5 hurry performance, oh and read the note for NT as well. I say this because DTs are rarely double teamed and when you are only dealing with one OL, it's possible to really break his morale with just a small handful of good plays.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Vision, Confidence, Speed
MEH SKILLS Blocking, Jumping
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
RDE (Right Defensive End)
RDEs are pure pass rushers of the defensive line. The keys to a good pass rush remain strength and agility. Strength here works in the same way it works for DTs. The only small difference here is that a DE's agility needs to be higher in order to get after the offensive line even faster. Agility, again, works as you'd expect. It helps the RDE get off the line faster as well as makes their pass rush moves quicker. Vision will help your technique and in will also assist you in finding holes that you might be able to exploit if an offensive linemen is out of position. Speed will help you burst off the line like agility, but naturally, it comes into play best when you are not engaged by an OL and in the open field. Tackling does just that. Confidence will work to keep morale high, causing you to play at a higher level throughout the game, even if you pancaked a time or two.
NOTES: Elite agility can really screw with an average LOT, the OL who blocks you since if you can get around them a time or two, you will have an easier time getting around them throughout the game because their confidence will decrease.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Tackling, Vision, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Pass Rusher tree should have more points in it than the Containment tree
LDE (Left Defensive End)
An elite LDE can really shut down a running game since almost all runs go right at him in this game. Tackling should be higher since more plays go to him and he will be able to make a play on the ball more often than a RDE in a game. Speed and agility will work together to create a great, fast pass rush. Vision will improve technique as well as make small adjustments to the ball carrier or in pass coverage. Confidence sustains morale at a high level since OL will sometimes win the battle at the line of scrimmage, enabling the LDE to stay consistent. Jumping will contribute to swatted passes while blocking has no confirmed effects other than on special teams if he is one of the blockers involved.
NOTES: LDEs are basically like RDEs, except for the potential to make more big plays in the running game, rather than the passing game.
MAJOR SKILLS Strength, Agility, Tackling, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Speed, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Jumping, Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY The Containment tree should have more points than the Pass Rusher
ROLB (Right Outside Linebacker)
ROLBs are the main blitzer in the game, but that can change drastically depending upon your team's playbook. For all intents and purposes, they basically need to be very balanced with the four main major skills except more speed/agility/strength since they pass rush much more. Jumping will increase your ability to make diving tackles and knock down passes. Catching does just that and since all defensive failures (touchdowns or long gains) affect the LB, confidence must be paid attention to.
NOTES: Getting through the line of scrimmage consistently on a blitz will require a combination speed, agility, vision and strength. Each skill relies on the other throughout a game so don't ignore any of them in your player build.
MAJOR SKILLS Speed, Agility, Strength, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Tackling, Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All except "Defense General" in the Hard Hitter tree
MLB (Middle Linebacker)
The MLB blitzes a lot but does do more pass coverage than the other players in the game, especially against HBs and FBs. Just like ROLB, MLBs need to have a good combo of strength, vision, speed and agility. MLBs are also a little bit closer to the Guards and Centers of the game, who are very strong so you have to make sure your MLB is strong as well when he blitzes up the middle. Catching does just that and since all defensive failures (touchdowns or long gains) affect the LB, confidence must be paid attention to.
NOTES: I feel speed/agility may be most important at MLB of all the linebacker positions since they cover HBs and HBs are usually very very quick and shifty. MLBs appear to be important to the pass defense so don't slouch on their ability to cover the pass. Strength and tackling must be high since the MLBs is in the mix almost every single play. Speed and agility work the same way they always do but because of the MLB's pass coverage responsibilities, they must be able to keep up with fast TEs and HBs/FBs who go out for passes. In most man coverages, the HB is the MLB's match-up. Jumping will create more effective diving tackles as well as when the LB needs to bat down a pass.
MAJOR SKILLS Tackling, Strength, Agility, Speed, Vision
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All, be sure to add to "Defense General" in the Hard Hitter tree
LOLB (Left Outside Linebacker)
LOLB can be the most important defender on your team. Most runs go right at him and his ability to disrupt the running game can change the game drastically. Strength and tackling must be superior. Power RBs can have huge strength so if you miss a tackle, it can lead to a slippery slope for your morale. Catching does just that and since all defensive failures (touchdowns or long gains) affect the LB, confidence must be paid attention to.
NOTES: In my opinion, more than any other position on the field, the LOLB has to be the most reliable and balanced build you've got. He blitzes, defends the run and defends the pass. If he can't do it all, it will affect your entire team's success negatively.
MAJOR SKILLS Tackling, Strength, Agility, Vision, Speed
MINOR SKILLS Confidence, Jumping, Catching
MEH SKILLS Blocking
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All but with more focus in the Hard Hitter tree, except no "Defense General"
CB (Cornerback)
Cornerbacks can be very fickle. It appears that depending upon your advanced tactics, you can be a shut down corner or have a lot of trouble defending the pass. Speed will help you mostly in man to man defense when the WR goes deep but will of course help you keep up with a receiver throughout the route. Agility will help you react quickly to a pass, I would argue agility is more important than speed because it affects zone and man coverage a great deal. Vision at CB can be huge. In my opinion, playing CB requires some of the best technique so vision can give you a huge boost to you ability to keep up with WRs cuts and pass routes. In addition, it will give you an added bonus to just reacting to the play while the ball is in the air. Jumping naturally helps you deflect passes that are up for grabs as well as dive for pass deflections. Catching does just that. Carrying, I guess if you get an INT or fumble recovery, you don't want to fumble it right back to the offense, right?
NOTES: The difference between a 3 PD day and a 2 INT day is catching. How many INTs do you think CBs drop per season?
MAJOR SKILLS Agility, Vision, Speed
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Strength, Tackling, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Carrying
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY Shutdown corner tree and unless you return kicks, you don't need much "Return Specialist" in Speedster
FS (Free Safety)
Free safeties should usually be built in a mold that puts them in between the skills of a CB and SS. CBs are faster and more agile than all other defenders while SSs tend to have more strength and tackling to assist in run defense. FSs should have high vision, you never want to have them tricked or fooled by a playmaker with the ball in his hand. Vision will work to keep you discipline, in position and taking the best line of pursuit. Speed and agility will, of course, help you keep with fast WRs. In addition, agility should be thought of something as your reaction time as you break towards the ball/play. The faster you get going from your usually deep position on the field, the better off you will be. And just like SS, FSs require quality strength and tackling. You do not want them ever missing tackles since FSs are the last line of defense almost every play. Jumping will help you make plays on passes up in the air as well as assist in swatting balls away whether it be dives or jump balls. Catching does just that and carrying will ensure you secure the ball and don't fumble the ball away on INT or fumble returns.
NOTES: Safeties should have excellent vision, especially FS since they are usually the last line of defense. The last thing you want is your FS out of position and beaten deep.
MAJOR SKILLS Vision, Speed, Agility, Strength, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Carrying
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
SS (Strong Safety)
Strong safeties, in the real world, are usually more agile LB types. You know 6'1" 225, hit like a ton of bricks usually. Vision will help you not get faked out and make a much faster reaction to the ball. Speed and agility work together to create great pass coverage. Agility may be slightly more important here since agility will work almost like a reaction time. The faster you can break towards the play, the better since SSs are usually at least 5 yards back in coverage every single play. Since most running plays go to this side, tackling is also very important. Because of this, inherently strength is important as well. You don't want to miss tackles since SSs are sometimes the last line of defense. Tackling and strength should therefore not be under-appreciated.
NOTES: Think of SS as a quicker LOLB.
MAJOR SKILLS Vision, Speed, Agility, Strength, Tackling
MINOR SKILLS Jumping, Catching, Confidence
MEH SKILLS Carrying
SPECIAL ABILITIES All
KEY SPECIAL ABILITY All
KR/PR (Kick Returner / Punt Returner)
In a nutshell, major skills are speed, agility and vision. Also add some points to catching/carrying so you don't fumble it away. In my opinion, CBs should be KRs/PRs. CB4s or CB5s usually get about around 25 plays a game so they have the flexibility and energy to play more on special teams and run long distances. Vision will increase your ability to find running lanes as well. A stronger focus in speed and agility is obviously necessary to be truly dominant. A KR/PR should be the fastest player on the team more often than not.
K (Kicker)
The kicking skill works in multiple ways in conjunction with support skills like strength, vision and confidence. Kicking can multiply the effectiveness of all these support strengths, but in general, kicking improves accuracy and consistency. Strength increases kick velocity as well as the obvious, the length of the FGs you can attempt. Vision will assist in technique more than anything, but will also improve consistency and accuracy. Confidence will keep morale high if kicks are missed or you happen to get a missed tackle.
P (Punter)
The punting skill functions in similar ways to the kicking skill. It increases your technique and you ability to kick long, accurate punts. Punting also works with the support skills like strength, vision and confidence. I'm sure strength works as a ratio skill in that it is necessary to kick the ball long as well as high. Confidence will improve your ability to take chances, such as coffin corner punts (punting within the opponent's 20). Vision will also help your technique, in addition to seeing where/how to punt a kick that requires more accuracy than strength.
Last edited Aug 17, 2008 20:04:17
