Category: front news

place front new posts here. make sure to have a pic in it.

by Primetime Admin

Season 2 Draft by the numbers

The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of the amount of Free Agents and provide a statistical point of view that owners and players may find useful for the upcoming VFL draft. The draft takes place on 11/3/2021. Stay tuned for a time and the draft will be broadcasted like last year. Without further ado, let’s get right into this.
There are a total of 87 Free Agents (as of 10/28/2021) coming into the draft. All but 3 players have filled in their positions so I will be excluding them from these stats.

There are 72 VFL roster spots available for season 2 (8 teams @ 9 players (3 lines)). Take away the Owner and GM spots (16), you’re looking at 56 roster spots. 31 players will not be selected in the draft but rather drafted in TC. This is roughly 36% of available FAs.
From an offensive standpoint we have:
– 20 Quarterbacks
– 38 Running Backs
– 26 Wide Receivers
From a defensive standpoint we have:
– 25 Defensive Linemen
– 28 Linebackers
– 31 Defensive Backs
Free agents coming into the draft. Assuming that teams draft their team needs with having 3 players at each position, it is assumed there will be:
– a shortage of QBs in the draft
– a surplus of 12 RBs
– a surplus of 2 WRs
– a surplus of 1 DL
– a surplus of 4 LBs
– a surplus of 7 DBs
when the draft concludes and TC players will then be assigned.

However, this is not taking into account the positions that each team has at management (Owner/GM).

From the data above, it is assumed that these position combos are considered the most valuable in terms of a high chance of being drafted by a team:
QB/DL (most valuable)
QB/LB
QB/DB
WR/DL
WR/LB
WR/DB
RB/DL
RB/LB
RB/DB (least valuable)

By looking at the team’s management positions:
– 11 are QBs
– 2 are RB’s
– 3 are WR’s
– 3 are DL
– 5 are LBs
– 8 are QBs

After taking into account management positions, it is assumed there will NOT be a shortage of QBs since management is typically QBs. Since WR’s and DL are the least filled positions in management, I would consider this to be the most valuable position combo going into the draft.

After being given this data, players and management can use this to help them make decisions for themselves and their team. As a player, if your goal is to get on a VFL roster, you are more likely to get drafted if you’re a WR/DL versus a RB/DB. QB’s are still considered valuable as well.

by Primetime Admin

Season 1 Top 25 Players

Voted in by the community themselves, here is the list of Season 1’s top 25 players in the league. 

25.) Kxng x Champ | Ravens
24.) Hutch x81 | Browns
23.) l Revis l | Raiders
22.) WB Juicebox | Raiders
21.) xGam3xGreenx | Cowboys
20.) Privatepullout | Cowboys
19.) WB Shig | Raiders
18.) OrlandoStayWoke | Ravens
17.) Xx Tmo 706xX | Chiefs
16.) BrowniesLive | Cardinals
15.) Outaker24 | Bills
14.) WB J Le22 | Raiders
13.) MRxxUSERxxPICKx | Chiefs
12.) WB D3v0ur | Raiders
11.) BetterCa11xSaul | Chiefs
10.) Th3 R3al3st 260 | Ravens
9.) WB DrMelvo | Raiders
8.) AbyssZl | Ravens
7.) Shady on Xbox | Bills
6.) dirtyfalcons98 | Cardinals
5.) IR x Brady | Packers
4.) IamBeAsTe | Ravens
3.) areisx21 | Browns
2.) WB EIGHT 5 0 | Raiders
1.) Kuhrow | Cowboys

 

Winners will have a top 25 player trophy displayed within their player profile and This will be archived in the VFL vault. 

To put this in another perspective, these are the number of top players in the league by team

Raiders 7
Ravens 4
Cowboys 3
Chiefs 3
Bills 2
Cardinals 2
Browns 2
Packers 1

by Primetime Admin

Interview with Brownies Goodell

It’s Outaker here and I’m back with another article. I wanted to take some time to interview our new commissioner. The purpose of this article is to spread overall player awareness about upcoming news and changes. 

 

Do you expect the season to grow exponentially compared to Season 1? If so, why do you think that? Grow? not yet, I think season two is going to be the foundation for what’s to come in the VFL, We have so much potential here and we have to live up to it. Growth will come but we need to get underneath ourselves before we start a growing process

 What are some structural changes that will benefit the league in season 2? (this could be staff, the way we handle processes, etc). In season one you tried to do it all alone, you put so much into this league and I believe at times the league took you for granted and it came back to bite us all. This season we are moving to a Board of Directors style leadership with Myself, WB850, Hog, and Kurow. I believe these changes will be what is best for the league and will show what kind of league this can be when the burden doesn’t lie solely on one person’s shoulders to carry.

What are some changes to the rulebook that you expect to see in Season 2? I can’t say much because this is not just my decision but I do expect a thinner rulebook with a more firm fist of punishments. these rules will not have a gray area. While there will be fewer rules than last season the severity of breaking these rules will be greater.

Do you have a timeline for team picks, the player draft, and the start of the new season? Team picks are currently ongoing, the player draft will be scheduled shortly after the Superbowl and season two is looking to kick off November 7th

How long will Season 2 be? Season two will be 4 weeks just like last season but we will transition to a 9 game weekly scheduled with each line playing 3 games instead of 4. We are currently discussing how we want to handle the upcoming holidays and are doing our best to schedule around that as best we can.

 What are your goals for Season 2? The biggest goal is consistency, we need to be consistent in everything we do. That isn’t just from a management and staff side. we all have to be more consistent this season and do our best to show what this league can accomplish.

How has the transition from BOG to commish been? Lol well, it’s been different. at first, I had zero interest in doing this, I saw how it got to you, and with me having a family, career, and the military it hasn’t been an easy decision to do this. With the help of the owners, the staff, and the other directors of the league I believe I have put together a great team to make sure we carry this league together. I couldn’t do it without them.

Any shoutouts or announcements that you would like to address? Maybe one, this season will be the most important season of the VFL in almost 8 years. We need to do this together and that means signing up, getting your buddies to sign up, getting the word out there that this is the place to play Madden teamplay on XBOX Series S/X. The sky is the limit with this league but our best marketing strategy is for every person in this league. Let’s get the word out, lets get some footage made and posted on Youtube, Twitch, Twitter, Reddit anywhere that madden has a community we should be pushing that community to check us out. This will be a season to remember and I promise everyone that.

 

by Primetime Admin

Season 1 Walter Payton Man of the Year

While there are no awards this season for statistically related awards (due to lack of stat tracking), There is one award I want to give out besides the top 25 players; The season’s annual Walter Payton Man of the Year. 

This award symbolizes individuals who went above and beyond in terms of bettering the league. I have three individuals who I feel are worthy of this award.  Whether it be media content, doing their job in regards to their role, or being a vocal leader for change, these individuals should be recognized for their commitment to the league. You guys helped pave the way which can make the league grow, and for that, I thank you. 

 

Brownies

Brownies stepped us as intern commissioner when I suddenly retired. He quickly went to work in terms of finishing the season and put together a solid work plan going into Season 2. Before that, he was a BOG who handled complaints/appeals and a GM for the Infamous Panthers (before he left his original team). Brownies deserve this award for his hard work, leadership, and vision to carry on the league. 

 

Kuhrow

Kuhrow is currently our VFLPA President and oversees issues with player rights. He ensures players are equal and make sure their voices are heard. Before this, Kuhrow was pretty much a vocal leader to push for important changes to our inaugural rulebook. While I found him expressing his concern to be a pain in my ass, he made good and valid points and proven that the “old” way wasn’t necessarily the best. He was pretty much an extra GM for the Cowboys and I strongly believe a lot of the team’s success was through him. 

 

Th3 R3alest 260

In terms of media content, Realest took the initiative to learn how to create media content for the site. He was also a person who expressed criticism when needed and honestly showed me the light to not have James Smith as the commissioner. While he and I don’t see eye to eye with my abrupt retirement, I value the work he has put in to help create content. Creating content in the league helps not only boost conversation between players but from an outsider looking in, they can see how engaging this league can be. 

 

In the upcoming days, these players will beable to see this trophy present on their player profile indicated by

by Primetime Admin

Season 1 award information

Awards will be a little tricky this season due to roughly half the league submitting stats and out of the third who did, only half are consistent with stat capturing. Here is how we will do the awards. 

  • any ‘of the year’ awards will only be eligible based on the available stats in the stat system. A voting poll will vote on the player who deserves the award based on their season stats. Any players who did not record stats are not eligible for ‘Of the year’ awards. 
    • QBOTY
    • RBOTY
    • WROTY
    • DLOTY
    • Bigman25 award (LBOTY)
    • DBOTY
  • Probowl awards will be based on a player vote survey by the players. Any players are eligible for these awards. A survey will be sent out to the league for players to vote on 3 players from each position to determine these awards. Only 1 vote per person as the gamertag who took the survey will be captured. Most votes from the player votes will be 1st team, second most 2nd team, 3rd most 3rd team.
    • QB (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
    • RB (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
    • WR (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
    • DL (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
    • LB (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
    • DB (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
  • Owner of the year – given to the owner with the best record
  • Walter Payton man of the year – voted by the players in the award survey. Given to a person who goes above and beyond to help the league succeed whether it be media content, etc. 
  • MVP – Voted on by the players. This vote should be based on who they think was the best opponent they played this season as well as their line record being a factor. 
  •  Rookie of the year is not eligible this season
  • Comeback player of the year is not eligible this season
  • OCOTY – awarded to the highest scoring QB in the season (determined from stat system)
  • DCOTY – awarded to the least scoring against defense (determined from stat system)
  • HCOTY – awarded to the Highest winning HC (determined from stat system)
by Primetime Admin

Season 1 Playoff Information

With 10 days left in the season, I would like to address the inquires revolving around playoffs. Here is the info you need:

  • There are 10 teams in the league; 5 AFC and 5 NFC
  • Ravens, Bills, Chiefs, Browns, Raiders are AFC.
  • Cardinals, Packers, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Panthers are NFC. 
  • The top 3 teams by record advance to the playoffs
  • If two teams have a tied record going into the post season, we will look at the Head to Head record to determine the seeding. If the H2H record is tied, Points for will be used. 
  • The top team from each conference has a bye week and will play in the conference championship game against the winner of the division series. 
  • Each series is a best of 7 series
  • Divisional Games 1-3 will take place on 10/17/2021 at 9PM, 10PM & 11PM eastern time. 
  • Divisional Games 4-6 will take place on 10/18/2021 at 9PM, 10PM & 11PM eastern time
  • Divisional Game 7 (If applicable) will take place on 10/19/2021 at 10PM  eastern time
  • Conference Games 1-3 will take place on 10/20/2021 at 9PM, 10PM & 11PM eastern time.
  • Conference Games 4-6 will take place on 10/21/2021 at 9PM, 10PM & 11PM eastern time.
  • Conference Game 7 (If applicable) will take place on 10/22/2021 at 10PM  eastern time
  • Superbowl Games 1-3 will take place on 10/24/2021 at 9PM, 10PM & 11PM eastern time.
  • Superbowl Games 4-6 will take place on 10/25/2021 at 9PM, 10PM & 11PM eastern time.
  • Superbowl Game 7 (If applicable) will take place on 10/26/2021 at 10PM  eastern time
  • It is highly recommended that at least one person streams the game for the league. 
  • All 3 lines must play 1 game in the first 3 games.
  • All 3 lines must play 2 games within the first 6 games. 
  • Any line can play game 7. 
  • Lines ups must be posted at least 3 hours before the scheduled games. 
by Realest 260

Realest Top 5 MVP

This is just basically my little opinion.

1.  DirtyFalcons – With a 8-0 record and now taking over Ownership of the Cards after James and most of the team left Falcons is keeping the team going with gives him the nod for the #1 spot IMO.

 

2. Beaste – Also 8-0 like DirtyFalcons. Beaste is pretty much carrying his line with Lamar Jackson!

 

3. Kuhrow – Love it or Hate it hes doing the most he can with the Cowboys. I think without him Cowboys could possible be the worst team in the league… Respectfully..

 

4. Hutch/Areis – Without these 2 on the Browns idk if this team would even have 3 to 4 wins and the team only has 10 so that says alot.

 

5. Mr850- Doing his best to lead the Raiders to the playoffs!

 

Honorable mentions : Outaker , Shady on Xbox , Mr User Pick , HLGxSharp , Realest 260 , Abyss

by Primetime Admin

Rule Changes

With the season already being half way through, I took some time to send a survey out to the owners and players of the league to revisit some of the rules. Below each question is a response from both owners and the general player base. The way that I will rule these changes are as follows:

I will compare both survey responses. 

If the owner responses are too close to call, I will use the data from the player survey to determine if a rule is changed or kept as is. 

Owners

Players

Verdict

1.2 Positions (Defense)

With the owner vote being tied, I looked at the player results and majority voted to keep the rule as is. No change is needed. 

 

2.1 Chewing Clock

With no vote winning over 60% majority, I looked at the player results and majority voted to keep the rule as is. No change is needed. 

 

2.2 Throwing outside the numbers

The ruling remains the same but with the addition of this: If a QB is throwing on the run and the animation takes the QB on the outside of the numbers, the pass is deemed legal. Any part of the body must be on the numbers for this to be legal (previously, half the body must be on the numbers). If the WHOLE body is outside the numbers on a throw on the run animation, its an illegal pass. Throwing outside the numbers is looked at when the ball is no longer connected to the passer. 

 

2.2.1 QB Running
No majority owner vote. Player vote deems to remain as is. No Rule change needed. 

 

2.2.2 Spamming of Plays
Majority on both sides to keep as is. No rule change needed. 

 

2.2.5 Gadget Plays
Majority on both sides to keep as is. No rule change needed.

 

2.2.6 Dropbacks
Majority on both sides to keep as is. No rule change needed.

 

 

2.2.8 Looping
Both sides deemed to keep looping the same but to add the following: You may not engage and disengage with a blocker then use the Speed Boost (A Button) to run around the blocker. To disengage with a blocker, a pass move is to be used, the user cannot back out of the pass block then speed boost around the blocker. This was considered a loophole in the rulebook. 

 

Ban the 2-4-5 Defense? 
Since player vote was even, I looked at the owner vote and it was anonymous. 2-4-5 defense formation is banned for the remainder of the season. Will add to the banned plays section of the rulebook.

 

Expand players games per week? 
This was essentially brought up in terms of combatting the huge amount of blacklists this season. Only management can play up to 5 games a week if needed to not forfeit. If reporting stats, only the first four games maybe reported. The fifth game player stats cannot be reported. 

 

Should QBs with Escape Artist only allow to take off if there is pressure?

Both sides agree that this should be a rule. This will be a new rule created in the rulebook stating the following: QBs with escape artist cannot abuse the ability by hiking and immediately running (Unless a designed QB run) or running to the numbers and waiting for a route to develop then take off running if needed. The purpose of escape artist is to escape incoming pressure and if no pressure is in the area, the User should not spam the ability. 

 

Should we end the season early? (8 out of 9 owners need to be on board for this).

Since its almost a spilt decision by the players and owners were all not in agreement, we will resume the season to the full length of 4 weeks. No changes to be made.

 

 

 

 

Thank you all for taking your time in giving your input. Its greatly appreciated. These rules will go into affect starting now (10/3/2021) Please use this material to familiarize yourself with the changes. For the free text responses, I plan on bringing this up to staff and the owners. 

by Realest 260

My thoughts on the league

Before going on my semi rant I just want to say Outaker and his staff have been doing the best they can with trying revive the community. Do I believe things could be better? 100% which is where I will give my opinions here.

1.  While in my opinion this is a good and bad thing. The whole James Smith situation was terrible. As a owner of a team he was giving to much power within the league/discord. A owner should never be able to see complaints field against their team let alone any team.

As many know Outaker is looking for a commish. He was ready to hand the keys over to James Smith. In multiple chats with Outaker I told him that would be the worse situation for the league. I could go on and on about how he would be bad person to put in charge. Good thing is he showed his true colors when he got caught breaking a rule. I think while it sucks to lose a owner and most of the Cards team I think this was best for the league.

2. In-Season Rule changes are horrible. Only way this should be a thing is if the whole community is involved and even then I think its a bad idea. Madden is now a game of abilities as much as it is about the users.

Banning Escape Artist QB from being aloud to sprint out is sad. For a guy like Lamar who is a below average passer your pretty much limiting his skill set. Your taking away an advantage he has. Sprint out is a legit concept.

 But since were taking away advantages lets do the following.

Lets ban the ability Red Zone Threat because its broken. Once you get inside the 20 its pretty much a free TD unless you commit 2 to 3 players to that player.

Acrobat/Lurker it pretty much let players with this ability make crazy diving animations. If your a team with a DB with Acrobat. Bills , Packers , Chiefs they have a unfair advantage with a ability that the rest of the league doesn’t have so lets make those teams take those players off the field or if they make a crazy int they gotta punt the ball back. Dont worry I know it sounds dumb just about as dumb as limiting a QB like Lamar , Kyler , Mahomes , Josh Allen because they have a ability.

Also Tom Brady is the only player with Hot Route Master a QB who put WRs , TE , RBs on special routes that no other QB can so lets force the Bucs to not be able to use that ability because its an advantage for only them.

Yeah I know most of what I just said nobody will care but at least you read it lol.

by Primetime Admin

Week 2 Power Rankings

Week 2 of the VFL has concluded. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has participated thus far players and staff. I understand the difficulties that have occurred throughout the week. We are officially halfway through the season. Each team played a total of 24 games after week 2, below are the leagues power rankings. Ranks are sorted by Overall Record and if there is a tired record, Points for is the tie breaker. 

1.) Baltimore Ravens (18-6) Last week: 3

Now with the best record in the league, the Ravens are starting to look to be the superior team in the league. Moved from 3 to 1 which is the biggest jump in the power rankings. They have seemed to figure out the team chemistry. With the addition of trading Realest for a bag of rocks, this is who I’m putting my money on to win the superbowl this year. 

2.) Arizona Cardinals (17-6-1) Last week: 1

It can be argued that this is actually the best talented team in the league. This team had a small hiccup in terms of change of management and most of the roster leaving as well. But after a merger with the Panthers, this team is back to its winning ways. They have the best win streak in the league with 5 wins. I want to say thanks to Dirtyfalcons for stepping up as owner and brownies in accepting the GM position. 

3.) Buffalo Bills (14-10) Last week: 2

Rough ending for the Bills on thursday as they lost all three games. It seems this team struggles with consistency. When they win, they are a huge threat for teams. They have the potential of going deep in the playoffs. They have the third best scoring offense in the league at 461 points for but lack in defensive presence being ranked 5th in points against. 

4.) Kansas City Chiefs (13-10-1) Last week: 5

The Chiefs are starting to bounce back from their week 1 performance, but they will need to do very well next week. If the season ended today, they would clinch a wildcard berth but with the Raiders right behind them, they need to step it up. Its been quiet in terms of complaints on this team as well which is a great thing.  

5.) Dallas Cowboys (12-11-1) Last week: 6

Management in Dallas is doing a great job in terms of remaining competitively. They keep climbing the rankings and currently clinching playoffs with their record. They are tied 2nd in the league in terms of highest win streak with 4 wins. Hopefully this carries over to week 3. 

6.) Green Bay Packers (11-13) Last week: 4

On the opposite end, the Packers are declining in power rankings. I really believe this team is better than their record but Forfeits are seeming to be their issue. Which doesnt make sense since they have 12 players on their roster. If people are inactive, I would advise Green bay to start blacklisting in hopes of attracting new talent. They also need to watch out for the defense being played as well as many complaints have came in from this team in week 2. 

7.) Las Vegas Raiders (11-12-1) Last week: 7

Again, WB Clan where ya at? Ranked 7th last week, ranked 7th this week. I was expecting a bounce back in week 2 but that wasn’t in the case. Maybe a bounce back in week 3? I would also advise this team in terms of following the rulebook as well. Suggestion; study what the ravens are doing. Not one complaint has been submitted against the team and they have the best record. 

8.) Cleveland Browns (10-14) Last week: 8

This team is so iffy its weird. One game they blow out a team, the next team, they lose by 40+. Maybe its a huge change in talent? If so, try to change the lines in terms of balancing out talent with one another. They did make a trade for Ice today so that will add some consistency to their team. But trading away Realest for almost nothing was horrible IMO. 

9.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-16) Last week: 9

Posting a leagues highest losing streak of 5 losses, they absolutely have to bring their A game next week or they will not make playoffs. They are 3 games behind from the wildcard playoff berth but with how they averge 4-8 each week, Im starting to lose hope in this team. 

10.) Carolina Panthers (4-20) Last week: 10

Nothin to see here. Panthers owner quit due to an ass spanking from the bills which put the panthers in another awful situation. This team is pretty much a bye win for any team that plays them.