Posted by cydrych on 8/15/2012 5:11:00 PM (view original):
But don't oversimplify it. For instance, I know Norbert has already identified that there should be a difference between long routes and short routes, likely requiring different skill sets.
Maybe Speed is only important on long routes... a DB whose Speed is outmatched could be at a significant disadvantage (unless the formation provides a safety cover). Short routes could be about a WR's Elusiveness where a DBs Instinct or Elusiveness might be needed to counter. Either way, ,when the ball is delivered (which is up to another set of calculations to see if the QB sees the open receiver and can make a quality throw) everyone in the target area will need decent hands and technique to make a play.
As long as we can understand what is going on.
Oversimplifying the engine doesn't necessarily oversimplify the strategy. If I can look at your roster and realize that your DB's are worse than my receivers, I should benefit by throwing more, and more aggressive. If I realize you have stout DB's, I either must try to be more conservative with passing or try to exploit one of your shortcomings.
But I can't do any of that with 47 checks in a play and have no idea whether my receivers with 10 hands are better than your DB's with 90 speed on out patterns.