The Legend Notebook: hints and evaluations for lesser-used players

[wEEman33]

One of the things I love to do in this game is take lesser-used players and test them out in practice mode.

Part of this is because the abilities in this game do not even come close to telling the whole story of how a certain players play when you've got them under the control of your gamepad.

I've been doing this ever since the game came out, but thought it might be a good idea to start sharing my finds in the hopes of getting more variety into people's lineups.

I'll be doing these on a regular basis, and might even do some generic players too, later on.

Organization will be done by tier and by alphabetical order:

Gold

James Lofton - Has the quickest first step of any WR in this game and will have finished most of his routes in the time it takes a generic WR to simply get off the line. Excels in YAC, with his lethal jukes/spins and breakaway speed. Lofton also has good speed with the ball in the air, and does a good job of attacking the ball. His weakness is that he doesn't run routes or catch the ball as well as the other golds.

John Mackey - Like Lofton, he excels after the catch, where he has great speed and is extremely tough to bring down. Mackey has poor route-running compared to other gold and silver TEs, and he does a terrible job of attacking the ball when thrown to, but when the ball's in the air and he's going to chase it down, he's one of the fastest receivers in the game. His hands are good, but not great. As an added bonus, Mackey is an absolute beast on kick returns.

Silver

Tony Canadeo - Easily the fastest of the silver RBs, and an absolute terror of a return specialist. His weaknesses are that he tires quickly, and that he doesn't break many tackles, or get a lot of forward momentum after contact. Get him some decent blocks, or one-on-one in the open field (where he can use his great jukes or spins), and he's prime to take it to the house. Think of him as the best home-run hitter of the silver backs.

John Jefferson - His speed and route-running skills are below that of most silvers, but he is able to use his strength at the line of scrimmage to create separation from defenders. What really makes him worthwhile, though, is his ability to make tough, acrobatic catches over the middle, even when absorbing the best shots from defenders like Ronnie Lott; basically, if the ball hits Jefferson's hands, it's going to be a catch 9 out of 10 times.

Bronze

Andre Ware - Think of him as mini-Cunningham. Ware shows great speed and escapability when moving outside the pocket, especially for a bronze. He can also throw on the run, though sometimes, his accuracy suffers. In the open field, his size and strength even allows him to run through generic DBs using the stiff arm (his weapon of choice) or the shoulder charge (slightly less effective). Ware's one, glaring weakness is that he falls apart in the face of defensive pressure. Put a stonewall on the offensive line, though, and he becomes a steal at the bronze level.

[LSUTIGERSPHXSUNS]

Also, the #of pro bowls that the player has been to can be a good way of evaluating players.

For example, Mel Renfro went to 10 pro bowls, whereas Lem Barney went to only 7. And IMO, Mel Renfro is more consistent, never gets burnt, and is just as good of a returner.

[TPw1689]

silver star rb Billy SIms is good tooo

[LSUTIGERSPHXSUNS]

Yeah, hes a great finesse back, I like using the right stick with him.

[playoffhero_is_lame]

yeah i like doing that stuff too.

I really like roger staubach in a spread offense. he has an awsome arm with no charge and has 4th quater come back which is important because of how many times im down 5 with 2:00 left in a game. hes also fast enough to boot out and make a play when there is good coverage

[hibachiii]

I've been using Chuck Benarik the last couple of games. The jury's still out, he hasn't really made that many plays, but I've been winning my games. I'm gonna keep him around and see if he's worth keeping.

[Av3ng3d Ryd3r]

what position does bednarik play?

[49er_Faithful24]

Silver Outside Linebacker

[LSUTIGERSPHXSUNS]

I remember reading somewhere that Bednarik was a reaaaaally big hitter in real life, and he like knocked one guy out for a long time. I wonder why they didn't give him big hit in the game.

It seems like the players from the pre-60s are underrepresented. For example, Paul Hornung and the rest of the white HBs are really good and quick cats, but their abilities don't show it. Most of the flashy abilities seem like they are only given to the more modern players. Night Train is an exception.

[Valdarez]

Lofton's rarely used, but I have seen Mackey used quite a bit.

[hibachiii]

I'm surprised Shannon Sharpe isn't used much.

Route God + Speed Burner = deadly.

[Reed#20]

I remember reading somewhere that Bednarik was a reaaaaally big hitter in real life, and he like knocked one guy out for a long time. I wonder why they didn't give him big hit in the game.

It seems like the players from the pre-60s are underrepresented. For example, Paul Hornung and the rest of the white HBs are really good and quick cats, but their abilities don't show it. Most of the flashy abilities seem like they are only given to the more modern players. Night Train is an exception.


Knocked out Frank Gifford.

[Tuboware67]

Yea Im the only person Ive ever seen use James Lofton a lot. I think that he is the 2nd best WR by far. Raymond Berry is too slow and I cant really seem to hit him deep like I can with Rice, Biletnikoff, or Lofton. Biletnikoff just doesnt get it done for me, and never fits into my system correctly for whatever reason.

James Lofton is a beast after the catch, will burn anyone, and I mean anyone deep, and will catch just about anything thrown his way, as long as he has a step on or more on the defender, and that doesnt take much effort with his incredible speed.

[Reed#20]

I'm surprised Shannon Sharpe isn't used much.

Route God + Speed Burner = deadly.


I used to have him and Lofton on the same team. Sharpe and Ditka are the best receiving TE threats in this game. Sharpe's speed is right up there close to Lofton.

That one team I had had Sharpe, Lofton and Coates. Very deadly.

[soonersam]

yeah i like doing that stuff too.

I really like roger staubach in a spread offense. he has an awsome arm with no charge and has 4th quater come back which is important because of how many times im down 5 with 2:00 left in a game. hes also fast enough to boot out and make a play when there is good coverage
Staubach is my favortie gold QB, he's the Gold version of Stabler. Used him and Chris Warren or Curt Warner on a team with all generics and I do respectable on O.

[Gunner969]

I used Lofton and Rice for a long while, but then decided to go with only one Gold WR and opted for Rice since he's got leadership bonus.

Lofton is pretty damn good, though bump him and he slows down.

[Mizerak3]

Raymond Berry is too slow and I cant really seem to hit him deep like I can with Rice, Biletnikoff, or Lofton.

You have to use Berry on short stuff. I use him and he is money with that kind of offense.

[greekstile]

Paul Hornung has to be my favorite player in this game. I use him on all my teams, and have never once played against anyone using him. He doesn't look flashy for a gold with only 3 attributes (Clutch, Leadership, Soft Hands), but don't let that fool you. This guy is an absolute beast! He's powerful, and can run over anyone with a shoulder charge. His stiff arm is lethal, and he can bust out a spin move when you least expect it. His speed is decent, but he's not a burner. However, He's also great as a receiver out of the backfield. He is by far the most well rounded RB in the game. He can just do it all, and do it all well.

[nyknicks33]

^^^Ive use paul and I agree, he is very good.

Im also positively shocked that no one uses Thruman Thomas, Ive used him and he is great. He's two players in 1. A gold runner and a gold receiver.

Curt Warner gets used very little...throw in Archie Manning.

Ive put together a team with Len Dawson at QB. His play action fake and deception opens up all kinds of gaps in the defense.

[GrrrillaPmp]

I use Thurman Thomas and he is the truth.

I've only ever seen one other player use him.

On the down side his arm of steel never seems to work online.

[BrandH]

I have never used him, but the most under used and underappreciated player in this game has got to be Randall Cunningham I mean he is fast has a strong arm what is there not to like. Also Ben Coates and Ronnie Lott you hardly ever see them used.

[wolfman23]

Randall gets used all the time simply because he's great in this game, much better than any other silvers. Sure, its boring seeing him all the time, but you can't blame people.

I'm back to using him after extensive forays with other QBs. I don't run with him, I'm purely a pocket passer, his arm strength is amazing, and I find him very accurate if used sparingly.

Tried the others and I can't get the same results with them that I get with Randall. If you can, I take my hat off to you.

[BrandH]

Randall gets used all the time simply because he's great in this game, much better than any other silvers. Sure, its boring seeing him all the time, but you can't blame people.

I'm back to using him after extensive forays with other QBs. I don't run with him, I'm purely a pocket passer, his arm strength is amazing, and I find him very accurate if used sparingly.

Tried the others and I can't get the same results with them that I get with Randall. If you can, I take my hat off to you.
At least you got my sarcasm:thumbsup: . It is VERY boring playing him ALL the TIME. I have gone 3 days with playing only against him as a QB except for 1 game vs Montana and 1 vs Theisman. And I have played prob 15 games.

[KingJames77]

i havent seen many ppl use willie gault...hes sick in my offense...dave meggett isnt used much nor is roger craig from what ive seen and i like them both

[BrandH]

i havent seen many ppl use willie gault...hes sick in my offense...dave meggett isnt used much nor is roger craig from what ive seen and i like them both
I just started using Meggett and Craig. They are very good in the empty backfield sets (I have them on different team. I havent taken advantage of Meggets return ability cuz I have Willie Wood and John Taylor of that team.

[KingJames77]

yeah i really like meggett...and roger craig is awesome on 3rd down bc of his mr.3rd down ability

[greekstile]

If you are a pocket passer, a bronze Mary Rypien is hard to beat. He only has Rocket Arm, but I'm telling you, he is a poor man's Marino. He's not good scrambling, or throwing out of the pocket, but he is accurate, can go deep with the best of them, and has a quick release. He's the only QB I ever use.

Another hidden gem nodody uses, Deron Cherry. Silver FS, 2 attributes are Special Teams Demon and Loose Ball Magnet. Don't be fooled. This guy intercepts everything, never drops one. He's a beast in coverage, he's also fast and a sure tackler. I think people get caught up in the abilities, but check his stats. Only Lott has picked off more balls as a safety, and coverage wise, he's better than Lott.

[BrandH]

If you are a pocket passer, a bronze Mary Rypien is hard to beat. He only has Rocket Arm, but I'm telling you, he is a poor man's Marino. He's not good scrambling, or throwing out of the pocket, but he is accurate, can go deep with the best of them, and has a quick release. He's the only QB I ever use.

Another hidden gem nodody uses, Deron Cherry. Silver FS, 2 attributes are Special Teams Demon and Loose Ball Magnet. Don't be fooled. This guy intercepts everything, never drops one. He's a beast in coverage, he's also fast and a sure tackler. I think people get caught up in the abilities, but check his stats. Only Lott has picked off more balls as a safety, and coverage wise, he's better than Lott.
I have ben trying to find underappreciated players and 2 that stand out are Eric Turner and Brian Jones. Another not as obscure is Fred Marion. Eugene Robinson gets most of the use but Marion can fly and flat out hit.

[Kdrontle]

If you are a pocket passer, a bronze Mary Rypien is hard to beat. He only has Rocket Arm, but I'm telling you, he is a poor man's Marino. He's not good scrambling, or throwing out of the pocket, but he is accurate, can go deep with the best of them, and has a quick release. He's the only QB I ever use.

Another hidden gem nodody uses, Deron Cherry. Silver FS, 2 attributes are Special Teams Demon and Loose Ball Magnet. Don't be fooled. This guy intercepts everything, never drops one. He's a beast in coverage, he's also fast and a sure tackler. I think people get caught up in the abilities, but check his stats. Only Lott has picked off more balls as a safety, and coverage wise, he's better than Lott.

Lately I've used Rypien and he is BY FAR the best bronze QB I've tried out. That guy has a huge arm and puts every single ball on the money. The only thing stopping him is pressure just like other pocket QB's.

By the way, I really like the stonewall idea coupled with a QB like this. It definitely is an aspect that could give more value to linemen when it allows you to make the QB play better too. Imagine a bronze QB playing like a silver with stonewall coupled with the silver stonewall lineman that helps every aspect of the offense!

[nyknicks33]

If you are a pocket passer, a bronze Mary Rypien is hard to beat. He only has Rocket Arm, but I'm telling you, he is a poor man's Marino. He's not good scrambling, or throwing out of the pocket, but he is accurate, can go deep with the best of them, and has a quick release. He's the only QB I ever use.

Another hidden gem nodody uses, Deron Cherry. Silver FS, 2 attributes are Special Teams Demon and Loose Ball Magnet. Don't be fooled. This guy intercepts everything, never drops one. He's a beast in coverage, he's also fast and a sure tackler. I think people get caught up in the abilities, but check his stats. Only Lott has picked off more balls as a safety, and coverage wise, he's better than Lott.


This is true. I always look at stats as well. Thats why I have Roger Wehrli as my corner..people try throwing at him because theythink any silce cb not named lem barney is easy pickings..not the case.

[BrandH]

They do need to try and add more DB's to the next game. You only what, 4 silver and 3 bronze to choose from.

[greekstile]

I love Albert Lewis though. Everyone chooses McDaniel, and he's just not that good. Lewis pick more balls and is a better tackler. Tom Brookshier is better than McDaniel, in my opinion.

I also love Charlie Waters. You put in at SS and Cherry at FS, you have in INT machine back there, and Waters is good supporting the run too.

[wolfman23]

If you are a pocket passer, a bronze Mary Rypien is hard to beat. He only has Rocket Arm, but I'm telling you, he is a poor man's Marino. He's not good scrambling, or throwing out of the pocket, but he is accurate, can go deep with the best of them, and has a quick release. He's the only QB I ever use.

Another hidden gem nodody uses, Deron Cherry. Silver FS, 2 attributes are Special Teams Demon and Loose Ball Magnet. Don't be fooled. This guy intercepts everything, never drops one. He's a beast in coverage, he's also fast and a sure tackler. I think people get caught up in the abilities, but check his stats. Only Lott has picked off more balls as a safety, and coverage wise, he's better than Lott.


Thanks for the tip. I'll try Rypien tomorrow. Have tried other bronze QBs but wasn't impressed, but will definitely try out Mark.

Cheers

[ElGreazy78]

My favorite QB is John Brodie on this game. He has a strong arm, especially considering he doesn't have a charge of any kind. His accuracy is pretty great in the short to mid-range passing game but you have to make sure you aren't scrambling and if you have a Gold or Silver WR then you can get out some longer passes. He also has some pretty good mobility which I always forget because I'm a pocket passer. His best attribute is his Leadership Ability (his only one) because he can make Generic WRs catch a little better, plus during clutch time, he won't crumble.

[wolfman23]

I tried out Mark Rypien, first throw, overthrown and an interception. I didn't improve much after that. I've seen people be really effective with Rypien but I just couldn't make him work for me.

I'll try him once more, then if it doesn't go well, I'll go back to Randall.

[nyknicks33]

My favorite QB is John Brodie on this game. He has a strong arm, especially considering he doesn't have a charge of any kind. His accuracy is pretty great in the short to mid-range passing game but you have to make sure you aren't scrambling and if you have a Gold or Silver WR then you can get out some longer passes. He also has some pretty good mobility which I always forget because I'm a pocket passer. His best attribute is his Leadership Ability (his only one) because he can make Generic WRs catch a little better, plus during clutch time, he won't crumble.


^^QFT I love QB's with either Leadership or 4th Qtr comeback or clutch attribute which is basically a mini leadership. I have had generic backs and recievers step up and play at a bronzish level for stretches in a game

[wolfman23]

Tried John Brodie. For me, he throws the ball like a man with no hands.

[nyknicks33]

I tried out Mark Rypien, first throw, overthrown and an interception. I didn't improve much after that. I've seen people be really effective with Rypien but I just couldn't make him work for me.

I'll try him once more, then if it doesn't go well, I'll go back to Randall.

I was sick of Rypien after 3 games..couldnt junk him fast enough..i lke bartowski though. He will unleash some UFO's from time to time but he can deliver the ball stron even when on the verger of getting hit, with that strength bonus

[greekstile]

Do you guys manually move the QB, or do you just let him complete his dropback and throw? I never move my QB around, especially one that doesn't scramble. With Rypien, just let him do his dropback, then throw it. You have to used him right, and he will pick you apart. He's not like a Gold QB, where you can launch a 50 yard dart right on the money running backward. I think too many people fade back with their QB, or get happy feet. QB play greatly diminishes playing this way, and fading to me has always been cheese.

[BrandH]

Do you guys manually move the QB, or do you just let him complete his dropback and throw? I never move my QB around, especially one that doesn't scramble. With Rypien, just let him do his dropback, then throw it. You have to used him right, and he will pick you apart. He's not like a Gold QB, where you can launch a 50 yard dart right on the money running backward. I think too many people fade back with their QB, or get happy feet. QB play greatly diminishes playing this way, and fading to me has always been cheese.
I tried him out and he can get a little rattled. but man does he throw rockets. I was practicing with him before I used him in a game throwing Hail Mary' s in practice and he can reach the end zone standing on his own 25. I seem to lose on a lot of last second drives. But he may allow me to at least have a shot to score when I return a kickoff to the 30 with 10 secs or less.

[nyknicks33]

people need to give my boy kenny o'brien some love also :thumbsup:

[Tbonious Prime]

i know that nobody really uses d-linemen anymore, but i have always used chris doleman (silver) at DE and the guy is a beast, he may not always have sacks, but if you could cant all of the hurries, knocked down passes at the line, hits as the QB releases the ball, double teams he causes and just over all pressure, the guy is the anchor of my defense and allows me to play well with only bronze in the secondary, no lem barny over here!

[greekstile]

I tried him out and he can get a little rattled. but man does he throw rockets. I was practicing with him before I used him in a game throwing Hail Mary' s in practice and he can reach the end zone standing on his own 25. I seem to lose on a lot of last second drives. But he may allow me to at least have a shot to score when I return a kickoff to the 30 with 10 secs or less.

He might, maybe once per game, if that, throw an errant pass, but it's usually in the face of pressure.

I've actually tried using a generic QB, but the thing with them is, they get rattled way too easily. If you fall behind and have to throw to come back, forget it. They throw the ball all over the place.

[Kdrontle]

people need to give my boy kenny o'brien some love also :thumbsup:

O'Brien was my man for months! He doesn't have Rypien's big arm but he is more consistent with accuracy on medium range passes. O'Brien's release was a little slower too.

[SmallAlienGray]

Paul Horning is a beast for me running and catching.

[nicksdad004]

Dante "Gluefingers" Lavelli WR Silver great guy to have on your team catches everything thrown his way. Decent blocker, tires quickly