With the release of the full archetypes and their corresponding traits and ability arrays for the upcoming change to the newest version of DDSPF, there are a certain number of changes to the running back position that leave me with a lot of questions and concerns for my own players future as well as the future of the RB position as a whole. I recently used my career archetype to switch Nakamura to the Blocking archetype for the last bit of time he'll spend on DDSPF 16 after extensive testing. The new archetypes have done away the ability to put together the set of weight, strength, and other ability scores that allows the build I am currently using to work in a similar way to how we understand 79 speed QBs. And so I must answer the question: what archetype will I select to carry out the remainder of Nakamura's career with.
At first flush my instinct is to return to using a speed back build, as it remains the only archetype to achieve a speed rating of 100, widely perceived to be the key to high performance and statistical success in 16. Most of my theory-crafting for this decision points to that being the most reliable way to ensure quality production snap to snap in 21. The archetype also receives every available RB trait other than "Blocking FB," while Power Back misses out on "Scat Back" and Receiving Back loses out on "Raw Talent." Additionally, Speed RB caps out at 75 in the newest ability score, Competitiveness. Having just a 1 point advantage in this score can make it a good bit more or less likely for a fumble to occur when a ball carrier and a tackler interact from my understanding. At 75 competitiveness, only 3 defensive archetypes have the same or fewer points at their maximum, compared to 9 defensive archetypes that have the same or fewer maximum points than Power or Receiving Backs, who both cap out at 80. While defensive lines currently might not average out at a high level of TPE compared to other position groups in the league right now, I could certainly see this competitiveness gap being exploited to the defense's benefit should a large number of RBs select the Speed Back archetype. As I see it, there will likely be a good dispersion of RBs across the main three archetypes after some type. While most players may default to early on, I believe the new archetype design to cause these players to look really boom or bust, causing players looking for more consistency to switch to Power RB, while players looking to play a Mendonca/Hanyadi/Raphtalia style of RB, being a reliable option at RB that also plays a great deal of their snaps at slot or outside receiver, will find their home with Receiving Back.
Also, FB sux lmap.
At first flush my instinct is to return to using a speed back build, as it remains the only archetype to achieve a speed rating of 100, widely perceived to be the key to high performance and statistical success in 16. Most of my theory-crafting for this decision points to that being the most reliable way to ensure quality production snap to snap in 21. The archetype also receives every available RB trait other than "Blocking FB," while Power Back misses out on "Scat Back" and Receiving Back loses out on "Raw Talent." Additionally, Speed RB caps out at 75 in the newest ability score, Competitiveness. Having just a 1 point advantage in this score can make it a good bit more or less likely for a fumble to occur when a ball carrier and a tackler interact from my understanding. At 75 competitiveness, only 3 defensive archetypes have the same or fewer points at their maximum, compared to 9 defensive archetypes that have the same or fewer maximum points than Power or Receiving Backs, who both cap out at 80. While defensive lines currently might not average out at a high level of TPE compared to other position groups in the league right now, I could certainly see this competitiveness gap being exploited to the defense's benefit should a large number of RBs select the Speed Back archetype. As I see it, there will likely be a good dispersion of RBs across the main three archetypes after some type. While most players may default to early on, I believe the new archetype design to cause these players to look really boom or bust, causing players looking for more consistency to switch to Power RB, while players looking to play a Mendonca/Hanyadi/Raphtalia style of RB, being a reliable option at RB that also plays a great deal of their snaps at slot or outside receiver, will find their home with Receiving Back.
Also, FB sux lmap.
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