Warrior General Games

Before everyone calls me crazy just hear me out a little bit on the underlying logic.

It seems pretty well known out there that SA's are a crucial part of getting a DE to perform, especially this season. It also seems pretty well known that high levels of First Step, Shed Block, and Tunnel Vision are crucial to getting sacks. However, it also seems pretty well known that you don't see much return on your investment into the SA's unless they are up around 7-10.

Here's my point. If you wanted to have 6 (+1 CE tree) in FS, SB, and TV you would have to spend 40 SP's (if my math is correct). Let me repeat that - 40 SP's to get those SA's up to the suggested level of usefulness.

Now assuming you have an average DE with speed/agility/strength all at 60 natural (pick your poison with equipment). Now if you chose not to invest in SA's, you could theoretically have 40 additional SP's to spend on your DE. That means instead of 60/60/60 you could have 68/65/60 or some other combination. Another way to look at it, if I had a DE with 68/68 speed/agility natural, I could spend those 40 SP's to get them both up to the 73 cap.

My point is is it really worth it to invest all of those points into skills that need to be triggered, and which we have no actual evidence of when they trigger vs. being able to raise 2 major attributes up an additional cap and having them all of the time.

Again, just my 2 cents and I'd like to hear what everyone has to say on the topic.

Shed Block, First Step, and Tunnel Vision are all well worth any investment you make in them.

Just make sure your speed and agil are very high naturally to start with. 70+ at the minimum.

Shed block and tunnel vision are worth it for sure. Tunnel Vision being more powerful, and useful. the other ones are all a matter of opinion or how you're built. Most guys jerk off to speed and first step. I don't have speed or first step and he does fine. some guys rave change direction, some guys don't.

the constant is tunnel vision, the other one you hear a lot about is shed blocks. some people don't believe in shed blocks though, so I don't know.

Originally posted by britdevine316
Shed Block, First Step, and Tunnel Vision are all well worth any investment you make in them.

Just make sure your speed and agil are very high naturally to start with. 70+ at the minimum.

thats not true
i have low agility for a lv 33 and im doing well with high speed

To end the debate/answer your question... Yes, the specials are worth much more than raising all of those to an additional cap.

I think tunnel vision might hurt a pass rusher since it keeps them locked on the qb even if there's been a hand off...nobody knows though

I'm also happy with Change Direction.

Originally posted by DLight03
To end the debate/answer your question... Yes, the specials are worth much more than raising all of those to an additional cap.

When your speed and agility hits 70, the SAs are the better investment.

Tunnel Vision is a must for the DE, that should always be high (7+), but remember SAs over 10 you get diminishing returns.

First Step. At least 7 if not more.

Shed Block - it's not as effective as it sounds but it's been tested that Bort's latest algorithm has taken that into a more weighted consideration. Get it to 7.

Strong Base and Wall - many arguments here but I have seem enough build to be convinced that they are also crucial in Bort's latest algorithm. Strong Base and Wall at at least 6, more Strong Base.

Remember, you don't have to just spend SP on them, but look for AE that has them too. My TV is at 11 because I have two AE with +3 TV each.