Getting historic results

[Kemp29]

I was wondering if it's possible to edit settings to get statistical and strategy results for historical seasons? My favorite era in the NFL was the late 70s/early 80s [insert age joke here] so I'd like to start my league around that time.

I did some searches on the forum and came across some posts that seemed to hint at the ability to make adjustments but can't seem to figure out where to do so. I found some settings under "Match Settings" that look like they could help but I'm not sure what they do and can't find any info in the online manual. For example, what does "Rushing Yards Modifier" mean/do? Or "Run/Pass Ratio Base" and "Run/Pass Ratio Modifier"?

If I can get the right run/pass mix, is it also possible to tweak completion percentage? In 2023 the league average was 64.5% but in 1980 it was 56.2% so I'd like to get it closer to that figure.

Lastly, the era I'm trying to recreate leaned more heavily on workhorse backs who'd get a lot of carries. In 1980 the most utilized RBs were getting close to 20 carries per game (outlier Earl Campbell was at 25); that figure dropped quite a bit in 2023 with only one player at 19 and the rest under 18.

Thanks.

[brooks_piggott]

The yards modifiers are to adjust play outputs. So raising them will increase totals and lowering them will reduce them. You'd have to do a bunch of tests to get them where you want them for your player base. But instead of 4.5 per rush you should be able to knock it down lower, etc.

The Ratio Base and Ratio modifier are the numbers to adjust to change the playcalling mix and get more runs in. Reducing the base changes the ratios for the whole league so that would be where I would start.

To reduce the pass completion percentage you may need to use the Player Editor and mass edit ratings for accuracy down to get the results you want. I don't have a setting specifically for that, so it may be difficult to dial in. Same with endurance if you want to try and get rushing carries down, but you'll have to run a lot of tests to see.

[Kemp29]

Thank you for the info. A follow-up question - are the Rushing and Passing yards modifiers percentages or actual yardage figures? For example, if I make the Rushing Yards Modifier = -1, what does that mean?

[brooks_piggott]

It doesn't affect yards directly since there are too many moving variables for that kind of direct adjustment. I would start at -5 to dial back rushing yards, and go to -10, -15, etc. until you get it where you want.