CAG NFL Update #5: A sit-down with "dazzo0007"

SAN ANTONIO - Last season, the Simulation Football League partnered with the CAG NFL, casualadultgamers.com's All-Pro Football online v. online XBOX 360 NFL league. Since the partnership, both league's have received extra attention and more APF lovers have been united thanks to the deal. This season, simulationfl.com will bring you closer to the members of CAG and keep you updated on their fast-paced reported action of their current season, which right now, is season 37.

Season 37 is about to finally crown a champion. Tpaterniti's Bengals and runandshoot's Raiders have made it to the big dance. The Bengals pounded the Cardinals in the semifinals 24-3 while the Raiders escaped the Packers 21-14. The Packers are owned by none other than Dazzo0007, who is our CAG NFL Friday interview this week.

To follow along with the current seasons - including season 38 (college football), league update's can be viewed here: http://www.casualadultgamers.com/V5/forumdisplay.php?95-All-Pro-Football

While Dazzo0007 fell short of a Season 37 title, he name has graced the Wall of Champions four of the last nine years. He's also the quarterback of the Baltimore Crabs, currently trying to avoid a sophomore slump. What's it like being quarterback of the Crabs and having your Dad play linebacker on the other side? Let's find out.

CI: You're in the final four of CAG Season 37, facing the vicious Raiders next. What's been the most successful part of this season for you and how has this season been different from other title runs?

MD: The way this season was structured, I felt it was successful just to get into the playoffs. It was especially tough being aligned in the same division as Pcat, Vertigho, and my Dad. As far as a possible title run, I don't know. The Raiders have been playing incredibly tough defense as of late. It's going to be difficult. (obviously)

CI: You've won four of the last eight CAG championships. What do you believe is the recipe for success when playing All-Pro?

MD: I think playing All-Pro, as in professional football, it's important to not be predictable in your play-calling. It's probably equally as important to be adaptable throughout the course of the game and even the season. Even though a given strategy might be against your style of play, you have to take what the other team is giving you. And if a plan of attack doesn't quite work, don't be afraid to mix things up. It's very easy to get into a rut play-calling wise, on both sides of the ball.

CI: How many seasons have you been involved with CAG?

MD: Since it's inception. We're going into our 38th season. My Dad is not far behind -- he's in his 37th.

CI: Why is CAG NFL so fun?

MD: This question is a good one, but is difficult to answer without being too long-winded. In short, the thrill of the competition is one thing that keeps me coming back. The camaraderie and sportsmanship in this league is unparalleled to other communities I've been a part of. The cast of characters that the league attracts is also very unique. We've got people from all different walks of life.

CI: You're also the quarterback of the Baltimore Crabs. Known for slow starts, game-winning ice cream celebrations and brilliant second halves ... and winning ... how have you liked this year's offensive coordinator change? Do you believe anyone can stop the Maulers this year?

MD: I've enjoyed this season having vertigho at the helm. The playcalling and strategy he employs as the Patriots in CAG carries over to the SFL. I've always had trouble stopping his offense. Now if he was out there on the field leading the charge as QB, we might be doing even better! The Maulers have been a force to be reckoned with. It might be their year, or it might not. As we know from our inaugural season, to go the regular season undefeated is one thing, but to make it through the playoffs to the championship is another. I would love for it to be the Crabs to knock them off their high horse.

CI: What is your favorite CAG NFL memory?

MD: As a CAG NFL member I've had many great experiences. But to narrow it down to a favorite, I would have to say it was a season in which my Dad (68 years old) and I were facing each other for the right to go to the CAG Championship Game. It was typical dazzo-bloodbath. It came down to the wire and he was able to come away with the victory. He then battled JG for the title. It was an OT thriller in which Brian Urlacher almost made a pick six and was tackled on the Tampa 2 yard-line. My Dad was able to come away with his first CAG Championship. That was pretty special.

CI: The greatest quality about All-Pro Football 2k8 is...?

MD: Even after playing this game for nearly 8 years we are still discovering new ways to approach playing the game and learning new things, and even occasionally seeing new animations. All of that is pretty mind-blowing.

CI: Who is your favorite person to face off with in CAG? Who's your toughest opponent?

MD: I love playing my Dad because we know each other so well. It would seem sometimes that we can see each other's playbook. Staying competitive against each requires that we have to not get complacent in our play-calling and try to keep it fresh. As far as the toughest opponent, that's hard to say. This league really is "Any Given Sunday". Anyone can beat just about anyone. The whole league is tough. I've had my share of struggles with TJ, Vertigho, Pcat, Tpat, Run and Shoot, and my Dad.

CI: What is your favorite part about the Simulation Football League?

MD: It's gotta be Cam. His commentary is top-notch and infuses such a sense of excitement within each game that makes it feel so authentic. It wouldn't be the same without Cam as the voice of SFL. Not to mention the hours of work he puts in off-the-air. It doesn't hurt to have your likeness re-created in the game though too.

CI: If there was any receiver in the SFL you wish you could throw to, have on your side in future seasons, who would it be and why?

MD: There are a lot of underrated receivers in the SFL but I'm impressed from what I've seen of Cesar Cannon from the Bulldogs. At 6'6" 250 lbs he would make for an easy target to hit. Also, the three years of experience he has would make the other less experienced receivers better. It was an honor and a pleasure to participate in this interview. Thanks and keep doing what you're doing.