Dark Elf Runner?

[Halskov1]

Hi,

I'm thinking about coaching a Dark Elf team for the first time. It's for a short league (half bashy half finesse). It's TV 110 and I am thinking of going all in with this roster:

1 Blitzer
2 Blitzer
3 Blitzer
4 Blitzer
5 Witch Elf
6 Witch Elf
7 Line
8 Line
9 Line
10 Line
11 Line

RR: 2 Apo: No(!) 30.000 banked towards apo.

My main dilemma is this, should I make a linelf into a runner or not?

I don't like the runners AV7 and although Dump-off is nifty, the fact that the skill is only useful if the runner is exposed in the first place is kind of uncomfortable.

What I do like (apart from the extra move) is the acces to passing skills as it broadens options.

Any suggestions? Has anyone tried to turn a DE Runner into a dedicated thrower, and is it worth it?

[DerHammondMusicZugFhrer]

In our League, wich is a bit more bashier dan finesse, I started with TV 90 and still included a Runner. Its all depending on how you like to play, but in my eyes having a runner made into a dedicated thrower is just a necessity. The earlier u have one in your team, the sooner you will be able to make great use of him.
My Runner now has accurate, pass and surehands in about 12 games. I must admit he allready got 4 MVP's, besides the 17 completions (wich still would be enough to get 2 skills).

I rather sack another lineman to get an apo, whom can save your expensive positionals from death. But thats totally up to you.

[Cramy]

Having a DE Runner as a dedicated thrower is a good idea in a long league. You buy him a bit later, then turn him into a passer. Passing skills help leverage the Dump-Off skill as well. But Dump-Off, as you said, is usually used when things aren't going too great for you. But it is useful in that sense. With Pass and Accurate, the Runner is really good at completing that two turn touchdown at the end of a half. Increases the odds of it succeeding tremendously. Dump-Off means that when you use him as your ball carrier in normal, longer drives, he has an out if he gets blitzed by a strip baller or other nasty opponent.

Now, in a short league, not so sure. I think that I'd stick with the roster that you have. For purchases, I'd go with Apo, then RR, then Runner. 3RR makes a big difference.

How many games do you plan to play though? If you define what short means, we can probably help more. Getting the Runner only for the final game may not be a good plan. And if the league is really short (like 4 games), then I'd even consider skipping the Apo.

[whitetiger]

If the league is going to be 10 games or more, take the runner now and turn him into a passer. If it's shorter than 10 games, you may not have enough time to develope him to make it worth it.

So, if it's a really short league, just take a lineman and turn him into your ball handler. Any elf can handle the ball, that's what 4 AG is for. So, give him Sure Hands and have at it.

[NightDragon 2]

I have just started a DE team in a new league and took a Runner to turn him in to a thrower. I want another one as well and rate them highly. Witches are often targets for blitzes and fouling. First game a 4-0 win, but it was against Gobbos and a new coach.