Madden Players League- HotSeat

Welcome to Houtz's HotSeat! This article is written by Houtz, a member of the Madden Players League. Each week, Houtz will be going around the league and interviewing members of the league. In Houtz's HotSeat, he will be interviewing...himself.

Ethan: MPL members young and old, welcome to Houtz’s Hotseat! This week we’re putting a small spin on things by turning the tables on the venerable host and placing him in the Hotseat. So, this week it will be yours truly, IareEthan, asking the questions of Houtz. Whaddaya say bud?

Houtz:: First and foremost, I’d just like to thank me for having me.

Ethan: Lovely. How does it feel to be able to play a game you enjoy with your real-life favorite team?

Houtz:: It feels great being able to use your favorite team. The Dolphins as we all know aren't playing to well this year. Being able to take control of them and lead them to numerous victories feels great.

Ethan: You have lead them to numerous victories this season, but you’ve also lost two so far. In a very competitive division, what do you think your chances are of winning the division title?

Houtz:: It's not looking very good but I do believe I will win out the rest of the season. I think it's going to be close but I will fall just short of winning the division title. h e double hockey sticks, I'll be lucky if I make the playoffs with how tight the division is.

Ethan: I must say, that's not the response I anticipated but I'll take it. Here's the scenario: Last game of the season, two teams left battling it out in the MPL Bowl. What teams are playing and what is the final score?

Houtz:: I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Ethan's Steelers v.s Readywhenever's Cowboys. Steelers win 35-10.

Ethan: Haha he’s going to love hearing that. But enough of the powderpuff questions. Everyone always says “The MPL is the greatest league out there” and it may very well be. However, nothing is perfect. Name three ways that you would improve the league.

Houtz:: First thing I'd do is add some kind of rewards system, the more active you are the more names you get in the hat at the end of the season. You look around on the forums and you see the same people day in and day out. It's not a bad thing at all, but I'd just like to see some of the new guys post more, that's all. Secondly, I believe adding stats would make this leauge bigger and badder than ever. I personally enjoy seeing who's leading the league in passing, rushing, etc... I definitely think it's something to look into in the near future. And lastly, I'd like to see some vets hop back into the league. Rashad, Ducati, MPL Prez, Blu Pun, this league just doesn't seem the same without these guys.

Ethan: Some interesting thoughts there. Now, when you entered the league you were basically a male cheerleader only less aesthetically pleasing. Every game report would be flooded with your posts saying, “Hey, good game guys! What an effort!” while conflicts in the general discussion boards would feature a more diplomatic houtz, trying to smooth issues over between fellow members. Recently however, you’ve been viewed more as the resident a$$hole by some; arguing at any chance you get, and some would say presenting your opinions as fact. Are you having a mid-life crisis at 20?

Houtz:: Not at all! You look around and you see guys basically patting each other on the duker horse. " Good game guys! You're an awesome player!" That just isn't me anymore. I miss the days when Rashad would run his mouth and back it up by shutting his opponent out. Now don't get me wrong I'm not on Rashad’s level, but I'm just trying to add a bit of spice into each and every game I play.

Ethan: Fair enough. You and superpunk, who is now departed from the MPL but still present in the community, seemed to frequently engage one another in conflict. If you could send one message his way, what would it be?

Houtz:: I apologize for sending you into retirement.

Ethan: As you noted there has been a lack of “trash-talking” in the MPL since players like Ducati, Rashad, Runtherock and Moneyball dropped out. One player, somewhat quietly, is beginning to bring back “the lost art.” Maddensincedayone has recently been vocal about his stick skills and his confidence in his ability to win, but perhaps the bigger story is the fact that no one seems to care. Is this guy deserving of the lack of attention he’s getting, or is he a coach to be reckoned with come playoff time?

Houtz:: I think he deserves the lack of attention he's getting. Anyone who calls himself "Maddensinceday1" should never expect to be taken seriously. He beat one quality owner and even that was a fluke. Say your prayers and eat your vitamins kid. Jesus loves you.

Ethan: Soon after the release of Madden 08 for the Playstation 3, you were quick to declare it the “best Madden ever.” Do you still believe that?

Houtz::Absolutely. I've been playing Madden religiously since Eddie George was on the cover. This game is the first game that actually feels like you're playing football. Lineman open up holes, DBs actually play defense. It's the first Madden where you have to make reads and anticipate where to throw the ball. It's the first madden where covering the ball up with a runningback means something. This game may have some big flaws, but I definitely think it's the best in the series.

Ethan: Who, in your opinion, is the most overrated player in the MPL?

Houtz:: Sully. I haven't played Readywhenever or Wade long enough to pass judgment. Sully, I have played numerous times and have beaten him more times than not. Last game we played I was using the Browns against his beloved 49ers. I shut him out the entire game. Finally in the last 3 minutes he scored a touchdown to upset my Browns. I can't wait to beat him later on in the season.

Ethan: Big words in regards to an important game. Who is the most underrated player?

Houtz: MMTami26. He has the best defense in the MPL hands down. He's got the Titans rollin and he's showing no sign of slowing down. Definitely a force to be reckoned with in the very mediocre Atlantic Conference.

Ethan: You’ve played him plenty of times, so take that for what it’s worth, MPL. What are your thoughts on the new rules implemented this past week?

Houtz: Love it. I haven't played a owner, aside from OBMIJ76 that didn't pinch the line three or four times a game. h e double hockey sticks, you did it a handful of times last week right after you went on ranting about it. Glad to see this horse droppings go. Now if only we can get them to pass a rule stating that players can't manually control Defensive Linemen. That has to be the cheapest horse droppings in the history of Madden. Sit back, relax and let your defense do all the work? Horse horse droppings!

Ethan: It was on obvious rushing downs ya clown. So you think people should have to manually control a linebacker or secondary defender, regardless of the server lag and unresponsive control that’s prevalent in the next gen games?

Houtz:: It's bad but it's not that bad. I use the MLB and have no problem. I manually grab most if not all of my passes and see no problem. It's just terrible seeing guys use the DE and sit back and let the defense do all their work. It's like playing All Madden on the Defensive side of the ball with the ever so often sack by the user controlled DE.

Ethan: After going winless last season with a great Eagles team, and with only two losses so far this season playing with a mediocre Dolphins squad, how "emotional torn" would you be if you didn’t win the “Most Improved” award at season’s end?

Houtz:: I'd be real "emotional torn". I'm easily the most improved player this league has ever seen. I have the best running game in MPL History and arguably a top 5 Defense. This Dolphins team just keeps getting worst and worst. And I can promise you I will continue to squash the competition.

Ethan: Ok, time for some word association…
MPL

Houtz:: Greatest Madden league of all time.

Ethan: OPL

Houtz:: What's that?

Ethan: Prez

Houtz:: > Jesus

Ethan : Sully

Houtz:: Overrated

Ethan: Houtz

Houtz:: Solid top 5 player.

Ethan: Habanera

Houtz:: Ethan’s kryptonite.

Ethan: Readywhenever

Houtz:: overrated, yet best in Atlantic conference.

Ethan: Wade34Fly

Houtz:: Winner.

Ethan: Obmij

Houtz:: Very busy man. Keeps this league in tact. GO BUCKEYES!

Ethan: Saw 4

Houtz:: Amazing
Ethan: Champion

Houtz:: Randy Orton
Ethan: Houtz, you are officially off of your own Hotseat.

Houtz:: That wasn’t bad.

Ethan: MPL, we hope you enjoyed this twist to Houtz’s Hotseat. Check back next week as Houtz resumes his role as interrogator.