[Basel A]

Originally Posted by XaulZan11

I'd actually go with 180's partner, 16, as the perfect Trent Dilfer analogy. Trent Dilfer's main role was to not screw up, convert a few third downs, and allow the stars on the team (defense, running game and Jermaine Lewis's special team returns) to provide the maximum impact on the game. If Dilfer didn't convert third downs or had multiple turnovers, the running game doesn't get their opportunities and the defense is put in poor field position and is forced on the field significantly more. In 2012, I'm not sure 16 scored any baskets outside of autonomous mode for their alliance, but was critical in stealing balls from the opposite side of the field to ensure 180 and 25 had enough easy scoring opportunities.

16 made that alliance. 16 was one of the 10 best robots on Galileo, and they were the 21st robot into the elimination rounds. The fact that they were around is slightly more ridiculous than 973 in 2011 and slightly less than 1671 this year. My team back then (2337) was selected one pick earlier, and frankly I don't think 180-25-2337 even makes Einstein, let alone has a chance to win.

The "Trent Dilfer"s of FRC are mostly going to be 3rd partners, but not ridiculously good ones. Winning alliances that are basically Divisional All-Star teams (i.e. the 3rd team is too good to be a 3rd team) aren't examples of what we're talking about here. These include the winning alliances in: 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015. 148 in 2008 is a much better example. They played the defence they needed to play, they scored some points, and they stayed out of the way.