[Justin]

So I think that Mike brings up a good point. I think perhaps there has been some misunderstanding on the Northeast philosophy around defense. I don't think we've ever tried to maintain that all-defense all the time will win every match. Clearly it won't. The point that I think we have always tried to make is that the same exact thing holds true for offense. What you really need is both. I have tried to impress upon my good friends on team 126 that, in my opinion, where they went wrong is by not having both. The lesson that both teams 126 and 71 should be learning from this year's game is that you need both. You cannot expect to go out there with three shooters and out shoot an alliance that is playing heavy defense on you. It just doesn't work, as has been proven in at least two sets of finals at two regionals now. The key I believe is a versatile alliance. Have a great shooter yes but have a great defensive bot that can mix it up and run interference for the shooter. I believe this is where some alliances have gone wrong, primarily because I think if you are able to remove the best shooter from the match defensively then you completely change the balance of the match and possibly, though not necessarily, swing it.

Just some thoughts,

Justin

P.S. How come when I say these things no one listens and when Andy speaks it is scripture.