Twitter has long been an excellent source of instantaneous news and wide-ranging opinions. We ran a series of interviews two years ago to help users new and old get to know some of our favorite tweeters.
Our series is back for 2014. Today we interview Patrick Thorman, writer for PFF Fantasy and 2013 FSWA Newcomer of the Year. Get to know him below.
The Law Firm is closed.
— Pat Thorman (@Pat_Thorman) May 10, 2014
Who Am I?
Name: Pat Thorman
Twitter handle: @Pat_Thorman
Tweeting since: February 2013
Number of tweets: 5,000
Follower count: 1,600
Hometown: Wakefield, MA
Day job: Equity Research Coordinator
Family life: Wife Lauren, son Hunter
Quick bio (who you are, site(s) you represent, etc.): I’ve been a lead writer for Pro Football Focus Fantasy for about a year now, and it’s been a privilege. My focus is on both Dynasty and Redraft leagues, and I wrote a weekly snap report (“Sets, Snaps, & Stats”) last season that meandered in many directions. I am also a consultant for Draft Day Consultants Inc., and look forward to helping lots of people nail their drafts this summer.
What is something unique about you that few would know about? I was born three hours before my wife.
What you do for fun during the football offseason: I used to play fantasy baseball, read for fun, and see lots of live music. Now, with a 1-year old and a year-round football focus, those have been reduced to hitting just a few concerts.
Favorite NFL team(s): New England Patriots
Favorite NFL player(s): Rob Gronkowski – The perfect tactical weapon and an extremely rare profile. A total beast in both the run and pass game.
Tony Romo – One of the best passers in the game, and has been for a while – yet most people think he stinks. You can tell a lot about a football fan based on their opinion of Romo.
Give us your “must follows” on Twitter: Even narrowing it down to 10 is tough: @LordReebs ; @MikeClayNFL ; @RumfordJohnny ; @evansilva ; @ SigmundBloom ; @CDCarter13 ; @FantasyDouche ; @Dexters_Library ; @2QBFFB ; @spidr2ybanana
What do you like most about Twitter? The continual flow of ideas and information. You can quickly learn a lot by keeping tabs on the interactions/retweets of those whose opinion you respect, and the ones you disagree with. Also enjoy the customizability of it. It’s not hard to tune out the noise (lists, mute button, etc.) and just focus on the positive.
Years playing fantasy football: 2014 will be my 22nd season
How many leagues, typically? It ranges from around 15 to 20.
Man, I hope nobody sold their soul for Ben Tate in dynasty before the last couple days. Yikes.
— Pat Thorman (@Pat_Thorman) May 11, 2014
Inside the Guru’s Studio
What is your favorite fantasy word? Matchups. Everything is dictated by them, from individual battles to overall game plans. We’re getting better about breaking them down in more detail, but there is still room to dig deeper. Just ask Jerrel Jernigan owners who won their leagues, and sent gift baskets to slot corners Josh Wilson and Dwight Bentley.
What is your least favorite fantasy word? Injury-prone. It’s more like two words, if it’s even a real word at all. It’s an example of trying to know more than we can know, and the type of information that clutters decision making. We’re already overwhelmed with facts that have variable bearings on outcome, but at least they’re facts. Labeling someone as fragile or durable is nuts, when anyone who steps on a football field is prone to getting injured. Trying to guess if a hit is going to be six inches higher or lower, tearing a ligament or leaving a slight bruise, is time better spent sleeping.
DC Comics or Marvel? Marvel. I was a Hulk freak as a kid (Lou Ferrigno was alternately terrifying and fascinating for a 6-year old). Marvel also had G.I. Joe when I was huge into them. Plus I can’t go against Thor.
What is your favorite film? Tombstone
What is your favorite book? Fiction: A Storm of Swords (Martin); Non-Fiction: A People’s History of the United States (Zinn); Gonzo: Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (Thompson)
Cake or ice cream? Cake. Preferably cheese.
Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Wars. By a mile.
What sound do you hate? Lip-smacking, loud, open-mouthed chewing.
What sound do you love? When Mike Gordon (bass) and Page McConnell (keys) hook up on some improv funk jamming.
Film or Stats? If forced to pick one I’d say stats, mainly because I can do the most research in my limited time. Then cross-checking with film (thank you, Draft Breakdown) helps solidify an opinion or makes me question it. Luckily we really aren’t forced to choose one or the other very often. I can see how the order in which you use them can vary based on preference, but intentionally avoiding one or the other (when you have time) seems like willful ignorance.
Predictions and Advice
Favorite fantasy style or combination of styles of play (Dynasty, Redraft, Auction, Best Ball, Daily, Survivor, etc.): Dynasty Auction, but the auction part is more important than the dynasty part. DFS is creeping up the list quickly.
Studs ‘n Duds or Value Based Drafting? Studs and Duds. High end players win weekly matchups, plus I enjoy farming the lesser knowns. I also tend to stream quarterbacks (and tight ends) if lineup rules only mandate starting one.
What's the biggest mistake you see fantasy players make? Running their teams based on emotion and what feels good. Overrating players they own, being scared to take chances for fear of being wrong, and not straying from groupthink are all symptoms of it.
How much of fantasy football is skill? How much is luck? It’s more luck than league champs will tell you, and less than what the losers will say. There is a significant element of unpredictability and even if you’re prepared for it, it still stings. We have to accept that aspect and just worry about putting ourselves in the best position to succeed as often as possible – and evaluate process over short sample results.
Go out on a limb—give a wild prediction about the 2014 season that would shock the world if it happened: Carson Palmer will throw for more yards and touchdowns than Drew Brees.
Super Bowl XLIX Teams and Score: New England (31) over Philadelphia (30)
2014 Fantasy MVP: Doug Martin
2014 Fantasy Most Improved: Toby Gerhart
2014 Fantasy Bust of the Year: Eddie Lacy