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+---- Thread: Movement in the Yetis Backfield? (/showthread.php?tid=1263)
Movement in the Yetis Backfield? - Lainncli - 06-15-2017
In the S1 NSFL Draft, the Colorado shocked many by drafting a four-man backfield including three talented prospects taking the form of power runner Luke Tiernan, speedster Boss Tweed and feature back O'Connell. There was much talk of competition and an immense versatility in that personnel, yet it appears that the Yetis have struggled to use all three in a multi-player committee. Most recently, O'Connell took no rushing snaps in the second week win against the Yellowknife Wraiths while Tiernan's bruising ground game was left unutilised against pre-season leaders Baltimore - Tweed and O'Connell instead making their mark on their game for 179 rushing yards. These strange variations appear to suggest a coaching setup in turmoil, unable to clearly decide on their bell cow running back nor how best to utilise others in the set up.
Such an image was confirmed by leaks from the organisation that we were able to obtain private access to in the past few days. An anonymous source in locker room claimed that O'Connell was being considered for a switch to tight-end - A position where he would no doubt be undersized, yet perhaps could succeed on technical talent and as a potential deep-field threat. Furthermore, media speculation points to Boss Tweed's capabilities as a possible slot receiver although this goes against the available evidence - Tweed has started as RB1 in both of the Yeti's regular season games and produced a respectable 4.47 yards per carry across the two. A similar argument would hold up for O'Connell, who put out an outstanding 5.1ypc on his seventeen carries so far including one quarter of Colorado's total touchdowns this season.
As for Tiernan? Our source claims he was one of the first to reject the suggestion of a move, yet his yards so far have been extremely limited and he may be under more pressure than most. However, although his statistics may not top the group, there is much to be said for Tiernan's unique role within the offense as a punishing north-south runner. Perhaps instead he might be considered to adapt to responsibilities as full-time full-back, paving the path for his colleagues? An important factor to note might be the Irishman's high draft pick, raising the stakes for any conversion as far as the front office might be concerned. Although perhaps no more than a sunk cost fallacy, a failed position move could leave critics asking if such a high value pick had been wasted.
All in all, times could be getting tough as all three Yetis are put on the line and forced to prove themselves out on the field. When the decision comes, it shall certainly be a tough one for the front office and for the chosen player themselves - We'll bring you the latest, to see if they rise to the challenge or drown in the shallow end.
- The Denver Post
In summary of the week's football, the Yetis have marched to their second successive win in the newly-formed NSFL against NSFC favourites the Yellowknife Wraiths. A strong defensive performance, led by Jonathon Saint's eleven tackles and two sacks, limited the Wraiths to barely over 300 total yards - Whilst a strong special teams performance ensured almost half of these started from inside their own 20 line. The win was, however, in spite of a weak offensive performance. At quarterback, Noble's passing percentage receded from 75% against the Hawks to a woeful 52% and no more than 4.4 yards per attempt - Making just 184 yards despite being given 42 attempts to do so. The absence of O'Connell was also notable in the ground game, given his previous success collaborating with Boss Tweed in the first game of the season. Against the Wraiths, Tweed looked lost without his partner and the committee of himself and Tiernan managed only 91 yards. Whatever it takes, it appears there are strategic decisions to be made in a heavily underutilised talented backfield if the Yetis are to maintain their winning record.
Meanwhile, it's recruiting season for Colorado's three big football colleges. The Buffaloes go into the season looking to build on last year's division win, although Coach MacIntyre has downplayed the pressure on his new recruiting class. Speaking to the Post's reporter, he stated clearly that "the pressure's on me and my staff" and that he was already confident in the strength of his roster. For the moment, State and Air Force are looking to play catch-up but it all depends on how they adapt to the loss of their seniors with the new season.
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785 words (including shameless word-count booster), $785k + $400k = $1.185mMovement in the Yetis Backfield? - Noble - 06-15-2017
Great article man, solid work as usual!
Movement in the Yetis Backfield? - Ltsmashie - 06-15-2017
Feel like there may be a leak in the camp boss.
Movement in the Yetis Backfield? - Lainncli - 06-15-2017
(06-15-2017, 04:31 PM)Ltsmashie Wrote:Feel like there may be a leak in the camp boss.
Reckon that Tiernan's a bit dodgy aye?
Movement in the Yetis Backfield? - Ltsmashie - 06-15-2017
Well "The Denver Post" are clearly not pals with Tiernan!
Movement in the Yetis Backfield? - dropbear - 06-21-2017
Graded
Word Count: 760
Payout: $1,160,000