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+---- Thread: *The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (/showthread.php?tid=35294)
*The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - dogwoodmaple - 09-29-2021
We're at the halfway mark of the season, so it's time to do some evaluations on where each team stands. I'll be looking at every team and finding out the good they've done, the bad things they need to clean up, and the straight up ugly parts of their team that are holding them back. Remember, this is supposed to be fun so hopefully no feathers get too ruffled.
Without further ado....let's begin in the ASFC with The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!
Austin Copperheads (5-3)The Good
- Suffocating defense. The Copperheads have allowed the second-fewest points so far this season which has helped catapult them to the top of the ASFC. They're giving up just over 22 points per game and with playmakers at each level of the defense, they'll be in every game going forward. With even timely offense, the Copperheads could very well be headed for a deep postseason run thanks to their swarming defense. The Yeti touched 'em up last week, but I fully expect this defense to make a statement for next week.
- The kicking game. Austin's extra point unit is perfect on the season, but there's been a roller coaster ride as far as field goals go. They're converting 72.7% of their field goals, which is fourth-worst in the league. Not just that, but they also boast the worst percentage of kicks inside of 40 yards. While this could be chalked up to bad luck, unfavorably gusty winds, or bad snaps, the bottom line is that if the Copperheads want to take home the Ultimus this season they'll need their field goal unit to get much more consistent.
- Recent results. After starting the season 3-0, the Copperheads have gone 2-3 and have lost each of those games by double digits. It's hard to narrow down exactly what's caused their recent struggles, but Copperheads fans around the country will tell you they're more than a little nervous as the second half of the season starts. While they might be in a tie for the lead today, there are four other teams that are two or fewer games back. If they keep stubbing their toe, they could find themselves looking up at the rest of the conference in short order.
New Orleans Second Line (5-3)The Good
- Dominant rushing attack. The Second Line lead the league in rushing and it isn't particularly close. They're the only team with 850+ rushing yards on the season and they have an impressive 1,167. They also rank 3rd in the league in yards per carry despite having a stranglehold on the most attempts. They run early and often and have three different players with 100+ yards and 3+ TD on the season. Once they get a lead, they can churn out the clock with the best of them and shorten the game to a blink of an eye. Good luck slowing down this impressive ground game.
- Close, close, cloooooosssseeeee games. Yes the Second Line are tied for first place, but just barely. They're only +5 in point differential and have squeaked by in almost all of their wins. In fact, in four of their five victories they've won by six points or fewer (6, 6, 4, 3). Eventually, these close wins could start to turn the other direction and start going against New Orleans. They need to start putting teams away when they get the chance before they sleepwalk their way right out of the postseason race.
- Punt return game. Is this nitpicking? Yes. But when you've got a team tied for first place, it's hard to find too many ugly things. On the year, New Orleans averages the fewest yards per punt return (5.1) and has just 77 punt return yards. It might not cost them a game in the regular season, but the lack of explosive plays in their return game could come back to haunt them if they make the playoffs. Getting every additional yard is paramount when the postseason run is concerned and right now, they're playing without a full deck.
New York Silverbacks (4-4)The Good
- Secondary standouts. And I'm not just saying this as a current member of the Silverbacks secondary! Right now, New York ranks 3rd in the entire league in yards allowed and 2nd in passing yards allowed. It's tough sledding against this talented defensive backfield and they've shown it week in and week out. They're third in interceptions and have two different DBs who have scored a touchdown this year. Whether it's their lockdown corners or rangy safeties, the Silverbacks currently field one of the top overall defensive backfields in the league. Could this be their ticket to the playoffs?
- Inconsistent offense. The Silverbacks' offense isn't bad, but it's nowhere near consistent enough to guarantee them a spot in the postseason. Last week's loss to Chicago is the perfect example - they lost 12-6 and couldn't come up with a big play when the team needed it. I have no doubt that New York will get their inconsistencies ironed out, but it's tough to win with such an up and down offense. Huge game coming up as they host Berlin this week...the perfect time for the offense to prove me wrong!
- Current losing streak. After starting 4-1, the Silverbacks have lost three straight games and have plummeted in the standings. Their most recent loss was especially hard to stomach, but they have a chance to right the ship in the coming weeks. After losing to Honolulu and berlin by a combined seven points, it's time for New York to get back in the win column and continue their march towards the postseason.
Arizona Outlaws (3-5)The Good
- Two-headed rushing attack. With Tatsu Nakamura and Deadly Memes in the backfield, the Outlaws are always a threat to rip off big run after big run. The dynamic duo has a combined 776 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, but doesn't just get it done on the ground. With more than 500 receiving yards between the two of them, they're on pace for more than 2,500 yards and have cemented themselves as the best 1-2 punch in the league. Their combination of speed, tackle-breaking ability, and elite vision causes them to be a handful for any defensive coordinator.
- Lack of explosive plays on defense. Currently, Arizona has the second-fewest pass deflections, fourth-fewest sacks, and fifth-fewest interceptions. It's this lack of havoc that could be the main stumbling block between Arizona and getting to the playoffs. When the Outlaws need a big play from their defense to stop a crucial drive, they simply haven't been getting consistent enough results to impact the game. They'll need their stars on defense to take matters into their own hands and start taking over games. Their season depends on it.
- Lack of homefield advantage. Sporting just a 1-3 record at home, it's clear that the Outlaws' home stadium isn't what it once was when it comes to helping out the home team. Arizona needs to get back to their roots of having one of the most feared home turfs in the league before their shot at the playoffs evaporates completely. As it stands now, traveling to Arizona doesn't strike fear in the hearts of any of their opponents.
San Jose SaberCats (3-5)The Good
- Dynamic passing attack. Led by Panda McKyle, the SaberCats have one of the best passing games in the league. They've got the 3rd most passing yards, 5th most touchdowns, and are balanced from top to bottom when it comes to pass catchers. They have four different players with 400+ receiving yards and create matchup nightmares on a down-by-down basis. Whether it's Vermillion and Lackson out of the backfield or Crossley, Campbell, and Lewandowski outside, the SaberCats are absolutely elite in the air.
- Lack of pass rush. With just 17 sacks on the season, the SaberCats have been unable to consistently rush the passer. Week in and week out, opposing quarterbacks leave the field with a clean jersey and have a field day against San Jose's pass defense. If they want to turn this season around and make a run at the playoffs, they'll have to improve their sack numbers in a big way. Disrupting the pocket, hitting the quarterback, and combing up with strip-sacks will be the name of the game for San Jose
- The defense. Woo, boy. San Jose has allowed the most points in the entire league so far as opponents are averaging a whopping 32.4 points per game. It's hard to win football games when you have to lean so heavily on your offense, so it's no surprise that the SaberCats are in the position they're in. They've allowed 31+ in three straight games and simply so not show signs of improvement. They need to get that side of the ball figured out ASAP.
Honolulu Hahalua (3-5)The Good
- Pass defense. Honolulu boasts one of the best overall pass defenses, allowing the fewest passing yards per game in the entire league. Their secondary is obviously a key to that, but their linebackers also play a critical role in disrupting the passing lanes and playing tight man coverage over the middle. It's never easy to face off against this Hahalua defense and excel through the air, which often forces teams to try and grind out victories. If that's not your cup of tea, you better hope you don't play Honolulu any time soon.
- Field goal kicking. Honolulu is converting on just 70.6% of their field goals, which is the second-lowest mark in the league. It's not all the kicker's fault, however, as the blocking, snaps, and holds have been less than dependable all season. Sitting just a couple games out of first place means the Hahalua need to scrounge for every point possible. Hopefully they get their kicking woes worked out before the season gets too far away from them
- Offensive offense. Honolulu averages just 18.75 points per game which puts them in last place in all of ISFL. So far this season, they've scored fewer than 20 points in six of their eight games and are coming off a disappointing performance last week where they scored just 12 points in a loss to Philadelphia. I'm not sure what they can do at this point to try and get their offense into gear, but it may be time for some drastic measures. They need to find some offense as soon as humanly possible.
Orange County Otters (1-7)The Good
- They've won a game and have fantastic branding. From the moment I joined the league, I've loved the Otter logo and overall branding they have. It's hard to top my New York Silverbacks, but Orange County is among the best of the best when it comes to brand. Plus, they've won a game this year! That's no small feat considering the overall season for Orange County.
- Offense missing in action. It's been difficult for Orange County to get much of anything going on offense this season, whether it's through the air or on the ground. They rank 13th in the league in points and in the bottom half in both passing yards per game and rushing yards per game. All in all, not a lot of good to report at all from that side of the ball. But hey, maybe the Otters will mark an incredible comeback and make a run to the playoffs - who knows!
- Defense. Orange County is giving up more than 28 points per game this year and have recently lost games where they've managed to score 31 and 25 points. When the offense comes up with performances like that, the defense has to rise to the occasion and find a way to get the win. If those two games were in the win column, the playoffs wouldn't be nearly the impossibility that it currently is for the Otters. Opposing offensive coordinators are licking their proverbial chops when they watch the Orange County defensive film.
Now - it's NSFC time!
Colorado Yeti (7-1)The Good
- Hottest team in the league. There's no doubt about it - nobody is playing better football than the Colorado Yeti. After splitting their first two games of the season, Colorado has won six straight games and looks like the class of the league at the halfway point in the season. In four of those six wins, they've won by at least a touchdown and are coming off back-to-back double-digit victories over Baltimore and Austin. Whatever adjustments the Yeti have made since the early part of the season have clearly paid off. Could they be headed for an Ultimus?
- Kick return blues. It's a good thing the Yeti's offense is one of the best in the league, because their kick return unit hasn't helped out much at all. They're averaging 22 yards per kick return, which is the second-worst in the league and just one tenth of a yard ahead of last place. While some teams utilize kick returns as major weapons to help supplement their offense, the Yeti seem to be performing at a high level in spite of their lackluster returns. Could be something to watch going forward.
- Absent running attack. Yes, the Yeti are 7-1. Yes, Mattathias Caliban leads the league in yards and touchdowns. Yes, they have six different players who have caught a touchdown. But for as good as their passing offense has been, their run game has been just as middling. They have the fewest rushing yards, the lowest yards per carry average, and the second fewest rushing touchdowns on the season. If Caliban and their potent pass catchers wake up on the wrong side of the bed one morning and they're forced to grind out a victory, it could mean disaster for Colorado.
Sarasota Sailfish (5-3)The Good
- High-flying offense. When it comes to all things offense, look no further than the Sarasota Sailfish. They currently lead the league in points and yards and have all the firepower necessary to dominate anyone in the league. Mike Boss, Jr. has been firing on all cylinders this season and does a great job of getting the ball to the long list of playmakers that reside in Sarasota. They have a half dozen players with a receiving touchdown and feature two backs who can go toe to toe with any duo in the league. John Huntsman and Tre'Darius J'Vathon have over 1,000 yards from scrimmage combined and can gash the defense on any play. This offense is elite and simply doesn't take weeks off. What a unit.
- Secondary mistakes. While the Sailfish's passing defense ranks a mediocre 4th in the NSFC, it ranks a lowly 10th in the league overall and is certainly an Achilles heel for this team. Their defensive backs can get caught looking in the backfield and trying to jump routes instead of playing sound football and it could very well come back to bite them down the stretch. Undisciplined football from their DBs is a surefire way to get upset come postseason time.
- Lack of takeaways. Sarasota needs to do a better job of forcing turnovers if they're going to take home the Ultimus this year. They've recovered just six fumbles, which is tied-for-11th in the league. They've also hauled in just three interceptions, which is the second-fewest in all of football. They're forcing their offense to drive the length of the field time and time again, and while that has worked so far, it sure would be nice to be working with a short field during these crucial final eight games of the season. Help the offense out from time to time, would you?
Yellowknife Wraiths (5-3)The Good
- Balance, balance, and more balance. Few teams in the league are as good both throwing and running the ball as the Yellowknife Wraiths. They're in the top four in rushing yards, passing yards, and points, and can beat you in a variety of ways. Whether it's Jay Cue Jr. and company out of the backfield, Colby Jack throwing deep bombs down the field, or simply Mark Walker and Kai Sakura Mossing defensive backs, they simply don't have a weakness to their offensive attack. You might be able to slow down one aspect of this Wraith offense, but good luck shutting them down altogether.
- Holes on defense. Yellowknife has one of the best offenses in the league, but their defense has a bunch of question marks. They've allowed the fourth-most points, the fourth-most yards, and have had inconsistencies in that unit all season. There's room to improve at just about every level on defense and they need to see some serious adjustments to attain their goals this season. Anything they can do to take even a small amount of pressure off the offense would be a welcomed sight.
- Swiss cheese OL. The Wraiths have allowed the most sacks in the entire league and that has to be setting off alarm bells in their offensive meeting rooms. Colby Jack has been hit early and often by opposing defensive linemen and linebackers which constantly disrupts any offensive rhythm for Yellowknife. They've been flirting with disaster all season and could see their playoff hopes dwindle with some ill-timed strip sacks.
Chicago Butchers (5-3)The Good
- Devastating defense. Chicago is first in points allowed, first in yards allowed, and have given up 17 or fewer points in five of their last seven games. They can rush the passer, set the edge, and they simply do not miss tackles. Even if their offense lays an egg here or there, the Butchers defense always keeps them in the game. Their combination of elite players and complex scheme have given offensive coordinators headaches all season long. As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. Will that be the case this year for Chicago?
- Sloppy play. Chicago has tossed eight interceptions this season which is tied for the most in the league. When you factor in the picks, the number of lost fumbles, and the high number of penalties, it's a miracle that the Butchers currently sit where they do in the standings. They need to clean up their mistakes before it costs them playoff seeding...or worse. Maybe even a playoff berth.
- Zero home field advantage. Being undefeated on the road is a tremendous feat and should be lauded as such. But Chicago's 1-3 home record nullifies their good work on the road in a big way. You expect your team to take care of business on their home turf in front of their fans, but that simply hasn't been the case so far this year with Chicago. Their fanbase needs to get to the stadium early and be rowdy to help Chicago squeeze out any ounce of advantage they have in the Windy City.
Philadelphia Liberty (4-4)The Good
- Efficient passing attack. There are few QBs in the league who are playing at Ryan Negs' level so far this season. The Georgia alumnus sports the second-best quarterback rating, has tossed the second-most touchdowns, and has an off-the-charts 20:5 TD:INT ratio. He's distributed the ball quickly and efficiently to a myriad of pass-catchers which has led to the Liberty's two-week renaissance. When they were sitting at 2-4, few gave them a chance to even be in the same area code as a playoff berth. But after back-to-back wins thanks to their field general and timely playmakers? Philly's season is only just beginning.
- Lack of movement up front. Part of Philadelphia's woes have been due to their offensive line play. They haven't been able to consistently open holes for their running backs and can't keep Negs' clean on a consistent basis. They have the third fewest pancakes this season and have allowed 10 sacks, which has consistently hamstrung the team. With their running game averaging a paltry 3.9 yards per carry, it could be time for some system-wide changes to their blocking scheme.
- Wide open spaces. That's what opposing quarterbacks see when they drop back against this Liberty defensive backfield. There's green grass for days and offenses have been lighting up Philadelphia in the pass game. They are dead last in the league in passing yards allowed per game and that could be what keeps them out of the playoffs down the stretch. I don't know if they need to bring more pressure to help out their secondary, but whatever the issue is, they need to solve it.
Baltimore Hawks (3-5)The Good
- Ball-hawking secondary. When it comes to game-changing plays in the secondary, look no further than the Baltimore Hawks. They lead the league in PD (70), INT (10), and TD (3). They've got some crazy talented players back there and that's been shown week in and week out against opposing offenses. It hasn't been the best of years for the Hawks, but the highlight reel interceptions and constant Top Play nominees that come out of their secondary have given their fans some excitement and hope for the future.
- No havoc up front. While there have been big plays from their DBs this season, the Baltimore front seven has been lackluster at forcing havoc and big plays up front. They have the second-fewest sacks, third-fewest tackles for loss, and have allowed opposing teams to get going early. Without breaking through the offensive line and getting other teams off schedule, it's allowed their opponents to get into an early rhythm and methodically march down the field on the Hawks. They need some big plays from their DL and LB if they want any hope of a postseason bid.
- Recent results. After an impressive 2-1 start, many were bullish on the Hawks this season and had hopes of making a Cinderella run at the Ultimus. Since then? They've gone just 1-4 and all hope has just about gone out the window as far as this season is concerned. While this last week's loss to New Orleans was just by a field goal, they've lost the other three by 51 points combined. Hopefully the Hawks have one last gasp in 'em as far as the playoffs are concerned.
Berlin Fire Salamanders (3-5)The Good
- International House of Pancakes. The front five for Berlin has been fantastic so far this year. They lead the league in pancakes and have allowed only seven sacks on the season. They excel at both keeping Dexter Zaylren clean and opening up running lanes for Danny King Jr. and Terry Yaki. If the Fire Salamanders are going to spring to the finish line and make the other teams in the NSFC sweat, it'll be behind the strength of that dominant offensive line.
- Pass defense. Berlin is near the bottom (12th) in passing yards allowed and that's one of the main reasons why they're currently out of the playoff picture. They've allowed too many big plays down the field, but also have given up a ton of yards after catch on screens and other short routes. They need to batten down the hatches on the back end and play aggressive football if they plan on making a run to a .500 record or better.
- Close losses. Talk about heartbreaking. Berlin has five losses by a combined 21 points and with just a different bounce or two, they could be in a drastically improved position. They've been on the wrong side of so many of those close losses that it has to swing back in favor of them at some point, right? This could very well end up being one of those "What if..." seasons for Baltimore fans.
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RE: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - Net - 09-29-2021
San Jose is yes