+- International Simulation Football League (https://forums.sim-football.com)
+-- Forum: Player Development (https://forums.sim-football.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=8)
+--- Forum: Point Tasks (https://forums.sim-football.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=92)
+---- Forum: Archived Point Tasks (https://forums.sim-football.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=53)
+---- Thread: (S4) - Ultimus Week (/showthread.php?tid=6232)
(S4) - Ultimus Week - ErMurazor - 12-01-2017
Welcome to Ultimus Week! This is a special point task that will close on Wednesday December 13 at 11:59 PM PST (UPDATED DEADLINE!!). It is broken down into eight written and eight graphic point tasks of which you will choose FOUR to complete. Each point task completed is worth 2.5 TPE and you can earn a maximum of 10 TPE from this event.
NOTE: Each written point task has a 200 word count.
NOTE x2: You can complete four point tasks in any combination of written and/or graphics.
NOTE x3: Please keep all submissions you make to ONE post.
NOTE: Graphical submissions must be more than text added to an image. Text thrown on a single image will no receive credit unless it shows significant statistical content or creativity.
There will be some limitations as to when certain tasks can be completed. Here are each of the tasks listed below, and with special notes if any limitations apply.
Written Points
Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else. Can be completed at any point
New Talent: Write about which S4 trade will or did have the biggest impact in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good
Playoff Predictions: Give a short write up on each of the playoff matches (including the championship game). Must be completed before the simulation of the Conference Finals
Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write about
Playoff Review: Write a short review of the playoffs and each of the matchups. Must be completed after the Championship Game
Championship Game Recap: Do a recap of the best play from the championship game. Must be completed after the Championship Game
Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have? (Can be completed at any point)
That Magic Moment: Pick one moment from a playoff game and describe what made it so amazing to watch. (Must be completed after the game you write about)
Root for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Going to Disneyland!:Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Matchup Nightmares: Pick an offensive and defensive player who will be going up against each other and why it will be a nightmare for one of them. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Sit-down with a star:Interview a player from a team that is not your own that is in the playoffs. You must ask them four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. YOU MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS FOR CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)
Sit-down with a fan:Answer questions for an interview from a player that is not your own. You must answer at least four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. Link to the interviewers PT to receive credit. NOTE: THEY MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR YOU TO GET CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)
Graphic Points
Robbed: Make a graphical stat comparison of a team who failed to qualify for playoffs but why they should have over another team. Can be completed at any point
Future Talent: Make a sig for a S4 player who you feel will or did make a large impact for their team in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good
Playoff Matchups: Make a graphic displaying the matchups in the first round of the playoffs. Can be completed at any point
Conference Final MVP Sig: Make a sig for a player of your choice who you felt was the MVP of a Conference Final matchup. Must be completed after the Conference Finals
Playoff Recap Infographic: Make a graphic displaying the results of the playoffs. Must be completed after the Championship Game
Championship Banner: Make a banner (sig style) featuring the MVP of the Championship Game and another player of your choice from the winning teams and S2 Champions or something similar to that. Must be completed after the Championship Game
That Magic Moment: Show one of the most exciting points in a game. (Must be completed after the game you write about )
Root for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Matchup Nightmares: Pick an offensive and defensive player who will be going up against each other and why it will be a nightmare for one of them. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Going to Disneyland!:Pick an MVP of the Ultimus game and create a billboard showing their trip to Disneyland. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Unsung Hero:Create a billboard for the unsung hero of the playoffs. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Old Faces, New Places:Create a graphic for a player who changed teams during free agency this past off season and made the playoffs. Show how they've changed on their new team or what kind of impact they made for their new team. (Can be completed at any time)
(S4) - Ultimus Week - Oles - 12-01-2017
Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else.
Look, I’m not going to throw a pity party for the Hawks here. The Hawks didn’t have any business making the playoffs with how they performed at the end of the season. Many people want to point out that the Liberty were the worse team, and want to use every stat except for one to qualify that statement. Liberty went 6-0 in division games, sweeping the NSFC on their road to the playoffs. I don’t care what other stats you show me, Hawks had 2 chances to beat the Liberty, which they failed to do so, and that’s why they didn’t make the playoffs. Now who was robbed you ask? It’s simple, the SaberCats were. They went 9-5, but because they happened to be in the division that includes the Otters and Outlaws, they were left out as those 2 teams boasted better records and or tiebreakers. The SaberCats however ended the season with the 3rd best record, typically this doesn’t happen, and at least the number 1 seed from the other division has more wins. Not this season, the Hawks, who were coasting halfway through the season, choked liked no team has ever choked before, opening the door for the Wraiths and Liberty. The SaberCats by all qualifications were a playoff team, but they were not rewarded as such and missed out on the playoffs again, still looking for their first playoff appearance. (234 words)
Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them.
Dominic Verns helped the Otters finally topple the Outlaws, a feat they’ve been trying for 4 seasons now. Verns started the game off with a pick 6, immediately putting the only NSFL Champions down by 7, forcing them to play from behind, something the Outlaws aren’t used to doing. He also had 8 tackles and 3 PDs. He was everywhere on the field for the Otters, and finally proved to be the hero they needed to topple the giant they couldn’t. Verns was able to control the pace of play, along with Spector, where they were able to hold Garden under 100, and Evans barely eclipsed the 100-yard mark at 114 yards. This may seem like a lot, but considering the talent that both Evans and Garden have this was a great performance by the two CBs. Verns is certainly a leader of this team, and getting that early TD for them was a great way to start the game, and showed that they didn’t need the offense to do it all (even though Boss did throw for almost 500 yards in the game, which does help). Verns was able to propel the team to victory with his early heroics, and they rode that play all the way to the championship, where they would go on to beat the Wraiths and capture their first championship. (225 words)
Championship Game Recap: Do a recap of the best play from the championship game.
The play of the game had to be when the game was put out of reach. The Wraiths had 1 last reasonable drive, with 5 minutes left they got the ball on their 40 yard line, they were in a prime position to make a comeback drive, and tie the game up. They started the drive with a penalty, and followed it up with 2 short plays totaling 4 yards. Not a good start to their last drive. Then the former OL standout, now DT, Greg Clegane then sacked Akselsen to push them to 4th and 27. While not impossible, it was highly unlikely that the Wraiths were going to pull off the miracle play. The Wraiths were down to their final play, they didn’t have any more shots realistically after this play, with only 3 minutes on the clock at this point, it would have taken a turnover, or a quick drive with a missed field goal, for the Wraiths to have any hope at the championship. Akselsen dropped back for the pass, and could not find a man open, out of desperation, just hoping for something to materialize, he checked it down to his running back, Eric Kennedy, and watched their championship hopes fade away as he was talked shortly after the catch was made. Now, this was the game clinching play, the Wraiths would go on to get the ball back from a turnover, but they were deep in their territory with only 44 seconds left to play. They had no chance to drive 95 yards in 44 seconds, and the game was over. The Otters had finally realized what many thought they could do since season 2, and they won the championship. They were popping the champagne, celebrating all night and waiting for the parade shortly after, they now could claim that they were the 2nd team to win the Ultimus, a feat that had only be done by the Outlaws up to this point. (329 words)
Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have?
I said I wasn’t going to throw a pity party for the Hawks, but the Liberty had no business making the playoffs. They started off 2-5 in the first 7 games of the season, losing every ASFC matchup except for their week 1 home game against the Legion, and their lone NSFC matchup with the Yeti, also a home game. They struggled against the Outlaws, which is being generous, while losing to every other ASFC team at least 1 in that first 7 game stretch. Then the second half they found life, they still couldn’t get a 2nd win against the ASFC opponents though, but were able find the spark they needed, winning all of their NSFC matchups during the season. By all accounts the Liberty should not have made the playoffs, they had mediocre, to below average, stats on the season, they struggled to force turnovers, even though many thought they would boast the best secondary in the league. This team drastically underperformed on the season, many thought they would overtake the Hawks as the top team in the NSFC, and all they did was struggle, leaving no hope for the season with 5 weeks left to play. They should have been out of the playoffs when they started 2-5, and even 4-5 in week 9 should have seen them in a bad situation, which it did. The Hawks needed to win 1 more game than they did over the last 7 weeks to make the playoffs. They didn’t deserve to make the playoffs, but the Hawks had the biggest choke-job in NSFL history which allowed them the path to the playoffs. (273 words)
(S4) - Ultimus Week - manicmav36 - 12-01-2017
Code:
Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody elseCode:
Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have?Code:
Root for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win.Code:
Going to Disneyland!:Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland.The Ultimus MVP should go to Bradley Westfield. But before I go into more detail, I feel like I need to justify why I’m not putting Mike Boss here, as most people will. Yes, he threw for 439 yards and three touchdowns, but it took him fifty-nine attempts to get there. Fifty-nine! To top that he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, to make it three turnovers on the night, and ended with a quarterback rating of only 85.3, a full nine points lower than his season average. Not exactly MVP caliber stuff. Ok, so now that we’ve covered that, back to Westfield.
Bradley Westfield finished the night with six catches for 145 yards, giving him an insane average of 24.2 yards per catch. His two longest catches of the night were thirty-five and forty-four yards, both resulting in touchdowns. Westfield finished with two of the three touchdowns scored by the Otters that night, the other going to fellow stud wide receiver, Robert Phelps. Westfield also added forty-eight kick return yards on two attempts, and twenty-five punt return yards on four attempts, bringing his total yards to 218 yards on the night. The next closest Bailey cook of the Wraiths who finished with 183 total yards, thirty-five behind Westfield. The numbers don’t lie, Bradley Westfield deserves to be the Ultimus MVP. (233 words)
(S4) - Ultimus Week - ItsJustBarry - 12-01-2017
Code:
Playoff Predictions: Give a short write up on each of the playoff matches (including the championship game).This season, we start by watching the Philadelphia Liberty head up to Canada to face off against the Yellowknife Wraiths. Despite Philly winning both matchups during the regular season, I am giving the advantage to Yellowknife. As a team that was slated to not fare so well this season while they prepped for the upcoming draft class, Yellowknife shocked many people by not only coming out and winning, but locking up the #1 seed in the NSFC. I expected a close game with Yellowknife edging out a victory in a single digit victory.
On the other side, we have Arizona and Orange County facing off for the 4th consecutive season. While many have automatically placed Arizona in the Ultimus game again this season, I am not sold. The high powered offense of Orange county is backed by an even better defense this season and I can see the boys in orange pulling off the upset.
That means that the Ultimus game would be the Wraiths headed to Orange County to play for the opportunity to soil the Ultimus Trophy with a new franchise’s name. I don’t think Yellowknife has the fire power to keep pace with the Otters and OCO wins easily but regardless of the outcome, everyone will rejoice as it’s just not Arizona.
215 words
Code:
Root for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win.This one is easy for me to pick. The underdog I am rooting for, if you can even call them that, would be the Orange County Otters. To be completely honest, I would root for any ASFC team that is facing Arizona. It is time to see the passing of the torch and it begins this season when Orange County heads back to the desert for yet another ASFC conference championship matchup. This season, we have the top 2 quarterbacks, Mike Boss and King Bronko throwing to the top 3 receivers in Robert Phelps, Josh Garden, and Bradley Westfield. Despite the fact that the only time Orange County has defeated Arizona is in week 14 of S1, I like their odds this week. The Otters have played 45 games including 3 playoff games since the last time they beat the perennial favorite Arizona Outlaws. Why would I expect this season to be different? With the impactful offensive line changes this season, Orange County had the most to gain. The playmaker, the 2 time record holder for sacks in a season, Jayce Tuck, has been reduced to single digit sacks this season while both defensive ends for Orange County finished ahead of him.
202 words
Code:
Sit-down with THE star, Angus Winchester: Interview a player from a team that is not your own that is in the playoffs.Q: In your franchise’s history, including playoffs you’ve faced off against Arizona 12 times and have a record of 1-11. You are once again the #2 seed heading to the desert. Why do you expect this game to be different from the rest?
A: I think some of these games have been much closer by the numbers than history would indicate. There have been times where we have gone into Arizona with a 50/50 or better shot at winning the game. This season is no different, we have a good shot at beating them even on their own turf. Season four so far has been the greatest parity we have seen yet in the league for several reasons, and this could be the game where the Outlaws get dethroned.
Q: 3 playoff appearances, 3 devastating losses including 2 losses by 20+. The Otters have failed to score more than 13 in a playoff game while giving up an average of 26.6 points. With both sides of the ball appearing to struggle on the big stage, who are you expecting to step up to change history?
A: I don't really think this is going to be just one player, but a concerted effort across the board. Of course Mike Boss and his combination of Phelps and Westfield are always a threat for opposing defenses. But I also expect to see George Wright Jr and Gregor Clegane on the D-line wreaking havoc in both the passing game and the run game. And I have high hopes for rookie TE Steven O'Sullivan too.
Q: With the recent O-Line changes, Angus Winchester took advantage of the free swap and became the anchor of the defense as the starting MLB. Is this change the X-factor that will finally propel Orange County to the Ultimus game?
A: Not even close. I'm doing well as a linebacker, getting some good run stops and some big sacks. But I really think the biggest O-line move was Greg Clegane.
He is really big and really strong. He is going to absolutely dominate even against a very powerful Arizona offensive line.
Q: Assuming you reign supreme and finally berth the championship game. If you had the choice, which NSFC team would you prefer to face?
A: Tough call. I think both teams are very talented in different ways. Each brings something different to the table. Philly has a unique defensive scheme. Yellowknife has a unique spread offense scheme. I think if I had to choose I'd want to face Yellowknife to get some revenge for that lucky win they had against us early in the season...and to sack Akselsen.
Code:
Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have?One team that is sitting at home this week that maybe should be in the playoffs in the San Jose Saber cats. After landing a few successful players in free agency last off season, there playoff aspirations were set to high. Seeing the Arizona Outlaws lose back to back games in weeks 5 and 6, this team had to expect the conference to be a lot closer than it ended up being. Unfortunately, the Outlaws went on to sweep their remaining schedule to retain their given place at the top of the ASFC. Despite beating the Orange County Otters in week 14, San Jose would lose the tie breaker and start their offseason a game sooner. When you look back at their schedule, the week 4 loss at home to Baltimore, which they had just previously two weeks prior, is the sole L on their schedule they probably should have and needed to win. With no notable players leaving San Jose this offseason and a promising S5 draft class, there is a lot to be excited for if you are a San Jose player or fan. This is likely the last season the ASFC playoffs are without green and gold representation.
201 words
(S4) - Ultimus Week - PigSnout - 12-01-2017
Robbed:
The conference format was not kind to the Sabercats. They finished the season with a 9-5 record and a +109 point differential, both of which establish them as the third best team in the league, behind just the Otters and the Outlaws. However, despite being the third best team in the league, the Sabercats did not make the playoffs and instead watched the fourth and fifth best team make it over them because those teams played in the NSFC instead of the ASFC. The Yellowknife Wraiths, who have home field advantage in the NSFC playoffs, finished with a record of 8-6 and a point differential of +82. These are respectable numbers and the numbers of a playoff team, however both of those numbers trail behind the Sabercats. It must sting for Sabercats players to know that their conference placement in the ASFC instead of the NSFC was the difference between missing the playoffs instead being the number one seed in their conference. In the second seed in the NSFC were the Phildelphia Liberty who finished with a 7-7 record and a point differential of -85. They finished at .500 and their point differential suggests they may really be worse than a .500 team which can't sit well with the Sabercats seeing the Liberty get a playoff spot over them just because they play in the NSFC even though they were a much worse team statistically.
Quote:[table border=\\\'0\\\' align=\\\'center\\\' width=\\\'95%\\\' cellpadding=\\\'3\\\' cellspacing=\\\'1\\\' id=\\\'QUOTE-WRAP\\\'][tr][td]QUOTE [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\\\'QUOTE\\\'][!--QuoteEBegin--]235 Words
Playoff Preditictions:
ASFC Championship:
@ 
On paper, this should be the best game of the playoffs. Whichever team emerges victorious will be heavy favorites against the NSFC champion. The Otters are a really talented team and an even matchup for the Outlaws on paper. However, it is not fair to look at this matchup on paper without examining the context of this rivalry. All time, including the playoffs, the Outlaws are 12-1 against the Otters. The Outlaws have won 9 games straight against the Otters and in general have won 21 games in a row against ASFC opponents (both stats are including playoffs). While I think the Otters have the talent of a championship team, I cannot justify picking them over the Outlaws given how much the Outlaws have dominated them for so long. I think the Outlaws will remain perfect in ASFC play for the third season in a row and advance to their 4th straight championship game. Prediction:
win 31-24.NSFC Championship:
@ 
This is a tale of two teams who have both defied preseason expectations. The Liberty were viewed as top contenders entering the season but sputtered with a 1-7 record against ASFC foes and squeaked into a playoff spot in the final week of the season with an 7-7 record. Meanwhile, the Wraiths were expected to be rebuilding this season but exploded and secured home field advantage in the NSFC for the first time in franchise history. The Liberty are a tempting choice for an upset as they have been undefeated in NSFC play this season and have plenty of talent as many viewed them as a favorite in the NSFC in the preseason. However, the results have shown that neither of these teams are who they were expected to be in the preseason. The Wraiths look like a legitimate contender with a point differential of date=]594 Words[/quote]
Playoff Series MVP:
The MVP of the ASFC Championship was Mike Boss, quarterback of the Orange County Otters. On the surface, Boss's statline may not stand out due to a lack of touchdowns but his value in this game came from sustaining drives. Boss passed for 469 yards against the Outlaws. The most impressive part of his performance is not the fact that he accumulated so many yards, but the way that he did it. 5 different Otters had at least 4 receptions and 50 yards. Boss did not rely on hitting one hot target, he spread the ball around and made everybody a threat, which is why the Outlaws were powerless to stop him. This allowed the Otters to move down the field and score points and at the same time kept the Outlaws' dangerous offense off of the field. Boss played mistake free with no interceptions against the Outlaws defense that has terrorized quarterbacks for years. You can see the growth Boss has made over the years as he went against the same team that picked him off 6 times in his first career start and now carved apart the best defense in the league. The Otters broke a 9 game losing streak against the Outlaws in the ASFC Championship game and that was because of the expert play of their quarterback.
Quote:221 Words
Matchup Nightmares:
The Yellowknife Wraiths' secondary is going to be a matchup nightmare for Liberty quarterback Clifford Rove. Rove's 26 interceptions were the most thrown by any quarterback in the NSFL this season. As a second year player, Rove is one of the least experienced quarterbacks in the league and opposing defenses try to exploit that and take advantage of him. The Wraiths' secondary is capable of giving Rove fits. The Wraiths' 20 interceptions tie for the second most in the league and their 72 pass defenses are good for third most in the league. Sometimes when facing a good secondary, quarterbacks will simply seek to avoid targetting the star defender to have more success. Unfortunately for Rove, there is no one main star of the Wraiths' secondary. Clee Hardrool has intercepted 6 passes and defended 7 passes, Jogn Floggity has intercepted 5 passes and defended 19 passes, and Dermot Lavelle has intercepted 5 passes and defended 20 passes. While Lavelle is the biggest name in this secondary, both safeties are also wreaking havoc and making life a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Given Rove's tendency for throwing interceptions and the Wraiths' knack for intercepting passes, it is likely that we will see multiple turnovers in the NSFC championship game. In a game that will likely be closely contested, those turnovers may be the death of the Liberty and ultimately result in the end of their season.
Quote:234 Words
(S4) - Ultimus Week - ErMurazor - 12-01-2017
Sit-down with a star:Interview a player from a team that is not your own that is in the playoffs. You must ask them four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. YOU MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS FOR CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)
I interviewed @PDXBaller
Philadelphia had a weird season this year but managed to win out in the end and beat the reigning conference champion Hawks. Unfortunately, you guys got knocked out in the end but how do you and your teammates feel about how your season ended up?
It’s always a bummer to see all your hard work and effort come to an end like that. I think we hung in there the best we could and the defense was doing their best to keep the Ultimus hopes alive. We’re heartbroken to see it end, but glad that we could make the playoffs and should be a contender for the next few seasons.
In season 4 the defensive line was severely hindered due to the league’s new “player safety” rules to protect quarterbacks, how did that impact your player down the stretch?
Like everything in life, you have to learn to adjust and that adjustment period can be tedious. I know I wasn’t a fan of the new rules, but we had to learn to live with them and figure out ways to overcome them. In a league where everyone is just as fast as you are or stronger, you have to use your intelligence to become better than your opponents. I had a few bright spots in the middle of the season, but I think I ended up figuring things out and saw my tackling and run stopping power come through around week 9.
What was your personal highlight of season 4?
Personal highlight would have to be beating the Baltimore Hawks in week 14. It was the nail in the coffin for them and we ended the season with a perfect 6-0 division record over them. It’s never easy playing in Baltimore and we jumped ahead really quickly in that game and they did their best to claw their way back, but myself and Luke, and Hendrix stopped them with great defense in the end.
Eli Kamaka made a big move from Oregon to Philadelphia, what’s the one thing you miss the most about Eugene?
Eugene was a great college town and it was similar to the area where I grew up in Hawaii. A college town is small, but the fans are great and come from all over town and that’s probably what I miss the most about Eugene. You get noticed around campus a lot (being a 6’3” 300lb+ Hawaiian will do that for you) and the energy is always electric when it’s gameday. Philadelphia has been quite the opposite since it’s a big city with a lot of other sports. We have a good following for the team though and it’s the biggest stage I’ve ever played in
Sit-down with a fan:Answer questions for an interview from a player that is not your own. You must answer at least four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. Link to the interviewers PT to receive credit. NOTE: THEY MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR YOU TO GET CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)
I answered some questions for PDXballer here.
Matchup Nightmares: Pick an offensive and defensive player who will be going up against each other and why it will be a nightmare for one of them. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Going into the Ultimus game I think the biggest match-up nightmare has to be Mike Boss versus the Wraiths secondary. This match-up would be a bit closer of the Wraiths had retained their former defensive star Kevin Cushing, but with his departure the number one corner for the Wraiths is Dermot Lavelle, also referred to as Burntalot Lavelle.
To put it simply, Mike Boss and his offensive teammates at just too good. They go into every game imposing their will on other teams through the air. Even when you know that it’s going to be coming defensive coordinators and their players cannot do anything to stop the relentless aerial attack. They say the proof is in the pudding, so look at Mike Boss’ stats. It seems like every year he is breaking offensive records and half of the time the records being broke were held my Mike Boss. The Wraiths are a well-rounded team with no real weakness but to stop the best passing attack in the league a defensive secondary that is not a weakness is not good enough.
I think Burntalot Lavelle will have a few opportunities to make plays but I think the majority of his night in the match-up will be chasing Westfield and Phelps down the field.
Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
(S4) - Ultimus Week - 124715 - 12-01-2017
Playoff Predictions:
at -- This looks to be the best game of the playoffs. The wraiths are a complete Cinderella story this year, clinching the #1 seed in their rebuild year amid a chaotic, weak NSFC. Pause. Let's talk about the NSFC. The Liberty were the terror in the division, sweeping the Yeti, #1 seed Wraiths, and reigning Glacies winner Hawks. However, spectacular meltdowns against their less familiar opponents led them to a pathetic 1-7 record against ASFC opponents, even losing to the Legion, as conference record tiebreaker dragged them into the playoffs. The Hawks played better football, but somehow couldn't hold on to their seemingly inevitable playoff spot, instead being forced to watch as the Liberty ran the table into the playoffs. The Wraiths had no such worries, pulling ahead as the top team in the NSFC. Back to the game. I expect that Clifford Rove will be kept clean long enough to get passes out to Fox North and Paul DiMirio, who will serially torch Cutter, and Kane respectively. The Liberty will try to get North away from Dermot Lavelle, and he will have a huge game leading the Liberty to their first ever Ultimus appearance.Prediction:
28 - 17 ~~~~~~~~
at -- Otters can keep it close, but if King Bronko gets going, Orange County doesn't stand a chance.Prediction:
38 - 27 ~~~~~~~~
at -- Look at the rosters of the two teams, and see which positions the Liberty have the advantage in. Here, let me do it for you: TE, CB, S. That's it. The Liberty will put up a fight, but not much else.Prediction:
31 - 14 Code:
286(S4) - Ultimus Week - run_CMC - 12-01-2017
Sit Down With a Star (459 words)
The Pythons had a perfect 3-0 record against Norfolk this season. What kind of preparation are you doing to try and make it 4-0?
We just have to keep doing what we've been doing. We play team oriented ball and have to continue to do that. I personally have been working on getting faster so I can get open more often, and change some of those short catches into bigger gains.
How does it feel being the DSFL’s reception and yardage leader?
It feels incredible. I'm blessed to be put on a team with a smart set of gms and a great qb. I know I couldn't do it without them, but being the league leader in such important categories really just gives you something to be proud of. The wins are the most important thing to me, but having the individual accomplishments on top of that is a dream come true.
Who do you think is the most dangerous cornerback in the league?
Andre bly absolutely shut me down on numerous occasions. I had my moments against him, and we schemed well to avoid the match up, but he was just on another level. No disrespect for the teams remaining, but I'm glad I won't have that match up in the playoffs.
Would you rather face the Tijuana Luchadores or San Antonio Marshals in the championship?
Anyone but Chicago you know? Honestly, I'm looking at things one game at a time, and no matter what I'm hungry to win it all. We've beaten both teams and have home field throughout so as long as we execute we should be golden, but anything can happen any given week so we can't take anything for granted. San Antonio has shown they can win it all in the past and Tijuana has been red hot, there isn't an easy match up but if we want to call ourselves the best, and we REALLY do, then we have to be able to beat them all.
Portland currently has the league’s best passing offense. Do you think they’ll be able to sustain this next season with you and Carlito Crush almost certainly being drafted?
The dsfl is a league like no other, with so much turnaround it's hard to have any consistency. The team itself was at the bottom of the standings last season, and now we have the best record in this one. That said, I have no fear for the team's success going forward. We should award a gm of the year and it should go to pdxballer. Shout out to the whole team for staying active, but that man is committed to his craft and has all the potential to be a great gm for many seasons in the future.
Sit Down With a Fan
Link
Robbed (240 words)
Let’s take a minute to look at a team that got completely robbed off a playoff appearance: the San Jose Sabercats.
To refresh your memory, San Jose ended the season with a 9-5 record. That’s the same record that the Orange County Otters finished the season with. Now, in fairness, the two teams split the series but there’s rules on this for a season. Orange County had a better point differential in their games, so they got the playoff spot; as frustrating as it may be, it’s just how it works, and it’s honestly not that bad of a system. The real controversy is in the fact that the Sabercats 9-5 record was better than the record of any team in the NSFC. Let’s look at the Sabercats versus the NSFC representatives to the playoffs: the Wraiths and Liberty. Against the 8-6 Wraiths, San Jose split the series with a point differential of minus 5. Oh well. But against the 7-7 Philadelphia Liberty, the Sabercats won both games with a point differential of plus 64. Its pretty clear that one of these teams is completely dominant compared to the other, and why should a distinctly worse team with a worse record, worse offense, and worse defense make the playoffs but not San Jose? Because that’s how the conference system works. It does have its benefits, like generating competitive rivalries. But for now, just let San Jose fans be mad.Playoff Series MVP (260 words)
I tried to write about a kicker for the "Unsung Hero" of the playoffs. I really did. But there just weren't any particularly impressive special teams performances... so let's talk about the obvious Ultimus MVP! Okay, maybe not obvious. You could easily make an argument for quarterback Mike Boss... but in my mind, wide receiver Bradley Westfield is most deserving of this distinguishment. His stat line speaks for itself: 6 receptions, 145 yards, and 2 touchdowns. That comes out at 24.2 yards a catch, by the way. Now of course, a man is more than just his numbers. Westfield had a rough start to the Ultimus: a false start early in the first quarter left his team with 3rd and 9, and they proceeded to complete an 8 yard pass. Ouch. Shortly after, a defensive stand by the Otters forced a punt by Wraiths kicker Lombardi, and Westfield returned it a mere 3 yards. After that, however, things moved very quickly. With 7 minutes left in the first, Westfield scored on a 44 yard catch and run on 3rd and 10, and with 1 minute left in the first, Westfield caught a 35 yard pass to convert a 4th and 1... for a touchdown! Bradley Westfield continued to make an impact throughout this game, but those 2 first quarter touchdowns gave the Orange County Otters the necessary momentum to propel them into an early lead that they would never lose. So congratulations Otters, and a big extra congrats to Westfield for the huge role he played in this historic game!
(S4) - Ultimus Week - SwagSloth - 12-01-2017
Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write about
In the NSFC championship between the Wraiths and the Liberty, the obvious MVP was Eric Kennedy. He rushed 81 yards, decimating the Liberty defense as he carried his team to victory. Actually, not really. It was an incredible show of faith as the Wraiths gave Kennedy the ball when everything was on the line, rewarding him for the effort he’d shown this season. However, while 81 yards is nothing to be ashamed of, it took 25 carries to reach that point, leading to only 3.2 yards per carry. This was decent production and an improvement on Kennedy’s 3.0 yards per carry during the season, but the Liberty defense fought back against him every step of the way and were successful in keeping him out of the end zone.
Kennedy’s production occupied a large part of the game and could help make a case for the game’s MVP, but on the Wraiths’ side of the ball, this game was a team effort all the way. No one receiver stood out on their own with each player being held to 5 or less catches. Kennedy accounted for 4 of those, but only picked up 31 yards. Bailey Cook did manage to put together 104 yards with his 5 catches, doubling the most yards by any teammate with Gosh Jarden following him at 49. Of course, while the Liberty Defense made him work for it, Mat Akselsen spread the ball around, utilizing every receiver he had to keep the ball moving and drive it into the end zone twice with throws to Cook and Josesh Askins. Akselsen’s success as the QB position has been a big story this year and so we’ll recognize him as the real MVP of the game.
288 Words
* * * *
Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have? (Can be completed at any point)
The Wraiths shocked the world by making the play-offs, but it was never the plan. If anything, it’s sheer proof of the Wraiths’ incompetence that they not only made the play-offs, but came in as a top seed. This was, for all purposes, a rebuild year, their chance to recover from past losses and return to glory. Honestly, it might be bold, but if the team played their cards right, they might have been able to make the play-offs next year. Heck, maybe even reach the Ultimus championship. Instead, they failed to grasp of the concept of losing properly, made it to the play-offs, and reached the Ultimus this year.
Perhaps Spike Crown needs to spend some time this offseason studying how to properly rebuild a team. The Cleveland Browns would be a great example as they’ve been rebuilding for years and successfully find ways to secure early-round draft picks despite getting similar picks each year before. It takes a lot to build a believable losing streak, but the Browns always find a way. It’s this level of determination that Crown and his players need to emulate. Perhaps there’s still time to give it another try, but some are anticipating that the Wraiths may even mistakenly end up back in championship contention next year. If they do, they certainly shouldn’t expect any good drafts picks in S6.
227 Words
* * * *
That Magic Moment: Pick one moment from a playoff game and describe what made it so amazing to watch. (Must be completed after the game you write about)
The magic moment and perhaps the most surprising of all came when the Otters defeated the Outlaws, denying them entry to the Ultimus Championship after winning it for the first 3 years of the league. The Otters had played well and earned the respect of their peers, but the Outlaws’ return to the top seemed all but guaranteed for many.
With six minutes left, the Otters scored a touchdown as RB :Leroy Jenkins rushed into the endzone for a 2-yard Touchdown. It allowed the Otters to take the lead 22-17,but time still remained on the Outlaws’ side. A well-paced drive down the field could allow them to retake the lead and move onto the big game. King Bronko seemed fully intent on doing so as he completed passes to several of his most dependable receivers as he connected with Chess, Evans, and Law, each of whom were instrumental in winning the previous year’s championship. However, with only around 3 minutes left, a series of drops from Evans and Garden left the Outlaws in 3rd & long position. A pass to Tuck moved the ball 4 years, but it wasn’t enough to convert. Left at 4th & 6 and too far behind to be able to rely on a field goal, the Outlaws were forced to risk it all. Putting his faith in the team’s big free agent pick-up this year, Bronko tossed the ball to Josh Garden, the $23 million dollar man. The ball sailed through the air, only to fall incomplete as Outlaws fans everywhere watched in silence. With minutes left to burn, the Otters exhausted their time-outs and shocked everyone with their incredible victory.
276 Words
* * * *
Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
I want to take a moment to break down the fourth wall and highlight not only a player, but the man behind the player, Argus Winchester aka Timeconsumer. As one of the most active members on this forum and one of the highest TPE players, many people expected big things when he made the jump from O-Line to Linebacker. The Otters had a solid defensive core, but Argus’ inclusion took them to another level. The best defensive players don’t always get the love they deserve from the stats, but their presence is felt on the field and Argus played a strong part in the Otters’ win over the Outlaws, picking up 6 tackles and a sack.
We don’t have the box score from the Ultimus yet, so it’s more difficult to track statistics. However, during the season, Argus was certainly a force to be reckoned with, picking up over 100 tackles and 11 sacks. He also deflected 5 passes, making him a benefit to the secondary as well. His willingness to fill such a needed role in the defense helped the Otters make their historic push to the Ultimus, but his continued dedication to his team and the league will make him someone that they can continue to rely on for a long time.
214 Words
(S4) - Ultimus Week - Bwestfield - 12-01-2017
Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else. Can be completed at any point
Talk about being robbed. This team should’ve by all accounts made the playoffs. They were doing so well, they were on a hot streak and then, out of nowhere, a patch of cold ice from left field. This team lost their 3 last games and cost themselves a playoff berth. If they would’ve made it I would have placed them to go to the Ultimus game. They would have ultimately, get it, lost to the Orange County Otters however. The Baltimore Hawks were a playoff worthy team sitting on the bench. They had it all, a stout offensive line, a great quarterback, a duo at the wide receiver position, a up and coming running back and the running back who topped the league in yards last year. They won 6 of their first 8 games and only 1 of the remaining games to be 7 and 7. Which is fine for a beverage but not for a playoff team. The team that cost them the playoffs was also 7 and 7. But they had won every single one of their conference games which gave them they tie breaking edge. The Baltimore Hawks are the shoulda, woulda, coulda team that got robbed.
Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write about
Dominic Verns is the MVP series of this game. He took all the momentum from the begin of the game and gave it to the Orange County Otters. Less than 3 minutes into the game he picked off star quarterback King Bronco and took it all the way to the house. The Outlaws were able to score and keep up with the Otters on every offensive possession but Verns’ touchdown set the pace for the whole game. The Outlaws looked sloppy and were force feeding Josh Garden despite not being all that successful. After 9 catches he was able to score a touchdown and gain 87 yards. Nice for other receivers, not so good for this elite veteran receiver. Back to the MVP Dominic Verns. He was able to deflect 3 passes and get 8 tackles. He truly was a force to be reckoned with. Many other candidates some to mind such as Robert Phelps and Mike Boss. Both had extraordinary games and looked poised and collected. Neither was able to find the end zone but that didn't make them any less exciting to watch. All in all the Otters made a great stand denying the three-peat champions a chance to go for four. Orange County Otters, you da real MVP.
That Magic Moment: Pick one moment from a playoff game and describe what made it so amazing to watch. (Must be completed after the game you write about)
The moment when the Outlaws were handed defeat made it all worthwhile. That final drive where the Otters on the back of Leroy Jenkins scored a touchdown. The defense also stepped up and cause the Outlaws to go for it on fourth down and continue the game unsuccessfully. From there the Otters just needed to get a first down. A first down they got. Handed to them by the Outlaws having too many men on the field. The time that ran down just gave me a rush, finally my team will be able to compete and possibly win the greatest feat in the NSFL. We have tried for 3 years before and each year we failed. This year we had the same task as every other, dethrone the best at home. Home field advantage is so key in this game. It was the first time a home team lost in the playoffs. I want to win the Ultimus so much, however if we do not win it will not be as bad as getting kicked out of the game 3 years in a row. The feeling of advancing in the playoffs is just so incredible. The Otters have done a lot to make their team into a championship caliber team and finally they get to prove it. Good luck Wraiths, we’re coming for you!
Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
The unsung hero of the playoffs is definitely Brad Madlad of the Orange County Otters. Kickers already do not get the credit they deserve but this is a little different. Without a clutch kicker the Otters would have had their season ending a little early this year. Brad hit 3 field goals and his lone extra point which helped the Otters into the Ultimus. There is no doubt in my mind that if kickers received more credit and were valued higher that he would’ve been MVP. On top of kicking duties he also handled all the punting duties. He punted 7 times and pinned the Arizona Outlaws deep each time. Not all of them were inside the 20 but he made sure to keep them on their side of the field which is very important when playing the Outlaws. Give them a short field and they will make you regret it. All in all it was a very exciting game and if you watched it you left feeling a little satisfied unless you played for the Outlaws. This Ultimus game is going to be a little different in the best way possible. We all must thank Brad Madlad for his amazing contribution to the pursuit of the game. Go Otters!