Yes, I know I just poured myself a glass of grape Kool-Aid ten minutes ago. Yes, it was delicious. But no, it did not do the trick. I'm still thirsty, and this time, I'm craving a different flavor. Cherry, I think. That's right, people, it's time to discuss how Tijuana can claim this season's Ultimini.
Reasons to Be Excited:
As is custom, Tijuana has heavily prioritized the battle in the trenches, even going so far as to trade their number two weapon, wide receiver Hugh Mongo, to Portland in exchange for rookie defensive tackle Shane Masters. Their strength, however, lies on the offensive side of the trench, where they drafted the only offensive lineman in this year’s draft to join a group of three others on their brutal offensive line. This bodes well for running back Zoro Roronoa, assuming he isn’t usurped by draftee Ducky Donut, and for rookie wide receiver turned quarterback Jordan McCann III, who’ll need all the help he can get as he looks to develop in his new role.
Causes for Concern:
Aside from the offensive line, the players on the offensive side of the ball for Tijuana are somewhat unremarkable (with a handful of exceptions). The running back situation is unclear, and although they have a handful of remarkable options in the passing game, they need McCann to shine in his rookie season at an unfamiliar position. They also lack depth in their linebacking corps, which means if a team can work its way past their defensive wall, they will struggle to defend medium distance.
Players to Watch:
• CB Jordan Andrews: Despite prioritizing the battle in the trenches, Tijuana’s best defensive player is probably Andrews. The Luchadores are certainly not slouching on the defensive line, but it must be a relief for them that Andrews will be able to compete with just about any wide receiver in the league when the passing game does come into play.
• TE Honda Edmond: Edmond is the best of both worlds for the Luchadores; he can make plays in the passing game, but perhaps more important, he can throw a solid block as well. Edmond is exactly what Tijuana needs to have success in both the running game and the passing game.
• WR Lazlo Forty-Two: If Jordan McCann III can refine his game at the quarterback position, Forty-Two is going to have a spectacular year, and with Edmond (among others) to take some of the pressure off of him, Forty-Two may even be in the MVP conversation at the end of the season.
The Final Pitch:
Tijuana is far from a perfect time, but they’re solid at almost every position, and they will undoubtedly win the battle in the trenches more often than not. The Luchadores won’t let themselves be pushed around, and that means they have a real shot at an Ultimini.
Reasons to Be Excited:
As is custom, Tijuana has heavily prioritized the battle in the trenches, even going so far as to trade their number two weapon, wide receiver Hugh Mongo, to Portland in exchange for rookie defensive tackle Shane Masters. Their strength, however, lies on the offensive side of the trench, where they drafted the only offensive lineman in this year’s draft to join a group of three others on their brutal offensive line. This bodes well for running back Zoro Roronoa, assuming he isn’t usurped by draftee Ducky Donut, and for rookie wide receiver turned quarterback Jordan McCann III, who’ll need all the help he can get as he looks to develop in his new role.
Causes for Concern:
Aside from the offensive line, the players on the offensive side of the ball for Tijuana are somewhat unremarkable (with a handful of exceptions). The running back situation is unclear, and although they have a handful of remarkable options in the passing game, they need McCann to shine in his rookie season at an unfamiliar position. They also lack depth in their linebacking corps, which means if a team can work its way past their defensive wall, they will struggle to defend medium distance.
Players to Watch:
• CB Jordan Andrews: Despite prioritizing the battle in the trenches, Tijuana’s best defensive player is probably Andrews. The Luchadores are certainly not slouching on the defensive line, but it must be a relief for them that Andrews will be able to compete with just about any wide receiver in the league when the passing game does come into play.
• TE Honda Edmond: Edmond is the best of both worlds for the Luchadores; he can make plays in the passing game, but perhaps more important, he can throw a solid block as well. Edmond is exactly what Tijuana needs to have success in both the running game and the passing game.
• WR Lazlo Forty-Two: If Jordan McCann III can refine his game at the quarterback position, Forty-Two is going to have a spectacular year, and with Edmond (among others) to take some of the pressure off of him, Forty-Two may even be in the MVP conversation at the end of the season.
The Final Pitch:
Tijuana is far from a perfect time, but they’re solid at almost every position, and they will undoubtedly win the battle in the trenches more often than not. The Luchadores won’t let themselves be pushed around, and that means they have a real shot at an Ultimini.