Preseason Review
With the preseason under wraps and as we begin to dive into the 27th season of the ISFL/DSFL, I wanted to take some time and go over the performances of the Grey Ducks, look at some player statistics, take a stab at the contested starting roster spots, and lastly try to gage the strengths and weaknesses of the team. Then I will take a stab at the season's outlook for Minnesota because the preseason is SUPER indicative of the regular season (spoiler alert: it's not).Team Scores and Breakdown
27-16
In the first preseason game, the Grey Ducks took on the Dallas Birddogs at home. After a fairly disappointing performance by Minnesota, the Birddogs came out on top 27-16. The only touchdown of the day came from a 23 yard pass to Mike Hunt in the late 4th quarter thrown by the veteran QB, Ryan Negs. The offense overall was quite stagnant with no long drives being sustained with the exception of the last minute touchdown, but by then the game was pretty much sealed with only 5 minutes to go left in the game.
The defense was also lackluster this game, allowing 3 touchdowns before the fourth quarter. Some could argue that the performance was mostly attributed to the lack of sustained drives by the offense thus not allowing much rest on the defense. However, this was most likely just a negative feedback loop from both sides of the ball playing poorly, which further hindered any progress in the game.
Kicker and punter Maximus had a stellar game, on the other hand, being a perfect 3/3 in field goals, two of which were from 50 or more yards, and 1/1 in extra points. Linebacker Brooks Bane and DE Mills Wallace also had promising individual performances each racking up 1 fumble recovery. Bane also led the defense in both tackles and passes defended with 8 and 2, respectively.
24-0
With the second game of the preseason, Minnesota took on the Bondi Beach Buccaneers at Sydney, Australia, their first of three straight away games in the preseason. Travelling halfway across the world did not stop the defense from putting up numbers, however! Clearly determined to right the ship following the loss to Dallas, the Grey Duck's defense took all the positives of the previous week and capitalized on each and every miscue the Bucs gave them, resulting in a defensive blow out and shut out of 24-0!
The defense was once again led by LB Brooks Bane who had a career night racking up 9 tackles and 2 TFL. Defensive end Mills Wallace had another consistent and strong game recording 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, and a forced fumble and recovery. Rookie safety Tim Soulja finally showed off his prowess at spotting the ball by recording his first interception of the preseason. However, the biggest night came from the other safety Captain John Price who effectively sealed the game with a pick 6 of seven yards at the start of the second quarter. He also racked up 8 tackles, 1 TFL, and 1 pass defended.
Like the previous week, both rookie Raske and Negs split the share of snaps at the quarterback position, with approximately 2/3 of the snaps favored to Raske to see how he may perform. Both quarterbacks played decently enough to each rack up a passing touchdown. Raske played better than negs, given the more opportunities, where he went 11 for 21 passing and averaged 8.6 yards per reception and a passer rating of 80.5. It was a very promising game for the rookie, and his future looks bright if he learns how to better sustain the drives and capitalize on the great opportunities the defense gave him.
Running back Madison Hayes and wide receiver Mike Hunt also played well racking up 77 and 56 yards of rushing and receiving respectfully to the two players. Hayes had a powerful long run of 19 yards which helped to really gash the Bucs defense. Hunt's longest reception accounted for 21 yards and he had a 13 yard catch for a touchdown.
This phenomenal win over Bondi Beach was the Grey Duck's best performance of the preseason, and really showed how scary this team can be when the defense is clicking and when the offense finishes its drives. However, this was the Grey Duck's only win also showing there is much more room for improvement if they want a shot at the title!
9-21
The third game of the preseason had the Ducks face off against the Tijuana Luchadores on the road. While the Grey Ducks came into the game determined and ready to continue their win streak, they left with another disappointing performance helmed by the offense. Once again attributed to the lack of ability to maintain long drives, the offense failed to score any touchdowns and had to settle for three field goals spread out throughout the first three quarters. The Luchadores took down the traveling ducks that headed south for the winter in a final score of 9 to 21.
Negs and rookie Raske split snaps yet again this game, yet neither one could get any sort of momentum with a mere 170 yards total passing yards between them, no touchdown as mentioned before and an interception by Negs. As a result, none of the receivers had any substantial performances. Receivers Jalen Washington and Joe Bay had the longest receptions of the night with 31 and 28 yards, respectively, which turned a few heads towards their direction. Running back Hayes had a mediocre night being held to only 58 total rushing yards. His 33 yard run was the biggest play of the game, however, so he still shows flashes and is the clear RB1 on the team.
As a whole the defense failed to produce anything worth of note... They felt quite porous at times allowing a total of 3 TDs and 380 total yards (257 passing and 123 rushing). Rookie linebacker DeAndre Chuggs accounted for a forced fumble, but the Luchadores recovered preventing a much needed turnover. The defense also tallied 2 sacks on the Luchadores very promising rookie quarterback IsHe... ReallyInvisible by safety Price and rookie defensive tackle Daniel O'Leary. However, the defense needed to get more pressure on the quarterback and better defend the receivers, otherwise we can expect a similar outcome when these teams face again in the regular season!
3-24
In the final game of the 4-game preseason, the Grey Ducks ended their three-game road trip in Portland, Oregon taking on the Portland Pythons. While the team tried yet again to bounce back after a disappointing loss the previous week, the Grey Ducks were clearly the inferior team out on the field. They could get nothing going on offense and the Pythons had their way with them on defense. The only score of the night for Minnesota was a 35 yard field goal from Maximus in the final score of 3-24 Portland.
Splitting the snaps in this game as well, the rookie Raske had his worst performance of the preseason bar none with a passer rating of 25.9. Completing only 8 of his 22 passing attempts, the rookie threw for a paltry 50 yards and a pick. Negs performance was only slightly better with a passer rating of 76.2, 9 for 15 passes and 87 yards. Hayes rushed for 65 yards off 22 attempts with his longest run of the night being a 12 yard gain. His lack of big plays really stunted the performance of the offense, especially pair with the horrid performances by the quarterbacks. Wide receivers Hunt and Tarantino racked up 43 yards off 4 receptions and 44 yards off 3 receptions, however their stats were nothing to write home about given the lack of touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, LB Brooks Bane led the team in tackles again with 10. Despite the 3 sacks generated by the defense, the lack of turnovers and inability to stop both the rushing and passing attack from the Pythons sealed the fate of the game. The defense allowed 332 total yards of offense, 149 of those being rushing yards. Changes need to be made on the defense if they want to be able to carry their team similar to the second preseason game.
Player Stats
Passing
First looking at the passing totals, it becomes clear that Negs should be given the nod for the starting quarterback position over Raske for the time being. While I definitely see the potential in the rookie, his play is too inconsistent and poor to lead the team right now. I believe Raske will eventually get the start over Negs later in the season if he continues to train and work on his passing game. However, both QBs need to focus on sustaining drives, converting 3rd downs, and not turning the ball over. Mistakes like those will be costly in the regular season. Both quarter backs should also aim to improve their completion percentage, since nearly every other pass is falling incomplete. Just boosting it by 5 points may be enough to make converting first downs simpler and thereby allows them to more easily finish the drives. A small improvement in that category would have a domino effect on the rest of the offense and could very well be the push it needs to become a powerhouse in the DSFL.
Rushing
The lead back Hayes proved yet again he is the lead back on this team. Averaging 3.62 yards per rush is consistent enough that opposing defense will respect him as the threat he is, and I can definitely see room for growth when he eventually starts making those big splash plays. Rookie McCoy still has room to grow averaging only 1.2 yards per rush, but he will be a nice fill in for Hayes, when needed. Briefly peaking at the quarterbacks on this list, I think it is safe to say that neither one of the quarter backs are rushing quarter backs. But I appreciate to see Negs on the list with an average of 7 yards, meaning he can aim for the first down if given the space.
Receiving
Hunt was the most consistently good wide out when given the opportunities, averaging 12.4 yards per reception and racking up 2 TDs. Bay and Washington are also solid options at the position as well when given the looks. The quarterbacks need to a do a better job at getting the ball into the hands of their best weapons to make scoring opportunities more plentiful. Tarantino also put up decent receptions as a tight end and should definitely see more passes thrown his way in the future. Running back Hayes also made an impact in the passing game, but with an average of less than 3 yards, I would like to see more improvement or more screens thrown his way. I hope to see more quality production from this group in the regular season and from the improved passing game.
Defense
Rookie LB Bane really flashed this preseason after leading the team in tackles and tied for first in passed defended. Safeties Price and rookie Soulja both showed they also are consistently good assets to the team averaging 5.5 tackles per game and accounting for 3 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 2 interceptions between the two of them over these past 4 games. Price definitely earned his first name 'Captain' as well with his pick six from the second preseason game as he was the lone Grey Duck with a defensive score.
Defensive end Wallace was a monster of the front seven constantly getting in the back field and accumulating sacks and tackles for loss. He led the team with 4 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, and 4 total forced fumbles with 3 recoveries over the four preseason games. The Grey Ducks sincerely hope he maintains this production in the regular season, especially if the team continues to struggle on offense. Recently converted rookie corner back Antwon Bruckner also had 2 passes defended. His other stats were not as note worthy, but I hope that is more attributed to the opposing quarterback being hesitant to throw his way, as he shows quite a lot of promise as the Grey Ducks first round selection.
While not every defensive player was mentioned in this small write up, the defense is clearly a strength for the team and many of the rookies are likely to shine in the regular season. I am hopeful to see more and more turnovers produced in the regular season. These critical plays along with crucial sacks and tackles for loss will pave the way towards this team being a dominant force. Defense wins championships, as they say, and this defense certainly shows the prowess to do such that if they execute well!
Kicking and Punting
Kicker and punter Maximus was the star of the show in many of the preseason games seeing as the other two phases of the ball were inconsistent at best. First focusing on his kicking, Maximus impressed by nailing both his field goals greater than fifty yards. Considering how difficult it will be for the offense to pass midfield some days, being able to rely on a clutch kicker such as himself is invaluable. Being perfect on extra points also should not go unnoticed. The misses in the 30 to 49 yard range were more shocking in the moment, but ultimately they can be corrected and because it is preseason they should not matter too much. Now looking at his punting, he averaged nearly 46 yards a punt with a long of 62 yards! Both stats are pretty remarkable and show he can pin the opponent when needed. This is further backed up by his 13 punts inside the 20 on 31 attempts. Let's hope he continues these numbers and improves on them!
Season Outlook and Closing Remarks
While the team certainly showed flashes of great promise for the regular season, especially on defense and certain skill positions on offense, the team overall will need to step up their game if they want to consistently compete in the DSFL this year. The Grey Ducks will need more defensive performances similar to the Bondi Beach game and less like the Tijuana and Portland games. Ideally, once Minnesota finally fleshes out their quarterback position, I can see success on the horizon as the surrounding team can carry the consistent quarterback, so long as he does not make any crucial errors. The offense should be able to rely on its skill positions at running back with Hayes, wide receiver Hunt, and tight end Tarantino as the starters/number ones.
Until then, I will take a conservative estimate on the team and predict that they will finish 7-7 again, this time second in the division. I eagerly hope to be proven wrong, and by that I mean I hope the Grey Ducks perform even better than what I am expecting, not worse! I greatly look forward to see how the Ducks perform against the Buccaneers again on Thursday.
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