05-10-2021, 02:43 AM
(This post was last modified: 05-12-2021, 02:40 AM by Asked Madden.)
So the curtain has now closed on another season for the Arizona Outlaws. Another disappointing end to what had looked like being such a promising year leaves this new look Outlaws team chasing the dream of Ultimus glory once more. Fair play to the Austin Copperheads, and best of luck against the Yellowknife Wraiths in the Ultimus final, but I can’t pretend that I’m not anything but disappointed. With the Berlin Fire Salamanders losing out in their Divisional playoff against the Wraiths that is both of the top seeds eliminated. Both of the teams who played at home. Cheers Sim. I guess you had your own ideas on how this season was going to play out, fair enough.
So where does that leave me, other than twiddling my thumbs for a couple of weeks. Well, for one thing, I need some money – bank account is looking a little light right now. I need to keep building L’Gazzy Burfict into one of the most feared LBs in ISFL history. The plan for Burfict was for him to become a household name within the league, and the S25 class being so competitive has been a great driver here. So chasing down new equipment is a must here, don’t want to be letting things slip. All I can do is give Burfict the best chance… the rest is up to the Sim, as always.
So that brings me to today, and gives me the opportunity to take a look back at L’Gazzy Burfict’s season 28 performances and have a little think about where he can go from here. I’m going to work my way through each of the Outlaws games, pulling out where Burfict made his mark, where indiscipline got the better of him and maybe some thoughts on how to move forward too. To avoid getting writers cramp (this is the most typing I’ve done in a good while) I’ll be splitting the season down the middle too. So that has the added bonus of allowing anyone who gets bored to avoid part two – it’s only fair, right.
Ok, so here goes, lets get down to business.
Week 1 – on the road against Honolulu Hahalua
Now those of you who follow L’Gazzy Burfict on Twitter (shout out to the 165 who do) will be aware of this, but for the benefit of those who don’t let me fill you in. Burfict hit the offseason hard and looked to minimise his Xbox activities, trading these in for more sessions on the track, in the weights room and eating copious amounts of chicken wings. So when the first game of the season arrived he was pretty fired up to say the least. On the first play of the game for Honolulu, Burfict sacked Fujiwara for a loss of six yards. Boom. It felt good to be back. Maybe the red mist descended a little too far as a few minutes later Burfict was chalked up for his first penalty of the season; too many players on the field. He should have known better – take a seat and grab a Gatorade. Or a chicken wing. But in the second quarter the same thing happened, Burfict being chalked up for another penalty but this time for a neutral zone infraction. All the hard work in the offseason would come to nothing if he kept on giving away these silly penalties, hopefully he’d learn from this. However this would be a double blow as with the very next play Fujiwara found Podolak for an 11 yard touchdown. Right at the end of the second quarter Burfict registered his first tackle of the game, and the season, taking down Ayres as he looked to run down the clock. But the damage had been done, with Honolulu landing 14-10 at the interval.
The third quarter was a quiet one for L’Gazzy Burfict as he only came away with the one tackle, again taking down Ayres. By the close of the third the score had moved to 17-13, still in Honolulu’s favour. The fourth quarter gave Burfict an opportunity to showcase his fitness, and he racked up five tackles. However, he would have been a little disappointed not to prevent Ayres converting on 3rd and inches, giving up a two yard run. The highlight of the quarter, and the game for Burfict for the matter, was at 2nd and 14 with just over five minutes to play. Burfict delivered an explosive sack on Fujiwara, ripping the ball free in the process and managing to recover the fumble too. Sadly this was not enough, the Outlaws were unable to convert possession of the ball into anything and the game ended with no change to the score.
For his efforts on the field L’Gazzy Burfict was awarded the defensive player of the game award for his nine tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and of course that fumble recovery. The Outlaws had lost, but he was looking in good form. Just needed to learn to keep his head and avoid giving away penalties – especially if they resulted in the opposition taking the ball into the end zone.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 9
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 2
Forced Fumbles: 1
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 0
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 2, 10 yards
Week 2 – at home against the Austin Copperheads
The Outlaws had lost in week one but spirits were high. There had been some positives on the field and the team felt sure that, in front of a home crowd, they could move back to winning ways. Having said that, the first quarter passed L’Gazzy by as he didn’t see any action come his way. He had to wait until right at the end of the second for a piece of the action, taking down Zoe Watts with a three yard tackle. A quiet first half for Burfict and the Outlaws went into the locker room holding a comfortable 20-7 lead.
A quick recharge looked to make all the difference and with the first play for Austin in the third quarter, Burfict sacked Daytona for a loss of 11 yards, forcing a fumble which was recovered by compatriot Chuck Roth. Despite taking hold of the ball on the Copperheads 25 yard line the Outlaws offence were unable to find a route through, with JJ finally kicking the field goal. By the time Burfict got his hands on some further action player the teams were tied at 30-30, Burfict registering a pass deflection, a first for the season. But it would be heartbreak in the final minute, Austin taking the ball through for a touchdown with only 39 seconds remaining – this is how the game would end.
So the Outlaws were 0 and 2, and Burfict had only managed three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and the solitary pass deflection.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 12
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 3
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 1
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 2, 10 yards
Week 3 – on the road against the Orange County Otters
Heads were a little low in the locker room having started the season with the two defeats. But if there anyone to turn things around against it would be the Otters. One of the old guard of historically successful teams who had been struggling with adapting to the quicker, more technical style of the modern game as of late.
The first quarter delivered a couple of highlights for Burfict; a one yard tackle on Savage quickly followed up by a second pass deflection of the season as Ramza looked to target Evans. The second quarter saw Burfict add another tackle, a short gain for Phillips and with just over three minutes remaining he hit Ramza with sack for a loss of six yards. This would be his final action of the half, and the Outlaws headed into the locker room with a lead of eight.
The third quarter saw Burfict take down Evans for a couple of tackles but in the fourth quarter it looked like Burfict was slipping back into his old mentality. A solid tackle on Phillips was followed up with a needless penalty, this time for offside. A side of his game he really needed to iron out as on this occasion it lead to a field goal being scored. Thankfully this was far from enough and the Outlaws ran out winners by 41 to 23. Burfict registered six tackles, one sack and the one pass deflection on the day.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 18
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 4
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 2
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 4 – at home against the New Orleans Second Line
Now coming off the back of the week three victory against the Orange County Otters, spirits were high in the camp and Burfict was, as usual, pretty fired up. But sometimes everyone has a quiet day and this was one of those. It wasn’t just Burfict though, this day was more about the star performances of both QBs (Cortez and Slothlisberger) who came away with passing ratings of 121 and 114 respectively. In terms of Burfict’s time on the field he had a quick fire double tackle play in the second, first taking down Spencer for six and then McCormick for four. Outlaws would be up 20 to 13 at the half. On New Orleans’ first possession of the third quarter Burfict would register his final tackle of the game, giving up a seven yard gain for Forty-Two. The very next play Slothlisberger was sacked by Eriksen – so maybe he can take a little credit for setting that up…! Anyway, the Outlaws ran out victorious by 33 to 20 despite Burfict only managing to register three tackles on the day.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 21
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 4
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 2
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 5 – on the road against the San Jose SabreCats
The Outlaws were now 2 and 2 on the season and they were coming up against a team who had won back to back Ultimus championships not too long ago. So this would be no easy ride despite what the pundits may be thinking. Burfict had worked on his hands over the prior week so would be hoping to put those to good use here. But he’d have to wait until early in the second quarter before seeing any action, stopping ex Royals star Tugg Speedman in his tracks with a powerful six yard tackle which appeared to wind the rookie. Later in that same quarter Burfict would be called upon again, stopping Lackson at the San Jose 42 yard line. In the final minute the SaberCats would give the ball to Cardrissian for a few rushing attempts and this allowed Burfict to give a simple answer of “No” and add a couple more tackles to his tally. Outlaws were leading 14-10 going into the half time interval.
There would be no action in the third quarter for Burfict but the best was yet to come. With the SaberCats on 2nd and 6 on the Outlaws 14 yard line, a pass from Jack which was intended for Cardrissian was gathered up by a leaping Burfict in the end zone and taken back up the field for a 64 yard first down play. Clearly focusing on the hands (as well as the general fitness in offseason) paid off big time here. Burfict was a little disappointed not to take the ball all the way but a few plays later they would add to their score, with everyone’s favourite RB number two Gunner Thorbjornsson taking the ball through for a one yard td – classic Gunner. The Outlaws would come out winners by 35 to 13 and Burfict registered four tackles, one pass deflection and his first interception of the season in quite some style.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 25
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 4
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 3
Interceptions: 1
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 6 – on the road against the Chicago Butchers
A second game on the road in succession saw the Outlaws head north to play Chigaco. After a couple of indifferent weeks – aside from the interception of course, L’Gazzy Burfict was looking to once again start to leave his mark on the opposition. And things looked promising from the off, with Burfict registering a sack on O’Donnell for a loss of seven yards on the play – one of the three times he would be sacked on the day. But from there, well, Burfict didn’t really managed to kick on. At the start of the second quarter he managed to take down Yoda for a three yard tackle and that was all the action he saw until the half, where the Outlaws went into the locker room leading by eight.
In the third quarter we’d have to wait until the second last play to see Burfict on the move again, taking down McZeal. A solitary tackle in the fourth quarter was all he could add – with the Butchers pushing hard for victory. The game went into overtime where Outlaws kicker JJ put the ball through the posts and the game was wrapped up 35 to 32. Burfict managed just the four tackles and one sack – was it too early to be a little worried that he was running out of steam a little?
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 29
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 5
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 3
Interceptions: 1
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 7 – at home against the New York Silverbacks
Back in the familiar surroundings of the stadium in Phoenix, Burfict trained hard going into the matchup against one of the two recent expansion teams. You could almost feel the team exhale heavily, glad to be back home and put on a show for the crowd. And put on a show they did – running out with a 37 to 6 victory. Neither QB came away with great figures with passer ratings under 65 and sharing six sacks between them. The star of the show was undoubtedly Nakamura who ran over 200 yards and registered four touchdowns. The defence didn’t have to do much, they worked efficiently as a unit to force the turnovers as quickly as possible. And really, Burfict was only called upon in the fourth quarter where he registered all his numbers for the day. He managed three tackles and one sack on Howitzer. So not the greatest day, but a convincing team victory and spirits were high at the mid-point of the season.
Running total at the midway point of the season.
Tackles: 28, an average of 4 tackles per game
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 5, an average of 0.7 sacks per game
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 3
Interceptions: 1
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Looking at the stats at the mid-way point, Burfict could see that he would have to knuckle down over the second half of the season. He’d be hoping to increase the average tackles made per game as well as sacks. As a linebacker he’s always chasing after the goal of a sack per game, but that could be tricky having fallen a little behind that so far. Add to this his improvement in hands – the hope here would be that pass deflections (and possible even interceptions) would see better returns in the run in. But in ISFL football, nothing is that straight forward. On the plus side, he’d clearly learnt from the early season indiscipline and not conceded a penalty since week three. A good Burfict? Who knows.
The remaining games, obligatory playoff heartbreak and some thoughts looking forward to next season will be coming in another post pretty soon.
So where does that leave me, other than twiddling my thumbs for a couple of weeks. Well, for one thing, I need some money – bank account is looking a little light right now. I need to keep building L’Gazzy Burfict into one of the most feared LBs in ISFL history. The plan for Burfict was for him to become a household name within the league, and the S25 class being so competitive has been a great driver here. So chasing down new equipment is a must here, don’t want to be letting things slip. All I can do is give Burfict the best chance… the rest is up to the Sim, as always.
So that brings me to today, and gives me the opportunity to take a look back at L’Gazzy Burfict’s season 28 performances and have a little think about where he can go from here. I’m going to work my way through each of the Outlaws games, pulling out where Burfict made his mark, where indiscipline got the better of him and maybe some thoughts on how to move forward too. To avoid getting writers cramp (this is the most typing I’ve done in a good while) I’ll be splitting the season down the middle too. So that has the added bonus of allowing anyone who gets bored to avoid part two – it’s only fair, right.
Ok, so here goes, lets get down to business.
Week 1 – on the road against Honolulu Hahalua
Now those of you who follow L’Gazzy Burfict on Twitter (shout out to the 165 who do) will be aware of this, but for the benefit of those who don’t let me fill you in. Burfict hit the offseason hard and looked to minimise his Xbox activities, trading these in for more sessions on the track, in the weights room and eating copious amounts of chicken wings. So when the first game of the season arrived he was pretty fired up to say the least. On the first play of the game for Honolulu, Burfict sacked Fujiwara for a loss of six yards. Boom. It felt good to be back. Maybe the red mist descended a little too far as a few minutes later Burfict was chalked up for his first penalty of the season; too many players on the field. He should have known better – take a seat and grab a Gatorade. Or a chicken wing. But in the second quarter the same thing happened, Burfict being chalked up for another penalty but this time for a neutral zone infraction. All the hard work in the offseason would come to nothing if he kept on giving away these silly penalties, hopefully he’d learn from this. However this would be a double blow as with the very next play Fujiwara found Podolak for an 11 yard touchdown. Right at the end of the second quarter Burfict registered his first tackle of the game, and the season, taking down Ayres as he looked to run down the clock. But the damage had been done, with Honolulu landing 14-10 at the interval.
The third quarter was a quiet one for L’Gazzy Burfict as he only came away with the one tackle, again taking down Ayres. By the close of the third the score had moved to 17-13, still in Honolulu’s favour. The fourth quarter gave Burfict an opportunity to showcase his fitness, and he racked up five tackles. However, he would have been a little disappointed not to prevent Ayres converting on 3rd and inches, giving up a two yard run. The highlight of the quarter, and the game for Burfict for the matter, was at 2nd and 14 with just over five minutes to play. Burfict delivered an explosive sack on Fujiwara, ripping the ball free in the process and managing to recover the fumble too. Sadly this was not enough, the Outlaws were unable to convert possession of the ball into anything and the game ended with no change to the score.
For his efforts on the field L’Gazzy Burfict was awarded the defensive player of the game award for his nine tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and of course that fumble recovery. The Outlaws had lost, but he was looking in good form. Just needed to learn to keep his head and avoid giving away penalties – especially if they resulted in the opposition taking the ball into the end zone.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 9
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 2
Forced Fumbles: 1
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 0
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 2, 10 yards
Week 2 – at home against the Austin Copperheads
The Outlaws had lost in week one but spirits were high. There had been some positives on the field and the team felt sure that, in front of a home crowd, they could move back to winning ways. Having said that, the first quarter passed L’Gazzy by as he didn’t see any action come his way. He had to wait until right at the end of the second for a piece of the action, taking down Zoe Watts with a three yard tackle. A quiet first half for Burfict and the Outlaws went into the locker room holding a comfortable 20-7 lead.
A quick recharge looked to make all the difference and with the first play for Austin in the third quarter, Burfict sacked Daytona for a loss of 11 yards, forcing a fumble which was recovered by compatriot Chuck Roth. Despite taking hold of the ball on the Copperheads 25 yard line the Outlaws offence were unable to find a route through, with JJ finally kicking the field goal. By the time Burfict got his hands on some further action player the teams were tied at 30-30, Burfict registering a pass deflection, a first for the season. But it would be heartbreak in the final minute, Austin taking the ball through for a touchdown with only 39 seconds remaining – this is how the game would end.
So the Outlaws were 0 and 2, and Burfict had only managed three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and the solitary pass deflection.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 12
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 3
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 1
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 2, 10 yards
Week 3 – on the road against the Orange County Otters
Heads were a little low in the locker room having started the season with the two defeats. But if there anyone to turn things around against it would be the Otters. One of the old guard of historically successful teams who had been struggling with adapting to the quicker, more technical style of the modern game as of late.
The first quarter delivered a couple of highlights for Burfict; a one yard tackle on Savage quickly followed up by a second pass deflection of the season as Ramza looked to target Evans. The second quarter saw Burfict add another tackle, a short gain for Phillips and with just over three minutes remaining he hit Ramza with sack for a loss of six yards. This would be his final action of the half, and the Outlaws headed into the locker room with a lead of eight.
The third quarter saw Burfict take down Evans for a couple of tackles but in the fourth quarter it looked like Burfict was slipping back into his old mentality. A solid tackle on Phillips was followed up with a needless penalty, this time for offside. A side of his game he really needed to iron out as on this occasion it lead to a field goal being scored. Thankfully this was far from enough and the Outlaws ran out winners by 41 to 23. Burfict registered six tackles, one sack and the one pass deflection on the day.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 18
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 4
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 2
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 4 – at home against the New Orleans Second Line
Now coming off the back of the week three victory against the Orange County Otters, spirits were high in the camp and Burfict was, as usual, pretty fired up. But sometimes everyone has a quiet day and this was one of those. It wasn’t just Burfict though, this day was more about the star performances of both QBs (Cortez and Slothlisberger) who came away with passing ratings of 121 and 114 respectively. In terms of Burfict’s time on the field he had a quick fire double tackle play in the second, first taking down Spencer for six and then McCormick for four. Outlaws would be up 20 to 13 at the half. On New Orleans’ first possession of the third quarter Burfict would register his final tackle of the game, giving up a seven yard gain for Forty-Two. The very next play Slothlisberger was sacked by Eriksen – so maybe he can take a little credit for setting that up…! Anyway, the Outlaws ran out victorious by 33 to 20 despite Burfict only managing to register three tackles on the day.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 21
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 4
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 2
Interceptions: 0
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 5 – on the road against the San Jose SabreCats
The Outlaws were now 2 and 2 on the season and they were coming up against a team who had won back to back Ultimus championships not too long ago. So this would be no easy ride despite what the pundits may be thinking. Burfict had worked on his hands over the prior week so would be hoping to put those to good use here. But he’d have to wait until early in the second quarter before seeing any action, stopping ex Royals star Tugg Speedman in his tracks with a powerful six yard tackle which appeared to wind the rookie. Later in that same quarter Burfict would be called upon again, stopping Lackson at the San Jose 42 yard line. In the final minute the SaberCats would give the ball to Cardrissian for a few rushing attempts and this allowed Burfict to give a simple answer of “No” and add a couple more tackles to his tally. Outlaws were leading 14-10 going into the half time interval.
There would be no action in the third quarter for Burfict but the best was yet to come. With the SaberCats on 2nd and 6 on the Outlaws 14 yard line, a pass from Jack which was intended for Cardrissian was gathered up by a leaping Burfict in the end zone and taken back up the field for a 64 yard first down play. Clearly focusing on the hands (as well as the general fitness in offseason) paid off big time here. Burfict was a little disappointed not to take the ball all the way but a few plays later they would add to their score, with everyone’s favourite RB number two Gunner Thorbjornsson taking the ball through for a one yard td – classic Gunner. The Outlaws would come out winners by 35 to 13 and Burfict registered four tackles, one pass deflection and his first interception of the season in quite some style.
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 25
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 4
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 3
Interceptions: 1
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 6 – on the road against the Chicago Butchers
A second game on the road in succession saw the Outlaws head north to play Chigaco. After a couple of indifferent weeks – aside from the interception of course, L’Gazzy Burfict was looking to once again start to leave his mark on the opposition. And things looked promising from the off, with Burfict registering a sack on O’Donnell for a loss of seven yards on the play – one of the three times he would be sacked on the day. But from there, well, Burfict didn’t really managed to kick on. At the start of the second quarter he managed to take down Yoda for a three yard tackle and that was all the action he saw until the half, where the Outlaws went into the locker room leading by eight.
In the third quarter we’d have to wait until the second last play to see Burfict on the move again, taking down McZeal. A solitary tackle in the fourth quarter was all he could add – with the Butchers pushing hard for victory. The game went into overtime where Outlaws kicker JJ put the ball through the posts and the game was wrapped up 35 to 32. Burfict managed just the four tackles and one sack – was it too early to be a little worried that he was running out of steam a little?
Running totals for the season:
Tackles: 29
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 5
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 3
Interceptions: 1
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Week 7 – at home against the New York Silverbacks
Back in the familiar surroundings of the stadium in Phoenix, Burfict trained hard going into the matchup against one of the two recent expansion teams. You could almost feel the team exhale heavily, glad to be back home and put on a show for the crowd. And put on a show they did – running out with a 37 to 6 victory. Neither QB came away with great figures with passer ratings under 65 and sharing six sacks between them. The star of the show was undoubtedly Nakamura who ran over 200 yards and registered four touchdowns. The defence didn’t have to do much, they worked efficiently as a unit to force the turnovers as quickly as possible. And really, Burfict was only called upon in the fourth quarter where he registered all his numbers for the day. He managed three tackles and one sack on Howitzer. So not the greatest day, but a convincing team victory and spirits were high at the mid-point of the season.
Running total at the midway point of the season.
Tackles: 28, an average of 4 tackles per game
Tackles for Loss: 0
Sacks: 5, an average of 0.7 sacks per game
Forced Fumbles: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Pass Deflections: 3
Interceptions: 1
Penalties: 3, 15 yards
Looking at the stats at the mid-way point, Burfict could see that he would have to knuckle down over the second half of the season. He’d be hoping to increase the average tackles made per game as well as sacks. As a linebacker he’s always chasing after the goal of a sack per game, but that could be tricky having fallen a little behind that so far. Add to this his improvement in hands – the hope here would be that pass deflections (and possible even interceptions) would see better returns in the run in. But in ISFL football, nothing is that straight forward. On the plus side, he’d clearly learnt from the early season indiscipline and not conceded a penalty since week three. A good Burfict? Who knows.
The remaining games, obligatory playoff heartbreak and some thoughts looking forward to next season will be coming in another post pretty soon.
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