06-20-2023, 03:11 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-24-2023, 01:54 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 1 time in total.)
Here we go, something I'm going to try to keep up with over the course of this season as I try to keep my bank balance afloat since I'm a gambling degenerate.
Week 1 of the DSFL saw the worst team of Season 41 (Dallas Birddogs) travel to the reigning Ultimini Champions - Tijuana Luchadores. This was followed up by the Bucs travelling to Norfolk and then Minnesota travelling to the north west to take on Portland. Finally the juiciest matchup of the week saw a rematch of the Season 41 Northern Championship game when my Kansas City Coyotes travelled to London to wrestle with the Royals.
Tijuana Luchadores - 20 defeated Dallas Birddogs - 17
Whew boy, this was a lot closer then a lot of people would have expected. The game started in the best way possible for Dallas - Tijuana started with the ball but before they could cross halfway Kraig Johntholomew had intercepted a Lloyd Bannings pass. The Birddogs made use of the short field, with Ace Anderson punching it in from two yards out only 6 plays later.
After a few punts back and forth and a missed Dallas field goal, Tijuana even the score through a Kyle Bessey 8 yard touchdown run. From there the Luchadores defense was miserly, forcing two straight punts which set the scene for a Garrett Cheetahman 36 yard touchdown catch.
From there the game turned into a defensive slugfest, neither team was able to move the ball with efficient. With 2:30 left in the 3rd quarter Synystyr Gates stepped in front of an Octavion Speedings pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. At this point I'm sure the Luchadores thought the game was done and dusted, but a missed xp left the door open a crack for the Birddogs.
The Birddogs wouldn't take it laying down though, they drove down the field and kicked a field goal to cut the lead to 10 with 14:30 left. The Luchadores drove down into field goal range but a Doggo Days sack would make the field goal attempt a 35+ attempt which was missed by Tijuana.
Ace Anderson would then gash the Luchadores run defense and scoring on a 1 yard plunge which cut the lead to 3 with 2:30 remaining in the game. However Bannings would step up and pick up 4 first downs through the air to ice the game, run out the clock and secure the win for Tijuana.
Bannings had 370 yards through the air which saw Cheetahman and Eli Prince have more than 120+ receiving yards each. Ace Anderson paced the Dallas offense with 77 yards and 2 touchdowns at 5.5 yards per carry.
On defense it was Johntholomew who stood out for the Birddogs, his interception was coupled with 2 passes defended and a sack. For Tijuana it was of course Gates with his defensive touchdown and interception, rookie linebacker Iman Outlaw was also a standout with 9 tackles which included 2 tackles for a loss and 1 sack in an impressive debut.
Tijuana will be happy to get out with a win as they face Norfolk in Week 2, while Dallas takes confidence from a close run game with the reigning champs as they head down under to take on Bondi Beach.
Norfolk Seawolves - 32 defeated Bondi Beach Buccaneers - 29
On paper I would have considered this as one of the closest matchups of the week and boy did these two teams produce an instant classic.
RE started the match red hot and they marched Bondi down the field and lasered a 2 yard touchdown for the first score of the game. On the next drive 5 defensive penalties by the Bucs helped Norfolk tie the game, Garrett McCollum had the 3 yard TD run for the Seawolves.
Norfolk continued to turn the screws on Bondi, a 3 & out had the Bucs punting from their own 14. Sticky Hands broke a tackle and would return the punt 66 yards, finally being brought down at the Bondi 1.
Jimmy Walker would be the beneficiary as they scored on a 1 yard touchdown run that gave the Seawolves their first lead.
However this kicked the Buccaneers into gear, they would rattle off the next 22 points straight. It started with another 2 yard TD pass from RE, this time Duma was on the end of it. A Norfolk 3 and out would lead to a Bucs FG which gave them a 17-14 lead with 2 minutes left in the first half.
Looking for a score before the half, Norfolk attempted to push the ball down the field. Bordeaux could only find BBB linebacker - Captain Scott who make the pick at the Norfolk 21 yard line and returned it to the 16 yard line. Three straight rushes by Bertie Manning-Phipps had the Bucs at the Norfolk 1 yard line, Steve Bonnet would come in and vulture the touchdown and giving the Bucs a 10 point lead at the half.
The Seawolves pain would continue after the half, on the second play after the resumption Amanda HugandKiss would force a Stetson David fumble which the Bucs would turn into a field goal. From here defense dominated the rest of the third quarter, multiple 3 and outs and another Bordeaux interception were weathered but the score remained 27-14. Until a BBB punt pinned the Seawolves inside their own 10, a sack on third down secured a safety and gave the Bucs a 29-14 lead with a minute left in the 3rd quarter.
From their the Seawolves came alive, a 94 yard drive was capped with a 23 yard touchdown toss by Bordeaux to David, atoning for their combined blunders earlier in the game. The Norfolk defense would then force a 3 and out, combined with a poor punt saw the Seawolves starting their drive from the Bondi 36. Three plays later McCollum found paydirt from a yard out and the Seawolves had tied the game as the 2 point conversion was successful as Bordeaux found Hunt. Just like that scores were tied at 29 with 7 minutes left.
From there the Bucs were able to drive to midfield but Manning-Phipps was stuffed on 3rd and 1. The Bucs managed to down the punt at the 1 giving the Seawolves 104 seconds and 3 time outs to go 99 yards.
Bordeaux found big completions to David (14 yards) McCollum (32 yards) to have the Seawolves in field goal range with 20 seconds left. Zoot booted truly to give the Seawolves a 32-29 lead.
The amazing plays had not ended though, with the ball at their own 12, 15 seconds left, down 3 and no time outs the Bucs had no chance - the fat lady was warm and ready to go. However Stevenson broke free and was only brought down by Hands at the Norfolk 26, unfortunately with no time outs left the clock ran out and Norfolk were victors.
RE was the standout for the Bucs, 300 yards passing and two touchdowns paced their offense. On the defensive side Paul Lobster had 6 tackles including 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack and a safety - he also added a pass deflection to that stacked stat line.
For Norfolk McCollum was everywhere 94 yards on 10 rushes and 2 touchdowns was outstanding and the ground. He also added 46 yards receiving and 3 catches including the key reception that set the Seawolves up in field goal range for the winner. On defense for Norfolk the ever dependable Federico Americano was the standout, 11 tackles including 3 for a loss.
Bondi host the Birddogs in Week 2 while Norfolk host the Luchadores as the two 1-0 teams square off in the marquee matchup of Week 2.
Portland Pythons - 33 defeated Minnesota Grey Ducks - 16
Both teams were unlucky to miss the playoffs last season and would be looking to take a step forward in the new season.
Minnesota started the season on offense away from home, however disaster struck on the third play from scrimmage. Zisia Ojeisndiwoseodj hit Rico Flores for eight yards and the first down, however Captain Even-Goodar jarred the ball loose and recovered it at the Minnesota 31 yard line. Only two plays later was it 7-0 Portland when debutant Jay Cue III hit Mike Gesicki for a 29 yard touchdown pass.
Two false starts contributed to a 3 and out for Minnesota and Portland made them pay. Eldroh Kove took charge on the ground, moving the offense into position for the Cue III - Gesicki connection to strike again. This time it was a 18 yard touchdown pass, but a missed extra point left the score at 13-0.
The Duck's managed to get across halfway on their next drive, Eliot Bukowski was cash from 49 yards to cut the lead to 10. Defenses managed to get on top during the next phase of the game with each side managing a field goal before the half. The Pythons broke the defensive stranglehold when Eldroh Kove dove in from 3 yards out. This capped off a 5 and a half minute drive that ended with a 23-6 Portland lead.
The second half started with Kove and Cue III leading the Pythons down the field but they were assisted by a horse collar tackle by the Grey Ducks. The drive stalled at the Minnesota 10 yard line and the Pythons settled for 3 to give them a 10 point lead.
The Grey Ducks got the ball moving with Reginald Shrubbery keying the drive with a 44 yard dash. Unfortunately they needed to settle for a field goal and it could only cut the lead back to 17.
From there the game settled back into the defensive holding pattern, 4 straight 3 and outs as the defenses made their mark on the game. Not much changed in the fourth quarter as the offenses traded two more punts.
However the Pythons would snap the crowd back to life as on 3rd and four from their own 37 yard line Cue III hit Gesicki for a 52 yard pass to bring Portland inside the Minnesota 10. Two plays later and Cue III had hit Gesicki for their third touchdown connection of the game. At this point the game was done, all that was left was to play out the last 3 minutes and change as Portland had an unassailable 24 point lead.
Ojeisndiwoseodj made use of the last 3 minutes as he marched the Grey Ducks down the field and threw a 12 yard TD pass to Crosby Terrell with 48 seconds left. This would bring the game back to a 17 point margin, the Pythons recovered the onside kick attempt and the game was done.
Portland had many contributors on offense, Cue III had 270 yards and 3 TD passes. All of which were caught by Gesicki who finished with a stellar line of 6-137-3. Not to be overlooked was the work of Eldroh Kove, workhorse back toted the ball 34 times for 124 yards and a tud. An all round defensive performance saw many contribute but none really stand out for the Pythons.
For Minnesota it was Shrubbery who stood out on offense, needing only 18 carries to amass 111 yards on an otherwise dour day for the Grey Ducks. On defense it was King DeeDee (13 Tackles, 1 for a loss and a pass breakup) and Faust Leecor (11 tackles, 1 for a loss) that led the way for Minnesota.
In Week 2 the Grey Ducks welcome the Royals into town, while the Pythons travel to Kansas City for a game that they will feel is very winnable if they replicate their Week 1 performance.
London Royals - 38 defeated Kansas City Coyotes - 21
A rematch of the Northern Championship from a season ago, back then the Yotes were too good. This time across the pond in London the Royals looked to take down Kansas City and show they were the contender from the North this season.
Early on Jason West managed to have the Coyotes offense moving in the right direction, however a missed 35 yard field goal meant that Kansas City came away with no points during their first drive. The Coyotes defense was ready to play as they forced a quick 3 and out of the Royals, unfortunately they couldn't keep the ball long as Jake Jefferson's pass was intercepted by Tha Thu Craicte at the London 43 and returned over the halfway line.
The Coyotes had thought they had held the Royals potent offense to a field goal attempt only to see some laundry on the field and a defensive pass interference call that extended the drive. Josh Patterson needed no more invitation as he hit Samuel Carter for a 4 yard touchdown catch that opened the scoring.
A quick 3 and out had the Royals back on the field, however the Yotes defense had a different plan. King Leonidas I came in and laid a lick on LeAnthony LeDavis, the ball came loose and Leonidas I was able to recover it. Three playes later and Jefferson had hit a wide open Tyreek Howl who trundled in for a 35 yard touchdown. Scores tied.
Another 3 and out by the Royals offense had given Kansas City a chance to take the game by the scruff of the neck. They quickly moved the ball down the field with Howl being involved once again. However West lost the ball at the end of a jinking run that was recovered inside the Royals 20. Each team was making mistakes and whichever team was able to capitalise first would gain an advantage.
The Royals were able to switch it on as Martin Bachman was able to drag former teammate and future bust Josh Gibson for a 50 yard run. Only moments later had Patterson found LeDavis for a 9 yard run and the Royals were back in front.
Two plays later Jefferson looked to answer back, only for his pass to be picked off by Criacte again. This time the rookie safety was able to find pay dirt as we returned the pick 25 yards for the score.
The interception started a run of defensive dominance for both teams. The teams combined for 8 punts in the last 11 minutes of the half, the Yotes often their own worst enemies with penalties keeping their offense out of third and manageable situations.
The second half started with Patterson firing on all cylinders, he lit up the Royals secondary as he found LeDavis for another touchdown - this time a 35 yard catch and run.
With the Royals leading 28-7 the Yotes need a jump start badly, Jefferson delivered it on 2nd and 14 on their own 15 yard line. He was able to find Andrija Divac for a 57 yard completion that flipped the field and had Kansas City knocking on the door to the red zone. 3 plays (including a London unsportsmanlike conduct penalty) later and West was into the end zone for his first score of the year.
The Yotes defense was able to get off the field quickly giving the offense a chance to eat into the 14 point lead. A promising drive led by another long Divac reception was stopped on the goal line. Unfortunately a chip shot field goal missed, the Coyotes paid for not stepping up and trying to punch the ball in from a yard out.
This took the wind out of the Kansas City sails, London and Josh Patterson were able to dime their way down the field including a 37 yard hookup with Dylan Craig. Patterson landed another blow with a 18 yard pass to Florence Nightingdale that restored the 3 touchdown advantage.
From their the game was all over for all intents and purposes. Defenses started to get back on top of the game before a big penalty from Kansas City moved the Royals into Field Goal range and they extended the lead to 38-14. The Coyotes would restore some dignity to the score with a garbage time 41 yard touchdown from Jefferson to Howl but the damage was done by this stage as the Royals ran out victors - 38-21.
This was a massive tonesetting performance by London, a challenging first match up was not just risen to and met but surpassed in every way possible. The Royals certainly looked to have staked their claim as favourites of the Northern Division. The Coyotes will certainly be circling the date of the rematch in their calendars, it could be an important match with tiebreaker implications.
For London, Josh Patterson was unreal - 270 yards through the air which when added to his four touchdowns was certainly the performance of the day. LeAnthony LeDavis also deserves some recognition for his 5-110-2 stat line. On defense you can't look past Criacte, 2 picks including one that was returned for a touchdown. Add to this 4 passes defended and 3 tackles and he made the game his own.
Kansas City battled all day but couldn't get over their own roadblocks as they turned the ball over 3 times and amassed 12 penalties for over 100 yards of accepted penalties. West battled all day as he carried the ball 23 times for over 100 yards and a touchdown. On defense Aleksander Kovic once again reigned supreme, 12 tackles which included a forced fumble, a sack and 2 tackles for a loss show his value to this Yotes team.
Looking forward to next week and the Coyotes will welcome in a Pythons team who had a confidence boosting win in Week 1. The Royals will travel to Minnesota to face the Grey Ducks in a game that they would expect to handle with ease.
Offensive Player of the Week
Garrett McCollum - Norfolk Seawolves
McCollum had 94 yards rushing on 10 carries with two touchdowns, he also had 3 catches for 46. One of the catches was a 32 yard catch and run that set up the game winning field goal for the Seawolves. Overall his efficiency was what stood out among the others this week.
Defensive Player of the Week
Tha Thu Craicte - London Royals
His 3 tackles, 2 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown) and 4 passes defended was an unreal performance. Against a vaunted offense the rookie stood up big time - while there were plenty of other options for the Defensive Player of the Week I think that Criacte was just too good to look past.
Week 1 of the DSFL saw the worst team of Season 41 (Dallas Birddogs) travel to the reigning Ultimini Champions - Tijuana Luchadores. This was followed up by the Bucs travelling to Norfolk and then Minnesota travelling to the north west to take on Portland. Finally the juiciest matchup of the week saw a rematch of the Season 41 Northern Championship game when my Kansas City Coyotes travelled to London to wrestle with the Royals.
Tijuana Luchadores - 20 defeated Dallas Birddogs - 17
Whew boy, this was a lot closer then a lot of people would have expected. The game started in the best way possible for Dallas - Tijuana started with the ball but before they could cross halfway Kraig Johntholomew had intercepted a Lloyd Bannings pass. The Birddogs made use of the short field, with Ace Anderson punching it in from two yards out only 6 plays later.
After a few punts back and forth and a missed Dallas field goal, Tijuana even the score through a Kyle Bessey 8 yard touchdown run. From there the Luchadores defense was miserly, forcing two straight punts which set the scene for a Garrett Cheetahman 36 yard touchdown catch.
From there the game turned into a defensive slugfest, neither team was able to move the ball with efficient. With 2:30 left in the 3rd quarter Synystyr Gates stepped in front of an Octavion Speedings pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. At this point I'm sure the Luchadores thought the game was done and dusted, but a missed xp left the door open a crack for the Birddogs.
The Birddogs wouldn't take it laying down though, they drove down the field and kicked a field goal to cut the lead to 10 with 14:30 left. The Luchadores drove down into field goal range but a Doggo Days sack would make the field goal attempt a 35+ attempt which was missed by Tijuana.
Ace Anderson would then gash the Luchadores run defense and scoring on a 1 yard plunge which cut the lead to 3 with 2:30 remaining in the game. However Bannings would step up and pick up 4 first downs through the air to ice the game, run out the clock and secure the win for Tijuana.
Bannings had 370 yards through the air which saw Cheetahman and Eli Prince have more than 120+ receiving yards each. Ace Anderson paced the Dallas offense with 77 yards and 2 touchdowns at 5.5 yards per carry.
On defense it was Johntholomew who stood out for the Birddogs, his interception was coupled with 2 passes defended and a sack. For Tijuana it was of course Gates with his defensive touchdown and interception, rookie linebacker Iman Outlaw was also a standout with 9 tackles which included 2 tackles for a loss and 1 sack in an impressive debut.
Tijuana will be happy to get out with a win as they face Norfolk in Week 2, while Dallas takes confidence from a close run game with the reigning champs as they head down under to take on Bondi Beach.
Norfolk Seawolves - 32 defeated Bondi Beach Buccaneers - 29
On paper I would have considered this as one of the closest matchups of the week and boy did these two teams produce an instant classic.
RE started the match red hot and they marched Bondi down the field and lasered a 2 yard touchdown for the first score of the game. On the next drive 5 defensive penalties by the Bucs helped Norfolk tie the game, Garrett McCollum had the 3 yard TD run for the Seawolves.
Norfolk continued to turn the screws on Bondi, a 3 & out had the Bucs punting from their own 14. Sticky Hands broke a tackle and would return the punt 66 yards, finally being brought down at the Bondi 1.
Jimmy Walker would be the beneficiary as they scored on a 1 yard touchdown run that gave the Seawolves their first lead.
However this kicked the Buccaneers into gear, they would rattle off the next 22 points straight. It started with another 2 yard TD pass from RE, this time Duma was on the end of it. A Norfolk 3 and out would lead to a Bucs FG which gave them a 17-14 lead with 2 minutes left in the first half.
Looking for a score before the half, Norfolk attempted to push the ball down the field. Bordeaux could only find BBB linebacker - Captain Scott who make the pick at the Norfolk 21 yard line and returned it to the 16 yard line. Three straight rushes by Bertie Manning-Phipps had the Bucs at the Norfolk 1 yard line, Steve Bonnet would come in and vulture the touchdown and giving the Bucs a 10 point lead at the half.
The Seawolves pain would continue after the half, on the second play after the resumption Amanda HugandKiss would force a Stetson David fumble which the Bucs would turn into a field goal. From here defense dominated the rest of the third quarter, multiple 3 and outs and another Bordeaux interception were weathered but the score remained 27-14. Until a BBB punt pinned the Seawolves inside their own 10, a sack on third down secured a safety and gave the Bucs a 29-14 lead with a minute left in the 3rd quarter.
From their the Seawolves came alive, a 94 yard drive was capped with a 23 yard touchdown toss by Bordeaux to David, atoning for their combined blunders earlier in the game. The Norfolk defense would then force a 3 and out, combined with a poor punt saw the Seawolves starting their drive from the Bondi 36. Three plays later McCollum found paydirt from a yard out and the Seawolves had tied the game as the 2 point conversion was successful as Bordeaux found Hunt. Just like that scores were tied at 29 with 7 minutes left.
From there the Bucs were able to drive to midfield but Manning-Phipps was stuffed on 3rd and 1. The Bucs managed to down the punt at the 1 giving the Seawolves 104 seconds and 3 time outs to go 99 yards.
Bordeaux found big completions to David (14 yards) McCollum (32 yards) to have the Seawolves in field goal range with 20 seconds left. Zoot booted truly to give the Seawolves a 32-29 lead.
The amazing plays had not ended though, with the ball at their own 12, 15 seconds left, down 3 and no time outs the Bucs had no chance - the fat lady was warm and ready to go. However Stevenson broke free and was only brought down by Hands at the Norfolk 26, unfortunately with no time outs left the clock ran out and Norfolk were victors.
RE was the standout for the Bucs, 300 yards passing and two touchdowns paced their offense. On the defensive side Paul Lobster had 6 tackles including 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack and a safety - he also added a pass deflection to that stacked stat line.
For Norfolk McCollum was everywhere 94 yards on 10 rushes and 2 touchdowns was outstanding and the ground. He also added 46 yards receiving and 3 catches including the key reception that set the Seawolves up in field goal range for the winner. On defense for Norfolk the ever dependable Federico Americano was the standout, 11 tackles including 3 for a loss.
Bondi host the Birddogs in Week 2 while Norfolk host the Luchadores as the two 1-0 teams square off in the marquee matchup of Week 2.
Portland Pythons - 33 defeated Minnesota Grey Ducks - 16
Both teams were unlucky to miss the playoffs last season and would be looking to take a step forward in the new season.
Minnesota started the season on offense away from home, however disaster struck on the third play from scrimmage. Zisia Ojeisndiwoseodj hit Rico Flores for eight yards and the first down, however Captain Even-Goodar jarred the ball loose and recovered it at the Minnesota 31 yard line. Only two plays later was it 7-0 Portland when debutant Jay Cue III hit Mike Gesicki for a 29 yard touchdown pass.
Two false starts contributed to a 3 and out for Minnesota and Portland made them pay. Eldroh Kove took charge on the ground, moving the offense into position for the Cue III - Gesicki connection to strike again. This time it was a 18 yard touchdown pass, but a missed extra point left the score at 13-0.
The Duck's managed to get across halfway on their next drive, Eliot Bukowski was cash from 49 yards to cut the lead to 10. Defenses managed to get on top during the next phase of the game with each side managing a field goal before the half. The Pythons broke the defensive stranglehold when Eldroh Kove dove in from 3 yards out. This capped off a 5 and a half minute drive that ended with a 23-6 Portland lead.
The second half started with Kove and Cue III leading the Pythons down the field but they were assisted by a horse collar tackle by the Grey Ducks. The drive stalled at the Minnesota 10 yard line and the Pythons settled for 3 to give them a 10 point lead.
The Grey Ducks got the ball moving with Reginald Shrubbery keying the drive with a 44 yard dash. Unfortunately they needed to settle for a field goal and it could only cut the lead back to 17.
From there the game settled back into the defensive holding pattern, 4 straight 3 and outs as the defenses made their mark on the game. Not much changed in the fourth quarter as the offenses traded two more punts.
However the Pythons would snap the crowd back to life as on 3rd and four from their own 37 yard line Cue III hit Gesicki for a 52 yard pass to bring Portland inside the Minnesota 10. Two plays later and Cue III had hit Gesicki for their third touchdown connection of the game. At this point the game was done, all that was left was to play out the last 3 minutes and change as Portland had an unassailable 24 point lead.
Ojeisndiwoseodj made use of the last 3 minutes as he marched the Grey Ducks down the field and threw a 12 yard TD pass to Crosby Terrell with 48 seconds left. This would bring the game back to a 17 point margin, the Pythons recovered the onside kick attempt and the game was done.
Portland had many contributors on offense, Cue III had 270 yards and 3 TD passes. All of which were caught by Gesicki who finished with a stellar line of 6-137-3. Not to be overlooked was the work of Eldroh Kove, workhorse back toted the ball 34 times for 124 yards and a tud. An all round defensive performance saw many contribute but none really stand out for the Pythons.
For Minnesota it was Shrubbery who stood out on offense, needing only 18 carries to amass 111 yards on an otherwise dour day for the Grey Ducks. On defense it was King DeeDee (13 Tackles, 1 for a loss and a pass breakup) and Faust Leecor (11 tackles, 1 for a loss) that led the way for Minnesota.
In Week 2 the Grey Ducks welcome the Royals into town, while the Pythons travel to Kansas City for a game that they will feel is very winnable if they replicate their Week 1 performance.
London Royals - 38 defeated Kansas City Coyotes - 21
A rematch of the Northern Championship from a season ago, back then the Yotes were too good. This time across the pond in London the Royals looked to take down Kansas City and show they were the contender from the North this season.
Early on Jason West managed to have the Coyotes offense moving in the right direction, however a missed 35 yard field goal meant that Kansas City came away with no points during their first drive. The Coyotes defense was ready to play as they forced a quick 3 and out of the Royals, unfortunately they couldn't keep the ball long as Jake Jefferson's pass was intercepted by Tha Thu Craicte at the London 43 and returned over the halfway line.
The Coyotes had thought they had held the Royals potent offense to a field goal attempt only to see some laundry on the field and a defensive pass interference call that extended the drive. Josh Patterson needed no more invitation as he hit Samuel Carter for a 4 yard touchdown catch that opened the scoring.
A quick 3 and out had the Royals back on the field, however the Yotes defense had a different plan. King Leonidas I came in and laid a lick on LeAnthony LeDavis, the ball came loose and Leonidas I was able to recover it. Three playes later and Jefferson had hit a wide open Tyreek Howl who trundled in for a 35 yard touchdown. Scores tied.
Another 3 and out by the Royals offense had given Kansas City a chance to take the game by the scruff of the neck. They quickly moved the ball down the field with Howl being involved once again. However West lost the ball at the end of a jinking run that was recovered inside the Royals 20. Each team was making mistakes and whichever team was able to capitalise first would gain an advantage.
The Royals were able to switch it on as Martin Bachman was able to drag former teammate and future bust Josh Gibson for a 50 yard run. Only moments later had Patterson found LeDavis for a 9 yard run and the Royals were back in front.
Two plays later Jefferson looked to answer back, only for his pass to be picked off by Criacte again. This time the rookie safety was able to find pay dirt as we returned the pick 25 yards for the score.
The interception started a run of defensive dominance for both teams. The teams combined for 8 punts in the last 11 minutes of the half, the Yotes often their own worst enemies with penalties keeping their offense out of third and manageable situations.
The second half started with Patterson firing on all cylinders, he lit up the Royals secondary as he found LeDavis for another touchdown - this time a 35 yard catch and run.
With the Royals leading 28-7 the Yotes need a jump start badly, Jefferson delivered it on 2nd and 14 on their own 15 yard line. He was able to find Andrija Divac for a 57 yard completion that flipped the field and had Kansas City knocking on the door to the red zone. 3 plays (including a London unsportsmanlike conduct penalty) later and West was into the end zone for his first score of the year.
The Yotes defense was able to get off the field quickly giving the offense a chance to eat into the 14 point lead. A promising drive led by another long Divac reception was stopped on the goal line. Unfortunately a chip shot field goal missed, the Coyotes paid for not stepping up and trying to punch the ball in from a yard out.
This took the wind out of the Kansas City sails, London and Josh Patterson were able to dime their way down the field including a 37 yard hookup with Dylan Craig. Patterson landed another blow with a 18 yard pass to Florence Nightingdale that restored the 3 touchdown advantage.
From their the game was all over for all intents and purposes. Defenses started to get back on top of the game before a big penalty from Kansas City moved the Royals into Field Goal range and they extended the lead to 38-14. The Coyotes would restore some dignity to the score with a garbage time 41 yard touchdown from Jefferson to Howl but the damage was done by this stage as the Royals ran out victors - 38-21.
This was a massive tonesetting performance by London, a challenging first match up was not just risen to and met but surpassed in every way possible. The Royals certainly looked to have staked their claim as favourites of the Northern Division. The Coyotes will certainly be circling the date of the rematch in their calendars, it could be an important match with tiebreaker implications.
For London, Josh Patterson was unreal - 270 yards through the air which when added to his four touchdowns was certainly the performance of the day. LeAnthony LeDavis also deserves some recognition for his 5-110-2 stat line. On defense you can't look past Criacte, 2 picks including one that was returned for a touchdown. Add to this 4 passes defended and 3 tackles and he made the game his own.
Kansas City battled all day but couldn't get over their own roadblocks as they turned the ball over 3 times and amassed 12 penalties for over 100 yards of accepted penalties. West battled all day as he carried the ball 23 times for over 100 yards and a touchdown. On defense Aleksander Kovic once again reigned supreme, 12 tackles which included a forced fumble, a sack and 2 tackles for a loss show his value to this Yotes team.
Looking forward to next week and the Coyotes will welcome in a Pythons team who had a confidence boosting win in Week 1. The Royals will travel to Minnesota to face the Grey Ducks in a game that they would expect to handle with ease.
Offensive Player of the Week
Garrett McCollum - Norfolk Seawolves
McCollum had 94 yards rushing on 10 carries with two touchdowns, he also had 3 catches for 46. One of the catches was a 32 yard catch and run that set up the game winning field goal for the Seawolves. Overall his efficiency was what stood out among the others this week.
Defensive Player of the Week
Tha Thu Craicte - London Royals
His 3 tackles, 2 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown) and 4 passes defended was an unreal performance. Against a vaunted offense the rookie stood up big time - while there were plenty of other options for the Defensive Player of the Week I think that Criacte was just too good to look past.