02-17-2020, 12:17 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-17-2020, 12:52 AM by SweetPot8erFrys.)
When Ducks Fly
As the Developmental Simulation Football League’s annual playoffs commence, the Myrtle Beach Buccaneers are poised for a plunderous run straight to the greatest loot of all: the shining treasure that is the Ultimini trophy!
However destined that victory may seem, Myrtle Beach’s pirates should expect stiffer competition from Minnesota’s finest. Certainly, most of us wouldn’t find ducks threatening, certainly not hardened pirates. While these viewers may decry such notions as absolutely reduckulous, the statistics say otherwise.
These are no ordinary ducks. Because these are Gray Ducks. Toughened by the harsh, unforgiving winters of Minnesota. Forged not in the coals on a Myrtle Beach bonfire, but the ice of frozen-over Lake Superior. Lake Superior, a fitting jewel of Gray Duck pride. For they are Superior to the Buccaneers in nearly every measurable league statistic.
The Ducks are league juggernauts in offensive statistics. Unlike their namesake, Minnesota throws few ducks in the air. Their QBs have combined for a respectable 2.4 TD/INT ratio, allowing a league-high passer rating. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach sits nearly 20 points down in passer rating, their rum-drunken QBs throwing more picks than point-makers. Ducks can fly, sure, and pirates can’t. But there’s no excuse when the Buccaneers get outpaced by a waddling bird. Despite the Ducks’ touchdown and passing yard titles, they comfortably glide into another league lead: 23 rushing touchdowns, six more than Myrtle Beach. You’d have thought the Buccaneers better-prepared given their experience running in the sand of Myrtle Beach. Minnesota dominates the field when it has the ball, a season of 42 touchdowns combined, unchallenged by the Buccaneer’s 30.
By now, you shouldn’t be surprised to find out the Ducks’ similarly dominate on defense. But you would be, and that’s because the statistics are a lot closer. Sure, the Ducks and Buccs are even-matched in TFLs, Sacks, Interceptions, and even share an improbably matched safeties and blocked punts (1, if you’re wondering). While this may appear to support the idea of two equally competitive defenses, the Gray Ducks’ are just that bit better and for one reason. No, it’s not their 2 returned touchdowns or 3 greater forced fumbles, though they help. Simply put, Minnesota’s defense suffers from their offense’s success. When your quarterback is slinging hand-eggs into the endzone instead of the other team’s safety (like Duck’s Murphy and his league-leading 7 picks), your defense gets on the field less. Additionally, a defense making more efficient stops gets the ball over to their defense quicker, allowing less time to build up those volume stats. Any way you look at it, the Ducks’ build a lead, however slim, on defense too.
So there you have it folks. The power rankings aren’t everything, and truth often reveals itself with a little research and a close eye. Come game-time, consider your bets, because the unlikely is only one play away from reality.
As the Developmental Simulation Football League’s annual playoffs commence, the Myrtle Beach Buccaneers are poised for a plunderous run straight to the greatest loot of all: the shining treasure that is the Ultimini trophy!
However destined that victory may seem, Myrtle Beach’s pirates should expect stiffer competition from Minnesota’s finest. Certainly, most of us wouldn’t find ducks threatening, certainly not hardened pirates. While these viewers may decry such notions as absolutely reduckulous, the statistics say otherwise.
These are no ordinary ducks. Because these are Gray Ducks. Toughened by the harsh, unforgiving winters of Minnesota. Forged not in the coals on a Myrtle Beach bonfire, but the ice of frozen-over Lake Superior. Lake Superior, a fitting jewel of Gray Duck pride. For they are Superior to the Buccaneers in nearly every measurable league statistic.
The Ducks are league juggernauts in offensive statistics. Unlike their namesake, Minnesota throws few ducks in the air. Their QBs have combined for a respectable 2.4 TD/INT ratio, allowing a league-high passer rating. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach sits nearly 20 points down in passer rating, their rum-drunken QBs throwing more picks than point-makers. Ducks can fly, sure, and pirates can’t. But there’s no excuse when the Buccaneers get outpaced by a waddling bird. Despite the Ducks’ touchdown and passing yard titles, they comfortably glide into another league lead: 23 rushing touchdowns, six more than Myrtle Beach. You’d have thought the Buccaneers better-prepared given their experience running in the sand of Myrtle Beach. Minnesota dominates the field when it has the ball, a season of 42 touchdowns combined, unchallenged by the Buccaneer’s 30.
By now, you shouldn’t be surprised to find out the Ducks’ similarly dominate on defense. But you would be, and that’s because the statistics are a lot closer. Sure, the Ducks and Buccs are even-matched in TFLs, Sacks, Interceptions, and even share an improbably matched safeties and blocked punts (1, if you’re wondering). While this may appear to support the idea of two equally competitive defenses, the Gray Ducks’ are just that bit better and for one reason. No, it’s not their 2 returned touchdowns or 3 greater forced fumbles, though they help. Simply put, Minnesota’s defense suffers from their offense’s success. When your quarterback is slinging hand-eggs into the endzone instead of the other team’s safety (like Duck’s Murphy and his league-leading 7 picks), your defense gets on the field less. Additionally, a defense making more efficient stops gets the ball over to their defense quicker, allowing less time to build up those volume stats. Any way you look at it, the Ducks’ build a lead, however slim, on defense too.
So there you have it folks. The power rankings aren’t everything, and truth often reveals itself with a little research and a close eye. Come game-time, consider your bets, because the unlikely is only one play away from reality.
Clayton J O N E S - Defensive Tackle - S22