12-06-2021, 10:45 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-07-2021, 05:00 AM by .simo. Edited 2 times in total.)
So, as we approach the homestand of Season 32 of the ISFL, there are many teams that are either vying for playoff position or fighting to make the playoffs in a surprisingly deep race in both conferences. Let's see who can actually crash the playoff party and reach for the Ultimus, shall we?
In the ASFC side of things, everyone but the Orange County Otters still in the playoff hunt or are safely within the playoff race. As of right now, the standings are as follows: the Austin Copperheads, Honolulu Hahalua, and Arizona Outlaws are tied for first with a 9-4 record each, the New York Silverbacks and San Jose Sabercats both have a 7-6 record, while the New Orleans Second Line has a 5-8 record, on the brink of elimination, if not already. These are quite the playoff standings this late into the season.
Looking into the NSFC side of things, we see a bit more separation between the contenders and pretenders. At the top, both with a 9-4 record and tied for first are the Philadelphia Liberty, a small surprise to some, and the Berlin Fire Salamanders, a staple team of the playoffs at this point. With that being said, I'm going to analyze the teams who I think are true contenders and discuss their stats and see if the team has a top 4 overall offense and top 4 overall defense which would solidify them as an Ultimus contender.
Beginning with the Arizona Outlaws, (as we see them constantly here), this may be their best version of themselves yet. On offense, they boast a great potent one as they are second in the league in scoring offense with 29.8 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 385.2 yards per game which is sixth in the league which isn't bad considering that obviously points are more important than yards. In terms of rushing offense, Zona averages 127.2 rushing yards per game which is 2nd in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Zona has a great record at 9-4. What slightly brings down their offense on paper is their passing offense. Zona averages 257.8 passing yards per game which is 10th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Zona can, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively. On the defensive side of the ball, Zona is just as elite, if not better, than they are on the offensive side of the ball. In terms of scoring defense, Zona only gives up 20.0 ppg which is 2nd fewest in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Zona gives up 344.5 total yards per game which is 3rd fewest allowed per game. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 94.8 yards per game which is fifth fewest in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 249.7 yards per game which is 2nd in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Arizona is a contender that is playing in the smashmouth style of football and are able to pass the ball decently enough in order to keep defenses guessing. They remind me of a full strength Cleveland Browns team.
Following the Arizona Outlaws, we have the Austin Copperheads. The Copperheads this season maybe even better than the team that took home the Ultimus 2 season ago. On offense, they boast a great potent one like Zona as they are first in the league in scoring offense with 30.4 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 392.1 yards per game which is fourth in the league overall. In terms of rushing offense, Austin averages 109.8 rushing yards per game which is fifth in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Austin, like Zona, has a great record at 9-4. Like Zona, what slightly brings down their offense on paper is their passing offense. Austin averages 282.2 passing yards per game which is 8th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Austin can, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively like Zona. On the defensive side of the ball, Austin, like Zona is just as elite, if not better, than they are on the offensive side of the ball. In terms of scoring defense, Austin only gives up 25.6 ppg which is sixth in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Austin gives up 368.5 total yards per game which is seventh in the league per game. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 78.0 yards per game which is 2nd best in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 290.6 yards per game which is 12th in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Austin is a contender that is playing in the smashmouth style of football and are able to pass the ball decently enough in order to keep defenses guessing; however, they are a better passing team than Zona and are a much better run defense. They remind me of a full strength Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Following next we have the with the Honolulu Hahalua, the defending champions. On offense, they are kind of middle of pack as they are 10th in the league in scoring offense with 25.3 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 368.2 yards per game which is tenth in the league as well, which is reflective of the low scoring offense. In terms of rushing offense, Hono averages a lowly 79.5 rushing yards per game which is 2nd from the bottom in the league, which is not a great sign of a potent offense as you can't play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; In terms of passing offense, Hono averages 288.6 passing yards per game which is sixth in the league, which helps make up for the lack of rushing. On the defensive side of the ball, Hono makes up for their lackluster with an elite defense. In terms of scoring defense, Hono only gives up 21.3 ppg which is 3rd fewest in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Zona gives up 356.9 total yards per game which is 4th fewest allowed per game. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 106.2 yards per game which is 4th most in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 250.6 yards per game which is 2nd in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Honolulu is a contender that reminds of me of the Miami Dolphins with an elite defense but lackluster offense that is saved with a great QB.
Following the Honolulu Hahalua, we have the Philadelphia Liberty. On offense, they boast a great potent one as they are fourth in the league in scoring offense with 28.6 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 368.4 yards per game which is ninth in the league. In terms of rushing offense, Philly averages 107.3 rushing yards per game which is fifth in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Philly has a great record at 9-4. What slightly brings down their offense on paper, like Zona and Hono, is their passing offense. Philly averages 261.1 passing yards per game which is 11th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Philly can, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively. On the defensive side of the ball, Philly also is just as elite, if not better, than they are on the offensive side of the ball. In terms of scoring defense, Philly only gives up 19.2 ppg which is by far the best and fewest in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Zona gives up 343.7 total yards per game which is best in the league. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 87.2 yards per game which is 2nd best in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 256.3 yards per game which is 4th best in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Philly is most definitely a contender that reminds of me of the Chicago Bears of old as their defense is essentially carrying them and lifting their season to a great one.
Ending with the list, we have the Berlin Fire Salamanders. The Salamanders, like Zona, have been a staple team that has always looked to contend for a championship. On offense, they also boast a great potent one as they are third in the league in scoring offense with 28.6 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 399.6 yards per game which is 2nd in the league overall. In terms of rushing offense, Zona averages 123.1 rushing yards per game which is 4th in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Berlin has a great record at 9-4. However, unlike the other contenders, Berlin's passing attack is respectable enough to keep defenses honest and guessing. Berlin averages 276.8 passing yards per game which is 8th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Berlin can like the other contenders, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively. On the defensive side of the ball, Berlin's defense is kind of a bit suspicious. In terms of scoring defense, Berlin only gives up 24 ppg which is 5th best in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Berlin gives up 383.2 total yards per game which is 5th most allowed per game. In terms of rushing defense, Berlin allows 91.4 yards per game which is third fewest in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Berlin allows 291. 8 yards per game which is 4th most in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Berlin is a contender and that looking at their stats, they remind me of the Tennessee Titans as both of a great rushing attack but suspect defense that is prone to getting exposed.
All in all, I hope you enjoyed my preview of the playoffs for this year. For my personal pick of who will win the Ultimus, I believe the Philadelphia Liberty can win it all as they are balanced on both sides on the ball and have the talent to run the table and defeat the talented opponents in their way.
(The stats were referenced before today's sim, so I apologize if they are off in comparison after today's sim.)
In the ASFC side of things, everyone but the Orange County Otters still in the playoff hunt or are safely within the playoff race. As of right now, the standings are as follows: the Austin Copperheads, Honolulu Hahalua, and Arizona Outlaws are tied for first with a 9-4 record each, the New York Silverbacks and San Jose Sabercats both have a 7-6 record, while the New Orleans Second Line has a 5-8 record, on the brink of elimination, if not already. These are quite the playoff standings this late into the season.
Looking into the NSFC side of things, we see a bit more separation between the contenders and pretenders. At the top, both with a 9-4 record and tied for first are the Philadelphia Liberty, a small surprise to some, and the Berlin Fire Salamanders, a staple team of the playoffs at this point. With that being said, I'm going to analyze the teams who I think are true contenders and discuss their stats and see if the team has a top 4 overall offense and top 4 overall defense which would solidify them as an Ultimus contender.
Beginning with the Arizona Outlaws, (as we see them constantly here), this may be their best version of themselves yet. On offense, they boast a great potent one as they are second in the league in scoring offense with 29.8 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 385.2 yards per game which is sixth in the league which isn't bad considering that obviously points are more important than yards. In terms of rushing offense, Zona averages 127.2 rushing yards per game which is 2nd in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Zona has a great record at 9-4. What slightly brings down their offense on paper is their passing offense. Zona averages 257.8 passing yards per game which is 10th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Zona can, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively. On the defensive side of the ball, Zona is just as elite, if not better, than they are on the offensive side of the ball. In terms of scoring defense, Zona only gives up 20.0 ppg which is 2nd fewest in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Zona gives up 344.5 total yards per game which is 3rd fewest allowed per game. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 94.8 yards per game which is fifth fewest in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 249.7 yards per game which is 2nd in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Arizona is a contender that is playing in the smashmouth style of football and are able to pass the ball decently enough in order to keep defenses guessing. They remind me of a full strength Cleveland Browns team.
Following the Arizona Outlaws, we have the Austin Copperheads. The Copperheads this season maybe even better than the team that took home the Ultimus 2 season ago. On offense, they boast a great potent one like Zona as they are first in the league in scoring offense with 30.4 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 392.1 yards per game which is fourth in the league overall. In terms of rushing offense, Austin averages 109.8 rushing yards per game which is fifth in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Austin, like Zona, has a great record at 9-4. Like Zona, what slightly brings down their offense on paper is their passing offense. Austin averages 282.2 passing yards per game which is 8th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Austin can, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively like Zona. On the defensive side of the ball, Austin, like Zona is just as elite, if not better, than they are on the offensive side of the ball. In terms of scoring defense, Austin only gives up 25.6 ppg which is sixth in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Austin gives up 368.5 total yards per game which is seventh in the league per game. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 78.0 yards per game which is 2nd best in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 290.6 yards per game which is 12th in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Austin is a contender that is playing in the smashmouth style of football and are able to pass the ball decently enough in order to keep defenses guessing; however, they are a better passing team than Zona and are a much better run defense. They remind me of a full strength Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Following next we have the with the Honolulu Hahalua, the defending champions. On offense, they are kind of middle of pack as they are 10th in the league in scoring offense with 25.3 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 368.2 yards per game which is tenth in the league as well, which is reflective of the low scoring offense. In terms of rushing offense, Hono averages a lowly 79.5 rushing yards per game which is 2nd from the bottom in the league, which is not a great sign of a potent offense as you can't play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; In terms of passing offense, Hono averages 288.6 passing yards per game which is sixth in the league, which helps make up for the lack of rushing. On the defensive side of the ball, Hono makes up for their lackluster with an elite defense. In terms of scoring defense, Hono only gives up 21.3 ppg which is 3rd fewest in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Zona gives up 356.9 total yards per game which is 4th fewest allowed per game. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 106.2 yards per game which is 4th most in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 250.6 yards per game which is 2nd in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Honolulu is a contender that reminds of me of the Miami Dolphins with an elite defense but lackluster offense that is saved with a great QB.
Following the Honolulu Hahalua, we have the Philadelphia Liberty. On offense, they boast a great potent one as they are fourth in the league in scoring offense with 28.6 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 368.4 yards per game which is ninth in the league. In terms of rushing offense, Philly averages 107.3 rushing yards per game which is fifth in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Philly has a great record at 9-4. What slightly brings down their offense on paper, like Zona and Hono, is their passing offense. Philly averages 261.1 passing yards per game which is 11th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Philly can, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively. On the defensive side of the ball, Philly also is just as elite, if not better, than they are on the offensive side of the ball. In terms of scoring defense, Philly only gives up 19.2 ppg which is by far the best and fewest in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Zona gives up 343.7 total yards per game which is best in the league. In terms of rushing defense, Zona allows 87.2 yards per game which is 2nd best in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Zona allows 256.3 yards per game which is 4th best in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Philly is most definitely a contender that reminds of me of the Chicago Bears of old as their defense is essentially carrying them and lifting their season to a great one.
Ending with the list, we have the Berlin Fire Salamanders. The Salamanders, like Zona, have been a staple team that has always looked to contend for a championship. On offense, they also boast a great potent one as they are third in the league in scoring offense with 28.6 points per game. Looking further, we see that they average 399.6 yards per game which is 2nd in the league overall. In terms of rushing offense, Zona averages 123.1 rushing yards per game which is 4th in the league, which is a great sign of a potent offense as you can play ball control and wear down opposing defenses consistently; this is one of the main catalysts to as to why Berlin has a great record at 9-4. However, unlike the other contenders, Berlin's passing attack is respectable enough to keep defenses honest and guessing. Berlin averages 276.8 passing yards per game which is 8th in the league; however, if you could efficiently and greatly run the ball as Berlin can like the other contenders, you can see the reason why you do not need to pass the ball as much comparatively. On the defensive side of the ball, Berlin's defense is kind of a bit suspicious. In terms of scoring defense, Berlin only gives up 24 ppg which is 5th best in the league. In terms of yards allowed, Berlin gives up 383.2 total yards per game which is 5th most allowed per game. In terms of rushing defense, Berlin allows 91.4 yards per game which is third fewest in the league. Finally, in terms of passing defense, Berlin allows 291. 8 yards per game which is 4th most in the league. After saying all that, we can see that Berlin is a contender and that looking at their stats, they remind me of the Tennessee Titans as both of a great rushing attack but suspect defense that is prone to getting exposed.
All in all, I hope you enjoyed my preview of the playoffs for this year. For my personal pick of who will win the Ultimus, I believe the Philadelphia Liberty can win it all as they are balanced on both sides on the ball and have the talent to run the table and defeat the talented opponents in their way.
(The stats were referenced before today's sim, so I apologize if they are off in comparison after today's sim.)