Agent Tesla: Hello and good time appropriate greeting to you! I am here today with my client Magnus Rikiya to go over some of the highlights of the New Orleans Second Line's game against the San Jose Sabercats from week one and just talk about it in general. We will see how we feel after getting through things. Let's just dive into it; so what is the first play you wanted to highlight from the game Magnus?
Magnus Rikiya: I hate to do it, but since we want to go over all the big plays I have to start with Jackson's 30 yard reception about four minutes into the first quarter. One of our players who I am not going to name was draped all over him from the moment the ball was put in the air. Jackson did not care at all though as he dragged them about twenty yards before Witten was able to catch up and complete the tackle. You got to respect a player playing hard like that.
Agent Tesla: Agreed there. Do you want to get into the next one or should I cover it?
Magnus Rikiya: No I'll do it. What makes that first one worse is they did almost the same thing the very next play. Pass to Jackson who dragged one of my teammates about ten yards before Blaylock could get there to finish off the tackle. We should have seen that coming from a mile away and we just bit hard on the fake. Mistakes are easy to be made and all, but that one hurt.
Agent Tesla: I will say they were able to score on that drive after a short rush away from you and a short completed pass to the end zone. A great offensive drive by San Jose and especially for Wright who went three of four for 61 yards and for Jackson who caught two of two for 55 of those yards.
Magnus Rikiya: We at least were able to block well for Blaylock's return after that, but our next drive did not go anywhere. A too many men on the field penalty and a dropped pass put us at third and fourteen with about seven minutes left to play in the first quarter. When Brackenridge hopped the center and got to Stan completely unblocked. Opposing team or not you have to respect a player just blowing past the guy in front of him like that, and especially as I know better than anyone how hard it is to get past our offensive line from practice.
Agent Tesla: Definitely an impressive play and an important one too as it negated some of the field advantage that Blaylock's return would have provided.
Magnus Rikiya: Agreed.
Agent Tesla: Now this next one we finally get to praise one of your teammates so I will happily let you take it away.
Magnus Rikiya: McCormick! This first quarter was defined by players just not willing to be tackled. Around ten minutes into the first quarter McCormick picked up plenty of yards for us. Much as I want to hype my teammate I have to say McCormick was wide open when he caught the pass so less difficulty there, although the fact that he got that open is always a good sign for his skills. The first person to get there though got dragged at least fifteen yards before the gang could catch up to properly bring McCormick down. Just a phenomenal job carrying that defender. Love to see it!
Agent Tesla: Drive ended in a missed field goal unfortunately, and so the first quarter ended down seven love to San Jose. Now you had an interesting choice for your first highlight of the second quarter, right?
Magnus Rikiya: T?riki! Just about a minute into the second quarter she picked up a first down with a good outside run where she avoided an early tackle. The play I want to highlight though came just two plays later when we faked a pass with the entire offensive line dropping back for pass protection, and T?riki just used her burst to pick up five yards up the gut. Half a dozen San Jose jerseys in her way and she just fought forward for the yards. She gets my respect for that.
Agent Tesla: Love it! Now the next highlight is one of my favorite types of play so I will go over it. Right around nine minutes into the second quarter Ugarth had tight coverage on McDavid, but Wright went for the pass anyway and paid the price as Ugarth picked it off clean. Ran it back over forty yards before one of the Sabercats was able to catch up. Credit where it is due that one payback made sure that Wright did not make that mistake again for the rest of the game. Great job by Ugarth making them pay for doubting his talents!
Magnus Rikiya: Big part of getting our first points on the board. Just a few plays later McCormick got open near the end zone and it was an easy touchdown with how good Francisco and McCormick's connection is on the field.
Agent Tesla: Now since you are not one to pump yourself up I will do our next highlight as you got a sack that was almost a safety in the last minutes of the second quarter. Especially impressive as the play before you were the one that made the tackle that stopped the run at the line of scrimmage. Then you got a sack with just a pure power bull rush that beat the offensive line to get to the quarterback. What is not to love about that?
Magnus Rikiya: It was a good play, but that play was only made possible by Ironside because I was supposed to be double-teamed that snap by the guard and the center. I engaged the guard to just drive him back as I do best, but when the center shifted his balance to get in my way Ironside caught him with an open palm to get him out of my way so I could get the sack. Ironside probably could have gotten the sack himself there if that was what he wanted, however he opened up the path for me because he is a team player. If you are reading this I want to thank you for that Ironside. Promise I will never forget it.
Agent Tesla: Thank you Ironside, although I will say I think my client did plenty enough to be deserving of the credit himself. The next play was an incomplete making for a lovely three and out for San Jose, but I do want to give credit here to McDairmid who despite being backed up against their own end zone was able to boom a punt sixty yards down field. Good special teams play deserves respect too.
Magnus Rikiya: That they do.
Agent Tesla: Now the first play of the third quarter that we wanted to highlight comes from a two time teammate of yours so I think it best you handle this one Magnus.
Magnus Rikiya: I can agree with that logic. Now this play happened just about two minutes into the third quarter and is proof the Dorfus Jimbo Jr was not at all a reach. He perfectly timed the snap and was around the tackle before they even realized they were supposed to block. The referees almost called him for jumping early, but every player on the field agreed the sack was legitimate. So glad I get to keep playing with him.
Agent Tesla: You definitely lucked out when it comes to landing spots. The next play we wanted to highlight of the third quarter was another great job by McCormick about four minutes into the second half.
Magnus Rikiya: McCormick was covered by well known defensive back PickSix and was able to get just about an arm length of separation to catch the ball. Outran him for a few yards before being tackled after about a twenty yard gain. Great job against great competition.
Agent Tesla: Agreed. Just a couple of minutes later the other reliable running back for the Second Line made a play worthy of an appearance on our highlight reel. Do you want this one, or may I continue?
Magnus Rikiya: You can have at it.
Agent Tesla: Thank you! Now a ten yard run on first and five may not seem the most impressive thing at first glance, but I was enthralled seeing Gump weave his way through defenders. He got some great blocks from the offensive line here and credit where it is due there. However the way they blocked left him with a few small gaps that he had to wiggle his way through to pick up that important first down for the team. Respect for that elusive run.
Magnus Rikiya: That was an important first down as it gave us the opportunity to score just a few plays later thanks to Jones bullying his way past the corner that was on top of him into the end zone. Put us in the lead and we did not lose it after that.
Agent Tesla: Indeed! This next one is near to my heart as I love good safety play and a good trick play. Since it involved the line though I will leave it to you as you may have an even better idea of what happened than I do about this play.
Magnus Rikiya: Yes! Right around ten minutes into the third quarter, third and seventeen so we know they have to pass, and our coaches call this fun little play. One of our safeties Blaylock is just over six feet tall and not a heavily built guy so we had him hide behind Ironside and Jimbo Jr with the linebackers standing up to keep attention off of him. Wright gets the snap and is hit by an unblocked Blaylock without having a chance to look at the field. Would have been the fastest sack of the game if not for Jimbo Jr, but this one was especially good as it forced the Sabercats to punt.
Agent Tesla: Now this next one is a tough one to praise as I know there were some fans who argued there was a push off, but I disagree and think that Thomas-Fox was just playing the game. Suffice it to say there was some physical play that was perfectly legal that let Thomas-Fox get about three yards of separation which is more than enough to get a reception in this league. Took about twenty yards for the defender to catch back up and make the tackle, but credit where it is due and Thomas-Fox deserves credit.
Magnus Rikiya: I'm not about to judge the referees for just letting us play. Hate that it led to a touchdown for them, but it was well deserved after that demonstration.
Agent Tesla: Now this next play is one which might not immediately pop off the board for most people as a lot of people might not think highly of a one yard touchdown run. Not highlighting the runner though here, but the offensive line play that gave the runner the opportunity. Now the entire line did a good job here which is deserving of kudos, however one specific lineman here is going to get some special credit. The Sabercats overloaded one side of the line to get quick pressure and had a two on one situation that should assuredly have allowed them a tackle for loss, but Givussafare Rubbe on the left side of the line stood stalwart against them. If the rest of the line fails in their expected roles the play fails of course, but Givussafare Rubbe went above and beyond by taking on two pass rushers.
Magnus Rikiya: Going to stay on this one because I want to highlight here how absolutely ridiculous a play that is for Givussafare Rubbe. I am a nose tackle so I am used to being double teamed to free up my teammates by forcing the offense to rely on one on one blocks against them. Blocking one good pass rusher is hard work and Givussafare Rubbe blocked two of them by himself! You have no idea how happy I was that they were on my team after I saw that because of how much I would hate to have to play against them.
Agent Tesla: Well said. Now this next one is similar to your earlier sack as it is just a brutally effective bull rush, but given some things I believe it might be impressive in a different fashion.
Magnus Rikiya: Definitely. With less than three minutes left in the game they had to go for it so Wright drops back to pass. We had been bullying them in the backfield all game long so they smartly kept another player in to block. Which was especially smart since they knew we were going to blitz. The line did well here on both sides although their line held up better until Ugarth made his mark on the field. Since the lines were busy with each other it was Ugarth versus a secondary blocker and one strong stiff arm that sent them to the turf let Ugarth get a six yard sack that was the last real play of the game.
Agent Tesla: I think that segues well into our next section as Ugarth was clearly the player of the game on defense. Five tackles, a sack, three pass break ups, and an interception. That would be a good stat line for two games and Ugarth got it all done in one.
Magnus Rikiya: No question. Defense as a whole played well I would say, but none of us beat out Ugarth. The only player who came close to Ugarth was Dorfus Jimbo Jr with four tackles, two for loss, and a sack. I will always take a turnover over a couple tackles for loss though.
Agent Tesla: Agreed. I believe we also agree that McCormick wins player of the game for the offensive side with their 136 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.
Magnus Rikiya: Our running back committee did a great job as well, Francisco was the one who passed for all those yards, and of course our offensive line and especially Givussafare Rubbe did a fantastic job. Still got to give it to McCormick though for being the main offensive force and having some clearly highlight worthy plays. Whole team played well but Ugarth and McCormick were just better.
Agent Tesla: Agreed on all counts. Now we have just one last highlight to cover before we wrap up for the day.
Magnus Rikiya: Yes we do. Do you want to handle the explanation?
Agent Tesla: I will just for you. Now the viewers at home may not know this, but my client Magnus Rikiya is a big fan of jersey swaps. Did so privately throughout his DSFL career as my media work at the time was draft oriented, however I figured it worthwhile to pump up the people that would willingly partake in the swaps this time around. Good people deserve good things and I hope they will consider this shout out such a thing. So who was it that you swapped jerseys with this game?
Magnus Rikiya: Well I know normally jersey swaps are done across teams for a variety of reasons, but instead of extending an olive branch this time around I swapped with one of my teammates. Bjørn Ironside was nice enough to swap jerseys with me after our first real game as teammates and I could not be happier about it.
Agent Tesla: Do you want me to explain how that went, or will you own up to it yourself?
Magnus Rikiya: I will own up to it. When I went over to ask him if he would swap jerseys with me; I froze up. My lovely agent ended up asking for me, but Bjørn was nice enough to say yes anyway.
Agent Tesla: Imagine if you will a giant of a man standing frozen in place behind a petite green haired individual who is standing in front of another mountain of a man. Quite the scene that the public missed out on. After he said yes how did it go?
Magnus Rikiya: It is hard to talk to your idols! He was as charismatic as ever though and he talked to me about things for at least ten minutes. The nicest guy.
Agent Tesla: He's your teammate you've talked for hours before!
Magnus Rikiya: Yeah as a teammate! I have talked to him as equals without any problems since I got signed. This wasn't that though; this was Fordyce junior defensive tackle Magnus Rikiya getting to talk to Bjørn Ironside starting defensive tackle for Michigan. I did not start playing football until I was in high school and so I needed to catch up quick. Ironside was one of the guys whose tape I watched to learn how to play the game after he broke out in his second season there. It was really nice to be able to chat with him from that angle and he even still invited me out for tacos.
Agent Tesla: Fair enough. I know the answer, but for the people at home did you take him up on that offer?
Magnus Rikiya: When The Viking invites you out for tacos; you go and get tacos.
Agent Tesla: Well said. That I believes wraps up everything we wanted to cover today. Unless you had something more to add?
Magnus Rikiya: I think I am good. Thanks for reading everybody!
Agent Tesla: Yes! Thank you to anyone who took time out of their day to read this piece and I hope you will join us again next time. Have a great day everyone and see you then!
Magnus Rikiya: I hate to do it, but since we want to go over all the big plays I have to start with Jackson's 30 yard reception about four minutes into the first quarter. One of our players who I am not going to name was draped all over him from the moment the ball was put in the air. Jackson did not care at all though as he dragged them about twenty yards before Witten was able to catch up and complete the tackle. You got to respect a player playing hard like that.
Agent Tesla: Agreed there. Do you want to get into the next one or should I cover it?
Magnus Rikiya: No I'll do it. What makes that first one worse is they did almost the same thing the very next play. Pass to Jackson who dragged one of my teammates about ten yards before Blaylock could get there to finish off the tackle. We should have seen that coming from a mile away and we just bit hard on the fake. Mistakes are easy to be made and all, but that one hurt.
Agent Tesla: I will say they were able to score on that drive after a short rush away from you and a short completed pass to the end zone. A great offensive drive by San Jose and especially for Wright who went three of four for 61 yards and for Jackson who caught two of two for 55 of those yards.
Magnus Rikiya: We at least were able to block well for Blaylock's return after that, but our next drive did not go anywhere. A too many men on the field penalty and a dropped pass put us at third and fourteen with about seven minutes left to play in the first quarter. When Brackenridge hopped the center and got to Stan completely unblocked. Opposing team or not you have to respect a player just blowing past the guy in front of him like that, and especially as I know better than anyone how hard it is to get past our offensive line from practice.
Agent Tesla: Definitely an impressive play and an important one too as it negated some of the field advantage that Blaylock's return would have provided.
Magnus Rikiya: Agreed.
Agent Tesla: Now this next one we finally get to praise one of your teammates so I will happily let you take it away.
Magnus Rikiya: McCormick! This first quarter was defined by players just not willing to be tackled. Around ten minutes into the first quarter McCormick picked up plenty of yards for us. Much as I want to hype my teammate I have to say McCormick was wide open when he caught the pass so less difficulty there, although the fact that he got that open is always a good sign for his skills. The first person to get there though got dragged at least fifteen yards before the gang could catch up to properly bring McCormick down. Just a phenomenal job carrying that defender. Love to see it!
Agent Tesla: Drive ended in a missed field goal unfortunately, and so the first quarter ended down seven love to San Jose. Now you had an interesting choice for your first highlight of the second quarter, right?
Magnus Rikiya: T?riki! Just about a minute into the second quarter she picked up a first down with a good outside run where she avoided an early tackle. The play I want to highlight though came just two plays later when we faked a pass with the entire offensive line dropping back for pass protection, and T?riki just used her burst to pick up five yards up the gut. Half a dozen San Jose jerseys in her way and she just fought forward for the yards. She gets my respect for that.
Agent Tesla: Love it! Now the next highlight is one of my favorite types of play so I will go over it. Right around nine minutes into the second quarter Ugarth had tight coverage on McDavid, but Wright went for the pass anyway and paid the price as Ugarth picked it off clean. Ran it back over forty yards before one of the Sabercats was able to catch up. Credit where it is due that one payback made sure that Wright did not make that mistake again for the rest of the game. Great job by Ugarth making them pay for doubting his talents!
Magnus Rikiya: Big part of getting our first points on the board. Just a few plays later McCormick got open near the end zone and it was an easy touchdown with how good Francisco and McCormick's connection is on the field.
Agent Tesla: Now since you are not one to pump yourself up I will do our next highlight as you got a sack that was almost a safety in the last minutes of the second quarter. Especially impressive as the play before you were the one that made the tackle that stopped the run at the line of scrimmage. Then you got a sack with just a pure power bull rush that beat the offensive line to get to the quarterback. What is not to love about that?
Magnus Rikiya: It was a good play, but that play was only made possible by Ironside because I was supposed to be double-teamed that snap by the guard and the center. I engaged the guard to just drive him back as I do best, but when the center shifted his balance to get in my way Ironside caught him with an open palm to get him out of my way so I could get the sack. Ironside probably could have gotten the sack himself there if that was what he wanted, however he opened up the path for me because he is a team player. If you are reading this I want to thank you for that Ironside. Promise I will never forget it.
Agent Tesla: Thank you Ironside, although I will say I think my client did plenty enough to be deserving of the credit himself. The next play was an incomplete making for a lovely three and out for San Jose, but I do want to give credit here to McDairmid who despite being backed up against their own end zone was able to boom a punt sixty yards down field. Good special teams play deserves respect too.
Magnus Rikiya: That they do.
Agent Tesla: Now the first play of the third quarter that we wanted to highlight comes from a two time teammate of yours so I think it best you handle this one Magnus.
Magnus Rikiya: I can agree with that logic. Now this play happened just about two minutes into the third quarter and is proof the Dorfus Jimbo Jr was not at all a reach. He perfectly timed the snap and was around the tackle before they even realized they were supposed to block. The referees almost called him for jumping early, but every player on the field agreed the sack was legitimate. So glad I get to keep playing with him.
Agent Tesla: You definitely lucked out when it comes to landing spots. The next play we wanted to highlight of the third quarter was another great job by McCormick about four minutes into the second half.
Magnus Rikiya: McCormick was covered by well known defensive back PickSix and was able to get just about an arm length of separation to catch the ball. Outran him for a few yards before being tackled after about a twenty yard gain. Great job against great competition.
Agent Tesla: Agreed. Just a couple of minutes later the other reliable running back for the Second Line made a play worthy of an appearance on our highlight reel. Do you want this one, or may I continue?
Magnus Rikiya: You can have at it.
Agent Tesla: Thank you! Now a ten yard run on first and five may not seem the most impressive thing at first glance, but I was enthralled seeing Gump weave his way through defenders. He got some great blocks from the offensive line here and credit where it is due there. However the way they blocked left him with a few small gaps that he had to wiggle his way through to pick up that important first down for the team. Respect for that elusive run.
Magnus Rikiya: That was an important first down as it gave us the opportunity to score just a few plays later thanks to Jones bullying his way past the corner that was on top of him into the end zone. Put us in the lead and we did not lose it after that.
Agent Tesla: Indeed! This next one is near to my heart as I love good safety play and a good trick play. Since it involved the line though I will leave it to you as you may have an even better idea of what happened than I do about this play.
Magnus Rikiya: Yes! Right around ten minutes into the third quarter, third and seventeen so we know they have to pass, and our coaches call this fun little play. One of our safeties Blaylock is just over six feet tall and not a heavily built guy so we had him hide behind Ironside and Jimbo Jr with the linebackers standing up to keep attention off of him. Wright gets the snap and is hit by an unblocked Blaylock without having a chance to look at the field. Would have been the fastest sack of the game if not for Jimbo Jr, but this one was especially good as it forced the Sabercats to punt.
Agent Tesla: Now this next one is a tough one to praise as I know there were some fans who argued there was a push off, but I disagree and think that Thomas-Fox was just playing the game. Suffice it to say there was some physical play that was perfectly legal that let Thomas-Fox get about three yards of separation which is more than enough to get a reception in this league. Took about twenty yards for the defender to catch back up and make the tackle, but credit where it is due and Thomas-Fox deserves credit.
Magnus Rikiya: I'm not about to judge the referees for just letting us play. Hate that it led to a touchdown for them, but it was well deserved after that demonstration.
Agent Tesla: Now this next play is one which might not immediately pop off the board for most people as a lot of people might not think highly of a one yard touchdown run. Not highlighting the runner though here, but the offensive line play that gave the runner the opportunity. Now the entire line did a good job here which is deserving of kudos, however one specific lineman here is going to get some special credit. The Sabercats overloaded one side of the line to get quick pressure and had a two on one situation that should assuredly have allowed them a tackle for loss, but Givussafare Rubbe on the left side of the line stood stalwart against them. If the rest of the line fails in their expected roles the play fails of course, but Givussafare Rubbe went above and beyond by taking on two pass rushers.
Magnus Rikiya: Going to stay on this one because I want to highlight here how absolutely ridiculous a play that is for Givussafare Rubbe. I am a nose tackle so I am used to being double teamed to free up my teammates by forcing the offense to rely on one on one blocks against them. Blocking one good pass rusher is hard work and Givussafare Rubbe blocked two of them by himself! You have no idea how happy I was that they were on my team after I saw that because of how much I would hate to have to play against them.
Agent Tesla: Well said. Now this next one is similar to your earlier sack as it is just a brutally effective bull rush, but given some things I believe it might be impressive in a different fashion.
Magnus Rikiya: Definitely. With less than three minutes left in the game they had to go for it so Wright drops back to pass. We had been bullying them in the backfield all game long so they smartly kept another player in to block. Which was especially smart since they knew we were going to blitz. The line did well here on both sides although their line held up better until Ugarth made his mark on the field. Since the lines were busy with each other it was Ugarth versus a secondary blocker and one strong stiff arm that sent them to the turf let Ugarth get a six yard sack that was the last real play of the game.
Agent Tesla: I think that segues well into our next section as Ugarth was clearly the player of the game on defense. Five tackles, a sack, three pass break ups, and an interception. That would be a good stat line for two games and Ugarth got it all done in one.
Magnus Rikiya: No question. Defense as a whole played well I would say, but none of us beat out Ugarth. The only player who came close to Ugarth was Dorfus Jimbo Jr with four tackles, two for loss, and a sack. I will always take a turnover over a couple tackles for loss though.
Agent Tesla: Agreed. I believe we also agree that McCormick wins player of the game for the offensive side with their 136 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.
Magnus Rikiya: Our running back committee did a great job as well, Francisco was the one who passed for all those yards, and of course our offensive line and especially Givussafare Rubbe did a fantastic job. Still got to give it to McCormick though for being the main offensive force and having some clearly highlight worthy plays. Whole team played well but Ugarth and McCormick were just better.
Agent Tesla: Agreed on all counts. Now we have just one last highlight to cover before we wrap up for the day.
Magnus Rikiya: Yes we do. Do you want to handle the explanation?
Agent Tesla: I will just for you. Now the viewers at home may not know this, but my client Magnus Rikiya is a big fan of jersey swaps. Did so privately throughout his DSFL career as my media work at the time was draft oriented, however I figured it worthwhile to pump up the people that would willingly partake in the swaps this time around. Good people deserve good things and I hope they will consider this shout out such a thing. So who was it that you swapped jerseys with this game?
Magnus Rikiya: Well I know normally jersey swaps are done across teams for a variety of reasons, but instead of extending an olive branch this time around I swapped with one of my teammates. Bjørn Ironside was nice enough to swap jerseys with me after our first real game as teammates and I could not be happier about it.
Agent Tesla: Do you want me to explain how that went, or will you own up to it yourself?
Magnus Rikiya: I will own up to it. When I went over to ask him if he would swap jerseys with me; I froze up. My lovely agent ended up asking for me, but Bjørn was nice enough to say yes anyway.
Agent Tesla: Imagine if you will a giant of a man standing frozen in place behind a petite green haired individual who is standing in front of another mountain of a man. Quite the scene that the public missed out on. After he said yes how did it go?
Magnus Rikiya: It is hard to talk to your idols! He was as charismatic as ever though and he talked to me about things for at least ten minutes. The nicest guy.
Agent Tesla: He's your teammate you've talked for hours before!
Magnus Rikiya: Yeah as a teammate! I have talked to him as equals without any problems since I got signed. This wasn't that though; this was Fordyce junior defensive tackle Magnus Rikiya getting to talk to Bjørn Ironside starting defensive tackle for Michigan. I did not start playing football until I was in high school and so I needed to catch up quick. Ironside was one of the guys whose tape I watched to learn how to play the game after he broke out in his second season there. It was really nice to be able to chat with him from that angle and he even still invited me out for tacos.
Agent Tesla: Fair enough. I know the answer, but for the people at home did you take him up on that offer?
Magnus Rikiya: When The Viking invites you out for tacos; you go and get tacos.
Agent Tesla: Well said. That I believes wraps up everything we wanted to cover today. Unless you had something more to add?
Magnus Rikiya: I think I am good. Thanks for reading everybody!
Agent Tesla: Yes! Thank you to anyone who took time out of their day to read this piece and I hope you will join us again next time. Have a great day everyone and see you then!
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