04-19-2023, 11:40 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-21-2023, 11:30 AM by xenosthelegend. Edited 1 time in total.)
In our first match-up of the DSFL Preseason, we saw the Norfolk Seawolves take on the Dallas Birddogs. Last season, the Seawolves were the hottest team going into the playoffs having won all of their conference games and putting up the best regular season record. Despite this, the Seawolves were beaten soundly in the first round, 27-16, by the eventual winners, the Bondi Beach Buccaneers. The Dallas Birddogs entered their first preseason game having finished third in their division last season with a 6-8 record and the second highest points against in the league.
The Seawolves definitely came into the game with something to prove. On the opening kickoff, running back Sticky Hands scored a 108-yard return breaking previous regular season record of 105-yards held by a now inactive Alex Reed of the Bondi Beach Buccaneers. The Birddogs were able to respond quickly after driving the ball 62-yards down the field for their first score of the game. Unfortunately for the Birddogs, this would be their only touchdown of the game. The Birddogs were unable to defend against the Seawolves’ rushing attack giving up 139 yards to rookie running back Sailor Moon whose player of the game performance helped secure their 43-16 win over the Birddogs. Other notable contributions from the Seawolves came from Quarterback Rocky Franklin III who completed 12 of 19 passing attempts for 196, averaging a little over 10 yards per pass and Wide Receiver Stetson David had 97 receiving yards from three receptions. Robert Rossi also chipped in with a Pick-6 in the Second Quarter.
For the Birddogs, there weren’t as many bright spots in their start to the 41st Season of the DSFL. The offense was responsible for five turnovers (3 fumbles, 2 interceptions) and the team gave up 53 yards in penalties. If they are going to secure a spot in the playoffs, the Birddogs will have to find a way to hold onto the football and cut down on the number of penalties they concede. In this game, the Birddogs opted to start rookie Quarterback Not Edd who completed 48.8% (20/41) of their passes for 214 yards but was unable to find a way to score through the air. Despite giving up two interceptions, it is clear that, if they can find a way to help him reign in the ball, the Birddogs have a solid prospect on their hands. The Birddogs’ offense struggled the most on the ground with GM Bot Whiskey Retriever only managing to get 51 yards on 15 carries. It’s not all doom and gloom for the Birddogs though, strong individual performances from wide receivers Octavion Speedings and Keanu Calhoun and TE Pierce Hawthorne show that the Birddogs have a strong receiving core in the making. With their starting quarterback in the lineup for the regular season, their receiving room should be able to put up some good numbers. Kicker LeHarm James also had a strong showing converting on his lone extra point and all three FG Attempts (40yd, 45yd, 52yd). There are rumblings out of Dallas that they will have a running back on their hands soon although, we probably won’t see him until Week 2 at the earliest.
After a tough open to the season for Dallas, the War Room has already gathered to discuss their options going into the regular season. With the prospect of a talented (hopefully) running back entering the equation to balance out the offense and a more solid game plan going forward, the future is bright and there's a lot to be excited about for the Birddogs as they hope to contend for one of the DSFL South Playoff Spots.
Finally, for me personally, the biggest bright spot of the preseason for Dallas was their win over the Minnesota Grey Ducks. @Chicken Lips thank you for inviting me to this league so that our team could put the beatdown on you the first week of the preseason.
Meme of the Week:
The Seawolves definitely came into the game with something to prove. On the opening kickoff, running back Sticky Hands scored a 108-yard return breaking previous regular season record of 105-yards held by a now inactive Alex Reed of the Bondi Beach Buccaneers. The Birddogs were able to respond quickly after driving the ball 62-yards down the field for their first score of the game. Unfortunately for the Birddogs, this would be their only touchdown of the game. The Birddogs were unable to defend against the Seawolves’ rushing attack giving up 139 yards to rookie running back Sailor Moon whose player of the game performance helped secure their 43-16 win over the Birddogs. Other notable contributions from the Seawolves came from Quarterback Rocky Franklin III who completed 12 of 19 passing attempts for 196, averaging a little over 10 yards per pass and Wide Receiver Stetson David had 97 receiving yards from three receptions. Robert Rossi also chipped in with a Pick-6 in the Second Quarter.
For the Birddogs, there weren’t as many bright spots in their start to the 41st Season of the DSFL. The offense was responsible for five turnovers (3 fumbles, 2 interceptions) and the team gave up 53 yards in penalties. If they are going to secure a spot in the playoffs, the Birddogs will have to find a way to hold onto the football and cut down on the number of penalties they concede. In this game, the Birddogs opted to start rookie Quarterback Not Edd who completed 48.8% (20/41) of their passes for 214 yards but was unable to find a way to score through the air. Despite giving up two interceptions, it is clear that, if they can find a way to help him reign in the ball, the Birddogs have a solid prospect on their hands. The Birddogs’ offense struggled the most on the ground with GM Bot Whiskey Retriever only managing to get 51 yards on 15 carries. It’s not all doom and gloom for the Birddogs though, strong individual performances from wide receivers Octavion Speedings and Keanu Calhoun and TE Pierce Hawthorne show that the Birddogs have a strong receiving core in the making. With their starting quarterback in the lineup for the regular season, their receiving room should be able to put up some good numbers. Kicker LeHarm James also had a strong showing converting on his lone extra point and all three FG Attempts (40yd, 45yd, 52yd). There are rumblings out of Dallas that they will have a running back on their hands soon although, we probably won’t see him until Week 2 at the earliest.
After a tough open to the season for Dallas, the War Room has already gathered to discuss their options going into the regular season. With the prospect of a talented (hopefully) running back entering the equation to balance out the offense and a more solid game plan going forward, the future is bright and there's a lot to be excited about for the Birddogs as they hope to contend for one of the DSFL South Playoff Spots.
Finally, for me personally, the biggest bright spot of the preseason for Dallas was their win over the Minnesota Grey Ducks. @Chicken Lips thank you for inviting me to this league so that our team could put the beatdown on you the first week of the preseason.
Meme of the Week: