The Pre-Season is coming to a close and the media is scrambling around trying to figure out top stories and hidden gems to talk about. Yet, one thing that seems to be going overlooked is a discussion about the Arizona Outlaws performance. Now, many would look it over and scoff in disdain; but I see them as one of the strangest wildcard factors in an already unpredictable first NSFL season.
Let's take time to review each of their 4 Pre-Season match-ups.
First they went against the Orange County Otters:
No one expected the Outlaws to win this first game, and they didn't. It when 3-16, but as bad as that sounds you can take a few positives. The Outlaws defense only allowed 1 TD. The team obtained more first downs. Their LBs showed an ability to play gaining 8, 7, and 6 tackles or 21 total tackles between the starters. The LBs even boasted stats like TFL and a punt block. Yet, their offense stalled, despite A Thomas having 8 Pancakes.
Against the Colorado Yeti:
They fared much better against this team in a 13-17 loss. This game saw their defense make all sorts of plays from tackles, to an INT, to FF, to sacks. Their offense even scored twice and Stormblessed had a 100+ yard receiving game. What ultimately got them was penalties and turning over the ball. Still, a very close match-up.
Playing the SaberCats:
This was a very disappointing game for the Outlaws as it seem like their first win as they headed into the 4th Quarter. Sadly, their Defense just broke down in the 4th Quarter. Some starts actually never became major factors in the game at all (Ex: LB Harrif Ernston). This game also saw QB V Draxel display one of his worst completion rating games at 18/35. It really seemed like they were going to get the win but late game choking proved otherwise.
Vs the Baltimore Hawks:
I'm not even going to lie, on the pace the Hawk were on I was expecting an L. Yet, I never dreamed the game would be so close! In the Outlaws 8-9 loss we saw a team go out and FIGHT for at least one win. The Hawks were crushing other teams but the Outlaws gave them their hardest game of the Pre-Season. This game may have even ended in a tie if not for the missed 20-29 yard field goal attempt of the phenomenal Pre-Season kicker Adrienne Nugent. The Arizona defense showed why they obtained draft steals as they held the Hawks to their lowest scoring game allowing no TDs. This defense lead the a 4 game phenomenon Jaylon Lee played their hearts out. Jaylon Lee earned Defensive POG for his maddening performance: 11 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 Sfty. Still, Arizona just couldn't get it done.
Arizona is a talented team with special players, they didn't have the highest TPE going into the Pre-Season and it showed. Yet, with an update of TPE going through into the Regular season I am very curious to see how their next few games play out. They are being slept on according to various PT post; but make no mistake they are not a team to be underestimated.
Let's take time to review each of their 4 Pre-Season match-ups.
First they went against the Orange County Otters:
No one expected the Outlaws to win this first game, and they didn't. It when 3-16, but as bad as that sounds you can take a few positives. The Outlaws defense only allowed 1 TD. The team obtained more first downs. Their LBs showed an ability to play gaining 8, 7, and 6 tackles or 21 total tackles between the starters. The LBs even boasted stats like TFL and a punt block. Yet, their offense stalled, despite A Thomas having 8 Pancakes.
Against the Colorado Yeti:
They fared much better against this team in a 13-17 loss. This game saw their defense make all sorts of plays from tackles, to an INT, to FF, to sacks. Their offense even scored twice and Stormblessed had a 100+ yard receiving game. What ultimately got them was penalties and turning over the ball. Still, a very close match-up.
Playing the SaberCats:
This was a very disappointing game for the Outlaws as it seem like their first win as they headed into the 4th Quarter. Sadly, their Defense just broke down in the 4th Quarter. Some starts actually never became major factors in the game at all (Ex: LB Harrif Ernston). This game also saw QB V Draxel display one of his worst completion rating games at 18/35. It really seemed like they were going to get the win but late game choking proved otherwise.
Vs the Baltimore Hawks:
I'm not even going to lie, on the pace the Hawk were on I was expecting an L. Yet, I never dreamed the game would be so close! In the Outlaws 8-9 loss we saw a team go out and FIGHT for at least one win. The Hawks were crushing other teams but the Outlaws gave them their hardest game of the Pre-Season. This game may have even ended in a tie if not for the missed 20-29 yard field goal attempt of the phenomenal Pre-Season kicker Adrienne Nugent. The Arizona defense showed why they obtained draft steals as they held the Hawks to their lowest scoring game allowing no TDs. This defense lead the a 4 game phenomenon Jaylon Lee played their hearts out. Jaylon Lee earned Defensive POG for his maddening performance: 11 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 Sfty. Still, Arizona just couldn't get it done.
Arizona is a talented team with special players, they didn't have the highest TPE going into the Pre-Season and it showed. Yet, with an update of TPE going through into the Regular season I am very curious to see how their next few games play out. They are being slept on according to various PT post; but make no mistake they are not a team to be underestimated.
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