(702 words)
LOUD SNAKE NOISES!!!
While the Portland Pythons have had some strong performances of late in this early portion of the season, the team has leaned heavily on ball control, turnovers, and special teams to secure victory. While both the passing and running attacks appear to be turning a corner in both efficiency and game-breaking ability, the trademark of that group will continue to be securing the football and meticulously moving the chains. While not a glamorous style of football, it can be successful. Special teams has even made its impact of late, chipping in with a more reliable kicking game and a kickoff return for a touchdown in the Pythons latest performance. The defense has done its part to a degree thus far, forcing two fumbles and intercepting four passes. Yet despite these promising performances from many of the team’s units, the team has exhibited very little ability to get to the opposing team’s quarterback. The Portland Pythons have posted a head-scratching five sacks in four games, leading one to wonder if this ‘bend-don’t-break’ defense is all smoke and mirrors. Python’s linebacker Donald McBobby has accounted for 3 of the 5 sacks himself as well as one of the team’s 4 interceptions. Two other players, Honky Tonk Haywood and Hoffman have one sack each to round out the total.
The Pythons future should be in a very strong position with so many new, young draft picks contributing early to a solid team; however, the lack of seasoned talent up front has already been evident in the team’s inability to get to the quarterback. There’s no doubt that the defense will continue to lean on McBobby as he has proven himself to be one of, if not the most talented player on defense, but the offense will no doubt need to continue its ascending trend of success in order to keep the Pythons in the win column, especially as the schedule begins to get a bit more challenging.
As alluded to, there are reasons for optimism for this side of the ball. The Pythons defensive ends, Slayer and Hoffman, are better than what they’ve produced thus far. As they continue to get reps they should make themselves evident on the field and on the score sheet. The largest question mark is the front middle of the defense, where Cirelli and Haywood, have a lot of work to do in practice and in the weight room in order to establish themselves as a cohesive defensive line unit. The sack numbers aren’t the only telling ones as the Pythons have been getting lit up in the running game as well, a direct result of its young inexperienced defensive front. The good news is both defensive line players, as well as the ends, have shown a commitment to earning their time and have vocal in the locker room. One would think that if this group can show a modicum of improvement and cohesiveness then the wins should continue to be there.
Player to watch:
Slayer, defensive end
This man is fast, strong, and can stay on the football field. He’s already been in the opponent’s backfield, registering a strong four tackles for loss, but has yet to register a sack. This stat should prove to be an aberration sooner rather than later as he’s been beating blockers often enough.
Honorable mention player to watch:
Drake, safety
This is supposed to be a sack-related article, which is why many of the talented Python corners and safety’s haven’t been mentioned much, but Joel Drake is going to get his nod here. While he has registered 17 tackles, a fumble recovery is his only other indexed statistic as of today. Touted as currently the Python defender with the highest overall talent, there’s little chance Drake doesn’t find his way into some more high-opportunity positions. While his lack of numbers on the score sheet is less than ideal, the Pythons have to be pleased by the fact that the team has found success despite some of its big name players on defense still finding their way into the flow of things. Drake and Slayer are both bound to make an impact. We’ll see if that comes in week 5.
HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
LOUD SNAKE NOISES!!!
While the Portland Pythons have had some strong performances of late in this early portion of the season, the team has leaned heavily on ball control, turnovers, and special teams to secure victory. While both the passing and running attacks appear to be turning a corner in both efficiency and game-breaking ability, the trademark of that group will continue to be securing the football and meticulously moving the chains. While not a glamorous style of football, it can be successful. Special teams has even made its impact of late, chipping in with a more reliable kicking game and a kickoff return for a touchdown in the Pythons latest performance. The defense has done its part to a degree thus far, forcing two fumbles and intercepting four passes. Yet despite these promising performances from many of the team’s units, the team has exhibited very little ability to get to the opposing team’s quarterback. The Portland Pythons have posted a head-scratching five sacks in four games, leading one to wonder if this ‘bend-don’t-break’ defense is all smoke and mirrors. Python’s linebacker Donald McBobby has accounted for 3 of the 5 sacks himself as well as one of the team’s 4 interceptions. Two other players, Honky Tonk Haywood and Hoffman have one sack each to round out the total.
The Pythons future should be in a very strong position with so many new, young draft picks contributing early to a solid team; however, the lack of seasoned talent up front has already been evident in the team’s inability to get to the quarterback. There’s no doubt that the defense will continue to lean on McBobby as he has proven himself to be one of, if not the most talented player on defense, but the offense will no doubt need to continue its ascending trend of success in order to keep the Pythons in the win column, especially as the schedule begins to get a bit more challenging.
As alluded to, there are reasons for optimism for this side of the ball. The Pythons defensive ends, Slayer and Hoffman, are better than what they’ve produced thus far. As they continue to get reps they should make themselves evident on the field and on the score sheet. The largest question mark is the front middle of the defense, where Cirelli and Haywood, have a lot of work to do in practice and in the weight room in order to establish themselves as a cohesive defensive line unit. The sack numbers aren’t the only telling ones as the Pythons have been getting lit up in the running game as well, a direct result of its young inexperienced defensive front. The good news is both defensive line players, as well as the ends, have shown a commitment to earning their time and have vocal in the locker room. One would think that if this group can show a modicum of improvement and cohesiveness then the wins should continue to be there.
Player to watch:
Slayer, defensive end
This man is fast, strong, and can stay on the football field. He’s already been in the opponent’s backfield, registering a strong four tackles for loss, but has yet to register a sack. This stat should prove to be an aberration sooner rather than later as he’s been beating blockers often enough.
Honorable mention player to watch:
Drake, safety
This is supposed to be a sack-related article, which is why many of the talented Python corners and safety’s haven’t been mentioned much, but Joel Drake is going to get his nod here. While he has registered 17 tackles, a fumble recovery is his only other indexed statistic as of today. Touted as currently the Python defender with the highest overall talent, there’s little chance Drake doesn’t find his way into some more high-opportunity positions. While his lack of numbers on the score sheet is less than ideal, the Pythons have to be pleased by the fact that the team has found success despite some of its big name players on defense still finding their way into the flow of things. Drake and Slayer are both bound to make an impact. We’ll see if that comes in week 5.
HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS