The Berlin Fire Salamanders have had an interesting first season. Probably as most predicted, they are going to finish last in the NSFC. But there have been more than a few bright spots!
QB Kaepercolin only converted to QB in this last offseason, so has come in with a massive disadvantage. As a result, Berlin ranks last in points scored and last in passing yards by a big margin. Some of this was by design, with Berlin having the lowest pass/run ratio in the league. But the fact remains, that Kaepercolin will be looking to improve significantly in the offseason. And I've got a sneaky suspicion that when he does, Berlin will be a much better passing team next season. Berlin's spread of star receivers and tight ends are likely to benefit as a result.
On the other side of the coin, the running game has been one of the highlights of Berlin's season. The dual headed beast that is Petrongolo and King has amassed the 2nd highest run yardage in the league, just behind Arizona. Petrongolo ranks 5th overall for all-purpose yards. Despite the ground game dominance, the pair haven't seen the endzone as often as they like, but they're both young and Berlin fans can expect this pair to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
The Berlin defense has been a mixed bag this year. They've been above average in tackles and lead the league in tackles for loss, thanks largely to defensive line juggernauts Steel and VonPebbles. Sacks, turnovers and passes defensed have eluded them somewhat, so that will be something to address in the offseason.
Star kicker Karmichael Hunt has been huge for Berlin this year. He's not missed a field goal kick all season (one of two to achieve that feat) and ranks 4th for punt distance average. The Fire Salamanders are set there for a long time to come.
QB Kaepercolin only converted to QB in this last offseason, so has come in with a massive disadvantage. As a result, Berlin ranks last in points scored and last in passing yards by a big margin. Some of this was by design, with Berlin having the lowest pass/run ratio in the league. But the fact remains, that Kaepercolin will be looking to improve significantly in the offseason. And I've got a sneaky suspicion that when he does, Berlin will be a much better passing team next season. Berlin's spread of star receivers and tight ends are likely to benefit as a result.
On the other side of the coin, the running game has been one of the highlights of Berlin's season. The dual headed beast that is Petrongolo and King has amassed the 2nd highest run yardage in the league, just behind Arizona. Petrongolo ranks 5th overall for all-purpose yards. Despite the ground game dominance, the pair haven't seen the endzone as often as they like, but they're both young and Berlin fans can expect this pair to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
The Berlin defense has been a mixed bag this year. They've been above average in tackles and lead the league in tackles for loss, thanks largely to defensive line juggernauts Steel and VonPebbles. Sacks, turnovers and passes defensed have eluded them somewhat, so that will be something to address in the offseason.
Star kicker Karmichael Hunt has been huge for Berlin this year. He's not missed a field goal kick all season (one of two to achieve that feat) and ranks 4th for punt distance average. The Fire Salamanders are set there for a long time to come.