08-19-2023, 05:31 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-22-2023, 06:36 AM by Aneeqs. Edited 3 times in total.)
It’s too early to be making this hot take, but I’m gonna cook it up anyway. The Baltimore Hawks could do it this year, folks. This could be the year the Birbs take home the Ultimus for the first time since S35.
Here’s what’s working for Baltimore in S43.
Points, baby. The Hawks have a lot of them. In fact, they’re only three points behind the league-leading Arizona Outlaws. Coming off an MVP season in S42, quarterback Preston Beats leads the league in passing touchdowns while being second league-wide in passer rating. He’s also second in completion percentage and is top five in passing yards. He has a solid chance at winning MVP again.
A quarterback is only as good as the weapons around him. Rocky Moreaux is top five this season in receiving yards while having the second-most touchdown receptions. Speaking of touchdown receptions, there are THREE Hawks in the top five league-wide for receiving scores. While Moreaux is second, teammates Shane Turnbull and Kumquat Archipelago are third and fifth. RB Archipelago actually has more receiving touchdowns (5) and yards (532) than rushing yards (322) and rushing touchdowns (0). This is a pass-first offense that is absolutely scorching 7 weeks in.
Even with all that nasty offensive output, the saying has always been defense wins championships. Whether you subscribe to that theory or not, Baltimore has a dope defense to complement their potent offense. They have the best defense when it comes to points allowed. They lead the league in interceptions and are top three in sacks and forced fumbles.
If you’re looking for a weakness in Baltimore, there is none. Not a lot has been asked of their special teams unit. When the ST squad’s number has been called, they have delivered. They’re hitting their field goals and extra point attempts at a 100% clip and haven’t had to take terribly long attempts, either. Their longest attempt was a 49-yarder which was of course, converted.
Who could stand in Baltimore’s way?
Despite the blistering start, it would be unwise to discount any of the other top teams in the ISFL. Within their own conference, the Cape Town Crash could play spoiler in the playoffs and Berlin is always a threat with their defense. Over in the ASFC, the Arizona Outlaws lead the league in points scored and are third overall in points allowed. Should Baltimore and Arizona meet in the Ultimus, it could be the game of the decade. They match up too well. The Silverbacks currently top the ASFC, boasting a 5-1 conference record against a 5-2 overall record. Their first win of the season was a week one beat down of those Arizona Outlaws we just got done hyping up. The two best teams in the ASFC are the obvious picks for potential Baltimore foils but there are some NSFC teams that could heat up at just the right time. Those teams are the Sarasota Sailfish, who currently have a better road record than home record, and the Yellowknife Wraiths, who are almost dead even between points scored and points allowed.
Do I think the Hawks could be crowned this year? Yes, I do. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Here’s what’s working for Baltimore in S43.
Points, baby. The Hawks have a lot of them. In fact, they’re only three points behind the league-leading Arizona Outlaws. Coming off an MVP season in S42, quarterback Preston Beats leads the league in passing touchdowns while being second league-wide in passer rating. He’s also second in completion percentage and is top five in passing yards. He has a solid chance at winning MVP again.
A quarterback is only as good as the weapons around him. Rocky Moreaux is top five this season in receiving yards while having the second-most touchdown receptions. Speaking of touchdown receptions, there are THREE Hawks in the top five league-wide for receiving scores. While Moreaux is second, teammates Shane Turnbull and Kumquat Archipelago are third and fifth. RB Archipelago actually has more receiving touchdowns (5) and yards (532) than rushing yards (322) and rushing touchdowns (0). This is a pass-first offense that is absolutely scorching 7 weeks in.
Even with all that nasty offensive output, the saying has always been defense wins championships. Whether you subscribe to that theory or not, Baltimore has a dope defense to complement their potent offense. They have the best defense when it comes to points allowed. They lead the league in interceptions and are top three in sacks and forced fumbles.
If you’re looking for a weakness in Baltimore, there is none. Not a lot has been asked of their special teams unit. When the ST squad’s number has been called, they have delivered. They’re hitting their field goals and extra point attempts at a 100% clip and haven’t had to take terribly long attempts, either. Their longest attempt was a 49-yarder which was of course, converted.
Who could stand in Baltimore’s way?
Despite the blistering start, it would be unwise to discount any of the other top teams in the ISFL. Within their own conference, the Cape Town Crash could play spoiler in the playoffs and Berlin is always a threat with their defense. Over in the ASFC, the Arizona Outlaws lead the league in points scored and are third overall in points allowed. Should Baltimore and Arizona meet in the Ultimus, it could be the game of the decade. They match up too well. The Silverbacks currently top the ASFC, boasting a 5-1 conference record against a 5-2 overall record. Their first win of the season was a week one beat down of those Arizona Outlaws we just got done hyping up. The two best teams in the ASFC are the obvious picks for potential Baltimore foils but there are some NSFC teams that could heat up at just the right time. Those teams are the Sarasota Sailfish, who currently have a better road record than home record, and the Yellowknife Wraiths, who are almost dead even between points scored and points allowed.
Do I think the Hawks could be crowned this year? Yes, I do. I would love to hear your thoughts.