03-08-2023, 06:02 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-12-2023, 11:42 AM by Caleb_H. Edited 1 time in total.)
After quite a strange start to the season for the Otters we’re back again to throw an eye at the next four games. With Jamdrian having one amazing game, and a couple of meh ones, it’s gonna be really interesting to find out if the week 2 game was just a fluke or truly showed what Jamdrian and the Otters can do more consistently. The team is feeling optimistic and is looking forward to keep surprising the league!
The fifth game of the season was played against the Arizona Outlaws
10:14 left in the second quarter - 1st and 10 on AZ 39
New set of games, new set of plays, but no new set of downs for the Otters as they just before this gambled on a 4th and failed to convert. Giving Arizona the ball in a good starting position, although still on their own half at least. We’re hoping into the second half because the first one wasn’t much to look at from our point of view. Jamdrian was barely, if ever, actively involved. But at this point in time they finally started moving some plays up the right where our protagonist usually hangs out. Lining up opposite of #89, Billy Stinkwater. But this was no passing play. The ball was snapped directly to the Arizona running back Danny Nedelko who came charging up the field. Jamdrian’s initial movement had put him closer to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to cover Stinkwater up close. This unfortunately meant he was going the wrong direction after Nedelko broke through the defensive line. Forcing him to shift his weight and restart his acceleration efforts. The ball carrier managed to force a couple of missed tackles, but after breaking away from the most recent one he had his step going straight into Jamdrian who had now caught up and took him down with a waist hug from diagonally behind him.
6:14 left in the second quarter - 3rd and 8 on OCO 9
Six whole minutes pass and neither team has been able to score since. However, the Outlaws are right now dangerously close to the endzone. Within 10, even. This is a hard position to be in. But with Arizona being on their 3rd down this play could mean the difference between giving up 7 or 3 points. The opposing player is once again Billy Stinkwater. A tough opponent for sure, especially in these high pressure plays. As the ball snaps Jamdrian moves up on top of Billy, trying to prevent the quick pass. But even with them dancing around each other Billy manages to break free. Not completely free mind you. But free enough that their quarterback has enough confidence to throw it his way and hope for the best. Unfortunately their best case scenario did come true. #89 is able to get a solid hold of the ball which is the opposite of what happened for Jamdrian as he did get a grip on Billy, but it slipped away and let the receiver run the final six or something yards into the endzone.
5:47 left in the third quarter - 2nd and 90 on AZ 41
The game is slowly but surely slipping away from the Otters. Just like Billy did in the last play we reported on. They have yet to score a point and we’re once again back with the Outlaws in possession of the ball. At this point it’s more about stopping the bleeding. As the Otters defense hasn’t been on top of their game either so far. And to be fair, Jamdrian isn’t really helping the situation so far. But he’s back again on the field and looking to prevent any further gains. Can’t go back onto it with the disappointment of past plays in mind. Their quarterback gets the ball and quickly steps back to scan the field. Looking like he’s having a decent amount of time to make a decision. Unfortunately for them, the Otters’ defensive coverage on this play was top notch. Not a single eligible receiver from the Outlaws was able to break open. Proper man-to-man coverage with even some doubles sprinkled in there. And this included Jamdrian’s battle with Stinkwater. A couple of shuffles and cuts around the 45 yard line wasn’t able to shake off our cornerback. But instead of throwing it away, their quarterback decided to gamble on the veteran vs rookie matchup again. This time however it ended in Jamdrian’s favor as he was able to step around Billy and bat the ball down before anyone was able to make a catch.
5:51 left in the fourth quarter - 3rd and 4 on OCO 41
At this point the game is almost over. No chance for an Otters comeback or anything sexy like that. So for now it’s really just playing out the last couple of minutes of the game. But to at least make things a little different than the rest of the game Jamdrian is now eyeing down a new receiver before the play. And this time it’s Louis Blondin instead of Stinkwater. Which I guess is a good way to throw the defense off a little bit. To give them a new opponent after spending 95% of plays so far against one specific player. On another 3rd down the Otters are hoping to not give up more than another field goal. But as Arizona is so close to the 1st down marker, it was always gonna be a tough challenge. The ball snaps and Louis takes off straight ahead with no regard for traffic. The ball comes flying high, forcing the receiver to jump up in an attempt to grab it. Which he manages to do after juggling it once or twice. Quite the solid catch which brings them into 1st down territory even though Jamdrian was able to pull him straight down and almost force the fumble.
This was definitely a game the Otters want to forget. So let’s not talk too much about it. Overall a tough game against one of the best teams in the league. Perhaps next time they can give the Outlaws a better fight.
The sixth game of the season was played against the San Jose Sabercats
7:14 left in the first quarter - 1st and 10 on SJS 25
A nice and slow start to this game has kept the game low scoring so far with only the Otters being able to get a 3 pointer. And as the ball has now been given to the Sabercats we’re keeping an eye out for Jamdrian. Let’s see what he can do in this game against Cornelius King III, who appears to be the one to shadow today. In this play the Otters’ defensive line was able to put a lot of pressure on the San Jose quarterback, forcing a quick decision. And only a second away from the sack the ball was thrown. Quite a dangerous throw but Cornelius did have the advantage of being on the inside compared to Jamdrian as the ball came their way. Allowing him to pull the ball in without interference from any defender. While he was able to catch it, he didn’t get much further as Jamdrian pushed him down right away with fewer than 10 yards gained. Creating a 2nd down.
0:27 left in the 2nd quarter - 2nd and 2 on OCO 24
The game hasn’t gotten a bit more exciting now. Both teams have started scoring and near the end of the half it’s a tight 1-point game in favor of the Otters. But the Sabercats have made their way down the field just outside the Orange County redzone. Making it look like they’re gonna be able to take the lead before the third quarter. Jamdrian and Cornelius as expected staring each other down for this next play. It’s a bit of a double threat if you can call it that. Because San Jose is both within a very close range for a new set of downs, but also extremely close to the end zone. With it just being the 2nd down it’s impossible to tell which line they’re gonna aim for here. They could easily try to go farther than the 2 yards they need, but maybe they just want to settle for a new set of downs. We find out the answer to that quite quickly. As the play gets underway Cornelius takes a couple of steps up and then stops two or three yards past the yellow 1st down marker. And no other San Jose receiver is really moving up much farther than that. Their quarterback is having some trouble finding an open player but luckily for them King is able to get some space away from Jamdrian with a quick cut to the outside. Enabling him to easily get open and catch the ball as it’s thrown. With the extra space King is even able to keep going up the field. As it’s starting to look like a touchdown Jamdrian is luckily able to catch up. But not before the ball makes it inside the 10. A short play turned into a long one.
10:06 left in the fourth quarter - 2nd and 10 on OCO 43
The third quarter was another low scoring one. This game keeps going up and down in terms of points. But one consistent thing is that the Otters have managed to stay ahead for most of it. And still are now as we get deeper into the last quarter. But it’s still anyone’s game. The Sabercats are again threatening at least a field goal. At this point any and all yards gained are important for the kicker. San Jose is for this play option to run it. Giving the ball to running back C.G Breezy. Who decides to live up to his name and breezes through several defenders on his way up the right side of the field. Luckily Jamdrian had lined up further back than normal and was able to become part of the last line of defense for the Otters. As Breezy cut past several defenders at the end what took him down was a double teaming which included Jamdrian coming in hard from the side with enough force to not even allow any attempt at regaining balance. A major gain for the Sabercats but luckily it didn’t make it all the way.
1:01 left in the fourth quarter - 3rd and 14 on SJS 44
After the previously reported play San Jose was able to get into the endzone and take the lead. However, since then the Otters managed to do the very same thing and are now up by four points near the very end of the game. This San Jose possession will likely be their last of the game and they need to score a touchdown to prevent a loss. Unfortunately for them they’re on a 3rd down and long after getting a penalty called on them which pushed them back. Even worse is that the penalized play would’ve rewarded them a new set of downs had it been legal. So this play could just be the decision maker. And all the defense had to focus on was to keep them from getting a longer gain. Which allowed Jamdrian to give Cornelius a little more space initially in the hopes of a short pass. Which is exactly what happened. With King being open he was an easy target. But after the reception the problem was to somehow get enough yards. And still being about 10 yards away from the yellow line marker it was a lot of ground to make up. The defensive plan worked out quite well. As Jamdrian wawa able to step up and prevent much progress from Cornelius. He did get seven yards out of it, but after Jamdrian tugged him down they still had six yards to go and only one more down.
What we didn’t report was that San Jose actually made it way down the field on their last possession. With several spikes and just enough yards they were extremely close to winning the game. But they ultimately ran out of time at the 2(!) yard line thanks to the Otters cornerback McAlister. An extremely close fought win for the Otters!
The seventh game of the season was played against the New Orleans Second Line
9:12 left in the first quarter - 1st and 10 on NOLA 49
After a close win last week the Otters are back on home turf hoping to get a new streak going. And while the game has barely started it’s looking good as they’re already up by seven. And now with New Orleans in possession, let’s see what the Otters’ defense can do to hold them back. Jamdrian’s friend for this drive is looking to be #53, Ttollem Mada. Another mismatch of course, which is the story of the season. But so far Jamdrian has been keeping up fairly well against these strong, veteran receivers. As the play gets going Mada starts out going straight ahead but shortly cuts towards the middle of the field. With just enough explosiveness to get out of Jamdrian’s way. Allowing him an easy catch. Unfortunately for New Orleans the pass arrived slightly behind Mada which forced him to slow down. Instead of keeping his steps going he gets wrapped up and pulled down by our very own #5 without making any more progress.
6:12 left in the second quarter - 2nd and 8 on OCO 23
Thus far in the game the score hasn’t changed at all. The Otters are still up by seven after both teams’ defensive squads completely locked down the field. However, this drive might change that. New Orleans have made it almost inside the Otters redzone which you’d think would at least lead to a field goal. Before this play Jamdrian gives Mada quite a lot of space to work with. Lining up about 12 yards away. Definitely looking like he’s trying to defend a touchdown rather than prevent them getting a first down. And it appears something that New Orleans decided to take advantage of. With the ball being snapped and Mada immediately running diagonally inwards. And with that run forcing Jamdrian to cover more ground in his attempt to catch up. And the two of them do meet up just outside the 15 yard line. Creating a nice triangle shape that’ll probably be used in classrooms around the country as a future math problem when teaching pythagoras theorem. As they met up Jamdrian was able to bring #53 down just one yard away from a new set of downs. Still a dangerous position to end up in.
13:17 left in the third quarter - 1st and 10 on OCO 47
It’s still a very low scoring game. Not a touchdown since the very first drive and only a couple of field goals have trickled in since then. Every single defensive player is having a great game so far. But for this play it actually turns into an offensive win for New Orleans. As the ball reaches the quarterback’s hands Mada has decided to just run straight up into Jamdrian’s face. Not leaning or looking like cutting in any direction. Forcing Jamdrian to make his best guess and turn one way when running, hoping to catch the right side of Mada. But alas, the coin flip failed. Just as Mada reaches Jamdrian he fakes to the left and then goes right. Jamdrian bites on the fake which puts him with the back towards both the ball and the receiver. A quick correction gets him back on the heels of #53 but not before the ball had already arrived and been caught easily into the body of Mada. With the space the ball carrier created for himself he keeps going diagonally towards the side line. Trying to keep that spacing a thing. It works for several more yards, but Jamdrian is ultimately able to catch up inside the 30. A solid long gain for New Orleans thankfully brought down before too much damage had been done.
2:28 left in the third quarter - 2nd and inches on OCO 33
This game has been crazy all the way through the end of the third. It’s only a one point game right now and New Orleans is yet against slowly creeping closer to the endzone. Being just inches away from a new set of downs that’ll easily get them within field goal range, if they weren’t already. The expectation here would be to see a run just to get across the line and regroup with four new downs to play with. But surprise, surprise! It turns into a passing play. It’s possible New Orleans were trying to take advantage of the assumption of a run over the pass. To catch some defenders off guard. Unfortunately for them it doesn’t appear to work that well. The pressure from the Otters’ defensive line quickly became too much and they had two players break through hunting for the quarterback. During this time Mada had tried to recreate a play from before where he runs diagonally towards the middle instead of straight ahead. Which makes sense with the minimal distance required of them. Thanks to the quarterback pressure he struggles figuring out the situation of the field. He only got eyes on Mada and with no more time to think about it, sent it away. The pass turned out to be less than optimal, not because of a lack of accuracy, but there was a lack of speed. A lack of speed that Jamdrian was able to take advantage of. Instead of going for the tackle, he went for the ball. And was able to intercept it! He caught it! And without hesitating turned and started running down the field towards New Orleans’ end. Seemingly looking unstoppable. Unfortunately, with the distance required and Jamdrian not being the fastest player on the field he was caught up with after a while. But not before he returned the ball for a total of 61 yards! Giving the ball back to the Otters’ offensive squad inside the redzone!
What a crazy game this was. Without writing several more play-by-plays the summary after Jamdrian’s interceptions was this: The following drive resulted in the second touchdown of the game for the Otters. But after that New Orleans started taking over. Getting a three point lead before the Otter’s last drive of the game. But wait, there’s more! With just 13 seconds left on the clock the Otters, from the 43 yard line, scores a game winning touchdown pass! Giving them their second win in a row, and third for the season.
The eight game of the season was played against the Berlin Fire Salamanders
1:08 left in the first quarter - 2nd and 10 on BER 10
An exciting game so far through the first quarter. Both teams have managed a touchdown and a field goal. But from Jamdrian’s point of view it’s not been a great start. Being burned on the very first play of the game. Allowing #37 Octavio Pérez, the Fire Salamanders wide receiver, to gain more than 30 yards. But that’s just another thing you have to try and shake off. A rough start, but it’s not the end of the world. Not even the end of the game. As we join in the game we’re deep into Berlin’s end after a solid kick from the Otters. Jamdrian’s partner for today is the receiver I’ve already introduced. The play gets going and Pérez quickly runs up to Jamdrian, but then stops and turns. Jamdrian attempts to get around on the inside to prevent any potential catches. But as he does, Pérez turns on the jets again and heads up the field. Creating plenty of space. Their quarterback of course decides to take advantage of this. The ball comes flying over Jamdrians head. Our cornerback being too busy trying to catch up makes no attempt at flailing and trying to bat the ball down. Pérez is able to catch the ball in his step and keeps going with speed. It takes what feels like an eternity before Jamdrian is able to slowly but surely catch up and bring the ball carrier down. Another rough defensive play. This has not been Jamdrian’s best quarter.
13:04 left in the second quarter - 3rd and 6 on BER 45
Hopefully after the first quarter warm up we get to see a Jamdrian with a little more effort in his step. The motivational speeches from the team and coaching staff should help. Back on the field as the Fire Salamanders make their way forward. It appears that Pérez has decided to keep doing his little stop-n-go move. No surprise seeing just how successful it’s been so far. The play rolls out just as the previous one. But with a slightly more cautious cornerback on the Otters defense. As Pérez comes to a stop Jamdrian, instead of getting on the inside, stays ahead of the receiver. When #37 then turns and runs, Jamdrian is able to keep up. Although Pérez is still the faster player he’s able to create a smidge of space. Their quarterback again sends the ball their way. But with a lot less space to work with the ball needs to be much more accurate. Which this time it isn’t. The ball goes flying above both their heads, neither able to catch it even while jumping. It bounces down the field as an incomplete pass. Forcing the fourth down.
7:40 left in the third quarter - 2nd and 10 on BER 30
Another low scoring game so far with mainly field goals being scored. The Otters defense has really stepped up after the first quarter. Even Jamdrian, if only a little. And so far for this drive the solid defensive performances continue. Allowing the Fire Salamander very few gains, if any. Berling’s game has surprisingly shifted more to the middle and left side of the field. But for this play we’re back on the right. What looks like Pérez’ go-to move is cut short as the ball is thrown earlier than planned. The Otters defensive line manages to push through and scare their quarterback a bit. As the ball comes early the catch happens a lot closer to the line of scrimmage. Which doesn’t allow Pérez to keep his speed going. Instead of a stop-n-go it turned more into a stop-n-stand. Thanks to the slowed down ball carrier taking him down was no problem. Even better is the play ended inside the yellow line marker, which is always a nice feeling. Especially after a rough start like Jamdrian’s.
2:23 left in overtime - 2nd and 12 on BER 45
Yes, you read that right. This game went into overtime! It’s been a game of field goals and two defenses playing on top of their games. And this play here might just be part of the Fire Salamanders last drive of the night. But who knows, there’s already been several drives stopped short in just the last eight minutes. At this point however Berlin is getting dangerously close to field goal distance. Needing probably only one more first down to get there. It’s not surprising they go for the matchup mismatch on the right again to try and get there. But Jamdrian has figured them out. Since the first quarter Pérez hasn’t been able to get into the double digits in terms of yards gained. And it shows itself here yet again. As #37 reached Jamdrian they both dance around for a bit, with Pérez attempting to get some space. With the solid coverage all over the field Berlin has nothing to aim for. But they have to make some progress. The ball is thrown to the right. But with the shuffling going on they’ve both moved away from the ball before it reaches its destination. It flies past them both before hitting the leg of a cameraman on the sideline.
An interesting game that ultimately ended in a tie. Also quite the rough one for Jamdrian. Perhaps his worst of the season. Guess they can’t all include interceptions. The Otters are still doing well after half the season has now passed. Standing can change quickly. We’re looking forward to seeing what’s up in the second half!