07-06-2023, 09:34 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-09-2023, 05:27 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 1 time in total.)
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Through 11 games the Silverback offense has been much improved. They still boast a great wide receiver tandem and an excellent run game, but the development of Blaine Falco has allowed them to open up the playbook a little more this season. Last year the offense was held to 16 points or less 5 times in their first 11 games and 10 or less in 3 games. This year they have scored 15 or 16 only twice. It is clearly evident that the second year player has been much more comfortable coming into this season and that finally getting 100% of the snaps has showcased the potential that the New York front office saw in the young signal caller. It has been well documented that while in Minnesota, there was a quarterback controversy during his three and a half years that seemingly stunted growth in not only Falco but Painted Penguin as well. Now that Falco is garnering all first team snaps he is clearly getting more comfortable and making better reads.
This season he has seen his yards per game increase by roughly 50 yards per game and his completion percentage is over 6 point higher. While his interceptions are up slightly, from 8 to 11, his touchdowns are up 150%. He currently leads the league in passer rating and boasts one of, if not the, best games of all time. In a week 3 victory, Blaine Falco completed all 20 passes for 355 yards and 4 touchdowns. It is the first perfect completion game of all time in our limited research, and shows what he is capable of in this New York offense. Falco currently leads the league in completion percentage and quarterback rating. However, the New York signal caller has his eyes set higher than just personal accolades this season.
"I'm coming for the all time records for Silverback quarterbacks. I want to be the best to put on a Silverback jersey and hopefully when my time is up we will have some Ultimus trophies to add to that as well. We are just trying to take it one game at a time." When asked about what is different this year, Falco was quick to point to his teammates and deflect a lot of the attention to the coaching staff. "You know I have to say our gameplans have been a lot better but that is mainly the coaching staff just working with me through a full offseason. We have been spending more time on breaking down defenses and not just honing in on one receiver. Last year teams could stack the box against us and make us pretty one dimensional but this year I have been able to spread the ball around a little bit more. Our receivers are great. They make me look good with all of the YAC they get. The have spent a lot of time with me outside of mandatory camp time or just on weekends getting in a groove. I really think that this offseason let us develop a deeper chemistry and it has been paying off this season."
That was on full display as the Silverbacks beat the Austin Copperheads 30-17 to cause a 3 team tie for the last two playoff spots with just 4 games left on the calendar. Everything is trending towards a week 16 showdown with fellow 8-4 team, the Honolulu Hahalua. New York heads out on a three game road trip before the season ends at home against Honolulu. When asked about their preparation for the upcoming schedule Falco stated that, "We just have to take it a game at a time. Obviously we are pretty high after that big victory last week but we don't want to take a step back by losing the next week. I need to concentrate on my job and that is leading this offense. I have to limit the mistakes and play good football. When I am spreading the ball around we move the ball better and that makes it easier for the running lanes to open up as well. So we will take it a game at a time and see where we are at next time we come home."
While he may not receive many votes for most improved player from last year, it is easy to see that this New York offense has been in a completely different gear this season. Speaking of the running game, it seemed like they were almost forced to run it last year. However, when looking at Michaelangelo McTurtle's stats this season he is on pace to have the best season of his career. His attempts are actually up quite a bit despite the Silverbacks throwing the ball more. This can be attributed to the offense just running more plays in general. He is averaging almost 30 yards per game more than last year, 95 yards a game, which would be a career best. His receiving numbers are also set to be a career high. It is quite obvious the impact the young quarterback is having on this team. Look for Falco to get this offense going early and often against the Sabercats.San Jose took the first game but the Silverbacks will be looking for revenge to stay afloat in the crowded ASFC. San Jose has a solid defense but really struggle to run the ball so look for McTurtle to receive a boatload of carries and Falco to take the top off the defense for some long gains. Mandrews McHollywood has been the go to target for Falco this season and currently leads the league in receiving touchdowns with 13. Looks for the team to scheme him open as much as possible which in turn could open up receiving lanes for Mara. While Mara has taken a back seat this year compared to McHollywood, he still is on pace to put up one of the best seasons in his young career. Tune in tomorrow to see if New York can keep their foot on the gas pedal.