This past week came and went with most of you guys picking up your garbage and I’m glad to see that happened. Since we might have the trash under control moving forward we can get to the next new implication. No longer are players allowed in-between the fields where the Refs are. Sometimes we need some space or like to talk about something we saw without having to hear from a bunch of players. I also think that the captains should go over the rule book and know the rules a little better when it comes to subs. 

I didn’t get to see any division 1 games live so I’m going to give a quick little recap of each game, so no one feels left out.

 

Week 2 Recap

 

Outlaws vs Bitter Boys (43-24)

Outlaws will need to learn how to start a game properly if they expect to beat some of the better teams in the division. It might have had something to do with the 3 subs they had that brought them up to 8 players which is a violation of the rules (ed’s note: one of those subs was actually a roster player, so my bad. Still, everyone should be aware of the sub rules!). Maybe the commissioner has given them an exemption from that rule since Steve and Eric both don’t play defense. My feeling is that if they are allowed to do that then they need to specify which of the subs is only playing defense and that player isn’t allowed to play offense or it should count as a forfeit. Just my feeling on that. The first half was a lot closer than anyone could have thought except maybe Jon. Bitter Boys were up 18-14 at half. Then I heard that it kind of fell off for Bitter Boys after that. I know JS, their QB, hurt his calf so that could have been what pushed them over the top. Outlaws started playing better and Bitter Boys started being the same old Bicker Boys as they were last year when things aren’t going their way. Overheard after the game that Outlaws wanted them to feel like they had a shot in the first half and let them hang around. Not sure how much of that is true (ed’s note: it’s not), but we will never find the truth out (ed’s note: we did). The first half was good; second half was a wash. I want to see what both teams can do playing a complete game. 

 

4Simba vs Henchmen (6-34)

Guess it was nice for Henchmen to get their first win as a team, but it was against a 4Simba team that was short players. Henchmen are stacked with talent that are still getting used to each other. 4Simba will need to find at least 6 guys to show up every week to have any sort of chance to win a few games and challenge for a playoff spot. Jeremy will need to do a better job of getting the ball to his playmakers. The 3 receivers that got stats this week are solid players and can do some damage if the opportunity presents itself. This game was over by halftime as Henchmen just controlled the flow of the game minus the first drive from 4Simba.

 

KOLB vs Gros Coqs (25-42)

This was the closest game of the weekend with the difference 17 points. Yup, you read that right, 17 points. This game was going on at the same time as another game, but Dom was at the other field watching the other game going on. I had a chance to ask a quick question and he said it wasn’t even close and that they were just having fun. He also said KOLB wasn’t as good as they were last week and didn’t know how they pushed Outlaws to overtime. I know Gros Coqs are a top team when their roster shows up. I can also tell you that if and when KOLB plays the way they can they can beat anyone. 

 

La Revolucion vs Troller (20-46)

This will be short and sweet. Raph came back to reality after being named player of the week for week 1. We got Raph from last season back. It wasn’t a pretty start for him or the team. 3 picks and 1 turnover on downs in their first 4 possessions. Short fields led to fast and easy scores for the Trollers. I say that it was a lot of bad breaks this week for Revolucion. They are a decent team and will perform better as the weeks go by. For the Trollers everyone did manage to get a pick except Josh, and 5 picks are good, but they need to find a way to get a better and more consistent pass rush if they want to win back the title. I know I talk a lot of crap about Raph, but he has been around forever and 1 week looks great and the next looks like crap. I just want to see the old Raph that was more consistent passing the ball and would mix in a few runs here and there. 

 

(ed’s note: there were at least 2 interceptions against Raph that hit his own players in the hands that were popped up for picks, as well as dropped easy passes on critical 3rd and 4th down plays, so I’m putting this on the receivers more than Raph)

 

GOTW (Game of the Week)

I had a lot of thinking to do in choosing this game. I just wasn’t sure which game I should have gone with. I ended up choosing this one because I know most of the guys plus they have a guys who show up normally.

La Revolucion vs Outlaws

QB- Steve is a guy who will go short more often than not, but will take a shot here and there. He likes to be in control of the game and how it is playing out. Most of his throws are to guys that are open. That isn’t because his guys are that much better than the other team, it is from play design. Raph on the other hand will take shots all over the place. He will try and fit the ball in to tight windows instead of taking the sack and having another play. Both guys have similar arm strength, I might even think that Raph has a little bit more. The big difference is that Steve plays safer and is more controlling with the ball. I have to give Outlaws the advantage because of how the two QBs play. 

 

WR- Smuda is the number 1 receiver on the Outlaws but I think that Justin can and should be able to match up well against him. They are both of similar size or at least height speed will go in Justin’s favour. Outlaws have so much speed on their roster it is ridiculous. They can all catch the ball, just don’t try and chase them after cause they will be gone. This is what makes them such a dangerous unit: Smuda for jump balls, Eric for short yards since he never drops anything, and everyone else for mid to long balls. Revolucion have guys that can play and make plays if they can hold on to the ball, they couldn’t do that this past week. Other than Justin no one on their roster pops off at me (ed’s note: wat?) as being a guy that we need to focus on and take away. After last season I figured that Gabe would take a bigger role on the offense but that hasn’t happened yet. I will say that Peter looks like he could be a nice piece for them. Overall I don’t think that Revolucion can keep up with the speed of Outlaws so they will have to outsmart them. I don’t see that happening so the advantage goes to Outlaws.

 

Defense- Tackling will be a big key to any success Revolucion end up having. Speed is not in their favor, shit they couldn’t even catch me last week so how they going to catch the Outlaws receivers? If Revolution play smart and fundamental defense they might have a chance at a few stops. Eric is a good rusher who will need to get after Steve fast all day. Take his first read away and you’ll be fine. Outlaws have 2 very good rushers in Remy and Adam. Remy is faster, but not as tall and Adam is still fast but has a few more inches on him (ed’s note: wat?). On the back end they have Andrew, Adam, and Smuda who can pick off almost any ball and then you have Vince short who rarely misses tackles. I just played Revolucion last week and their defense is basic and tackling was weak so the advantage has to go to the Outlaws.

 

Overall this should end up being a good game. Key points to the game if Revolucion want to have a chance: start fast and capitalize on the slow starts that Outlaws have had so far this season and don’t dig yourself into a hole because you won’t come out of it. Outlaws will need to shut down Justin and let Raph find someone else to beat you. Get in Raph’s heads early and often to throw him off his game. Outlaws take it by 2 scores.

 

Predictions  

Last weeks games were all blowouts as the closest game was 17 points, so it was easy for me to pick those games. I went 3 for 3 last week, so as of now I’ve gone 5 out of 6 so far this season. Will I be able to keep it up or are we going to get closer games where the picking is harder. Only time will tell. Here are my picks in bold.

Henchmen vs KOLB

Bitter Boys vs Trollers NA

La Revolucion vs Outlaws

4Simbas vs Gros Coqs

 

Power Rankings

With the teams I had at 1 and 2 last week playing each other there will be some definite changes being made to my top 3. The top 2 teams were an easy decision for me to pick it was the 3rd place team that was the tricky one. 

#1) Trollers

#2) Outlaws 

#3) Gros Coqs 

 

I know I left Henchmen off my list but I just feel that loss to Revolucion hurts you way too much to put you up here at this time. I’m open to shuffling the top 3 around but right now those are my top 3 and you can only end up here by playing better. Win and then you might see your team up here next week.

 

Final Thoughts

I really hope that we get more games like in week 1 with the overtime game. I hate watching blowouts they aren’t fun for anyone. Yes, some players like to pad stats, but really all we want are good close games that aren’t over by half time. Teams that have been missing players, get your guys out so you have a full roster this will make the games more interesting. Let's go out play safe and have some fun. If you got something to say you know where I am so feel free to come see me before or after your game, but do not come in-between the fields where no players are allowed. Thank you.