FAT DADDY CA$H’S CORNER
It’s back! After a season’s hiatus, things have calmed down somewhat where I can try to get these things out on a more regular basis.
Below you’ll find the pre-season preview for Zeta (with some Alpha thrown in … sorry I tried to do more!) as well as a team-by-team break down and a list of pre-season all pros.
I hope you enjoy and it sparks discussions, disagreements, etc.
WEPL SEASON 6 PREVIEW
Out with the Old and In with the New …
A WEPL championship game without the Lumberjacks was the harbinger of a massive overhaul of the league. With Season 5 fading into the rearview mirror the landscape of the WEPL has radically changed.
While Alpha remained relatively untouched, losing only Blackpool and Richmond to relegation, nearly 50% of Zeta was razed. While Season 5 saw the dismantling of Valencia’s powerhouse, nothing could prepare the Conference for what was to come. In short succession perennial playoff powerhouses Frankfurt HEAT, MA Trolls and Rohreim Stampede all played their final games for WEPL. The RAGE and Berserkers joined them in short order in addition to losing Valencia and the Cowboys to relegation.
League reaction was swift as GMs scrambled to sign as many players from the folding clubs as they could. In many cases the rich got richer as the influx in available talent added heft to some already powerful clubs. The biggest winner being Korb – a year away from winning the Zeta crown, the Destroyers pounced on a wave of players from the Stampede and HEAT clubs, improving what was already a formidable roster. In Alpha, Aberdeen was the big winner as they managed to grab most of the Trolls’ top players – a move that should help them make the playoffs in Season 6.
While it’s great that so many players opted to stay in WEPL, the loss of three playoff teams certainly hurts the league as a whole. In a move to bolster the entire GLB community, Bort promoted several AAA teams to fill the gaps. How successful this endeavor will be will hinge on how quickly the seven new Zeta teams adapt to one of GLB’s best leagues.
The new talent in Alpha includes AAA#2 Runners up Black Watch and AAA#1 Runners up London Minotaurs. The Dinas Mawdddwy Red Bandits also got a bump thanks to the realignment. With the most work to be done in Zeta, the Conference got both AAA champs in Antwerp and Berlin in addition to Servilla, Lyons, UK Patriots, Black Forest and ATOIAF. The UK Patriots and Black Forrest Watch are the only two re-aligned teams not to have any championship hardware at any level. While Antwerp and the Ballers have earned their way to WEPL, a lot will be asked of the other 6 teams (5 in zeta 1 in alpha) to fill the completive void left by the Stampede, HEAT and Trolls’ departure.
But that’s what makes this game fun. Coming off a season where we witnessed two (relatively) new WEPL teams slug it out for the title, anything can happen.
Team Previews: Zeta
Rivals Mainboard Pimps
Last Season: 13-3, Zeta Champions
The Pimps turned a 10 game winning streak at the end of the year into the Zeta Conference trophy thanks to the legs of HBs Lee Suggs and the inspired big-play defense of DE Mr. Bundy.
While most of the roster remains unchanged, a key departure has been that of HB Graig Cooper who had long been the compliment to Suggs. To fill the large void left by Cooper, the Pimps signed Tremaine Stephens of USA AAA#2. Stephens put up 3,428 yards and 51 TDs last season meaning he has the ability to be yet another weapon for the Pimps. The question remains how he’ll handle splitting the spotlight and carries with the vocal Lee Suggs.
With the turnover in Zeta, the Pimps are banking on stability being enough of an edge to keep their perch at the top of the Conference. With playmakers on both sides and a coaching staff who has shown the ability to adapt quickly, they are the heavy favorites to be back in the title game.
Korb Destroyers
Last Season: 13-3, Lost in Zeta Championship
Korb has made two trips to the Conference finals in three years but apparently that isn’t enough for their aggressive management team. Determined to bolster their already talented roster, Korb struck early, snatching up a handful of Stampede and HEAT players.
Former Stampede CB Arno Wellington will be asked to shut down opposing WRs while Shaun Speed Wellington and Demetrius Byrd will be counted on to give QB Mighty Quinn more options in the passing attack. Aside from the big play weapons mentioned above, the Destroyers also improved their already beefy lines, plucking some top O and D-linemen from the Stampede.
The leagues’ top defense has only gotten better with age and the new playmakers on both sides of the ball should allow the coaching staff more options. How quickly the new components gel with the team philosophy will dictate how far they can go. But it seems that Korb has the pieces in place to recapture the Zeta crown.
Stockholm Meatballs
Last Season: 14-2, Lost in the Second Round
Stockholm rode WEPL’s leading rusher Mal Brown all the way to a #1 seed and their first WEPL playoff victory. Thanks to a bruising rushing attack and a potent 1-2 punch of Brown and HB The Glow, the Meatballs rolled over the completion before hitting a brick wall against Korb in the playoffs.
Despite their Season 5 success, changes came quick and often for the Meatballs this off season as they added talent from both the Stampede and HEAT rosters. The additions brought in a new starting QB, an overhauled WR corps and several playmakers on defense.
While the new talent gives the Meatballs more options, Mal Brown and one of the leagues’ most stifling defenses still sets the pace for Stockholm. Eager to put their playoff debacle behind them, look for Stockholm to challenge once again for the top seed and a spot in the Championship game.
Rotterdam Roughnecks
Last Season: 13-3, Lost in the First Round
One year after winning the Zeta trophy, the hang over set in for Rotterdam as they suffered through an up and down year before being bounced by the Trolls in the first round of the playoffs. The offensive juggernaut put up points against everyone in Season 5 but also gave up a ton of points as well.
To combat their defensive shortcomings, the front office signed two new starters. DE Prevor Tryce and ILB Tofa Talupu were called in from USA BBB in order to provide some stability to the unit. While the new defensive stalwarts are nice, the Roughnecks are still thin on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the trenches and defensive secondary meaning more shootouts are certainly in the cards for this club.
While it may be harsh to call a 13-3 season a “hangover” – for a team with as much offensive firepower as the Roughnecks, anything short of a deep playoff run has to be classified as such. Expect the Roughnecks to light up scoreboards across the league – but who knows if they are capable of stopping anyone. A top 4 seed is well within reach – but so is an 8 seed if their D doesn’t step up.
PPP Longnecks
Last Season: 10-6, Lost in the First Round
In their inaugural season in WEPL, the Longnecks rode a 5 game winning streak at the end of the season to secure a playoff spot – despite posting a 2-4 record against the upper echelon of the conference.
While HB Jimmy Slasher quietly turned in an impressive season for the Longnecks, the front office brought back Billy Bob Rollover’em to once again share the load with Slasher. Repairing the former teammates should be a boon to an already balanced offensive attack which sports one of the deepest benches in the entire league, allowing the Longnecks to keep fresh big men on the field at all times. A ball control offensive style could allow the Longnecks to mask some shortcomings in the defensive secondary and turn a couple of the Ls into Ws in Season 6.
The Longnecks have improved despite not adding many new faces to the line up. A year of WEPL under the belts should serve them well as they look to eclipse the 12-win mark in Season 6.
Porto Reconquistas
Last Season: 10-6, Lost in the First Round
Porto turned a slow start into a frantic finish as they cobbled together a late season winning streak to limp into the playoffs. Like their promoted brethren, the Reonquistas qualified for the playoffs despite posting a 1-5 record against the top tier of the conference. That is a number that will need to change quickly in order for Porto to make a return to the playoffs.
While the rest of the league has been busy adding players to their rosters, Porto has been still. Maybe even dead as there has been zero movement in the off-season thus far other than the rising number of inactives on the roster. While the Porto offense showed teeth last season, it’s defense was woeful at times – and things seem to be continuing down that path as the Reconquistas currently have only 1 DT on the entire roster.
The lack of recruiting has put Porto in a hole as they have slipped further behind the upper echelon of the Conference. With the current talent on the roster, it will be difficult for Porto to compete for a playoff spot this year. There are just too many good teams in Zeta – a slip to 6-10 is a real possibility.
Multiple Scorgasms
Last Season: 9-7, Did not make Playoffs
Despite a 3-1 start to the season, the Scorgasms fell apart thanks to a brutal middle stretch of the schedule. Even with a late season surge, the Scorgasms couldn’t muster enough Ws to get back to the playoffs.
Determined to avoid that fate in Season 6, the front office pulled the trigger on a QB change, bringing in James McMahon to run the show and a new mammoth RT Ross McHeadly to improve the offensive line. Despite the two big signings on offense, the Scorgasms only made one notable move on Defense, bringing in LB Kristofer Juncaj, leaving the team woefully short of depth at nearly every position on the defensive side of the ball. With only 1 DE and 3 DTs on the roster, the team faces a serious challenge against the powerful rushing teams of Zeta. Multiple’s lack of depth at CB and SS don’t bode well for their pass D either.
The addition of McMahon is a coup for the offense and certainly brings a smile to super star TE Michael Howat’s face. However, the overall lack of depth on the defensive side of the ball leaves the Scorgasms one dimensional and will make it tough for them to improve on their 9 win season 5.
Paris Musketeers
Last Season: 6-10, Did not make Playoffs
The Musketeers followed a strong playoff run in Season 4 with a fumbling 6-10 record in Season 5. Despite the slip, the Musketeers have opted to keep their roster in tact and focus instead on retooling their offensive and defensive strategies.
Despite any tweaks to the system, Paris’s offense is still defined by HB Nolan Akers and his ability to grind out yards and ticks off the clock. The offense consistently gets in trouble when they put the load on QB Christian Soldier’s mistake prone shoulders. The QB has yet to post a season where he’s thrown more TDs than INTs – a starting trend considering the faith the front office continues to show in him. The failure of the front office to bring in a more stable playmaker at the QB position will only put more of the burden on Akers heading into Season 6.
With the influx of talent in Zeta, the Musketeers did not do themselves any favors by standing still in the off-season. While there is plenty of talent on the roster between Akers, DE Mario Williams and a dominating O-Line, the lack of a passing game will haunt them once again. It’s difficult to see more than a 2 game swing in Ws this season.
Reykjavik Aggies
Last Season: 5-11, Did not make Playoffs
The Aggies soared out of the gate last season with a hot 5-2 start before imploding and ending the season with a shocking 9 game losing streak.
QB Rich Campbell was added to the roster to take over the starting spot for the Aggies. The new QB, fresh off a 4,000 yard 31 TD season in USA BBB#15 will have a solid running game led by HB Andre Rudzinski as well as a playmaker at WR in Ronnie McKraken to work with – making the Aggies offense as versatile as it is dangerous and leaving the defense as the only question mark. Unlike the offense, the D doesn’t sport any new playmakers – a surprising turn considering how woeful the unit performed during the second half of the season.
If Campbell is able to live up to his own hype, the Aggies will be improved, perhaps enough to leapfrog both the Musketeers and Scorgasms. However, the defensive system will be under intense scrutiny. If the D can’t improve from their dismal showing last season, the Aggies will once again be on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.
Antwerp Annihilators
Last Season: 15-1, AAA#2 Champs
Antwerp finally makes it to WEPL after several close calls. Hot off a 15-1 season in which they dominated opponents and put up filthy statistics in AAA#2, the Annihilators will try to carry that success over to the new look WEPL.
With both HBs amassing over 2,000 yards as well as a QB Peabody’s 51 TD passes last season, the Annihilators’ offense looks to be superhuman. Of course a closer inspection of their games last year reveals the bulk of those gaudy stats were obtained against four gutted opponents that Antwerp outscored 823 to 13 – making it impossible to draw any real conclusions from their statistics. However, impressive wins over Black Watch and the UK Patriots demonstrate that they might be the best of the promoted teams.
With a balanced and deep roster, Antwerp has the talent to compete in WEPL and their coaching staff has always found a way to succeed in the regular season. A chance to renew an old rivalry with the Pimps should help boost spirits. Expect the Annihilators to continue the trend of promoted AAA teams making the playoffs. However, don’t expect more than a 5 seed.
Berlin Ballers
Last Season: 15-1, AAA#1 Champs
The Ballers are another team that rolled through AAA, putting up unbelievable statistics along the way. Even more impressive than their 15-1 regular season was how utterly one sided all their playoff wins were as they rolled over several new WEPL teams including the Minotaurs and ATOIAF.
While their offense put up great numbers all year long, it was their two DEs Magnus Samuelsson and Jon Pall Sigmarsson who stole the headlines with their combined 151 sacks. The pressure both ends brought forced opponents to be one-dimensional as the passing attacks were grounded before they could even take off. With so much of their teams’ success dependant upon these speedy DEs, the front office has to be concerned about the Nerf for agile DEs coming into effect this season. Undoubtedly their numbers will take a significant hit due not only to the Nerf but the improved OT play in WEPL. The question remains how that will unravel the rest of the Ballers’ strategy.
Berlin has never struggled to find wins in any league they’ve played in. I expect them to be a formidable opponent in WEPL and to follow Antwerp into the playoffs. However, I do not expect more than a 5th seed as their DEs won’t be able to do the same sort of damage they’ve done in the past.
Lyon Dynasty
Last Season: 14-2, Lost in Second Round of AAA#1
The Dynasty benefited from a weaker AAA#1 conference, abusing the lesser competition and compiling some nifty stats during their 14-2 run.
Lyon got the most from their two QB rotation as both QBs put up near identical numbers. Their running game was anchored by a two-man attack as well, showing off their depth and versatility. A deep and talented defense amassed a ton of sacks, including 34 from LB Montezuma’s Revenge. The difference between the Dynasty and the Ballers and Antwerp is that despite their depth and success, their roster doesn’t have quite the same level of talent as their AAA brethren, making the challenge of jumping to WEPL all the more difficult.
Lyon has great depth and could surprise some people this year. However, they aren’t ready to compete with the upper echelon of Zeta, making a playoff birth difficult to obtain. An 8-8 season is a strong possibility.
Sevilla Naranjas
Last Season: 15-1, Lost in AAA#2 Alpha Championship Game
The Naranjas couldn’t find a way to beat Black Watch last year, losing to them twice including in the Alpha Championship game. The Naranjas will be looking forward to their rematch in the regular season this year.
Sevilla, like Lyon, is a team that depends on depth and player rotation to win. With two similar QBs, RBs and WRs, the Naranjas’ offense was able to put up points easily in Season 5. However, unlike the other promoted AAA teams, Sevilla also gave up points at a good clip, making critics wonder how their defense will stand up to the more balanced and potent WEPL offenses they will face this season.
It’s a good bet that Sevilla will win at least 6 games this year, but asking them to make the jump into the playoffs in their first year is asking too much. This team will put up a fight all year long, but will fall inevitably fall short.
A Team of Ice and Fire
Last Season: 13-3, Lost in the AAA#1 Zeta Championship Game
ATOIAF brings one of GLB’s best coaching staffs to WEPL. Ice and Fire have long been able to exceed the talent of their roster with smart game planning and versatile personnel, making them a solid addition to WEPL.
A look at ATOIAF’s stats from last season reveals a very balanced team – one that doesn’t put up eye-popping stats in any category but still found ways to win. Their roster does not boast any superstars and is perhaps a notch or two below the average talent level of WEPL but it would be a mistake to count them out.
While I expect the coaching staff to pull off some upsets in their first year in WEPL, the truth is they just aren’t talented enough to threaten the playoff field in Zeta. I can see this team winning anywhere between 4 to 8 games this season.
UK Patriots
Last Season: 11-5, Lost in AAA#2 Zeta Championship Game
The Patriots roll into Zeta sporting AAA#2’s most prolific passing attack. The aerial assault unleashed by the Pats in Season 5 was enough to earn them a Zeta Championship berth, but not enough to beat the Annihilators.
QB Jim Roberts’ 6,878 yards and 115 TD passes (to just 5 INTs) should be enough of a stat line to give Corey Smith chills. Perhaps Rotterdam won’t have the most prolific passing attack in WEPL this season. While Roberts was impressive, the offense and defense sports little depth, meaning that Roberts will undoubtedly be called on to win his share of shootouts this season. With the talent on their roster being a notch below that of most of WEPL, the Patriots seem to be a team that will have to fight for every win this season.
Expect the aerial show to continue in Season 6 – though Roberts will have a very tough time putting up the same caliber of numbers against the tougher WEPL secondaries. The Patriots won’t contend for a playoff spot this season and could be in for a long year.
Black Forest Mercenaries
Last Season: 11-5, Lost in Second Round of AAA#2 Alpha Playoffs
Black Forest is one of only two promoted teams not to have won any championship hardware at any level in their existence. Their 11-5 record last season earned them a short trip to the playoffs and an early exit.
Determined to make a mark in WEPL and avoid relegation, the Mercenaries have been active in the Free Agent Market, dipping their team chemistry to below 55. While most of the changes have occurred on the defensive side of the ball, the pass-first offense still is left with holes to fill as the season approaches. Without a strong running game to speak of, Black Forest will be forced to air it out – a dangerous recipe in WEPL for most teams.
Black Forest will fight with UK to avoid relegation this year. With their team chemistry so low it will be tough to overcome the gap in talent with the rest of WEPL. It could be a long year for the Mercenaries.
Preseason Zeta All Stars
Offense
QB: Corey Smith (ROT), Phillipp Pohl (RIV)
Smith continues to be the standard bearer for QBs in Zeta and should continue to light up the scoreboards all season long. Pohl quietly had a brilliant year for the Pimps, and with so many weapons at his disposal he should continue to sneak up on defenses expecting a heavy rushing attack.
HB: Mal Brown (STO), Lee Suggs (RIV)
Mal Brown dominated Zeta last season and should be able to add to his numbers this season as the Meatballs have trimmed the number of HBs on their roster. Lee Suggs has a new partner in crime in his backfield who may cut into his numbers, but Suggs is still electric.
FB: Austin Wang (STO)
Truthfully I’m being a bit biased here – but as the lead blocker for Zeta’s best rushing attack last year, Wang is the silent hero … that and who really follows FBs?
WR: Ryan Meis (POR), Ronnie McKraken (REY), Preston Parker (RIV)
Meis quietly put up an All Pro season last year as he was Porto’s most dependable weapon and should be once again this season. Ronnie McKraken has a knack for making big plays when they matter most while Preston Parker has been a TD machine for Pohl for the past few seasons.
TE: Michael Howat (MUL)
Howat is the only choice here because he is heads and shoulders above the rest of the TEs in Zeta. Despite being doubled by most teams last year, Howat still had over 1,000 yards. Expect more TDs in Season 6.
OT: Burger McFatty (ROT), Big Mama (KOR)
Burger McFatty continues to dominate as he led his team to a league low number in Sacks allowed – despite playing in the pass happy Rotterdam offense. Meanwhile Mama anchored Korb’s versatile offensive line while keeping his sack numbers well below league average.
OG: Chubbs Peterson (STO), Joe Trench (POR)
Chubbs Peterson not only led the league in pancakes, but also was the dominant blocker for the leagues’ number one rushing attack. Trench was not far behind and displayed the ability to both pass and run block effectively against top competition.
C: Snot Dangler (STO)
Snot was the pivot man on the league’s best O-Line and should be once again this season.
Defense
DT: Corey Williams (KOR), Borris Grassenhauer (KOR)
Together they anchor the best interior D-Line in Zeta and perhaps WEPL. The big men in the middle should be able to continue their dominance in Season 6.
DE: Mr. Bundy (RIV), Mario Williams (PAR)
Bundy continues to check opposing OTs off his list and provides a big play threat off the edge for the Pimps. Williams was the Musketeers’ lone bright spot in a lost season and should have another great year despite the lack of a supporting cast.
OLB: Disa Destroyer (KOR), Gone Tribal (MUL)
Disa Destroyer was a force with 13 hurries, 6 sacks and 5 FFs. With Korb’s improvement, his numbers should only go up. Tribal can get to the QB and go sideline to sideline to make plays as his 5 sacks, 90 tackles and 5 FFs proved last year.
MLB: Tarryl Dalley (PPP)
While his numbers are never overly impressive, Dalley is all over the field and the anchor for one of the leagues’ best run defenses. Expect more of the same from him in Season 6.
CB: Shutty McDown (PPP), Michael Morvilius (KOR)
McDown had a brilliant Season 5 as he was near the tops of the league in INTs despite opponents not throwing on him much. Morvilius led the league in picks, taking advantage of Korb’s brilliant defense – he should be able to pile up even more stats this season.
FS: Pico De Gailo (STO)
Pico can play the run as well as the pass. A playmaker at the FS position he does it all for one of the best defenses in the league.
SS: Morte Sicario (PPP)
Another diverse playmaker for the Longnecks’ D, Sicario was matched up on WR as well as TEs while also popping RBs and forcing fumbles. The talented SS makes the players around him better.
After the Pre-season expect our first Power Rankings! … Till next time
It’s back! After a season’s hiatus, things have calmed down somewhat where I can try to get these things out on a more regular basis.
Below you’ll find the pre-season preview for Zeta (with some Alpha thrown in … sorry I tried to do more!) as well as a team-by-team break down and a list of pre-season all pros.
I hope you enjoy and it sparks discussions, disagreements, etc.
WEPL SEASON 6 PREVIEW
Out with the Old and In with the New …
A WEPL championship game without the Lumberjacks was the harbinger of a massive overhaul of the league. With Season 5 fading into the rearview mirror the landscape of the WEPL has radically changed.
While Alpha remained relatively untouched, losing only Blackpool and Richmond to relegation, nearly 50% of Zeta was razed. While Season 5 saw the dismantling of Valencia’s powerhouse, nothing could prepare the Conference for what was to come. In short succession perennial playoff powerhouses Frankfurt HEAT, MA Trolls and Rohreim Stampede all played their final games for WEPL. The RAGE and Berserkers joined them in short order in addition to losing Valencia and the Cowboys to relegation.
League reaction was swift as GMs scrambled to sign as many players from the folding clubs as they could. In many cases the rich got richer as the influx in available talent added heft to some already powerful clubs. The biggest winner being Korb – a year away from winning the Zeta crown, the Destroyers pounced on a wave of players from the Stampede and HEAT clubs, improving what was already a formidable roster. In Alpha, Aberdeen was the big winner as they managed to grab most of the Trolls’ top players – a move that should help them make the playoffs in Season 6.
While it’s great that so many players opted to stay in WEPL, the loss of three playoff teams certainly hurts the league as a whole. In a move to bolster the entire GLB community, Bort promoted several AAA teams to fill the gaps. How successful this endeavor will be will hinge on how quickly the seven new Zeta teams adapt to one of GLB’s best leagues.
The new talent in Alpha includes AAA#2 Runners up Black Watch and AAA#1 Runners up London Minotaurs. The Dinas Mawdddwy Red Bandits also got a bump thanks to the realignment. With the most work to be done in Zeta, the Conference got both AAA champs in Antwerp and Berlin in addition to Servilla, Lyons, UK Patriots, Black Forest and ATOIAF. The UK Patriots and Black Forrest Watch are the only two re-aligned teams not to have any championship hardware at any level. While Antwerp and the Ballers have earned their way to WEPL, a lot will be asked of the other 6 teams (5 in zeta 1 in alpha) to fill the completive void left by the Stampede, HEAT and Trolls’ departure.
But that’s what makes this game fun. Coming off a season where we witnessed two (relatively) new WEPL teams slug it out for the title, anything can happen.
Team Previews: Zeta
Rivals Mainboard Pimps
Last Season: 13-3, Zeta Champions
The Pimps turned a 10 game winning streak at the end of the year into the Zeta Conference trophy thanks to the legs of HBs Lee Suggs and the inspired big-play defense of DE Mr. Bundy.
While most of the roster remains unchanged, a key departure has been that of HB Graig Cooper who had long been the compliment to Suggs. To fill the large void left by Cooper, the Pimps signed Tremaine Stephens of USA AAA#2. Stephens put up 3,428 yards and 51 TDs last season meaning he has the ability to be yet another weapon for the Pimps. The question remains how he’ll handle splitting the spotlight and carries with the vocal Lee Suggs.
With the turnover in Zeta, the Pimps are banking on stability being enough of an edge to keep their perch at the top of the Conference. With playmakers on both sides and a coaching staff who has shown the ability to adapt quickly, they are the heavy favorites to be back in the title game.
Korb Destroyers
Last Season: 13-3, Lost in Zeta Championship
Korb has made two trips to the Conference finals in three years but apparently that isn’t enough for their aggressive management team. Determined to bolster their already talented roster, Korb struck early, snatching up a handful of Stampede and HEAT players.
Former Stampede CB Arno Wellington will be asked to shut down opposing WRs while Shaun Speed Wellington and Demetrius Byrd will be counted on to give QB Mighty Quinn more options in the passing attack. Aside from the big play weapons mentioned above, the Destroyers also improved their already beefy lines, plucking some top O and D-linemen from the Stampede.
The leagues’ top defense has only gotten better with age and the new playmakers on both sides of the ball should allow the coaching staff more options. How quickly the new components gel with the team philosophy will dictate how far they can go. But it seems that Korb has the pieces in place to recapture the Zeta crown.
Stockholm Meatballs
Last Season: 14-2, Lost in the Second Round
Stockholm rode WEPL’s leading rusher Mal Brown all the way to a #1 seed and their first WEPL playoff victory. Thanks to a bruising rushing attack and a potent 1-2 punch of Brown and HB The Glow, the Meatballs rolled over the completion before hitting a brick wall against Korb in the playoffs.
Despite their Season 5 success, changes came quick and often for the Meatballs this off season as they added talent from both the Stampede and HEAT rosters. The additions brought in a new starting QB, an overhauled WR corps and several playmakers on defense.
While the new talent gives the Meatballs more options, Mal Brown and one of the leagues’ most stifling defenses still sets the pace for Stockholm. Eager to put their playoff debacle behind them, look for Stockholm to challenge once again for the top seed and a spot in the Championship game.
Rotterdam Roughnecks
Last Season: 13-3, Lost in the First Round
One year after winning the Zeta trophy, the hang over set in for Rotterdam as they suffered through an up and down year before being bounced by the Trolls in the first round of the playoffs. The offensive juggernaut put up points against everyone in Season 5 but also gave up a ton of points as well.
To combat their defensive shortcomings, the front office signed two new starters. DE Prevor Tryce and ILB Tofa Talupu were called in from USA BBB in order to provide some stability to the unit. While the new defensive stalwarts are nice, the Roughnecks are still thin on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the trenches and defensive secondary meaning more shootouts are certainly in the cards for this club.
While it may be harsh to call a 13-3 season a “hangover” – for a team with as much offensive firepower as the Roughnecks, anything short of a deep playoff run has to be classified as such. Expect the Roughnecks to light up scoreboards across the league – but who knows if they are capable of stopping anyone. A top 4 seed is well within reach – but so is an 8 seed if their D doesn’t step up.
PPP Longnecks
Last Season: 10-6, Lost in the First Round
In their inaugural season in WEPL, the Longnecks rode a 5 game winning streak at the end of the season to secure a playoff spot – despite posting a 2-4 record against the upper echelon of the conference.
While HB Jimmy Slasher quietly turned in an impressive season for the Longnecks, the front office brought back Billy Bob Rollover’em to once again share the load with Slasher. Repairing the former teammates should be a boon to an already balanced offensive attack which sports one of the deepest benches in the entire league, allowing the Longnecks to keep fresh big men on the field at all times. A ball control offensive style could allow the Longnecks to mask some shortcomings in the defensive secondary and turn a couple of the Ls into Ws in Season 6.
The Longnecks have improved despite not adding many new faces to the line up. A year of WEPL under the belts should serve them well as they look to eclipse the 12-win mark in Season 6.
Porto Reconquistas
Last Season: 10-6, Lost in the First Round
Porto turned a slow start into a frantic finish as they cobbled together a late season winning streak to limp into the playoffs. Like their promoted brethren, the Reonquistas qualified for the playoffs despite posting a 1-5 record against the top tier of the conference. That is a number that will need to change quickly in order for Porto to make a return to the playoffs.
While the rest of the league has been busy adding players to their rosters, Porto has been still. Maybe even dead as there has been zero movement in the off-season thus far other than the rising number of inactives on the roster. While the Porto offense showed teeth last season, it’s defense was woeful at times – and things seem to be continuing down that path as the Reconquistas currently have only 1 DT on the entire roster.
The lack of recruiting has put Porto in a hole as they have slipped further behind the upper echelon of the Conference. With the current talent on the roster, it will be difficult for Porto to compete for a playoff spot this year. There are just too many good teams in Zeta – a slip to 6-10 is a real possibility.
Multiple Scorgasms
Last Season: 9-7, Did not make Playoffs
Despite a 3-1 start to the season, the Scorgasms fell apart thanks to a brutal middle stretch of the schedule. Even with a late season surge, the Scorgasms couldn’t muster enough Ws to get back to the playoffs.
Determined to avoid that fate in Season 6, the front office pulled the trigger on a QB change, bringing in James McMahon to run the show and a new mammoth RT Ross McHeadly to improve the offensive line. Despite the two big signings on offense, the Scorgasms only made one notable move on Defense, bringing in LB Kristofer Juncaj, leaving the team woefully short of depth at nearly every position on the defensive side of the ball. With only 1 DE and 3 DTs on the roster, the team faces a serious challenge against the powerful rushing teams of Zeta. Multiple’s lack of depth at CB and SS don’t bode well for their pass D either.
The addition of McMahon is a coup for the offense and certainly brings a smile to super star TE Michael Howat’s face. However, the overall lack of depth on the defensive side of the ball leaves the Scorgasms one dimensional and will make it tough for them to improve on their 9 win season 5.
Paris Musketeers
Last Season: 6-10, Did not make Playoffs
The Musketeers followed a strong playoff run in Season 4 with a fumbling 6-10 record in Season 5. Despite the slip, the Musketeers have opted to keep their roster in tact and focus instead on retooling their offensive and defensive strategies.
Despite any tweaks to the system, Paris’s offense is still defined by HB Nolan Akers and his ability to grind out yards and ticks off the clock. The offense consistently gets in trouble when they put the load on QB Christian Soldier’s mistake prone shoulders. The QB has yet to post a season where he’s thrown more TDs than INTs – a starting trend considering the faith the front office continues to show in him. The failure of the front office to bring in a more stable playmaker at the QB position will only put more of the burden on Akers heading into Season 6.
With the influx of talent in Zeta, the Musketeers did not do themselves any favors by standing still in the off-season. While there is plenty of talent on the roster between Akers, DE Mario Williams and a dominating O-Line, the lack of a passing game will haunt them once again. It’s difficult to see more than a 2 game swing in Ws this season.
Reykjavik Aggies
Last Season: 5-11, Did not make Playoffs
The Aggies soared out of the gate last season with a hot 5-2 start before imploding and ending the season with a shocking 9 game losing streak.
QB Rich Campbell was added to the roster to take over the starting spot for the Aggies. The new QB, fresh off a 4,000 yard 31 TD season in USA BBB#15 will have a solid running game led by HB Andre Rudzinski as well as a playmaker at WR in Ronnie McKraken to work with – making the Aggies offense as versatile as it is dangerous and leaving the defense as the only question mark. Unlike the offense, the D doesn’t sport any new playmakers – a surprising turn considering how woeful the unit performed during the second half of the season.
If Campbell is able to live up to his own hype, the Aggies will be improved, perhaps enough to leapfrog both the Musketeers and Scorgasms. However, the defensive system will be under intense scrutiny. If the D can’t improve from their dismal showing last season, the Aggies will once again be on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.
Antwerp Annihilators
Last Season: 15-1, AAA#2 Champs
Antwerp finally makes it to WEPL after several close calls. Hot off a 15-1 season in which they dominated opponents and put up filthy statistics in AAA#2, the Annihilators will try to carry that success over to the new look WEPL.
With both HBs amassing over 2,000 yards as well as a QB Peabody’s 51 TD passes last season, the Annihilators’ offense looks to be superhuman. Of course a closer inspection of their games last year reveals the bulk of those gaudy stats were obtained against four gutted opponents that Antwerp outscored 823 to 13 – making it impossible to draw any real conclusions from their statistics. However, impressive wins over Black Watch and the UK Patriots demonstrate that they might be the best of the promoted teams.
With a balanced and deep roster, Antwerp has the talent to compete in WEPL and their coaching staff has always found a way to succeed in the regular season. A chance to renew an old rivalry with the Pimps should help boost spirits. Expect the Annihilators to continue the trend of promoted AAA teams making the playoffs. However, don’t expect more than a 5 seed.
Berlin Ballers
Last Season: 15-1, AAA#1 Champs
The Ballers are another team that rolled through AAA, putting up unbelievable statistics along the way. Even more impressive than their 15-1 regular season was how utterly one sided all their playoff wins were as they rolled over several new WEPL teams including the Minotaurs and ATOIAF.
While their offense put up great numbers all year long, it was their two DEs Magnus Samuelsson and Jon Pall Sigmarsson who stole the headlines with their combined 151 sacks. The pressure both ends brought forced opponents to be one-dimensional as the passing attacks were grounded before they could even take off. With so much of their teams’ success dependant upon these speedy DEs, the front office has to be concerned about the Nerf for agile DEs coming into effect this season. Undoubtedly their numbers will take a significant hit due not only to the Nerf but the improved OT play in WEPL. The question remains how that will unravel the rest of the Ballers’ strategy.
Berlin has never struggled to find wins in any league they’ve played in. I expect them to be a formidable opponent in WEPL and to follow Antwerp into the playoffs. However, I do not expect more than a 5th seed as their DEs won’t be able to do the same sort of damage they’ve done in the past.
Lyon Dynasty
Last Season: 14-2, Lost in Second Round of AAA#1
The Dynasty benefited from a weaker AAA#1 conference, abusing the lesser competition and compiling some nifty stats during their 14-2 run.
Lyon got the most from their two QB rotation as both QBs put up near identical numbers. Their running game was anchored by a two-man attack as well, showing off their depth and versatility. A deep and talented defense amassed a ton of sacks, including 34 from LB Montezuma’s Revenge. The difference between the Dynasty and the Ballers and Antwerp is that despite their depth and success, their roster doesn’t have quite the same level of talent as their AAA brethren, making the challenge of jumping to WEPL all the more difficult.
Lyon has great depth and could surprise some people this year. However, they aren’t ready to compete with the upper echelon of Zeta, making a playoff birth difficult to obtain. An 8-8 season is a strong possibility.
Sevilla Naranjas
Last Season: 15-1, Lost in AAA#2 Alpha Championship Game
The Naranjas couldn’t find a way to beat Black Watch last year, losing to them twice including in the Alpha Championship game. The Naranjas will be looking forward to their rematch in the regular season this year.
Sevilla, like Lyon, is a team that depends on depth and player rotation to win. With two similar QBs, RBs and WRs, the Naranjas’ offense was able to put up points easily in Season 5. However, unlike the other promoted AAA teams, Sevilla also gave up points at a good clip, making critics wonder how their defense will stand up to the more balanced and potent WEPL offenses they will face this season.
It’s a good bet that Sevilla will win at least 6 games this year, but asking them to make the jump into the playoffs in their first year is asking too much. This team will put up a fight all year long, but will fall inevitably fall short.
A Team of Ice and Fire
Last Season: 13-3, Lost in the AAA#1 Zeta Championship Game
ATOIAF brings one of GLB’s best coaching staffs to WEPL. Ice and Fire have long been able to exceed the talent of their roster with smart game planning and versatile personnel, making them a solid addition to WEPL.
A look at ATOIAF’s stats from last season reveals a very balanced team – one that doesn’t put up eye-popping stats in any category but still found ways to win. Their roster does not boast any superstars and is perhaps a notch or two below the average talent level of WEPL but it would be a mistake to count them out.
While I expect the coaching staff to pull off some upsets in their first year in WEPL, the truth is they just aren’t talented enough to threaten the playoff field in Zeta. I can see this team winning anywhere between 4 to 8 games this season.
UK Patriots
Last Season: 11-5, Lost in AAA#2 Zeta Championship Game
The Patriots roll into Zeta sporting AAA#2’s most prolific passing attack. The aerial assault unleashed by the Pats in Season 5 was enough to earn them a Zeta Championship berth, but not enough to beat the Annihilators.
QB Jim Roberts’ 6,878 yards and 115 TD passes (to just 5 INTs) should be enough of a stat line to give Corey Smith chills. Perhaps Rotterdam won’t have the most prolific passing attack in WEPL this season. While Roberts was impressive, the offense and defense sports little depth, meaning that Roberts will undoubtedly be called on to win his share of shootouts this season. With the talent on their roster being a notch below that of most of WEPL, the Patriots seem to be a team that will have to fight for every win this season.
Expect the aerial show to continue in Season 6 – though Roberts will have a very tough time putting up the same caliber of numbers against the tougher WEPL secondaries. The Patriots won’t contend for a playoff spot this season and could be in for a long year.
Black Forest Mercenaries
Last Season: 11-5, Lost in Second Round of AAA#2 Alpha Playoffs
Black Forest is one of only two promoted teams not to have won any championship hardware at any level in their existence. Their 11-5 record last season earned them a short trip to the playoffs and an early exit.
Determined to make a mark in WEPL and avoid relegation, the Mercenaries have been active in the Free Agent Market, dipping their team chemistry to below 55. While most of the changes have occurred on the defensive side of the ball, the pass-first offense still is left with holes to fill as the season approaches. Without a strong running game to speak of, Black Forest will be forced to air it out – a dangerous recipe in WEPL for most teams.
Black Forest will fight with UK to avoid relegation this year. With their team chemistry so low it will be tough to overcome the gap in talent with the rest of WEPL. It could be a long year for the Mercenaries.
Preseason Zeta All Stars
Offense
QB: Corey Smith (ROT), Phillipp Pohl (RIV)
Smith continues to be the standard bearer for QBs in Zeta and should continue to light up the scoreboards all season long. Pohl quietly had a brilliant year for the Pimps, and with so many weapons at his disposal he should continue to sneak up on defenses expecting a heavy rushing attack.
HB: Mal Brown (STO), Lee Suggs (RIV)
Mal Brown dominated Zeta last season and should be able to add to his numbers this season as the Meatballs have trimmed the number of HBs on their roster. Lee Suggs has a new partner in crime in his backfield who may cut into his numbers, but Suggs is still electric.
FB: Austin Wang (STO)
Truthfully I’m being a bit biased here – but as the lead blocker for Zeta’s best rushing attack last year, Wang is the silent hero … that and who really follows FBs?
WR: Ryan Meis (POR), Ronnie McKraken (REY), Preston Parker (RIV)
Meis quietly put up an All Pro season last year as he was Porto’s most dependable weapon and should be once again this season. Ronnie McKraken has a knack for making big plays when they matter most while Preston Parker has been a TD machine for Pohl for the past few seasons.
TE: Michael Howat (MUL)
Howat is the only choice here because he is heads and shoulders above the rest of the TEs in Zeta. Despite being doubled by most teams last year, Howat still had over 1,000 yards. Expect more TDs in Season 6.
OT: Burger McFatty (ROT), Big Mama (KOR)
Burger McFatty continues to dominate as he led his team to a league low number in Sacks allowed – despite playing in the pass happy Rotterdam offense. Meanwhile Mama anchored Korb’s versatile offensive line while keeping his sack numbers well below league average.
OG: Chubbs Peterson (STO), Joe Trench (POR)
Chubbs Peterson not only led the league in pancakes, but also was the dominant blocker for the leagues’ number one rushing attack. Trench was not far behind and displayed the ability to both pass and run block effectively against top competition.
C: Snot Dangler (STO)
Snot was the pivot man on the league’s best O-Line and should be once again this season.
Defense
DT: Corey Williams (KOR), Borris Grassenhauer (KOR)
Together they anchor the best interior D-Line in Zeta and perhaps WEPL. The big men in the middle should be able to continue their dominance in Season 6.
DE: Mr. Bundy (RIV), Mario Williams (PAR)
Bundy continues to check opposing OTs off his list and provides a big play threat off the edge for the Pimps. Williams was the Musketeers’ lone bright spot in a lost season and should have another great year despite the lack of a supporting cast.
OLB: Disa Destroyer (KOR), Gone Tribal (MUL)
Disa Destroyer was a force with 13 hurries, 6 sacks and 5 FFs. With Korb’s improvement, his numbers should only go up. Tribal can get to the QB and go sideline to sideline to make plays as his 5 sacks, 90 tackles and 5 FFs proved last year.
MLB: Tarryl Dalley (PPP)
While his numbers are never overly impressive, Dalley is all over the field and the anchor for one of the leagues’ best run defenses. Expect more of the same from him in Season 6.
CB: Shutty McDown (PPP), Michael Morvilius (KOR)
McDown had a brilliant Season 5 as he was near the tops of the league in INTs despite opponents not throwing on him much. Morvilius led the league in picks, taking advantage of Korb’s brilliant defense – he should be able to pile up even more stats this season.
FS: Pico De Gailo (STO)
Pico can play the run as well as the pass. A playmaker at the FS position he does it all for one of the best defenses in the league.
SS: Morte Sicario (PPP)
Another diverse playmaker for the Longnecks’ D, Sicario was matched up on WR as well as TEs while also popping RBs and forcing fumbles. The talented SS makes the players around him better.
After the Pre-season expect our first Power Rankings! … Till next time
Last edited Nov 5, 2008 15:32:25
jk, great job
