Okay, I'm finally done. A few enhancements to this week's edition which I hope I'll be able to continue for the rest of the season. I hope you all enjoy (although I'm sure that many of you won't.)
Thanks for reading.
***
1. Boston Nighthawks (2-0)
Defeated Kentucky Madcats 93-0
Ranking: Unchanged (previous: 1)
Pretty much what you'd expect from Boston. The longball was working, the rush was working and the pressure was there too as Kentucky QB Jarius Jackson was hurried 26 times and sacked twice. Still the class of the conference.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210301&pbp_id=2212552
Great defensive pressure leads to a pick six authored by FS Barry Ballhawk.
2. Cincinnati Shockers (2-0)
Defeated Philadelphia Pushovers 49-27
Ranking: +2 (previous: 4)
A really impressive showing from Cincinnati, which handled the senior Philadelphia team especially as the game wore on despite their slight lack of depth. There's some opportunity in improving the rush defense, which Boston will surely capitalize on, but this is a very sturdy team and should go far in the playoffs.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210312&pbp_id=2216710
RB Jacob Orangeblood takes a short screen pass with a sweet outside move to help put the game away for the Shockers.
3. Washington Bullets (2-0)
Defeated Philadelphia Continentals 41-14
Ranking: -1 (previous: 2)
The Bullets again hold their opponent to two touchdowns, but probably aren't quite satisfied with the score considering the level of the opponent. They stifled the Continentals offense but committed four turnovers while forcing none themselves. A better team will take advantage of that carelessness.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210331&pbp_id=2207569
WR Art Monkey throws a fantastic block on CB Paris Williams allowing the receiver to turn outside from the 40 yard line and ring up six.
4. Detroit Demon Lions (2-0)
Defeated Chicago Mustangs 31-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 5)
I'm still not convinced that DDL is this impressive a team, but a win is a win and attention must be paid. Good defensive pressure by DDL helped force three interceptions and the rushing attack was solid all day. Lions move up a notch to the four spot.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210247&pbp_id=2209317
This 20 yard reception by Lions TE Juggerkarl Ayotte with a minute to go sets Detroit up for the winning field goal.
5. Doomsday Sin (2-0)
Defeated Camden Outkasts 66-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 6)
Camden had a pretty successful day on offense against Doomsday, which spells trouble for the Sin later. Luckily for Doomsday today, the Outkast defense is even more of a sieve. A really nice day for second-string quarterback Rip McMasters (8/9, 130 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT).
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210262&pbp_id=2212580
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!! Doomsday SS William Khan stops Camden RB Fredro D'Amico a foot short of the goal line as Camden makes a ballsy call to go for it on fourth and goal from the two.
6. Green Bay Maulers (1-1)
Defeated Gridiron Rage 35-34
Ranking: +1 (previous: 7)
Green Bay outgained the Rage by almost two hundred total yards but didn't win this until the fourth quarter. Daring down the field by Green Bay QB Matt Anderson made up for some softness in the rush defense. However much Green Bay downplays their team, I still like the Maulers' chances to make the playoffs and think they're only a couple of pieces away from being a really solid team.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210276&pbp_id=2216872
It's got to be this one, as LOLB Demon Child hauls this pick in and sets the table for Green Bay's winning score in the fourth quarter.
7. Philadelphia Pushovers (1-1)
Lost to Cincinnati Shockers 49-27
Ranking: -4 (previous: 3)
A pretty jarring comeuppance for one of the old guard USA Pro teams. Things started out well enough, but it just seemed the Pushovers ran out of gas; almost every possession late in the game ended in a three-and-out. I still think the Pushovers are going to be in the playoffs, but it might be a short ride.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210312&pbp_id=2211398
A really pretty interception by CB Petey Jones sets up a short drive for Philadelphia and the first TD of the game.
8. Rhode Island Red Wolves (1-1)
Defeated Kalamazoo Coyotes 37-28
Ranking: +4 (previous: 12)
Somewhere cwrujosh asked if this would mean he'd move up in the rankings. You got it. I realize this is not the K-Zoo of old, but I saw genuinely good line play by Rhode Island and, most impressively, excellent points off turnovers. Combined with losing to the Freebirds by only 13 points, I'm pretty confident that the Red Wolves deserve a few bells up the elevator.
Highlight play of the week: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210289&pbp_id=2210176
Yeah, I've got no words for this one, folks. You just have to watch for yourself.
9. Orlando Pirates (1-1)
Defeated D.C. Warpath 69-7
Ranking: +6 (previous: 15)
I'm under no illusions about the quality of the Warpath's win over the cross-conference Daggers (it's looking like the Daggers pretty much suck over there), but any time you hang 69 points on an opponent in Pro, you deserve a bit of a lift in the rankings. The Pirates bagged D.C.'s quarterback ten times and hurried for 14 more while Orlando runningback Rabid Hellion rushed 17 times for 243 yards and 4 TDs. That's going to leave a mark.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210322&pbp_id=2215328
Speak of the devil. It's not often you see a pitch to the outside in Pro, but here's one that worked really well. 90 yards to the end zone can't be wrong.
10. Gridiron Rage (1-1)
Lost to Green Bay Maulers 35-34
Ranking: Unchanged (previous: 10)
A good team here with a very decent quarterback which was in this game from start to finish. The Rage just seemed to fizzle out at the end instead of taking control like they should have in the fourth quarter. I could definitely see this team moving back up the rankings and possibly heading to playoff position later on.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210276&pbp_id=2217273
A clutch FF and recovery late in the fourth quarter could have resulted in a Rage victory had they been able to sustain the ensuing drive.
11. Chicago Mustangs (0-2)
Lost to Detroit Demon Lions 31-28
Ranking: -3 (previous: 8)
Until there's more bodies on the roster, I can't see this team doing much against most of the league. Nevertheless, they continue to have the coolest logo in Pro.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210247&pbp_id=2208653
A forced fumble in the fourth quarter by Tim Harper puts the game in reach for Chicago, but a subsequent interception by Andrew Vick kills the drive and leaves too much time on the clock for DDL.
12. Kalamazoo Coyotes (0-2)
Lost to Rhode Island Red Wolves 37-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 12)
It started out well enough for the Coyotes as Mike Chen picked off a Red Wolves pass six seconds into the game and housed it (and a shoutout for SS Bob Sanders for throwing a key block on that play - see below for the replay). Unfortunately, the statement didn't last as low chemistry and player turnover eventually dooms this once-dominant team. My money's on this team getting a lot of its mojo back before season's end.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210289&pbp_id=2202592
13. D.C. Warpath (1-1)
Lost to Orlando Pirates 69-7
Ranking: -4 (previous: 9)
The win over the Daggers last week looks pale now. Lack of depth in the receiver corps, several inactives among the cornerbacks and questionable depth elsewhere are going to hurt this team badly if they play any playoff-quality team. There's definitely some good players on this team, and chemistry isn't too far down, but it's going to take some more trades to make this team a true contender.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210322&pbp_id=2215655
Runningback Ronnie Tyler successfully evades Orlando DE Lorenzo Priest and turns upfield to cash in 39 yards later with D.C.'s only score of the game.
14. Philadelphia Continentals (0-2)
Lost to Washington Bullets 41-14
Ranking: -3 (previous: 11)
Growing pains continue for the Continentals, who after missing a golden opportunity in Week 1 with a one-point loss simply fail to capitalize on opportunities in this game. Going +4 in turnovers against a strong playoff contender is a good start, but it means little if the offense can't advance the ball.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210331&pbp_id=2204600
A booming 71 yard punt by Pierce Stone and a crushing hit by Tim Abel result in a forced fumble and a TD by backup linebacker Cyrus Walker.
15. Camden Outkasts (0-2)
Lost to Doomsday Sin 66-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 16)
The Camden secondary has to get fixed and fixed fast. It seems that teams can throw at will, and the Outkasts are giving up far too many yards after the catch as well. No matter how good the Camden offense will get over the course of the season (and 28 against the Sin isn't a bad effort), I don't think they'll be able to keep up with their opponents.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210262&pbp_id=2215873
Wideout Sticky Nick sidesteps two defenders to get to the endzone deep in the third quarter.
16. Kentucky Madcats (0-2)
Lost to Boston Nighthawks 93-0
Ranking: -2 (previous: 14)
Kentucky was simply taken apart here. The Madcats had one somewhat sustained drive in the third quarter, but it was mostly three-and-outs all day. A really disheartening loss.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210301&pbp_id=2212691
The longest play of the day for Kentucky, this might have been taken to the house if the receiver had more speed and agility.
Thanks for reading.
***
1. Boston Nighthawks (2-0)
Defeated Kentucky Madcats 93-0
Ranking: Unchanged (previous: 1)
Pretty much what you'd expect from Boston. The longball was working, the rush was working and the pressure was there too as Kentucky QB Jarius Jackson was hurried 26 times and sacked twice. Still the class of the conference.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210301&pbp_id=2212552
Great defensive pressure leads to a pick six authored by FS Barry Ballhawk.
2. Cincinnati Shockers (2-0)
Defeated Philadelphia Pushovers 49-27
Ranking: +2 (previous: 4)
A really impressive showing from Cincinnati, which handled the senior Philadelphia team especially as the game wore on despite their slight lack of depth. There's some opportunity in improving the rush defense, which Boston will surely capitalize on, but this is a very sturdy team and should go far in the playoffs.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210312&pbp_id=2216710
RB Jacob Orangeblood takes a short screen pass with a sweet outside move to help put the game away for the Shockers.
3. Washington Bullets (2-0)
Defeated Philadelphia Continentals 41-14
Ranking: -1 (previous: 2)
The Bullets again hold their opponent to two touchdowns, but probably aren't quite satisfied with the score considering the level of the opponent. They stifled the Continentals offense but committed four turnovers while forcing none themselves. A better team will take advantage of that carelessness.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210331&pbp_id=2207569
WR Art Monkey throws a fantastic block on CB Paris Williams allowing the receiver to turn outside from the 40 yard line and ring up six.
4. Detroit Demon Lions (2-0)
Defeated Chicago Mustangs 31-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 5)
I'm still not convinced that DDL is this impressive a team, but a win is a win and attention must be paid. Good defensive pressure by DDL helped force three interceptions and the rushing attack was solid all day. Lions move up a notch to the four spot.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210247&pbp_id=2209317
This 20 yard reception by Lions TE Juggerkarl Ayotte with a minute to go sets Detroit up for the winning field goal.
5. Doomsday Sin (2-0)
Defeated Camden Outkasts 66-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 6)
Camden had a pretty successful day on offense against Doomsday, which spells trouble for the Sin later. Luckily for Doomsday today, the Outkast defense is even more of a sieve. A really nice day for second-string quarterback Rip McMasters (8/9, 130 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT).
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210262&pbp_id=2212580
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!! Doomsday SS William Khan stops Camden RB Fredro D'Amico a foot short of the goal line as Camden makes a ballsy call to go for it on fourth and goal from the two.
6. Green Bay Maulers (1-1)
Defeated Gridiron Rage 35-34
Ranking: +1 (previous: 7)
Green Bay outgained the Rage by almost two hundred total yards but didn't win this until the fourth quarter. Daring down the field by Green Bay QB Matt Anderson made up for some softness in the rush defense. However much Green Bay downplays their team, I still like the Maulers' chances to make the playoffs and think they're only a couple of pieces away from being a really solid team.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210276&pbp_id=2216872
It's got to be this one, as LOLB Demon Child hauls this pick in and sets the table for Green Bay's winning score in the fourth quarter.
7. Philadelphia Pushovers (1-1)
Lost to Cincinnati Shockers 49-27
Ranking: -4 (previous: 3)
A pretty jarring comeuppance for one of the old guard USA Pro teams. Things started out well enough, but it just seemed the Pushovers ran out of gas; almost every possession late in the game ended in a three-and-out. I still think the Pushovers are going to be in the playoffs, but it might be a short ride.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210312&pbp_id=2211398
A really pretty interception by CB Petey Jones sets up a short drive for Philadelphia and the first TD of the game.
8. Rhode Island Red Wolves (1-1)
Defeated Kalamazoo Coyotes 37-28
Ranking: +4 (previous: 12)
Somewhere cwrujosh asked if this would mean he'd move up in the rankings. You got it. I realize this is not the K-Zoo of old, but I saw genuinely good line play by Rhode Island and, most impressively, excellent points off turnovers. Combined with losing to the Freebirds by only 13 points, I'm pretty confident that the Red Wolves deserve a few bells up the elevator.
Highlight play of the week: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210289&pbp_id=2210176
Yeah, I've got no words for this one, folks. You just have to watch for yourself.
9. Orlando Pirates (1-1)
Defeated D.C. Warpath 69-7
Ranking: +6 (previous: 15)
I'm under no illusions about the quality of the Warpath's win over the cross-conference Daggers (it's looking like the Daggers pretty much suck over there), but any time you hang 69 points on an opponent in Pro, you deserve a bit of a lift in the rankings. The Pirates bagged D.C.'s quarterback ten times and hurried for 14 more while Orlando runningback Rabid Hellion rushed 17 times for 243 yards and 4 TDs. That's going to leave a mark.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210322&pbp_id=2215328
Speak of the devil. It's not often you see a pitch to the outside in Pro, but here's one that worked really well. 90 yards to the end zone can't be wrong.
10. Gridiron Rage (1-1)
Lost to Green Bay Maulers 35-34
Ranking: Unchanged (previous: 10)
A good team here with a very decent quarterback which was in this game from start to finish. The Rage just seemed to fizzle out at the end instead of taking control like they should have in the fourth quarter. I could definitely see this team moving back up the rankings and possibly heading to playoff position later on.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210276&pbp_id=2217273
A clutch FF and recovery late in the fourth quarter could have resulted in a Rage victory had they been able to sustain the ensuing drive.
11. Chicago Mustangs (0-2)
Lost to Detroit Demon Lions 31-28
Ranking: -3 (previous: 8)
Until there's more bodies on the roster, I can't see this team doing much against most of the league. Nevertheless, they continue to have the coolest logo in Pro.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210247&pbp_id=2208653
A forced fumble in the fourth quarter by Tim Harper puts the game in reach for Chicago, but a subsequent interception by Andrew Vick kills the drive and leaves too much time on the clock for DDL.
12. Kalamazoo Coyotes (0-2)
Lost to Rhode Island Red Wolves 37-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 12)
It started out well enough for the Coyotes as Mike Chen picked off a Red Wolves pass six seconds into the game and housed it (and a shoutout for SS Bob Sanders for throwing a key block on that play - see below for the replay). Unfortunately, the statement didn't last as low chemistry and player turnover eventually dooms this once-dominant team. My money's on this team getting a lot of its mojo back before season's end.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210289&pbp_id=2202592
13. D.C. Warpath (1-1)
Lost to Orlando Pirates 69-7
Ranking: -4 (previous: 9)
The win over the Daggers last week looks pale now. Lack of depth in the receiver corps, several inactives among the cornerbacks and questionable depth elsewhere are going to hurt this team badly if they play any playoff-quality team. There's definitely some good players on this team, and chemistry isn't too far down, but it's going to take some more trades to make this team a true contender.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210322&pbp_id=2215655
Runningback Ronnie Tyler successfully evades Orlando DE Lorenzo Priest and turns upfield to cash in 39 yards later with D.C.'s only score of the game.
14. Philadelphia Continentals (0-2)
Lost to Washington Bullets 41-14
Ranking: -3 (previous: 11)
Growing pains continue for the Continentals, who after missing a golden opportunity in Week 1 with a one-point loss simply fail to capitalize on opportunities in this game. Going +4 in turnovers against a strong playoff contender is a good start, but it means little if the offense can't advance the ball.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210331&pbp_id=2204600
A booming 71 yard punt by Pierce Stone and a crushing hit by Tim Abel result in a forced fumble and a TD by backup linebacker Cyrus Walker.
15. Camden Outkasts (0-2)
Lost to Doomsday Sin 66-28
Ranking: +1 (previous: 16)
The Camden secondary has to get fixed and fixed fast. It seems that teams can throw at will, and the Outkasts are giving up far too many yards after the catch as well. No matter how good the Camden offense will get over the course of the season (and 28 against the Sin isn't a bad effort), I don't think they'll be able to keep up with their opponents.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210262&pbp_id=2215873
Wideout Sticky Nick sidesteps two defenders to get to the endzone deep in the third quarter.
16. Kentucky Madcats (0-2)
Lost to Boston Nighthawks 93-0
Ranking: -2 (previous: 14)
Kentucky was simply taken apart here. The Madcats had one somewhat sustained drive in the third quarter, but it was mostly three-and-outs all day. A really disheartening loss.
Highlight play: http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=210301&pbp_id=2212691
The longest play of the day for Kentucky, this might have been taken to the house if the receiver had more speed and agility.
Last edited Nov 14, 2008 20:09:22
