Week 2 Recaps
Monmouth Evil Monkeys 66, Bourbon Street Bullies 17
Well, it was a sad day in New Orleans in week 2. Unfortunately for the Bullies, MEM's OC remembered that he had a former USAPL and PWT MVP in his backfield, and decided to give him the ball a couple of times (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4972530). Although MEM's secondary got toasted like coachviking in the presence of Jack Daniels, their front 7 remained stout, limiting Bourbon street to 1.4 yards per rush and notching up 13 hurries and 3 sacks. Drago's pair of TDs were short throws, but they had girth as The Natural and Jacob Johnson RACed up a storm (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4971514, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4967150). Elisha had his first less than terrible game as a Monkey, contributing 2 touchdown throws off the bench against no interceptions, as well as being the middle man on this brilliant run by E.D. Jackson (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4969819).
Minnesota Marauders 38, South Bay Spartans 33
South Bay must really be getting tired of their 'close but no cigar' battles with the conference's heavyweights. Every year the riveting saga that is "Escape from South Bay" adds a few more chapters. Okay, so maybe Galk's bunch are just my hyperbole team, because in actuality Minnesota and their horde of tailbacks were in control throughout this game. South Bay's offense found a bit of spirit late behind the talented Mr. Smith (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4959147), but when they finally closed to within one score of the Marauders, there were only 53 seconds left in the game. Minnesota's army of backs contributed a couple of scores (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4953467, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4958563) and the Julian Krist found Santonio Holmes in the slot twice (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4951486, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4956927)
Lincoln Navigators 45, Parma Burglers 27
Another impressive offensive play on a day filled with them. Although Parma actually led for much of this game, Lincoln ultimately overwhelmed the vaunted Parma defensive front as their Greeneless backfield still was easily able to average 4 a carry and post 3 touchdowns, all by jason shock (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473745&pbp_id=4953198). Andrew Vick is having the coming out party he was hoping for last season as Lincoln QB - he was 5 yards shy of hitting 400 yards in consecutive games today (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473745&pbp_id=4959440). This interception was a bit rough though: (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473745&pbp_id=4954693). That pick actually gave parma a lead that they carried into the 4th quarter, but special teams ultimately did them in as - you guessed it - Lincoln was able to force a fumble on the first kickoff of the 4th and run it back, creating a 14 point swing in the space of 3 seconds that broke the Burglars backs (alliteration win).
San Diego Lightning 61, Compton Vikings 24
Although some expected this game to go the other way (*cough*coachviking*cough*), those of us who followed the Lightning during preseason can't have been surprised at this result. Their drubbing last week at the hands of Green Bay obscured the fact that this is a team as capable of scoring on you with special teams (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473731&pbp_id=4964361, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473731&pbp_id=4972404, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473731&pbp_id=4973362) as they are with offense, if not more so. Their high amount of depth enables them to have a specialist ST unit, and they press that advantage very well. As Green Bay showed last week, if you can protect the football and actually get a few offensive possessions, you can beat them - but the trick is protecting the football. Compton, in a word, didn't (4 fumbles lost, 3 interceptions).
Chicago Hedgehogs 45, NY-CA Ground Pounders 13
I'll tell you what, the Hogs have looked good early on this season. They followed a nice win against OFG with a beating of the AAA2 champs in week 2. The Pounders offensive struggles continued this week as their own special teams outscored them (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473770&pbp_id=4952396).The Pounders' ground game was unable to get any purchase and their passing game was simply atrocious - 9/29 for 150 yards and 3 ints for Makraken this week. Against an elite QB like Tom Koziol (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473770&pbp_id=4954032, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473770&pbp_id=4953047), that will kill you. Terrible Tom tossed a tetrangle of touchdowns and NY-CA simply had no answer. (Damn, I'm killing it with the alliteration this week... ok tetrangle is probably a reach).
Washington Wolfpack 21, Las Vegas Freebirds 16
Two turnovers by the pack made this a closer game than most people expected, but the Pack's defense was able to tighten up in the red zone on enough occasions that they never trailed. Despite another good performance by George Street (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473758&pbp_id=4955800), the Freebirds were still in a position to make a game of it early in the fourth when Swift Power delivered this gem (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473758&pbp_id=4957268). Although the Wolfpack offense was out of ammo for the day, the defense managed to hold strong and preserve the win.
Spicewood Longhorns 49, Dallas Vaqueros 9
The Spicewood's aerial assault was in full flow in their conference opener. Hugh Laurie torched the Vaqueros secondary, with receiver Justin Moore catching 2 of his 3 touchdown passes. (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473716&pbp_id=4964345, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473716&pbp_id=4966682) Spicewood's running game chipped in admirably as well, with tailback Bukka Moore eclipsing 100 yards for the first time this season (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473716&pbp_id=4968594), and new speed back Zayn Tippit making a solid debut, going over 100 total yards on 12 touches.
Honolulu Hurricane Warriors 55, Texas Roughnecks 31
HHW picked up where OTR left off with another degrading metaphorical violation of the Texas Roughnecks. The Warriors passing Wangs hummed (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4969836, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4972322) and their running game throbbed (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4965919) as they spewed 55 points on the Roughnecks. Despite a pulse quickening performance by The Tick (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4965144, 12 carries 211 yards 1 TD), the flacid effort put forth by the rest of the team ensured that the Roughnecks upset bid fell limply by the wayside.
Rankings and Predictions
RJ 8-0
CV 7-1 (freaking Compton)
1. Washington Wolfpack V 10. Compton Vikings. The Wolfpack have quite yet found their offensive rhythm this season. The switch in Coordinators seems to have things a bit out of synch but they are still managing to get W's. Partlow is going to have to get on track soon, under 4 yards per carry is not what we have come to expect from this dot. The good news is their passing game has looked effective and their D is solid as usual. The Vikings need to get their return game fixed now or they are in for a long season. Dropping 2 kickoffs and a punt (all of which were returned for TD's) along with 2 other fumbles and 3 picks is not what they are looking for. Tavaris Jackson had a solid game throwing the ball except for his 3 instances of color blindness.
CV Wolfpack 48-21
RJ Wolfpack 41-27
2. Minnesota Marauders V 11. Las Vegas Freebirds. Galks squad is doing just enough to win every time out. Back to back 5 point wins against solid opponents. Minnesota needs to step up their 4th quarter play or one of this games the other team isn't going to fall just short in their comeback bid. Offensively the Marauders balanced attack has looked unstoppable, the problem is the Minnesota D has been unable to stop their opponents from picking up 500+ yards per game. The Freebirds are coming off of back to back tough losses and need a W this week to avoid an 0-3 start to season 9. While they have been able to move the ball they have settled for field goals instead of TD's way too often. They are going to have to step it up on pass D if they want to have a chance this season.
CV MM 35-27
RJ MM 31-17
3. Spicewood Longhorns V 8. San Diego Lightning. The AirHorns attack is flying high. Hugh Laurie and Company have looked unstoppable in their first two games and Bukka is grinding it out on the ground. It's hard to get a real feel for the Horns D because every team is in full Catch up mode against this explosive O. Holy Special Teams turnovers Lighting. 3 kicks returned for TDs is a nice boost to anyteam add in 3 picks a fumbled run returned for a TD and a Safety and the lighting get win 1 on the season. Without the Turnovers the Lighting D wouldn't have recieved a passing grade the last time out, but the O is looking very dangerous.
CV Spicewood 49-40
RJ Spicewood 35-31
4. Monmouth Evil Monkeys V 14. NY-CA Ground Pounders. Monmouth found out how to hang onto to ball and bounced back from their opening day loss in a big way. The Monmouth Pass D still looks a little shaky, but their D line Led by Lawrence Jackson, stepped up in a big way. Offensively Havoc is using all the weapons at his disposal to put up a well balanced and potent attack. NY-CA is struggling big time in their first two games in the Pro's. They have yet to score an offensive TD and can't move the ball through the air or on the ground at all. They are going to need a huge Defensive effort to keep it close against the Evil Monkeys.
CV Evil Monkeys 49-13
RJ Evil Monkeys 41-17
5. Lincoln Navigators V 6. Chicago Hedgehogs. The Navigators used a huge second half to pick up their initial win of the season. Down 27-17 at the half the Navs put up 28 straight points in a dominate effort where the outgained Parma 273-78 over the final 2 quarters. While it looks like the Lincoln ground game hasn't recovered from the loss of Shonn Greene Andrew Vick has stepped it up and their Run Defense is looking impressive. The Hogs are off to a solid 2-0 start led by an improved D and well balanced O. There Pass D total shut down the Ground Pounders and needs to do the same thing for them to pull of the win this week.
CV Lincoln 35-28
RJ Chicago 44-38
7. Honolulu Hurricance Warriors V 9. South Bay Spartans. The rumors of the demise of the Wang Dynasty were a bit premature. Their D forced 4 turnovers and they backed that effort up with an impressive run/pass mix on O. You can never count this team out, it might take them some time to figure out the SIM but they are a very dangerous well built team. South Bay almost rode the legs of MR. SMITH to an upset win over the Marauders. They have to do a better job of protecting their QB and and stopping big plays on D if they want to beat HHW.
CV HHW 35-27
RJ HHW 31-28
12. Bourbon Street Bullies V 16. Texas Roughnecks. The Bullies looked lost defensively against Monmouth. They were unable to stop anything and gave up a number of huge plays. Offensively they need to start hanging onto the ball and find a running game. The Roughnecks D isn't ready for USA PRO, simple as that.
CV BSB 44-21
RJ BSB 70-38
13. Parma Burglars V 15. Dallas Vaqueros. RunHard may make great D Tackles but he needs a bit more to win at this level. The Burglars looked totally overmatched in the second half and need to fix their pass D in a hurry. Offensively their total lack of a running game is allowing teams to focus on the passing game. Dallas=AAA.
CV Parma 35-10
RJ Parma 41-3
Monmouth Evil Monkeys 66, Bourbon Street Bullies 17
Well, it was a sad day in New Orleans in week 2. Unfortunately for the Bullies, MEM's OC remembered that he had a former USAPL and PWT MVP in his backfield, and decided to give him the ball a couple of times (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4972530). Although MEM's secondary got toasted like coachviking in the presence of Jack Daniels, their front 7 remained stout, limiting Bourbon street to 1.4 yards per rush and notching up 13 hurries and 3 sacks. Drago's pair of TDs were short throws, but they had girth as The Natural and Jacob Johnson RACed up a storm (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4971514, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4967150). Elisha had his first less than terrible game as a Monkey, contributing 2 touchdown throws off the bench against no interceptions, as well as being the middle man on this brilliant run by E.D. Jackson (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473791&pbp_id=4969819).
Minnesota Marauders 38, South Bay Spartans 33
South Bay must really be getting tired of their 'close but no cigar' battles with the conference's heavyweights. Every year the riveting saga that is "Escape from South Bay" adds a few more chapters. Okay, so maybe Galk's bunch are just my hyperbole team, because in actuality Minnesota and their horde of tailbacks were in control throughout this game. South Bay's offense found a bit of spirit late behind the talented Mr. Smith (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4959147), but when they finally closed to within one score of the Marauders, there were only 53 seconds left in the game. Minnesota's army of backs contributed a couple of scores (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4953467, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4958563) and the Julian Krist found Santonio Holmes in the slot twice (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4951486, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473781&pbp_id=4956927)
Lincoln Navigators 45, Parma Burglers 27
Another impressive offensive play on a day filled with them. Although Parma actually led for much of this game, Lincoln ultimately overwhelmed the vaunted Parma defensive front as their Greeneless backfield still was easily able to average 4 a carry and post 3 touchdowns, all by jason shock (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473745&pbp_id=4953198). Andrew Vick is having the coming out party he was hoping for last season as Lincoln QB - he was 5 yards shy of hitting 400 yards in consecutive games today (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473745&pbp_id=4959440). This interception was a bit rough though: (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473745&pbp_id=4954693). That pick actually gave parma a lead that they carried into the 4th quarter, but special teams ultimately did them in as - you guessed it - Lincoln was able to force a fumble on the first kickoff of the 4th and run it back, creating a 14 point swing in the space of 3 seconds that broke the Burglars backs (alliteration win).
San Diego Lightning 61, Compton Vikings 24
Although some expected this game to go the other way (*cough*coachviking*cough*), those of us who followed the Lightning during preseason can't have been surprised at this result. Their drubbing last week at the hands of Green Bay obscured the fact that this is a team as capable of scoring on you with special teams (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473731&pbp_id=4964361, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473731&pbp_id=4972404, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473731&pbp_id=4973362) as they are with offense, if not more so. Their high amount of depth enables them to have a specialist ST unit, and they press that advantage very well. As Green Bay showed last week, if you can protect the football and actually get a few offensive possessions, you can beat them - but the trick is protecting the football. Compton, in a word, didn't (4 fumbles lost, 3 interceptions).
Chicago Hedgehogs 45, NY-CA Ground Pounders 13
I'll tell you what, the Hogs have looked good early on this season. They followed a nice win against OFG with a beating of the AAA2 champs in week 2. The Pounders offensive struggles continued this week as their own special teams outscored them (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473770&pbp_id=4952396).The Pounders' ground game was unable to get any purchase and their passing game was simply atrocious - 9/29 for 150 yards and 3 ints for Makraken this week. Against an elite QB like Tom Koziol (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473770&pbp_id=4954032, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473770&pbp_id=4953047), that will kill you. Terrible Tom tossed a tetrangle of touchdowns and NY-CA simply had no answer. (Damn, I'm killing it with the alliteration this week... ok tetrangle is probably a reach).
Washington Wolfpack 21, Las Vegas Freebirds 16
Two turnovers by the pack made this a closer game than most people expected, but the Pack's defense was able to tighten up in the red zone on enough occasions that they never trailed. Despite another good performance by George Street (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473758&pbp_id=4955800), the Freebirds were still in a position to make a game of it early in the fourth when Swift Power delivered this gem (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473758&pbp_id=4957268). Although the Wolfpack offense was out of ammo for the day, the defense managed to hold strong and preserve the win.
Spicewood Longhorns 49, Dallas Vaqueros 9
The Spicewood's aerial assault was in full flow in their conference opener. Hugh Laurie torched the Vaqueros secondary, with receiver Justin Moore catching 2 of his 3 touchdown passes. (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473716&pbp_id=4964345, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473716&pbp_id=4966682) Spicewood's running game chipped in admirably as well, with tailback Bukka Moore eclipsing 100 yards for the first time this season (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473716&pbp_id=4968594), and new speed back Zayn Tippit making a solid debut, going over 100 total yards on 12 touches.
Honolulu Hurricane Warriors 55, Texas Roughnecks 31
HHW picked up where OTR left off with another degrading metaphorical violation of the Texas Roughnecks. The Warriors passing Wangs hummed (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4969836, http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4972322) and their running game throbbed (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4965919) as they spewed 55 points on the Roughnecks. Despite a pulse quickening performance by The Tick (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=473800&pbp_id=4965144, 12 carries 211 yards 1 TD), the flacid effort put forth by the rest of the team ensured that the Roughnecks upset bid fell limply by the wayside.
Rankings and Predictions
RJ 8-0
CV 7-1 (freaking Compton)
1. Washington Wolfpack V 10. Compton Vikings. The Wolfpack have quite yet found their offensive rhythm this season. The switch in Coordinators seems to have things a bit out of synch but they are still managing to get W's. Partlow is going to have to get on track soon, under 4 yards per carry is not what we have come to expect from this dot. The good news is their passing game has looked effective and their D is solid as usual. The Vikings need to get their return game fixed now or they are in for a long season. Dropping 2 kickoffs and a punt (all of which were returned for TD's) along with 2 other fumbles and 3 picks is not what they are looking for. Tavaris Jackson had a solid game throwing the ball except for his 3 instances of color blindness.
CV Wolfpack 48-21
RJ Wolfpack 41-27
2. Minnesota Marauders V 11. Las Vegas Freebirds. Galks squad is doing just enough to win every time out. Back to back 5 point wins against solid opponents. Minnesota needs to step up their 4th quarter play or one of this games the other team isn't going to fall just short in their comeback bid. Offensively the Marauders balanced attack has looked unstoppable, the problem is the Minnesota D has been unable to stop their opponents from picking up 500+ yards per game. The Freebirds are coming off of back to back tough losses and need a W this week to avoid an 0-3 start to season 9. While they have been able to move the ball they have settled for field goals instead of TD's way too often. They are going to have to step it up on pass D if they want to have a chance this season.
CV MM 35-27
RJ MM 31-17
3. Spicewood Longhorns V 8. San Diego Lightning. The AirHorns attack is flying high. Hugh Laurie and Company have looked unstoppable in their first two games and Bukka is grinding it out on the ground. It's hard to get a real feel for the Horns D because every team is in full Catch up mode against this explosive O. Holy Special Teams turnovers Lighting. 3 kicks returned for TDs is a nice boost to anyteam add in 3 picks a fumbled run returned for a TD and a Safety and the lighting get win 1 on the season. Without the Turnovers the Lighting D wouldn't have recieved a passing grade the last time out, but the O is looking very dangerous.
CV Spicewood 49-40
RJ Spicewood 35-31
4. Monmouth Evil Monkeys V 14. NY-CA Ground Pounders. Monmouth found out how to hang onto to ball and bounced back from their opening day loss in a big way. The Monmouth Pass D still looks a little shaky, but their D line Led by Lawrence Jackson, stepped up in a big way. Offensively Havoc is using all the weapons at his disposal to put up a well balanced and potent attack. NY-CA is struggling big time in their first two games in the Pro's. They have yet to score an offensive TD and can't move the ball through the air or on the ground at all. They are going to need a huge Defensive effort to keep it close against the Evil Monkeys.
CV Evil Monkeys 49-13
RJ Evil Monkeys 41-17
5. Lincoln Navigators V 6. Chicago Hedgehogs. The Navigators used a huge second half to pick up their initial win of the season. Down 27-17 at the half the Navs put up 28 straight points in a dominate effort where the outgained Parma 273-78 over the final 2 quarters. While it looks like the Lincoln ground game hasn't recovered from the loss of Shonn Greene Andrew Vick has stepped it up and their Run Defense is looking impressive. The Hogs are off to a solid 2-0 start led by an improved D and well balanced O. There Pass D total shut down the Ground Pounders and needs to do the same thing for them to pull of the win this week.
CV Lincoln 35-28
RJ Chicago 44-38
7. Honolulu Hurricance Warriors V 9. South Bay Spartans. The rumors of the demise of the Wang Dynasty were a bit premature. Their D forced 4 turnovers and they backed that effort up with an impressive run/pass mix on O. You can never count this team out, it might take them some time to figure out the SIM but they are a very dangerous well built team. South Bay almost rode the legs of MR. SMITH to an upset win over the Marauders. They have to do a better job of protecting their QB and and stopping big plays on D if they want to beat HHW.
CV HHW 35-27
RJ HHW 31-28
12. Bourbon Street Bullies V 16. Texas Roughnecks. The Bullies looked lost defensively against Monmouth. They were unable to stop anything and gave up a number of huge plays. Offensively they need to start hanging onto the ball and find a running game. The Roughnecks D isn't ready for USA PRO, simple as that.
CV BSB 44-21
RJ BSB 70-38
13. Parma Burglars V 15. Dallas Vaqueros. RunHard may make great D Tackles but he needs a bit more to win at this level. The Burglars looked totally overmatched in the second half and need to fix their pass D in a hurry. Offensively their total lack of a running game is allowing teams to focus on the passing game. Dallas=AAA.
CV Parma 35-10
RJ Parma 41-3
