Tongduchon Cowboys at Winona Warriors:
Tonduchon Cowboys (0-1)
One of the oldest franchises in the region, the Cowboys legacy goes way back. Don't let a rough return to the Pros fool you. Back in the day the Cowboys banged heads with the best of SEA, including the Marauders, Warlords, Dragons and Seamen, and chalked up victories against most of them.
A long awaited return turned into disappointment last season when they suffered a 2-14 record and barely escaped relegation. Several losses were very close however and with a bit better luck they could of easily had up to 5 more wins.
Top Offenders:
Coach Amo is clearly more impressed with his team's defense this season. When I asked him about how the two sides of the team measured up against each other he replied,
"I think our D would shut them down for sure. Our defense has always been our strong point. Not saying our offense sucks or anything but our D has just carried us most seasons.
When pressed to identify a top performer for the team, he chose the team's halfback.
"We had a pretty bad season 10 so based on total performance I would say Tony "TD" Dorsett our HB. We didn't have much success with running the ball since we were behind trying to catch up most of the season."
After seeing the team's miserable results on the ground in Week 1, Coach Amo's reluctance to praise his offense is understandable. They've clearly got some work cut out for them this season.
That being said, QB Danny White looked capable despite his offensive line providing less than stellar protection. He spread the ball out among several competent targets and although he threw a pick 6 early in the game, he came back the next series and combined with team scatback Fred Hardstone to regain the lead.
Top Defenders: Coach Amo was more talkative concerning the team's defense and when you consider the squad's strong efforts last season against the Pigskin Pirates, TKW, Poison Dart Frogs and other elite teams, his reasoning is solid. When I asked him which of the teams players might have a shot of making the Probowl roster this season he chose to highlight two defenders.
"I don't like to toot my own horn but my SS Adam Daniels is probably the best shot at the moment. The other pick would be the starting MLB Shy Owens. We are still in a bit of transition and not sure where the team will be heading this season but I know my player will show up to play every down like it's his last... since it will be his last.. After making #4 for MVP last season in Naga I plan on moving that up a bit."
When pressed to choose the better player between the two of them, Amo368 had difficulty deciding,
"I think it's a tie between my SS Adam Daniels and starting MLB Shy Owens. Both are tackle monsters."
Although Owens and Daniels had similarly productive games in Week 1, each making 5 tackles and deflecting 2 passes, keep an eye on unheralded FS Don Dempsey who led them both with 6 tackles, 3 deflects, and an interception which he returned for 20 yards.
Special Teamers: This might one area where the team could stand to improve. The Cowboys are carrying only 47 players to start the season, and while all save a few of them are properly leveled and have impressive resumes, with the depth needed to sustain a rigorous Pro schedule, that doesn't leave them a lot of room for a fresh ST squad. They could probably use some more depth in the form of hard-hitting dedicated special teamers.
Despite the small roster, Amo368 assured me that they have improved the squad and had taken precautions to fix the ST woes they suffered last season by bringing in a new key free agent.
"We have a new Kick Returner CB Brokedem Ankles. We had a major problem last season with special teams which killed us in most games so we hit it hard this season to find a new guy that had higher level so we could compete."
He furthered identified kicker Scott Steudler as Tongduchon's most potent weapon on Special Teams.
"He's been rock solid since we picked him up and makes tackles to go along with it."
Winona Warriors (0-1)
Winona, thanks to the efforts of it's PR & Marketing team, were loud and proud about being part of Pro league. That their campaign for recognition and respect came well before they secured a spot did not escape the attention of most agents and as a result the team and it's leadership was not received well.
Despite a rough initial reception, the Warriors have started to gain some respect in the league based on their 8-8 showing in their inaugural Pro season, beating League Champion Singapore Marauders along the way, as well as their notorious Head Coach & Recruiter Mad Cow finally getting some much needed handlers to help remind him to think before he speaks.
Speaking of handling, the team gained an instant measure of credibility by bringing long-time forum hand and respected Bandar Lampung Pigskin Pirate GM G-bay-be to the team in a scouting role. That G-bay-be brings his ST Heavy Jason Ellis along, only improves their chances of improving their station among the SEA community. Although that being said, one can never discount Mad Cow's ability to single-handedly destroy good-will and respect for the team at a moment's notice.
Top Offenders: Quite the opposite of the Cowboys, Winona prides itself on a strong offense, and believes they'd be able to take the Warriors D. Mad Cow did point out that he thinks they'd have an easier time scoring FG's than TD's.
"I think we have so much talent on the offense, But we kick alot of FGs so maybe just a FG."
Regarding Warriors that have what it takes to make the Probowl, both G-bay-be and Mad Cow both identified members of the offense. Mad Cow was enamored of the Winona aerial attack.
"Rick Blaine and OJ, Rick Blaine was one of the top passers last season, and OJ I think had the 2nd most yards by a WR. You cant stop him...."
While G-bay-be favored the rushing game.
"I haven't been here long enough to meet everyone... but we got a pretty beasty HB here."
Considering they have 4 HB's on the roster all of whom share the depth chart, I cannot be sure who exactly he meant.
My guess is Professor Cuddlebottoms, who is the starter and the only HB to score in the teams first game this season. Whether Mad Cow or G-bay-be is right, only time will tell as Rick Blaine and OJ also combined to score the team's other touchdown.
Top Defender: While G-bay-be firmly believes that Jason Ellis is their best defender despite not seeing any snaps on defense, Mad Cow has other ideas, crediting the entire D-line as the squad's best asset.
Jason and the D-line will have to do better than they have so far if they want to make the transition from an also-ran to a playoff team, as the Winona defense gave up 6 touchdowns and well over 500 yards to the Sumatra Sting last week.
Free Safety Hawkin' DaBall looked good in the cleanup role however, making 11 total tackles including 3 for losses. But besides a handful of hurries, the team did not apply enough needed pressure and the Sting offense had their way with them for most of the game.
Special Teamers:
Considering that G-bay-be's response to no less than 6 different questions was "Jason Ellis", I feel obliged to mention him first. I'm sure his consistency on the field will matched only by his beneficial influence in the locker room. Mad Cow also considers him the team's best player on Special Teams referring to him as an "awesome LB-OT hybrid."
Winona's depth should also help the Warriors field fresh faces on Special Teams. Featuring 52 players on the roster, they have 5 more men to bear the ST load and conserve stamina for regular downs.
Prediction:
I tried to bait Amo with a question about his Top 3 Agents who need to tone down their act on the forum, but he hardly took the bait:
"Mad Cow sometimes, seems to be better recently although very entertaining.. Can't think of anyone else right now but anyone who get's offended and goes on rants in the forum needs to chill out IMO. It's a freakin game.. lol..."
G-bay-be disagreed with Amo mentioning Mad Cow first among his 3 Agents who need to tone it down along with Victory Jones and MD.
Last season the Tongduchon lost a close battle to the Winona 17-13, with the Warriors taking the lead mid-way through the third quarter and limiting the Cowboys chances to come back with their stingy defense and precision ball control.
This season I'm not sure it will be as close. According to Mad Cow the team has improved for Season Eleven by bringing in a large class of new recruits.
"We had about 10 FAs join our team this season. all of which will make huge impacts to the team.
I think the potential upgrades there and extra depth will probably be more than the Cowboys can wrangle. Tongduchon has a better defense, but if they are kept on the field for most of the game their effectiveness will be limited. The Warriors have too many weapons to be kept off the score board, and the Cowboys are in trouble if they try to match points with a more explosive Winona offense.
Tongduchon has the tools to make this a game and go for the upset, but they'll need a healthy dose of luck to get it done. A Cowboys win is not outside the realm of possibility, but I see Winona winning their homecoming game. WARRIORS by 13
Tonduchon Cowboys (0-1)
One of the oldest franchises in the region, the Cowboys legacy goes way back. Don't let a rough return to the Pros fool you. Back in the day the Cowboys banged heads with the best of SEA, including the Marauders, Warlords, Dragons and Seamen, and chalked up victories against most of them.
A long awaited return turned into disappointment last season when they suffered a 2-14 record and barely escaped relegation. Several losses were very close however and with a bit better luck they could of easily had up to 5 more wins.
Top Offenders:
Coach Amo is clearly more impressed with his team's defense this season. When I asked him about how the two sides of the team measured up against each other he replied,
"I think our D would shut them down for sure. Our defense has always been our strong point. Not saying our offense sucks or anything but our D has just carried us most seasons.
When pressed to identify a top performer for the team, he chose the team's halfback.
"We had a pretty bad season 10 so based on total performance I would say Tony "TD" Dorsett our HB. We didn't have much success with running the ball since we were behind trying to catch up most of the season."
After seeing the team's miserable results on the ground in Week 1, Coach Amo's reluctance to praise his offense is understandable. They've clearly got some work cut out for them this season.
That being said, QB Danny White looked capable despite his offensive line providing less than stellar protection. He spread the ball out among several competent targets and although he threw a pick 6 early in the game, he came back the next series and combined with team scatback Fred Hardstone to regain the lead.
Top Defenders: Coach Amo was more talkative concerning the team's defense and when you consider the squad's strong efforts last season against the Pigskin Pirates, TKW, Poison Dart Frogs and other elite teams, his reasoning is solid. When I asked him which of the teams players might have a shot of making the Probowl roster this season he chose to highlight two defenders.
"I don't like to toot my own horn but my SS Adam Daniels is probably the best shot at the moment. The other pick would be the starting MLB Shy Owens. We are still in a bit of transition and not sure where the team will be heading this season but I know my player will show up to play every down like it's his last... since it will be his last.. After making #4 for MVP last season in Naga I plan on moving that up a bit."
When pressed to choose the better player between the two of them, Amo368 had difficulty deciding,
"I think it's a tie between my SS Adam Daniels and starting MLB Shy Owens. Both are tackle monsters."
Although Owens and Daniels had similarly productive games in Week 1, each making 5 tackles and deflecting 2 passes, keep an eye on unheralded FS Don Dempsey who led them both with 6 tackles, 3 deflects, and an interception which he returned for 20 yards.
Special Teamers: This might one area where the team could stand to improve. The Cowboys are carrying only 47 players to start the season, and while all save a few of them are properly leveled and have impressive resumes, with the depth needed to sustain a rigorous Pro schedule, that doesn't leave them a lot of room for a fresh ST squad. They could probably use some more depth in the form of hard-hitting dedicated special teamers.
Despite the small roster, Amo368 assured me that they have improved the squad and had taken precautions to fix the ST woes they suffered last season by bringing in a new key free agent.
"We have a new Kick Returner CB Brokedem Ankles. We had a major problem last season with special teams which killed us in most games so we hit it hard this season to find a new guy that had higher level so we could compete."
He furthered identified kicker Scott Steudler as Tongduchon's most potent weapon on Special Teams.
"He's been rock solid since we picked him up and makes tackles to go along with it."
Winona Warriors (0-1)
Winona, thanks to the efforts of it's PR & Marketing team, were loud and proud about being part of Pro league. That their campaign for recognition and respect came well before they secured a spot did not escape the attention of most agents and as a result the team and it's leadership was not received well.
Despite a rough initial reception, the Warriors have started to gain some respect in the league based on their 8-8 showing in their inaugural Pro season, beating League Champion Singapore Marauders along the way, as well as their notorious Head Coach & Recruiter Mad Cow finally getting some much needed handlers to help remind him to think before he speaks.
Speaking of handling, the team gained an instant measure of credibility by bringing long-time forum hand and respected Bandar Lampung Pigskin Pirate GM G-bay-be to the team in a scouting role. That G-bay-be brings his ST Heavy Jason Ellis along, only improves their chances of improving their station among the SEA community. Although that being said, one can never discount Mad Cow's ability to single-handedly destroy good-will and respect for the team at a moment's notice.
Top Offenders: Quite the opposite of the Cowboys, Winona prides itself on a strong offense, and believes they'd be able to take the Warriors D. Mad Cow did point out that he thinks they'd have an easier time scoring FG's than TD's.
"I think we have so much talent on the offense, But we kick alot of FGs so maybe just a FG."
Regarding Warriors that have what it takes to make the Probowl, both G-bay-be and Mad Cow both identified members of the offense. Mad Cow was enamored of the Winona aerial attack.
"Rick Blaine and OJ, Rick Blaine was one of the top passers last season, and OJ I think had the 2nd most yards by a WR. You cant stop him...."
While G-bay-be favored the rushing game.
"I haven't been here long enough to meet everyone... but we got a pretty beasty HB here."
Considering they have 4 HB's on the roster all of whom share the depth chart, I cannot be sure who exactly he meant.
My guess is Professor Cuddlebottoms, who is the starter and the only HB to score in the teams first game this season. Whether Mad Cow or G-bay-be is right, only time will tell as Rick Blaine and OJ also combined to score the team's other touchdown.
Top Defender: While G-bay-be firmly believes that Jason Ellis is their best defender despite not seeing any snaps on defense, Mad Cow has other ideas, crediting the entire D-line as the squad's best asset.
Jason and the D-line will have to do better than they have so far if they want to make the transition from an also-ran to a playoff team, as the Winona defense gave up 6 touchdowns and well over 500 yards to the Sumatra Sting last week.
Free Safety Hawkin' DaBall looked good in the cleanup role however, making 11 total tackles including 3 for losses. But besides a handful of hurries, the team did not apply enough needed pressure and the Sting offense had their way with them for most of the game.
Special Teamers:
Considering that G-bay-be's response to no less than 6 different questions was "Jason Ellis", I feel obliged to mention him first. I'm sure his consistency on the field will matched only by his beneficial influence in the locker room. Mad Cow also considers him the team's best player on Special Teams referring to him as an "awesome LB-OT hybrid."
Winona's depth should also help the Warriors field fresh faces on Special Teams. Featuring 52 players on the roster, they have 5 more men to bear the ST load and conserve stamina for regular downs.
Prediction:
I tried to bait Amo with a question about his Top 3 Agents who need to tone down their act on the forum, but he hardly took the bait:
"Mad Cow sometimes, seems to be better recently although very entertaining.. Can't think of anyone else right now but anyone who get's offended and goes on rants in the forum needs to chill out IMO. It's a freakin game.. lol..."
G-bay-be disagreed with Amo mentioning Mad Cow first among his 3 Agents who need to tone it down along with Victory Jones and MD.
Last season the Tongduchon lost a close battle to the Winona 17-13, with the Warriors taking the lead mid-way through the third quarter and limiting the Cowboys chances to come back with their stingy defense and precision ball control.
This season I'm not sure it will be as close. According to Mad Cow the team has improved for Season Eleven by bringing in a large class of new recruits.
"We had about 10 FAs join our team this season. all of which will make huge impacts to the team.
I think the potential upgrades there and extra depth will probably be more than the Cowboys can wrangle. Tongduchon has a better defense, but if they are kept on the field for most of the game their effectiveness will be limited. The Warriors have too many weapons to be kept off the score board, and the Cowboys are in trouble if they try to match points with a more explosive Winona offense.
Tongduchon has the tools to make this a game and go for the upset, but they'll need a healthy dose of luck to get it done. A Cowboys win is not outside the realm of possibility, but I see Winona winning their homecoming game. WARRIORS by 13
