FAT DADDY CA$H’S CORNER
Consistency, or the lack there of, defined many of the games in Week 2. Several teams proved their Week 1 wins were no fluke while others followed up strong performances with weak ones making it exceedingly difficult to sort out the pretenders from the contenders.
As the top teams continue to get sorted, Week 3 promises more great action with one match up of undefeated teams and several other games that could turn into barnburners.
But before we get to them, let’s take a look back at Week 2 …
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Week 2 Recaps and Awards
Paris Musketeers 23 – Oslo Berserkers 13
It was a battle of ball control offenses in Paris this weekend as the Musketeers moved to 2-0.
Paris set the tone with a 13 play, 62 yard opening drive that was capped off by HB Nolan Akers 1 yard TD romp. Oslo answered back with a 15-play drive of their own which included a clutch 4th and 8 conversion. However, unlike the Musketeers, Oslo was forced to settle for a field goal rather than a TD. Both teams continued to trade body blows, but Akers second touchdown managed to put Paris ahead going into the half.
The Musketeers built their lead to 10 points until late in the 3rd quarter, QB Chad Bennett hooked up with WR Curro Skywalker for this clutch TD pass:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85683&pbp_id=1535223
Clinging to a three point lead, the Paris defense stiffened as CB Nate Clements batted down a key 3rd down pass. With 9:12 left to go, Paris launched a clock chewing 7 minute, 11 play drive that was capped off by Aker’s third TD plunge of the game.
Player of the Game: OT Biggs Bates. While Akers got the glory with 3 short TD runs, it was Bates’ 5 pancakes and all around blocking that kept the chains moving. It’s time some O-Linemen got some love.
Scape Goat of the Game: QB Chad Bennett. HB Edgerrin Jones-Drew gashed the Paris D for over 164 yards on the ground, numbers that usually lead to a win, but Bennett’s woeful completion percentage (40%) prevented the Berserkers from taking full advantage of their opportunities.
Multiple Scorgasms 19 – Stockholm Meatballs 0
The Scorgasms proved their Week 1 overtime win against the Aggies was no fluke as they completely dismantled the Meatballs.
Multiple capped their opening 11 play, 5 minute drive with a 2 yard TD dash by HB Earl Payton. The drive highlighted the main reason for the Scorgasms’ success this season as QB Jo’ Moxon went 3 for 4 on the drive including a key 11 yard pass to WR Kristanna Loken on 3rd and 8. Moxon was sharp on the day, finishing 13 for 19 with 99 yards and zero INTs.
But it was the Multiple defense that stole the show as they clamped down on the Meatballs’ rushing attack, holding them to just 58 yards on 20 carries. The pressure defense also managed to log the first Safety of the season when DE Chad Thomas abused OT Alaska Darin, blowing up a running play in the end zone:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85607&pbp_id=1527656
The shutout performance puts the rest of Zeta on notice as the Scorgasms head into their showdown with the undefeated Pimps in Week 3. As for the Meatballs, the uninspired follow up to their Week 1 victory casts doubts as to how good they really are.
Players of the Game: WR Kristanna Loken had 13 catches for 124 yards as she abused the Meatball CBs on short pass plays. Her ability to get open kept drives alive and the Scorgasms’ defense well rested.
Scape Goat of the Game: The entire Meatball offensive unit.
Rotterdam Roughnecks 108 – Valencia Billy Goats 7
As expected, this game was nothing but a test run for the Roughnecks as they squared off against a team who mostly starts level 1 CPU players. The only real surprise was that the Billy Goats managed to get on the board with this 53-yard dash by HB Fidel Anders:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85621&pbp_id=1534687
Rotterdam will have to sharpen up their rush D when Korb comes into town this week.
Player of the Game: WR William Anders who blocked 5 guys by himself, clearing the path for his HB’s 53-yard TD run.
Scape Goat of the Game: All 5 of the Roughneck defenders who allowed themselves to be blocked by a level 1 WR on a simple toss play.
MA Trolls 38 – Oxford Eagles 13
The Trolls survived 4 offensive turnovers as they rebounded from their opening day loss to the Pimps. QB JJ Flicker shrugged off 2 INTs and finally opened up the Trolls’ offense as he completed 70% of his passes for 288 yards and 2 TDs. Aiding the offensive effort was HB Victor Stagnetty who had 15 carries for 101 yards, 1 rushing TD and 1 more through the air.
But the play of the game came in the third quarter and was turned in by two of the Trolls talented free agent pickups. Leading by only a touchdown, the Trolls were forced to punt on their first possession of the second half. But a jarring hit by WR Smoky Miracle forced a fumble that LB Solnos Vintas scooped up brought back to the house for 6:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85657&pbp_id=1529253
The offensive explosion was just what the Trolls were looking for as they head into Frankfurt next week.
Player of the Game: QB JJ Flicker put the ball in the air 44 times with great success this week. If he can continue that sort of production, the Trolls will be a tough team to stop.
Scape Goat of the Game: The Eagles’ offensive unit shoulders much of the blame as they were only able to turn 4 Trolls turnovers into 3 points. In fact, they followed up three of the turnovers with 3 and out drives.
Reykjavik Aggies 23 – Bari Barracudas 6
Defense was the name of the game in this one as the Aggies terrorized the Barracuda offense all day long. Led by DE Eric Cooper, the Aggie D stymied the Barracudas, holding them to just 5 first downs the entire game. Cooper continued his strong play from Week 1 as he racked up 12 tackles and 5 sacks. It wasn’t just the amount of sacks, but their clutch timing that really sunk the Barracudas. This sack, on 3rd and 8 when the Barracudas had driven deep into Aggie territory is one such example:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85592&pbp_id=1529364
Cooper’s heroics were matched by the Aggie offense that consumed both clock and yards with several 7 minute plus drives. All in all, the offense amassed 423 yards of offense – despite turning the ball over 4 times.
The lone bright spot for the Barracudas was the stout play of their new MLB Daniel Ruettiger who led all players with 14 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 2 pass deflections.
Player of the Game: DE Eric Cooper. For the second straight week the star DE terrorized opposing RTs and QBs.
Scape Goat of the Game: RT Leonardo Franca gave up 5 sacks. It’s hard for QB Shane Falco Jr. to get the passing game going when he’s spending the entire afternoon on his back.
Korb Destroyers 31 – DFools AllStars 6
Korb rebounded from their opening day loss to the HEAT with a resounding 31-6 victory over the AllStars. Anchored by a powerful rushing attack and a relentless defense that forced ten AllStar punts, the Destroyers looked every bit like the defending Zeta Champions.
Even Korb’s special teams got into the action as KR Michael Johansen notched the first kick return for a touchdown in Zeta this season on this 83-yard gem of a return:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85646&pbp_id=1535510
The only thing that wasn’t impressive this week for Korb was their passing game. Both their QBs combined to complete a miserable 36% of their passes for just 120 yards while Mighty Quinn tossed 2 INTs. While it’s true they did not need their passing game to win this one, a little balance would be nice as they head into Rotterdam this week.
Player of the Game: HB Liquid Motion proved he was worth the free agent price tag as he racked up 3 TDs on the ground on just 18 carries. A close runner up was Dfools’ CB Chris Wilken who notched 6 tackles and 2 INTs as the lone bright spot for the AllStars.
Scape Goat of the Game: The entire AllStar offense who could not maintain a drive or find the end zone.
Rivals Mainboard Pimps 9 – Rohrheim Stampede 3
The Pimps moved to 2-0 with an impressive 9-3 victory over the Stampede. While neither team lit up the scoreboard, the Pimps remained explosive offensively as they racked up 377 yards, including 228 on the ground. On the other side of the ball, the Pimps halted the Stampede, forcing twelve Rohrheim punts.
After a scoreless first half in which Pimp Kicker Francesco Zompaga missed 2 FGs, HB Lee Suggs broke the game open with this nifty 40-yard sprint to the end zone:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85634&pbp_id=1529923
Zompaga missed the extra point, keeping the Stampede in the game. A late 3rd quarter field goal by Rohrheim cut the lead to 3. But Zompaga would make amends when he drilled a 52-yard field goal to seal the victory with just 1:53 remaining on the clock.
Player of the Game: HB Lee Suggs racked up 133 yards on 18 carries and had 4 catches for another 19 yards as well as the game-breaking TD.
Scape Goat of the Game: The entire Stampede offense. Yes they were facing one of the best defenses in Zeta, but scoring only 3 points in two games has to be cause for alarm for the Rohrheim fans.
Frankfurt HEAT 136 – Sandford Policeman 0
The score was no surprise as the HEAT faced off against the gutted Policeman last week. The HEAT rolled to an easy victory with so much scoring it was difficult to pick a highlight. So … I chose this Clausen TD pass to Ralei Sealey just because it was so pretty:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85667&pbp_id=1534604
The HEAT will have to rest up fast as they prepare for their big showdown with the Trolls this week.
Players of the Game: HB Antwain Easterling had 228 yards and 6 TDs on just 15 carries. I don’t care if it was against a gutted team, those numbers are just filthy
Scape Goat of the Game: I can’t choose just one so I’ll go with … T-Noles. Sure he doesn’t play for either team but damn it, he’s been too quiet lately.
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WEEK 3 GAME PREVIEWS
Last Week’s Record: 6-2
Season Total: 11-5
KORB DESTROYERS (1-1) at ROTTERDAM ROUGHNECKS (1-1)
Both teams will be trying to find consistency as they square off tomorrow. Korb and Rotterdam bounced back from Week 1 losses to defeat sub-par teams, leaving questions about what path they are really on.
Both teams boast strong defenses with potentially explosive offenses. The Destroyers got their offense in gear last week as they ripped off 38 points against the AllStars. The Roughnecks are a little less certain about their offense despite their-108 point day against the gutted Billy Goats.
On paper, Korb’s defense has the upper hand, especially on the edges as the Destroyer’s DEs should be able to get penetration against OTs Burger McFatty and Tackle Smith. If Korb can keep the pressure up on QB Corey Smith, it will disrupt the timing of the passing game, forcing the Roughnecks to stick to the ground game – precisely what Korb defends against best.
For Korb, the Rotterdam game is the key to their first half schedule. A win against the Roughnecks would position Korb nicely with 5 very winnable games up next on the schedule. If they can head into the halfway mark at 7-1, the Destroyers will be in the perfect position for their much tougher second half schedule.
The Roughnecks too are desperate for a win this week as they are getting ready to enter a brutal 6 game stretch against the Trolls, Stampede, Scorgasms, Aggies, Meatballs and Pimps. Heading into that stretch at 3-1 rather than 2-2 would be a boon to their playoff hopes.
Prediction:
With both teams needing this victory, expect a hard fought contest. As explosive as the Roughneck offense can be, they have yet to demonstrate a comfort level with the new AI against a quality opponent. I think the Roughneck’s defense will keep them in the game, but Korb is just too strong in this one. A costly turnover might be the deciding factor as Korb wins, 23-13.
REYKJAVIK AGGIES (1-1) at STOCKHOLM MEATBALLS (1-1)
Reykjavik heads into Stockholm with momentum on their side after their dominating 23-6 victory over the upstart Barracudas. On the other side of the field, Stockholm is still stinging from their shutout loss at the hands of Multiple.
On paper, both teams match up very evenly. Both squads are anchored by terrific defenses and have versatile offenses. But no one is really sure which Meatball team is the “real” Meatball team. Was it the team that pitched a shut out against the playoff caliber Stampede? Or are they the team that looked scattered and lost against the equally talented Scorgasms?
For the Aggies, they will look to control the tempo of the game with their dual running backs and efficient passing of QB Josh McNamara. The Aggies have the offensive capability to move the ball against Stockholm but will have to be focused and avoid feeding the turnover happy Meatballs. The Aggies have 7 turnovers thus far this season, if they don’t protect the football, the Meatballs have the talent to really make the Aggies pay for their mistakes.
Stockholm is still searching for an offensive identity and will rely on QB Tyrone Slothrop and HBs Just Win and The Glow to play mistake free football. If the Meatballs can find their rhythm, they can be an explosive offensive unit. However, key to this will be neutralizing DE Eric Cooper who has just been a terror all season long. OTs Free Hat and Alaska Darin will have their hands full in a one-on-one match-up that may very well determine the outcome of the game.
Prediction:
The Aggies have looked good in both games this year, even in their overtime loss to the Scorgasms. The Meatballs looked terrific one week and horrid the next. I have to give the nod to the more consistent team in this one. Look for a tough Aggies win, 16-9.
VALENCIA BILLY GOATS (1-1) at OSLO BERSERKERS (0-2)
The Berserkers get a chance to get off the mat this week as they face the rebuilding Billy Goats. While the outcome of the game is not in doubt, Oslo will have to focus on working out the kinks in their defensive game plan with Korb up next on their schedule.
Prediction:
The only real question is whether Oslo has the capability to hang triple digits on the Goats or not.
MA TROLLS (1-1) at FRANFURT HEAT (2-0)
The Trolls got back on track last week against Oxford as their offense showed bite for the first time all season. MA has to hope this was not just a flash in the pan as they head into The Cauldron this week.
The biggest positive from the Trolls’ routine victory over the Eagles last week was the emergence of QB JJ Flicker. Despite throwing two INTs, Flicker was efficient in leading the Troll attack, being sure to get all the MA weapons involved including HB Victor Stagnetty and WRs Stick E. Fingers, JJ Missile and Jeremy Mann. Flicker’s emergence will be key this week as the HEAT defense is vulnerable to a strong passing attack. The Troll WRs match-up well with the Frankfurt defensive backs and should create some plays assuming Flicker has the time to throw.
In order for the HEAT to be successful against the Trolls, they’ll need to get turnover free play from the QB position. Jimmy Jimmy Clausen has been INT prone thus far this season, but Randy Livingston has been more efficient tossing 4 TDs to 0 INTs. While Frankfurt relies on rotating their QBs, if Clausen can’t cut down on the picks, they should not hesitate to give Livingston more of the starting role.
The HEAT are entering the brutal 6 game stretch on the schedule wherein they will face the Trolls, Stampede, Scorgasms, Meatballs and Pimps back to back. While the HEAT don’t necessarily fear any of those teams, their second half schedule is much softer, meaning a 7-1 or 8-0 start could easily turn into a number 1 seed yet again for the HEAT.
Prediction:
Consistency is the theme this week – the HEAT have shown it while the Trolls have not. While I feel the Trolls are certainly a playoff team, they have not demonstrated enough consistency with the new AI and tactics for me to pick them against what I consider to be the best team in Zeta. Expect a HEAT victory in this one, 27-16.
SANDFORD POLICEMAN (0-2) at DFOOLS ALLSTARS (0-2)
With the barren Sandford team rolling into town the AllStars will have their first opportunity to not only score an offensive TD, but to win a game. DFools have not been impressive in their first two games, however they had the misfortune of playing two of the best teams right off the bat. There’s talent on the roster, just not enough to keep up with the top half of the conference.
Prediction:
The AllStars will win – but victory will be fleeting.
PARIS MUSKETEERS (2-0) at BARI BARRACUDAS (1-1)
The Musketeers’ surprise 2-0 start has positioned them beautifully for a strong first half record. Led by a stingy defense, Paris has been impressive in both games thus far this season. Despite their success, they still don’t get as much respect as their record would normally garner. A win over the dangerous Barracudas could change that.
Paris’s pass defense has been strong this year but they have been susceptible to opponent’s rushing attacks. In fact, the Musketeers are giving up an average of 135 yards a game on the ground. This is a somewhat alarming statistic as they head into Bari who boasts a potent running back tandem in Clinton Portis and Mack Jones. If the Barracudas can take advantage of the porous Paris run defense, they could steal the game.
While Bari’s strategy will undoubtedly center on generating a strong rushing attack, their defense will have to work hard to contain the Musketeer offense. If Paris is able to open up an early lead, it will make it difficult to stick to a run-first offensive strategy while playing catch up. Key to this will be Bari’s DTs Dirk Grudge and Hang Tulo exploiting the talent gap they have over the interior of the Paris O-Line. If the two mammoth DTs can disrupt the Paris rushing attack, things could break Bari’s way.
Prediction:
Continuing the theme of consistency, the Musketeers have been exactly that so far this season while Bari has not. Paris boasts one of the top defensive units in the game and they will make life difficult for QB Shane Falco and company. While I think Bari will make a game of this, expect Paris to end up 3-0 with a 20-13 victory.
ROHRHEIM STAMPEDE (0-2) at OXFORD EAGLES (1-1)
The Stampede find themselves in uncharted waters after a winless start. For the past three seasons, the Stampede have started 3-0 or better, the fast starts have translated into playoff teams and home field advantage for much of the post season.
Both phases of the Rohrheim team have been off at the season’s start as offensively they have yet to find the end zone and defensively they have surrendered 382 yards per game. The oldest cliché in the football world is, “to win you must run and stop the run”, so far the Stampede have not done either very well.
The good news for Rohrheim is that the Eagles don’t do either very well themselves. Oxford started off the year with a 33-0 win over the gutted Policeman but got shellacked by the Trolls last week. The Eagles have talent on their roster, but they will be challenged this week to corral the likes of HB Ironhead Hayes and QB Gunn Slinger. If the Eagles are going to make a game of this, they’re going to have to rely on their ground game to chew up yardage and the clock, keeping the Rohrheim offense on the sidelines.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, I don’t expect the Stampede to continue their slide. With so much talent on their roster, the light bulb will click sooner or later. With tough games looming against the HEAT, Roughnecks and Paris, Rohrheim can’t afford to wait too much longer to click it.
Prediction:
The Stampede just outclass the Eagles on paper and are due for a win. The Eagles could make a game of it, but I don’t see Rohrheim losing three in a row. Expect a Stampede victory, 23-3.
*** GAME OF THE WEEK ***
MULTIPLE SCORGASMS (2-0) at RIVALS MAINBOARD PIMPS (2-0)
In a match-up of undefeated teams, the Scorgasms will have a chance to prove to the conference they’re for real while the Pimps will have a chance to gain a serious foothold on a top 4 seed.
The Pimps aren’t too concerned with the Scorgasms especially since the game will be played on their home turf. As Florida Tider said in a press conference earlier today, “You come to Smack-a-Hoe stadium in cleats, but you leave in heels.”
Last week, Multiple was able to shut down the Stockholm rushing attack and they will need to match those efforts this week when they face HBs Lee Suggs and Craig Cooper who have been torching defenses so far this season. The Pimps’ rushing attack has yet to be stopped or even slowed. The Multiple’s front seven will have their hands full all afternoon.
But the Scorgasms are not without weapons of their own. QB Jo’ Moxon has had a revival at the start of the season thanks to his new favorite target, TE Michael Howat. Combined with WR Kristanna Loken and HB Randy Watson, the Scorgasms’ offense has plenty of weapons and can present a balanced attack capable of keeping the Pimps defense off guard. Key to the Scorgasms game plan will be to keep the chains and clock moving with their efficient short medium passing game while mixing in Watson on the edges.
Prediction:
This should be a great game, but even though the Scorgasms pounded a very good Stockholm team last week, I’m just not as sold on them as I am the Pimps. If the Pimps can continue their dominant rushing attack, they should win this one. I expect them to, 26-6.
... For some reason a member of our team really wants to see you guys lose... Bad
