FAT DADDY CA$H’S CORNER: WEEK 4
Sorry for the delay this week – I’m in the middle of traveling
Week 3 was chalk full of upsets and surprising statistics. With only two undefeated teams left, the Pimps are looking more and more like the class of the conference while the upstart Paris Musketeers just continue to fly under the radar as we head towards the season’s quarter pole.
Next week we’ll be adding the first of FDC’s power rankings. But for now, let’s get to the action!
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Week 3 Recaps and Awards
Rivals Mainboard Pimps 58 – Multiple Scorgasms 3
In perhaps the biggest statement of the season, the Pimps destroyed the previously unbeaten Scorgasms. The Pimps dominated from the get-go, scoring 28 unanswered points to begin the game while holding Multiple to 5 consecutive 3-and-outs. In fact, Multiple did not even manage a first down during the opening 20 minutes of the game. The Pimps’ defense was ferocious, registering 5 sacks – two by DEs Mr. Bundy and Kris Lawrence – and forcing 4 turnovers.
But it was the Pimp offense that stole the show as QB Phillipp Pohl lit up the Multiple defense with deep ball after deep ball. The first of his 2 TD passes came on this first quarter 3rd and 7 play where WR Mr. Touchdown burned CB Lenny Balley for a 58-yard scamper:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85608&pbp_id=1962112
Pohl finished the day with 343 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs and a 72% completion percentage. The versatility shown by the Pimps’ offense will have defensive coordinators staying up late in coming weeks as HBs Cooper and Suggs did not break 100 yards but did combine for 4 TDs. Whether by land or by air, the Pimps have shown they can score any way they want.
Player of the Game: QB Phillipp Pohl was poised and deadly as he picked apart a very good defensive secondary, adding a new wrinkle to the Pimps’ offensive attack.
Scape Goat of the Game: The Multiple O-Line. They gave up 5 sacks and failed to generate any rushing lanes, dooming their offense and their team to the loss.
Paris Musketeers 30 – Bari Barracudas 17
Determined not to give the upstart Barracudas even a small window of opportunity, the Musketeers started fast, scoring 13 points in the first 5 minutes of the game. The biggest of the two scores was turned in by DE Mario Williams as he scooped up a fumble caused by LB Steven Carp’s giant hit and dashed 75 yards to the end zone.
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85593&pbp_id=1969310
The Paris offense was so efficient, they never had to punt the entire game. QB Christian Soldier was in top form as he completed 88% of his passes for 133 yards and 1 TD. The ground game was equally efficient as HBs John Dough, Johnny Flash and Nolan Akers combined for 235 yards and two TDs.
Players of the Game: HB John Dough’s 110 yards and 1 TD in just 21 plays set the tone for the Musketeers while keeping Bari off balanced.
Scape Goat of the Game: HB Mack Jones’ early fumble turned a scoring drive for Bari into a nightmare, putting them in the hole by 13 points.
MA Trolls 38 – Frankfurt HEAT 24
The Trolls provided one of the week’s biggest upsets when they knocked off the previously unbeaten Frankfurt HEAT. It was the JJ Flicker show as the Troll’s QB displayed an accurate touch in the short passing game as he completed 37 of 51 passes for 312 yards and 5 TDs.
MA’s offense built an early 21-3 lead and was strong enough to survive a massive HEAT come back attempt in the 3rd quarter where Frankfurt scored 21 points, tying the game up at 24 points apiece. But Flicker did not flinch as he marched his team down the field on his first possession of the 4th quarter and found prized free agent pick up WR Jeremy Mann in the corner of the end zone for what would ultimately be the game winning score:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85658&pbp_id=1971097
The win extends the Trolls’ streak to two games, but more importantly demonstrates that their offense has kicked off the training wheels and is ready to start racking up the Ws.
Player of the Game: QB JJ Flicker, it’s hard to argue with the numbers he put up against a very good HEAT defense.
Scape Goat of the Game: The entire HEAT offense that could not stay on the field long enough. The HEAT only had 48 offensive plays compared to the Trolls’ 98.
Rotterdam Roughnecks 40 – Korb Destroyers 27
In perhaps the biggest upset of the season thus far, Rotterdam took Korb to school last week, pounding them 40-27. The game did not start out the way the Roughnecks wanted as Korb took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter. But in the second stanza, HB Brady Smith and the Roughneck offense found their groove as they scored 16 points, giving them a slim 2 point lead heading into half.
The Roughnecks continued their offensive explosion in the second half as they scored 24 more points behind the arm of QB Corey Smith and the legs of Brady Smith. Korb’s fourth quarter comeback attempt was cut short when Corey Smith hooked up with new WR Tinkle Pants for his only TD of the game:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85622&pbp_id=1971138
In a game where both offenses put up over 400 yards each, it’s difficult to find heroes on the defense. However, the Roughnecks forced 4 Korb turnovers including 3 INTs. The four turnovers proved to be the difference in the game.
Player of the Game: WR Blake Smith, though he didn’t find the end zone, Smith did snag 15 balls for 183 yards, accounting for nearly half of the Roughneck’s passing game.
Scape Goat of the Game: QB Mighty Quinn’s 2 INTs were costly.
Stockholm Meatballs 24 – Reykjavik Aggies 23
Last season the Meatballs showed the ability to win the “ugly” games. It appears that talent still remains as Stockholm stole a game they probably should have lost with a last second, 41-yard field goal booted by K Matthew Bobson.
In a back and forth game of bend-but-don’t-break defenses, Stockholm found themselves trailing by 6 points late in the third quarter. The Aggies had driven the ball all the way down to the Stockholm 1 yard line and faced a crucial 4th and goal. The Aggies decided to go for it and DT Bring Da Rukus made a jarring hit on Matt Mack in the backfield, stopping the Aggies’ drive:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85690&pbp_id=1970787
The Meatballs took over on their own 2-yard line, down by 6 points and proceeded to mount a 20 play, 98-yard drive that was capped off by HB Just Win’s 1-yard TD plunge. Two plays later, Stockholm quickly turned their 1 point lead into an 8 point lead when DT Gut Maximus returned a fumble 20 yards for a score.
Both teams exchanged punts until Aggies’ K Heywood Jablowme drilled a 42-yard FG with 4:12 left on the clock. The Meatballs took the next drive to the limits and, rather than punt on 4th and 5 at midfield, they went for it – giving the Aggies’ hope. Reykjavik took advantage of the Meatball mistake and in just 3 plays turned it into a TD and a 2-point lead.
But a great kick return by FS Eagle-Eye Berry gave the Meatballs the ball on their own 45-yard line with just 1:22 left to play. The Meatballs drove the ball 31 yards in 7 plays, setting up Bobson’s heroic last second kick. The nail biting victory moves Stockholm to 2-1 but leaves plenty of questions about their ability to compete against the top competition in Zeta.
Player of the Game: OTs Free Hat and Alaska Darin who kept Aggies’ DE Eric Cooper off the stat sheet for the first time all season.
Scape Goat of the Game: HB Super The Squirrel only managed 16 yards 11 carries, but his 4th quarter fumble wound up being a huge momentum swing.
Oslo Berserkers 215 – Valencia Billy Goats 0
Oslo got their first win of the season in impressive fashion against the gutted Billy Goats. With such a crazy difference in talent, it’s difficult to find a “highlight”, however CB Terrence Elliot’s 21-yard punt return for a TD was the first punt return for a TD in Zeta this season:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85684&pbp_id=1968887
Det Pistons moved into the owner’s suite this week in Valencia, officially ending the Dublin era. While our thoughts remain with Dublin and his family, it will be interesting to see how quickly Pistons can whip Valencia into shape.
Player of the Game: HB Ragnarius Soth – it’s unfair to pick one player here, but 324 yards on the ground and 8 TDs is impressive.
Scape Goat of the Game: T-Noles.
Rohrheim Stampede 26 – Oxford Eagles 23
At the end of the first half it looked like it was going to be another disappointing game for the pre-season favorite Stampede. Rohrheim headed into the locker room trailing 13-3, making it 10 straight quarters without an offensive TD. Worse – they were losing to the Eagles, a team many expected them to breeze past.
But things would change quickly in the third quarter. On their opening possession, the Stampede marched 8 yards in just 7 plays and found the end zone for the first time all season on QB Gunn Slinger’s TD pass to WR ESPN Highlight:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85635&pbp_id=1971768
With the scoring drought over, the flood gates opened as the Stampede found the end zone two more times in the 3rd quarter, erasing their deficit and taking their first lead all season long.
While the victory is good news for Stampede fans, the fact that the Eagles racked up 378 yards and 23 points against their defense will still cause some to question whether or not the Stampede are fully back.
Player of the Game: HB Ironhead Hays had only 11 carries but made the most of them, compiling 112 yards and 1 TD.
Scape Goat of the Game: The entire Eagles’ defense which wasted a great offensive performance by their teammates and missed out on the opportunity to notch an impressive upset.
DFools AllStars 152 - Sandford Policeman 7
The AllStars notched their first win at the expense of the gutted Policemen. As impressive as 152 points is, the fact that Sandford scored 7 points and had 216 yards passing is somewhat unsettling.
If the 1,044 yards of offense isn’t enough to convince you how ridiculous this game was, there’s always this 26-yard TD romp by HB Emilio Cabral during which he broke 6 tackles:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85647&pbp_id=1961372
Things will get exponentially more difficult next week as the AllStars head into MA.
Players of the Game: Since I have to pick one, I’ll tab QB Shane Tessem who had 496 yards and 9 TDs.
Scape Goat of the Game: My public speaking professor who gave me a D my junior year of college even though I so dominated that class. A D?! Really? A D?! … wait, what are we talking about?
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WEEK 4 GAME PREVIEWS
Last Week’s Record: 5-3
Season Total: 16-8 (eek!)
RIVALS MAINBOARD PIMPS (3-0) at REYKJAVIK AGGIES (1-2)
The Pimps have jumped out to a formidable start in their WEPL debut. With impressive wins over the Trolls, Stampede and Scorgasms, the Pimps have displayed a versatile offense and an unforgiving defense, making them perhaps the new “team to beat” in Zeta.
The Aggies have not been as successful out of the gate as the Pimps. Like the Pimps, the pre-season prognosticators expected the Aggies to not only make the playoffs, but make a deep run at the trophy. However, after two last second loses, the Aggies find themselves struggling to stay at .500. An upset win over the Pimps would certainly be a boost to their playoff plans.
With a great front-seven, the Aggies should be able to control the Pimps’ rushing attack without having to commit 8 in the box too often – or at least keep it somewhat in check. The real pressure will be on the Aggies’ defensive secondary who will be counted on to not only corral the explosive Pimp WRs, but to cause turnovers. CBs Beavis Cox and Lemar Houston will simply have to make plays and give their offense additional chances. Key to this game plan will be DE Eric Cooper who will have his hands full with Ts Kakashi Sensei and Hugh J’kok. But if the DE can pressure Prohl into some mistakes, the Aggies will have a shot.
The Pimps’ defense has been under the radar for much of the season as their highflying offense got most of the ink in the press. Still, don’t let the hype fool you, the Pimps’ defense is very talented and will make life difficult for the Aggies. While HB Andre Rudzinski has been great so far this season, the Pimps’ D-Line has shut down every HB they’ve faces thus far. As a result, expect Aggies’ QB Josh McNamara to test the Pimp secondary often.
Prediction:
The Aggies have loads of talent and can make a game of this if their secondary can stop the pass and their O-Line can hold off the sack-happy Pimp defensive ends. But I think that is a large order to fill against such a good team. The Pimps will mix and match things offensively and generate enough big plays to move on to 4-0. RMP win, 40-10.
BARI BARRACUDAS (1-2) at STOCKHOLM MEATBALLS (2-1)
The Barracudas look to end their two game losing streak in Stockholm this week against the up and down Meatballs. As Bari’s rebuilding project moves forward, their team chemistry continues to rise as their talent begins to gel with one another. With more than enough talent on the roster, it’s only a matter of time before they all begin to click.
Meanwhile, the Meatballs continue to search for consistency on both sides of the ball. In their thrilling last second win over the Aggies, the Meatballs looked fantastic at times and atrocious the next. Inconsistent play in the secondary and in the running game has made every game an adventure for Stockholm.
The Barracudas boast a powerful O-Line and HB in Clinton Portis that should provide for a great battle in the trenches against the Stockholm front seven. With QB Shane Falco still getting his sea legs, Bari will lean on Portis and C Ken Norton Jr. to make plays against the big men up front. If the Barracudas can find success on the ground, the passing lanes should open up, allowing Falco some room to maneuver.
For the Meatballs, the key to the game will rest on stopping Portis and finding success on the ground themselves. HBs Just Win and The Glow have been spectacularly inconsistent this season, forcing QB Tyrone Slothrop to carry the load. If the Meatballs hope to extend their winning streak, they’ll need Win and Glow to have big days, allowing Sloth to take his shots. The battle to watch will be C Snot Dangler versus DT Hang Tulo – the winner of that one on one match-up may just decide the game.
Prediction:
Bari is getting better each and every week. While they have the ability to steal this game, I think the Meatballs have too much of an edge in team chemistry for Bari to pull it off. Expect a low scoring affair in which the Meatballs win 19-6.
PARIS MUSKETEERS (3-0) at VALENCIA BILLY GOATS (1-2)
Paris gets a chance to pad their stats a bit against the Billy Goats. In an interesting pre-game move, the Musketeers have replaced their starting kicker Lou “the Toe” Groza Jr. with DE Marcus Rubio. Groza Jr. is 7/8 in FGs this season but has missed 2 extra points. No word on whether this is just for kicks (pun fully intended) or if the Musketeers are in the market for a new kicker.
Prediction:
Paris will move to 4-0 – and probably by triple digits.
DFOOLS ALLSTARS (1-2) at MA TROLLS (2-1)
In the past two weeks the Trolls have exploded offensively, scoring 38 points in each outing. QB JJ Flicker has led the revival as he has spread the ball around to his multiple weapons, preventing defenses from being able to focus on one receiver or ball carrier. The offensive output has been key considering the fact that the Trolls’ mighty defense, like most Zeta teams, has been inconsistent at the start of the season.
The AllStars have struggled. Lopsided losses to the Billy Goats (prior to their dismantling) and the Destroyers started them in a deep hole. While the AllStars got off the schnide with a 152-7 victory over the Policeman last week, they have yet to play well against a quality opponent – something that looms large as they begin the torrid 6 game stretch of their schedule against the Trolls, Scorgasms, Aggies, Meatballs and Pimps.
The biggest weakness in the AllStar’s defensive unit is their suspect secondary. Their depth is thin with only 4 CBs on the roster, the highest of which is level 23 Maik Gorman. The Safeties aren’t much better with the exception of SS Oliver Tullock. This is bad news for the AllStars as they will face multiple 3 and 4 WR sets against the Trolls who boast one of the best WR corps in the conference and three top notch TEs. Unless the AllStars come up with an incredible defensive playbook, Flicker is going to have a field day passing all over the DFools’ secondary.
The Trolls’ defense has given up 37 points in the past two games but has been stingy when it comes to yardage. Holding Frankfort to just 216 yards last week was impressive and does not bode well for the less talented AllStars. Expect the Troll defense to force QB Shane Tessem into mistakes early as they build a solid lead.
Prediction:
The talent gap in this contest is severe. Expect the Trolls to take an early lead and build upon it quickly. The AllStars just aren’t ready for prime time. Trolls win, 48-0.
OXFORD EAGLES (1-2) at MULTIPLE SCORGASMS (2-1)
The Eagles pushed the Stampede to the brink of an 0-3 start last week before losing their lead in the third quarter. The loss frustrated the young Eagles who have the talent to compete in Zeta but have yet to put all the pieces together strategically.
The Scorgasms brilliant 2-0 start came crashing down as the Pimps thrashed Multiple 58-3. Multiple will look to rebound quickly as to not let the one-sided-loss affect their overall team moral – especially with a tough game against the HEAT looming around the corner.
As good as QB Jo’ Moxon has been this year, expect this game to be decided by the Scorgasms’ two halfbacks, Earl Payton and Randy Watson. Multiple has a huge edge in the trenches and their O-Line should be able to push around the Eagles’ front seven and open up holes for Watson and Payton. Expect the Scorgasms to come out strong on the ground and use the running game to open up the passing lanes for WR Kristanna Loken and TE Michael Howat. More importantly, a potent rushing attack would keep the Eagles’ passing attack on the sidelines.
The Eagles’ passing game showed a lot of teeth against the Stampede as QB Max Wagner went 25/38 for 298 yards and 2 TDs. Seven of those completions went to WR Fast As Hell who racked up 139 yards and 1 TD. The Scorgasms’ suspect secondary got torched by the Pimps last week and are clearly the weak link of the unit. If Wagner can get some time to throw, the Eagles could make it interesting for the Scorgasms. I would expect the Eagles to come out throwing early and often, using the passing game to set up the running game and keeping the scoreboard operator plenty busy.
Prediction:
The Eagles have the ability to win this game – if they can figure out a way to stop the Scorgasms’ rushing attack. Wagner will be able to move the ball against Multiple, but he won’t be able to do it alone. I’d love to pick the Eagles in an upset here, but since I’ve been taking a beating in these picks lately, I’m going with the slightly more talented Scorgasms in a close game, 23-21.
ROTTERDAM ROUGHNECKS (2-1) at SANDFORD POLICEMAN (0-3)
WR Blake Smith is likely licking his chops as he surveys the gutted Policeman roster. The dynamic WR has had a brilliant start to Season 4 and those numbers should get even better after 4 quarters versus Sandford. This one will get ugly fast.
While the Roughnecks get to feast on their second gutted team in three weeks, they have to get ready for a brutal second half schedule. Their dominating win over Korb should give them plenty of confidence as they get ready to face the Trolls.
Prediction:
A D in public speaking?! Really? … sorry.
OSLO BERSERKERS (1-2) at KORB DESTROYERS (1-2)
Korb returns home this week with a slight limp after getting pummeled by the Roughnecks in Rotterdam last week. Despite putting up over 440 yards of offense, the Destroyers’ inability to hold onto the football cost them the game. They’ll be looking to get their season back on track, and the bad taste out of their mouth, against the Berserkers this week.
Oslo took advantage of the dismantled Billy Goats last week to the tune of 215-0. After two early loses to the Barracudas and Musketeers, Oslo enjoyed the victory. But man, do they wish they could use some of those 215 points this week against one of the top defenses in the league.
Oslo QB Chad Bennett has been impressive so far this season, despite his team’s record. With the help of HB Edgerrin Jones-Drew, the Berserkers have been able to move the football consistently, even against quality defenses like the Musketeers. Considering the success Rotterdam had through the air last week, it would not be a shock to see the Berserkers switch to an air-it-out game plan. As good as Jones-Drew has been, Korb just does not budge on the ground, meaning that the only hope the Berserkers have is to find consistency in their passing attack.
Korb will look to get back to basics this week, namely: ball security. Their offense was impressive last week as QBs Mighty Quinn and Danni Gunslinger exploited holes in the Roughneck secondary. Sadly, they combined for 3 INTs that ultimately sunk their chances of walking out of Rotterdam with a win. Factoring in the fact that the Berserkers only boast two human CBs on the roster and 4 in total, I would expect Korb to come out throwing with impunity. The turnovers should come way down as the score goes way up.
Prediction:
Korb will get back on the winning track against the overmatched Berserkers. While the Berserkers might be able to score a few points, they won’t be able to compete with the top tier in Zeta until their front office overhauls the roster and infuses it with more talent and less CPU players. Korb wins this one big, 40-3.
*** GAME OF THE WEEK ***
FRANKFURT HEAT (2-1) at ROHRHEIM STAMPEDE (1-2)
The Stampede got their first win, and first touchdowns, of the year in dramatic fashion against the Eagles last week. The 26-point offensive output put the fears of a broken offensive system to rest – for the time being. A much tougher HEAT defense will be the ultimate judge and jury for the Stampede offense.
The Trolls tripped up the HEAT last week 38-24, giving Frankfurt its first loss of the season. The Trolls managed to shut down the potent HEAT rushing attack, limiting them to a mere 48 plays and forcing 6 punts. The offense will have to rebound quickly as they head into Rohrheim this week.
The HEAT will lean heavily upon HBs Antwain Easterling and Ahmad Daniels. In order for QBs Jimmy Jimmy Clausen and Randy Livingston to get into any sort of rhythm, the HEAT will have to stay on the field and move the chains. This means running the football.
The Stampede will undoubtedly watch film and examine how the Trolls managed to shut down the rushing attack – but the Stampede don’t have as talented a front seven as the Trolls, meaning the HEAT should be able to find more holes in which to run. That is not to imply the Stampede defense is soft. Not at all. However the Stampede have a much stronger secondary than front seven, meaning that Clausen and Livingston will find less room to operate the passing game than Easterling and Daniels will find to run. If the HEAT can generate solid yardage on the ground, it will open up the passing lanes.
For the Stampede, their number one goal will be trying to maintain the offensive momentum generated in Oxford last week. No matter how good their defense plays, the Rohrheim offense will have to score touchdowns to win. Like the HEAT, the Stampede will rely on their HB Ironhead Hayes to set the tone and tempo in order for QB Gunn Slinger to take advantage of the mismatches in the secondary.
With both teams having to rely on solid ground games (and both sides knowing it), this game will undoubtedly hinge on one or two big passing plays – either positive or negative ones.
Prediction:
Clausen’s INT troubles this season has me slightly tempted to pick the Stampede in this one, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Even though this is a virtual dead heat (hey-oh!) on paper, the HEAT have shown more comfort and ability with the new AI and tweaks to GLB. Led by one of the best coaching staffs and front offices in the game, I expect the HEAT to put the Troll game behind them quickly. Frankfurt wins a tight one, 17-13.
Sorry for the delay this week – I’m in the middle of traveling
Week 3 was chalk full of upsets and surprising statistics. With only two undefeated teams left, the Pimps are looking more and more like the class of the conference while the upstart Paris Musketeers just continue to fly under the radar as we head towards the season’s quarter pole.
Next week we’ll be adding the first of FDC’s power rankings. But for now, let’s get to the action!
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Week 3 Recaps and Awards
Rivals Mainboard Pimps 58 – Multiple Scorgasms 3
In perhaps the biggest statement of the season, the Pimps destroyed the previously unbeaten Scorgasms. The Pimps dominated from the get-go, scoring 28 unanswered points to begin the game while holding Multiple to 5 consecutive 3-and-outs. In fact, Multiple did not even manage a first down during the opening 20 minutes of the game. The Pimps’ defense was ferocious, registering 5 sacks – two by DEs Mr. Bundy and Kris Lawrence – and forcing 4 turnovers.
But it was the Pimp offense that stole the show as QB Phillipp Pohl lit up the Multiple defense with deep ball after deep ball. The first of his 2 TD passes came on this first quarter 3rd and 7 play where WR Mr. Touchdown burned CB Lenny Balley for a 58-yard scamper:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85608&pbp_id=1962112
Pohl finished the day with 343 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs and a 72% completion percentage. The versatility shown by the Pimps’ offense will have defensive coordinators staying up late in coming weeks as HBs Cooper and Suggs did not break 100 yards but did combine for 4 TDs. Whether by land or by air, the Pimps have shown they can score any way they want.
Player of the Game: QB Phillipp Pohl was poised and deadly as he picked apart a very good defensive secondary, adding a new wrinkle to the Pimps’ offensive attack.
Scape Goat of the Game: The Multiple O-Line. They gave up 5 sacks and failed to generate any rushing lanes, dooming their offense and their team to the loss.
Paris Musketeers 30 – Bari Barracudas 17
Determined not to give the upstart Barracudas even a small window of opportunity, the Musketeers started fast, scoring 13 points in the first 5 minutes of the game. The biggest of the two scores was turned in by DE Mario Williams as he scooped up a fumble caused by LB Steven Carp’s giant hit and dashed 75 yards to the end zone.
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85593&pbp_id=1969310
The Paris offense was so efficient, they never had to punt the entire game. QB Christian Soldier was in top form as he completed 88% of his passes for 133 yards and 1 TD. The ground game was equally efficient as HBs John Dough, Johnny Flash and Nolan Akers combined for 235 yards and two TDs.
Players of the Game: HB John Dough’s 110 yards and 1 TD in just 21 plays set the tone for the Musketeers while keeping Bari off balanced.
Scape Goat of the Game: HB Mack Jones’ early fumble turned a scoring drive for Bari into a nightmare, putting them in the hole by 13 points.
MA Trolls 38 – Frankfurt HEAT 24
The Trolls provided one of the week’s biggest upsets when they knocked off the previously unbeaten Frankfurt HEAT. It was the JJ Flicker show as the Troll’s QB displayed an accurate touch in the short passing game as he completed 37 of 51 passes for 312 yards and 5 TDs.
MA’s offense built an early 21-3 lead and was strong enough to survive a massive HEAT come back attempt in the 3rd quarter where Frankfurt scored 21 points, tying the game up at 24 points apiece. But Flicker did not flinch as he marched his team down the field on his first possession of the 4th quarter and found prized free agent pick up WR Jeremy Mann in the corner of the end zone for what would ultimately be the game winning score:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85658&pbp_id=1971097
The win extends the Trolls’ streak to two games, but more importantly demonstrates that their offense has kicked off the training wheels and is ready to start racking up the Ws.
Player of the Game: QB JJ Flicker, it’s hard to argue with the numbers he put up against a very good HEAT defense.
Scape Goat of the Game: The entire HEAT offense that could not stay on the field long enough. The HEAT only had 48 offensive plays compared to the Trolls’ 98.
Rotterdam Roughnecks 40 – Korb Destroyers 27
In perhaps the biggest upset of the season thus far, Rotterdam took Korb to school last week, pounding them 40-27. The game did not start out the way the Roughnecks wanted as Korb took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter. But in the second stanza, HB Brady Smith and the Roughneck offense found their groove as they scored 16 points, giving them a slim 2 point lead heading into half.
The Roughnecks continued their offensive explosion in the second half as they scored 24 more points behind the arm of QB Corey Smith and the legs of Brady Smith. Korb’s fourth quarter comeback attempt was cut short when Corey Smith hooked up with new WR Tinkle Pants for his only TD of the game:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85622&pbp_id=1971138
In a game where both offenses put up over 400 yards each, it’s difficult to find heroes on the defense. However, the Roughnecks forced 4 Korb turnovers including 3 INTs. The four turnovers proved to be the difference in the game.
Player of the Game: WR Blake Smith, though he didn’t find the end zone, Smith did snag 15 balls for 183 yards, accounting for nearly half of the Roughneck’s passing game.
Scape Goat of the Game: QB Mighty Quinn’s 2 INTs were costly.
Stockholm Meatballs 24 – Reykjavik Aggies 23
Last season the Meatballs showed the ability to win the “ugly” games. It appears that talent still remains as Stockholm stole a game they probably should have lost with a last second, 41-yard field goal booted by K Matthew Bobson.
In a back and forth game of bend-but-don’t-break defenses, Stockholm found themselves trailing by 6 points late in the third quarter. The Aggies had driven the ball all the way down to the Stockholm 1 yard line and faced a crucial 4th and goal. The Aggies decided to go for it and DT Bring Da Rukus made a jarring hit on Matt Mack in the backfield, stopping the Aggies’ drive:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85690&pbp_id=1970787
The Meatballs took over on their own 2-yard line, down by 6 points and proceeded to mount a 20 play, 98-yard drive that was capped off by HB Just Win’s 1-yard TD plunge. Two plays later, Stockholm quickly turned their 1 point lead into an 8 point lead when DT Gut Maximus returned a fumble 20 yards for a score.
Both teams exchanged punts until Aggies’ K Heywood Jablowme drilled a 42-yard FG with 4:12 left on the clock. The Meatballs took the next drive to the limits and, rather than punt on 4th and 5 at midfield, they went for it – giving the Aggies’ hope. Reykjavik took advantage of the Meatball mistake and in just 3 plays turned it into a TD and a 2-point lead.
But a great kick return by FS Eagle-Eye Berry gave the Meatballs the ball on their own 45-yard line with just 1:22 left to play. The Meatballs drove the ball 31 yards in 7 plays, setting up Bobson’s heroic last second kick. The nail biting victory moves Stockholm to 2-1 but leaves plenty of questions about their ability to compete against the top competition in Zeta.
Player of the Game: OTs Free Hat and Alaska Darin who kept Aggies’ DE Eric Cooper off the stat sheet for the first time all season.
Scape Goat of the Game: HB Super The Squirrel only managed 16 yards 11 carries, but his 4th quarter fumble wound up being a huge momentum swing.
Oslo Berserkers 215 – Valencia Billy Goats 0
Oslo got their first win of the season in impressive fashion against the gutted Billy Goats. With such a crazy difference in talent, it’s difficult to find a “highlight”, however CB Terrence Elliot’s 21-yard punt return for a TD was the first punt return for a TD in Zeta this season:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85684&pbp_id=1968887
Det Pistons moved into the owner’s suite this week in Valencia, officially ending the Dublin era. While our thoughts remain with Dublin and his family, it will be interesting to see how quickly Pistons can whip Valencia into shape.
Player of the Game: HB Ragnarius Soth – it’s unfair to pick one player here, but 324 yards on the ground and 8 TDs is impressive.
Scape Goat of the Game: T-Noles.
Rohrheim Stampede 26 – Oxford Eagles 23
At the end of the first half it looked like it was going to be another disappointing game for the pre-season favorite Stampede. Rohrheim headed into the locker room trailing 13-3, making it 10 straight quarters without an offensive TD. Worse – they were losing to the Eagles, a team many expected them to breeze past.
But things would change quickly in the third quarter. On their opening possession, the Stampede marched 8 yards in just 7 plays and found the end zone for the first time all season on QB Gunn Slinger’s TD pass to WR ESPN Highlight:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85635&pbp_id=1971768
With the scoring drought over, the flood gates opened as the Stampede found the end zone two more times in the 3rd quarter, erasing their deficit and taking their first lead all season long.
While the victory is good news for Stampede fans, the fact that the Eagles racked up 378 yards and 23 points against their defense will still cause some to question whether or not the Stampede are fully back.
Player of the Game: HB Ironhead Hays had only 11 carries but made the most of them, compiling 112 yards and 1 TD.
Scape Goat of the Game: The entire Eagles’ defense which wasted a great offensive performance by their teammates and missed out on the opportunity to notch an impressive upset.
DFools AllStars 152 - Sandford Policeman 7
The AllStars notched their first win at the expense of the gutted Policemen. As impressive as 152 points is, the fact that Sandford scored 7 points and had 216 yards passing is somewhat unsettling.
If the 1,044 yards of offense isn’t enough to convince you how ridiculous this game was, there’s always this 26-yard TD romp by HB Emilio Cabral during which he broke 6 tackles:
http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=85647&pbp_id=1961372
Things will get exponentially more difficult next week as the AllStars head into MA.
Players of the Game: Since I have to pick one, I’ll tab QB Shane Tessem who had 496 yards and 9 TDs.
Scape Goat of the Game: My public speaking professor who gave me a D my junior year of college even though I so dominated that class. A D?! Really? A D?! … wait, what are we talking about?
***********
WEEK 4 GAME PREVIEWS
Last Week’s Record: 5-3
Season Total: 16-8 (eek!)
RIVALS MAINBOARD PIMPS (3-0) at REYKJAVIK AGGIES (1-2)
The Pimps have jumped out to a formidable start in their WEPL debut. With impressive wins over the Trolls, Stampede and Scorgasms, the Pimps have displayed a versatile offense and an unforgiving defense, making them perhaps the new “team to beat” in Zeta.
The Aggies have not been as successful out of the gate as the Pimps. Like the Pimps, the pre-season prognosticators expected the Aggies to not only make the playoffs, but make a deep run at the trophy. However, after two last second loses, the Aggies find themselves struggling to stay at .500. An upset win over the Pimps would certainly be a boost to their playoff plans.
With a great front-seven, the Aggies should be able to control the Pimps’ rushing attack without having to commit 8 in the box too often – or at least keep it somewhat in check. The real pressure will be on the Aggies’ defensive secondary who will be counted on to not only corral the explosive Pimp WRs, but to cause turnovers. CBs Beavis Cox and Lemar Houston will simply have to make plays and give their offense additional chances. Key to this game plan will be DE Eric Cooper who will have his hands full with Ts Kakashi Sensei and Hugh J’kok. But if the DE can pressure Prohl into some mistakes, the Aggies will have a shot.
The Pimps’ defense has been under the radar for much of the season as their highflying offense got most of the ink in the press. Still, don’t let the hype fool you, the Pimps’ defense is very talented and will make life difficult for the Aggies. While HB Andre Rudzinski has been great so far this season, the Pimps’ D-Line has shut down every HB they’ve faces thus far. As a result, expect Aggies’ QB Josh McNamara to test the Pimp secondary often.
Prediction:
The Aggies have loads of talent and can make a game of this if their secondary can stop the pass and their O-Line can hold off the sack-happy Pimp defensive ends. But I think that is a large order to fill against such a good team. The Pimps will mix and match things offensively and generate enough big plays to move on to 4-0. RMP win, 40-10.
BARI BARRACUDAS (1-2) at STOCKHOLM MEATBALLS (2-1)
The Barracudas look to end their two game losing streak in Stockholm this week against the up and down Meatballs. As Bari’s rebuilding project moves forward, their team chemistry continues to rise as their talent begins to gel with one another. With more than enough talent on the roster, it’s only a matter of time before they all begin to click.
Meanwhile, the Meatballs continue to search for consistency on both sides of the ball. In their thrilling last second win over the Aggies, the Meatballs looked fantastic at times and atrocious the next. Inconsistent play in the secondary and in the running game has made every game an adventure for Stockholm.
The Barracudas boast a powerful O-Line and HB in Clinton Portis that should provide for a great battle in the trenches against the Stockholm front seven. With QB Shane Falco still getting his sea legs, Bari will lean on Portis and C Ken Norton Jr. to make plays against the big men up front. If the Barracudas can find success on the ground, the passing lanes should open up, allowing Falco some room to maneuver.
For the Meatballs, the key to the game will rest on stopping Portis and finding success on the ground themselves. HBs Just Win and The Glow have been spectacularly inconsistent this season, forcing QB Tyrone Slothrop to carry the load. If the Meatballs hope to extend their winning streak, they’ll need Win and Glow to have big days, allowing Sloth to take his shots. The battle to watch will be C Snot Dangler versus DT Hang Tulo – the winner of that one on one match-up may just decide the game.
Prediction:
Bari is getting better each and every week. While they have the ability to steal this game, I think the Meatballs have too much of an edge in team chemistry for Bari to pull it off. Expect a low scoring affair in which the Meatballs win 19-6.
PARIS MUSKETEERS (3-0) at VALENCIA BILLY GOATS (1-2)
Paris gets a chance to pad their stats a bit against the Billy Goats. In an interesting pre-game move, the Musketeers have replaced their starting kicker Lou “the Toe” Groza Jr. with DE Marcus Rubio. Groza Jr. is 7/8 in FGs this season but has missed 2 extra points. No word on whether this is just for kicks (pun fully intended) or if the Musketeers are in the market for a new kicker.
Prediction:
Paris will move to 4-0 – and probably by triple digits.
DFOOLS ALLSTARS (1-2) at MA TROLLS (2-1)
In the past two weeks the Trolls have exploded offensively, scoring 38 points in each outing. QB JJ Flicker has led the revival as he has spread the ball around to his multiple weapons, preventing defenses from being able to focus on one receiver or ball carrier. The offensive output has been key considering the fact that the Trolls’ mighty defense, like most Zeta teams, has been inconsistent at the start of the season.
The AllStars have struggled. Lopsided losses to the Billy Goats (prior to their dismantling) and the Destroyers started them in a deep hole. While the AllStars got off the schnide with a 152-7 victory over the Policeman last week, they have yet to play well against a quality opponent – something that looms large as they begin the torrid 6 game stretch of their schedule against the Trolls, Scorgasms, Aggies, Meatballs and Pimps.
The biggest weakness in the AllStar’s defensive unit is their suspect secondary. Their depth is thin with only 4 CBs on the roster, the highest of which is level 23 Maik Gorman. The Safeties aren’t much better with the exception of SS Oliver Tullock. This is bad news for the AllStars as they will face multiple 3 and 4 WR sets against the Trolls who boast one of the best WR corps in the conference and three top notch TEs. Unless the AllStars come up with an incredible defensive playbook, Flicker is going to have a field day passing all over the DFools’ secondary.
The Trolls’ defense has given up 37 points in the past two games but has been stingy when it comes to yardage. Holding Frankfort to just 216 yards last week was impressive and does not bode well for the less talented AllStars. Expect the Troll defense to force QB Shane Tessem into mistakes early as they build a solid lead.
Prediction:
The talent gap in this contest is severe. Expect the Trolls to take an early lead and build upon it quickly. The AllStars just aren’t ready for prime time. Trolls win, 48-0.
OXFORD EAGLES (1-2) at MULTIPLE SCORGASMS (2-1)
The Eagles pushed the Stampede to the brink of an 0-3 start last week before losing their lead in the third quarter. The loss frustrated the young Eagles who have the talent to compete in Zeta but have yet to put all the pieces together strategically.
The Scorgasms brilliant 2-0 start came crashing down as the Pimps thrashed Multiple 58-3. Multiple will look to rebound quickly as to not let the one-sided-loss affect their overall team moral – especially with a tough game against the HEAT looming around the corner.
As good as QB Jo’ Moxon has been this year, expect this game to be decided by the Scorgasms’ two halfbacks, Earl Payton and Randy Watson. Multiple has a huge edge in the trenches and their O-Line should be able to push around the Eagles’ front seven and open up holes for Watson and Payton. Expect the Scorgasms to come out strong on the ground and use the running game to open up the passing lanes for WR Kristanna Loken and TE Michael Howat. More importantly, a potent rushing attack would keep the Eagles’ passing attack on the sidelines.
The Eagles’ passing game showed a lot of teeth against the Stampede as QB Max Wagner went 25/38 for 298 yards and 2 TDs. Seven of those completions went to WR Fast As Hell who racked up 139 yards and 1 TD. The Scorgasms’ suspect secondary got torched by the Pimps last week and are clearly the weak link of the unit. If Wagner can get some time to throw, the Eagles could make it interesting for the Scorgasms. I would expect the Eagles to come out throwing early and often, using the passing game to set up the running game and keeping the scoreboard operator plenty busy.
Prediction:
The Eagles have the ability to win this game – if they can figure out a way to stop the Scorgasms’ rushing attack. Wagner will be able to move the ball against Multiple, but he won’t be able to do it alone. I’d love to pick the Eagles in an upset here, but since I’ve been taking a beating in these picks lately, I’m going with the slightly more talented Scorgasms in a close game, 23-21.
ROTTERDAM ROUGHNECKS (2-1) at SANDFORD POLICEMAN (0-3)
WR Blake Smith is likely licking his chops as he surveys the gutted Policeman roster. The dynamic WR has had a brilliant start to Season 4 and those numbers should get even better after 4 quarters versus Sandford. This one will get ugly fast.
While the Roughnecks get to feast on their second gutted team in three weeks, they have to get ready for a brutal second half schedule. Their dominating win over Korb should give them plenty of confidence as they get ready to face the Trolls.
Prediction:
A D in public speaking?! Really? … sorry.
OSLO BERSERKERS (1-2) at KORB DESTROYERS (1-2)
Korb returns home this week with a slight limp after getting pummeled by the Roughnecks in Rotterdam last week. Despite putting up over 440 yards of offense, the Destroyers’ inability to hold onto the football cost them the game. They’ll be looking to get their season back on track, and the bad taste out of their mouth, against the Berserkers this week.
Oslo took advantage of the dismantled Billy Goats last week to the tune of 215-0. After two early loses to the Barracudas and Musketeers, Oslo enjoyed the victory. But man, do they wish they could use some of those 215 points this week against one of the top defenses in the league.
Oslo QB Chad Bennett has been impressive so far this season, despite his team’s record. With the help of HB Edgerrin Jones-Drew, the Berserkers have been able to move the football consistently, even against quality defenses like the Musketeers. Considering the success Rotterdam had through the air last week, it would not be a shock to see the Berserkers switch to an air-it-out game plan. As good as Jones-Drew has been, Korb just does not budge on the ground, meaning that the only hope the Berserkers have is to find consistency in their passing attack.
Korb will look to get back to basics this week, namely: ball security. Their offense was impressive last week as QBs Mighty Quinn and Danni Gunslinger exploited holes in the Roughneck secondary. Sadly, they combined for 3 INTs that ultimately sunk their chances of walking out of Rotterdam with a win. Factoring in the fact that the Berserkers only boast two human CBs on the roster and 4 in total, I would expect Korb to come out throwing with impunity. The turnovers should come way down as the score goes way up.
Prediction:
Korb will get back on the winning track against the overmatched Berserkers. While the Berserkers might be able to score a few points, they won’t be able to compete with the top tier in Zeta until their front office overhauls the roster and infuses it with more talent and less CPU players. Korb wins this one big, 40-3.
*** GAME OF THE WEEK ***
FRANKFURT HEAT (2-1) at ROHRHEIM STAMPEDE (1-2)
The Stampede got their first win, and first touchdowns, of the year in dramatic fashion against the Eagles last week. The 26-point offensive output put the fears of a broken offensive system to rest – for the time being. A much tougher HEAT defense will be the ultimate judge and jury for the Stampede offense.
The Trolls tripped up the HEAT last week 38-24, giving Frankfurt its first loss of the season. The Trolls managed to shut down the potent HEAT rushing attack, limiting them to a mere 48 plays and forcing 6 punts. The offense will have to rebound quickly as they head into Rohrheim this week.
The HEAT will lean heavily upon HBs Antwain Easterling and Ahmad Daniels. In order for QBs Jimmy Jimmy Clausen and Randy Livingston to get into any sort of rhythm, the HEAT will have to stay on the field and move the chains. This means running the football.
The Stampede will undoubtedly watch film and examine how the Trolls managed to shut down the rushing attack – but the Stampede don’t have as talented a front seven as the Trolls, meaning the HEAT should be able to find more holes in which to run. That is not to imply the Stampede defense is soft. Not at all. However the Stampede have a much stronger secondary than front seven, meaning that Clausen and Livingston will find less room to operate the passing game than Easterling and Daniels will find to run. If the HEAT can generate solid yardage on the ground, it will open up the passing lanes.
For the Stampede, their number one goal will be trying to maintain the offensive momentum generated in Oxford last week. No matter how good their defense plays, the Rohrheim offense will have to score touchdowns to win. Like the HEAT, the Stampede will rely on their HB Ironhead Hayes to set the tone and tempo in order for QB Gunn Slinger to take advantage of the mismatches in the secondary.
With both teams having to rely on solid ground games (and both sides knowing it), this game will undoubtedly hinge on one or two big passing plays – either positive or negative ones.
Prediction:
Clausen’s INT troubles this season has me slightly tempted to pick the Stampede in this one, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Even though this is a virtual dead heat (hey-oh!) on paper, the HEAT have shown more comfort and ability with the new AI and tweaks to GLB. Led by one of the best coaching staffs and front offices in the game, I expect the HEAT to put the Troll game behind them quickly. Frankfurt wins a tight one, 17-13.
Last edited Aug 8, 2008 19:05:45
