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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 21:21:31 GMT -5
Here's our official thread for the 2022 OIFL previews! As with prior years in general, we're using draft order. With the Vagabonds/Memphis thing, I did shift it a little.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 21:31:58 GMT -5
INDIANAPOLIS RACERS
OFFENSE - Indianapolis has had a gameplan and a system for their offense, a short passing game combined with a two back set that tries to be conservative and score after hard fought drives. They didn't do that enough, so in FAFFA they got a couple guys who are more used to bombing away and scoring at will. QB David Greywacz comes over from two strong years in Fort Worth, as he'll try in his 15th OIFL season to bring this Racers team to something that resembles prominence. He gets RBs Raynor Baz and Lawrence Tiernan back, and his favorite Fort Worth receiver in OS Darren Silverstein. Is the depth there? Greywacz is a freewheeling long ball quarterback, and teams will be able to double the receivers they have. New signing Zach Degan isn't the Zach Degan of 10 years ago, but he's going to be asked to be.
DEFENSE - The line is actually pretty OK. It's deep there. Baz is a strong linebacker. The defensive backfield has very limited depth, but the starters are OK. Not sure this matador defense is going to work very well with Greywacz's preferred quick strike style of offense, but this is at least hoping to be better than the 1-15 teams of the past two years.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Joe Sourati isn't a strong kicker, but he's in his fourth year and is fine. Silverstein is a strong kick returner, and he'll need to be.
SCHEDULE - They get a home opener with Richmond, and then three straight road games that include trips to Chicago and Delmarva. It's rated #9 in the league, but that's because they don't play Indianapolis. Three road games (including Ohio and New York) to end the season isn't ideal.
OUTLOOK - Certainly better than it has been for the Racers. Is this a playoff team? Not sure Greywacz is a miracle worker. Sure, he got Fort Worth to the West final, but that United team had more talent than this one. Indianapolis will pop someone, because Greywacz is a fringe hall-of-fame QB. But it's going to take some luck to get this team to the playoffs.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Can a guy like Baz bring Indianapolis some receiving help? The team has good youth, but it doesn't have enough talent to win much right now. If they get a couple surprise wins to be .500 early, they DO have the financial flexibility to take advantage of other bad money situations to maybe put a playoff team together, but I'm not mortgaging the future to do it.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 21:38:45 GMT -5
VERMONT STORM
OFFENSE - Bob Maino returns for his sixth OIFL season, and he's actually a pretty good quarterback. He doesn't have a lot of help. Michael Pouliout has kinda topped out where he is, and Maino's receiving corps is iffy. Van Stelten may have to start despite his limited defensive work, because he's at least fast. Vermont has some good young players, but this offense is not going to win a lot of awards.
DEFENSE - If any of the starting linemen get hurt, both sides are in deep trouble. As it is, when any backup is in, that's your target, and this Vermont defense is going to give up a lot of points. Vermont's defensive backfield scares no one, and there's a lot of Eastern Conference offenses that are looking at this defense as their "get-right" game. Second year DS Henson Meier is going to be a starter here, and he's going to be a good one. But he's going to be bored; no one's throwing at him with other options.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Norbert Schopf enters his fourth OIFL season and he's a good enough kicker. He's not going to lose them any games. Karlos Folger will return kicks, though Bud Hagler or DuQuavion BrownLee are also options there.
SCHEDULE - The goal here, just get better every week. Opening in New York, then Baltimore, not particularly nice. This first half of the season is brutal, as it also includes Chicago, Delmarva, Ohio, and London. But, just get better every week.
OUTLOOK - If Maino's a miracle worker, maybe they have an outside playoff shot. If he's not, and he hasn't been, Vermont's picking high again next year.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Every young lineman that may have talent that comes through the FA pile needs looked at, and looked at in depth. This line is the worst in the league in the depth department, but there ARE young guys. But, there are also guys who can be cut. Ja'Mario Reese would be a trade target as well, just because we have guys like Meier there already. Not that cash is anything that resembles a problem, but why waste it when the team's not winning much this year?
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 21:51:13 GMT -5
PORTLAND PIONEERS
OFFENSE - John Berger returns for his sixth season in the league, and with the league's most loyal team in Portland. That loyalty hasn't resulted in much winning of late, and this offense may not have the firepower to win much. Berger has receivers he's thrown to for awhile in Robert Taylor, Michale LeFlores, and Elijah Neighbors. Depth is iffy, but young guys are coming together (WRDB Clyde Cardaman, for example). There are certainly long-term holes here to worry about, as a lot of the Portland starters are aging, or close to it. And for a team that's not been winning...that's not a good place to be. This offense has always scored points, but this year, it might not as much.
DEFENSE - That Houston game won't go well. This Portland team isn't going to be able to cover strong passing games. Against the run, Portland's going to be pretty OK, even as guys like Lowe or Taylor age. Though, Taylor is a liability since Lowe's already a better linebacker, and Taylor can't cover. This is where a Cardaman comes in. We may see the rookie be a Week 1 starter, and as the team's not going to win a title this year, maybe he should. Portland's defense lacks depth as well, though that's not new here.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Brent Matthews enters his 11th OIFL season, and he's been a good kicker for years. Neighbors will be the kick returner, and he could break a few. He may need to, too.
SCHEDULE - Opening at long-time rivals Seattle is nice. Week 2 in Vancouver Island is also helpful. Portland gets little break out of conference, with Chicago and London. The two Eugene games may be the key to determine how far along Portland has come.
OUTLOOK - Portland's kind of stuck in mud here. Portland last made the playoffs in 2015. Portland last won a playoff game in 2010. This team isn't breaking that string. But there are glimpses of hope.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Here's our issue. The starters are old. This team is 41-136 since winning a playoff game. So, this crew isn't going to stop that. But, we have young guys who could be the core of a team that starts to win. Cardaman? Berger even? Ken Braun? These are the keys. These are the guys who play. Can you get anything out of a Lowe, or a Taylor, or a LeFlores? They're not here when the team starts winning (or, if they are, they're deep buried on the bench). Why keep them? I've been advocating for a complete stripping down to the studs for a few years, and I'm gonna do it again!
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 21:59:27 GMT -5
MEMPHIS PHARAOHS
OFFENSE - Petr Kopfstein isn't used to having multiple useful receivers (after having been in Indianapolis for years). He's got them now. Marcellus Ogwynn, Malcom Orion, Brad Harris, Balon Arryn, Rolly Tucker, even Bobby Gates...Kopfstein could throw a lot of touchdowns here. The run game is not the strongest, though Tom Maison is getting his first real shot to start, and hopes to make a lot from it. The starting line will keep Kopfstein upright. If they get hurt, their backups will not.
DEFENSE - Kopfstein may need to throw those touchdowns. This defense is going to struggle, especially in a division with Houston and Texas. But, expansion team...gotta start somewhere. And it's not the worst expansion team we've seen. Depth is of the essence in a lot of spots, though the backfield depth isn't awful. Just, that run defense is going to get beat up some. Rookie OLDL Hugh McCarron will be a long term key to this defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Billy Babcock was a nice get at kicker. You need every piece you can get, and he's a piece. Harris or Gates will return kicks, and both have done so before.
SCHEDULE - Well, Texas and Houston twice isn't great. Opening at home against Mexico City is a nice one to start. Going to Houston in Week 2, not as nice. Ending with Texas, Seattle, Mexico City all on the road, also not ideal. Getting Florida and Indianapolis from the East helps.
OUTLOOK - Getting McCarron to where he already is as a rookie is huge for the long-term of this franchise, because a lot of the starters right now are older. But, look at it, they have under an $11M payroll. There's going to be room in the long-term to add some salary here.
WHAT WOULD I DO? I don't see any reason to rock the boat. I'd love a better two-way RB, but there's no reason to mortgage the future right now for one. Memphis will probably make a few moves as the year goes on and guys come available.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 22:07:15 GMT -5
FLORIDA TUSKERS
OFFENSE - It's been a slow-build, because Colin has never been one to take shortcuts in his prior team builds. It's just a bad division to do a slow build in. Gene Dugger enters Year 2 as the firmly entrenched starting QB, and his dual threat game is a strong piece for what Florida's trying to do. Third-year RB Jean Denham is turning into an elite back in the league. Dugger's passing weapons are fine, though Florida's not scoring 70 points a game very often. Depth in the receiving corps is weak. We will see Florida use two backs some with experienced backups like Lynwood Credille on the team.
DEFENSE - Florida is fairly firm against the run, with a fairly deep two-way line now, and a strong linebacker in Denham. Florida will struggle mightily against top passing teams, though the DS Tandem of McTell and Tuia has played together for awhile now. If Denham goes down, that defense will take a serious hit.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Stanley Farson is entering his 14th OIFL season at kicker, and he's been one of Florida's most reliable guys. The kick return game will probably be headed by Martin Frank, but it's not 100% clear.
SCHEDULE - We know six games are rough with that Washington/Delmarva/Baltimore division. Florida does, however, open in Eugene with a Week 2 home opener against Richmond. So the possibility of a strong start is there. Back to back games with Washington followed by season ending roadies in Philadelphia and Baltimore (With New York right before that run) does not make for a fun final third.
OUTLOOK - Florida is better today than they were a year ago. Just not sure how well a slow build works in a league where teams often try fix-it-quick schemes. Not saying it's a bad idea, as it's what I would do...it's just not provided as much fruit as had hoped. But, young guys who will be the long-term key of this roster are all over the roster, including Dugger, Denham, OLDL Leslie Schneider, even a Cliff Howard or OS Martin Frank or WRDB George Peck. Just not sure how many wins it translates to in 2022.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Is there a move that can be made to turn this into a 2022 OIFLCup contender? No. Is there a reckoning coming with the roster and finances as constructed? Also no. No reason to make sweeping changes here.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 22:15:41 GMT -5
LINCOLN LIGHTNING
OFFENSE - With how Fort Worth folded, and the way the offseason was put together, this Lightning team has seen many changes. And it may have created a better roster. QB J'Mar Rickerson enters his first starting job in his fifth OIFL season. Jessie Shepherd returns at RB, and he's got Morris Wallace type trajectory and tendencies. Rickerson has weapons, including WRs Michael Pittman and Andrew Warren, and OS Omotade Adeniyi. That pass game is incredibly thin, though, and there is going to be TROUBLE if those receivers get hurt. Especially as two two-way guys are the starting DS tandem.
DEFENSE - Depth is just a mess. Line depth is good. Two way depth is really bad. DS depth is in deep trouble if WRDBs go down, though the late signings of Day and Shito help immensely. Lincoln's depth is going to cost them a chance at a title, but there are guys here that will be here for awhile to hopefully bring some long-term hope for the franchise, as this iteration of the Lightning haven't had a lot of that.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Jamie Pucci has been in the league a long time, and will be kicking for Lincoln. Adeniyi will return kicks, something he's done in limited capacity to date.
SCHEDULE - An opener in Philadelphia brings two teams together who we're not 100% sure what's going to happen. Three home games in a row after that help. Lincoln's schedule is ranked 19th, so that helps as well. Getting Houston and Texas in back-to-back weeks...doesn't help.
OUTLOOK - Having young guys like Shepherd and Adeniyi give a lot of long-term hope. This year, Lincoln could struggle because of their depth. But they're in a better spot today than a year ago today.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Make sure the young guys get ample work, so that when they're the starters, they've played. All bets are off if Lincoln sits 8-2 or something, but I don't think that's going to happen just yet. Some of those starters that have them hopeful now won't be starter-quality in two years.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 22:22:47 GMT -5
FORT McMURRAY FATMEN
OFFENSE - This may have been 2021's most disappointing OIFL team. The offense was supposed to be elite, and it just wasn't. It has the pieces, though. QB Calvin Clothier returns to get the Fatmen back to the playoffs. Civic Slape probably has taken the RB job, though Gubb Karter will get plenty of time. Clothier has weapons in the pass game, including Gary Kutchzinski, Renny Taylor, Jim Osbon, Demonha Brigham, and OS Stefan Cavaluz. It's not a top-3 offense or anything, but the Fatmen are going to score points, and sometimes by the bushelful.
DEFENSE - The back-5 defensive depth is a huge concern, but this defense is better than last year's Fatmen defense was. If the offense gets back to where they're supposed to be, this defense could be enough for them to win a number of games in this division. It's not outside the realm of possibility for 8-8 to win this division, after all. Just, they may have more 55-51 games than they'd like.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Joe McMahon, his relationship with Fatmen management is not unlike the kicker relationship between Brian Clothier and [insert kicker name here]. But he's been there awhile now, and he's been solid. Cavaluz is the kick returner, and he's taken a couple back.
SCHEDULE - Getting Ohio and Indianapolis in the nonleague is somewhat favorable. Opening in Ruidoso when there's a LOT of turmoil there...and uncertainty...is NOT ideal. Fort Mac ends with four road games in their last six games, but those four are Indianapolis, Portland, Lincoln, and Vancouver Island. It could be a lot worse.
OUTLOOK - It's weird coming off a 4-12 season, but this Fatmen team should be expecting to fight for the division. A couple untimely injuries (AGAIN) and it could unravel, but this Fatmen team is going to be in most of the games they play.
WHAT WOULD I DO? I'd like more two-way receivers, and the FA pile may have a couple guys worth bringing in. But if you do that, who gets cut? Three OS is probably too much, five RB could be...but again, who gets cut? Could be the question of the year if they want to address that depth issue.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 22:31:23 GMT -5
RICHMOND REVOLUTION
OFFENSE - The OIFL's most enigmatic owner returns for his third year with a team that has some questions on offense. Bendrick Allinson comes back at QB here, but he's going to be looking over his shoulder at rookie Benjamin Clothier. Michael D. Brake will be the RB when he gets healthy, though Harry Black got the long-term deal to be his replacement long-term. Allinson has some weapons, including second-year WR Larry Dimick and third-year OS Khadarious Conner. Depth is not great in the skill positions, and woe be the Revolution if Dimick goes down. But, what you can say...this team will play everyone, and you will not know when. Joe Kenney, even at his advanced age, should play more than he has, though.
DEFENSE - Where the offense has questions, the defense has gaping holes. Depth is nonexistent, and the starters on defense are iffy. This defensive line scares no one in the league; the defensive backfield (led by Dimick) is OK, but won't get tested much because teams are going to run run run run run all day long. There are linemen on the FA pile, and Richmond may want to consider bringing some of those in. There are cut candidates on this roster.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Tony Maloloyon has not developed very quickly, but he's been an OK kicker. He could lose his job to second-year K Hugo Lowenstern. Conner will return kicks.
SCHEDULE - Richmond opens with three on the road, and closes with three at home. The Revolution open in Indianapolis and close against Indianapolis. Both teams have improved, but these have to be two win candidates for Richmond. Maybe next year we trade Richmond and Florida, to get Richmond with all their real close rivals in that division (because "hey let's replace OH/CHI/IND with DMV/BAL/WAS" is an easy sell)...
OUTLOOK - One of the most refreshing things has been Richmond, because they're unpredictable. Sometimes they're TOO unpredictable, but it keeps me engaged. That line's getting mauled, and Richmond has to get something sorted to fix it, or the other work they've put in elsewhere will not be seen.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Line, line, line. No one is safe (and that's certainly a Richmond hallmark). OK, Dimick is safe, but I was talking more the linemen. If they keep as-is and a couple guys go down, Allinson is going to be hoping he gets benched like he did last year.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 18, 2022 22:40:11 GMT -5
VANCOUVER ISLAND BLITZ
OFFENSE - I mean, we know what's up here. This offense goes through Royce Buchanan in every way possible. There's no player more important to his team's identity (especially now that Quaeavion Greene in Seattle is retired). James Bordain returns for his seventh OIFL Season, and he's going to be tasked with getting the ball to Rolls Royce in all ways. He actually has other passing weapons, though, in Paul Goodwin, Danny Darrington, and even John McHugh. Depth is not there, despite having 7 RBLB and 9 WRDB. It's a weirdly constructed roster in that regard. But Bill always has a plan.
DEFENSE - For Vancouver Island history, this is a pretty strong defense. Depth is suspect (though WRDB Walter Coy could take Darrington's starting job). Having only 7 linemen is an interesting strategy, and one I don't love. OK, 8, Albert Tobey is hurt. We may be past the days of "if Vancouver Island wants to win, they gotta score 60 every week."
SPECIAL TEAMS - Patrick Dignan enters his fourth year as the only kicker on the roster, and he's going to be good for them. Buchanan is probably getting old to be a two way RB and kick returner, so look for McHugh to get the nod there.
SCHEDULE - The Blitz open with Los Angeles at home (side note, Vancouver Island's first-ever home game was also against Los Angeles, but that was Colin's Los Angeles Barracudas), and then host long-long-long time rivals Portland. The Blitz are one of few teams that don't get either a 3-game home or road string. I missed the first Battle of Canada game a year being on Canada Day weekend by one week, so my bad there. If things go well, Week 16 against Lincoln could be very important for the Blitz.
OUTLOOK - I think better than it has been. They're just two years removed from a 10-6 season, and while maybe 10-6 isn't in the cards here, this Blitz team is improving.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Go back in time a few weeks and use the camp bonus on not Calvin Whalen. But, like I said, Bill always has a plan. I would be replacing some of the RB/WR depth with linemen, as I really don't like going in with only 8 on the roster, and right now, only 7 on gameday.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 19, 2022 19:53:20 GMT -5
EUGENE KNIGHTS
OFFENSE - Eugene has struggled in recent years, perhaps more than they should be. While Eugene may not be an OIFLCup contender these past few years, they also shouldn't be trying to fight only for the 7-seed. Part of that is injury. Nigel Lamb returns for his eighth OIFL season, and he's got weapons to throw to. Rod Yount is his likely starting back, though 10th year J'Quan Bieniek will play plenty. Lamb's arm will have good receivers to work with, including Odis Hogan, Michael Shelton, 15th year OS Darius Mockobee, Troy Bedford, Chuck King, and a few others. The line isn't the best in the league, but it's plenty deep. Eugene is known for scoring points by the bushel, and this team should be able to do that some.
DEFENSE - Depth is a bigger concern on this side of the ball, which is also not new for Eugene. Yount should be the starting RBLB because he's a good linebacker (while Bieniek is an AFL mac linebacker if ever there were). The DB corps is good, but not as deep as the WR group is. Eugene could struggle against top offenses, but this shouldn't be a BAD defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Dominic Cottle returns for his 13th OIFL season, and he's been a solid kicker for a long time for the Knights. Mockobee and Shelton will probably share kick return duties, mostly because Mockobee IS in his 15th year, and he's not a kicker.
SCHEDULE - Eugene opens with Florida, then travels to a Ruidoso team that mirrors them in a lot of ways (not necessarily alignment anymore, haha). Eugene's schedule is about middle-of-the-pack in difficulty, but they have opportunities for wins throughout. They're hoping Week 16 at home against Seattle means a lot, and it could.
OUTLOOK - I think the past couple years are the aberration, this Eugene team isn't that bad. It's got ample youth, and not a whole lot of end-of-career aging, with even 6+ age guys like Mockobee still starting quality. Eugene is going to fight for a good number of wins here, and should be in the mix for a playoff run for the first time in a bit.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Not much here. Eugene's not old, they're not overly expensive, they aren't full of awful contracts. This team is going to be in the mix all year, and could even be in a spot to add some salary if the situation calls for it.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 19, 2022 20:06:41 GMT -5
MEXICO CITY AZTECS
OFFENSE - Mexico City prides itself on achieving offensive "chaos," where what they intend to do, and who they intend to do it with...is unknown. In 2020, Mexico City achieved a playoff berth despite an 0-6 division record with this chaos. In 2021, the chaos wasn't very chaotic. Santiago Guerrero returns for his 12th OIFL season, and possibly last one starting for the Aztecs, and he has the same cast of characters they've had some success with. Zach Welker, Kyle English, and Lewis Browning will be his receivers, while Jywaun Elken likely takes over as the starting RB. Mexico City's depth could be their downfall, as they don't have enough bodies to handle a bad bout with the injury bug. But, this offense has had a fair bit of success these past two years, though inconsistent, and it should continue in 2022.
DEFENSE - Not as sure here. The depth is a little mismatched, as Elken and backup Wayne Pirlot are both (good) defensive backs. WRLB Curtis Allen likely lines up at linebacker, though DS Curtis Johnson could also be a linebacker. If guys get hurt, this defense will be in trouble in a hurry, and that offense will need to be chaotic in a good way. The line is pretty good both ways, though depth could be a concern.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Landes Horton does not have the league's strongest leg, but it's one of the most accurate. As Mexico City intends to score touchdowns and not field goals, this may be fine. On kickoffs, maybe if he can't always get it to the nets, they act like it's the IFL and have him squib. Piedmont Moss likely returns kicks, though OS Hyacinthe Lord may get that job.
SCHEDULE - Replacing Fort Worth with an expansion team in the division is a Godsend. Opening with three on the road, even though Memphis and Lincoln are two of them...maybe not as much. But at least that third road game (Texas) is followed by a three-game homestand...against Houston, New York, and Seattle. Apparently John-Mark's check didn't clear...
OUTLOOK - Year 1 to Year 2 of Mexico City's chaos was a step back. I'm not sure enough moves were made to flip that script, though Mexico City IS bringing in some good young players. Browning is now a key guy. Jywaun Elken, too. Rookie Luron Mosbrucker isn't going to play a lot this year, but he's in the long-term plans. It's not a road to nowhere, but the progress may not be seen this year.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Probably replace the backup kicker. Good start there. Always look for improvement opportunities, but Mexico City is gonna dance with who brung 'em.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 19, 2022 20:25:53 GMT -5
PHILADELPHIA FOUNDERS
OFFENSE - I knew with an offseason, the only thing I could write in pen with Lysoby's team here is that it'd still be the Founders, and even then I used one with an eraser. Changes were made. Mark Kingseed will be taking the QB reins, and will be running a two-headed run game with Edem Barnes with him, much like the one he learned in his early career with Vancouver Island. Kingseed gets some good receivers and backs to work with, including Michael Killawa, Malcolm Grant, Herb Hoffman, Renzo Polato, other backs like Don Sochowitz and Dave Kreis. Kreis may even take the RB job here. Kingseed is...much...more mobile than predecessor Stan Kirby, but he's also going to have a better line to help keep him upright. Philly will score some points this year.
DEFENSE - The defense may not be quite as strong as the offense, but it's still improved here. And it's why someone like a Kreis may get the starting nod, as a more versatile LB. Depth may get tested in the defensive backfield if guys get hurt, but there's a couple good backups (to the point that I'm not 100% sure who starts). It's not the best defense this franchise (not the Founders, but the Rosemont/Kansas City lineage) has ever had, but it's going to be OK.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Jeff Daugherty enters his 9th OIFL season with a firm hold on the kicking game here. Killawa will return kicks for the Founders.
SCHEDULE - Getting Lincoln at home to start helps. Following that with @dmv, BAL, @ny, @ WAS...doesn't help. But, you gotta play everyone in your conference, so may as well get it over with. If Philadelphia handles the early heat well, the second half is very favorable (even with a Week 16 home game against the Mean Machine...which New York desperately hopes doesn't mean much).
OUTLOOK - Philadelphia plans for 2023 to be the "we are contenders now," but this team isn't going to be happy with an 11-5 season and second round exit, or something. They aspire to higher, even now...they're just not mortgaging the world for it. But, the future is finally bright in Philadelphia.
WHAT WOULD I DO? I'm a strong proponent of having a stylistic backup QB that matches your starter. Stan Kirby...is not that. But he's also a much better pure passer than Kingseed, so what happens if Kingseed goes and has a 12/30 game with four picks? Philly isn't going to ignore opportunities to get better, that particular owner never does.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 19, 2022 20:33:57 GMT -5
LONDON MONARCHS
OFFENSE - Kidd Gunn is a first-ballot hall of famer, but London would really love to send him out with a ring (not that 2022 is his last year). Not sure it's quite good enough to just yet. Gunn has RB Evedarious McCarty with him, though rookie Chris McGuinness could take the job by year's end (much better defender overall). Gunn has weapons to throw to, and has a deep group of receivers including Roger Friedman, Ike Chavayda, Joe Fitzpatrick, Knoxwell Chamberlain, and Andrew Crocchio. They're not top-3 receivers, but Gunn can still make them look like it.
DEFENSE - This may be one of London's better defenses. It's not top-3, but they have ample depth everywhere, and have starters that are good enough. Larry Yergeau may end up being the every down linebacker, though he's an adept DB as well. The LB corps could be the weak link, but between him and a Wally Ryan or McGuinness, it's fine. Top teams will be able to score plenty on this London defense, but they'll be able to do that on just about everyone.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Werner Brielmeyer is entering his fifth season at kicker, and will be a strong one. The returner is probably Joe Fitzpatrick, though that specific job could be up for grabs.
SCHEDULE - London opens with a rough first three, in Baltimore, New York, and then at home with Washington. Then three road games in a row, Florida, Indianapolis, Philadelphia. If they can survive that OK, that at least means 7 of their last 10 are at home (with the road games including Vermont and Portland). They're in a division that's only getting tougher, so they have to get wins where they can. They just might be able to get a decent number of them.
OUTLOOK - The Gunn question is coming. But there's a lot of good young talent on this roster to answer long-term in most other places. That said...Tommy Sparks may have answered the Gunn question long-term already.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Wait a month, see where things sit. London has the financial ability to add some payroll if things look real bright, and they will look to do that. Even as-is, I'd probably find replacements for RB Frank Lomas and WR Andy Bunch.
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Post by commissioner on Jun 19, 2022 20:51:01 GMT -5
RUIDOSO KIDS
OFFENSE - There are days where I can predict well what's going to happen in this league, league-wide. Then there are previews like this one. Ruidoso has felt strongly that they've underachieved with some very strong offensive players for awhile. Enter QBDB Thomas Kampner. When Week 1 is played, Ruidoso will be the first team in OIFL history to line up two listed OS players (while every team plays two OS, one's a QB). Kampner will be running a read option type offense with one or two backs with him, in the form of Burt Nowak and Arnaud Howard (one will hold an OS spot). Schauber and Shanklin are still your top two receivers, as well they should. Scott Howden and Elwood Cohen will share the other OS spot (or, both play at OS). Ruidoso is going down a road no one's ever gone down offensively, and it's one that is going to be watched by everyone in the OIFL.
DEFENSE - This defense is maybe not the deepest in the league, but certainly it gets a boost by Kampner being a playable DB. Is someone like a Keondre Collier or Je'Quan Moscot better? Sure. But neither of them play quarterback. The line is about eight deep, though maybe not a top-5 line in the league. Ruidoso's offense is probably going to slow things down a bit with the read option and Kampner back there. The defense's task is to make sure Kampner doesn't have to be a miracle worker.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Ian Truefoot returns for his 11th OIFL season, and his 10th starting for this franchise. He may be kicking more field goals than most early in the year as the offense gets itself sorted. Cohen will return kicks in his 15th OIFL season (not bad for the worst sleeper ever).
SCHEDULE - Fort McMurray travels to Ruidoso first, to see this new system in play. Ruidoso gets a tied-for-worst schedule (with Seattle), which helps. This division is winnable possibly by all four teams, so Ruidoso can make a run early with FM/EUG/LIN/MEM/POR/VAN to open...and could just run away with it. The Week 9 game in Los Angeles is always a big one for those two teams. If the gauntlet in the last six including PHI/DMV/TEX/HOU start to give them fits, Week 16 in Fort McMurray could be vitally important.
OUTLOOK - It's a new frontier. This team wants an OIFLCup, and QB Benjaymond Cannon wasn't getting them to one here, so why not take a calculated risk? This is still the division favorite, though that only guarantees you a top-6 seed.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Well, call it unpredictable. Ruidoso also has a number of guys who can also throw, but only maybe RB Jedidiah Greene should ever see the field. There are a few guys on this roster I'd probably look at FA to improve things for.
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