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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:02:14 GMT -5
FORT McMURRAY FATMEN
OFFENSE - The Fatmen may have the OIFL's best offense. Calvin Clothier is an elite passer, possibly the league's best. Behind him is the RB duo of Civic Slape and Gubb Karter, both of which are effective backs. Clothier has ample weapons to throw to as well, including OS Stefan Cavaluz, and WRs Gary Kutchzinski and Renny Taylor. Depth is a concern for the Fatmen, but if people stay healthy, this team's going to score points in buckets.
DEFENSE - And they may need those buckets. Depth is a little bigger concern defensively here; while Taylor and DS Jay Parker are elite, if guys get hurt there could be a major falloff. LB is a concern, as Blake Blast may be their best linebacker but probably has to play corner when Slape (an average defender, at best) is playing two ways. There are some structural moves that have to be made as some guys are more limited defensively, but this can happen with an offensive-focused team like this.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Cavaluz is a strong kick returner, and will continue this job. Fort McMurray will continue its love-hate relationship with K Joe McMahon, who has been solid if unspectacular in his Fatmen career.
SCHEDULE - Certainly when New York started a rebuild, it got some help. Fort McMurray opens with a tough one in Philadelphia, and also gets home games with Texas and Ruidoso (and Vancouver Island!), along with road games in Eugene and Houston. Fort Mac ends with three in a row on the road, though with a strong season, can get a playoff game in Fort McMurray again.
OUTLOOK - Perhaps Fort McMurray isn't quite in the "true top OIFLCup contenders," but this team is a contender. And as always, if they can get important game at Bob's, this is a team no one wants to face.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Having four OS is just too many. I'd probably look to move two of those for two-way help; it may only be by cutting and signing a FA, but four OS is just not useful. Otherwise, though, it's just tweaks.
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:09:04 GMT -5
PHILADELPHIA FOUNDERS
OFFENSE - QB Bob Maino was a midseason acquisition in 2022, and he comes in now as the established starter. Burt Nowak enters as Philly's running back, and as per usual, the Lysoby team has ample depth just about everywhere. Maino has weapons to throw to as well, including OS Omotade Adeniyi, Dwight Stewart, Jim Osbon, Clinton Hewitt, Andrew Warren, Rasheide Benefield, Robert Taylor...plenty. The line is probably the thinnest part of the team, but depth there isn't bad, either. Philadelphia may not be a top 5 scoring offense, but be sure there are plenty of ways they can hurt you offensively.
DEFENSE - Nowak is a top-5 linebacker in the OIFL, something Philadelphia lacked last year. His backup, Dave Kreis, is no slouch either. The defensive backfield isn't quite as strong as the WR corps, but Philly's not likely to get involved in too many 60+ point shootouts. Stewart came on this offseason and will look to be a top two-way WRDB in the league. While the specialists aren't necessarily strong, Lysoby has always used two way guys in the one-way spots (though not quite in all of them such as a Kampner in Ruidoso), so this isn't a major concern. Philadelphia is one team where a couple "well-placed" injuries won't cripple them.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Jeff Daugherty comes in as the Philadelphia kicker, and he's had a solid career. Adeniyi will return kicks.
SCHEDULE - Opening with Fort Mac, Seattle, and Texas in the first five weeks will definitely make the team battle tested. That week 8 game at Delmarva may be the regular season OIFL Game of the Year, if only because the owners don't love eachother (and they're both contenders). There are no long stretches of tough game after tough game after tough game, but having Texas twice (and possibly the toughest division with Columbus and London as the "bad" teams) will give Philadelphia plenty of challenge.
OUTLOOK - Founders fans are expecting a run at the OIFLCup Game, and this team is capable of giving it to them. So are a few others, so someone gets disappointed, but Philadelphia is a top team.
WHAT WOULD I DO? There's not a lot to do right now; there's ample depth about everywhere and there are stars in the starting group.
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:16:00 GMT -5
EUGENE KNIGHTS
OFFENSE - Nigel Lamb returns for his ninth OIFL season to lead an offense that should again be very very good. Behind Lamb will be RB William Lee and RB Rod Yount; Lee was an acquisition from Ohio last year that helped propel the offense a bit. Lamb as always has good weapons to throw to, including Charles Allen, Chuck King, and the OIFL's all-time leading receiver in Darius Mockobee...who in Year 16 still has it. 24 touchdowns and he has every receiving record to himself. A guy that far along, and he was still fourth in the OIFL in receiving last year. Solid depth as well. Eugene will score points in buckets.
DEFENSE - Depth isn't bad here, either. Lee is an elite linebacker (and Yount is good, too, so if injuries happen it's not crippling). The defensive backfield is pretty strong with good depth, and the line as per usual is good for the Knights. There's no reason for this to not be a really good defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Dominic Cottle enters his 14th season for the Knights, and has been a key player for them for years. Mockobee's career as a kick returner has very few peers.
SCHEDULE - Getting Los Angeles twice will test the Knights well for the season. Adding that with home games against Baltimore, Fort McMurray, and Philadelphia also tests them. And Ruidoso and Green Bay as their division's "bad" teams...Eugene's schedule says 16th ranked, but it will be higher than that.
OUTLOOK - There's no reason Eugene shouldn't be a top contender for the OIFLCup. They fell off a bit at the end of last season, so fans will be a little reluctant to go all-in, but this Eugene team is strong.
WHAT WOULD I DO? What's kind of wild is that Eugene legitimately has a roster that can easily use a two back set...but they also have a strong QB with strong receiving weapons, so you can't do that. There's not a lot I can see having to be done, but I guess if you can parlay one of those RBs into a top receiver, may as well try it?
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:23:40 GMT -5
HOUSTON MARSHALS
OFFENSE - The OIFL's most disappointing end of the season last year was right here in Houston. This team should have been in the OIFLCup Game...that did not happen. Well, they're probably a hair better. Matthew Lavergne returns for maybe his last year starting in Houston (given they have James Marple there backing him up now). Behind Lavergne will be Chris Murdock and Artaun Burris, and there's some thought that Murdock may make a more permanent move to WR. Lavergne has plenty of big weapons to throw to as well, including Robert Dangola, Richard Hollenback, Carlos Tolosa, Carlos Cruise, Alquan Wund, Tiago Lucena, Jack Boyce...there's a reason Lavergne has been consistently hitting 80 touchdowns. Houston's line is strong, too.
DEFENSE - With Greg Helm as a DL only guy, Houston has a strange lineup that includes the requirement of the OS spot playing OL. But, Helm is also possibly the best DL in the OIFL, so it's OK. Playing the two backs (Murdock and Burris) isn't a major problem defensively as Burris is a strong D-Back. Houston's defensive depth is not as strong as its offensive depth, but Houston has a very solid defense. It just runs into that Corpus Christi trap of being on the field a LOT due to the quick fire offense.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Jacob Zie enters as Houston's kicker, and he's still a top kicker in the league. Burris has returned kicks the past couple years in Houston, but with him taking more of a two-way role, that could move to one of the backup WRDBs.
SCHEDULE - Houston opens in Los Angeles, which is probably the best game of the week. They also get home games with Delmarva, Eugene, Fort McMurray, Washington, and Baltimore. The road schedule is a bit more favorable, but in addition to Baltimore and Los Angeles, they do travel to Ruidoso. Houston should be poised for some success this year.
OUTLOOK - Houston enters as one of the OIFL favorites, and that'll be tough to keep up as there's a few teams that have that status. But, Houston is definitely a contender and their fans expect something more than playoff heartbreak again.
WHAT WOULD I DO? I think you have to let it ride. This team is strong. Maybe a bit more line depth would be nice?
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:31:06 GMT -5
CHICAGO BLUES
OFFENSE - Chicago enters this season with a team that's still in contention, though some cracks may be showing. Jim Holcombe returns for his seventh year at QB, and he's got Marquell Manning, Raynor Baz, and Clyde Smith behind him. Baz may be the best choice for this year (and he is the most complete back they've had since the OIFLCup win), but he is also probably only a one-year rental at that age. Holcombe has some good weapons to use, including Dwight Timothy, Brandon Graham, Bernhard Schraeder, and Siddiqu-Merriman Thomas. The Chicago line doesn't quite have the depth it had in past years, but Rod Lemont and Kevin Labeck still combine for a strong group.
DEFENSE - Chicago has been a defensive team, and this probably continues. The LB issue does come up when Baz isn't on the field, as either they can't cover (Clyde Smith), or Manning isn't a linebacker. Though both starting DS can play linebacker; Chicago has options. The defensive backfield is solid as per usual. Injuries can cause problems, but Chicago isn't as susceptible as other teams, though if Lemont gets hurt, the line could have problems.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Kicking has never quite been Chicago's strong suit, but they hope to develop 2nd year kicker Peter Sachetti to change that long-term. Once healthy, Dan Nickels will likely resume the role as kicker. Timothy is still an excellent kick returner.
SCHEDULE - Getting Delmarva in Week 1 is certainly going to challenge the Blues. The schedule overall isn't bad, but they also get home games with Baltimore, Washington, Fort McMurray, Delmarva again, and get to travel to Texas and Seattle. It's not a wild schedule, but Chicago has plenty of tough games.
OUTLOOK - Chicago is still a contender, but it feels like they may have taken a quarter step back. This does feel something like a "last hurrah" for the roster, too, as guys like Schraeder, Labeck, Timothy are all aging, and a number of others are close to it. But, as it stands today, Chicago is definitely still in contention.
WHAT WOULD I DO? There are young guys to develop on the roster, and that has been the focus this offseason to do so. If the aging process gives Chicago some luck, they'll have ample time to develop guys. If it doesn't, they will get old in a hurry. If they win a second OIFLCup, though, I'm not sure how much they'll care.
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:37:57 GMT -5
TEXAS TERRORS
OFFENSE - As a Browns fan, it annoys me a bit that Buster prepared for a down year in 2022 and got to the OIFL semifinal round. And the team's not going anywhere. Larry Campos is coming into his own as Terrors starter, and he again as Martin Hanson behind him. Campos has good weapons to throw to, including Juwon Mack, M.J. Rose, Tywon Williams, John Barba, and Miquel Simpson. Depth is generally no concern, as Texas has built a roster that goes pretty deep at all positions. It feels like the offense may be a quarter step behind some of the other top contenders, but the whole has always been greater than the sum of the parts in Texas.
DEFENSE - Edem Barnes may take the RB job as he's a very capable linebacker. Texas has used a DS as LB for a number of years, but this may open them up to use two DBs in the two DS slots. The line is pretty deep both ways, they do have a couple capable (if blitz-focused) linebackers in Barnes and DS Herbie Greene. If injuries hit the WRDB corps, there could be trouble as Texas currently is only carrying five WRDB. But, they can go to a two back set if injuries pile up (as Hanson is a DB). Texas may have to get a little more creative with how the roster's set, but this defense is fine.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Johnny Arzola returns as Terrors kicker. Williams returns as a top-3 kick returner who can change the game at any time. As he is aging, I can see Texas using backup OS Vernon Tyler to return kicks some.
SCHEDULE - Texas opens with New York, which is now favorable. Texas gets home games with Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles (and the two with Philadelphia), and the Terrors do have to travel to Fort McMurray. The road schedule couldn't have been much nicer, honestly.
OUTLOOK - It's Texas. "Oh no, they're bad this year" would be what, 13-3? Yes, they are getting old in some spots, so that youth development may have to hasten a bit, but it's Texas...they're going to win a lot of games.
WHAT WOULD I DO? I would like to see another WRDB on the roster; possibly would have to come via trading one of the linemen. But, it's Texas...it's not like they need wholesale changes.
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:44:12 GMT -5
WASHINGTON INSIDERS
OFFENSE - Chris Berkstead was their high profile trade last year, and he's back for the Insiders. Berkstead is an elite quarterback, and he's got an elite running back behind him in Jack Stones. Berkstead's receiving corps includes Sam Engelberg, Michael Killawa, Ken Wortman, and backups such as Howard Hanson, Karlos Folger, Ad Wittemann, and Dee Gibson. Washington's line is one of the deeper ones in the OIFL, so they've pretty successfully countered any major injury concerns. Washington doesn't play a high-flying offensive style (and with Stones and his backups Gervasi and Hamilton at RB, they shouldn't), but it's an effective offensive style.
DEFENSE - Top linebackers can also be effective cover guys, and Washington does lack that. As pure blitzers, Stones/Gervasi are fine. Hamilton is more of a cover guy on defense, so Washington can play different styles. The defensive backfield has pretty adequate depth, but the top end is not quite at the level of other top contenders. Washington's not going to be involved in many 58-55 games, don't worry; the offense is too methodical for that. The defensive line has solid depth, and new guy Elliott Eades is a huge boost to the front (which can help negate some of those other mentioned issues). This may not be the best D.C./Washington defense ever, but it's fine.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Stephen Smyka returns for his seventh season, and he has rounded into a very strong kicker. Killawa is likely to return kicks.
SCHEDULE - It rates as 23rd toughest. It will be higher than that. Washington gets Seattle twice, but also hosts Eugene, and travels to Texas, Chicago, Delmarva, and Houston. The home schedule is certainly more favorable than most, though.
OUTLOOK - Washington does what they do, and what they do works very well. This team may have trouble getting a bye, but Washington is going to win a load of games, and they are contenders.
WHAT WOULD I DO? I'd love to see them get an elite DB, but those aren't exactly easy to find. Washington tried to clear up the "average" DB by giving quarterbacks nightmares with Elliott Eades. That's not an awful strategy.
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:52:32 GMT -5
NEW YORK MEAN MACHINE
OFFENSE - Nick Stokes should be the starter, because (sorry Jeff) this isn't a bad team. They're going with the rookie QB Barry Bartel. New York has this dream of the Gravy Bowl, and...I'm not feeling it. Jack Jones and Chris McGuinness will share the RB detail for New York, though they could absolutely go two back (as McGuinness is a better DB than LB). That with Bartel's natural running ability, this could be a fun little offense to watch. Bartel has some decent receivers, including young guys like Rowell Danforth, Dale Andrews, and old guy Tristian Coutch. The RB duo is probably a bit stronger, so maybe two backs is the play.
DEFENSE - Depth is a major concern, as New York resembles an expansion team a little bit. But the starting defense isn't bad. The line has a lot of depth, while the WR/RBs don't have quite as much. If my guess is right and New York is going two back, this defense will have plenty of time to regroup (not unlike some of the older Venice Wave Riders teams that didn't have a great defense...but that looked good since the offense kept games in the 30s all the time). If Danforth gets hurt, the Mean Machine defense gets sketchy.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Fritz Zbinden is a solid kicker for the Mean Machine. Kick returner is a wild card, though it seems Dale Andrews will take that job.
SCHEDULE - New York wants a Gravy Bowl appearance. Not sure they have it. They get Fort Mac twice, yes, but they also get home games with Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Baltimore, London, and Delmarva. New York also gets a road game with Texas. OK, maybe. But it's not an awful schedule.
OUTLOOK - Bartel is the future, New York wants him to be the QB they don't think they ever had with Nick Stokes (who is also still there). They will not win a lot of games, but Jeff has always been a master with strategy...the team is getting everyone ready for a Gravy Bowl appearance, but fans see what's going on and still think this team can make the playoffs.
WHAT WOULD I DO? Not for a lack of trying, but Nick Stokes needs to go somewhere where he can start. Maybe Dublin would send some cash now that rosters are set. Otherwise, New York has a clear plan and it will be interesting to see it unfold.
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 8:59:58 GMT -5
LOS ANGELES MATADORS
OFFENSE - This team has been "going to age out and need a rebuild" for about six years, and yet here we are. Jason Stackhouse finally played like the QB Los Angeles thought they were signing, and earned himself another $12M guaranteed cash. He's got Ross Franklin behind him, who is about as good a RB as the league has. Stackhouse has elite receivers including WR Jetta Shanklin, OS Vernon Burkhead, and other like Gerald Poff, Bob Hauver, Donald Avery Hall, and Tyrell Baran. The line has pretty solid depth. For a team that was going to need a rebuild, they don't need one. Los Angeles can tailor its offense to who they are playing, which makes them a very scary opponent for anyone.
DEFENSE - The defensive line isn't quite as strong as the offensive side, but that gap closed a bit this offseason. Franklin is a strong linebacker though his coverage ability is a little lacking. LA got his long-term replacement in Derrell McIntyre this offseason, which is where Nestor has mastered things. They're always ready for guys to get old. Still will be weird seeing DS Cindric Coyne not there anymore.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Kickers not named Jamie Cabrera have combined to score 34 OIFL points for the Wave Riders/Matadors franchise. 34. That changes this year as Tajik Rhodes takes the reigns for a year while they develop rookie Marlon Pineda. Burkhead is a strong kick returner, and will continue that role for Los Angeles.
SCHEDULE - It starts fun with Houston coming to town. This ranks as the easiest schedule in the OIFL, but that's probably because they don't have to play teams like Los Angeles. They do get home games with London, Ruidoso, Seattle, and Eugene. They travel to Eugene, Baltimore, Vancouver Island, and Texas. The schedule is deceptively tough as it's full of "teams that are improving."
OUTLOOK - Contender, period. They were just in the OIFLCup Game, and nothing has happened to make me think they can't get there again. "Oh there's no conferences now," but they had to beat Fort McMurray and Texas to get to the OIFLCup Game...is random chance really going to give them a tougher path?
WHAT WOULD I DO? Maybe one more elite defensive back? Feels like any steps would be mostly like picking nits.
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Post by commissioner on Jul 23, 2023 9:09:56 GMT -5
DELMARVA LEGACY
OFFENSE - It's not particularly often that the OIFLCup Champs get into a salary dispute with their Cup winning QB, and replace him, but here we are. And he's been replaced by David Greywacz, who will have the yardage and touchdown record for all-time if he stays healthy (needs 51 TD and 803 yards to take Brice Pennington's spot). OK, as an aside...David Greywacz is going to the the OIFL's all-time leading passer. I know the St. Louis Rush had prolific offenses...but David Greywacz?! OK, we're back. Greywacz takes control of a strong offense that, while it's a two-back offense...August Orrison is turning into a star receiver before our eyes. Greywacz is going to love the speed on this team - he's always been a bit of a mad bomber type passer, and having Seymour Heller and German o'Campo is going to play to his strengths. Depth is much improved for the Legacy, as a $38M tax bill darn well should do. Younger receivers such as Irv Lambert and Van Stelten will have key roles, as Delmarva won't have to work the starters quite as hard.
DEFENSE - It didn't matter last year, but the defense is not the single strongest part of this team. They tackle very well, which was good enough. But Orrison is an average linebacker. Depth is not bad here, but the starters aren't quite up to the level defensively as other teams. The defensive line is improved, but still that issue. It's just that speed. Heller, McKenzie, Orrison, Rodgers, McGee - if mistakes are made, they will catch up to the other team's player. And again...some metrics are down, but it's not like it stopped Delmarva from winning the OIFLCup Game.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Sam Andrews returns for his 11th OIFL season, and he's a top level kicker. o'Campo will return kicks again, and he had some success. If they fear fatigue, there's backups with speed. Heller is just too valuable at WRDB to expend too much energy there.
SCHEDULE - Well, they're everyone's OIFLCup Game, so that' ssomething. Delmarva gets Chicago, Philadelphia (Game of the Year?), Washington, and Seattle at home. The Legacy will travel to Houston, Ruidoso, and Chicago. That Week 14 game in New York could be interesting, but it won't quite be the pivotal battle we were looking forward to.
OUTLOOK - Maybe they were a fluke OIFLCup Champion as has been said. Not sure I agree, but maybe. Well, they got better in the offseason. No resting on their laurels. The OIFLCup Champions made improvements. While maybe losing Marple is a concern, Greywacz is certainly capable. This team is right there in contention again.
WHAT WOULD I DO? I think there may be a couple tweaks available to alleviate some of that tax bill (which is a one-off given the structure of Childs' and Lambert's contracts). Can they trade a Foxwell Harris for something more inexpensive? Can they find something better than Schneider on the free agency pile for nothing? That said, the cash shouldn't be a major concern this year, and the tax bill goes away in 2024 (pending this success and next year's offseason). To the shock of no one, Delmarva's not going anywhere.
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