As promised, here is the Week 4 A7 West season update.
Austin Lumberjacks
Record: 3-1
Previous: 1
New Rank: 1
I know, I know...they lost a CLOSE game to those fiesty Elves from Silverymoon. I have already covered that game in-depth in the "Spotlight on the Austin Lumberjacks" thread, and that game was more an offensive gameplanning fluke for Austin than a win for Silverymoon, in my opinion. They have yet to face any real opposition other than that, and their next stiff challenge will come this week against a 3-1 Buffalo team.
Silverymoon Elves
Record: 4-0
Previous: 2
New Rank: 2
While the number in your 'W' column at the end of the year and at the end of week 4 for that matter should be a good indication of your team's strength, Silverymoon's defense has me (gasp! choke!) a bit worried. They're struggling to make it into the top 10 in the conference in most defensive categories and seem to still be searching for a pass-rushing replacement for DE Huckleberry Hound who they lost to free agency at the end of last season. Their lack of sacks, hurries, PDs, and INTs lets me know that while their roster lacks some of the big playmakers they're used to, they're still one of the best owned and coordinated teams in the conference. These guys have also worked their ass off to EARN that 4-0 record, with victories over Oakland, Austin, and San Diego, 3 of the best in the west. These wins in big games against big competition are further proof of the coaching genius that IS the Silverymoon Elves. Once they find that big play formula on defense again, they could easily distance themselves from the pack and waltz through the playoffs and join us in AA4.
Oakland Wizards
Record: 3-1
Previous: 3
New Rank: 3
The Wizards of Oaktown have had 2 cake games, a loss to Silverymoon, and a tough win over Albuquerque that was spearheaded by a 261 yard, 4 TD performance by Cody Wilson. Oakland has proved they can unleash a massive air assault anytime and any place that will have even the toughest CBs in the league cowering in fear. A tough pass rush in that game also led to 2 sacks and 4 INTs as Oakland proved that this year they have the defense to go with that aerial assault.
Albuquerque Mustangs
Record: 3-1
Previous: 4
New Rank: 4
When it comes down to winning big games, the Mustangs have proven they're up to the challenge. Three wins over Tucson, Portland, and San Diego have me bumping this team up to the No. 3 ranking in the conference. Their game against San Diego will probably go down as the best game in the conference this season--yes, the game was THAT good that I feel I can make that statement after only 4 weeks in the season. A 57-yard FG with 0:17 in the 4th quarter after holding San Diego's offense to a 3-and-out led to the victory, and their kicker should be given a raise after that one! The 'Stangs have been doing it through the air, with their bigger wins coming in the first two weeks of the season. 6 INTs in those two games lead to a more balanced offensive assault in weeks 3 and 4, but look for the 'Stangs to let it fly again as they coast to an 8-1 record going into their week 10 matchup against Silverymoon, a matchup I can't wait to see.
San Diego Marauders
Record: 2-2
Previous: 8
New Rank: 5
The Marauders only two losses came against Silverymoon, and in a heartbreaker to Albuquerque in the last 0:17. Jake Obergfell has led the way, averaging 309 yards/game passing with 13 TDs and a 126 passer rating to go with it. The Marauders also have a team defense in the top 5 of all major defensive categories, and have proven to be a real force in the west this season.
Spicewood Longhorns
Record: 3-1
Previous: 7
New Rank: 6
Spicewood has a 3-1 record after one of the toughest early season schedules in the conference. Hugh Laurie has proven to be mind-bogglingly fluid in yet another season, and this time around has the defense to back him up. Look for these charging bulls from the Lone Star state to make a strong bid in the playoffs this season.
Portland Hitmen
Record: 2-2
Previous: 5
New Ranking: 7
The Portland secondary showed a susceptibility to the long ball in their two losses to Spicewood and Albuquerque, but some stiffening up of the AI by their DC should have them right back in the race for the playoffs. Other than those big plays, Portland's defense has shown the kind of solid consistency I remember them having last season. 2 INTs in each of those losses also point to a slightly weaker WR corps than the Hitmen would like at this point of the season, but some strategic late-boosting should take care of their troubles in that department.
Grand Haven Mist
Record: 3-1
Previous: 10
New Rank: 8
Their only loss has come to Silverymoon, with their 3 wins being blowouts against weaker teams in the division, including a very impressive and somewhat surprising blowout victory over the Buffalo Rangers, in which they sacked Trent Meatwards 12 times. A great all around team defensive effort in that game had Trent running for his life from DEs, LBs, DTs...even Grand Haven's CORNERS! This all-out assault on the QB may have some pass-heavy teams in the conference scratching their heads and replanning their offensive strategies against these guys. Aside from a dominant pass rushing defense, these guys are also rated #1 in passing offense in the conference with 22 TDs and only 1 INT. They have a tough 4 weeks coming up, with games against Austin, Oakland, and San Diego between them. While most might be thinking "we're about to find out just how good these guys are", I have a feeling they'll be going into week 9 with at least a 6-2 record, with wins over Oakland and San Diego along the way.
Austin Lumberjacks
Record: 3-1
Previous: 1
New Rank: 1
I know, I know...they lost a CLOSE game to those fiesty Elves from Silverymoon. I have already covered that game in-depth in the "Spotlight on the Austin Lumberjacks" thread, and that game was more an offensive gameplanning fluke for Austin than a win for Silverymoon, in my opinion. They have yet to face any real opposition other than that, and their next stiff challenge will come this week against a 3-1 Buffalo team.
Silverymoon Elves
Record: 4-0
Previous: 2
New Rank: 2
While the number in your 'W' column at the end of the year and at the end of week 4 for that matter should be a good indication of your team's strength, Silverymoon's defense has me (gasp! choke!) a bit worried. They're struggling to make it into the top 10 in the conference in most defensive categories and seem to still be searching for a pass-rushing replacement for DE Huckleberry Hound who they lost to free agency at the end of last season. Their lack of sacks, hurries, PDs, and INTs lets me know that while their roster lacks some of the big playmakers they're used to, they're still one of the best owned and coordinated teams in the conference. These guys have also worked their ass off to EARN that 4-0 record, with victories over Oakland, Austin, and San Diego, 3 of the best in the west. These wins in big games against big competition are further proof of the coaching genius that IS the Silverymoon Elves. Once they find that big play formula on defense again, they could easily distance themselves from the pack and waltz through the playoffs and join us in AA4.
Oakland Wizards
Record: 3-1
Previous: 3
New Rank: 3
The Wizards of Oaktown have had 2 cake games, a loss to Silverymoon, and a tough win over Albuquerque that was spearheaded by a 261 yard, 4 TD performance by Cody Wilson. Oakland has proved they can unleash a massive air assault anytime and any place that will have even the toughest CBs in the league cowering in fear. A tough pass rush in that game also led to 2 sacks and 4 INTs as Oakland proved that this year they have the defense to go with that aerial assault.
Albuquerque Mustangs
Record: 3-1
Previous: 4
New Rank: 4
When it comes down to winning big games, the Mustangs have proven they're up to the challenge. Three wins over Tucson, Portland, and San Diego have me bumping this team up to the No. 3 ranking in the conference. Their game against San Diego will probably go down as the best game in the conference this season--yes, the game was THAT good that I feel I can make that statement after only 4 weeks in the season. A 57-yard FG with 0:17 in the 4th quarter after holding San Diego's offense to a 3-and-out led to the victory, and their kicker should be given a raise after that one! The 'Stangs have been doing it through the air, with their bigger wins coming in the first two weeks of the season. 6 INTs in those two games lead to a more balanced offensive assault in weeks 3 and 4, but look for the 'Stangs to let it fly again as they coast to an 8-1 record going into their week 10 matchup against Silverymoon, a matchup I can't wait to see.
San Diego Marauders
Record: 2-2
Previous: 8
New Rank: 5
The Marauders only two losses came against Silverymoon, and in a heartbreaker to Albuquerque in the last 0:17. Jake Obergfell has led the way, averaging 309 yards/game passing with 13 TDs and a 126 passer rating to go with it. The Marauders also have a team defense in the top 5 of all major defensive categories, and have proven to be a real force in the west this season.
Spicewood Longhorns
Record: 3-1
Previous: 7
New Rank: 6
Spicewood has a 3-1 record after one of the toughest early season schedules in the conference. Hugh Laurie has proven to be mind-bogglingly fluid in yet another season, and this time around has the defense to back him up. Look for these charging bulls from the Lone Star state to make a strong bid in the playoffs this season.
Portland Hitmen
Record: 2-2
Previous: 5
New Ranking: 7
The Portland secondary showed a susceptibility to the long ball in their two losses to Spicewood and Albuquerque, but some stiffening up of the AI by their DC should have them right back in the race for the playoffs. Other than those big plays, Portland's defense has shown the kind of solid consistency I remember them having last season. 2 INTs in each of those losses also point to a slightly weaker WR corps than the Hitmen would like at this point of the season, but some strategic late-boosting should take care of their troubles in that department.
Grand Haven Mist
Record: 3-1
Previous: 10
New Rank: 8
Their only loss has come to Silverymoon, with their 3 wins being blowouts against weaker teams in the division, including a very impressive and somewhat surprising blowout victory over the Buffalo Rangers, in which they sacked Trent Meatwards 12 times. A great all around team defensive effort in that game had Trent running for his life from DEs, LBs, DTs...even Grand Haven's CORNERS! This all-out assault on the QB may have some pass-heavy teams in the conference scratching their heads and replanning their offensive strategies against these guys. Aside from a dominant pass rushing defense, these guys are also rated #1 in passing offense in the conference with 22 TDs and only 1 INT. They have a tough 4 weeks coming up, with games against Austin, Oakland, and San Diego between them. While most might be thinking "we're about to find out just how good these guys are", I have a feeling they'll be going into week 9 with at least a 6-2 record, with wins over Oakland and San Diego along the way.
