Week 12 Rankings for USA #7 (Western Conference)
I could use some help doing these, so if any of the owners/GM's or even people on the team could PM me what you thought went right and wrong in your games (like what I've done here), it would save me a bunch of time. Thanks
Disclaimer: I am the owner of the New Brunswick n00bs and this is only my opinion based upon how the teams looked when I saw them
1. Waco Davidians
2. Bel Air Beardogs
3. Oakland Wizards
4. Great Plains Reapers
5. Las Vegas Stunners
6. Spicewood Longhorns
7. Dallas Red Raiders
8. New Brunswick n00bs
9. Scottsdale Sun Demons
10. Hartford Hellhounds
11. Grand Haven Mist
12. Portland Hitmen
13. Miami Cyclones
14. RGB Berzerk
15. Ambridge Brigade
16. Chicago Clams
1. Waco Davidians - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1220
What went right: Turnovers – In this game the Davidians had a whopping 7 turnovers (5 INTs, 2 fumbles recovered). It seemed that whenever Dallas sniffed a scoring opportunity, the Davidians’ secondary decided to perk up and get an interception.
What went wrong: Run Offense – Even though 2 of the TDs were rushing TDs, the Davidians had some trouble running the ball consistently this game gaining only 1.9 yds/carry. With the pass offense running pretty smoothly, the lack of run offense wasn’t a huge detriment for Waco.
Recent Game: W 36-3 at Dallas
Record: 11-1
Previous Rank: 1
Next Game: vs Portland Hitmen
2. Bel Air Beardogs - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1224
What went right:Defense – To shut-out a team that was in a playoff spot just a few games ago is impressive. They didn’t miss any tackles, stuffed the heck out of the backs (7 TFLs, 0 broken tackles), and harassed the QBs (4 hurries, 2 sacks) into 3 gut-wrenching INTs. The defense has proven to be the Beardogs strength as the season has progressed and it’ll be interesting to see if anyone can score with any consistency against them.
What went wrong: Nothing? – That was a pretty flawless performance from all aspects of the game. It looks like Bel Air is rounding into form at the right time.
Recent Game: W 34-0 vs Hartford
Record: 10-2
Previous Rank: 2
Next Game: at Oakland Wizards
3. Oakland Wizards - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1215
Contributor: Solo304
What went right: Run Offense - The rushing game kicked into high gear with 58 rushes for 380 yds and 6 TDs. On top of that, all the backs got in on the action with all of them getting at least 9 carries. When you run that well, it makes it hard to defend any kind of pass game.
What went wrong: Nothing? – Defensively and offensively this game had everything that a coach would love to see. Like Bel Air, it looks like they’re peaking at the right time, especially with their clash coming up in the next game.
Hellen Keller Watch: She went 3/6 for 33 yds, so it looks like the Wizards are still keeping her under wraps. The conference waits in anticipation to see what she’s really capable of.
Recent Game: W 75-0 at Ambridge
Record: 10-2
Previous Rank: 3
Next Game: vs Bel Air Beardogs
4. Great Plains Reapers - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1212
What went right: Pass Offense – Even with 5 dropped passes, the Reapers displayed an extremely efficient passing attack that did a lot of damage and racked up most of the Reapers’ yards.
What went wrong: Receivers - Next time around, the receivers will need to secure the ball better after they catch the ball though because the 2 lost fumbles could have proven costly.
Recent Game: W 13-10 at Scottsdale
Record: 9-3
Previous Rank: 4
Next Game: vs RGB Berzerk
5. Las Vegas Stunners - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1219
What went right: Run Offense – With the carries split evenly between them, the Stunners’ running back tandem ran rampant through the Miami defense. They broke 34 tackles en route to 4 TDs and an amazing 392 yds on the ground. Whatever Miami’s defense tried to do to stop this pounding attack was ultimately fruitless.
What went wrong: Pass Offense – While not horrible, the pass offense could use some more work in order for them to be more balanced. With so few throws attempted, the 3 dropped passes and 1 INT stand out a lot more.
Recent Game: W 40-7 vs Miami
Record: 9-3
Previous Rank: 5
Next Game: at New Brunswick n00bs
6. Spicewood Longhorns - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1214
What went right: Offense – In this game, the Longhorns decided to showcase their running game by racking up over 300 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. Meanwhile, their passing game continues to be one of the most polished ones in the conference with a completion rate of over 70% even with the 2 dropped passes. Spicewood is quickly assembling one of the more potent offenses in the league and will be a forced to be reckoned with.
What went wrong: Kicker – Even though they won by so much, the kicking issues might be problematic in the future. With a 33.5 yard and 20 yard FG missed, let’s just hope that the kicker had an off day.
Recent Game: W 27-0 vs Chicago
Record: 8-4
Previous Rank: 7
Next Game: at Grand Haven Mist
7. Dallas Red Raiders - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1217
What went right: Run Defense – The Dallas defense was able to stuff up the lanes pretty well and got into the backfield 11 times to take down the Davidian’s backs. All in all, they did a great job limiting the damage on the ground by holding Waco to a relatively low 1.9 yds/carry. But with the ridiculous 90-57 offensive play disparity, it was a lot to overcome.
What went wrong: INTs – I actually would like to know what settings Dallas used because they only had 1 real rush all game (I don’t count the QB rush, haha), which is ridiculously impressive. I’m guessing that the thinking behind the strategy was to live and die by the passing game, which wasn’t such a bad idea. Unfortunately, the Raiders died by this strategy and the QBs combined for a whopping 5 INTs.
Recent Game: L 3-36 vs Waco
Record: 7-4-1
Previous Rank: 6
Next Game: at Chicago Clams
8. New Brunswick n00bs - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1210
What went right: Balanced Offense– Wow…has that ever been used to describe the n00bs? This was probably the first game in which the running game was not solely relied on. The passing game is starting to kick it up a bit and completed over 60% of their passes for a solid 100 yds. The n00bs will need to continue rounding out their offense in order to beat some of the teams at the top.
What went wrong: Tackling – The defense had some trouble wrapping up some of Portland’s runners and ended up with 7 missed tackles. Fortunately, the Portland’s running game was still stifled.
Recent Game: W 29-10 at Portland
Record: 7-5
Previous Rank: 8
Next Game: vs Las Vegas Stunners
9. Scottsdale Sun Demons - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1225
What went right: Pass Offense – After getting hurt by long pass plays last game, the Sun Demons channeled a bit of that into the first drive of the game by completing an impressive 39 yd TD pass play to take the early advantage. As the game progressed, the passing game really held together and was helped along with the solid hands of the receivers.
What went wrong: Turnover – While Great Plains had one more turnover, the turnover that was committed by the Sun Demons just killed a drive that probably would have led to at least a FG. While they got the ball back pretty quickly, the loss in field position was too much for them to overcome.
Recent Game: L 10-13 vs Great Plains
Record: 5-6-1
Previous Rank: 9
Next Game: at Hartford Hellhounds
10. Hartford Hellhounds - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1216
What went right: Punter – The Hellhounds’ punter did a great job trying to keep Bel Air’s offense off of their side of the field, but with Bel Air’s relentless offense, it was a futile effort.
What went wrong: Pass Protection – The QBs got harassed all game and wore down as the game progressed. With 4 hurries and 2 sacks, it’s very hard for a QB to start throwing precise passes. Those morale blowing plays played a part in causing the 3 INTs thrown.
Recent Game: L 0-34 at Bel Air
Record: 5-7
Previous Rank: 10
Next Game: vs Scottsdale Sun Demons
11. Grand Haven Mist - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1222
What went right: Run Offense – Grand Haven gained nearly 250 yards on the ground and basically ran the ball right into RGB’s defense, which didn’t have an answer. The Mists got practically everyone involved including the QB who gained some yards with a rush. If the Mists can continue with the solid ball movement that was displayed in this game, they could be a dangerous team to face.
What went wrong: Punt Return – When RGB punted, the Mists were never really able to take advantage of field position because the punt returns were snuffed out pretty quickly. Only averaging 9.7 yds/PR, the Mists will need more production if they end up in a field position battle.
Recent Game: W 27-7 at RGB
Record: 4-8
Previous Rank: 12
Next Game: vs Spicewood Longhorns
12. Portland Hitmen - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1211
What went right: Run Defense? – Considering that the Hitmen were going up against one of the top running attacks in the conference, the defense did an admirable job containing the n00bs’ backs to a solid, but not spectacular 3.7 yds/carry. If the n00bs’ passing game had sputtered, the results of this game could have been much different.
What went wrong: Kick Return Defense – The n00bs’ biggest offensive weapon this game was actually their kick returner. He almost broke returns for a TD twice. The Hitmen special teams had trouble fighting through blocks and allowed the n00bs to have excellent field position. This fact alone explains why even though the yardage disparity between the two teams was small, the difference in score was pretty huge.
Recent Game: L 10-29 vs New Brunswick
Record: 3-9
Previous Rank: 11
Next Game: at Waco Davidians
13. Miami Cyclones - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1955
What went right: Run Offense – Miami’s running backs did a solid job consistently moving the ball forward with an average of 3.7 yds/carry. Unfortunately, the offense didn’t lean on them as much, so they didn’t really get an opportunity to really shine.
What went wrong: QB Play – Going 9/28 with 3 INTs is pretty painful. But when you add in the fact that there were only 2 drops and 3 hurries, there really isn’t an excuse for the performance that the QBs have. Miami needs to hope that they don’t have to rely on the passing game anytime in the near future.
Recent Game: L 7-40 at Las Vegas
Record: 3-9
Previous Rank: 13
Next Game: vs Ambridge Brigade
14. RGB Berzerk - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1223
What went right: QB play – The RGB quarterbacks did a decent job managing the game. Even with 4 drops and 4 hurries, they were still able to piece together some nice drives. As the QBs and WRs continue to improve, RGB’s passing game will become more potent.
What went wrong: Kicker – Granted, 6 points don’t look like they make a huge difference in this game, but if RGB hopes to pull out any more wins this season, they’ll need a kicker who can hit some FGs to get them on the board more.
Recent Game: L 7-27 vs Grand Haven
Record: 2-9
Previous Rank: 14
Next Game: at Great Plains Reapers
15. Ambridge Brigade - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1221
What went right: Wide Receivers – For the most part, if the ball was thrown their way, they were able to bring it in. Unfortunately, not enough passes were thrown towards them and the Brigade just couldn’t muster up enough offense.
What went wrong: Run Offense – Teams almost always need the running game to set up their passing game. When your team rushes for negative yards (-13.5 yds), it’s never a good sign. Ambridge’s backs were just unable to gain anything on the ground and forced the QBs to make an inordinate amount of throws to the point where INTs were easy to be had.
Recent Game: L 0-75 vs Oakland
Record: 1-11
Previous Rank: 15
Next Game: at Miami Cyclones
16. Chicago Clams - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1218
What went right: Punting – Once again, the Clams’ biggest defensive weapon was their punter. Averaging over 35 yards/punt in this game, the punter kept the Longhorns at bay for as long as he could.
What went wrong: Run Defense – For the most part the Clams’ D-line got pushed around all game and the linebackers didn’t do a great job tackling. The extra yards that Spicewood gained on the ground was an unwelcome development in this game that the Clams couldn’t afford to have.
Recent Game: L 0-27 at Spicewood
Record: 1-11
Previous Rank: 16
Next Game: vs Dallas Red Raiders
Offensive Player of the Week:
HB Duke Nuke’em Las Vegas – 30 rushes, 229 yards (7.6 yd/carry avg), 17 broken tackles, 1 TFL, 4 TDs
Defensive Player of the Week:
CB Method Mann Oakland – 4 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 2 PDs, 1 INT returned for a TD (62 yds)
Special Teams Player of the Week:
CB Eddy Battle New Brunswick – 3 KR for 155 yds (51.7 yd/KR) and 6 PRs for 76.5 yds (12.8 yd/PR)
Game of the Week:
#3 Oakland vs #2 Bel Air
Bel Air has come on strong the past couple of games, while Oakland has started strong, but had to battle to get some of their recent wins. However, Oakland seemed to find its stride against Ambridge and with both coming off pretty flawless games, these two 10-2 teams are in a clash to see who has the inside track to be at least the #2 seed in the playoffs.
Prediction: There is a little known thing called the Ambridge curse, where the past 5 teams that beat Ambridge ended up losing their next game against Bel Air. Both Waco and Great Plains were felled by this curse and I don’t believe Oakland will be able to overcome it.
Predicted Score: 20-17 Bel Air
#10 Hartford vs #9 Scottsdale
This is in all likelihood an elimination game. Whoever loses this game will have a much harder mountain to climb. Whoever wins this game will very much still be in the playoff hunt.
Prediction: In Scottsdale’s game against Great Plains, they showed that they still have a fire burning inside of them. Hartford has seemingly fallen off and hasn’t been able to muster enough effort to show that they’ll be able to rise up.
Predicted Score: 24-10 Scottsdale
Current “Game of the Week” Record: 6-10
For individual stat comparisons, look here: http://goallineblitz.com/game/stats.pl?league_id=38&conference_id=75
For team stat comparisons, look here: http://goallineblitz.com/game/team_stats.pl?league_id=38&conference_id=75
If you have a different opinion of the players of the week, have a “play of the week” or have a prediction of the “Game of the Week” post below. Let’s see how this season turns out and good luck in week 13
I could use some help doing these, so if any of the owners/GM's or even people on the team could PM me what you thought went right and wrong in your games (like what I've done here), it would save me a bunch of time. Thanks
Disclaimer: I am the owner of the New Brunswick n00bs and this is only my opinion based upon how the teams looked when I saw them
1. Waco Davidians
2. Bel Air Beardogs
3. Oakland Wizards
4. Great Plains Reapers
5. Las Vegas Stunners
6. Spicewood Longhorns
7. Dallas Red Raiders
8. New Brunswick n00bs
9. Scottsdale Sun Demons
10. Hartford Hellhounds
11. Grand Haven Mist
12. Portland Hitmen
13. Miami Cyclones
14. RGB Berzerk
15. Ambridge Brigade
16. Chicago Clams
1. Waco Davidians - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1220
What went right: Turnovers – In this game the Davidians had a whopping 7 turnovers (5 INTs, 2 fumbles recovered). It seemed that whenever Dallas sniffed a scoring opportunity, the Davidians’ secondary decided to perk up and get an interception.
What went wrong: Run Offense – Even though 2 of the TDs were rushing TDs, the Davidians had some trouble running the ball consistently this game gaining only 1.9 yds/carry. With the pass offense running pretty smoothly, the lack of run offense wasn’t a huge detriment for Waco.
Recent Game: W 36-3 at Dallas
Record: 11-1
Previous Rank: 1
Next Game: vs Portland Hitmen
2. Bel Air Beardogs - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1224
What went right:Defense – To shut-out a team that was in a playoff spot just a few games ago is impressive. They didn’t miss any tackles, stuffed the heck out of the backs (7 TFLs, 0 broken tackles), and harassed the QBs (4 hurries, 2 sacks) into 3 gut-wrenching INTs. The defense has proven to be the Beardogs strength as the season has progressed and it’ll be interesting to see if anyone can score with any consistency against them.
What went wrong: Nothing? – That was a pretty flawless performance from all aspects of the game. It looks like Bel Air is rounding into form at the right time.
Recent Game: W 34-0 vs Hartford
Record: 10-2
Previous Rank: 2
Next Game: at Oakland Wizards
3. Oakland Wizards - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1215
Contributor: Solo304
What went right: Run Offense - The rushing game kicked into high gear with 58 rushes for 380 yds and 6 TDs. On top of that, all the backs got in on the action with all of them getting at least 9 carries. When you run that well, it makes it hard to defend any kind of pass game.
What went wrong: Nothing? – Defensively and offensively this game had everything that a coach would love to see. Like Bel Air, it looks like they’re peaking at the right time, especially with their clash coming up in the next game.
Hellen Keller Watch: She went 3/6 for 33 yds, so it looks like the Wizards are still keeping her under wraps. The conference waits in anticipation to see what she’s really capable of.
Recent Game: W 75-0 at Ambridge
Record: 10-2
Previous Rank: 3
Next Game: vs Bel Air Beardogs
4. Great Plains Reapers - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1212
What went right: Pass Offense – Even with 5 dropped passes, the Reapers displayed an extremely efficient passing attack that did a lot of damage and racked up most of the Reapers’ yards.
What went wrong: Receivers - Next time around, the receivers will need to secure the ball better after they catch the ball though because the 2 lost fumbles could have proven costly.
Recent Game: W 13-10 at Scottsdale
Record: 9-3
Previous Rank: 4
Next Game: vs RGB Berzerk
5. Las Vegas Stunners - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1219
What went right: Run Offense – With the carries split evenly between them, the Stunners’ running back tandem ran rampant through the Miami defense. They broke 34 tackles en route to 4 TDs and an amazing 392 yds on the ground. Whatever Miami’s defense tried to do to stop this pounding attack was ultimately fruitless.
What went wrong: Pass Offense – While not horrible, the pass offense could use some more work in order for them to be more balanced. With so few throws attempted, the 3 dropped passes and 1 INT stand out a lot more.
Recent Game: W 40-7 vs Miami
Record: 9-3
Previous Rank: 5
Next Game: at New Brunswick n00bs
6. Spicewood Longhorns - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1214
What went right: Offense – In this game, the Longhorns decided to showcase their running game by racking up over 300 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. Meanwhile, their passing game continues to be one of the most polished ones in the conference with a completion rate of over 70% even with the 2 dropped passes. Spicewood is quickly assembling one of the more potent offenses in the league and will be a forced to be reckoned with.
What went wrong: Kicker – Even though they won by so much, the kicking issues might be problematic in the future. With a 33.5 yard and 20 yard FG missed, let’s just hope that the kicker had an off day.
Recent Game: W 27-0 vs Chicago
Record: 8-4
Previous Rank: 7
Next Game: at Grand Haven Mist
7. Dallas Red Raiders - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1217
What went right: Run Defense – The Dallas defense was able to stuff up the lanes pretty well and got into the backfield 11 times to take down the Davidian’s backs. All in all, they did a great job limiting the damage on the ground by holding Waco to a relatively low 1.9 yds/carry. But with the ridiculous 90-57 offensive play disparity, it was a lot to overcome.
What went wrong: INTs – I actually would like to know what settings Dallas used because they only had 1 real rush all game (I don’t count the QB rush, haha), which is ridiculously impressive. I’m guessing that the thinking behind the strategy was to live and die by the passing game, which wasn’t such a bad idea. Unfortunately, the Raiders died by this strategy and the QBs combined for a whopping 5 INTs.
Recent Game: L 3-36 vs Waco
Record: 7-4-1
Previous Rank: 6
Next Game: at Chicago Clams
8. New Brunswick n00bs - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1210
What went right: Balanced Offense– Wow…has that ever been used to describe the n00bs? This was probably the first game in which the running game was not solely relied on. The passing game is starting to kick it up a bit and completed over 60% of their passes for a solid 100 yds. The n00bs will need to continue rounding out their offense in order to beat some of the teams at the top.
What went wrong: Tackling – The defense had some trouble wrapping up some of Portland’s runners and ended up with 7 missed tackles. Fortunately, the Portland’s running game was still stifled.
Recent Game: W 29-10 at Portland
Record: 7-5
Previous Rank: 8
Next Game: vs Las Vegas Stunners
9. Scottsdale Sun Demons - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1225
What went right: Pass Offense – After getting hurt by long pass plays last game, the Sun Demons channeled a bit of that into the first drive of the game by completing an impressive 39 yd TD pass play to take the early advantage. As the game progressed, the passing game really held together and was helped along with the solid hands of the receivers.
What went wrong: Turnover – While Great Plains had one more turnover, the turnover that was committed by the Sun Demons just killed a drive that probably would have led to at least a FG. While they got the ball back pretty quickly, the loss in field position was too much for them to overcome.
Recent Game: L 10-13 vs Great Plains
Record: 5-6-1
Previous Rank: 9
Next Game: at Hartford Hellhounds
10. Hartford Hellhounds - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1216
What went right: Punter – The Hellhounds’ punter did a great job trying to keep Bel Air’s offense off of their side of the field, but with Bel Air’s relentless offense, it was a futile effort.
What went wrong: Pass Protection – The QBs got harassed all game and wore down as the game progressed. With 4 hurries and 2 sacks, it’s very hard for a QB to start throwing precise passes. Those morale blowing plays played a part in causing the 3 INTs thrown.
Recent Game: L 0-34 at Bel Air
Record: 5-7
Previous Rank: 10
Next Game: vs Scottsdale Sun Demons
11. Grand Haven Mist - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1222
What went right: Run Offense – Grand Haven gained nearly 250 yards on the ground and basically ran the ball right into RGB’s defense, which didn’t have an answer. The Mists got practically everyone involved including the QB who gained some yards with a rush. If the Mists can continue with the solid ball movement that was displayed in this game, they could be a dangerous team to face.
What went wrong: Punt Return – When RGB punted, the Mists were never really able to take advantage of field position because the punt returns were snuffed out pretty quickly. Only averaging 9.7 yds/PR, the Mists will need more production if they end up in a field position battle.
Recent Game: W 27-7 at RGB
Record: 4-8
Previous Rank: 12
Next Game: vs Spicewood Longhorns
12. Portland Hitmen - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1211
What went right: Run Defense? – Considering that the Hitmen were going up against one of the top running attacks in the conference, the defense did an admirable job containing the n00bs’ backs to a solid, but not spectacular 3.7 yds/carry. If the n00bs’ passing game had sputtered, the results of this game could have been much different.
What went wrong: Kick Return Defense – The n00bs’ biggest offensive weapon this game was actually their kick returner. He almost broke returns for a TD twice. The Hitmen special teams had trouble fighting through blocks and allowed the n00bs to have excellent field position. This fact alone explains why even though the yardage disparity between the two teams was small, the difference in score was pretty huge.
Recent Game: L 10-29 vs New Brunswick
Record: 3-9
Previous Rank: 11
Next Game: at Waco Davidians
13. Miami Cyclones - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1955
What went right: Run Offense – Miami’s running backs did a solid job consistently moving the ball forward with an average of 3.7 yds/carry. Unfortunately, the offense didn’t lean on them as much, so they didn’t really get an opportunity to really shine.
What went wrong: QB Play – Going 9/28 with 3 INTs is pretty painful. But when you add in the fact that there were only 2 drops and 3 hurries, there really isn’t an excuse for the performance that the QBs have. Miami needs to hope that they don’t have to rely on the passing game anytime in the near future.
Recent Game: L 7-40 at Las Vegas
Record: 3-9
Previous Rank: 13
Next Game: vs Ambridge Brigade
14. RGB Berzerk - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1223
What went right: QB play – The RGB quarterbacks did a decent job managing the game. Even with 4 drops and 4 hurries, they were still able to piece together some nice drives. As the QBs and WRs continue to improve, RGB’s passing game will become more potent.
What went wrong: Kicker – Granted, 6 points don’t look like they make a huge difference in this game, but if RGB hopes to pull out any more wins this season, they’ll need a kicker who can hit some FGs to get them on the board more.
Recent Game: L 7-27 vs Grand Haven
Record: 2-9
Previous Rank: 14
Next Game: at Great Plains Reapers
15. Ambridge Brigade - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1221
What went right: Wide Receivers – For the most part, if the ball was thrown their way, they were able to bring it in. Unfortunately, not enough passes were thrown towards them and the Brigade just couldn’t muster up enough offense.
What went wrong: Run Offense – Teams almost always need the running game to set up their passing game. When your team rushes for negative yards (-13.5 yds), it’s never a good sign. Ambridge’s backs were just unable to gain anything on the ground and forced the QBs to make an inordinate amount of throws to the point where INTs were easy to be had.
Recent Game: L 0-75 vs Oakland
Record: 1-11
Previous Rank: 15
Next Game: at Miami Cyclones
16. Chicago Clams - http://goallineblitz.com/game/team.pl?team_id=1218
What went right: Punting – Once again, the Clams’ biggest defensive weapon was their punter. Averaging over 35 yards/punt in this game, the punter kept the Longhorns at bay for as long as he could.
What went wrong: Run Defense – For the most part the Clams’ D-line got pushed around all game and the linebackers didn’t do a great job tackling. The extra yards that Spicewood gained on the ground was an unwelcome development in this game that the Clams couldn’t afford to have.
Recent Game: L 0-27 at Spicewood
Record: 1-11
Previous Rank: 16
Next Game: vs Dallas Red Raiders
Offensive Player of the Week:
HB Duke Nuke’em Las Vegas – 30 rushes, 229 yards (7.6 yd/carry avg), 17 broken tackles, 1 TFL, 4 TDs
Defensive Player of the Week:
CB Method Mann Oakland – 4 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 2 PDs, 1 INT returned for a TD (62 yds)
Special Teams Player of the Week:
CB Eddy Battle New Brunswick – 3 KR for 155 yds (51.7 yd/KR) and 6 PRs for 76.5 yds (12.8 yd/PR)
Game of the Week:
#3 Oakland vs #2 Bel Air
Bel Air has come on strong the past couple of games, while Oakland has started strong, but had to battle to get some of their recent wins. However, Oakland seemed to find its stride against Ambridge and with both coming off pretty flawless games, these two 10-2 teams are in a clash to see who has the inside track to be at least the #2 seed in the playoffs.
Prediction: There is a little known thing called the Ambridge curse, where the past 5 teams that beat Ambridge ended up losing their next game against Bel Air. Both Waco and Great Plains were felled by this curse and I don’t believe Oakland will be able to overcome it.
Predicted Score: 20-17 Bel Air
#10 Hartford vs #9 Scottsdale
This is in all likelihood an elimination game. Whoever loses this game will have a much harder mountain to climb. Whoever wins this game will very much still be in the playoff hunt.
Prediction: In Scottsdale’s game against Great Plains, they showed that they still have a fire burning inside of them. Hartford has seemingly fallen off and hasn’t been able to muster enough effort to show that they’ll be able to rise up.
Predicted Score: 24-10 Scottsdale
Current “Game of the Week” Record: 6-10
For individual stat comparisons, look here: http://goallineblitz.com/game/stats.pl?league_id=38&conference_id=75
For team stat comparisons, look here: http://goallineblitz.com/game/team_stats.pl?league_id=38&conference_id=75
If you have a different opinion of the players of the week, have a “play of the week” or have a prediction of the “Game of the Week” post below. Let’s see how this season turns out and good luck in week 13
