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+---- Thread: (S16) - Ultimus Week (/showthread.php?tid=14448)
(S16) - Ultimus Week - BWIII - 08-09-2019
1) Playoff Predictions, Reviews:
Written: Give a short write up of one or multiple playoff matches. If completed before the airing of the sims have predictions, after if it is a review of the game.
Graphic: Make a graphic displaying the matchups in the playoffs. If completed before sim, predict scores and show stats, if after, give a summary of game showing stats and top performers.
Arizona Outlaws 41, San Jose Sabercats 21
Here was the most interesting matchup going into the playoffs with Arizona and San Jose 7-6 and the Outlaws having home field advantage. San Jose almost failed to show up as the Outlaws went up 24-0 before they did anything. At that point it was basically over as they were down huge and Arizona's stable of running backs were able to chew clock. Vans was a beast racking up 13 tackles with 2 sacks and Martavius Mack got a pick 6!
Philadelphia Liberty 35, Yellowknife Wraiths 34
Well if you were to go off the regular season matchups you knew this one was going to be another tight contest. Still not may had the Liberty standing a chance, but despite that they stayed toe for toe all game long. The Liberty decided to switch things up, throwing Jones out wide for a good amount of the game and he responded with 164 yards on 9 receptions. On defense the Liberty were able to limit Bigsby to only 271 yards and that in itself helped secure the game.
Philadelphia Liberty 47, Chicago Butchers 34
Well surely the best team in the league during the regular season would mean playoff success right? WRONG! Lennox Garnett disrupted everything that Chicago wanted to do in the air and held Oles to only 32 yards receiving while picking off 3 passes. On offense, Falconi sliced Chicago's defense and Farley Hank vultured some TDs. A surpsise to the game was Kyle Frost, arguably the worst kicker in the league, was perfect 4/4 on field goals.
Arizona Outlaws 31, Orange County Otters 3
Well talk about not showing up. Whatever the Otters game plan was it sucked, plain and simple. Arizona on the road was able to limit Showbiz to less than 300 yards passing and picked him off twice. With Reed getting a measly 2.6 yards per carry the Outlaws had a field day.
Arizona Outlaws 34, Philadelphia Liberty 30
Well the matchup everyone saw coming right! Back and forth all day this game had everything you wanted in a championship game, offense, defense, and a close ending. Arizona ran wild over Philly as both Zephyrous and Shady had over 100 yards rushing, while Kyle Frost knocked in field goal and after field goal. A pick 6 late in the game gave Philly the lead, but Arizona responded right back. As the Liberty marched down field, Vander Jones broke free, but was tripped up short of the end zone as time expired.
3) All about the QBs
Written: Write 200 words on one of the QB matchups in this year's playoffs. What are you most excited to see (Or excited to have seen), who will play better (Or who played better), etc.
Graphic: Create a graphic on a QB matchup, (Pictures with side-by-side statistics).
The quarterback matchup I was most excited to see was Adriana Falconi vs Rose Jenkins. As the only two female quarterbacks in the league it had a ton of storylines and a natural rivalry.........err well actually that's a one sided rivalry as Falconi doesn't really think about Jenkins at all while Jenkins has a weird obsession about Falconi. Well anyways as the Liberty went into Chicago, what better a scene. Things didn't start out great for Falconi as she threw a pick 6 early, but quickly she bounced back and started slicing up the Butchers. Vander Jones, Zapp Brannigan, and Jordan von Matt all proved to be reliable targets as she was well on her way to over 300 yards passing and a 98 quarterback rating. On the other side of the field sat Jenkins watching in excitement as her idol was slaying her defense. When it was her turn to throw, she wanted to be just like Falconi and let it rip.....but unfortunately she kept trying to test Lennox Garnett for some reason and that bad man picked her off 3 times almost returning two of them for touchdowns. At the end of the day despite throwing for 3 touchdowns, Jenkins was out of her element.
5) Spotlight on Youth (S15 edition)
Written: The first r/nfl wave made our biggest class ever. Now that class is hitting its prime. Write 200 words on one of the players in this year's Ultimus Week that are Season 15 and spotlight on how they can affect or did affect this year's Ultimus. (NSFL Only)
Graphics: Create a graphic of a Season 15 player with a statistical breakdown on their season, or their playoff performances.
Well I mean we have a few S15 players on the team and they were a huge reason why we were in the Ultimas this year, but there is one player that made a huge impact during the Ultimas and you couldn't talk about the game without him. Who am I talking about? Richard D'Attoria V of course! That dude was a key piece all season long, playing primarily in the strong side linebacker as a safety, but also moving around to nickel back some of the time as well as playing strong safety. In the ultimas though he was playing nickelback and was basically in on every single play. He ended up with seventeen tackles as his nose was keenly on the ball, he broke up a pass, and had a 42 yard interception he returned for a touchdown to give the Liberty a lead with 7:59 left. Of course the Liberty didn't end up winning the game as the let up a touchdown and weren't able to respond, but nevertheless they held their own and Richard D'Attoria was a huge reason why. Some people questioned the pick of D'Attoria, while others tried to trade for him both during the draft and as soon as the Ultimas was over, but he's a true reason why the future is bright in Philly.
8) Strategies
Written: Unless you won the Championship, what changes does your team need to make in the offseason to improve your chances next year.
Graphics: Create a graphic showing the holes in your team and how to overcome them.
Even though we made the Ultimas and defied the odds, there are some obvious holes that we need to take care of going forward if we want to take that next step. First off we need to dump Stayve Jerome Thomas. We picked him up because there was really no other defensive line options, but when we got him into camp we realized he was weak as could be. He ended up playing more time at middle linebacker with Rock Hardshaft having to try and convert to defensive end, but even at middle linebacker he was a liability. So first order of business is to get a new linebacker. After we take care of that we need to improve the beef on our defensive line. Alberto McGwire was ok, but he was just too young. Getting a new DT to actually play DT and allow Smyles to go back to playing mostly defensive end. Lastly we need to get one more defensive back. We did good picking up Derek Bohne, but we still need one more to make a real improvement especially with Jake Verden retiring. Lastly we need a new kicker. There is absolutely no way we can go into next season with Kyle Frost as our kicker.
(S16) - Ultimus Week - Tomasnz - 08-09-2019
ShL pt
Gomhl media - http://gomhl.jcink.net/index.php?act=ST&f=12&t=10509
8) strategies
So, we didn't have the most successful season that's for sure. But we have developed some pieces and the talent is starting to grow on our team. But I have always noted that once you can get your team to that above average talent level fairly evenly across the board (important in a salary cap system) it is about using scheme to elevate the team to the next level.
For that and since I feel like this is a two RB league, I'd like to see the use of the 2-2-1 formation a lot more. With running backs lined up as a split backfield. Infact, I think this should be the base formation for every offensive snap. The double RB split means that teams really need to stack the box to ensure that they are not going to be exposed by a zone running style in either direction.
And once those boxes start getting stacked as the game goes on you can start using the two wide receivers to run go and post routes to either create a deep play threat or to open up underneath the field for yours truly to make a big gain off a short pass inside the numbers
The key to this approach is the commitment to the base formation. It means that teams are unable to adequately prepare for what is coming as which ever set up they adopt you have a key part of that offensive set up ready to take advantage of the natural holes their adjustments create.
+Ph2
(S16) - Ultimus Week - JuOSu - 08-09-2019
PBE PT
7) Next year
The New Orleans Second Line surprised people this season. We were expected to be as bad as last year, but we managed to improve quite significantly, getting a 6-7 record and missing the playoffs by one game. Our team has improved dramatically in terms of activity, especially with younger players. We have a new Quarterback who is improving fast in myself, we have two amazing linebackers who are max earners and who will get better every season. We have great weapons on offense, in an aging Fyodo who is still doing well, an up-and-coming running back in Tom Hanks who did very well and another RB / WR weapon in Bayley, Tyler Swift who is doing really well too. As this core of players get better, we also have other valuable pieces still like Deon Taylor and other aging inactive players. Still, our team is only getting better every season and if we manage to draft well and add a free agent or two, we will be a great contender for a championship in the next two or three seasons. No doubt. When it comes to next season, I think we just need to focus on what we do best and that should be enough to be a great contender for a title.
8) Strategies
The New Orleans Second Line have a very good team already and are on the up and up. We are getting better every season and will continue to do so, but continuing on that track is the important part. We have to make sure we keep the right players around and extend our core players for a long time, from myself to Tom Hanks to Johnny Slothface to Quenton Bode to Deon Taylor to Tyler Swift. There are some amazing younger players in that core and I think this core is strong enough to contend for a title. Byeond that, I think we need to maybe get a free agent or two. It would be great to add a cornerback or a wide receiver in either the draft or free agency. That way, we will really be stronger and contend for even more wins and get ourselves into the playoffs and then contend for a title. When it comes to the future, the New Orleans Second Line are on a great path to improve as a whole and that will be a great way to be better. I think we will be a contender for a title within the next two seasons. It only needs a couple good moves to get there for us.
(S16) - Ultimus Week - karl - 08-09-2019
1) Playoff Predictions, Reviews:
It was an exciting playoff run for the champion Arizona Outlaws, but one game in particular that stands out is the nail biter winner take all ultimus final victory. Fresh off a commanding win against divisional rival Orange County Otters, the Outlaws kept their foot on the gas scoring the games first touchdown. The Liberty would respond though with a touchdown of their own to end the quarter in a tie 7-7. Arizona would regain their lead with a quick pair of touchdowns early in the 2nd quarter. After an exchange of a few field goals Arizona ended the half up 24-13. Eager to regain some ground the Philadelphia Liberty scored a touchdown early to bring the game within 4 points. The two teams once again exchanged field goals to end the quarter. Entering the 4th and final quarter Arizona had a 27-23 lead, but the Liberty dug deep and gained their first lead of the game off a 42 yard interception to go up 30-27 with just under 8 minutes remaining. Arizona wouldn't roll over though, scoring a touchdown of their own with just 1:30 remaining in the game to regain their lead 34-30. They'd go on to win this one and claim eternal glory as the S16 champions.
3) All about the QBs
Sticking with the theme of the first task lets dive deeper in to the ultimus final game and compare the performances of Philadelphia Liberty's Adriana Falconi and Arizona Outlaw's Andrew Reese. With similar passer ratings of 80.6 and 81.2 respectively, their performances were quite similar. Falconi threw for 236 yards and a single touchdown for an average of 11.8 yards per completion. Andrew Reese on the other hand threw for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns for an average of 9.8 yards per completion. The glaring hole in his game though was his 2 interceptions, one of which nearly cost them the game as the Liberty's Richard D'Attoria was able to run it back for a go ahead touchdown with just under 8 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Falconi meanwhile was flawless, registering zero interceptions. Both of these quarterbacks are known for their throwing game as they combined for a whopping 3 yards of running across a meager 2 attempts. While both played well I have to give the edge to Andrew Reese. His 2 interceptions is hard to ignore, but his 3 touchdowns, including a clutch game winning drive with under 2 minutes left, are just too delicious.
4) Head to Head Matchups
In week 6 the Philadelphia Liberty and Arizona Outlaws met for the first time this season. They met a second time in the Ultimus final. Being in different divisions makes to difficult to really form a rivalry, but there were certainly a few matchups that stuck in peoples head as we entered the final. Raymond Vans, the league leader in sacks, was up to his usual tricks racking up 2 sacks in week 6 against Adriana Falconi. It was safe to say she had her eye on the lethal linebacker entering this one. Another would be Liberty safety Richard D'Attoria V who, much like Vans, was able to rack up a pair of sacks against Outlaws QB Andrew Reese. D'Attoria was able to fallow up on his week 6 performance piling up an insane 17 tackles and earning the defensive player of the game in a losing effort for the Liberty. Vans meanwhile was unable to do nearly as much damage to Falconi and the Liberty collecting just 1 tackle and 1 sack. In both these cases the Liberty player arguably outperformed the Outlaw player in the offensive/defensive matchup, but fortunately for Outlaw fans the surrounding cast was able to carry them to victory and championship glory.
16) Unsung Hero
shl s49 pt1 claim
(S16) - Ultimus Week - Rabidsponge21 - 08-09-2019
http://gomhl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic...ndpost&p=125921
(S16) - Ultimus Week - Jaspers - 08-09-2019
9:
Takeda has gained a few enemies in his short stint in the DSFL. Perhaps the most clear enemy of his, would be fellow elite safety Tyron Brackenridge. Or as Okura would say, “Tyron Trashketridge” is the more appropriate name. The two have beefed ever since the season started, and it intensified under Brackenridge’s immense growth throughout the course of the season. While Okura took the DSFL season a little lightly, as simple a small prep year for the NSFL, Brackenridge has improved his game tremendously, much to the chagrin of Okura to admit. His articles and pt responses were always just a bit better and more active than Okura, and it drove Takeda to work harder. In the Marshal’s locker room, Brackenridge would frequently come in and make fun of both Takeda and his teammates. While one might say it was toxic behavior, another may simply say that it’s all playful banter. One thing is for sure though, Brackenridge never was as fast, or got as many tackles as Okura.
79 tackles to Brackenridge’s pitiful 57. And while one may say Brackenridge got one more int, yadda yadda, if you saw the game film, it was clear that Okura was a no fly zone. While Brackenridge gave up deep passes, Okura was never even thrown to.
In short, Okura and Brackenridge don’t really like one another.
7:
The Marshals, while making the playoffs, were robbed in the playoffs still. Their matchup against the top seed luchadores. Not only did the Marshals have more total offensive yardage, 367 to the Luchadore’s 344, but many stupid unlucky breaks hindered their team’s performance. Owens also was a better running back than Donut, but the team simply failed to convert good field position. The reason the Marshals lost was because of a rigged game. That’s right, I’m saying it. The two fumbles lost in great field position that gave away the game, were actually incorrect calls by the referees. If you look closely at the instant replay, you can see that BOTH TIMES Owens lost the ball, his knee was already on the ground. How this wasn’t a bigger controversy was clear: the DSFL didn’t want you to know about it. Here’s what I think, the DSFL wanted the #1 seed and more popular team in the Luchadores to win and advance to the finals. Why? Mostly because as the season came to a close, and the two basement dwelling teams continued to flounder about, there was nothing to care for in the DSFL for weeks in a row. The matchups were mostly set a whole month in advance. The DSFL wanted the seeding to appear that it mattered, and such is why they gave the W and terrible fumble calls to the Luchadores.
19
Bubba Thumper is easily the greatest DT to ever play in the DSFL. Not only did he get 2 tackles per game on purpose “for fun”, he carried the Marshals defense to become one of the best in the game. In the playoffs, he continued this magical ability and got 2 tackles including one for a loss. Such consistency has only been rivaled by all time great kickers, not a defensive linemen. His consistency will most likely drive him into being a top 3 pick, in addition to his great locker room presence and athletic body.
Bubba Thumper isn’t so great? Are you kidding me? When was the last time you saw a player with such an ability to get two tackles per game as a defensive linemen? Bubba puts the game in another level, and we will be blessed if we ever see a player with his skill and passion for the game again. Brackenridge breaks locker rooms. RunCMC breaks records. Bubba Thumper breaks the rules. You can keep your uninteresting skill position prospects. I prefer the Thumper. His teamwork, communication and consistency all put him into the elite of the DSFL. Here’s to hoping he gets picked high next week in the draft.
(S16) - Ultimus Week - Opera_Phantom - 08-09-2019
12) Sit-down with a star
I interviewed our fellow @[Buttersquach101] (Brayden Ennis)
1) The playoffs are now finished, season is over, what do you think about the Outlaws win? Were they really the strongest team of the season?
Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to Interview me. Now that the playoffs are over I believe that they were the strongest in playoffs but not regular season. That goes towards the Butchers Imo.
2) Taking out the teams that got to the Ultimus game, what team surprised you the most for the positive?
Definitely the Butchers, they were the complete opposite of the other expansion team when I came to games. A surprise to all
3) What team flopped this year?
The team that flopped is Baltimore. They just came off of a Championship season and everyone had high hopes for them. Obviously next season they can come back to the playoffs but this was not their year.
4) Personally, did you achieve your goals for this season or there were some objectives missing?
Personally I wish I had better season stat wise. I wish we were able to make it to the ultimas but we had a great year compared to Palm Beach and Norfolk.
(S16) - Ultimus Week - PigSnout - 08-09-2019
PT Pass
(S16) - Ultimus Week - Revolution5 - 08-09-2019
Ready for Grading (1,100 Word count for all four)
12) Sit-down with a star
Written: Interview a player from a team that is not your own that is in the playoffs. You must ask them four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. YOU MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS FOR CREDIT.
Interview with Tyron Brackenridge
![[Image: nUrQosw.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/nUrQosw.jpg)
1.Q: Let’s start by talking about the obvious. It’s Tyron not “Tyrone”. When I’ve talked to people around the league, hell even your teammates they get it wrong. Does this bother you or have you grown to live with it?
1 A: It does bother me slightly but I believe that once I Tyron is able to prove himself on the field that people around the league will take notice and finally recognize what his name actually is.
2.Q: You lost to the #2 seed Pythons in the Semifinals. There was an unexpected replay of the game. Initially the Coyotes were tied going into the fourth for the original game. It seemed that you had the same impact with 5 tackles and a sack but the team around you did not play the same. What would you contribute to this 180 degree if of play from the Coyotes? (Fatigue of playing in back to back games, out coached as the coyotes game plan was revealed the first time or something else?
2A: I believe that fatigue definitely played a major factor in the re-play of the game. The Pythons were notorious throughout the season being the fastest team and it is difficult to keep up with for 4 quarters, which turned into 8. Tyron's rigorous training regiment played well into this extended game but for guys like Brayden Ennis they couldn't recuperate.
3Q: You’re being thrown around the top three of NSFL mock’s. Do you have a preference of either the copperheads, Yeti or NOLA? And what has been the biggest motivator for you this season?
3.A: Ideally I look for a situation to make the biggest impact and I believe that the Colorado Yetis would offer me that chance. The biggest motivator for this season in the DSFL would be the ability to grow and train before the real test in NSFL.
4Q: Fellow teammate Brayden Ennis is also mocked high in the upcoming draft. How has having a dominant DT help you during your rookie year?
4. A: I wouldn't exactly label Brayden Ennis' impact this season as dominant but it has been nice to have some plug in on the defensive line, which was otherwise full of bots or inactives
(WC 360)
3) All about the QBs
Written: Write 200 words on one of the QB matchups in this year's playoffs. What are you most excited to see (Or excited to have seen), who will play better (Or who played better), etc.
The SemiFinal QB matchup of Liberty vs Butchers provided a win for the underdog team but not the underdog QB.
Stats Liberty QB:
Cp/At Yds Avg TD Int Rating
Falconi, A. 23/37 332 14.4 2 1 98
Stats Butcher QB:
Cp/At Yds Avg TD Int Rating
Jenkins ®, R. 21/32 231 11 3 3 79
From face value it seems that Jenkins crumbled under pressure. The Butchers had to get away from their usual ground a pound (league’s second best rushing team) and put the game on Jenkins shoulders. He cracked with three interceptions and the defense did not help with their bend but don’t break defense failing to produce turnovers. The coaching tried to make it easy for Jenkins with short screen passes and slants bringing down his average depth of target to 11 however Liberty sniffed that out and stifled the Butchers offense.
Liberty stuck to their usual game plan and let Falconi dissect the defense while taking shots downfield as he’s done all season.
Jenkins will be looking to improve his skills over the offseason while Falconi will be praying for help in either the play calling department or infused talent in the run game/O-line to help give the Liberty that extra push.
(WC 206)
13) Sit-down with a fan:
Written: Answer questions for an interview from a player that is not your own. You must answer at least four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. Link to the interviewers PT to receive credit. NOTE: THEY MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR YOU TO GET CREDIT.
Interview with Fellow Prospect Net Gaines LB from Portland Wiki Player Page
1Q. For the Pospect Bowl in Week 1 you had 4 tackles and 2 for a loss. Week 2 – 8 tackles and 1 for a loss. What contributed to leading the team in tackles for losses? At face value I’d say your quickness but I know it goes deeper than that.
1A) I'd say my speed and quickness contributed most of my tackles! But really its my effort I've been training hard and that defiantly reflects on my plays in the field
2Q. As you caught selling weed in high school and presumably a known user coming from Portland. How do you see yourself handling yourself if you get drafted to Portland and being around that bad crowd? On top of that when you make the jump to NSFL and you have the opportunity to play for a Canadian team where weed is legal, how will you control the downward spiral that takes place for many athletes?
2A) playing for Portland was a defiantly interesting experience and something I have to be grateful since it was my only offer. I learned alot from it and recently decided to quit smoking and selling and I will stick to my word!
3Q. To stick on the substance topic can you please clear the air for many of the scouts wondering about your PED suspension.
3A) yes I admit my 3rd season as a portland viking i was taking PEDs to approve my performance but it was a mistake I would never make and i decided I wanna approve using my natural talent.
4Q. As Coach Jake Roberson was your mentor when you were younger, have you found any solace in NSFL vets that could replace that presents?
4A) Jake Roberson was a very special figure I was in a bad place since getting kicked out and even thought about quitting football! I've learned since and so far the NSFL gets proven to have that same influence as Roberson
(WC 332)
20) Let’s get Wild!(card)
Written: Write about a team in one of the wild card games from friday. Write about how they got robbed, or how they will win it all, or how they should have been the 1 seed.
Graphic: Create a graphic detailing one of the wild card matchup results. Give stats and big moments
Yellowknife Wraiths vs Philadelphia Liberty 34 - 35
What do Mike Smith, Rich Kotite, and Wraiths coaches all have in common? Bad clock management. End of the second quarter they executed their timeouts flawlessly. End of the fourth quarter….. not so much. Unsure in this digital sim world if a box wasn’t checked, a slider not moved but poor time management and trusting their defense instead of their offense on 4th and 1 sunk the Wraiths Ultimus hopes. Hat’s off to Wraith’s special teams kicker Harris and returners Snuggles and Grithead for equalizing this game. They kept Liberty constantly with a long field and their own offense with a short field. Liberty was just too efficient and their consistent offense and ball control (time of possession + 16 minutes, +195 total yards) sealed Wraith’s fate.
Next year the Wraiths will have an experience to pull from to fuel their goal of the finals giving their younger core building blocks. While Liberty hopes to not be cursed with the dreaded Ultimus hangover. Their aging roster is closing the competitive gap and the promising recruits coming up from DSFL could help quell the decline. The retirement of Branigan and the last few years of von Matt career could be aided from a key Free Agent acquisition or two.
(WC 208)
(S16) - Ultimus Week - run_CMC - 08-10-2019
Next Year (211 words)
The San Antonio Marshals are fighters. You know why we didn't do so well this past season, even with absolute championship caliber players like running back Ashley Owens, defensive tackle Bubba Thumper, and safety Takeda Okura? It's because the previous season, we did so damn well that our roster was depleted by pro level teams calling up our players. This season, we had a bad time. But that just means our team's gonna be shored up all over again with future champions. Recently the Marshals have been screwed by what some may call "sim luck." In the words of Kurt Vonnegut, "so it goes." Can't do anything about it now. However, we CAN be led by an excellent General Manager in Shadyshoelace, aka lil jarrarium. We CAN have an amazing draftclass that will be filled with future hall of famers. We CAN absolutely dominate the DSFL and secure another Ultimini trophy for San Antonio. We ended the season the worst of the non-bot teams. But that's okay. To quote our old motto, MarshalUp! Our dedication and drive is unmatched, so thanks to our D's we will be triumphant. And that's a promise. I don't drink, but I shall raise an empty glass to the start of Marshals dynasty soon to begin.
Sit Down with a Fan
Link
Sit Down with a Star (429 words, done with SwagSloth)
An Ultimus trophy. It's hard to punctuate a season better than that! First came the defeat of the Sabercats, then decimation of the Orange County Otters, and finally a narrow win in a tense game against the Liberty. What was the atmosphere like before that final game?
Honestly, we were riding a wave of emotion. The pressure was definitely there, but a convincing victory over the Otters really put us in a positive mindset. We showed up to play and our team was firing on all cylinders. The Ultimus was going to be a dogfight and we knew that going in, but we believed in one another and we simply told ourselves to stay the course.
How did it feel to throw that touchdown pass to Murphy with just a minute left on the clock to take the lead?
I talked about pressure and it was thick in those last few minutes. They had been covering Landers all game. But Murphy found ways to get open and they just couldn’t seem to get his number. I trusted in him and he didn’t let me down. He really carried the torch for us that whole game.
How does it feel to hoist an Ultimus Trophy for Arizona after being drafted as a defensive tackle several seasons ago and enduring a front office change and rebuild?
It has been a long and interesting journey. I was always grateful for the trust management placed in me as a DT, but it never felt right. Going back to QB felt so natural. I don’t have the arm that some guys have but playing on both sides of the ball helped me learn how to read defenses. It took a long road to get here, but the new management trusted me and I think that trust has now been vindicated. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by a great group of guys. These young guys are absolutely superstars in the making and I feel fortunate to call them my teammates.
And lastly, do you think Arizona can find this success again?
We have to. People were quick to write us off since we came into the playoffs as an underdog, but we proved that we belonged. Unfortunately, in this league, that’s something you have to keep proving every season. The real challenge will be finding ways to stay successful without becoming too predictable. We’re under a microscope now. Teams that may have overlooked us will now be studying our tapes harder than ever. We need to be a multi-dimensional team and I think we’re capable of that.
That Magic Moment (238 words)
One minute, four seconds left on the clock. Jeffrey Murphy cuts across the middle, a simple crossing route from the slot. The defensive line is closing in but Reese gets the ball away - they’re a touchdown from taking the lead in what would be Arizona’s first Ultimus victory since 2018 (and first appearance since then as well). Let’s rewind.
Two seasons prior, Arizona was at the bottom of the league and had the first overall pick of the draft. A previous rebuild failed after the angry retirement of their star quarterback, and the front office had finally fired their general manager and promoted the assistant to the main job. Fans feared another lengthy rebuild was due. However, the team was ready to prove its doubters wrong. After two excellent draft classes, and going from the bottom to above .500, Arizona was now fighting its way through a tough season 17. They managed to place 2nd in the ASFC, and then commanded a dominant victory over the Sabercats. When the conference championship game came, the Otters were heavy favorites. The Outlaws proceeded to slaughter them, holding them to just 3 points in a blowout victory.
Back to present. It’s all led up to this. 14 years of waiting for Arizona fans. Several seasons of turmoil for players. A head coach on the sidelines who’d been there for 11 seasons as a player. The ball sailed. Caught. Touchdown Arizona.