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+---- Thread: *Season 26 review, part 1, weeks 1-8 (/showthread.php?tid=28662)
*Season 26 review, part 1, weeks 1-8 - Air Crou - 01-03-2021
It's 2021. It's a new year. I kept thinking about making a review of my year in the league. But it felt pointless. And it would only take one paragraph. I was in Yellowknife when the year began, still chasing after the Ultimus. I started regressing, I switched positions, won the Ultimus, retired, recreated, got drafted by Dallas and Berlin, and now here I am, about to end my second season in the majors, while playing for Berlin. In the meantime, I got a GM gig in Portland, turned the team from a craphole to a contender, got fired for being a jerk basically, got a position for the budget team, applied for an expansion GM job, when Berlin and New York joined the league, didn't get it, then applied for the Philly GM job, when the team became a real shithole, no offence, again, didn't get it, and now, I am the league's majors streamer. I guess I gotta do an AMA about it at some point. DarknessRising made a piece about the streaming aspect of the league, and the order of the games, to which I was prompted to respond, and I think I gave an insightful response, but there are a couple things I'd like to talk about. Or should I talk about them here? I wanted this article to be the first part of the review of season 26, week-by-week, as done numerous times, but whatever, I am not doing this for your entertainment, I just want the money, and during double bonus, I will just annoy you with some word vomit. Let's get to it.
But before that, I want to explain the process. For each week, I will give you the scores, the standings, any team movement in the standings (in the parentheses), and a short PERSONAL comment on the week. Don't be offended, I will be equally harsh, or nice, with all the teams.
Week 1
Orange County Otters @ Arizona Outlaws 45-42
Baltimore Hawks @ Chicago Butchers 23-29
Sarasota Sailfish @ Colorado Yeti 15-27
San Jose SaberCats @ Honolulu Hahalua 27-24
Austin Copperheads @ New Orleans Second Line 21-24
Berlin Fire Salamanders @ New York Silverbacks 20-38
Philadelphia Liberty @ Yellowknife Wraiths 16-41
Standings
NSFC
1. Yellowknife Wraiths 1-0
=. Chicago Butchers 1-0
=. Colorado Yeti 1-0
4. Baltimore Hawks 0-1
=. Berlin Fire Salamanders 0-1
=. Philadelphia Liberty 0-1
=. Sarasota Sailfish 0-1
ASFC
1. Orange County Otters 1-0
=. San Jose SaberCats 1-0
=. New Orleans Second Line 1-0
=. New York Silverbacks 1-0
5. Arizona Outlaws 0-1
=. Honolulu Hahalua 0-1
=. Austin Copperheads 0-1
Week 1 went without much surprise, except for the Berlin @ New York game, where Berlin was heavily favored. Orange County winning wasn't a surprise, but how much of a clown fiesta the game was surprised me. But both Ramza and Cue played their minds out, throwing three touchdowns each. Yellowknife blowing Philly out was expected. Colorado proved that the years of them being the laughing stock of the league are gone, and Chicago showed signs of a contender. San Jose showed why they are the back to back champs of the league, and New Orleans grabbed a win that could prove worthy down the line, considering they were not favored to even be in the playoffs before the season began. Nothing to really say about the standings, it is too early.
Week 2
Honolulu Hahalua (0-1) @ Austin Copperheads (0-1) 30-34
Yellowknife Wraiths (1-0) @ Baltimore Hawks (0-1) 14-7
Colorado Yeti (1-0) @ Chicago Butchers (1-0) 3-20
Philadelphia Liberty (0-1) @ New Orleans Second Line (1-0)20-15
Arizona Outlaws (0-1) @ New York Silverbacks (1-0) 21-30
San Jose SaberCats (1-0) @ Orange County Otters (1-0) 21-34
Berlin Fire Salamanders (0-1) @ Sarasota Sailfish (0-1) 10-43
Standings
NSFC
1. Yellowknife Wraiths 2-0 (=)
=. Chicago Butchers 2-0 (=)
3. Colorado Yeti 1-1 (-2)
=. Sarasota Sailfish 1-1 (+1)
=. Philadelphia Liberty 1-1 (+1)
6. Berlin Fire Salamanders 0-2 (-2)
=. Baltimore Hawks 0-2 (-2)
ASFC
1. Orange County Otters 2-0 (=)
=. New York Silverbacks 2-0 (=)
3. New Orleans Second Line 1-1 (-2)
=. Austin Copperheads 1-1 (+2)
=. San Jose SaberCats 1-1 (-2)
6. Arizona Outlaws 0-2 (-1)
=. Honolulu Hahalua 0-2 (-1)
I didn't want to say it, but I will. THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS ARE THE ISFL EQUIVALENT OF THE ATLANTA FALCONS. Imagine blowing a 21-0 lead, couldn't be me. But weirdly enough, I didn't see memes from it. This week had a few surprises. The Berlin @ Sarasota game was supposed to be closer, New York wasn't supposed to be 2-0, Chicago wasn't supposed to beat Colorado, especially like that, but alas, here we are. Yellowknife, to nobody's surprise are back to their S16-S23 form, I wonder who they will lose the home Ultimus game to. Philly @ New Orleans and Honolulu @ Austin were pick'ems, so no surprises there. Pay attention to the teams at the top of the divisions, you will see in the next segments the reason.
Week 3
New Orleans Second Line (1-1) @ Arizona Outlaws (0-2) 30-27
Yellowknife Wraiths (2-0) @ Austin Copperheads (1-1) 17-22
Chicago Butchers (2-0) @ Berlin Fire Salamanders (0-2) 31-30
Baltimore Hawks (0-2) @ Colorado Yeti (1-1) 13-34
Orange County Otters (2-0) @ Honolulu Hahalua (0-2) 31-7
Sarasota Sailfish (1-1) @ Philadelphia Liberty (1-1) 37-7
New York Silverbacks (2-0) @ San Jose SaberCats (1-1) 9-17
Standings
NSFC
1. Chicago Butchers 3-0 (=)
2. Colorado Yeti 2-1 (+1)
=. Sarasota Sailfish 2-1 (+1)
=. Yellowknife Wraiths 2-1 (-1)
5. Philadelphia Liberty 1-2 (-2)
6. Berlin Fire Salamanders 0-3 (=) This is a surprise, around 2% chance of this event, ask Swanty if you don't believe me
=. Baltimore Hawks 0-3 (=)
ASFC
1. Orange County Otters 3-0 (=)
2. New Orleans Second Line 2-1 (+1)
=. San Jose SaberCats 2-1 (+1)
=. Austin Copperheads 2-1 (+1)
=. New York Silverbacks 2-1 (-1) This may be what it looks like
6. Arizona Outlaws 0-3 (=) Don't get fooled by this
=. Honolulu Hahalua 0-3 (=) This is exactly what it looks like, and it will get worse
This week was full of surprises. Berlin won! If the game was over before Chicago's walkoff touchdown, we would. I could say it is not legal, but, unfortunately, it is. Anyway. New York lost to San Jose. Not a surprise honestly. Having 4 ASFC teams tied for 2nd, with a 2-1 record is the surprise here. It is going to be tight. In the NSFC, there is three teams with 2-1 record. This season's playoff race will be close. Three weeks in, and the top from the bottom has already separated. Philly, Berlin, Baltimore, Arizona, and Honolulu are the bottom teams, the rest will fight for the playoffs. Philly's offence was abysmal at this point, only 43 points, tied with Baltimore for the worst in the league. The odd team here is Arizona, the third best offence in the league. But having the second WORST defence has them at 0-3. But they have been in shootouts, so numbers may fool. Defence is the difference maker, and this week started showing it. The top 9 defences have winning records, and look like the playoff contenders. Not surprising really.
Week 4
Baltimore Hawks (0-3) @ Honolulu Hahalua (0-3) 27-17
New Orleans Second Line (2-1) @ New York Silverbacks (2-1) 27-6
Austin Copperheads (2-1) @ Orange County Otters (3-0) 17-35
Berlin Fire Salamanders (0-3) @ Philadelphia Liberty (1-2) 20-38
Arizona Outlaws (0-3) @ San Jose SaberCats (2-1) 38-16
Chicago Butchers (3-0) @ Sarasota Sailfish (2-1) 24-27
Colorado Yeti (2-1) @ Yellowknife Wraiths (2-1) 14-22
Standings
NSFC
1. Sarasota Sailfish 3-1 (+1)
=. Chicago Butchers 3-1 (=)
=. Yellowknife Wraiths 3-1 (+1)
4. Colorado Yeti 2-2 (-1)
=. Philadelphia Liberty 2-2 (+1)
6. Baltimore Hawks 1-3 (=)
7. Berlin Fire Salamanders 0-4 (-1) 1% chance, internally raging
ASFC
1. Orange County Otters 4-0 (=)
2. New Orleans Second Line 3-1 (=)
3. San Jose SaberCats 2-2 (-1)
=. Austin Copperheads 2-2 (-1)
=. New York Silverbacks 2-2 (-1)
6. Arizona Outlaws 1-3 (=) I told you not to get fooled
7. Honolulu Hahalua 0-4 (-1) This is only the beginning
Many teams at the top of their divisions were bound to clash this week. You think it would resolve the clusterfuck up top? HA! You wish! The big upset here is Arizona's win over San Jose, AT San Jose. First blowing a 21-0 lead, and now this. Were the back to back championships a fluke? Maybe, but it's only a quarter of the season played, right? Well, yeah. The picture changes A LOT in the next few weeks. Keep reading and you will see. Also, New Orleans beating New York at New York by a big margin is a surprise, but New Orleans wasn't supposed to be here, them winning right now must be a shock, right? And Orange County look at an undefeated season, right?
Week 5
Honolulu Hahalua (0-4) @ Arizona Outlaws (1-3) 20-44
New York Silverbacks (2-2) @ Austin Copperheads (2-2) 7-24
Sarasota Sailfish (3-1) @ Baltimore Hawks (1-3) 27-17
Yellowknife Wraiths (3-1) @ Berlin Fire Salamanders (0-4) 27-17
Philadelphia Liberty (2-2) @ Colorado Yeti (2-2) 16-27
Orange County Otters (4-0) @ New Orleans Second Line (3-1) 22-34
Chicago Butchers (3-1) @ San Jose SaberCats (2-2) 10-3
Standings
NSFC
1. Sarasota Sailfish 4-1 (=)
=. Chicago Butchers 4-1 (=)
=. Yellowknife Wraiths 4-1 (=)
4. Colorado Yeti 3-2 (=)
5. Philadelphia Liberty 2-3 (-1)
6. Baltimore Hawks 1-4 (=)
7. Berlin Fire Salamanders 0-5 (=) 0.5% chance, internally raging
ASFC
1. Orange County Otters 4-1 (=) Undefeated no more
=. New Orleans Second Line 4-1 (+1) Is this the sim shutting me up?
3. Austin Copperheads 3-2 (=)
4. San Jose SaberCats 2-3 (-1)
=. New York Silverbacks 2-3 (-1)
=. Arizona Outlaws 2-3 (+2) Are the Outlaws a dark horse?
7. Honolulu Hahalua 0-5 (=) It can still go down
The league is still a mess. The only staples are Berlin, Baltimore, and Honolulu losing. The rest doesn't help the league standings clear. We are at week 5. The favorites should have already separated. Unless everyone is a favorite. There are SIX teams within 2 games in the ASFC, and FIVE in the NSFC, with three teams tied for 4th with 2-3, and 1st with 4-1, respectively. This is a real mess. And trust me, it only gets worse. And don't get fooled by the bottom three teams. They can play MASSIVE spoilers, and some will do just that. Arizona's record is fooling. They have the second worst defence, but the best offence in the league. At this point, the common thing between teams with winning records was having scored over 100 points. That's why Arizona is the odd one here. They will make their comeback, perhaps. Oh, and Orange County's undefeated was snapped by the true surprise to this point, New Orleans. I guess I was wrong in my pre-season assessment of them.
Week 6
Sarasota Sailfish (4-1) @ Arizona Outlaws (2-3) 34-20
San Jose SaberCats (2-3) @ Austin Copperheads (3-2) 10-27
Colorado Yeti (3-2) @ Berlin Fire Salamanders (0-5) 17-20 Here is the spoiler I was telling you about. Or is it?
Yellowknife Wraiths (4-1) @ Chicago Butchers (4-1) 23-10 Ok, for real now, who is Yellowknife losing to in the Ultimus game?
Honolulu Hahalua (0-5) @ New Orleans Second Line (4-1) 19-31
New York Silverbacks (2-3) @ Orange County Otters (4-1) 17-3 Is that it for Orange County? Is the dynasty over?
Baltimore Hawks (1-4) @ Philadelphia Liberty (2-3) 30-20
Standings
NSFC
1. Sarasota Sailfish 5-1 (=)
=. Yellowknife Wraiths 5-1 (=)
3. Chicago Butchers 4-2 (-2) Contenders or Pretenders?
4. Colorado Yeti 3-3 (=) Same as above
5. Philadelphia Liberty 2-4 (=)
=. Baltimore Hawks 2-4 (+1)
7. Berlin Fire Salamanders 1-5 (=) FINALLY
ASFC
1. New Orleans Second Line 5-1 (+1) Ok, I am a believer now
2. Orange County Otters 4-2 (-1) They will bounce back, right?
=. Austin Copperheads 4-2 (+1) Are they back?
4. New York Silverbacks 3-3 (=)
5. San Jose SaberCats 2-4 (-1) Back 2 Back champs lol
=. Arizona Outlaws 2-4 (-1)
7. Honolulu Hahalua 0-6 (=) At least the #1 overall will soothe the pain of a winless season
The picture seems to be clearing out. At least in the NSFC. We now know the four teams that will compete for the three playoff spots. Despite only being one game ahead, Colorado is miles ahead of Philly and Baltimore. In the ASFC though, it is tight. Even the 2-4 teams are in contention. ASFC has to be the division with the most parity. I think one ASFC team, other than Honolulu, should move to the NSFC, in exchange for Berlin or Baltimore. But teams tend to make circles. Bad to good, then bad again. Except for Orange County, but that's another story. Anyway, both playoff pictures are close, six weeks in. YES I SAID PLAYOFF PICTURE AFTER WEEK SIX! With only three teams out of the seven in each division making it to the playoffs, every game counts.
Week 7
Arizona Outlaws (2-4) @ Austin Copperheads (4-2) 26-29
Berlin Fire Salamanders (1-5) @ Baltimore Hawks (2-4) 24-17
New York Silverbacks (3-3) @ Honolulu Hahalua (0-6) 27-34
Colorado Yeti (3-3) @ Orange County Otters (4-2) 13-23
Chicago Butchers (4-2) @ Philadelphia Liberty (2-4) 31-13
New Orleans Second Line (5-1) @ San Jose SaberCats (2-4) 12-27
Yellowknife Wraiths (5-1) @ Sarasota Sailfish (5-1) 26-6 Should I say it again?
Standings
NSFC
1. Yellowknife Wraiths 6-1 (=)
2. Sarasota Sailfish 5-2 (-1)
=. Chicago Butchers 5-2 (+1)
4. Colorado Yeti 3-4 (=)
5. Berlin Fire Salamanders 2-5 (+2)
=. Baltimore Hawks 2-5 (=)
=. Philadelphia Liberty 2-5 (=)
ASFC
1. New Orleans Second Line 5-2 (=)
=. Orange County Otters 5-2 (+1)
=. Austin Copperheads 5-2 (+1) How? This season is so weird
4. San Jose SaberCats 3-4 (+1)
=. New York Silverbacks 3-4 (=)
6. Arizona Outlaws 2-5 (-1) Did I hype them a bit too much?
7. Honolulu Hahalua 1-6 (=)
It looks like we have our playoff teams, right? Yellowknife, Sarasota, Chicago, Austin, Orange County, and New Orleans. Well, maybe. The difference between the last team in and the first team out is 2 games. They can be covered within the remaining nine games, but those six teams look ready. The rest of the league is still in the offseason it seems. The ASFC remains clogged up top, while Yellowknife, albeit only one game ahead of the second teams, has established themselves as the team to beat in the NSFC. At the bottom of the standings, Honolulu is the forerunner for the first overall pick. Berlin, Baltimore, Philly, and Arizona are only one game behind, but they will find wins in the next nine games. Honolulu will not. And if they do, it will be one win. the other four teams will find at least two wins each. We may even see some of them come back and shake the divisions up to the bone.
Week 8
Austin Copperheads (5-2) @ Baltimore Hawks (2-5) 20-17
Orange County Otters (5-2) @ Berlin Fire Salamanders (2-5) 35-28 You see, Berlin should be 8-0 or 7-1 right now. The simgods are op, pls nerf
Honolulu Hahalua (1-6) @ Chicago Butchers (5-2) 39-48
New Orleans Second Line (5-2) @ Colorado Yeti (3-4) 31-37
Arizona Outlaws (2-5) @ Philadelphia Liberty (2-5) 47-28 The Outlaws really been bringing the guns out this season
New York Silverbacks (3-4) @ Sarasota Sailfish (5-2) 13-23 Is that it for the Silverbacks?
San Jose SaberCats (3-4) @ Yellowknife Wraiths (6-1) 14-41 I really hope Yellowknife is going to do it right this time around
Standings
NSFC
1. Yellowknife Wraiths 7-1 (=) On a five game winning streak right now
2. Sarasota Sailfish 6-2 (=)
=. Chicago Butchers 6-2 (=)
4. Colorado Yeti 4-4 (=)
5. Berlin Fire Salamanders 2-6 (=)
=. Baltimore Hawks 2-6 (=)
=. Philadelphia Liberty 2-6 (=)
ASFC
1. Orange County Otters 6-2 (=)
=. Austin Copperheads 6-2 (=) How? This season is so weird. I guess a four game winstreak helps
3. New Orleans Second Line 5-3 (-2)
4. San Jose SaberCats 3-5 (=) Can this clog resolve itself? We have a draft order to settle
=. New York Silverbacks 3-5 (=)
=. Arizona Outlaws 3-5 (+2) Order has been restored
7. Honolulu Hahalua 1-7 (=)
Ok, I hate the sim for real. I hope this crap is out of here with the sim change, for real. We should be 8-0 or 7-1 right now. But there is always next year right? Anyway, the top three teams in each division hold their lead over the rest of the pack. Honolulu is one step closer to the first pick of the season 27 draft, which is rumored to be stacked, and Arizona keeps scoring. Best offence, despite their losing record. Or I should say the opposite. Arizona has a losing record, despite having the best scoring offence in the league. Their defence hurts them. A LOT! Surprises after the first half of the season are Austin and New Orleans, at least to me. I didn't expect them to be at the top of the ASFC. And I didn't expect San Jose to be this bad. Worst scoring offence, BY FAR. They have the exact opposite problem of Arizona, but the exact same record.
With that, I will end part 1. Part 2, with the final 8 weeks of the season, along with a playoffs preview will come on Tuesday. And I will deliver on that. The Dotts hype has died, and so my interest in those articles. Until next time! Till then, take care and be safe!
Peace!