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*Rich Thighsen's Mid-Preseason Power Rankings - MacTonight - 09-15-2017 Rich Thighsen back with some mid-preseason power rankings, hot takes, and all round good fun time analysis. Mid-Preseason Power Rankings: 1. Arizona Outlaws - (2 - 0) How ‘bout them Outlaws? Winning by a combined 93 – 24 the Outlaws took these exhibition games to really put a statement out against the Otters, and really made a mark against the Legion. It was nice to see King Bronko taking it easy against a poor Legion D. I was really hoping we’d see Zach JugsMachine II, the famous son of former college standout Zachariah JugsMachine. Shame really, however, the Outlaws juggernaut continues to roll and it will take a gargantuan effort from the other teams in the league to unseat Arizona as the top team in the league. Hot Take: I don’t think Orange County fans can ignore Arizona rolling their team so hard, especially in a game where Bronko tossed two picks. 2. Baltimore Hawks ^1 (2 – 0) While the logo might look a little shabby, but the Hawks looked everything but. The defending NSFC champions continued their winning ways. The Hawks did what they needed to do in their pre-season opener at Aviation Field against the Legion, coming back down after 3 quarters the Hawks got it done. One of the biggest stories of the pre-season will be the Hawks marching into Santa Ana and walked away with the spoils in Overtime. My biggest take away from these two games was work by Scrub Kyubee, we know what Farlane can do, but Kyubee completing rolling with a 3:1 TD:INT ratio could spell trouble for a lot of teams in the league. One thing you need to say about Baltimore, they do what they have to in order to win games. 3. Orange County Otters v1 (0 – 2) Sheeeesh. Otter’s fans have got to be a little worried about that game against Baltimore. Losing away to the Outlaw’s is easily forgivable, you don’t even count those games. But giving up your house to a potential Ultimus competitor is not a good look. Mike Boss will need to make some adjustments this week in practice to avoid the issues which lead to two horrific games, the Otters will need to improve if they hope to remain in the top 3 of this guy’s power rankings. The Otters will be hoping for a better showing against the Yeti and Wraiths to get ready for the season proper. Hot Take: Erlich Burnsman to be the featured back in Santa Ana by midseason (therefore screwing me in fantasy, thanks Leroy) 4. Colorado Yeti ^1 (2 – 0) The Yeti did start the preseason against two teams on the lower end of these power rankings, winning big in Philadelphia against one of the most highly touted defences in the league is no mean feat. It all comes down to controlling the ball. Two games, +4 turnover differential, while a lot of commentators (myself included) openly called out the Yeti for trading away assets, the opening two weeks of the preseason have indicated the Yeti aren’t content with slipping to the back of the pack quietly. Colorado dominated the early stages of their opener against the SaberCats, only taking the foot of the gas towards the end of the 3rd and letting in 2 TD’s, it seems the Yeti players responded well, putting the foot on the throat of the Liberty offense, sacking the young Rove 7 times. If Vash Erikson can continue his superb play, he may be a contender for DPOY, let alone DROY. 5. Yellowknife Wraiths v1 (1 – 1) A tight game at home against the Liberty and a loss to the SaberCats see the Wraiths slip one spot. You may remember your humble, and wise narrator Rich saying the Wraiths would win the Ultimus this season. This prediction hasn’t changed; however I do believe we’ll need to see more from the Wraiths in the next two weeks in order to see them climb these rankings. I think this starts at quarterback, when you sack the opposing quarterback 8 times, putting a rookie under immense pressure, and consensus Pro-Bowl quarterback is outplayed there are some issues which may need addressing. 6. Philadelphia Liberty - (0 – 2) Starting a rookie at quarterback is always going to have its ups and downs. Clifford Rover performed admirably, he was put under immense pressure in both weeks, and I’m afraid we’re going to see some David Carr numbers in terms of pressure’s and sacks. The Liberty looked good in patches and despite the Yeti claiming a big win, the Liberty didn’t lose any friends in defending their home turf. The Liberty have a lot of young players, and depending on how they respond, will determine how they move up and down these rankings. Hot Take: Rove makes the Pro-Bowl this season. 7. San Jose SaberCats - (1 – 1) The SaberCats travelled to Denver and put up some good numbers. Ethan Hunt looks to continue his journey towards stardom. In his first two preseason games Hunt racked up 619 yards, sure it was against the Yeti and Wraiths D, but I’m sure this is a signifier of a trend upward for Hunt. San Jose have been quietly accumulating pieces and may look to play spoiler for a few teams in the coming season. 8. Las Vegas Legion - (0 – 2) The Legion will not lose any sleep after pushing the Hawks to be leading at the start of the 4th. The Legion signalled the rest of the league, “hey, we’re not here to lose every game by 20,” and proceeded to get pumped by 40, but hey, it’s the Outlaws, it’s what they do. The Legion faithful don’t have a lot to look forward to this season, but any improvement will be a sign that the gamble is beginning to work. The Legion will be the caboose of these power rankings for a while I fear, however, I’m hoping for a Cinderella story. Well that’s where I leave you folks, remember to check back on my Start of Season Power Rankings shortly. I’m Rich Thighsen, Rogaine doesn’t work, and I look forward to seeing you next time of the NSFL Network. [div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div] GRADED