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DSFL QB Skills Invitational
This is brought to you by the Taffy Network
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Narrator: Named after its founder, Terry Taffy, this network is devoted to bringing high-quality sports coverage an events to all its viewers.
*Intro music playing*
Jeff: Welcome to the Taffy Network! I’m the host, Jeff, joined by my fellow co-host Jim. Today, we also have a special guests, father of Kansas City Coyotes Running back and founder of this network, Tommy Taffy! They join us for our coverage of the DSFL Skills Invitational, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jim: Thanks Jeff. For the viewers at home, the skills invitational will pit QBs vs fellow QBs. They’ve got three tasks to perform, we are interested to see how they match up.
Jeff: Here’s the list of competing quarterbacks. Apollo Lange, Ryan Leaf Jr., Jay Longshaw and Franklin Armstrong. Who you got taking it all? My personal selection is Franklin Armstrong. He’s a top performer in the DSFL with the Portland Pythons. His ability to make reads on the defense and pretty darn accurate passes is insane. His arm is good for his age and experience. I don’t see a prospect with his kind of talents. It’s not surprising to see that he's a top DSFL QB. He has all the tools to succeed.
Jim: I’ve gotta argue with that one Jeff, and no- it's not for the sake of arguing. I’ve got Jay Longshaw taking this one. The Santa Claus native has a slightly weaker arm than Armstrong, but easily makes up for it in his accuracy. He may not have experienced the same success as Armstrong in the DSFL, but according to our scouting reports, he is one of the best QBs in the recent DSFL Draft. He can make reads at a nearly NSFL level. It’ll be a matter of time before he comes into his own. A good showing at the Skills Invitational can set him amongst a crowded sea of QBs.
Tommy: I’ve got Leaf for this one. The kid, he works hard, and I believe he has the ability to make a good showing here. His arm, and accuracy aren’t too far behind his competitors, however his ability to read defenses and situations is going to need some maturating into the next level. His lack of DSFL success-- or really action is probably the fact that he's sitting behind one of the DSFL’s best QBs in Rose Jenkins. Who knows, maybe Jenkins has helped Leaf prepare for this event? Could he have an advantage over the others? We will find out shortly.
Jim: I think it's really interesting you’ve chosen Leaf, Tommy. He’s consistently performed worse than the other two quarterbacks we’ve selected thus far, and his scouting report ranks him as one of the lower quarterbacks. He’s played using his legs more than his arms-- he’s a real athlete whos probably suited more for the running back position-- not a qb. He almost kind of reminds me of Lange. It’ll be certainly interesting to see how he performs. Your a knowledgeable football guy Tommy, you’ve been an analyst at multiple events, you know the kind of quarterbacks who can succeed at this.
Tommy: He lives up to the occasion. He was a standout at the prospect bowl, and was behind an 87 yard touchdown. That’s mighty impressive for player, nonetheless a quarterback. I think you guys will be surprised with what he’s got. Kid’s a workhorse.
Jeff: Alright, after a short commercial break we’ll send it down to our analyst team on the ground. Don’t go anywhere, your watching the Taffy Network’s coverage of the DSFL Skills Invitational.
*Ad Break*
Melissa: I’m Melissa, joined by John to cover the DSFL Skills Invitational.
John: Thanks Melissa. We’ve got the QBs in 3 challenges here. Firstly we will test their accuracy and arm. We’ve got targets for them to throw the ball into from multiple spots on the field. They’ll only have a minute to try and hit them all, so they’ve got to be quick. Next, we’ll have them do a bench press at 225 and see how many reps they can do. Finally, they’ll try and hit a moving receiver from multiple places on the field. They haven’t got much to do but it will be sure exciting.
John: And here we go, as Apollo Lange steps up to the first challenge. He’s got 5 targets to hit from different parts of the field. He’s snapped the ball and the timer begins. Man, that's a darn fast drop back as he easily nails the 20 yard target. That ball kinda looked like a laser, Melissa haha. He gets tossed the ball, barely misses the 35 yard target, bounced right off the rim of the target. Tossed the ball and oh my! A beautiful beam into the 40 yard target. This guy’s looking really good, let’s see how he fares with the other two. Those are pretty deep. He’s got some time, he should slow down and take his time. Gets the ball, another quick drop back, the ball stopped right in front of the 60 yard target. Gotta put more power into that one, that’s alright though, that’s a real tricky one to hit. He saved the 45 yard target for last, and wow, just short again. 3 for 5 is pretty good though.
Melissa: You see John, he just barely missed that 60 yard on the replay. He didn’t think it was that far. A bit surprising he missed the 45 after coming so close on the 60, but I think he rushed it. He had 14.9 seconds remaining, he should’ve taken his time.
John: You right Melissa. We’ve got Tommy Taffy’s favorite, Ryan Leaf Jr. coming up now.
Melissa: Yea John, Leaf’s been known more for his legs than his arms. It’ll be interesting to see how he stacks up here.
John: He’s ranked to fall in last place, but he can really turn heads with this performance as he steps up now. Easily nails the 20, a solid spiral on that ball, Melissa. He seems to have the velocity on his ball but we will see if he got the range. He steps up as he takes his time for the 35 as he hits it! It might be a little bit worrying how long he took with that throw. There's a 40, 45, and a much farther 60. That might be a concern. I really haven’t commented on his drop back, its real fast, as he barely missed the 45! That’s rough, I doubt he will hit the 60, but he’s got the 40 in the bag. Boom! Hits the 40, nearly no issue. He’s got 10 seconds to fire for the 60, its enough time, Melissa...but I don't think he’ll have enough time to properly nail it. He fires away at the 60… not really close, but a good attempt. Melissa what do you think about that one?
Melissa: Well Jeff, he wasn’t predicted to go all the way, but an interesting trend coming up. Apollo Lange and Ryan Leaf are both quarterbacks renown for their speed, not necessary arm talents, although Leaf throws a pretty good ball within 35 yards. Lange is practically the same way. Interesting to see how the other QBs that are more known for their arm stand up to the challenge--.
John: Thanks Melissa, we will send it back to our analyst board as we fix the technical difficulties on the ground.
*Commercial Break*
Jeff: And…… we are back! You heard that right. Those were some expected results out there. Longshaw and Armstrong are going to be interesting because they are more known for their arms. If they perform similar as the other two mobile quarterbacks, does this mean mobile quarterbacks are the new trend?
Tommy: Everyone’s looking for the next Sean McTaffy, and taking a mobile quarterback is definitely a good start. Leaf did just as good as I expected, who has an absolute laser of a short range. His range isn’t fully developed, but at a DSFL level thats fine, receivers and tight ends will struggle against cornerbacks to catch those deep passes. Especially with some of those lightning fast safeties, I think he has the potential to be a first down machine for the Coyotes. Same goes for Lange. I have renewed faith in these mobile quarterbacks.
Jim: Are you serious Tommy? If Longshaw and Armstrong are able to hit the 45 and 60, there’s no reason why you’d not want them? If you can protect them behind a strong offensive line, I see no reason why they cannot succeed. It would also correspond with current DSFL success, as Armstrong and Longshaw have been more successful in the league.----I guess Tommy will have to get back to me later as we are heading back to the ground for our continually coverage of the 2027 DSFL QB Skills Invitational!
John: Man I love being out here, and I’m real excited for Longshaw to step up here soon and start slinging.
Melissa: Yeah, him and Armstrong will really drive the mobile vs other QB discussion going on in the analyst board. I personally was really impressed with Leaf and Lange and agreed with Mr. Taffy on his points.
John: My mind isn’t made up, but this performance from Longshaw will help determine that as he steps up and wow! Throws a lightning quick past into the 20 yarder! That might have been the fastest pass of the tourney thus far. Wastes no time as he fires into the 35! Hes looked mighty impressive despite only throwing twice. His drop back is noticeably slower than both Lange’s and Leaf’s, but he certainly makes up for it in his speed of his throws and accuracy. Fires at the 45, easily hits it. I believe he could be the first QB to break the 60 curse--- and I called it! Fires a beam into the 60, and all he’s got left is an easy 40 to hit. It is possible he can go 5 for 5 on this challenge. Drop back… fires, misses! How? He hit the 60 yet missed the 45. Still, very impressive for a DSFL prospect. What a stud!
Melissa: You know John, that 20 yard really got me. He’s something else. It’s gonna be hard for Armstrong to compete, but he has been insanely impressive in the DSFL, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls off the 5 for 5, or atleast hits the 60.
John: Honestly Melissa, I’ve got Armstrong going for it all. He’s easily the most impressive QB of all of the prospect we’ve got here. But as we know, anything could happen. Leafer looked like a legitimate first round quarterback prospect despite being much farther on our draft board. Well, Armstrong steps up to a large ovation. Portland fans showing out here to support their star QB. Off the bat, fires easily for the 20. Look liked he wasn’t even trying and easily hit that one. Looks like he's positioning for the 60 as his second throw---interesting strategy. Good 3 step drop back and fires! The second qb today that has hit that 60 target. I don’t see any other targets challenging him, as he easily fires for the 45 and hits it. Good drop back once more, and nails the 30 with ease. He’s definitely got this 40 Melissa, and mark my words, he gotten it. Jeff’s going to be real happy with Armstrong’s performance in this one as he beat all the QB’s in this challenge and is the only one today to go 5 for 5. Lets head back to the analyst and see how they break this amazing performance from Armstrong down.
*Slightly longer commercial break. We gotta get our coins*
Jeff: I told you guys, Armstrong was something special! After Longshaw caught our attention, Armstrong goes out there and just 1 ups him. Fantastic performance by all those guys, in some years we have multiple guys go 1 for 5 or 2 for 5. So Tommy, is Leaf the best pick up still? I’d argue Longshaw and Armstrong are superior options.
Tommy: Check me out. Leaf will be a monster at dominating short quick gains up the field. The secondaries of the DSFL are much better than the offenses, especially at the cornerback and safety, having a fast mobile quarterback with a solid arm short could be very useful. Kansas should use him to quickly get fast gains up in the field. They’ve got my son down there, he’s easily the best running back in the league. Him and Leaf will get every first down.
John: There’s a lot of run stopping linebackers in the DSFL as well. They’ll have something to say about Leaf. Anyways, who do you guys got doing the most reps? This is pretty important cause the GM’s are going to want a very durable QB to mitigate injury and break tackles. I’m going with Armstrong with this one. I believe there’s nothing that guy can’t do! He can certainly throw!
Tommy: Yall gonna regret sleeping on Leafer man. That man’s a workhorse, and his effort will really show through on this one. I’ve got to place it on Leaf, he works much harder than all these other guys.
Jeff: You sure? You were so certain Leaf was gonna come out on top and he only got 3 for 5. I’ve got Lange. He seems bigger than the other prospect. Much more physically imposing. He’s been shedding some tackles at the DSFL level, so I’m willing to put my marbles in him. Lets send it down to Melissa and John for coverage of the 2027 DSFL Skills Invitational brought to you by the Taffy network!
John: I’m real excited to see what Lange got in him, he’s 6’3, so pretty tall but nothing towering. Interesting Jeff chose Lange to take it all, I’d assume he’d get away from rushing defenders using his speed and elusiveness.
Melissa: I personally got Armstrong, but we will see now as Lange gets ready. 225 lb, we are trying to see how many reps he can do. He does his first three pretty fast, but you can notice the exhaustion setting in fast. Those throws really drained him. The fourth rep was significantly slower than the previous three, he's starting to struggle with them. He’s able to get the fifth one done, but I doubt he’ll get farther than this sixth one. He does the sixth one….and he's done. Pretty good for a mobile quarterback I’d say. Back to you, John.
John: I was pretty impressed he managed to get off six, he hasn’t shown his amazing strength as he’s had to scramble against rushing defenders. Not wasting any time at all, Leaf’s already ready to go. He appears to be taking it much slower, although it is worth noting he doesn’t look too tired. 1….2….3, he has a nice steady rate as he slows down a ton on the fourth rep. I don’t think he’ll make it past the fifth….and I guess we are both magicians Melissa as he stopped at 5 reps. Mr. Taffy’s most likely 0 for 2 on the predictions. Rough.
Melissa: Your right there John. Man these prospects are really trying to hurry the process up as Longshaw steps up to do his. Off to the races he goes! Easily pumps out the first four with no sign of exhaustion. He’s breaking out into regular rhythm. I've got him going for maybe 12? I think he’s definitely strong enough. For any GMs wanting a nice strong and durable QB, Longshaw is your guy. He’s at 8 and he’s slowing down, he might not make my goal of 12. 9…….10…. And he done! A nice 10 reps for Longshaw.
John: Real solid for Longshaw. Armstrong immediately steps up, lets see what he's got. Off to the races, seems to be a trend for these quarterback. He’s at 5, and he’s now at a solid rhythm. It’s a lot slower than the other, he may be struggling to get this one in. 6……...7……….8. He gets the ninth one down but not all the way up, and stop at 9. That’s a pretty good showing for the Portland Python standout. It’s good that the bench press is not really important towards quarterback play. It’s still important nonetheless.
Melissa: You know John, all these QBs have had fantastic nights, but we will see how good they are at hitting moving targets. They’ve collectively done good with hitting the stationary targets. I’m real excited John.
John: We’ve got Lange going up first here. We’ve got Tommy’s son, Terry Taffy out here catching. He’s got some damn good hands. He takes off, Lange throws it to Taffy at the 20. Lange is gonna have to be a bit careful, gotta throw it to where they’re going to be, not them directly, but otherwise a solid throw. Lange lets another one rip at the 35, a much better pass than previously, he’s starting to get the hang of it. Taffy’s heading towards the 50, and Lange lets one rip. Rough pass, but I guess it got to his performance. 45 mph velocity. We’ll see how that stacks compared to the rest of the competitors. His accuracy was a bit rough there, but part of it may be due to the soreness of the weight lifting and target accuracy. We’ve got Leaf stepping up now. What do you think of his chances, Melissa?
Melissa: I’m starting to think he’s the real deal John. He looks ready and energized, despite the weightlifting and target accuracy. I’ve got him doing well, especially since he most know his Kansas City teammate well. Kick it off John.
John: Thanks Melissa. Leaf steps up to kick it off. Good throw at the 20. Quick, puts it right where Taffy is headed, easy catch for the candyman. Leaf does a quick drop back and throws at the 35. Doesn’t really give him a good throw there, but Taffy’s able to extend to grab it. This 50 yard might give Leaf some trouble, and as I predicted it. He’s got the range, but the accuracy was a bit off. He’s going to need to put it where the receivers going to be, not at the receiver directly. He’ll get better out it, Melissa, but he showed some promise.
Melissa: Yeah John. He’s had trouble with the KCC training staff, but he’s been working on it. That's definitely the place to be for him. They made Rose Jenkins a top DSFL QB, they can do the same for Leaf. Leaf had a top ball velocity of 50. A bit higher than Lange’s, but I expect Longshaw’s and Armstrong’s to be higher. Longshaw’s itching to get slingling. Real excited to see him go. He was pretty good at the target accuracy test.
John: He’s going to step up quick and Taffy’s off. Man, how does he have the stamina for all these routes. Beautiful pass to Taffy at the 20. Quick, to the spot he’s going to arrive, man he might upset Armstrong on this one. Taffy heads for the 35, and another beautiful pass! He’s throwing straight bullets, I’m surprised he hasn’t been told to slow down. Taffy’s job is so easy when he’s getting beautiful throws like that. Longshaw has a damn fast release, as he easily hits Taffy for 50. He threw three beautiful throws. They’re probably going crazy of him in the analyst board. He’s real special, Melissa.
Melissa: It’s coming in now, he clocked a top ball velocity of 62! Thats wild. A DSFL Skills Invitational record. He’s got to be happy with his performance in the final task.
John: Armstrong’s got heavy competition with Longshaw slinging so well, but he’s ready, so Taffy’s off. Nice pass at the 20, not nearly as fast as Longshaw’s but still good. Very accurate, threw to the spot not the player, impressive. This competition has become Longshaw vs Armstrong as he drops back for the 35 and nails it right on target! We are going to need to see the ball velocity on that one Melissa, that might have broken Longshaw’s top throw. Taffy heads for the 50, he’s able to get a nice on out, but not nearly as fast as the 35. Overall a good performance, but I think Longshaw’s got him on this one.
Melissa: I agree John. Armstrong’s top ball velocity was 59, so still very high. Good enough for second in the entire competition. I think we are ready to send it off the analyst board. The field games are over, but don’t go anywhere, the boys in the analyst board got something for you guys!
*Really long commercial break, we are almost done here*
Jeff: And we are back! Longshaw really did his thing on the last one.
Tommy: Man how did Leaf not win one of them! This is rigged man, I’m out. You can cut my paycheck, I don't need it. Use that money and buy you a new tie Jeff. Your’s is ugly.
*Mr Taffy storms off*
Jeff: ….I guess… this concludes the official coverage of the DSFL QB Skills Invitational, brought to you by the Taffy Network.
Jeff: Melissa…. Is my tie really that bad?
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