[div align=\\\"center\\\"]READY TO BE GRADED[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Restlessness for the Royals[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Are the Royals Destined for Dreary Days Ahead? An In-Depth Look at the Midseason Point[/div]
After week 8, the London Royals sit at 4-4, second in their division. For a second-year team, fresh off a 5-9 inaugural season where their fourth win came in week 10, en route to a last place divisional finish, being 4-4 at the midway mark seems like a dramatic improvement. This is true in one aspect; without proper context one could assume the Royals are playing vastly over their projections and should be elated to not be at the bottom of the league already. But what if there was another story where the Royals could be seen as victims of misfortune and actually underperforming throughout the season?
The Royals started the season predicted to finish last, with the lowest TPE gained as a team. They were left for dead to rot as most expansion teams are. And honestly, it was the safe bet. The Royals first season saw them finish with the worst scoring defense and second-worst scoring offense. The defense allowed the second highest YPG at 337.1 whereas the offense had the third worst passing attack. Despite the poor record, the Royals harvested some gems and had bright spots on their roster. The Royals possessed a potent rushing attack, propelled by Acura Skyline who lead the league in rush yards, by nearly 200 yards, aided by a league longest 87-yard TD run in a week 13 upset over Minnesota. In addition, J. Batista also churned in over 1000 yards in his rookie campaign.
The much-maligned defense is reminiscent of old Indianapolis Colts' units --- loaded with individual talent but unable to cohesively perform as a unit. A defense that featured the likes of De Ville, Ryeu, Avery, Harris, Hughes, Works and Stackinpaper. The Royals ended up losing 9 players in the offseason just from defense. Apparently, other scouts noticed that it's not always black and white when observing the numbers. In addition, Skyline, their key offensive cog, was also called up. But the most unlooked part of all of this transition, and it's apropos to its' position---the offensive line, a huge component to Acura's success. The Royals lost 3 o-linemen as well.
So, coming into this season, trying to replace 9 defensive starters, 3 o-linemen, and your star RB is the Mount Himalayas of tasks to accomplish. A feat near impossible to complete with a %100 success, but a feat that isn't insurmountable with the right adjustments. Judging by the Royals 3-1 start, with the then lowest TPE outfit, it's actually shocking they are this good this fast. They have the best passing attack after having one of the worst last year. They have a ton of experience with returning players such as Jack, Kaeprcolin, Batista, Arrabiata, Cash Jr., Mitchell, and Ball who have all played vital roles in the uplifting start to the season. The Royals also have added key pieces in the draft such as King, Van Perkins, Richards, Crooks, Sly, PhastBawl, and Bob.
At this point, one could conclude that despite all the holes left in the roster, the Royals did as good of a job as a team could to plug all the holes. However, the one hole left open might be the most vital hole needed to fill. The offensive line was the victim of the Great Talent Brexit of S22. The Royals have one of the most potent passing attacks after having one of the worst passing attacks last year, but it is possible that they could be even better. After having one of the best rushing attacks last season, the Royals now are last in the league in total rushing attempts and have the second fewest rushing yards despite their two running backs splitting carries at a nearly 50-50 divide (131-121). The inability to establish a solid, consistent rushing attack could lead to Mike Leach style variance where no lead is safe for either team, which could lead to electric shootouts or absolute stinkers if faced with a team that can control the clock. The Royals have failed to win the TOP in all but 2 games. Combined with another year of leading the league in sacks allowed, the recipe for negative splash plays has boiled over the last 3 weeks, where the Royals have been victims to 9 sacks, 3 fumbles lost, and one interception, and a blocked punt. Despite only throwing only one interception over the past 3 games, the Royals still are tied for the second most interceptions in the league. Perhaps a more balanced approach, or an influx of screens and play action, or higher focus on the short passing game to reduce long dropbacks can help mitigate becoming one-dimensional and putting a huge onus on the weakest position group to hold up the offense.
The Royals last year exhibited the ability to discover and develop productive players in unlikely surroundings. They have holdover players with experience and resolve. They have repeated the formula of bringing in new talented contributors to their team. Now, the Royals must take the next step into becoming a successful franchise: they need to find a way to assess and adjust to mask their weaknesses and use their strengths as a buoy and not an anchor. Despite the changeover in the front office, the Royals still have time to right their ship and keep on track for a playoff berth. Based on their recent, but short, trend of making the best out of the bleakest situations, I have faith that we will see a resurgent Royals team that will that will finally have critics proclaiming, "This is the Royal Way."
WC: 950
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Restlessness for the Royals[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Are the Royals Destined for Dreary Days Ahead? An In-Depth Look at the Midseason Point[/div]
After week 8, the London Royals sit at 4-4, second in their division. For a second-year team, fresh off a 5-9 inaugural season where their fourth win came in week 10, en route to a last place divisional finish, being 4-4 at the midway mark seems like a dramatic improvement. This is true in one aspect; without proper context one could assume the Royals are playing vastly over their projections and should be elated to not be at the bottom of the league already. But what if there was another story where the Royals could be seen as victims of misfortune and actually underperforming throughout the season?
The Royals started the season predicted to finish last, with the lowest TPE gained as a team. They were left for dead to rot as most expansion teams are. And honestly, it was the safe bet. The Royals first season saw them finish with the worst scoring defense and second-worst scoring offense. The defense allowed the second highest YPG at 337.1 whereas the offense had the third worst passing attack. Despite the poor record, the Royals harvested some gems and had bright spots on their roster. The Royals possessed a potent rushing attack, propelled by Acura Skyline who lead the league in rush yards, by nearly 200 yards, aided by a league longest 87-yard TD run in a week 13 upset over Minnesota. In addition, J. Batista also churned in over 1000 yards in his rookie campaign.
The much-maligned defense is reminiscent of old Indianapolis Colts' units --- loaded with individual talent but unable to cohesively perform as a unit. A defense that featured the likes of De Ville, Ryeu, Avery, Harris, Hughes, Works and Stackinpaper. The Royals ended up losing 9 players in the offseason just from defense. Apparently, other scouts noticed that it's not always black and white when observing the numbers. In addition, Skyline, their key offensive cog, was also called up. But the most unlooked part of all of this transition, and it's apropos to its' position---the offensive line, a huge component to Acura's success. The Royals lost 3 o-linemen as well.
So, coming into this season, trying to replace 9 defensive starters, 3 o-linemen, and your star RB is the Mount Himalayas of tasks to accomplish. A feat near impossible to complete with a %100 success, but a feat that isn't insurmountable with the right adjustments. Judging by the Royals 3-1 start, with the then lowest TPE outfit, it's actually shocking they are this good this fast. They have the best passing attack after having one of the worst last year. They have a ton of experience with returning players such as Jack, Kaeprcolin, Batista, Arrabiata, Cash Jr., Mitchell, and Ball who have all played vital roles in the uplifting start to the season. The Royals also have added key pieces in the draft such as King, Van Perkins, Richards, Crooks, Sly, PhastBawl, and Bob.
At this point, one could conclude that despite all the holes left in the roster, the Royals did as good of a job as a team could to plug all the holes. However, the one hole left open might be the most vital hole needed to fill. The offensive line was the victim of the Great Talent Brexit of S22. The Royals have one of the most potent passing attacks after having one of the worst passing attacks last year, but it is possible that they could be even better. After having one of the best rushing attacks last season, the Royals now are last in the league in total rushing attempts and have the second fewest rushing yards despite their two running backs splitting carries at a nearly 50-50 divide (131-121). The inability to establish a solid, consistent rushing attack could lead to Mike Leach style variance where no lead is safe for either team, which could lead to electric shootouts or absolute stinkers if faced with a team that can control the clock. The Royals have failed to win the TOP in all but 2 games. Combined with another year of leading the league in sacks allowed, the recipe for negative splash plays has boiled over the last 3 weeks, where the Royals have been victims to 9 sacks, 3 fumbles lost, and one interception, and a blocked punt. Despite only throwing only one interception over the past 3 games, the Royals still are tied for the second most interceptions in the league. Perhaps a more balanced approach, or an influx of screens and play action, or higher focus on the short passing game to reduce long dropbacks can help mitigate becoming one-dimensional and putting a huge onus on the weakest position group to hold up the offense.
The Royals last year exhibited the ability to discover and develop productive players in unlikely surroundings. They have holdover players with experience and resolve. They have repeated the formula of bringing in new talented contributors to their team. Now, the Royals must take the next step into becoming a successful franchise: they need to find a way to assess and adjust to mask their weaknesses and use their strengths as a buoy and not an anchor. Despite the changeover in the front office, the Royals still have time to right their ship and keep on track for a playoff berth. Based on their recent, but short, trend of making the best out of the bleakest situations, I have faith that we will see a resurgent Royals team that will that will finally have critics proclaiming, "This is the Royal Way."
WC: 950
![[Image: Y5OBDQX.png]](https://i.imgur.com/Y5OBDQX.png)
