(S6) - Ultimus Week

[Durden]

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Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else. Can be completed at any point

The Baltimore Hawks were one of the teams that was so close to making the playoffs, but fell just short of the mark. Because the Yellowknife Wraiths tied a game instead of losing it in overtime, they had the slight advantage that put them into the playoffs over the Hawks. Honestly, the Wraiths should have won their game against New Orleans, but they couldn't pull that off against a team who only won 2 games all season. But, the Hawks could've closed it out and won their last game of the season against the Wraiths, but failed to do so. The reason they failed to make the playoffs this season is because of their rushing game. They managed the third most yards on the ground, but failed to get into the end zone. This could be a coaching issue, but how do you run so often and not pound it in when it counts? They definitely play a pass first game, but it didn't help them when it counted. The Hawks need to work on blasting it into the end zone next season, and playing some better defense. Allowing less points means winning more, which will help them squeak into the playoffs next season.

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Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write about

This is going to sound a bit odd, but M Badlad is definitely the Most Valuable Player for the Erie Orange County Otters in these playoffs. This guy does it all for his team when it comes to kicking, and he came up with what was needed in the clutch. In the Championship game, he punted for 285 yards, with an average of 40.7 yards and a long of 54. He was also money when it came to kicking the ball through the uprights. He had field goals of 18, 55 and 22 yards. While they seem short, these are the kicks that put the Otters ahead, and kept them ahead. In a game that was close and determined by only 6 points, these 9 points matter.

He was also the key piece in getting by the San Jose Sabercats as well. He hit three field goals in this game as well. He hit them from 22,. 32 and 34 yards. Again, while none of these were super long, they were clutch. The Otters won this game by a mere 3 points. Without one of those field goals it's tied.... without two, they lose. He is definitely a valued.... actually the MOST valued player on the team this post season.

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Playoff Review: Write a short review of the playoffs and each of the matchups. Must be completed after the Championship Game

Wriaths at Liberty
This game seemed over before it even began. The Liberty were riding high and the Wraiths were simply limping into the playoffs. During the first quarter, they felt each other out and no one did too much... but the second period was incredible for the Liberty. They scored 17 points as the half ran out. They came out hard in the third quarter as well, with Rove running back an interception for 59 yards. The Wraiths came back hard in the fourth with two touchdowns to add to the single one scored by them in the third, but it wasn't enough and the Liberty skated to a W.



Sabercats vs Otters
The closest of the three playoff games, this was decided by a late field goal from Madlad with just 34 seconds remaining. The biggest lead came for the Otters in the second period as they led by 11 points. Despite being a close game, the Sabercats never held the lead.



Liberty vs Otters
Another close game, but it shouldn't have been. The Otters messed up with their 2 interceptions, but found a way to win. Madlad was the bright spot on the Otters offense, making sure that his team won with his 3 field goals. Without him, the Liberty stumble to a victory.

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Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have? (Can be completed at any point)

The Yellowknife Wraiths had no business being included in the playoffs this season. The put on a pitiful showing during the regular season. Their low point came in tying the New Orleans Second Line, and barely beating them the second time they played, winning by just 4 points. They threw for the third lowest number of yards (3556) and only had 2 more touchdowns than they did interceptions (18 to 16). Their rushing game definitely helped, with a league leading 20 touchdowns on the ground. But those 16 turnovers in just the passing game were brutal. Their defense took care of them when they didn't have the ball, but the mistakes just kept coming for their offense. As a team that does poorly when they have the ball, they really trusted in their quarterback a lot, which even shows with how many times Akselsen threw the ball. If I were the Wraiths, I would focus a lot more on the rushing game, and gather up a couple of wide receivers. I'd also make Akselsen train a lot harder, because right now he's just bringing the team down. If the defense can stay strong, they're likely to get back to the playoffs. But with this current strategy, it's not happening.