(S1) - Ultimus Week

[Apache_Chief]

Offensive Comparison

When comparing the two playoff teams for the ASFC, two real receiving threats come to mind: None Stormblessed and Bradley Westfield. These two future Pro-Bowlers and potential MVP's are in a league of their own. While they aren't at a Garden level, they are real threats to surpass the #2 pick as the top receiver(s) in the league. However, since they'll be facing each other it's time to see who will be the ultimate tool for their team. While neither player reached the 1,000 yd mark, Westfield came out ahead with a 12 yd advantage at 983 yds to Stormblessed's 971. Westfield also barely came out ahead when it came to TD's with 8 to his name compared to Stormblessed's 7. While Westfield is in the lead in the surface receiving stats, you have to look at the big picture; Stormblessed barely lost to Westfield on less targets. Mind you, it was only a difference of 9 targets, those 9 targets could've easily propelled Stormblessed to the top. At the end of the day, if you have to choose one to take into the playoffs, I'd have to argue Westfield. Sure, this might be biased, but if I want to win games, I want the guy with the sure stats, and Westfield has proven through the numbers he's the better player

Defensive Comparison

In the playoff game between heated rivals, Orange County and Arizona, the Outlaws came out on top in an embarrassing 36-13 win. While many things can be picked apart in this game, we'll focus solely on the teams two star Defensive Ends, Adamle Tomlinson of the Otters and Jayce Tuck if the Outlaws. Prior to this game, Tuck was the statistically better player, leading the league with 16 sacks, compared to Tomlinson's 9 (he earned his tenth during the game itself). Tuck also had the advantage in tackles, with 44 to Tomlinson's 40. So coming into this game, Tuck was the favorite on paper to make a larger impact. One could also argue that Tuck's impact during the season is a product of him being the main threat on the defensive front, seeing as only 2 members of the Outlaws had 10+ sacks. Comparatively, the Otters had 4 10+ sack players on the defensive line. While this might not mean much, it is something to consider. As for the game though, well, there wasn't much of a difference. Tuck had 3 tackles, one for a loss and Tomlinson had 2 tackles with a sack. One could argue the sack makes Tomlinson's performance better, but the TFL is impactful as well, so it's really just a personal call as to who really came out ahead.

Bottom Third

When looking at the Baltimore Hawks and the San Jose Sabercats, there are two entirely different stories. The Hawks had an undefeated preseason, but came to a pretty average regular season beginning, and ultimately crashed at the end of the season losing 5 games in a row. The Cats however, started very poorly, barely managing to win a game until they made a change at QB that got them the 3 extra wins at the seasons win. In a big picture look, the Hawks struggle was their defense. The secondary was decent, they accumulated a lot of tackles, and mid season acquisition Bert Metas had a nice season for them. But it just didn't pan out, as they had the most points allowed in the season at 330. As for the Sabercats, their downfall was, surprisingly, their offense. They had two very good receivers, as well as a very solid running back and an above average line. All these things should've come together for a solid offense, but trouble at the QB position lead to a downfall of their offense. When they acquired Hunt, this all changed, and they actually started competing offensively. In losing Bowers Jr., the Cats could see themselves in a problematic place again. If the Hawks don't figure out their defensive problems as well, another problematic season could be on its way.

Future Talent


Conference Final MVP

Other answers coming soon...