S2 - Ultimus Week

[SimmerDownBruhh]

Bottom Half:

With the playoffs rapidly approaching, we have to recognize the four teams that will be looking for an entry into the playoffs come Season 3.

First off, we have the NSFC Champions of S1, the Colorado Yeti. Despite having the same record as the Wraiths and Hawks, they lost the tie breaker when Yellowknife won their final game against the Otters. They have a stellar core in their lineup to contend for years to come. With Logan Noble leading the way, their arrow will always be pointing up.

Next we have the San Jose Sabercats. They went through a bad stretch of games in the middle of the season and it took them out of contention early. They will need to begin their rebuild process immediately but their culute took a complete 180 after acquiring WR Darren "Checkers" Smallwood, he's going to be one of the main catalysts to bring them up from the ashes.

Philadelphia Liberty is the next to last team that was unable to secure a playoff berth. Led by Rookie WR Fox North bringing in the clutchness, I still see a bright future ahead of them as well. Losing 4 of the last six games was the nail in their coffins this year, but with the next draft full of rookies for their choosing and a stout defense, they have plenty of chances to improve.

Finally, we have the Las Vegas Legion, who most are calling "the team that needs the most improvement all across the board." They will have a lot to prove in these next couple of years. Their issues go to alot of different areas that I'm not going to bother listing, but we will have to see what will happen after free agency and the Season Three NSFL Draft to see what cards they will be dealt for the upcoming season.

Future Talent:

The S3 NSFL Draft is not that far away. Yellowknife just happened to signed a top three drafted as a waiver for S2. And he's all that can be asked for in a Linebacker and so much more.

Brice Boggs said he was going to take this league by storm and he did just that. Constant pressure on the Quarterback, amazing pass rushing skills, coverage ability is amazing, jumping out of the gym type of athleticism, he has it all and so much more. Showing he can be a leader from his first day wearing a Wraiths jersey.

In his waiver wire season, he's not classified as a rookie but he looked like a veteran amongst rookies a majority of time when he's on the field. Posting up the third most tackles on the team (82, five were for a loss of yardage), second most sacks in the Yellowknife defense (6), three passes defensed, and one interception (that should have been a pick six but got stopped one yard shy of breaking the plain).

You tell me if he's going to beast in a future. Haha He's going to be just fine as long as he's with a team that will game plan for him. Luckily for Brice, he's on a team that's is always willing to do so. Hopefully this will not be the last game he plays in Yellowknife. Mark my words, this guy has HOF potential talent and he'll show the world against the Hawks.

Playoff Predictions:

NSFC Championship Game:
Yellowknife Wraiths @ Baltimore Hawks

These two teams will meet for the first time in NSFL Playoffs history. The Wraiths made it to the playoffs both years but fell short to Colorado. The odds certainly are in Baltimore's favor. They're at home and the home field advantage will surely be in full effect. The Wraiths will be looking to beat those odds by the means of pure offense and bend but don't break defense. The Wraiths are the underdogs for a few valid reasons and this is why I call this a "trap game" for Baltimore. I'm giving Yellowknife the edge close away from home.

Predictions:
27-19 with Yellowknife advancing.

ASFC Championship Game:
Orange County Otters @ Arizona Outlaws

Look, I'm not going to waste your time with this one, I can't swing this for the Otters in any way in my mind. Arizona is at home with the top rated defense, best front seven, great receiving core, quarterback, running back, secondary is legit, I can go on and on about how great they are but thinking from the Otters perspective, they need to do three things to upset the Outlaws:

Pressure Bronko into mistakes.
Don't let Mackworthy be Mackworthy.
Limit turnovers.

Hell, if I can add one more thing to it, I would say that QB Mike Boss has played a stellar year. If he can stay as cool, calm and collected as he's been since he's entered the NSFL, they can make some serious moves.

I still think the Otters will lose, but I don't think it'll be a blowout victory. They may fall two possessions shy of a chance for the Ultimus this year.

Predictions:
35-24 Arizona pulls off the home victory

NSFL Championship Game
Yellowknife Wraiths @ Arizona Outlaws

Arizona has earned Home Field Advantage for the playoffs for the second straight year so once again this matchup favors the Outlaws for this matchup. They're favored in every game they are lined up in their schedule for literally a season and a half. I said a half because no one expected them to be this good when S1 began. Well, except Arizona, of course.

What Yellowknife will need to do is similar to what the Otters needed to do. What Yellowknife has that Orange County doesn't is a extremely potent offense led by S2 Best QB candidate Chris Orosz. The offensive line is classified by most by best in the league. They need to keep him upright and let Josh Garden, Ricky Maddox, Bailey Cook and Damien West play their game. It'll be a tall task to hold that stellar front seven.

Offense will win games but defense still win championships and build dynasties. I still have Arizona winning this one in a much closer game, Yellowknife will put up a good fight but will eventually fall short in a close matchup.

Predictions:
29-24 Arizona Becomes 2-time NSFL Champions

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Offensive Comparison (Graphic):



Conference Final MVP Sig: