1.) Root for the Underdog - Monday
Most people are going into the NSFL playoffs under the impression that the Arizona Outlaws will win the championship yet again, finishing the three-peat and putting themselves in the record books in the league's infancy. But, like in year's past, they first have to get through the Orange County Otters. The Otters are rightfully considered a top 3 team in the league and have all the weapons they need to put up a fight against the Outlaws, they just haven't been able to break through yet. An interesting tactic the Otters have used to try to give themselves a last minute boost was the conversion of TE George Wright Jr. to defensive line. The Otters coaches hope that having a stronger and more physical defensive front will keep them in all 60 minutes of this game, and give Mike Boss the easiest path to victory. Will this sudden and dramatic change in the Otters' strategy pay off or will they fall flat in the playoffs yet again?
On the offensive side, Mike Boss will have to win the game through the air, with stellar performances by both Phelps and Westfield. RBs Erlich Burnsman and Leroy Jenkins will have a tough go of things on the ground with the loss of their lead blocker, but Burnsman has shown great promise so far and Jenkins has the ability to make plays running and as a receiver. The OL will be the key as Arizona frequently pressures Boss into sacks or interceptions which have cost the team many games in the past. They will need to be at their best to put up points on the Outlaws elite defense.
If the Otters can execute on both sides of the ball and avoid the mistakes the Outlaws prey on, we will see the upset win that guarantees the NSFL its first non-Arizona champion.
2.) Bottom Half - Wednesday
Unfortunately the NSFL hasn't had many dramatic and exciting shake-ups in its three season history. While the NSFC has had a little variation, the ASFC has maintained the same standings and playoff results all three seasons. That no doubt has many fans secretly wishing for a rainy future in Arizona, but for today we're left looking at the teams that did not make the playoffs. In the NSFC, the big surprise was the fall from grace for the Yellowknife Wraiths, thought to be one of the league's premiere teams. The Wraiths were unable to hang onto their playoff position despite scoring the most in the NSFC. The blame falls on their inability to perform on the road as they won just 2 road games this season, both again inter-conference opponents. While all in all they are still impressive on paper, they will need to step it up next season to compete with a Philadelphia team that had fewer blowout wins but was able to go 6-1 at home and had a half game advantage over the Wraiths on the road.
In the ASFC, there really were no surprises in the standings. San Jose made a good run of things this season and shows some promise for the future, but the Legion once again fell short in every category. Instead of asking what went wrong in Las Vegas, you'd be better off asking what didn't go wrong. The Legion have a few good young players in their core, but with Bercovici at the helm and many inactives throughout the roster, they simply can't hang in games against quality teams. They will need to replace Berc with a true franchise QB and hit a few home runs in the draft to even think about the playoffs next season.
3.) S3 Future Talent - Wednesday
![[Image: cdcS56k.png]](https://i.imgur.com/cdcS56k.png)
Julian O'Sullivan has shown physical ability and natural talent both as a run defender and in pass coverage. He continues to grow and will be an asset for the Otters for seasons to come. That's why he is my S3 Future Talent pick! @JuOSu
Most people are going into the NSFL playoffs under the impression that the Arizona Outlaws will win the championship yet again, finishing the three-peat and putting themselves in the record books in the league's infancy. But, like in year's past, they first have to get through the Orange County Otters. The Otters are rightfully considered a top 3 team in the league and have all the weapons they need to put up a fight against the Outlaws, they just haven't been able to break through yet. An interesting tactic the Otters have used to try to give themselves a last minute boost was the conversion of TE George Wright Jr. to defensive line. The Otters coaches hope that having a stronger and more physical defensive front will keep them in all 60 minutes of this game, and give Mike Boss the easiest path to victory. Will this sudden and dramatic change in the Otters' strategy pay off or will they fall flat in the playoffs yet again?
On the offensive side, Mike Boss will have to win the game through the air, with stellar performances by both Phelps and Westfield. RBs Erlich Burnsman and Leroy Jenkins will have a tough go of things on the ground with the loss of their lead blocker, but Burnsman has shown great promise so far and Jenkins has the ability to make plays running and as a receiver. The OL will be the key as Arizona frequently pressures Boss into sacks or interceptions which have cost the team many games in the past. They will need to be at their best to put up points on the Outlaws elite defense.
If the Otters can execute on both sides of the ball and avoid the mistakes the Outlaws prey on, we will see the upset win that guarantees the NSFL its first non-Arizona champion.
2.) Bottom Half - Wednesday
Unfortunately the NSFL hasn't had many dramatic and exciting shake-ups in its three season history. While the NSFC has had a little variation, the ASFC has maintained the same standings and playoff results all three seasons. That no doubt has many fans secretly wishing for a rainy future in Arizona, but for today we're left looking at the teams that did not make the playoffs. In the NSFC, the big surprise was the fall from grace for the Yellowknife Wraiths, thought to be one of the league's premiere teams. The Wraiths were unable to hang onto their playoff position despite scoring the most in the NSFC. The blame falls on their inability to perform on the road as they won just 2 road games this season, both again inter-conference opponents. While all in all they are still impressive on paper, they will need to step it up next season to compete with a Philadelphia team that had fewer blowout wins but was able to go 6-1 at home and had a half game advantage over the Wraiths on the road.
In the ASFC, there really were no surprises in the standings. San Jose made a good run of things this season and shows some promise for the future, but the Legion once again fell short in every category. Instead of asking what went wrong in Las Vegas, you'd be better off asking what didn't go wrong. The Legion have a few good young players in their core, but with Bercovici at the helm and many inactives throughout the roster, they simply can't hang in games against quality teams. They will need to replace Berc with a true franchise QB and hit a few home runs in the draft to even think about the playoffs next season.
3.) S3 Future Talent - Wednesday
Julian O'Sullivan has shown physical ability and natural talent both as a run defender and in pass coverage. He continues to grow and will be an asset for the Otters for seasons to come. That's why he is my S3 Future Talent pick! @JuOSu
