Pat's ISFL Season 24 First Quarter Power Rankings
Hello again friends. Pat here to give you a recap of the first four weeks of the 24th season of the ISFL. What we’ve witnessed recently is full four weeks of excitement, surprises, and disappointment. So, let's dive right into the rankings!
#1 – Sarasota Sailfish
4-0 | 1st in NSFC
Offense: 26.3 PPG (4) | 421.5 YPG (3) | 294 Pass YPG (2) | 127.5 Rush YPG (7)
Defense: 13 PPG (1) | 333.3 YPG (2) | 190.8 Pass YPG (1)| 142.5 Rush YPG (10)
When I was working on my rankings, the only two spots I felt confident in were the #1 and the #12 spots. Sarasota is the only undefeated team in the league, and boasts elite playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Sailfish have proven the old adage, “defense wins championships” through the first quarter of the season, holding opponents to an absurdly-low 13.0 PPG – a full 3 PPG less than the #2 team – as well as tying the lead for team sacks with 14. The Sailfish D has not one, but two players tied for the league lead in sacks with 4 – LB Haha Mango-Panda and FS Beat.
Coming into the season, most experts predicted Sarasota to finish third in the NSFC behind Colorado and Yellowknife. Those projections have proven to be wrong so far, as the Sailfish have proven to be the better team against both the Yeti and the Wraiths, with their week three 34-16 win over the Yeti in Colorado being hailed as the most impressive win of the young season.
Next four games:
Chicago Butchers
@Austin Copperheads
New Orleans Second Line
@San Jose Sabercats
#2 – Colorado Yeti
3-1 | 2nd in NFSC
Offense: 29.5 PPG (1) | 427.5 YPG (2) | 246.5 Pass YPG (5) | 181 Rush YPG (1)
Defense: 20.3 PPG (5) | 322.8 YPG (1) | 219 Pass YPG (4) | 103.8 YPG (1)
Now the team that most experts had picked for yet another NSFC title as well as the projected Season 24 Ultimus winners, the Colorado Yeti. Through their first two games, Colorado looked absolutely unstoppable. They started the season off with an absolutely shellacking of Chicago (41-6) led by McDummy throwing FIVE touchdowns. They followed that up by notching an impressive win on the road against Yellowknife in a game where the defense seemed to be optional (go back and the watch the replays – the game was insanely fun).
The story of the first quarter for Colorado is easily their offense, scoring nearly 30 points per game through the first four, as well as leading the league with a mind-boggling 181 rushing yards per game. They employ a three-headed monster in the backfield, with Owens, Bumper, and Gilbert all ranking in the top 20 for rushing yards in the league. The biggest benefactor of the team’s success on the ground has been veteran QB Wolfie McDummy, who currently leads the league in touchdown throws with 10 on the season.
Next four games:
@ Philadelphia Liberty
Orange County Otters
@ Arizona Outlaws
Honolulu Hahalua
#3 – New Orleans Second Line
3-1 | 1st in ASFC
Offense: 20.8 PPG (9) | 371 YPG (5) | 212.8 Pass YPG (9) | 158.3 Rush YPG (3)
Defense: 16.3 PPG (2) | 373.8 YPG (7) | 225 Pass YPG (5) | 148.8 Rush YPG (12)
The number three spot was one that I kept going back and forth on about who should get it. Through the first quarter of the season, Sarasota and Colorado have proven to be in another league versus the rest of the ISFL. New Orleans gets the nod for the #3 spot for a few reasons: they have the best record in the ASFC, they boast the #2 scoring defense in the entire league, and they’re being led by a rookie QB who is expected to improve as the season continues.
As mentioned, the main attraction when looking at the Second Line is their defense. Not only are they second in points allowed, but they also lead the league in sacks (14) and tackles for loss (16). The unit is led by their secondary, which has been posting up great numbers so far this season. Veteran Cornerback Jordan Andrews is tied for the league lead in sacks with four. Let me say that again. One of their CB’s has four sacks. Andrews is part of a three man CB rotation also including David Rector and Andrew Witten, who together have combined for 2 interceptions, 13 passes defended, and one touchdown.
On offense, New Orleans is led by a dominant rushing duo of Marcella Toriki and Forrest Gump, who both are in the top 7 spots for rushing yards so far, and have combined for 611 yards on the ground at an incredible clip of over 5 yards per carry. This has allowed their rookie QB Ben Slothlisberger to not have to take the games into his hands and play the role of game manager, a role he’s been playing very well.
Next four games:
San Jose SaberCats
Chicago Butchers
@Sarasota Sailfish
@Baltimore Hawks
#4 – Yellowknife Wraiths
2-2 | 3rd in NSFC
Offense: 26.8 PPG (3) | 357.3 YPG (9) | 194.8 Pass YPG (11) | 162.5 Rush YPG (2)
Defense: 27 PPG (10) | 392 YPG (9) |254 Pass YPG (9) | 138 Rush YPG (7)
Now here begins the fun part of the rankings. Currently, half of the league (six teams) have records of 2-2 through the first four. Figuring out an order for them has not been easy, and you can honestly make arguments for almost all of them to be the top of the pile. In my opinion, however, the Yellowknife Wraiths deserve to be recognized as the best of the .500 clubs.
Now, every team from this point on has their warts, and before I explain why Yellowknife is slotted here, I’d like to discuss the reasons against them. They are in the bottom half of the league in all by three statistical categories, and their two wins were against the two teams with the worst records in the league.
Okay so I’m not setting them up very well here am I? For the reasons why the Wraiths deserve the #4 spot, we have to dig a little bit. For starters, they started off the season with three of their first four games playing on the road, two of which they won. Their two losses were to Colorado and Sarasota, the undisputed best teams currently, by a combined nine points. They have the second best rushing attack in the league, led by Mathias Hanyadi, who leads the league in rushing yards with 416 yards and is third in rushing scores with three. Last but not least, their offensive line is one of the best, registering 84 pancakes while only allowing two sacks through the first four. With three of their next four at home, I fully expect this team to keep this spot in the rankings.
Next four games:
Baltimore Hawks
Arizona Outlaws
@ Honolulu Hahalua
Austin Copperheads
#5 – San Jose SaberCats
2-2 | 4th in ASFC
Offense: 27 PPG (2) | 392.5 YPG (4) | 250.8 Pass YPG (4) | 141.8 Rush YPG (4)
Defense: 25.3 PPG (9) | 350 YPG (5) | 245.5 Pass YPG (8) | 104.5 Rush YPG (2)
Let’s just get this out of the way: San Jose might not have the best record in the league, but I can guarantee you that every game they play in will be among the most exciting for that week. This team is built to out pace you and outscore you, and when you look at those offensive numbers it’s apparent that they’re on the right track. In fact, as you’ll read later on, they have two players that are currently in the top five for my Offensive Player of the Year rankings.
So, let’s take a look at this San Jose squad. They’re both 1-1 at home and on the road. Their largest margin of victory is 10, and their biggest defeat is by 7. They have three more giveaways than takeaways, and their offense has given up the second-most sacks in the league while their defense has the second-least amount of sacks.
However, their offense, led by RB Jamar Lackson, WR Deondre Thomas-Fox, and rookie QB Monterey Jack has been lighting up the scoreboards. If the SaberCats can keep this nucleus together for a few seasons, we could be looking at the emergence of the most high-powered offense in the league.
Next four games:
@ New Orleans Second Line
@ Philadelphia Liberty
@ Chicago Butchers
Sarasota Sailfish
#6 – Austin Copperheads
2-2 | 5th in ASFC
Offense: 21.5 PPG (8) | 430.3 YPG (1) | 294.3 Pass YPG (1) | 136 Rush YPG (5)
Defense: 19.8 PPG (4) | 393 YPG (10) | 258.8 Pass YPG (10) | 134.3 Rush YPG (5)
I am going to have to be honest here – there is a whole lot of recency bias affecting my decision to put Austin here at the number 6 spot. Their 31-7 dismantling of New Orleans at home in Week 4 has been one of the most impressive wins so far this young season. Every team looks for that signature win to hopefully get them on the right track, and I think Austin found theirs.
Austin is the type of team that seems to really think highly of the conditioning of their defensive players, as they have quite the large deficit in time of possession over the course of the season, and seem perfectly content to sling the ball on every play they can. This method hasn’t worked out too poorly for them, however, as QB Easton Cole leads the league in passing yards, is second in passer rating, and has a league-best 6:1 TD/INT ration (second-best is 3:1). The offense is full of playmakers, as RB’s Mako Mendoca and Kichwa Jones and WR’s Net Gaines and Eddie Jeeta are all within top 8 for their respective yards.
Their defense and offense have been inverses of each other so far this season. Their defense has employed a bend but don’t break attitude, somehow being 10th in the league in yards allowed, but top four in points allowed. Their offense has the most yards gained but is only 8th in PPG. Austin faces one of the toughest upcoming schedules in the league, so we’ll see if those strategies pay off.
Next four games:
@ Honolulu Hahalua
Sarasota Sailfish
Baltimore Hawks
@ Yellowknife Wraiths
#7 – Baltimore Hawks
2-2 | 4th in NSFC
Offense: 21.8 PPG (7) | 364.3 YPG (6) | 239.3 Pass YPG (7) | 125 Rush YPG (8)
Defense: 18.3 PPG (3) | 399.5 YPG (11) | 272.8 Pass YPG (12) | 126.8 Rush YPG (3)
When you look at them on paper, Baltimore doesn’t look like a very strong team. They’re right in the middle or in the bottom-half in the league in almost every statistical category. In addition to points and yards, they are 9th in sacks allowed, 9th in defensive sacks, and only have one standout player at any position – RB Darrell Williams.
So, you’re probably wondering, “if they’re so non-descript, why are they ranked better than Arizona and Honolulu?” That’s a great question that I really don’t have a great answer for. What it comes down to is that while they might not really stand out in any way, that actually plays to their advantage. They haven’t had a lot of turnovers. They haven’t had a bad loss. And they’ve got a positive PPG differential. Sure, their two wins were both at home against two of the league’s worst teams, Philly and Chicago; but, their two losses were both on the road to the league’s two best teams, Sarasota and Colorado.
I honestly feel a little bad here because outside of Williams, there really isn’t anyone on this team to talk about. Hopefully over their next four games they go in a strong direction, whether that’s up or down, so I have something to talk about at mid-season.
Next four games:
@ Yellowknife Wraiths
Honolulu Hahalua
@ Austin Copperheads
New Orleans Second Line
#8 – Honolulu Hahalua
2-2 | 2nd in ASFC
Offense: 23.5 PPG (5) | 269.8 YPG (12) | 159.8 Pass YPG (12) | 110 Rush YPG (10)
Defense: 25.3 PPG (8) | 346.3 YPH (3) | 211.5 Pass YPG (3) | 134.8 Rush YPG (6)
I’ll begin this write-up by saying I have no idea how to describe this Honolulu squad. Top half in the league in PPG on offense while fielding the worst-ranked unit, but bottom 5 in defensive scoring while sporting a smothering group at all levels. Winless at home, one loss being a nail-biter against New Orleans, and in the other getting blown-out by an underperforming Orange County team. Undefeated on the road, forcing multiple turnovers and scoring defensive touchdowns.
In Honolulu’s defense, they are one of the league’s youngest teams, so growing pains can be expected. Their defense, however, has been playing well beyond their years, leading the league in takeaways, passes defended, safeties, and defensive touchdowns. If their defense wasn’t playing so well, this team could very well be 0-4 instead of 2-2.
Let’s talk about that defense a bit, where the secondary is by far the main driver. The star of the early season for Honolulu has been Cornerback Jim Waters, who leads the league in both INTs (4) and PD (9). Quarterbacks might find it wise to not throw his direction much this season. Patrolling centerfield form his Free Safety spot is Shawn Dawkins, who has chipped in two INTs and 4 PD’s, as well as a defensive touchdown.
Honolulu might not end the season with a great record, but if they can keep their defense together for a few more seasons we might be looking at a force in the ASFC for years to come.
Next four games:
Austin Copperheads
@ Baltimore Hawks
Yellowknife Wraiths
@ Colorado Yeti
#9 – Orange County Otters
1-3 | 6th in ASFC
Offense: 22.5 PPG (6) | 355.3 YPG (10) | 224.5 Pass YPG (8) | 130.8 Rush YPG (6)
Defense: 23.3 PPG (6) | 349 YPG (4) | 208.5 Pass YPG (2) | 140.5 Rush YPG (8)
I can hear it now, the cry from all of those Arizona fans out there: “Pat, how can you put the one win Otters above the blessed Outlaws?! They’re terrible!”
Sure, a 1-3 start is definitely not where Orange County wanted to be, but let’s look a little deeper. On paper, they’re average or above-average in many aspects of the game on both sides of the ball. They also sport one of the best pass defenses in the league, and are tied for the league lead in sacks (14).
On top of that, Orange County started the year off with three of their first four on the road, one of which being the impressive week 4 blowout win over the Hahalua in Honolulu.
The star of the Otters’ defense through the first quarter of the season has been their young linebacker Deshun Jones, who is tied for the league lead in sacks with four, and has also chipped in 3 passes defended, and a forced fumble. The scheduling Gods appear to be easing up on them a bit here, giving them three very winnable games in their next four.
Next four games:
Arizona Outlaws
@ Colorado Yeti
Philadelphia Liberty
@ Chicago Butchers
#10 – Arizona Outlaws
2-2 | 3rd in ASFC
Offense: 18 PPG (10) | 360.5 YPG (7) | 242 Pass YPG (6) | 118.5 Rush YPG (9)
Defense: 23.5 PPG (7) | 367.3 YPG (6) | 234.8 Pass YPG (7) | 132.5 Rush YPG (4)
If Sarasota has been the biggest surprise of the young season, then Arizona might be the second biggest surprise. Unfortunately for the Outlaws, they’re off to a surprising start for how much they’ve underperformed compared to expectations. A trendy pick by many analysts to win the ASFC, Arizona has started off the season playing very poorly.
The biggest underperformer in many eyes has been the offense as a whole, with projected MVP candidate, QB Jay Cue, posting a 4 TD:6 INT ratio and a 63.1 QB Rating, both worst in the league. It’s apparent that the team misses the presence of RB Baby Yoda, who was signed away in free agency by Chicago prior to the season, as his replacements, rookies Joseph Petrongolo and Zed Keppler have only managed to put up 311 combined yards and 1 touchdown on the ground.
If there is a bright spot for Arizona, however, it’s that their three-headed monster in the passing game of WR’s Saba Donut and Thomas Passmann, and TE Heath Evans, have been spectacular. Passmann and Donut are both in the top 11 in the league in receiving yards, and Evans leads all Tight Ends in receiving with 267 yards.
Next four games:
@ Orange County Otters
@ Yellowknife Wraiths
Colorado Yeti
Philadelphia Liberty
#11 – Chicago Butchers
1-3 | 5th in NSFC
Offense: 15.8 PPG (12) | 359.3 YPG (8) | 251.8 Pass YPG (3) | 107.5 Rush YPG (11)
Defense: 27.5 PPG (11) | 376.8 YPG (8) | 234.3 Pass YPG (6) |142.5 Rush YPG (9)
The first quarter of Season 24 has not been kind to the Chicago Butchers. They’ve started off the year 1-3, scoring an abysmal 16 PPG, with astounding point differential of -47 points through four games. Their defense, while allowing the second-most points in the league, also has the least takeaways AND the least sacks as a unit. So, things are definitely looking great in the Windy City.
I could spend this write-up focusing on the negatives in Chicago (and there are a lot of them) but instead I want to focus on the positives. One positive is that while they might be bad, they’re not the worst team in the league. Second, is that they have a very promising rookie QB under center for them that at the very least will bring fans to the stadium.
Rookie QB George O’Donnell has surprised many this year, by throwing for 1007 yards (3rd in the league), and posting a very good 3-to-1 TD:INT ration (second-best). Now, to be fair, he has had ample opportunity to throw the ball, as Chicago always seems to be playing from behind, but he’s managed to stay moderately efficient, sporting a QB Rating of 80, which is better than veterans Franklin Armstrong and Jay Cue. If Chicago can surround him with some talent, O’Donnell could very well become the next big name QB in the ISFL.
Next four games:
@ Sarasota Sailfish
@ New Orleans Second Line
San Jose SaberCats
Orange County Otters
#12 – Philadelphia Liberty
0-4 | 6th in NSFC
Offense: 16.3 PPG (11) | 306.3 YPG (11) | 207.8 Pass YPG (10) | 98.5 Rush YPG (12)
Defense: 30.3 PPG (12) | 411.8 YPG (12) | 263.3 Pass YPG (11) | 148.5 Rush YPG (11)
If Chicago’s start in Season 24 has been poor, then Philadelphia’s can only be described as the football equivalent of a wet fart. They’ve sported a point differential of -56, and they’ve been outgained by 422 yards.
It’s not been all bad for the Liberty this season, however. Even though they have been blown out in three of their four games, they somehow have managed to work their way to a +5 turnover differential, and their offensive line has only allowed a single sack against their QB Brock Phoenix.
I really wish I had more to say, but honestly looking over their game summaries and stats has made me start to question whether or not football is really something I enjoy. Hopefully they can turn it around moving forward.
Next four games:
Colorado Yeti
San Jose SaberCats
@ Orange County Otters
@ Arizona Outlaws
So, there we have it folks, my power rankings through the season's first four games. How did I do? What did I go wrong? Comment back and let me know your thoughts!
Up next: Pat's take on all of the major award races
Hello again friends. Pat here to give you a recap of the first four weeks of the 24th season of the ISFL. What we’ve witnessed recently is full four weeks of excitement, surprises, and disappointment. So, let's dive right into the rankings!
#1 – Sarasota Sailfish
4-0 | 1st in NSFC
Offense: 26.3 PPG (4) | 421.5 YPG (3) | 294 Pass YPG (2) | 127.5 Rush YPG (7)
Defense: 13 PPG (1) | 333.3 YPG (2) | 190.8 Pass YPG (1)| 142.5 Rush YPG (10)
When I was working on my rankings, the only two spots I felt confident in were the #1 and the #12 spots. Sarasota is the only undefeated team in the league, and boasts elite playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Sailfish have proven the old adage, “defense wins championships” through the first quarter of the season, holding opponents to an absurdly-low 13.0 PPG – a full 3 PPG less than the #2 team – as well as tying the lead for team sacks with 14. The Sailfish D has not one, but two players tied for the league lead in sacks with 4 – LB Haha Mango-Panda and FS Beat.
Coming into the season, most experts predicted Sarasota to finish third in the NSFC behind Colorado and Yellowknife. Those projections have proven to be wrong so far, as the Sailfish have proven to be the better team against both the Yeti and the Wraiths, with their week three 34-16 win over the Yeti in Colorado being hailed as the most impressive win of the young season.
Next four games:
Chicago Butchers
@Austin Copperheads
New Orleans Second Line
@San Jose Sabercats
#2 – Colorado Yeti
3-1 | 2nd in NFSC
Offense: 29.5 PPG (1) | 427.5 YPG (2) | 246.5 Pass YPG (5) | 181 Rush YPG (1)
Defense: 20.3 PPG (5) | 322.8 YPG (1) | 219 Pass YPG (4) | 103.8 YPG (1)
Now the team that most experts had picked for yet another NSFC title as well as the projected Season 24 Ultimus winners, the Colorado Yeti. Through their first two games, Colorado looked absolutely unstoppable. They started the season off with an absolutely shellacking of Chicago (41-6) led by McDummy throwing FIVE touchdowns. They followed that up by notching an impressive win on the road against Yellowknife in a game where the defense seemed to be optional (go back and the watch the replays – the game was insanely fun).
The story of the first quarter for Colorado is easily their offense, scoring nearly 30 points per game through the first four, as well as leading the league with a mind-boggling 181 rushing yards per game. They employ a three-headed monster in the backfield, with Owens, Bumper, and Gilbert all ranking in the top 20 for rushing yards in the league. The biggest benefactor of the team’s success on the ground has been veteran QB Wolfie McDummy, who currently leads the league in touchdown throws with 10 on the season.
Next four games:
@ Philadelphia Liberty
Orange County Otters
@ Arizona Outlaws
Honolulu Hahalua
#3 – New Orleans Second Line
3-1 | 1st in ASFC
Offense: 20.8 PPG (9) | 371 YPG (5) | 212.8 Pass YPG (9) | 158.3 Rush YPG (3)
Defense: 16.3 PPG (2) | 373.8 YPG (7) | 225 Pass YPG (5) | 148.8 Rush YPG (12)
The number three spot was one that I kept going back and forth on about who should get it. Through the first quarter of the season, Sarasota and Colorado have proven to be in another league versus the rest of the ISFL. New Orleans gets the nod for the #3 spot for a few reasons: they have the best record in the ASFC, they boast the #2 scoring defense in the entire league, and they’re being led by a rookie QB who is expected to improve as the season continues.
As mentioned, the main attraction when looking at the Second Line is their defense. Not only are they second in points allowed, but they also lead the league in sacks (14) and tackles for loss (16). The unit is led by their secondary, which has been posting up great numbers so far this season. Veteran Cornerback Jordan Andrews is tied for the league lead in sacks with four. Let me say that again. One of their CB’s has four sacks. Andrews is part of a three man CB rotation also including David Rector and Andrew Witten, who together have combined for 2 interceptions, 13 passes defended, and one touchdown.
On offense, New Orleans is led by a dominant rushing duo of Marcella Toriki and Forrest Gump, who both are in the top 7 spots for rushing yards so far, and have combined for 611 yards on the ground at an incredible clip of over 5 yards per carry. This has allowed their rookie QB Ben Slothlisberger to not have to take the games into his hands and play the role of game manager, a role he’s been playing very well.
Next four games:
San Jose SaberCats
Chicago Butchers
@Sarasota Sailfish
@Baltimore Hawks
#4 – Yellowknife Wraiths
2-2 | 3rd in NSFC
Offense: 26.8 PPG (3) | 357.3 YPG (9) | 194.8 Pass YPG (11) | 162.5 Rush YPG (2)
Defense: 27 PPG (10) | 392 YPG (9) |254 Pass YPG (9) | 138 Rush YPG (7)
Now here begins the fun part of the rankings. Currently, half of the league (six teams) have records of 2-2 through the first four. Figuring out an order for them has not been easy, and you can honestly make arguments for almost all of them to be the top of the pile. In my opinion, however, the Yellowknife Wraiths deserve to be recognized as the best of the .500 clubs.
Now, every team from this point on has their warts, and before I explain why Yellowknife is slotted here, I’d like to discuss the reasons against them. They are in the bottom half of the league in all by three statistical categories, and their two wins were against the two teams with the worst records in the league.
Okay so I’m not setting them up very well here am I? For the reasons why the Wraiths deserve the #4 spot, we have to dig a little bit. For starters, they started off the season with three of their first four games playing on the road, two of which they won. Their two losses were to Colorado and Sarasota, the undisputed best teams currently, by a combined nine points. They have the second best rushing attack in the league, led by Mathias Hanyadi, who leads the league in rushing yards with 416 yards and is third in rushing scores with three. Last but not least, their offensive line is one of the best, registering 84 pancakes while only allowing two sacks through the first four. With three of their next four at home, I fully expect this team to keep this spot in the rankings.
Next four games:
Baltimore Hawks
Arizona Outlaws
@ Honolulu Hahalua
Austin Copperheads
#5 – San Jose SaberCats
2-2 | 4th in ASFC
Offense: 27 PPG (2) | 392.5 YPG (4) | 250.8 Pass YPG (4) | 141.8 Rush YPG (4)
Defense: 25.3 PPG (9) | 350 YPG (5) | 245.5 Pass YPG (8) | 104.5 Rush YPG (2)
Let’s just get this out of the way: San Jose might not have the best record in the league, but I can guarantee you that every game they play in will be among the most exciting for that week. This team is built to out pace you and outscore you, and when you look at those offensive numbers it’s apparent that they’re on the right track. In fact, as you’ll read later on, they have two players that are currently in the top five for my Offensive Player of the Year rankings.
So, let’s take a look at this San Jose squad. They’re both 1-1 at home and on the road. Their largest margin of victory is 10, and their biggest defeat is by 7. They have three more giveaways than takeaways, and their offense has given up the second-most sacks in the league while their defense has the second-least amount of sacks.
However, their offense, led by RB Jamar Lackson, WR Deondre Thomas-Fox, and rookie QB Monterey Jack has been lighting up the scoreboards. If the SaberCats can keep this nucleus together for a few seasons, we could be looking at the emergence of the most high-powered offense in the league.
Next four games:
@ New Orleans Second Line
@ Philadelphia Liberty
@ Chicago Butchers
Sarasota Sailfish
#6 – Austin Copperheads
2-2 | 5th in ASFC
Offense: 21.5 PPG (8) | 430.3 YPG (1) | 294.3 Pass YPG (1) | 136 Rush YPG (5)
Defense: 19.8 PPG (4) | 393 YPG (10) | 258.8 Pass YPG (10) | 134.3 Rush YPG (5)
I am going to have to be honest here – there is a whole lot of recency bias affecting my decision to put Austin here at the number 6 spot. Their 31-7 dismantling of New Orleans at home in Week 4 has been one of the most impressive wins so far this young season. Every team looks for that signature win to hopefully get them on the right track, and I think Austin found theirs.
Austin is the type of team that seems to really think highly of the conditioning of their defensive players, as they have quite the large deficit in time of possession over the course of the season, and seem perfectly content to sling the ball on every play they can. This method hasn’t worked out too poorly for them, however, as QB Easton Cole leads the league in passing yards, is second in passer rating, and has a league-best 6:1 TD/INT ration (second-best is 3:1). The offense is full of playmakers, as RB’s Mako Mendoca and Kichwa Jones and WR’s Net Gaines and Eddie Jeeta are all within top 8 for their respective yards.
Their defense and offense have been inverses of each other so far this season. Their defense has employed a bend but don’t break attitude, somehow being 10th in the league in yards allowed, but top four in points allowed. Their offense has the most yards gained but is only 8th in PPG. Austin faces one of the toughest upcoming schedules in the league, so we’ll see if those strategies pay off.
Next four games:
@ Honolulu Hahalua
Sarasota Sailfish
Baltimore Hawks
@ Yellowknife Wraiths
#7 – Baltimore Hawks
2-2 | 4th in NSFC
Offense: 21.8 PPG (7) | 364.3 YPG (6) | 239.3 Pass YPG (7) | 125 Rush YPG (8)
Defense: 18.3 PPG (3) | 399.5 YPG (11) | 272.8 Pass YPG (12) | 126.8 Rush YPG (3)
When you look at them on paper, Baltimore doesn’t look like a very strong team. They’re right in the middle or in the bottom-half in the league in almost every statistical category. In addition to points and yards, they are 9th in sacks allowed, 9th in defensive sacks, and only have one standout player at any position – RB Darrell Williams.
So, you’re probably wondering, “if they’re so non-descript, why are they ranked better than Arizona and Honolulu?” That’s a great question that I really don’t have a great answer for. What it comes down to is that while they might not really stand out in any way, that actually plays to their advantage. They haven’t had a lot of turnovers. They haven’t had a bad loss. And they’ve got a positive PPG differential. Sure, their two wins were both at home against two of the league’s worst teams, Philly and Chicago; but, their two losses were both on the road to the league’s two best teams, Sarasota and Colorado.
I honestly feel a little bad here because outside of Williams, there really isn’t anyone on this team to talk about. Hopefully over their next four games they go in a strong direction, whether that’s up or down, so I have something to talk about at mid-season.
Next four games:
@ Yellowknife Wraiths
Honolulu Hahalua
@ Austin Copperheads
New Orleans Second Line
#8 – Honolulu Hahalua
2-2 | 2nd in ASFC
Offense: 23.5 PPG (5) | 269.8 YPG (12) | 159.8 Pass YPG (12) | 110 Rush YPG (10)
Defense: 25.3 PPG (8) | 346.3 YPH (3) | 211.5 Pass YPG (3) | 134.8 Rush YPG (6)
I’ll begin this write-up by saying I have no idea how to describe this Honolulu squad. Top half in the league in PPG on offense while fielding the worst-ranked unit, but bottom 5 in defensive scoring while sporting a smothering group at all levels. Winless at home, one loss being a nail-biter against New Orleans, and in the other getting blown-out by an underperforming Orange County team. Undefeated on the road, forcing multiple turnovers and scoring defensive touchdowns.
In Honolulu’s defense, they are one of the league’s youngest teams, so growing pains can be expected. Their defense, however, has been playing well beyond their years, leading the league in takeaways, passes defended, safeties, and defensive touchdowns. If their defense wasn’t playing so well, this team could very well be 0-4 instead of 2-2.
Let’s talk about that defense a bit, where the secondary is by far the main driver. The star of the early season for Honolulu has been Cornerback Jim Waters, who leads the league in both INTs (4) and PD (9). Quarterbacks might find it wise to not throw his direction much this season. Patrolling centerfield form his Free Safety spot is Shawn Dawkins, who has chipped in two INTs and 4 PD’s, as well as a defensive touchdown.
Honolulu might not end the season with a great record, but if they can keep their defense together for a few more seasons we might be looking at a force in the ASFC for years to come.
Next four games:
Austin Copperheads
@ Baltimore Hawks
Yellowknife Wraiths
@ Colorado Yeti
#9 – Orange County Otters
1-3 | 6th in ASFC
Offense: 22.5 PPG (6) | 355.3 YPG (10) | 224.5 Pass YPG (8) | 130.8 Rush YPG (6)
Defense: 23.3 PPG (6) | 349 YPG (4) | 208.5 Pass YPG (2) | 140.5 Rush YPG (8)
I can hear it now, the cry from all of those Arizona fans out there: “Pat, how can you put the one win Otters above the blessed Outlaws?! They’re terrible!”
Sure, a 1-3 start is definitely not where Orange County wanted to be, but let’s look a little deeper. On paper, they’re average or above-average in many aspects of the game on both sides of the ball. They also sport one of the best pass defenses in the league, and are tied for the league lead in sacks (14).
On top of that, Orange County started the year off with three of their first four on the road, one of which being the impressive week 4 blowout win over the Hahalua in Honolulu.
The star of the Otters’ defense through the first quarter of the season has been their young linebacker Deshun Jones, who is tied for the league lead in sacks with four, and has also chipped in 3 passes defended, and a forced fumble. The scheduling Gods appear to be easing up on them a bit here, giving them three very winnable games in their next four.
Next four games:
Arizona Outlaws
@ Colorado Yeti
Philadelphia Liberty
@ Chicago Butchers
#10 – Arizona Outlaws
2-2 | 3rd in ASFC
Offense: 18 PPG (10) | 360.5 YPG (7) | 242 Pass YPG (6) | 118.5 Rush YPG (9)
Defense: 23.5 PPG (7) | 367.3 YPG (6) | 234.8 Pass YPG (7) | 132.5 Rush YPG (4)
If Sarasota has been the biggest surprise of the young season, then Arizona might be the second biggest surprise. Unfortunately for the Outlaws, they’re off to a surprising start for how much they’ve underperformed compared to expectations. A trendy pick by many analysts to win the ASFC, Arizona has started off the season playing very poorly.
The biggest underperformer in many eyes has been the offense as a whole, with projected MVP candidate, QB Jay Cue, posting a 4 TD:6 INT ratio and a 63.1 QB Rating, both worst in the league. It’s apparent that the team misses the presence of RB Baby Yoda, who was signed away in free agency by Chicago prior to the season, as his replacements, rookies Joseph Petrongolo and Zed Keppler have only managed to put up 311 combined yards and 1 touchdown on the ground.
If there is a bright spot for Arizona, however, it’s that their three-headed monster in the passing game of WR’s Saba Donut and Thomas Passmann, and TE Heath Evans, have been spectacular. Passmann and Donut are both in the top 11 in the league in receiving yards, and Evans leads all Tight Ends in receiving with 267 yards.
Next four games:
@ Orange County Otters
@ Yellowknife Wraiths
Colorado Yeti
Philadelphia Liberty
#11 – Chicago Butchers
1-3 | 5th in NSFC
Offense: 15.8 PPG (12) | 359.3 YPG (8) | 251.8 Pass YPG (3) | 107.5 Rush YPG (11)
Defense: 27.5 PPG (11) | 376.8 YPG (8) | 234.3 Pass YPG (6) |142.5 Rush YPG (9)
The first quarter of Season 24 has not been kind to the Chicago Butchers. They’ve started off the year 1-3, scoring an abysmal 16 PPG, with astounding point differential of -47 points through four games. Their defense, while allowing the second-most points in the league, also has the least takeaways AND the least sacks as a unit. So, things are definitely looking great in the Windy City.
I could spend this write-up focusing on the negatives in Chicago (and there are a lot of them) but instead I want to focus on the positives. One positive is that while they might be bad, they’re not the worst team in the league. Second, is that they have a very promising rookie QB under center for them that at the very least will bring fans to the stadium.
Rookie QB George O’Donnell has surprised many this year, by throwing for 1007 yards (3rd in the league), and posting a very good 3-to-1 TD:INT ration (second-best). Now, to be fair, he has had ample opportunity to throw the ball, as Chicago always seems to be playing from behind, but he’s managed to stay moderately efficient, sporting a QB Rating of 80, which is better than veterans Franklin Armstrong and Jay Cue. If Chicago can surround him with some talent, O’Donnell could very well become the next big name QB in the ISFL.
Next four games:
@ Sarasota Sailfish
@ New Orleans Second Line
San Jose SaberCats
Orange County Otters
#12 – Philadelphia Liberty
0-4 | 6th in NSFC
Offense: 16.3 PPG (11) | 306.3 YPG (11) | 207.8 Pass YPG (10) | 98.5 Rush YPG (12)
Defense: 30.3 PPG (12) | 411.8 YPG (12) | 263.3 Pass YPG (11) | 148.5 Rush YPG (11)
If Chicago’s start in Season 24 has been poor, then Philadelphia’s can only be described as the football equivalent of a wet fart. They’ve sported a point differential of -56, and they’ve been outgained by 422 yards.
It’s not been all bad for the Liberty this season, however. Even though they have been blown out in three of their four games, they somehow have managed to work their way to a +5 turnover differential, and their offensive line has only allowed a single sack against their QB Brock Phoenix.
I really wish I had more to say, but honestly looking over their game summaries and stats has made me start to question whether or not football is really something I enjoy. Hopefully they can turn it around moving forward.
Next four games:
Colorado Yeti
San Jose SaberCats
@ Orange County Otters
@ Arizona Outlaws
So, there we have it folks, my power rankings through the season's first four games. How did I do? What did I go wrong? Comment back and let me know your thoughts!
Up next: Pat's take on all of the major award races
![[Image: lip-chap.jpg?width=383&height=468]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/461498035348701185/777250920941223966/lip-chap.jpg?width=383&height=468)
![[Image: k4AYgU9.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/k4AYgU9.gif)
![[Image: cwAUFYO.png]](https://i.imgur.com/cwAUFYO.png)
![[Image: jZiqO11.png]](https://i.imgur.com/jZiqO11.png)
![[Image: 49rZtUA.png]](https://i.imgur.com/49rZtUA.png)
![[Image: clemente.gif]](https://sig.grumpybumpers.com/host/clemente.gif)
![[Image: tinytimsbutthole.gif]](https://sig.grumpybumpers.com/host/tinytimsbutthole.gif)
![[Image: KwiaYg8.png]](https://imgur.com/KwiaYg8.png)
![[Image: 46xOyod.png]](https://i.imgur.com/46xOyod.png)
![[Image: FrostKnight.png?width=1248&height=676]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/722897180280619130/876259042392154132/FrostKnight.png?width=1248&height=676)
![[Image: 9nvMhRb]](https://imgur.com/a/9nvMhRb)
