S2 - Ultimus Week

[Vikain]

Offensive Comparison
Quarterback is an integral part of any offense. With the Playoffs in full force let's take a look at the Quarterback in the playoffs. Out of the four teams in the playoffs only one was better than the 8 - 6, that the other three held, Arizona heavily relied on K. Bronto to move the ball. Starting all 14 games he would finish with 25 Touchdowns which would be the highest in the league and 15 Interceptions, with a 55% completion rate. Would throw for 3130 yards and have a QB rating of 77.1. Bronto will be facing the Otters with a QB that took a lot of flack last season but played well enough to gain some respect. M. Boss finished with 21 TD throws (tied for second in the league) and 16 interceptions. He threw for 3609 yards and had a 60.6 completion percentage (second highest in the league) and a QB rating of 81.7. We could see that the Otters and M. Boss might have the slight edge in this department for their series. Now these two are not the only factors on who will win the game in the first round but it does show that it definitely will be a close game.

Defensive Comparison
With the comparisons of QB’s done, we now look to the backbone on Defensive side of the game. Linebackers are usually considered the heart and soul of the team. And for the Wraiths and Hawks they both have two extraordinary LB’s that are difference makers. For the Wraiths it is A. Hackett, this guy is a monster of the line he has the speed and strength to get through and make those punishing hits. He would rack up 114 Tackles (highest on the Wraiths) and making 3 of them tackles for a loss. His ability to get through the o-line was clear as he was able to reach the opposing QB 6 times. He was even good in coverage as he had 8 pass deflections and 2 interceptions which he took one for a Defensive TD. The one that will compete against him in the first round will be S. Harris from the Hawks. Harris is a very similar player as Hackett as they almost bear very similar stats. Harris got 116 tackles and 4 of them behind the line of scrimmage. He managed to get 4 sacks and 7 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions like Hackett but no Defensive TD. In all both the linebackers are equally matched on paper which is not a good thing for the opposing QBs.

Bottom Half
As the Ultimus Week dies down, we get out our Championship team in really was a dominant fashion of the Arizona Outlaws. But with all the playoff teams getting the attention some of the bottom feeders should be looked at. With two new teams that were expanded for did not make the playoffs, there is not too much concern. Both Las Vegas and Philadelphia have bright futures ahead and can easily squeak into the playoffs next year. But why did these two teams not make it into the playoffs? It could easily be dismissed as the two teams were expansion teams and had no real depth, while sorta true they did a lot better than I think most expected. As both of these teams were on the top half of the defensive side of the ball as they both had over 700 tackle. Las Vegas had more pressure to the scrimmage line as they were at the top side for tackles for loss and sacks but Philadelphia had the most interceptions on near the top on Pass Deflections. For Philadelphia the issue was the O-line depth, as the their QB was sacked 65 times (10 more than the next). This halted their run game and made their QB running all over the place. For Las Vegas it was a little of everything, bottom in passing yards, second lowest in rushing yards, bottom in receiving yards, and lowest amount of pancakes for their o-line. Both these teams did not get out of the gate well enough but they finished strong and look for them to be contenders next season. (268)

Series MVP
For a playoff series MVP, I would choose Scrub Kyubee from the Baltimore Hawks game against the Yellowknife Wraiths. Kyubee did not have the greatest of seasons as he racked up 3181 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. But in the Conference Final he took charge and played his heart out. Completing 34 out of 51 passes he would throw over 300 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 pick. His 336 passing yards was the highest in the whole playoffs in one game. He was showing flashes of why he could become one of the best QB’s in the league. His ability to expand the field and find his targets was tremendous as five of his receivers had 4 or more receptions. He consistently hit both C. Christmas and M. Vincent. Christmas racking up 116 receiving yards and Vincent with 9 catches pulled 95 yards. Kyubee had an average yards per throw of 9.9 which showed how much he studied the Wraiths film. He made them play with every one on ones and mismatches and even blitzes that he was ready for. He would finish the game with a QB rating of 83.5 highest in the playoffs again. Look for Kyubee and the Hawks to have a breakout season next year.

Playoff Review
We now look at the Playoffs as the whole and to review each series as they happened. Starting off with Arizona Outlaws who came into this playoffs as the favorites to win with the boasting record of 12-2 and being on top on almost all the categories. They face off against the Orange County Otters. The game would finish 17-13 in favor of the Outlaws but some glaring issues arose for Arizona. The starting QB K. Bronto threw 271 yards with one Touchdown and Three Interceptions. Offensively the Outlaws seemed to stall but in favor of them their defense really shined how it has throughout the whole season. With the defensive turtle in the 4th quarter Outlaws would squeak by. On the other side Baltimore Hawks and the Yellowknife Wraiths would also duel in a very close game. With the end result of Hawks winning with a score of 16-14. S. Kyubee led the way with 336 passing yards and 1 touchdown, accompanied with 1 interception. Kyubee really tore up the Wraiths defense which could not find an answer to him. Finally the Finals the Hawks versus the Outlaws, the final two teams to take the Ultimus Trophy. As exciting as it was to get to the game, the climactic feeling quickly left as the Arizona Outlaws blatantly murdered the Hawks with the final score to be 33-6. Kyubee struggle to move the ball while Bronto was dishing up field like nothing. T. Turkleton was the lone score bearer as he kicked in a 40+ yards and a 20+ yards field goals. Congrats on Arizona Outlaws on winning the Ultimus Trophy.

[ADwyer87]

Graphic Points

Offensive Comparison: Compare one offensive player from each team in a series in a side by side graphic. Can be completed at any point



Bottom Half: Make a graphical stat comparison of a team who failed to qualify for playoffs to another team that qualified for the playoffs from their division. Can be completed at any point



Future Talent: Make a sig for a S3 player who you feel will or did make a large impact for their team in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good



Conference Final MVP Sig: Make a sig for a player of your choice who you felt was the MVP of a Conference Final matchup. Must be completed after the Conference Finals



Playoff Recap Infographic: Make a graphic displaying the results of the playoffs. Must be completed after the Championship Game

[Apache_Chief]

Offensive Comparison

Defensive Comparison

Future Talent

Playoff Recap Infographic

Conference Final MVP

[Shadowz]

Plz excuse the three yr old level graphics

Offensive Comparison: Compare one offensive player from each team in a series in a side by side graphic. Can be completed at any point


Defensive Comparison: Compare one defensive player from each team in a series in a side by side graphic. Can be completed at any point


Bottom Half: Make a graphical stat comparison of a team who failed to qualify for playoffs to another team that qualified for the playoffs from their division. Can be completed at any point


Playoff Recap Infographic: Make a graphic displaying the results of the playoffs. Must be completed after the Championship Game

[youngcricket]

I think an interesting comparison for the first round matchup would have to be Mike Boss and King Bronko. Boss has always been regarded as a joke within the league because he has, for some reason, loved throwing the ball to the Arizona Outlaws. He typically throws 3 interceptions against them and nobody has any clue as to why he does it. This season, however, he still managed to have a good year. He was second in the league with 3609 passing yards, which is an impressive total for a team that also like to run the ball a good amount. He was second in QBR and tied for first in touchdowns. Ultimately, he had one of the best seasons a quarterback had. As for Bronko, his first season as a QB did not go as well as planned, but still was effective. He was 4th in QBR and managed to throw for over 3000 yards. He also managed to throw 10 more touchdowns than interceptions, which is an impressive feat and the largest gap among QBs. He arguably had a little less talent in the receiving corps, but his was deeper and he used that to his advantage, combined with a dominant run game.

Listen here, Jaylon Lee and Ian Bavitz have been rivals since Ian Bavitz declared himself a better linebacker with some jank ass statistics and a ringless season. Bavitz was voted to the Pro Bowl and Jaylon Lee was snubbed as he tried to claim he was superior, but season 2 has shown why Lee is a better linebacker. Lee finished with 139 tackles, 7 sacks, an interception, touchdown, and 4 pass deflections. He also was the middle linebacker on the best defense in the NSFL. He played a larger role and delivered more than Bavitz did. Bavitz didn't have a necessarily bad season, but he put up 96 tackles, 12 sacks, an interception and 3 pass deflections. Realistically, his sack totals are impressive, but also show that he likely got more blitz opportunities than Lee did. As leaders, nobody really knows if Bavitz even talks, but Lee has proven to be a veteran leader on a defense that features a lot of younger players and one that had a complete revamp before the season. Lee has shown once again that although he may not get a crazy number of sacks or interceptions, his value as a leader and middle linebacker can't be overstated.

A lot of teams weren't that good this season, to be quite frank. 4 teams didn't make the playoffs in the second season of the NSFL. It's pretty obvious as to why the Las Vegas Legion and San Jose Sabercats failed to make the playoffs. For the Legion, they had shitty management which led them to having very few draft picks to even draft young players. They essentially traded all of their picks for washed up season one veterans who showed very little potential. They frankly did not have enough players that were progressing and were determined to win. Their QB's ego was too big, which led to him flaming out, same for Stormblessed. As for the San Jose Sabercats, they ultimately did not have the drive from a lot of guys that is necessary to win the champioinship. They failed to work cohesively to improve as a team and towards the end of the season they began to plummet, especially since they ended up having to ship out a large part of their team. They did acquire some pieces that can help them in the future, but as of right now they lack the activity and talent level, to be frank, to compete.

I think that the playoff series MVP for the championship game has to be me. I was a huge reason as to why the defense played so well and the team was so dominant. I was racking up tackles and not letting anybody get to the second level. It was an incredible performance and my 12 tackles really shows that. I think it was clear that my talent level was overlooked by the opposing team and I was able to recognize that as well as perform on it. Realistically I'm probably not the MVP, but I also got an interception which was huge for my team because they were on our side of the field. I think that a lot of people overlook me because I am such a consistent top level player, where as a lot of guys have one good week and people recognize that. I played my heart out and helped us lock down a top tier team, the second best presumably. I had a great time out there and don't need to be named the MVP, but I think it is important that everybody recognizes me as a potential candidate for the award from the championship game.

I think that an S3 waiver acquisition who had a major impact on the playoffs was Jaxon Tuck. Not only did he help in the playoffs, but leading up to them he provided a big boost to the backfield both blocking and catching out of the backfield. He became a great compliment to Reg Mackworthy and started to score touchdowns. In the playoffs, he also managed to score a touchdown against the Otters and it could potentially have been one that saved the team. He was a big piece to the team, especially considering that he replaced Buster Brownce who was the worst FB to ever grace the Earth. That man could not catch a ball to save his life and I hope he ends up homeless because he was booty buttcheeks. In such a close game in the opening round, a play like Tuck had is one that changed the game and ultimately helped propel the Outlaws to the top. It was a special moment for the younger brother of potential league MVP and the best defensive end in the league in Jason Tuck. Ultimately, Tuck was an excellent pickup who influenced the playoffs not only in them, but also leading up to them.

[XxpurplepurpsxX]

Offensive Comparison:
The offensive match-up I was anticipating the most was the math-up between Mike Boss and King Bronko. Both QBs have had their struggles throwing interceptions but both have also showed they have what it takes to be elite quarterbacks in the league. Some would argue that Boss is the better quarterback, but there is a case for Bronko to be the better pass slinger. Throughout the second season, Bronko had a lower percent completion of passes but threw 4 more touchdowns that Boss. Bronko and Boss threw for 15 and 16 interceptions respectively on the season. While Boss was the more efficient QB and had a higher rating on the year Bronko was able to make the big plays and avoid more interceptions albeit just barely. In the actual game Bronko may have betrayed me when it came to actual game stats as he had 3 interceptions, but he did have a 52% completion rate compared to Boss at 40% completion both of them threw for an interception. One of the biggest differences between the two on game day was that Bronko and his Outlaws were 4/15 on third downs whereas Boss and the Otters were 0/16 on third down. While this is not strictly a quarterback stat it does show which QB can change the play at the line of scrimmage or just complete the clutch play and I would say Bronko had the edge there.
Bottom Half:
The Las Vegas Legion and Philadelphia Liberty are the two teams with the worst records in their divisions. Both of these teams are expansion teams, which is not an accident as these teams have had less time to build than the established NSFL teams. This is one of the reasons they did not make the playoffs. The Legion were the worse off of the two teams because they actually traded a ton of picks off to try to win in the short term and ended up being a worse team than the liberty, who have built more for the long term. Another reason these two teams did not make the playoffs is because they have less very active members in their locker rooms. The Playoff teams all seem to have a bunch of players that are constantly in the locker room or being more active in the community. This is a problem that can hopefully be fixed in the draft for next year as that is one of the easiest ways to add new active members. The last reason that I think these two teams are in the bottom teams is because they simply have to play teams that are better than them every week. The Liberty have the Otters and Outlaws to face up against and the abysmal Legion cant get past the Hawks or Wraiths

Playoff Series MVP:
My MVP for the Otters and Outlaws match-up would have to be the wide receiver Charles Chess. Not much offense was to be had at this championship game as both teams struggled to move the ball up the field in this game. In a game where there was only two touchdowns total being able to catch one of those touchdowns for his team is a rather huge deal. Chess also managed to catch a total of 67 yards in 5 passes for a total of 13 yards per catch. He was one of the reasons that the Outlaws were able to complete 4 of their 15 3rd down completions as he was always open when Bronko needed an outlet for a first down. Chess was able to catch a third and 2 for 16 yards in the first quarter and help the offense try to shake off some of the first quarter jitters. Later in the third quarter, Chess dropped a crucial third and six pass that would have surely been a first down. He seemed to be upset at himself and eager to make up for it however, because he came back later in the third and scored the go ahead touchdown.

Playoff Review:
The Otters vs. Outlaws matchup was a great close game, it was not an offensive slugfest but realistically nobody expected that out of these two teams. The Outlaws usually win on primarily the defense alone and this game showed that as the defense was able to hold the Otters time and time again. The game started with a good otters drive resulting in a field goal then an outlaws drive resulting in a punt. The otters came out on 1st and 10 and Dental Dam forced a Boss fumble and the otters gave the ball back to the Outlaws immediately, then the Outlaws were able to drive down the short field and capitalize on the turnover. The Second quarter involved the Otters and Outlaws trading field goals and Ronaldo missing one for the Outlaws. The third quarter saw the Otters and Outlaws trade off touchdowns and then the game came to a close in a scoreless fourth quarter. The Hawks and Wraiths was another quite close match-up that saw the Hawks score first with a field goal in the first quarter. Then the second quarter saw the Hawks score a touchdown and a field goal while the Wraiths scored a touchdown to stay in the game. In the third the Hawks scored another field goal as the Wraiths went scoreless and then in the fourth the Wraiths were able to get their second touchdown but nothing more and they lost the game. Lastly, the Ultimus game saw the Outlaws hold the Hawks scoreless in the first half while they themselves scored a touchdown and two field goals. The third quarter saw the Hawks go down 30-0 before getting on the board with their first field goal. The fourth quarter led to both teams trading off field goals to end the game at 33-6.

Championship Game Recap:
The championship game was a rather lackluster one in terms of excitement, unless you were an Outlaws fan. As an Outlaws fan I thought that the most exciting play to come out of the game came from the Outlaws special teams unit. The blocked punt on Turk Turkleton was a play that just crushed any hope the Hawks might have had of a comeback. Already down 20 plus points, the Outlaws safety Allen Davis used his speed to get around the punt blocking unit of the otters and was able to get his hand on the ball. Maybe the Hawks were already losing morale and that led to the block or maybe this was the play that finally did it in for the Hawks. This play was definitely one that could have had a big impact on the game. Even though the Outlaws were ahead, having the special teams continue to make plays while you're winning is a key to success. Although there was no return on the blocked punt, it did allow the Outlaws to have a nice long clock chewing drive ending in a field goal that put the game even further out of reach for the Hawks.

[Aenir]

Offensive Comparison (Graphic)



Defensive Comparison (Graphic)



Bottom Half (Graphic)



Playoff Recap Infographic (Graphic)



Championship Game Recap (Writing)

10:09 2nd and 14 BAL - 2 Kyubee, S. SACKED by Arbin Asipi - DT for -5 yds. The play results in a SAFETY!

This is the play of the game, it is still early in the game, and only a 10-0 Arizona Lead, Scrub drops back and before anything can happen, the defensive tackle busts through the line and drops Scrub for 5 yards... only problem is that as this play started on the 2, this leaves him down -3 yards into his endzone, SAFETY for Arizona, what little hope for momentum for Baltimore is crushed and they kick back to Arizona, who then scores on a FG. Its a 5 point swing and only got worse from there. 10-0 is not an insurmountable score, however bleak it looks against that team, 15-0 however is much different, and with that crazy defense behind them its not impossible, but its in the next area code over. Obviously We all know Baltimore only ended up scoring 6 points, so even the 10 would have been enough, but without that safety, who is to say they don't go on a drive and drop Arizona 24-10, 46-10, maybe 50+-10, now its not likely, but you cannot look at that drive and not just think, even a little about that little game called what if. What a game changer! (201)


@DollarAndADream
@`Dermot`
@Darnellthebeast

[Zeegee]

1.Offensive Comparisons: Word Count 219
Today we will be comparing the quarterback battle between The Baltimore Hawks' Scrub Kyubee, fourth ranked quarterback, up against Yellowknife Wraiths' Chris Orosz, the number one quarterback in the league. Coming into the NSFC Championship Game, everyone would be putting their money on Orosz to come out hot, commanding the field and going to work in the air, after all, he averaged 261 yards a game out of the season, putting up 21 touchdowns to 17 interceptions. Whereas Kyubee was close at 227 yards a game average, his 14 touchdowns to 15 interceptions, would leave many betting men wary. Come game time, Scrub Kyubee came ready to ball, putting up 336 yards in the air, would wreak havoc on Baltimore's secondary, reaching eight different receivers, leaving the Wraiths scratching their heads, as to where the next pass was going. As for league leader at quarterback, Crhis Orosz was not having a day that would live up to his superstar season. Putting up a mere 113 yards in the air in total, Hawks wideout C. Christmas put up 116 yards alone in this outing, In a conference where parity is it's motto, don't assume that the best of Orosz is behind him. Next season shows promise for both teams, in the conference where the crown is always up for grabs.


2.Defensive Comparisons: Word Count 279
“Defense wins championships” A mantra that has been the echo chamber in all football conversations since, what may just be, the beginning. We also remind ourselves that in a team sport, one man cannot do it all. As a disgruntled supermodel wife of a star quarterback once cried something along the lines of “he can't pass the ball to himself”, neither can one player completely take over a game and make it all about him. This brings us to the matchup between The Orange County Otters and the league juggernaut Arizona Outlaws. Arizona has themselves a historic season, going 12-2, with the league defensive linebacking superstar J Lee, leading the league in tackles, we again would assume that he would be a key component as the Outlaws took on The Otters and their defensive leader, F Harris, with 109 tackles and 9 sacks, that quarterbacks will soon not be forgetting. Without further ado, we get to the blockbuster ASFC Championship game, one which will not be forgotten by anyone lucky enough to watch. This tight game was fought like there was some bad blood in the air, an amazing a total of 14 penalties between both teams. Harris and Lee were hellbent to prove they were meant to be top ten defensive players. Harris came out like a bat of out hell, upstaging Lee by grabbing 11 tackles to Lee's 5. Nabbing 2 sacks, to Lee's 1. Both men refused to yield and managed to each defend a single pass. If this game performance has anything to say about next season. Harris may just be in store for a career year possibly in the race for DPOY.

3.Bottom Half: Word Count 299

Lets not say that we are taking the easy road by dedicating this segment to the two worst teams in the league, let us look at where these two teams can improve to throw them in contention in a league that boasts half the teams ending this season with an 8-6 record. The Las Vegas Legion and San Jose Sabercats are the two worst teams in the league, but we have two key factors to bring up. First and most importantly, they are in a conference with the powerhouse Arizona Outlaws, and secondly, there is great room for improvement and ability to catch their opponents off guard. Now Las Vegas has a promising Quarterback at J Bercovici, his offensive line is very pedestrian and needs some serious work. If he could be given more time with the ball, this team will be able to put more points up on the board and throw more wins their way. Another glaring position, if not most important position for them to llok for in the draft, will be at the strong safety position. Blanket3 and Sbot are not going to cut it, if they are going to continue their level of play. San Jose needs help at line, notably at Guard, where Bigboy9 may be seeing his time in the league come to an end, if The SaberCats draft a serviceable Guard this year. A second tight end could help in blocking situations and provide an extra receiver for an up and coming C Adams at quarterback. A third area of concern is at the cornerback position, which I would bet they will also be keeping a keen eye out for this upcoming draft. All this said, lets see how this years draft treats both of them and see some good competition.

4. Playoff Series MVP: Word Count 211

This year, we would like to switch things up and give the Ultimus Championship MVP to a oftne unsung hero of the game: a kicker. Christiano Ronaldo. In the regular season, he was unstoppable between 20 and 39 yards. But we are not here to talk about regular season. This year's Ultimus Championship may have not been the most entertaining game to anyone that was not an Outlaw fan. But Christiano Ronaldo managed to prove that his leg is always as reliable and surefire at his ideal ranges. Easily making two of his two extra point opportunities, as well as as going five for five on all field goals in the game, notably four for four in the 30 to 39 yard range. Kicking field goals is not his only talent, being the dual threat that he is, he had five punts, averaging 51 yards each, with a long of 61 and even one that landed inside the 20. Anyone would be a fool not to overlook the massive talent of such an amazing athlete. The future is bright for Ronaldo. If I were a gambling man, I would be putting my money down on Ronaldo having a career successful enough to cement himself into a future hall of fame spot.

5. Playoff Review: Word Count 306


Hawks defeat Wraiths 16-14

THE NSFC championship game between the hellacious Baltimore Hawks and the ravaging Yellowknife Wraiths was one everyone was looking forward to. In a conference, where the playoffs were up for grabs to the hungriest team. The final score may have indicated a close, hard fought game, but The Hawks controlled this gridiron battle by the end of the first half. One of the keys to victory that Baltimore held was the ball for 39 minutes and 18 seconds, to Yellowknife's 20 minutes and 42 seconds. Nearly doubling the Wraith's time of possession. Not to mention Kyubee's superstar performance, putting up 336 yards to Orosz's 113. Enough of yards for Hawk's wideout, Christmas, to nab 116 yards in this game. The Wraith's scored their second touchdown in the fourth quarter, making the unknowing fan believe that there was a game to be had on the field.

Outlaws defeat Otters 17-13

The ASFC Championship was more of an exciting game, this time, with defense reigning supreme. Not to say that offense did not play its role. Notably, K Bronko, throwing 3 interceptions, something many fans and experts were not expecting. Otters' defensive powerhouse, F Harris led the lead with 11 tackles, 2 sacks, and a pass deflection. Unfortunately that was not enough to stop the Outlaws from coming away with a close victory, bringing them the the big one, the Ultimus Championship.


Outlaws defeat Hawks 33-6

This is the type of game where one team and their fans are happy, and the rest of the sports world is left with a bad taste in their mouth. Nothing can be said, other than The Outlaws came out there and dominated at every facet. With a big congratulations to this years champions, we can only hope in years to come, we have a more competitive game.

[Symmetrik]

[Askin]