Hello and welcome to the Baltimore Beat, a series of profiles on Baltimore Hawks players. I'm your writer James McNulty, and today I have Baltimore Hawks star linebacker Erasmo Broadway. Broadway spent a disappointing S 1 season at defensive end and switched to Linebacker before S 2. The switch clearly paid off for Broadway. Broadway was the most versatile Linebacker in the year, having an impact in run stopping, pass rush and coverage. He wound up winning the Linebacker of the year in the NSFL and won most improved.
Broadways stats were incredibly impressive as he had 115 tackles, including 7 for a loss to go with 12 sacks, 13 passes defended, a forced fumble, a fumble recovered and three interceptions. On a Baltimore defense that had an outstanding 5 pro bowlers, Broadway was no doubt the defensive MVP of the team. I was lucky enough to sit down with Broadway and ask him about his success in S 2, and much much more.
James McNulty - You've been part of the Hawks from the beginning, what was the difference between the disappointing team in S1 and the successful team in S2?
Erasmo Broadway - Leadership. Without a doubt. The beginning of this franchise was mired with uncertainty. We were already on our second GM before Season 1 even started then halfway through we had another GM change. Now that we have some consistent leadership, I think we're going to keep on improving.
JM - Personally for you S2 was a much more impressive as well, what do you credit for your success?
EB - The position change. I was playing defensive end my rookie year and I was too small and not strong enough to play against the offensive linemen in this league. College to NSFL is a huge jump in offensive line talent and to be completely honest, I wasn't ready for it. I'm glad Hendrix saw that and corrected it for Season 2.
JM - The Hawks drafted a nice set of rookies in S3 who are you most excited to play with?
EB - (Ricardo) Sandoval. His play is going to more directly impact my play than any other rookie on the team. If he can clog up the line, I'll be able to roam more freely to make plays. I'm really excited to see what he can do for us this year. He's got a great work ethic so I'm sure he'll be a stud for us.
JM - What's it like in the Hawks locker room? Are there any players who have stepped up as leaders?
EB - Again, Sandoval, he might be a rookie but he's done a great job of being a leader in the locker room already. Also (Avon) Blocksdale has been big for us in the locker room. Everyone really contributes but I'd say those two are two of the bigger contributors.
JM - what are your expectations for this season both personally and with the team as a whole?
EB - I want to be the only winner of the LB of the Year award this time. I know it's going to take a lot of work though. I didn't even think I was the best linebacker last season but I had high hopes for Season 3. As for the team, I want to repeat as NSFC Champs first and foremost, then we can worry about the Ultimus Cup.
JM - Which team or player are you most looking to face?
EB - Ernston. I usually try to be nice and not get into it with other players but I feel like this warrants it. He talks about how he's the best linebacker so to be the best you've got to beat the best. I'm personally of the opinion his stats are inflated by playing behind someone like Jayce Tuck but whatever, I'm no expert. Also, with the Outlaws being the only team to win the Ultimus and them stomping us last time, it'll be nice to get some revenge.
JM - Who's the best player you've seen in the NSFL?
EB - Probably Jayce Tuck, no one in this league does what he can do. People can get close but he's in a league of his own right now. I'm waiting for someone to dethrone him but it could be a long time coming. He's in his prime and shows no signs of slowing down.
JM - You're an incredibly versatile player, which part of your game do you feel is the strongest?
EB - I would have to say my combination of size, speed, and agility. I can rush the passer, make a tackle in the backfield, or cover the slot. I don't think many guys in the league do all of those things for their team. Admittedly, I don't know that for a fact, but I would guess some of the other top linebackers are on the field every play, I don't have that luxury when trying to get my numbers up. I line up as a nickel back so at that point, blitzing is pretty much out of the question.
JM - Are there any improvements you want to make heading into S 3?
EB - Get my speed up. The game is getting faster every year and I've got to keep up. I've been training as hard as I can to get faster and more agile so we'll see where I'm at come playoff time.
JM - Who's taking home the Ultimus this year?
EB - Baltimore or the Outlaws. I think we'll see the same championship game as last season with hopefully a better outcome.
So there you have it! There's the profile on Baltimores own Erasmo Broadway. This interview occurred prior to Week 1 where Erasmo Broadway had a relatively quiet 4 tackles, without any sacks or turnovers forced. The Hawks did secure a victory and we know Broadway is more concerned with team success. With a game against the legion approaching in week 2, this writer knows Broadway will have a bigger game. Let's see how the Hawks linebacker does the rest of this year. I know I'm excited, and I can feel the city's excitement as well. Until next time, I'm James McNulty.
1043 - give the whole payment to @evryday since he let me profile him and answered all the questions.
GRADED
Broadways stats were incredibly impressive as he had 115 tackles, including 7 for a loss to go with 12 sacks, 13 passes defended, a forced fumble, a fumble recovered and three interceptions. On a Baltimore defense that had an outstanding 5 pro bowlers, Broadway was no doubt the defensive MVP of the team. I was lucky enough to sit down with Broadway and ask him about his success in S 2, and much much more.
James McNulty - You've been part of the Hawks from the beginning, what was the difference between the disappointing team in S1 and the successful team in S2?
Erasmo Broadway - Leadership. Without a doubt. The beginning of this franchise was mired with uncertainty. We were already on our second GM before Season 1 even started then halfway through we had another GM change. Now that we have some consistent leadership, I think we're going to keep on improving.
JM - Personally for you S2 was a much more impressive as well, what do you credit for your success?
EB - The position change. I was playing defensive end my rookie year and I was too small and not strong enough to play against the offensive linemen in this league. College to NSFL is a huge jump in offensive line talent and to be completely honest, I wasn't ready for it. I'm glad Hendrix saw that and corrected it for Season 2.
JM - The Hawks drafted a nice set of rookies in S3 who are you most excited to play with?
EB - (Ricardo) Sandoval. His play is going to more directly impact my play than any other rookie on the team. If he can clog up the line, I'll be able to roam more freely to make plays. I'm really excited to see what he can do for us this year. He's got a great work ethic so I'm sure he'll be a stud for us.
JM - What's it like in the Hawks locker room? Are there any players who have stepped up as leaders?
EB - Again, Sandoval, he might be a rookie but he's done a great job of being a leader in the locker room already. Also (Avon) Blocksdale has been big for us in the locker room. Everyone really contributes but I'd say those two are two of the bigger contributors.
JM - what are your expectations for this season both personally and with the team as a whole?
EB - I want to be the only winner of the LB of the Year award this time. I know it's going to take a lot of work though. I didn't even think I was the best linebacker last season but I had high hopes for Season 3. As for the team, I want to repeat as NSFC Champs first and foremost, then we can worry about the Ultimus Cup.
JM - Which team or player are you most looking to face?
EB - Ernston. I usually try to be nice and not get into it with other players but I feel like this warrants it. He talks about how he's the best linebacker so to be the best you've got to beat the best. I'm personally of the opinion his stats are inflated by playing behind someone like Jayce Tuck but whatever, I'm no expert. Also, with the Outlaws being the only team to win the Ultimus and them stomping us last time, it'll be nice to get some revenge.
JM - Who's the best player you've seen in the NSFL?
EB - Probably Jayce Tuck, no one in this league does what he can do. People can get close but he's in a league of his own right now. I'm waiting for someone to dethrone him but it could be a long time coming. He's in his prime and shows no signs of slowing down.
JM - You're an incredibly versatile player, which part of your game do you feel is the strongest?
EB - I would have to say my combination of size, speed, and agility. I can rush the passer, make a tackle in the backfield, or cover the slot. I don't think many guys in the league do all of those things for their team. Admittedly, I don't know that for a fact, but I would guess some of the other top linebackers are on the field every play, I don't have that luxury when trying to get my numbers up. I line up as a nickel back so at that point, blitzing is pretty much out of the question.
JM - Are there any improvements you want to make heading into S 3?
EB - Get my speed up. The game is getting faster every year and I've got to keep up. I've been training as hard as I can to get faster and more agile so we'll see where I'm at come playoff time.
JM - Who's taking home the Ultimus this year?
EB - Baltimore or the Outlaws. I think we'll see the same championship game as last season with hopefully a better outcome.
So there you have it! There's the profile on Baltimores own Erasmo Broadway. This interview occurred prior to Week 1 where Erasmo Broadway had a relatively quiet 4 tackles, without any sacks or turnovers forced. The Hawks did secure a victory and we know Broadway is more concerned with team success. With a game against the legion approaching in week 2, this writer knows Broadway will have a bigger game. Let's see how the Hawks linebacker does the rest of this year. I know I'm excited, and I can feel the city's excitement as well. Until next time, I'm James McNulty.
1043 - give the whole payment to @evryday since he let me profile him and answered all the questions.
GRADED