07-08-2020, 06:33 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-10-2020, 01:26 PM by Fordhammer.)
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]X2 MEDIA BONUS, READY FOR GRADING[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]DSFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Week 3 Edition:
Norfolk Seawolves @ London Royals[/div]
Welcome to the third volume of my “Game of the Week” series, where we take a deeper look into one DSFL game each week. We just don’t analyze the box score, we evaluate lineups, formations, big drives, and big plays that lead to said big drives that ultimately proved to be the pivots, the inflection points, for one team to ascend to victorious highs and the other to sink to defeated woes. For those unfamiliar (most probably are) with how games are selected, here is the criteria:
1. Margin of Victory
2. Regulation versus Overtime
3. Total Points Scored
4. Lead Changes
5. Combined Win Percentage
6. Playoff Implications
7. Statistical Standouts
In week 3, most hardcore DSFL fans (is that an oxymoron?) saw the schedule and had this matchup highlighted to watch. This Norfolk and London matchup pitted the last two teams that stood in Tijuana’s way before they won the S22 title. On paper, both teams were primed for big seasons. Norfolk has held up their end, but London has had a rather precarious start but would look to see if their fortune would change with their home opener. This matchup is oozing with talent and experience on and off the field so even though London tested at a 76.24%-win rate (credit to Thor), Norfolk is one of the few teams that could overcome such odds. Enough with the small talk, this game personified a rollercoaster with all the highs and lows involved from start to finish.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
Norfolk [/div]
Norfolk has enjoyed their inter-division foes so far, already defeating Minnesota and Kansas City and looking to make London the 3rd straight victory and remain undefeated on the season. Norfolk enters the contest with the top scoring offense and defense. Their stifling defense has the 2nd best YPG allowed and has held opponents to 8/28 on 3rd down conversions. If Norfolk wins the first down situation then it becomes exponentially more difficult to beat them on 2nd and 3rd down.
Norfolk’s strategy remains intact, on offense they will utilize power formations for 75% of their offensive formations with 30% ratios on all short down and distance scenarios ---- putting faith in their two cowbell backs to churn out yards and their two quarterbacks to make big plays when needed despite not having a luxury of receiving options. The slow tempo helps limit mistakes and keep their two backs as fresh as possible; when you are running a TE at WR, you probably are not going with the Chip Kelly approach in any situation. The defense is still Base Nickel, with top LB De Pengu playing out the Slot Corner position and stud Safety Benoit Blanco patrolling as a CB to help plug some of the craters in their secondary. To this point, no team has been able to establish a dominant rushing attack to unleash a passing attack that is not utilized strictly in passing situations when they Seawolves expect the pass. Nor has a team been able to consistently find mismatches away from Blanco, even teams with multiple receiving threats.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
London [/div]
The London Royals, 3rd year upstarts, entered this season on an upswing after a surprising run to the Ultimini in season 22. They returned their entire secondary and one the best QB’s in the DSFL. London made their hay last season by slinging the ball around and creating timely turnovers. Unfortunately, after several callups on offense, their strategy crumbled quicker than a ten second quarter mile as they have undergone a fast and furious crash back to reality. Bringing up the rear is a polite way to describe the Royals offensive woes --- London is either last or second to last in almost every major offensive category. Their inability to lean on their running backs and trust Jack with two new receivers and a new tight end has yielded eye-gouging results in their first two games, including converting only 5/27 3rd downs to this point. London comes into this matchup with a fast tempo, hoping to catch the defense off balance with a mix of spread, power, and west coast looks. Unpredictability was one of London’s strengths last year --- not knowing where a pass was going, passing in a run-favorable situation, et al, but without Kaepercolin, Alexander, and Arriobata, the Royals will not have that same luxury this season.
The Royals defense has maintained that same paradoxical look ---- mastering the bend-don’t-break mantra. A team that often is stuck on the field and prone to give up big yards via lacking a quality defensive d-line unit, they also have continued their trend and racking up turnovers. With such an elite secondary, no qualms are heard when the Royals lead the interception and pass deflection categories, but they have solidified their LB unit and have attained better sack numbers so far than last season. For a team that finished last in sacks, any additional improvement makes them that much more dangerous and coming into this game, London carried a +3-turnover differential despite playing two road games. London hopes their all Nickel defense with max blitz ratios can continue to give them a fighting chance for their first victory.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Tactical Breakdown of the Week[/div]
London’s offense has a mix of different playstyles, but their main crutch so far has been the West Coast Offense. The West Coast Offense has become a common staple in football ever since being introduced by Bill Walsh and Joe Montana. Walsh got his first NFL job as an assistant to Sid Gilliman, a pioneer of the Vertical Offense, under the Oakland Raiders, taking in all the tutelage from Gilliman and iconic owner, Al Davis. In the early 70’s, Walsh became a WR’s coach for the Cincinnati Bengals where he first ushered in his first variation of his offense. Then Bengals QB Virgil Carter suffered a shoulder injury and had reduced power but remained mobile and accurate. Walsh modified the principles of the vertical offense to instead stretch defenses horizontally to allow Carter to keep his accuracy without having to rely on deep throws that would trouble him. When Ken Anderson took over, Walsh could further improve his scheme with more complex route trees and precise route running knowing that Anderson had the arm to deliver powerful strikes in tight windows.
![[Image: WCO_1.PNG]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/719307383376969731/730529991493812294/WCO_1.PNG)
After a stint at Stanford in the late 70’s, Walsh took over the 49ers in the 1980 season. After naming second year QB Joe Montana the starter midway through the 1981 season, the 49ers would dominate the league for the next decade, winning 3 Super Bowls under Walsh from 81-88. The principles of the West Coast offense were simple: short, horizontal passing routes took priority over a heavy running game. The West Coast favored QB’s with weaker arms that could not deliver consistent deep strikes in a vertical offense. Moreover, receivers did not need to be physically intimidating or athletic freaks, they simply needed to be excellent route runners that could rack up YAC (Yards After Catch) yards. The West Coast offense utilized split back sets, complex route trees, and 3-step drops to confuse defenses and prevent them from loading up and constantly pinning their ears back.
![[Image: WCO_2.PNG]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/719307383376969731/730529994308059156/WCO_2.PNG)
The most prominent features include read routes, check down routes, precise timing, and scripted plays to increase memorization and timing in order to run faster tempos. The WCO is a pass first, run later offense that is designed to soften up a defense before being able to run in more favorable matchups in order to finally attack over the top with play action and bootlegs. The use of a split back set helped confuse defenses because both backs could serve as a running threat, receiving threat, or blocking threat. Likewise, West Coast Offense would often utilize the Tight End as an extra receiving option that could be split out as a flanker, added further mismatches to the traditional defensive formations.
![[Image: WCO_3.PNG]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/719307383376969731/730529998464745652/WCO_3.PNG)
The West Coast strengths come from an intelligent and accurate QB; the more mobile QB’s were very effective in run action; the running backs need great hands as they often serve as release route checkdowns when the defense lays backs in pass coverage; the receivers must also possess great hands and agility as the west coast puts more emphasis on intelligence and fundamentals over physical dominance --- a player like Jerry Rice is the ultimate joker card. The best way to slow down a West Coast offense is a dominant defensive line that can disrupt the timing of the QB, being paired with physical corners that can stick to the nimble receivers. The Giants of the mid-80’s were the first team to unleash such a physical front 7 attack and the development of zone blitz schemes in the 90’s helped put a curb to the West Coast Offense explosion but the shift to more drop-back formations gave the QB the next advantage in being able to read the defense and revert back to making proper hot routes and checkdowns.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]First Quarter[/div]
Norfolk starts with the ball and have not changed much of anything from their last game. They like to run the ball and run a lot. They play their main TE, Haugland, on the outside opposite of Matthews. The other tight ends rotate as the primary upback in two back formations akin to the days of NFL Street and playing the best players wherever you could make them fit. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the Royals line up in their Nickel defense with their two rookie linebackers commanding the middle, their experienced secondary looking to shut down any profound passing attack, and their defensive line, looking to have a better impact than last year, spearheaded by two solid rookie defensive ends.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Skywalker[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sternum DE[/div] [div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Rogers[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Andrews DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB Hopkins (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Smith DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Krashwagen[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Caidaire DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Matthews[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Domine SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Haugland (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Light WLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]OL Pennington[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Bob (SS) NCB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Crooks CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Van Perkins CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sly FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Ball SS[/div]
The Seawolves start out in I-Form on the first play and Domine makes his presence felt stopping the curl route for a short gain. On 3rd down and 10, still in I-Form, a Fly route is dialed up and Haugland manages to break for an 18-yard reception. On the next play, the Royals call Dogs Fire to get some pressure but Hex finds a hole for a 10-yard reception. The Royals commit a penalty on the next play and 3 plays later on 2nd and 10 in a Spread look, Haugland again manages to get enough space and hauls in a 13-yard reception against a prevent look. The Seawolves seemed poised to strike a big blow on the opening drive but 3 plays later on the eleventh play of the drive, they commit a chop block penalty which forces them to settle for a 42 yard field goal by Guava-Fresca, two plays later. Norfolk settles for 3 after a 13 play (4 R / 6 P), 48-yard drive that eats up 5:42. [3-0] NOR
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Cortez[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simpson (DT) DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Batista[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Namen DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB King (RB)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sternestaub DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Michell[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sinclair DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Cash Jr[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Marshall SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Thornbjornsson[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Scott WLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]OL Mac[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]De Pengu (LB) SCB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Vaughne CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Blanco (SS) CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Button FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Cross (GM) SS[/div]
The Royals, attempting to integrate their many new pieces on offense, have adjusted their looks. No longer does Colby Jack take every snap as he now shares the run heavy snaps with Charlamagne Cortez. Su Cash Jr. was the third option in the passing attack last year and now must emerge as a leader of the young receiving corps. Michell has a tall task of replacing Donatello Arriabiata who emerged as a key cog in the Royals pass attack to help them reach the Ultimini. So far, the results have not been there, and a home game is the best recipe, except when it is the monstrous Norfolk defense lining up on the other side of the ball. London comes out in power heavy formations and on 2nd and 7, Cash Jr takes a bubble screen for 25 yards --- WCO to perfection. However, that light got dimmed quick as Sternestaub stuffed the next two runs and London shockingly settled for a 34-yard punt from the Norfolk 34 on 4th and 3 despite having one of the strongest kickers.
Determined to make his name known league wide, Domine comes up with two big tackles that forces Norfolk into a 3 and out. On London’s next drive, Button commits a 15-yard penalty on the first play that give London a much-needed boost. On 2nd and 5, Thornbjornsson runs a short out for a 6-yard reception. On the next second down, King breaks off an 11-yard run as London seems to have found an early groove. Three plays later, on the eighth play of drive, another Norfolk penalty gives the Royals another first down. The Royals have utilized the run game to this point and on 3rd and 4 from the 6, Batista takes in a counter run for the first TD of the matchup to cap off an 11 play(8 r / 1 p), 84 yard drive over 3:55 which saw King run for 28 yards on 5 attempts. [3-7] LON
On Norfolk’s next drive, the Royals are ready to take over the game as a safety blitz on first down leads to a 6-yard sack by #1 pick, Greedy Sly. On the next play, Busch Light blows up a screen pass and Norfolk has their second straight 3 and out in which they did not attempt a single rushing play.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Second Quarter[/div]
The Royals open up the quarter with a 9-yard run by King, an 11-yard run by Batista, a 9-yard reception by King, and two Seawolves’ penalties in the first 7 plays. The Royals have found much success with the extra blockers in the I-Form and Pro-Set formations. During this 10-play drive, there were no Shotgun or Spread calls and each play went to either King or Batista --- the two trustworthy horses. In 12 plays, the Royals charged 79 yards in 4:54 to take an 11-point lead with a 1-yard run by Batista. [3-14] LON
Norfolk, still struggling for answers, again go 3 and out but this time they run 3 straight plays. The Seawolves still cannot break the Royals’ LB, this time it is Light that comes up with two big tackles. The Royals change it up and break out Shotgun on first down and find Jack connects with Cash for 16 yards, but the Royals then fall flat with 3 more passes. Scott makes the drive stopping open field tackle on J’Vathon 1 yard shy of the first down marker on 3rd down. The Seawolves are still looking for answers as they drive 33 yards in 9 plays, but Sternum comes up with pectoral power for a 2-yard loss on 3rd and 5 to end the drive.
Perhaps Norfolk’s issue was they were looking in the wrong spot to solve their slow start. The strength of the team has been the defense and it is only a matter of time before they create big plays to shift momentum in Norfolk’s favor. LB Shep Marhsall, on a mission to be a favorite for LBoTY, forces a fumble on second down and Benny Blanco returns the loose ball 25 yards to the Royals’’ 12-yard line. The Seawolves answer quickly with 3 Ramza runs that lead a 4-yard TD run with 1:56 left in the half. [10-14] NOR
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Third Quarter[/div]
The Royals, determined not to let this game slip away and to make amends for not at least getting a field goal before the half ended, come out treating the Seawolves like a week 4 NFL preseason defense. On 3rd and 2, King breaks for a 5-yard run; 3 plays later 3rd and 9, the Royals’ Spread look finds enough space against a soft contain look for Cash Jr to move the chains. On the next play. King breaks another 10-yard run out of the Two TE formation. On the drive’s 10th play, on 3rd and 3, King takes the counter left for 8 yards. At this point the Royals are crushing the Seawolves spirit, with no intention of leaving the game without a win. Batistsa has 5 carries for 17 yards, King has 7 carries for 38 yards, and despite De Pengu racking up 7 tackles and 1 PD on this drive alone, the Seawolves cannot slow down the Royals --- until an unnecessary roughness call on J’Vathon causes a 1st and 25 that stalls the drive and leads to a 45-yard field goal by Phastbawl, thus ending a 19 play (13 run / 4 pass), 69-yard, 7:05 drive on a whimper. [10-17] LON
If there is one thing the resilient Seawolves do best, is capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. Immediately after holding the Royals to a field goal, Blanco starts the next Norfolk drive with a 33-yard return. On the first play, the Royals’ dial up NW Blaster but a timely called WR Short Out allows Matthews to escape for a 26-yard catch. After avoiding a sack, the Seawolves find Haugland on a skinny post for 13 yards. With Norfolk seemingly back in control, the Royals must hold up, and after two forced incompletions to Matthews out of the rare Shotgun look, Guava-Fresca nails the 40-yard field goal. [13-17] NOR
After a 7 play (5 pass / 1 run), 41 yard, 2:41 drive, Norfolk has to settle for an equally disappointing field goal after such a promising start to the drive. The Royals lack of composure starts to show on the next drive, jumpstarted by a 5-yard return. The first play is a penalty and after driving up the field with some success with the running game, two incomplete passes sink the drive. The Royals then commit two penalties for 20 yards on the Seawolves next drive, leaving the door wide open for Norfolk to prove why they are the best folk.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Fourth Quarter[/div]
The Seawolves open up the fourth with a 3rd and 3 on the 7th play of the drive, running a TE In route and finding Krashwagen for a huge 15 yard reception. The Seawolves were unable to find the endzone, but another long drive (11 plays [3 run / 5 passes], 46 yards, 3:22) gives them hope for the rest of the game after Guava-Fresca nails a 41-yard field goal. [16-17] NOR
At this point, the Royals just need to stop the bleeding and hold serve but their next drive starts off shaky as there appears to be a miscommunication with Cortez having to jog for one yard on the dive play. After an incomplete out of shotgun, the Seawolves can pin their ears back and dial up double coverage and Vaughne gets the interception. The Seawolves come out and move the ball with ease, as Skywalker avoids the sack on the 3rd play of the drive and finds Matthews through double coverage for 13 yards. 3 plays later, the other head of the QB beast, Ramza, cashes in on a 5-yard TD run to put Norfolk up after a quick 5 play, 28-yard, 2:43 drive. [22-17] NOR
The Seawolves smell the blood in the water and Scott gets a second interception in 2 straight London plays as the Seawolves were preparing for the Royals to pass again. In a game where the rush offense was effective, one must wonder if the Royals will rue this sequence where the run game was abandoned. Matthews collects a 14-yard TD on the first play out to extend an improbable Seawolves lead. [29-17] NOR
Now down two scores, the Royals must rely on their shaky pass offense to get them back in the game with less than 8 minutes left. Cash Jr. collects a 13 yard reception on 2nd and 6 on 3rd and 1 3 plays later, Batista slithers his way for another first down; two plays later on 2nd and 7, TE Michell works his way for 8 yards out the Spread WR Drag as Norfolk continues to call soft cover 3’s and cover 1’s; the following second down sees King run for 8 yards and Batista follows up with a 9 yard run on the next play. King then hauls in a 14 yd reception, ending the drive with 35 yards from scrimmage, to set up the Royals within the red zone. On the 14th play of the drive, on 3rd and goal, J’Vathon slips behind the Mike Blitz and snag the 9-yard TD. [29-24] LON
The Royals showed great resolve with a 14 play(8 run / 6 pass), 85 yard, 5:34 drive, but they may have chewed up too much time as the drive ended with 2:29 on the clock and the Seawolves were able to resort to their bread and butter power running game to salt away the rest of the game.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Skywalker 10/16, 94 yds, 1 TD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Batista 27 att, 114 yds, 2 TD[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Ramza 9/14, 87 yds 7 att/22 yds/2 TD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]King 23 att, 127 yds | 3 rec, 32 yds[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Matthews 4 rec, 62 yds, 1 TD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Cash Jr 5 rec, 70 yds[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Marshall 18 TCK, FF[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Domine 11 TCK[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]De Pengu 13 TCK, 1 PD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sly 3 TCK, 1 SCK[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Scott/Vaughne 1 PD/ 1 INT each[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Team 22 1st Downs, 8/12 3rd Downs[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Rush Yards:
NOR 84 – LON 245
Total Yards:
NOR 265 -LON 401
TURNOVERS:
NOR 0 – LON 3 (NOR 20 pts off) [/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]LOOKING AHEAD[/div]
Norfolk had a very poor offensive day, but especially on the ground as they averaged 2.6 yards on 32 runs and a lowly 1.8 yards on 3rd down. Their best plays came from I-formation and they struggled the most with Shotgun, which is to be expected against such an elite secondary.
The Royals dominated statistically as they only had one run scenario under 4 ypc. They had three scenarios over 6 yards per play. The Royals bane came from their shotgun formation which was the formation of their two fourth quarter interceptions.
Next Match: NOR @ POR LON vs DAL
Credit: @The_Kidd 55% / @Thor 15% for sim help / @abh89 15% for pics and formatting / @Z-Whiz 15% for pics and formatting
WC: 3704
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]DSFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Week 3 Edition:
Norfolk Seawolves @ London Royals[/div]
Welcome to the third volume of my “Game of the Week” series, where we take a deeper look into one DSFL game each week. We just don’t analyze the box score, we evaluate lineups, formations, big drives, and big plays that lead to said big drives that ultimately proved to be the pivots, the inflection points, for one team to ascend to victorious highs and the other to sink to defeated woes. For those unfamiliar (most probably are) with how games are selected, here is the criteria:
1. Margin of Victory
2. Regulation versus Overtime
3. Total Points Scored
4. Lead Changes
5. Combined Win Percentage
6. Playoff Implications
7. Statistical Standouts
In week 3, most hardcore DSFL fans (is that an oxymoron?) saw the schedule and had this matchup highlighted to watch. This Norfolk and London matchup pitted the last two teams that stood in Tijuana’s way before they won the S22 title. On paper, both teams were primed for big seasons. Norfolk has held up their end, but London has had a rather precarious start but would look to see if their fortune would change with their home opener. This matchup is oozing with talent and experience on and off the field so even though London tested at a 76.24%-win rate (credit to Thor), Norfolk is one of the few teams that could overcome such odds. Enough with the small talk, this game personified a rollercoaster with all the highs and lows involved from start to finish.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
Norfolk [/div] Norfolk has enjoyed their inter-division foes so far, already defeating Minnesota and Kansas City and looking to make London the 3rd straight victory and remain undefeated on the season. Norfolk enters the contest with the top scoring offense and defense. Their stifling defense has the 2nd best YPG allowed and has held opponents to 8/28 on 3rd down conversions. If Norfolk wins the first down situation then it becomes exponentially more difficult to beat them on 2nd and 3rd down.
Norfolk’s strategy remains intact, on offense they will utilize power formations for 75% of their offensive formations with 30% ratios on all short down and distance scenarios ---- putting faith in their two cowbell backs to churn out yards and their two quarterbacks to make big plays when needed despite not having a luxury of receiving options. The slow tempo helps limit mistakes and keep their two backs as fresh as possible; when you are running a TE at WR, you probably are not going with the Chip Kelly approach in any situation. The defense is still Base Nickel, with top LB De Pengu playing out the Slot Corner position and stud Safety Benoit Blanco patrolling as a CB to help plug some of the craters in their secondary. To this point, no team has been able to establish a dominant rushing attack to unleash a passing attack that is not utilized strictly in passing situations when they Seawolves expect the pass. Nor has a team been able to consistently find mismatches away from Blanco, even teams with multiple receiving threats.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
London [/div]The London Royals, 3rd year upstarts, entered this season on an upswing after a surprising run to the Ultimini in season 22. They returned their entire secondary and one the best QB’s in the DSFL. London made their hay last season by slinging the ball around and creating timely turnovers. Unfortunately, after several callups on offense, their strategy crumbled quicker than a ten second quarter mile as they have undergone a fast and furious crash back to reality. Bringing up the rear is a polite way to describe the Royals offensive woes --- London is either last or second to last in almost every major offensive category. Their inability to lean on their running backs and trust Jack with two new receivers and a new tight end has yielded eye-gouging results in their first two games, including converting only 5/27 3rd downs to this point. London comes into this matchup with a fast tempo, hoping to catch the defense off balance with a mix of spread, power, and west coast looks. Unpredictability was one of London’s strengths last year --- not knowing where a pass was going, passing in a run-favorable situation, et al, but without Kaepercolin, Alexander, and Arriobata, the Royals will not have that same luxury this season.
The Royals defense has maintained that same paradoxical look ---- mastering the bend-don’t-break mantra. A team that often is stuck on the field and prone to give up big yards via lacking a quality defensive d-line unit, they also have continued their trend and racking up turnovers. With such an elite secondary, no qualms are heard when the Royals lead the interception and pass deflection categories, but they have solidified their LB unit and have attained better sack numbers so far than last season. For a team that finished last in sacks, any additional improvement makes them that much more dangerous and coming into this game, London carried a +3-turnover differential despite playing two road games. London hopes their all Nickel defense with max blitz ratios can continue to give them a fighting chance for their first victory.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Tactical Breakdown of the Week[/div]
London’s offense has a mix of different playstyles, but their main crutch so far has been the West Coast Offense. The West Coast Offense has become a common staple in football ever since being introduced by Bill Walsh and Joe Montana. Walsh got his first NFL job as an assistant to Sid Gilliman, a pioneer of the Vertical Offense, under the Oakland Raiders, taking in all the tutelage from Gilliman and iconic owner, Al Davis. In the early 70’s, Walsh became a WR’s coach for the Cincinnati Bengals where he first ushered in his first variation of his offense. Then Bengals QB Virgil Carter suffered a shoulder injury and had reduced power but remained mobile and accurate. Walsh modified the principles of the vertical offense to instead stretch defenses horizontally to allow Carter to keep his accuracy without having to rely on deep throws that would trouble him. When Ken Anderson took over, Walsh could further improve his scheme with more complex route trees and precise route running knowing that Anderson had the arm to deliver powerful strikes in tight windows.
After a stint at Stanford in the late 70’s, Walsh took over the 49ers in the 1980 season. After naming second year QB Joe Montana the starter midway through the 1981 season, the 49ers would dominate the league for the next decade, winning 3 Super Bowls under Walsh from 81-88. The principles of the West Coast offense were simple: short, horizontal passing routes took priority over a heavy running game. The West Coast favored QB’s with weaker arms that could not deliver consistent deep strikes in a vertical offense. Moreover, receivers did not need to be physically intimidating or athletic freaks, they simply needed to be excellent route runners that could rack up YAC (Yards After Catch) yards. The West Coast offense utilized split back sets, complex route trees, and 3-step drops to confuse defenses and prevent them from loading up and constantly pinning their ears back.
The most prominent features include read routes, check down routes, precise timing, and scripted plays to increase memorization and timing in order to run faster tempos. The WCO is a pass first, run later offense that is designed to soften up a defense before being able to run in more favorable matchups in order to finally attack over the top with play action and bootlegs. The use of a split back set helped confuse defenses because both backs could serve as a running threat, receiving threat, or blocking threat. Likewise, West Coast Offense would often utilize the Tight End as an extra receiving option that could be split out as a flanker, added further mismatches to the traditional defensive formations.
The West Coast strengths come from an intelligent and accurate QB; the more mobile QB’s were very effective in run action; the running backs need great hands as they often serve as release route checkdowns when the defense lays backs in pass coverage; the receivers must also possess great hands and agility as the west coast puts more emphasis on intelligence and fundamentals over physical dominance --- a player like Jerry Rice is the ultimate joker card. The best way to slow down a West Coast offense is a dominant defensive line that can disrupt the timing of the QB, being paired with physical corners that can stick to the nimble receivers. The Giants of the mid-80’s were the first team to unleash such a physical front 7 attack and the development of zone blitz schemes in the 90’s helped put a curb to the West Coast Offense explosion but the shift to more drop-back formations gave the QB the next advantage in being able to read the defense and revert back to making proper hot routes and checkdowns.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]First Quarter[/div]
Norfolk starts with the ball and have not changed much of anything from their last game. They like to run the ball and run a lot. They play their main TE, Haugland, on the outside opposite of Matthews. The other tight ends rotate as the primary upback in two back formations akin to the days of NFL Street and playing the best players wherever you could make them fit. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the Royals line up in their Nickel defense with their two rookie linebackers commanding the middle, their experienced secondary looking to shut down any profound passing attack, and their defensive line, looking to have a better impact than last year, spearheaded by two solid rookie defensive ends.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Skywalker[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sternum DE[/div] [div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Rogers[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Andrews DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB Hopkins (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Smith DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Krashwagen[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Caidaire DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Matthews[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Domine SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Haugland (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Light WLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]OL Pennington[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Bob (SS) NCB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Crooks CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Van Perkins CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sly FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Ball SS[/div]
The Seawolves start out in I-Form on the first play and Domine makes his presence felt stopping the curl route for a short gain. On 3rd down and 10, still in I-Form, a Fly route is dialed up and Haugland manages to break for an 18-yard reception. On the next play, the Royals call Dogs Fire to get some pressure but Hex finds a hole for a 10-yard reception. The Royals commit a penalty on the next play and 3 plays later on 2nd and 10 in a Spread look, Haugland again manages to get enough space and hauls in a 13-yard reception against a prevent look. The Seawolves seemed poised to strike a big blow on the opening drive but 3 plays later on the eleventh play of the drive, they commit a chop block penalty which forces them to settle for a 42 yard field goal by Guava-Fresca, two plays later. Norfolk settles for 3 after a 13 play (4 R / 6 P), 48-yard drive that eats up 5:42. [3-0] NOR
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Cortez[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simpson (DT) DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Batista[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Namen DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB King (RB)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sternestaub DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Michell[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sinclair DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Cash Jr[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Marshall SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Thornbjornsson[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Scott WLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]OL Mac[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]De Pengu (LB) SCB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Vaughne CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Blanco (SS) CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Button FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Cross (GM) SS[/div]
The Royals, attempting to integrate their many new pieces on offense, have adjusted their looks. No longer does Colby Jack take every snap as he now shares the run heavy snaps with Charlamagne Cortez. Su Cash Jr. was the third option in the passing attack last year and now must emerge as a leader of the young receiving corps. Michell has a tall task of replacing Donatello Arriabiata who emerged as a key cog in the Royals pass attack to help them reach the Ultimini. So far, the results have not been there, and a home game is the best recipe, except when it is the monstrous Norfolk defense lining up on the other side of the ball. London comes out in power heavy formations and on 2nd and 7, Cash Jr takes a bubble screen for 25 yards --- WCO to perfection. However, that light got dimmed quick as Sternestaub stuffed the next two runs and London shockingly settled for a 34-yard punt from the Norfolk 34 on 4th and 3 despite having one of the strongest kickers.
Determined to make his name known league wide, Domine comes up with two big tackles that forces Norfolk into a 3 and out. On London’s next drive, Button commits a 15-yard penalty on the first play that give London a much-needed boost. On 2nd and 5, Thornbjornsson runs a short out for a 6-yard reception. On the next second down, King breaks off an 11-yard run as London seems to have found an early groove. Three plays later, on the eighth play of drive, another Norfolk penalty gives the Royals another first down. The Royals have utilized the run game to this point and on 3rd and 4 from the 6, Batista takes in a counter run for the first TD of the matchup to cap off an 11 play(8 r / 1 p), 84 yard drive over 3:55 which saw King run for 28 yards on 5 attempts. [3-7] LON
On Norfolk’s next drive, the Royals are ready to take over the game as a safety blitz on first down leads to a 6-yard sack by #1 pick, Greedy Sly. On the next play, Busch Light blows up a screen pass and Norfolk has their second straight 3 and out in which they did not attempt a single rushing play.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Second Quarter[/div]
The Royals open up the quarter with a 9-yard run by King, an 11-yard run by Batista, a 9-yard reception by King, and two Seawolves’ penalties in the first 7 plays. The Royals have found much success with the extra blockers in the I-Form and Pro-Set formations. During this 10-play drive, there were no Shotgun or Spread calls and each play went to either King or Batista --- the two trustworthy horses. In 12 plays, the Royals charged 79 yards in 4:54 to take an 11-point lead with a 1-yard run by Batista. [3-14] LON
Norfolk, still struggling for answers, again go 3 and out but this time they run 3 straight plays. The Seawolves still cannot break the Royals’ LB, this time it is Light that comes up with two big tackles. The Royals change it up and break out Shotgun on first down and find Jack connects with Cash for 16 yards, but the Royals then fall flat with 3 more passes. Scott makes the drive stopping open field tackle on J’Vathon 1 yard shy of the first down marker on 3rd down. The Seawolves are still looking for answers as they drive 33 yards in 9 plays, but Sternum comes up with pectoral power for a 2-yard loss on 3rd and 5 to end the drive.
Perhaps Norfolk’s issue was they were looking in the wrong spot to solve their slow start. The strength of the team has been the defense and it is only a matter of time before they create big plays to shift momentum in Norfolk’s favor. LB Shep Marhsall, on a mission to be a favorite for LBoTY, forces a fumble on second down and Benny Blanco returns the loose ball 25 yards to the Royals’’ 12-yard line. The Seawolves answer quickly with 3 Ramza runs that lead a 4-yard TD run with 1:56 left in the half. [10-14] NOR
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Third Quarter[/div]
The Royals, determined not to let this game slip away and to make amends for not at least getting a field goal before the half ended, come out treating the Seawolves like a week 4 NFL preseason defense. On 3rd and 2, King breaks for a 5-yard run; 3 plays later 3rd and 9, the Royals’ Spread look finds enough space against a soft contain look for Cash Jr to move the chains. On the next play. King breaks another 10-yard run out of the Two TE formation. On the drive’s 10th play, on 3rd and 3, King takes the counter left for 8 yards. At this point the Royals are crushing the Seawolves spirit, with no intention of leaving the game without a win. Batistsa has 5 carries for 17 yards, King has 7 carries for 38 yards, and despite De Pengu racking up 7 tackles and 1 PD on this drive alone, the Seawolves cannot slow down the Royals --- until an unnecessary roughness call on J’Vathon causes a 1st and 25 that stalls the drive and leads to a 45-yard field goal by Phastbawl, thus ending a 19 play (13 run / 4 pass), 69-yard, 7:05 drive on a whimper. [10-17] LON
If there is one thing the resilient Seawolves do best, is capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. Immediately after holding the Royals to a field goal, Blanco starts the next Norfolk drive with a 33-yard return. On the first play, the Royals’ dial up NW Blaster but a timely called WR Short Out allows Matthews to escape for a 26-yard catch. After avoiding a sack, the Seawolves find Haugland on a skinny post for 13 yards. With Norfolk seemingly back in control, the Royals must hold up, and after two forced incompletions to Matthews out of the rare Shotgun look, Guava-Fresca nails the 40-yard field goal. [13-17] NOR
After a 7 play (5 pass / 1 run), 41 yard, 2:41 drive, Norfolk has to settle for an equally disappointing field goal after such a promising start to the drive. The Royals lack of composure starts to show on the next drive, jumpstarted by a 5-yard return. The first play is a penalty and after driving up the field with some success with the running game, two incomplete passes sink the drive. The Royals then commit two penalties for 20 yards on the Seawolves next drive, leaving the door wide open for Norfolk to prove why they are the best folk.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Fourth Quarter[/div]
The Seawolves open up the fourth with a 3rd and 3 on the 7th play of the drive, running a TE In route and finding Krashwagen for a huge 15 yard reception. The Seawolves were unable to find the endzone, but another long drive (11 plays [3 run / 5 passes], 46 yards, 3:22) gives them hope for the rest of the game after Guava-Fresca nails a 41-yard field goal. [16-17] NOR
At this point, the Royals just need to stop the bleeding and hold serve but their next drive starts off shaky as there appears to be a miscommunication with Cortez having to jog for one yard on the dive play. After an incomplete out of shotgun, the Seawolves can pin their ears back and dial up double coverage and Vaughne gets the interception. The Seawolves come out and move the ball with ease, as Skywalker avoids the sack on the 3rd play of the drive and finds Matthews through double coverage for 13 yards. 3 plays later, the other head of the QB beast, Ramza, cashes in on a 5-yard TD run to put Norfolk up after a quick 5 play, 28-yard, 2:43 drive. [22-17] NOR
The Seawolves smell the blood in the water and Scott gets a second interception in 2 straight London plays as the Seawolves were preparing for the Royals to pass again. In a game where the rush offense was effective, one must wonder if the Royals will rue this sequence where the run game was abandoned. Matthews collects a 14-yard TD on the first play out to extend an improbable Seawolves lead. [29-17] NOR
Now down two scores, the Royals must rely on their shaky pass offense to get them back in the game with less than 8 minutes left. Cash Jr. collects a 13 yard reception on 2nd and 6 on 3rd and 1 3 plays later, Batista slithers his way for another first down; two plays later on 2nd and 7, TE Michell works his way for 8 yards out the Spread WR Drag as Norfolk continues to call soft cover 3’s and cover 1’s; the following second down sees King run for 8 yards and Batista follows up with a 9 yard run on the next play. King then hauls in a 14 yd reception, ending the drive with 35 yards from scrimmage, to set up the Royals within the red zone. On the 14th play of the drive, on 3rd and goal, J’Vathon slips behind the Mike Blitz and snag the 9-yard TD. [29-24] LON
The Royals showed great resolve with a 14 play(8 run / 6 pass), 85 yard, 5:34 drive, but they may have chewed up too much time as the drive ended with 2:29 on the clock and the Seawolves were able to resort to their bread and butter power running game to salt away the rest of the game.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Skywalker 10/16, 94 yds, 1 TD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Batista 27 att, 114 yds, 2 TD[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Ramza 9/14, 87 yds 7 att/22 yds/2 TD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]King 23 att, 127 yds | 3 rec, 32 yds[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Matthews 4 rec, 62 yds, 1 TD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Cash Jr 5 rec, 70 yds[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Marshall 18 TCK, FF[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Domine 11 TCK[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]De Pengu 13 TCK, 1 PD[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sly 3 TCK, 1 SCK[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Scott/Vaughne 1 PD/ 1 INT each[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Team 22 1st Downs, 8/12 3rd Downs[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Rush Yards:
NOR 84 – LON 245
Total Yards:
NOR 265 -LON 401
TURNOVERS:
NOR 0 – LON 3 (NOR 20 pts off) [/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]LOOKING AHEAD[/div]
Norfolk had a very poor offensive day, but especially on the ground as they averaged 2.6 yards on 32 runs and a lowly 1.8 yards on 3rd down. Their best plays came from I-formation and they struggled the most with Shotgun, which is to be expected against such an elite secondary.
The Royals dominated statistically as they only had one run scenario under 4 ypc. They had three scenarios over 6 yards per play. The Royals bane came from their shotgun formation which was the formation of their two fourth quarter interceptions.
Next Match: NOR @ POR LON vs DAL
Credit: @The_Kidd 55% / @Thor 15% for sim help / @abh89 15% for pics and formatting / @Z-Whiz 15% for pics and formatting
WC: 3704
