*Toppling the King

PointGod · (This post was last modified: 08-07-2017, 02:06 PM by bovovovo.)

[div align=\\\"center\\\"] SJS

San Jose SaberCats (2-1) SJS

vs

Orange County Otters (1-2) OCO

Generally, a 2-1 team defeating a 1-2 team does not qualify to be called a massive upset, which is what this article is supposed to be about. But when you take into account last season, and the perceptions of each team's skill level, the week four matchup between the San Jose SaberCats and the Orange County Otters fits the bill.

The Otters are a consensus powerhouse team in the league, despite losing to the Outlaws in the semifinals last season. They were heavily favored to win in Season 1, and have garnered a lot of support for this season as well. The SaberCats, however, finished 4-10 last season, and although they are expected to perform better this season, they did not look like too much of a challenge for the Otters coming into the year. So how is it after four games the SaberCats have won three and lost one, while Orange County has conversely won only one game and lost three?

For the purpose of this media spot, we are going to examine the most recent win for the SaberCats, which came against this Otters team in Week 4.

For one, 'Cats quarterback Ethan Hunt came to play against the Otters, the very same team that cast him aside when they traded him to San Jose. Maybe for a show of vengeance, Hunt brought his absolute A-game, completing 26 of 34 passes, while throwing for 284 yards and two touchdowns en route to a sky high QB rating of 108. Speaking of those two touchdowns thrown, both were caught by one of the stars of the NSFL, Bailey Cook. The receiver out of Florida State established himself as a top target in the entire league, and has been more of the same thus far in Season 2. Cook, while amassing over 1000 yards in the inaugural season, only had four touchdowns to show for them. However, this season, he has caught three passes in the end zone in only four games, putting him well on track to break his albeit low personal record. Another star for the San Jose offense has been ex-Arizona Outlaws running back Jack Durden, who rushed for 84 yards in last night's game, averaging a healthy yardage per carry mark as well.

We know San Jose has had no trouble scoring this season, as they lead the league in points for, but how did they stop the potent Orange County Otters attack? For one, John Canton caught his second interception of the season on the FIRST PLAY of the game, setting up the offense in prime position to strike, which led to a Cook touchdown from Hunt. Current NSFL tackles leader A.C. Hackett stepped up yet again, picking up nine tackles on the day, to go with one sack. Four of Hackett's tackles came on one drive as well, quite the impressive feat.

For the Otters, the woes were present on all sides of the ball, including even special teams. Despite a Bradley Westfield punt return, which highlighted the day for the special teams squad, it was overshadowed by Joey Langdon's poor kicking performance. He missed two field goals, which would have been the difference in the game.

Stud running back Leroy Jenkins also did nothing, I mean NOTHING, to move the ball, only rushing for 44 yards on the game. The SaberCats' front seven had no issue getting through the Otters line and into the backfield, hurrying Mike Boss a bunch of times, and getting to Jenkins before he could even decide to make a cut or find a hole.

Sure, you can blame the loss solely on the kicking performance, but the SaberCats scored 23 points, and missed field goals didn't award THEM any points. The green and gold California team looked poised to show they are the real deal, and taking an early-season win from the Otters is one surefire way to do so!

SJS