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Semi Final – Game of the Week

(10) #15 Mee-ah-Mee Raid  (5-5, 3-0) @ (3) #3 Angry Fairies (9-0, 2-0)

Welcome to the Game of the Week...the South Championship...the Florida Championship...and the REAL Championship…  

“Wait...what?...but the Former FFA teams were eliminated in the North Bracket…”

Well...yay Georgia...but none of those teams were “top teams” in the FFA...as the last time a team from North of I-4 beat one of the Southern Play-off teams was 2018 (a team that no longer exists)…and the last time a northern team even made a Championship game in the FFA was 2012 (Orlando)...and from North of Orlando...2006 (Jax)… In short...none of those teams have beaten a South Play-off team in play-off game...EVAH…and it’s been REALLY BAD...  So the chance of a Joe Namath Super Bowl outcome we will talk about next week…  

For the actual game...we get a third match-up of two teams that met in weeks #2 and #12...all Undercover-Bulls wins…  The Raid got here by persevering through the top seeds in each round...the Over-rated...the less than full strength...and the bad match-up (no real run attack)...to get a team that will be the most balanced and ready team they will match-up with…  But they are looking to eliminate the top three seeds…  The Angry Fairies...have had arguably the easiest play-off run...with teams not known for their play-off success…  Finishing with the closest game by 18pts…  

When the Silver-n-Black have the ball...they will field the #11 Offense (24.5ppg) against the #11 Defense (12.8ppg)...they are pass happy...and look for the big play...but more importantly...have cut down on the turnovers…  The defense here could be steady the whole game...but if they turn their head...and they could give up a big play…  The Brownies will force the O to drive the length of the field…  Long and steady is not in the Raid’s wheel house.  

When the Ugliest Uniforms have the ball they will field the top ranked Offense still playing and the only one in the single digits...#2 ranked (37.3ppg) which will face the #6-ranked (15.0ppg)… The Brownies O is balanced enough...and persistent enough with the run to give this defense fits…  The Power running game would have a lot of success...if the Brownies can find a powerback.  The Silver-n-Black are a bend-don’t-break (too often) and be opportunistic…  If they can get Turnovers...they will have a chance…

The Algorithm picks the Big Uglies 36-18...but the Raid have heard this song before…  Will this be the game they make their “Big Mistake”...or will they squeeze through on another upset...  

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Semi Final – Game #2

(4) #4 (BCA) The Newest Comic-als (8-2, 2-0) @ (2) #9 Hooded Snakes (9-1, 2-0)

Wooohooo…<sarcasm> the battle for Georgia…  Bold City, once again dumped the #1 seed Skunk Bears with a defensive effort…while the Hooded Serpents kept it chalk and downed the Raid in a replay of week #12 (albeit with a lil’ more scoring)…  So just like last year, we have #4 vs #2 in the Northern Conference Championship… These two have not played each other…and only have two opponents in common…  Both have close losses to the Raid...and wins over the Black Kitties…  They are really similar on both sides of the ball...and this week will be strength vs strength...  

When the Comic’als have the ball...they will be fielding the #10 ranked offense (20.9ppg) against the #12 Defense (10.1ppg) of the Serpent Brotherhood.  Expect a lot of physical, “check your manhood” play here…  The caped crusaders may be tempted to challenge the Defensive backfield but they need to stay disciplined and sprinkle play-action in on first and second down.  If they stick to the run, hold their blocks the front seven’s difficulty getting off blocks and their backs’ ability to run through arm tackles means they can pop those 2-3yd runs into 5-12yd runs.    

When the Hooded-ones have the ball…their #13-ranked offense (25.5ppg) will face the #4 ranked (12.6ppg) defense and will have their hands full…  Again...like the other side of the ball…we have strength against strength…  In the run game...if they focus on who they run at and the individual match-ups they could find space...especially if they run a lil’ misdirection on it just to get the LBs out of position…  Passing?...only if they have help on the corners to protect the QB…but don’t expect a lot here...if they get pass happy or have to pass...this could get ugly…

It’s easy here to say that turnovers/ball protection will be paramount and could completely flip this game on it’s head…  But both teams got here by not shooting themselves in the foot...so field position now comes into play.  Smash mouth and shortfields means the kicking game will steal cheap points…  The algorithm goes chalk...18-15...but I’ll disagree and take the upset…  

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Qrtr Final – Game of the Week

(3) #5 Du-vowel Raid (9-1, 1-0) @ (2) #9 Hooded Snakes (9-1, 1-0)  

  The most interesting game this week is the Rubber Match up north… The Raid and Serpents split games 23-20 & 0-6...and now for the most important game…  The #7-ranked Offense that averaged 25.1ppg \will look to avenge that Week#12 donut…  It would be better if they were a little more creative and less predictable….but ball security is their game so that they can lean on the #1-ranked Defense (10.8ppg) to keep them in games, give them short fields and hang on for the win…  The Hooded Snakes #13-Offense (25.7ppg) will have it’s hands full this weekend...but they may beable to get a cheap TD on a deep throw that could turn this game.  Their Defense has held opponents to 9.6ppg and looked better in their Regular season finale than their #12-ranking…  But this is the play-offs...  and they are dealing with a team that “finds away” in the regular season… Can they make them struggle again...  The Algorithm thinks this will be the closest game that the North has had all post season (no win less than 14pts)...it also thinks the Du-vowel FFA experience turns the tide...24-14...in a fourth quarter stretch...

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Qrtr Final – Game #2

(10) #15 Mee-ah-Mee Raid  (5-5, 2-0) @ (2) #2 Waskily-Weasels (10-0, 1-0)  

Well...well...the third match-up of the season for these two… Previously the Weasels won in week #4 34-28...and than again...barely... in week #10...20-19…  It is tough to beat a team three times in one season...and this really is the only one that counts…  Last week the Offensive Skunk Bears hung on for a one point game...as their #5-ranked O that averages 34.6ppg did what they were expected to…  Defensively their #13-ranked defense who allow 15.9ppg did little to stop the Sparties…  The “We are different from last year” is till the same…still in need of D-Tackles… The Raid were put on the ropes...got lucky...capitalized...then hung on for the win...downing the Sorry-ass-Former Champs…  Here is a team that has built a reputation for big play-off upsets...as Streak Killers...ending the Horned-ones reign in 2018...short of a 3-peat...the Glads reign in 2022...short of 4-peat...and the the Now Former EAFL champs this year…  But they are King Killers...never the King…  The Silver-n-Black #11-ranked offense (24.2ppg) will have to make the most of their opportunities...and this week they will have a chance to do some damage on the ground…  The real weight of this game will fall on the shoulders of the #6-ranked defense (14.3ppg)…to change their 3-6 record...including snapping a three game losing streak against these same Skunk Bears…  They will have their chances...but the Algorithm says ...these are not kings...and Mee-ah-mee...being Mee-ah-mee...will do something stupid to cost the game...31-21...Weasels….  Me...Luck runs out...and Kharma for having the most obnoxious fans in the league always comes home to roost...but I am not confident the Weasels are that team...  

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Qrtr Final – Game #3

(4) #6 Pee-Rats (9-1, 1-0) @ (3) #3 Angry Fairies (9-0, 1-0)  

The Pee-rats climbed a big hill last week...mentally...finally besting a less than stout  A.R.M.Y. by holding on to the very end...but this week they get the Undercover-Bulls who easily put-away the Bullpups…  The Unimaginative-named team boasts the #2 ranked offense (37.2ppg) and will take on the #8 defense (12.8) of the eye-patched crowd.  The advantage goes to the orange helmets...but the Pee-rats have scrappy...so if the Fairies can’t protect the ball...it could stay close…  On the flip-side...#12 offense (31.7ppg) may sputter against the #11-ranked (12.1ppg) as they don’t have the most creative offense…speed to turn the corner...their just relentless…  They will need help...see turnovers...to overcome the Brownies…  Last week I was watching game film when a non-football fan walked into the room…took one glance at the TV...and asked, “Who is that with the ugly uniforms?”...the answer this week?  Probably the winner 37-23...  

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Qrtr Final – Game #4

(4) #4 (BCA) The Newest Comic-als (8-2, 1-0) @ (1) #7 North Weasels (10-0, 1-0)

Both teams won pretty comfortably...and the history here is interesting…as in the same round last year a huge #1 vs #4 match-up upset happened between the Skunk Bears and Bold City (Clap-backs)… A low scoring...6-0 affair…  This year being a re-run?...uhmmmm...nahhhh…  I would expect that the #1 (40.3ppg) and #10 (22.0ppg) offense should pass that in the first quarter… Both teams will want to run the ball...but with the front line of the Weasels...they should have more success...if they stick to it…  The Comic’als need to run the ball...control the clock...and ball security…  They don’t have the breakaway speed of the Skunk Bears…but everything works better when they lead with the run… Defensively they’re right there with each other at #3(3.3ppg) & #4(13.4ppg) but the higher rank and higher seeded unit here is geared best for when teams are in catch-up mode and pressing…  None of their games were closer than 20pts...    The Bold City team is used to dealing with pressure of a close game…  If this would stay close...it would get interesting…  Unfortunately that is probably not going to happen…Weasels 35-10...  

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Round #1: GAME of the WEEK

(5) #11  (SF) Chicken-hawks (6-3-1*) @ (4) #4 (BCA) The Newest Comic-als (8-2)  

Two distinctly different styles of play...in a toss-up game…between two experienced teams…who had a barn burner in week #2…  As the Comical’s outlasted the feathered-ones 28-20...

The Feathered ones come in with the #8 ranked offense...but suffers from mistakes...mental errors and dumb plays to be exact…  They have a very stagnate formation with very little variance and aren’t very creative out of it...so the run game suffers...especially when the O-line ain’t movin’ anyone...  The most dynamic play is letting the QB wiggle out of trouble (when he can) because he will find some free space and keep his eyes down field to fit the ball behind the defense reacting to him…and is the reason behind their 24.8ppg.  They will give up a lot of sacks.  But they like to throw it deep on the outside when they get the chance…  There is a lot of potential lost by not getting the TE more involved… especially in the redzone...where they tend to sputter.  The D is the #9 ranked unit and give up 16.3ppg.  The front seven is not big...not particularly fast...but will swarm (well not the DTs)…like sngry lil’ fire ants...  A back with decent hands and speed or a WR put in the backfield would have a field day with these slow backers… The Defensive backfield is Ter’i’bull… often caught peeking in the backfield and getting burnt very easily as they forget the coverage…and follow it up by poor tackling…    

On the other side of the ball is the physical Comic Book Characters that are more Hulk...then Flash…  There #10 ranked wants to smash the ball with big nimble backs…and have done that for 20.9ppg...if they can get in the rezone this week...short-yardage...they should be able to bully some scores…  The QB is does not have a particularly strong arm...and seems reluctant to attack the middle of the field, preferring to lob the corners.  Ball security should be his biggest concern...but they should roll the pocket off play-action...and let him press the corners...they tend to make the wrong decision. Condensing the whole formation to the center of the field and then sprinting to the sidelines will free them up from the corners who can’t help themselves from being so nosy ‘bout what is happening in the backfield…  Defensively they sit at the #4-ranking, only giving up 13.3ppg…  Their D-tackles are a mixed bag...undersized, stout, quick...or big and space eating…  Often teams double team the wrong D-Tackle…and on outside runs...there’s a couple I wouldn’t bother to block…  They will put pressure on the edges. The Backers are also a mixed bag…some are aggressive enough but don’t seem to read and dissect plays but will bring it...and another that should be playing safety...bad stance...first three steps are backwards...bad tackle form...no desire to hit...and lost in coverage…  He may have only been in their as a spy for the QB...but not sure the risk was worth the reward...as he was more likely to run around traffic than work his way through it to the ball…and always late to the party...  The D-Backfield has their issues...but few teams have had the patience enough to have gotten much success there, but the Chicken-hawks may check that hip sink, pivot and drive on those quick screens.      

This game will come down to ball security and penalties...Purple Crew 21 – Fire ant crew 19...

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Round #1: Game #2

G#2 (7) #12 Du-vowel Kitties (6-3, 1-0) @ (2) #9 Hooded Snakes (9-1)

This should make for an interesting juxtaposition of styles…as well as the only game where the “former FFA squad” is the lower seed to a non-FFA squad...  

The Kitties can barely claim the FFA mantel because they’re last run in the FFA was 2011...but they were a founding member in 2008 and that first year was easily their best year as they went 10-0 and fell one game shy of the championship…  This version rolls in with the #14 ranked offense...putting up 24.0ppg...but this is the complimentary side of table.  The O-line has size...but can be overwhelmed with numbers...as they don’t check out of pressure...and the center does not handle quick Noseguards well.  The RBs will run the lane, but are not spectacular in any facet of the position...not quick twitch shifty...no turbo gear...no plowing the Defenders into the ground...no spectacular catches…  Just serviceable…  The same could be said of the WRs...just serviceable...but than again they don’t really get to show off their ball-in-the-air skillsets…  Which leads us to the QB...whom seems ill-fitted to the unit’s shortcomings…  I don’t know if doesn’t read pressure (since his “looking over the defense” looks more theatrical than actual analysis) or has no way to audible out of bad plays …  He has a lot of unforced errors and seems to predetermine his target before they are even at the line...which makes for some bad decisions…  And his arm strength is not where he will zip it into lanes or get any distance/velocity when he can’t set his feet.  They should roll the pocket more…  Hot reads can be your friend…  His play will determine this game...good or bad...  

Defensive uni..ranked #8...is the strength of this team.  They’ve held teams to 13.3ppg and have kept them in games all year...BUT...they are prone to be undisciplined…jumping off-sides...losing outside containment...and assignment/alignment errors…  The D-line has bulk but too often has their eyes in the backfield too early...making it difficult to disengage and pursue…but that’s bonus...they will eat-up the blocks and that is prime  The LBs look the part...but do get caught up with eye discipline...leaving them flat-footed and out of position...but do flow well to the ball when they dissect it right and will deliver the lumber given the chance…  The DBs will come up and force...not shying away from contact…and the safety will fill a lane...  So view those quick passes at the line of scrimmage as a set-up play and not expect much…  The biggest problem this unit has...is spending too much time on the field…  

What little I have seen of the Hooded-ones, the #13 ranked offense is the strength of the team...and average 25.2ppg…  The O-line is big...and mostly road graders...but not the most nimble on the edges for pass pro...but the coaching staff does a decent job of managing that liability in the play-calling…  The Rbs can find the holes (which is a lot at this level) and quietly amass stats.  While the passing game is average...and that’s all they need this week… The QB only has to manage this game...not win it...so play-action is his friend...and ball security his mandate.  The WRs are not particulary shifty or fast...but are smart enough to eat up a zone… Don’t think they would be as proficient against a decent bump and run D-backfield.  Defensively the #12 ranked defense has some size...but in general the defense lacks team speed…  The front seven may be stout...but they do not get off blocks quickly adding another step or two of “slowness”.  If you have a real speedster you get him behind this defense. ..but luckily that is not this weekend.  

This is the one FFA vs non-FFA match-up that the Algorithm does not like the FFA team...picking the Hooded-ones...20-14…  I think if the Kitties do go down...it’ll be close…

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Round #1: Game #3

G#3 (5) #8 A.R.M.Y. (8-2) @ (4) #6 Pee-Rats (9-1)  

Here is a fierce and physical rivalry we’ve missed this year… Tight, hard fought games has been they story of this rivalry...as none of their previous games had a double digit win...   They’ve been high scoring...35-31...and low scoring...8-0…and as close as 3pts...  But all of them have had the same thing in common…they were all Land-lubber wins

The reconstituted brigade...started this season off with a bang...mowing through a soft as butter schedule which featured only three play-off teams…  The one that got knocked out in the play-in round they snuck out with a 1pt win in the rain…and the other two were in the loss column.  In those losses, the #5 ranked offense that was averaging 37.6ppg could only manage 16.5ppg.  Now they after a long rest for over a month...they get a very physical team to knock the rust off with…  They should be able to scheme up some runs this week as their O-line is more than capable against this team…but get themselves into yellow flag territory when they don’t move their feet and get grabby...  It depends if the OC can restrain himself… Their QB is inaccurate...tries to force the ball at times...and has untimely unforced errors…that makes driving the length of the field difficult.  Receivers will be able to slip behind the secondary now and then…but in the compressed redzone...stick to the run.  The #5 ranked defense was holding teams to 11.1ppg but against play-off teams that average jumps to 10pts more…  The D-line can get after the O-line here...and the LBs are down hill thumpers but not swift of foot or nimble which could be a liability in coverage and give shifty backs openings on the outside runs.  The D-backfield plays a little too loose and will often get caught peeking into the backfield and losing awareness of the receivers.  The kicking game here is an advantage...where they have a chance to walk away with points while the Pee-Rats are left with score-or-die...

For the eye-patch crew, after 7yrs in a premier league they started with 3 straight losing records to last year completing three straight seasons of .500 and this year...is easily...the best of them all as a soldier/thunder/glad free season means they finished with their first winning record…  In the process they’ve fielded the #12 ranked offense and at 32.0ppg easily a team best.  Best way to describe this Offense...just sneaky…  The O-line is not going to blow someone off the ball...or form the perfect pocket…so obvious run downs or pass downs they are a liability...but if the defense is not sure they give enough…  Running backs are sneakily productive and the WRs will quietly roll up the stats…  Everybody is aware of the QB, speed and willingness to take on tacklers...but the accuracy is definitely understated...yeah...he will throw some bonehead passes...but then he will put it on a dime...even while while getting hit...on the run...or some contorted position.  And the pay-off is if he puts it on the receivers fingers they will catch it…  The offense...and special teams...will make some head-scratching decisions trying to force a play that isn’t there…  In the past they have been more of a power team relying on their defense...and even though the D was the #8ranked unit they have some definite holes.  The D-tackles are just their to eat-up blocks...but this week they should not be double teamed...and should still be placed on their back…and forget about short yardage and goal line...they ain’t stoppin’ no one.  The ends/Linebackers will put pressure on teams but are not consistent and lack depth so they will bounce from edge to backer and back to edge.  The Corners are short and have issues with jump balls...but as a whole they (the D) are just like the whole team...undersized...scrappy and will make hustle plays…

This game could very well come down to ball security and penalties. On paper, the measurables and history gives the advantage to the Toy soldiers...and is why the computer picks them 33-24…  BUT...the algorithm cannot measure Kharma...and the whiney...complaining owner of the red, white and bruised already met Kharma’s bite when the Comic’als blew up in their face…  With the latest round of “B!+c#-@$$ moves” has he invited her again…?  Could the Uniformed-ones finish 0-2 against former FFA teams?

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Round #1: Game#4

G#4 (6) #16  (GG) Water-Lizzies (6-3-1*)  @ (3) #5 Du-vowel Raid (9-1)  

This could be the most run oriented game of the week...and when I mean run oriented...I mean actual called plays...not Qbs adlibbing.

Tbe 352 crowd enters with the #16 ranked Offense that averages 27.5ppg.  With a game manager style QB and a less than aggressive O-line...the RBs are the engine that makes this O run…  With probably the most elusive back in the league and a more physical change of pace back...the reptiles want to run...run...run...  They need the QB to pass just enough to keep defenses honest…  If they want a chance to win this game they will need a WR step up and make some plays...especially after the catch as the QB will need to get the ball out his hands quickly because his Tackles can’t hold-up. They may want to get their backs out so they can get the ball in the open field.  Defensively...not a fan of the #7 ranked unit.  Even though they they hold teams to 8.8ppg...they are not very aggressive...usually standing at the line of Scrimmage and than pursuing once the offense commits.  Where teams get in trouble is anticipating more pressure than they actually will get and than rushing themselves…  A decent QB could sit in the pocket longer than he’s use to just to give his receivers more time down field to shake free.  The one thing they do really well is swarm to the ball...but on the goaline they’re not stout enough up the middle to slow an offense down long enough for the pursuit to matter.  

The #7 ranked offense is not tricky…  They want to run the ball...and even at times when they are behind the sticks...they’ll still try to run it…  They can throw the ball...but best off play-action.    The top ranked Defense has been allowing 11.3ppg...running a “Bear” defense which is just a bastardized version of the ‘46...usually only seen in pop warner and on the goal line…  The philosophy being that it is easier to find 5 decent d-linemen than 5-good o-linemen...and somebody will beat their man… In the process it doesn’t allow the O-linemen to help each other and keeps the backer clean to flow down hill and make tackles…  For that strategy to work the DBs are generally locked-up man-to-man… That pressure up front can hide some ills in the backfield...but a QB with time and some decent WRs can torch this defense…  One of the reasons that the Raid have struggled in the play-offs is the southern teams have that combination.  A decent O-line negates the rush and their DBs seem to lack the basic concepts/mechanics of Man-to-man or bump-n-run...spending too much time “peeking” into the backfield. This week?...that’s not a problem…  They need to tackle well...      

The computer thinks Du-Vowel will advance 23-11 based on a second half push...

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Round#1: Game #5

G#5 (8) #13 Otha Sparties (6-4, 1-0) @ (2) #2 Waskily-Weasels (10-0)  

This could be the highest scoring game of the week as both of these teams have top 5 offenses...and middle third defenses.  Their week #2 game went 28-20…and this one has the feeling of a flag football game...

Last Week the 300 (minus 252) ended their on the field losing streak at three...and this week they will try to have their first “on-the-field” winning streak.  Leading the way with 31.3ppg is their #3 Ranked Offense…which leans a quickness more than force...and more explosive than efficient.  As the QB goes...as does the offense...which is well and good...except sometimes the QB does some “silly $#!+” trying to avoid a sack…and just chucks the ball.  He lacks confidence in his protection...but some of his O-line are not linemen.  Their WRs need to make plays...and they can catch a ball in a crowd...some might argue because they can’t get out of one…but they need to stop the drop balls and “make the QB look better than he is” when the ball is a little off target. Defensively they rely on quickness, scrappiness, and ballhawking… One of the reason their offense can put some points on the score board is because the defense gives them a lot of chances...especially with a shortfield.  Their #22 ranked defense has given up 28.4ppg but they’ve run into some buzz saws.  Their strongest unit is their D-ends...but sometimes they rely on their speed too much...and if they take a risk to suck-up inside...this QB has the speed to exploit that.  The backers seem to always be around the ball and the LB/slot men lead the team in taking the ball away.  The outside is suspect as they give away a lot of deep balls and seem to lose WRs at times. Where this defense struggles is on the goal line and late in games where a lack of depth causes fatigue.  Their punter is sneaky effective and they may have the best Kick return team in the EAFL this year.    

As much as things change the more they stay the same…  The Skunk Bears are still Offensively minded...with the #5 ranked defense...that has been putting up 34.6ppg…  Their still more speed and finesse then brutish force.  They spread people out and try to get the ball into creases and the QB takes off when pressured.  This QB has speed, elusiveness, and will work the ball down the field, but does not read coverages or throws a teammate open which gets him in trouble.  The WRs and RBs are decent and compliment his skill set and their height will give them an advantage at the goal linre.  But the O-line is more catch than fire off the ball.  The #13 ranked defense still doesn’t have proper D-Tackles...yeah...when your always in a two point stance you give away any leverage… instead they rely on all that weight falling forward...which means their lucky the league doesn’t allow them to get cut…  Yep...just fat and slow LBs… The DEs are more speed than size and have a tendency to be undisciplined...giving away the edges…and at times...not very aggressive.  Luckily the QB is not quick enough to “kill them” but he can hurt them...he just loses effectiveness the more he tries to run…   LBs are not very physical but luckily they don’t have to deal with a power back this week…  As far as the D-Backfield, their less than enthusiastic tackling shows itself with all those arm/reaching that have led to broken tackles…  

Finesse on finesse match-up...the computer thinks the Weasels do it better 47-33… But with all the expectations for high scoring game...fate may make this the lowest out of spite...oh...the irony...

[gunnygazette-blog]

Round #1: Game#6

(10) #15 Mee-ah-Mee Raid  (5-5, 1-0) @ (1) #1 Sorry-Ass Champs (10-0)   

A #1 vs #10 would/should normally be at the bottom of the list...but this one has a history…  In five meetings since 2017 included a championship game…  The Glads currently have a 4-1 record and have out scored the Raid 124 to 78...including three “last-minute-come-from-behind” wins including week #8 match-up this year where the Silver-n-Black were up 14-0 nothing with 3 mins left in the game only to lose in overtime.  BUT the Raid’s one win…was last year’s Conference Championship.

The Silver-n-Black come in with a #11 offense that has averaged 24.2ppg leaning heavily on their QB play…  They pass to set up the run...eventually…as they have gone full halves with out a called run play.    If the QB is on...they’re on...when he is off...they’re awful…  They excel at the off-schedule play...so much so...the OC could be better by not calling a play.  Defensively their #6 ranked squad keeps opponents to 14.1ppg and keeps them in games as the Offense tries to figure it out…  Forcing turnovers and swarming to the ball allows them to run a bend but don’t break…but a lack of depth means they will eventually break...and the reason they’ve struggled closing out games against the stiffer competition.  

The Sorry-ass former champs have the #6 offense averaging 35.4ppg...and have shown in the past that they can run and pass themselves over the Mee-ah-mee crowd…  But they’ve been slowed by themselves.  Between mental errors, dumb penalties and turnovers, they find someway to knock themselves out of the redzone when they play the Raid.  Their #2 ranked defense will put a lot of stress on the opposing QB to force turnovers…  They will shutdown the run...but they will have to keep disciplined lanes so not to provide any scrambling space.  In this game...the LBs have to play within the design of the defense as they are the gap fillers for a running QB...and this one is faster then them…  They need to play outside in and mix it up so the QB can’t get a feel for what they are doing…  If they get caught inside...they will have problems getting back out side…  For the Backfield...they will get their chances at picks...but they also have a tendency to mis-communicate that leads to busted coverages and junk TDs…  

The computer is picking the Sorry-ass Champs 33-15...and keeps the number of teams to ever beat the Glads more than once to only four in nearly 20yrs...

[gunnygazette-blog]

Round#1: Game #7

G#7 (6) #10 Cow-Pups (6-3-1*) @ (3) #3 Angry Fairies (9-0)  

Back in Week #10 the Brownies won 42-20...  There was a fire there...slighted by not playing...costing the Brownies a top seed… This game could start a lil’ flat…  

The Pups had the 3rd easiest schedule of any South Division Play-off team...and on the last saturday of the regular season snuck into that #6 position and avoided the play-off round. It could be argued that this is their best showing since they joined a Premier League...though will never know what could have been with that 4-2 start in shortened 2020…  The next year it was one win and last year it was a total of three...but this year they finally get to step out on a play-off field…  This #18 ranked Offense will have a lot of pressure this week to keep up with the highest ranked Offense in the South...as their 17.4ppg average is not enough to keep up with a team who’s lowest scoring game was 15pts…  I don’t really see them being able to move the D-line to be able to run the ball with any effectiveness but they will have to just to keep the front seven honest.  The Rbs may do more damage out of the backfield if they get creative.  Their QB is capable, just slow of foot and should use his limited mobility to buy time to find receivers down field...not tuck and run...  Receivers have to catch the ball if it touches their fingers...somebody will have to help the Hefty Heaver…  He will have to be accurate...and someone will have to go off…  Defensively they are ranked the third worst in the play-offs at #20 ranking and allowing 17.4ppg suffer from a lack of depth...which leads to a lack of aggression, slow to disengage from a blocker, as fatigue sets in. Their D-Tackles will need to step up their game or they will get run on all night…  The edges are more than capable...but need to be more relentless…  Will see how good their LBs are this week as they have a tendency to be no man’s land and irrelevant when not blitzing.  The Defensive backfield is Hot and Cold...they will make a good play and then follow that by busting coverage and have a Receiver running all alone in the secondary...  They will have to limit those big plays and secure the pick when a bad decision comes their way…

The #2 ranked Offense rolls in averaging 37.7ppg, so matching their previous 42pts they scored in their last meeting is very possible. They will be able to run the ball and get their receivers to slip behind the coverage now and then...  But they also have the potential to meltdown and turn the ball over…  Their 11th ranked defense has allowed 12.1ppg...but only one of their opponents was a top 10 Offense.  They have difficulty with speed...but they won’t have that problem this week…  LBs will be able to run down hill and put alotta pressure on the Pups…  All-in-all...their solid and crafty…  But their biggest advantage is the kicking game...where they can accrue “extra points” when in the redzone instead of settling for a longshot TD…  

The Algorithm has this as another cakewalk...45-8...the ugly uniforms...

[gunnygazette-blog]

Rnd #1: Game #8

(9) #21 Bad Weather (5-4-1*,1-0) @ (1) #7 North Weasels (10-0)    

Wait...how did we get here?  The Stormy-ones found away to hop into the first round while avoiding the Grizzled-ones...twice…  Instead of seeing the new Little Mermaid Live Action...for the fifth time this Saturday...the Stormies will be hard at work trying to find a way to the second round without playing anybody…  Yep...the the biggest mismatch of the weekend…  The Dark Cloud’s #17 Offense won’t be able to run the ball...not that they want to…  Which means alotta dropping back...and...the QB staring at the sky…  Like Bobby Bouche just ran him over...again...  Will they score?...uhm...probably not…  Defensively...the #28 ranked squat won’t be able to stop the run…  They will be forced to blitz and sometimes it will work...alright like...and othas?...will see the Rbs running free in the secondary…  

On the Skunk Bear side of the equation...this is their first play-off game since last years debacle…  They could pass but the #1 ranked offense really doesn’t need to…  Defensively...welcome to “seven on seven”…  The #3 ranked squad, giving up a score here would be considered an upset...  The end tally could be bad…  The Algorithm says 56-3...but it could get worse...much...much worse...  

[gunnygazette-blog]

“PLAY-IN” ROUND  GAME-OF-THE-WEEK

(10) #15 Mee-ah-Mee Raid  (5-5) @ (7) #14 D-League Champs (6-4)  

Was the choice for the “Game of the Week” ever in doubt? Nahhh…  Everybody was in a rush to see who could knock out the staggering “champs”...but they couldn’t stay in the top six to guarantee that they could get to “Round One”.  Instead they have to first deal with the Mee-Ah-Mee Raid…  Half of the Raid’s opponents were not only play-off teams, but all those games were against the top three seeds...and most of them came down to the very end...two by a single point…  The Raid offense (ranked #11) has averaged 24.6ppg…and has a shiftiness and speed that can give the “Soon to be Former Champs” issues.  It will come down to QB play.  Unless they find some sustainable running attack their WRs will find the holes in the secondary on the edges...it’ll be up to him to deliver a catchable pass.  Defensively they will have to get after the QB and make him uncomfortable...and they should be able to peel those edges and do just that.  As the 6th ranked defense they should be up to the task...but they will be challenge to keep them under their 15.1ppg average.  

The “Soon to be Former Champ” have not worn the target well...nor have they had success with FFA teams since their pre/early season chirping.  Offensively their #9 ranked has averaged 30.1ppg but they will struggle to reach that average this week.  If they can’t control NG/one-technique...they will have difficulty running the ball and be forced to air it out…  They have an advantage if they run their TE out there...but they are young and will have problems staying within the team concept…  Turnovers will come from pressing...  Their 15th ranked defense has kept opponents to 17.2ppg but will have issues with the Raid’s shiftiness…  If they can keep a lid on the passing attack and the QB scrambles enough to keep it close ‘til the fourth quarter...they can take advantage of the Raids lack of depth…  But I think they will get hen-pecked on the sidelines and will see them have drives extended when they should have gotten off the field.

Must be a good game because the Computer algorithm and myself are at odds…  The Computer thinks the D-League Champs will steal the win in the end 26-23…  I think the Soon to be Former Champs won’t take being down very well and will meltdown to leave a FFA sweep for the weekend and an all-FFA field in the South...

[gunnygazette-blog]

“PLAY-IN” ROUND:  GAME #2

(9) #17 Southern Spotted Kitties (5-4-1) @ (8) #13 Otha Sparties (6-4)  

For most of the season...the best match-ups each week could be in the North...but in “Play-in” Week it’s all about the South.  The only “non-FFA” teams to make the play-offs in the South are both on the hook this week…  These two played all the way back in Week#1 where the Sparties scored a 28-9 win.  These Kitties are really kittens and even though they made the play-offs last year, they were one and done.  The offensive side of the ball is not the strength of this team, and with lowest ranked O in the play-offs (#27) managing only 16.9ppg this won’t be enough this week…  Their O-line doesn’t move anyone and their backs are more shifty than fast.  The QB makes some questionable decisions and has accuracy issues but can do some damage on the ground…  If he locks in...they have a chance. This 18th ranked defense is undersized and short…and definitely has some tackling issues…  But they are quick, will ball hawk, and only allow 17.3ppg.  Special Teams are sketchy…

The 300 also made the play-offs last year, but they made it to the second round...AND...it was in the FFA…  So they should be heavy favorites here.  They are also undersized like their opponent and rely on their QB heavily and has the same issues as his counterpart...but he has the advantage of better receivers that can cover up a host of ills…  They are the #3 ranked offense scoring 29.0ppg so should quickly outpace the spotted ones. Defensively?...uhmm...they are second worse ranking-wise among play-off teams for a reason (#22)...as the only team in the post season who gives up over 31.88ppg...BUT  they played a more difficult schedule than the spotted-ones.  They too also undersized, quick and ball hawking…  So they should match-up well.  

This game has the potential to be a turnover-fest...as the Defenses are pretty even...but between the offense and special teams, the Sparties have the advantage…  The computer leans that way...39-17… I think the Kitties score is too generous...    

[gunnygazette-blog]

PLAY-IN GAME #3

(9) #21 Bad Weather (5-4-1*) @ (8) #18 Grizzled-ones (6-4)

Wait...we skipped last week just so we can have the same situation…? So even though they had the higher seed and had won week 3’s meeting 14-12...the Stormy decided to give away the chance to host this weeks game…  If this were a neutral field…I couldn’t fault their strategy as it is difficult to beat a team three times…but I am also a “show me” kinda guy...so I would have taken that challenge.  What we have here is a contrast of styles...”grind it out” vs “air it out”...

The Dark Cloud’s are the only Play-off team in the North whose #28 Ranked Defense (giving away 24.4ppg the most in the North) allows more than their 17th ranked Offense (18.6ppg) can score. That can happen when your a pass happy team…  This team relies on their QB to move the ball with his legs and his arm.  His accuracy and decision making falters when he tries to push the ball down the field.  They will need to spread it out and put stress on the Grizzled Lbs...and force their DBs to make tackles.  The defense is quick bu undersized and their Secondary can be torched...they just don’t have to worry about it this game...

The Bruised Bruins are barely top 15 on either side of the ball, but that will be a problem for next week…not this week.  And they are the only team in the North this week that not only made the Play-offs last year...but even logged a win. This week they need to have ball security…and reduce penalties.  Their Offense is unimaginative, but revolves around a capable Fullback…  It’s when they try to bounce outside or have the QB run it that things get squirrely.  Their offensive line is inconsistent, just not as much as the QB…  This week they need to fire off the ball like they know what they’re doing…too often they are timid are stop their feet at contact. Defensively they suffer from lack of depth.  It shows itself at the D-Tackle position…  The whole interior (DT & LBs) as a whole are slow afoot.  As far as Defensive backfield they suffer with poor tackling and positioning but this week they could get a few picks…

In the end it will probably come down to Turnovers...the Stormy INTs or Bruin fumbles…as neither team are great on Special Teams.  The computer picks the Grizzled-ones...37-14…  I agree with the outcome...just a closer score...