This is a new division and teams are still figuring it out and that will take some time. What really needs to be done is teams showing up with a complete roster. The only way to get used to everyone is by playing with them. I know that it is sometimes hard to make it out every week, but it’s not cool for the other team to be playing subs that in some cases are better than the players missing. I know I personally hate that and don’t think it’s fair.
Week 4 Recap
The Mustard Tigers vs Gold Rush (38-26)
This is a game that had a pretty surprising stat line to it. I’m not sure how many guys in the league have ever passed for 300 yards before. Thomas came really close with 296 yards to go along with 5 TDs. When I look at Mustard Tigers I don’t see a big offense, I see a bunch of players out to have fun and trying and win a few games. Maybe Thomas has gotten used to playing QB and it is all clicking now. Mustard Tigers had a good game offensively, but on defense wasn’t as good. Nick was able to torch the Mustard Tigers defense for 194 yards and 4 scores. That doesn’t seem like a real torching, but here is the kicker: it was done on 8 completions. That is almost 25 yards a completion and that is a ridiculous number. Mustard Tigers were playing against a few subs, but you can’t keep giving up big plays like that all season. The turning point was when John returned a pick for a score and it took their lead from 5 to 11 and once Gold Rush got the ball back they were held to a 3 and out which pretty much sealed the game.
Ninja Turtles vs Les Panaches (18-0)
Going into the week I had picked this as my game of the week and I was completely wrong about this one. Both QBs stunk up the place. For Ninja Turtles Wade was only able to complete 33% of his passes for 69 yards and 2 scores. What was more of a shock was that Amelie threw a total of 6 picks after I was saying she was up there as the top QB in the division. I know that Ninja Turtles have a really good defense, but with her experience Amelie should have been able to do a little bit more than that. The only thing that was memorable about this game was that Wade picked off 4 passes. He might not have had a good day behind center, but he made up for it with his defensive plays. I hope the next time these 2 teams meet it will be a better game for both teams.
Les Beautes vs Thunder Buddies (19-18)
This should have been my game of the week, but who knew that both teams would be missing their regular QBs. Terry was filled in by Dave (and Rob on the last drive) and they did a decent job of keeping the game really close. Maybe Nicholas has done enough to take the position over from Benjamin. This ended up being a 1 point game and Thunder Buddies had a chance with the ball on last drive, but ended up running out of time. This would have been a different game if both teams had full rosters. Dave filling in for Terry is a big loss to Thunder Buddies receiving core. Same can be said about Nicholas playing QB for Les Beautes, but I think he might be a better QB than their regular guy Benjamin. Again it comes down to converts. Good teams figure a way to get them and those are the difference in some games.
GOTW (Game of the Week) - Thunder Buddies vs Les Panaches
QB- This one is simple Amelie is probably still the best QB in the division, but will need to show it this week. I have said that she has a good understanding of the game and can make the right reads. The only drawback I have on her is that she is relatively short and sometimes lets the ball go too high in her release and allows the defense to get to it since it will hang up there. Terry doesn’t have tons of experience throwing, but has played flag for many years now and knows what he needs to do. He might not always be able to pull off what he wants to do, but it will come with more experience. Terry is the most dangerous runner in the division and if he learns how to use that to his team’s advantage then they will become even harder to stop. I have to go and give the advantage to Les Panaches, but I’m not too confident in that pick after last week. I’m hoping last week was just a bad game and not an omen of things to come.
WR- Thunder Buddies have 3 guys with 9 or more catches and over 80 yards, but then there is a big drop to the next guy. Everyone on Thunder Buddies gets the ball, but Dave is the go to guy and he should be. He has great hands and good speed and always seems to make plays when they need them. They have a decent #2 and #3 in Mustafa and Nick, but both of them need to step up and take pressure off of Dave from having to do it all. Les Panaches are very solid from top to bottom at receiver. Here is the best part, they have 3 of the top 5 receivers in the division right now. I understand they have played more games but it’s still quite remarkable. Thunder Buddies will need to focus on Felix, Thomas, and Justin to have any chance. It will be harder than you think and that is why I have to go and give the advantage to Les Panaches.
Defense- Les Panaches have 8 sacks and 7 picks so far this season after 5 games. That isn’t great but they are only giving up 17.2 points a game which is good. There is something that doesn’t show up on their stats and it’s that they seem to make big stops when they need to. They are aggressive and do a good job of making sure that the first person makes the tackle which eliminates the extra yards. Thunder Buddies have 4 sacks and 10 picks with half of them coming from Dave. They are giving up 23 points a game which isn’t great, but not bad. What Thunder Buddies need to do is find a good solid rusher and they will get more picks and allow fewer points. Not sure if they will be able to do that, but it would help them out tremendously. Advantage will go to Thunder Buddies because I think Terry will figure out that rushing part time helps his team out and Dave will have a good game picking at least 2 balls off.
Keys for Victory- Defense is the key.
Panaches will need to stop Terry from running and force his arm and mind to beat them.
Thunder Buddies need to get solid pressure on Amelie and force her to throw over the rusher.
Predictions
I went 2 for 3 again last week which bring me to an 8 and 4 record on the season. The hardest part about picking the games are which teams are going to show and who will be subbing for the missing guys. Make it easy on me and show up. Here we are with this weeks picks. Just in case you haven’t noticed by now my picks will be in bold.
Ninja Turtles vs Gold Rush
Les Beautes vs The Mustard Tigers
Thunder Buddies vs Les Panaches
There is 1 game I’m sure of the outcome, but the other 2 could very easily go either way. I know that every week 1 of my picks blows it for me, but this week it could be 2 teams.
Power Rankings
So last week we had a matchup between the top 2 teams in the division and it wasn’t as good as what I hoped it would have been. It is a hard choice for who I should put at the 2 and 3 spot, 1 was an easy choice.
#1) Ninja Turtles
#2) Les Panaches
#3) Thunder Buddies
I went and left it the same as last week and, yes, both 2 and 3 lost, but 2 lost to the top team and were able to keep it close. 3 lost, but it was to a team with a few more subs than what is really allowed. So I left it the same, but this week 2 and 3 are playing each other and I can already see a few scenarios where things will change next week.
Final Thought
This week the league should be starting a canteen at the field selling drinks and snacks. In the future we are thinking of doing a BBQ selling burgers and hot dogs. We would love to hear your thoughts on that. The season is almost half over and it has been an interesting one so far. I hope you have all been having fun since that is what we are all here for. I want to wish everyone best of luck the rest of the way. Play safe, have fun, and if you have anything you want to say to me I’ll be there all day Saturday.
