As we near the end of another exciting season, we want to see where each team is in terms of its mood. Are the teams excited for the playoffs or are they dreading it? Some teams welcome the pressure of the playoffs, while others shy away from the tense environment.
AK
Know this about AK: they are the most complete team in the league, yet they are fueled by a hunger few can imagine. AK wants to win it all. That’s the measuring stick for them. They’ve gone undefeated in the past, but they’d rather win the final game of the season when its all said and done. AK welcomes the playoffs and can’t wait until it starts.
Gators
Risk is a dimension few understand. Taking risks can pay off huge dividends. Or they can cease your operations in a heart beat. The Gators understand the risk they are taking trotting out minimal number of players. They upside is that if something is working you can work it to death. The downside is that if something isn’t working, well you risk losing it all. And quickly. We’ll find out how the Gators’ appetite for risk plays out in the post season. But we are sure the Gators are chomping at the bit to find out.
Savages
Another team on the short list of favorites this season are the Savages. They’ve managed to put together their greatest regular season all the while incorporating new faces. They have the athleticism to math anyone. They have the know how to execute a complex game plan. Do they have the willingness to tough out wins in less than ideal conditions? We say yes. The Savages are so talented and feel they have a legitimate shot to win it all. They can’t wait for the playoffs to start.
Browns
Every year is a new challenge. Even for these veteran Browns, who are facing uncertainty like never before. Their shine has worn off a little as they have uncharacteristically lost their cool in successive weeks. The team is trending in the wrong direction, becoming an afterthought as we approach the playoffs. Can a once mighty franchise gather themselves and correct course or will this season finally be the end for the most decorated team in league history? One thing we do know is that there is no team who plays better in big games.
Underdogs
Curiously we find the Underdogs up to number 5 and streaking. This team is now the sneaky good team. And they’re finally figuring out how to utilize all their weapons along with playing tighter D. That’s a recipe for success. As mediocre as UD has been, they are now looking forward to the playoffs. This is their best chance yet to win it all.
Bandits
No one this season has arguably faced more adversity after the season has started than the Bandits. They lost their game changing best player. Their QB did not have 100% attendance. Their team was totally redone. Yet here they are closing the season strong. They closed out the regular season as the 6 seed and entering the playoffs with a lot of confidence. But are they ready for the challenges of post season play? It’s difficult to have success in the playoffs as it is but even more difficult when continuity is lacking.
Elites
Until you spend time with The Elites, you can’t appreciate the togetherness these guys have. They really are like brothers. Intangibles aren’t the first ingredient to success, but it’s a major one. And The Elites are as close as they come. Also a plus on their ledger is their performance this season. They went from being winless last year to nothing 4 wins this year. That’s huge improvement. They’re playing better D and show flashes on O. Consistency is what separates the good from the great. The Elites are almost there. But not quite. We see them embracing the playoffs, but will it be a long term stay?
Cobra Kai
Sometimes we look around for answers when they’ve been right there in front of our eyes the whole time. Cobra Kai has been searching for a way to get the formula right. But really what they’re missing just reps. This is one of the more talented teams in the league. They can compete against anyone and very soon they will be defeating everyone. They have the calm demeanor ubiquitous in all great teams. They have size, speed, and know how to become the next great team in league. The more pressing question is: do they have enough now to compete? Are the playoffs something they welcome as that environment is more ruthless than the regular season.
Thunder
Though owners of just one win, the Thunder are measurably better than they were last season when they looked out of sync. This year, there is more cohesiveness, on O and D. Their O has stalled many times due to untimely drops. Their D has given up too many big plays often times due to miscommunication. These are fixable things. That’s what give the Thunder a chance. They are not in this place because of lack of skill. They are here because of a lack of timely execution. Going into the playoffs without team focus being aligned is a recipe for disaster.
