Gators
2-0
The Gators did what no one has been able to do in a long time. They blew out the Browns. The Gators came in ready and well prepared and displayed an aggressive but humble demeanor you see only the great ones do. The Gators are in year three and it looks like they got the memo on how to take the next step to move up to the next level. We’re rooting for the Gators to do well. Next up for them is the ultimate regular season test – a date with AK Santaali. If they beat AK, then consider the power structure of the league to look different at year end.
AK
2-0
AK pulled out a last victory against a much improved PrimeTime team. They showed incredible heart and guts even when not performing at their best. They moved like they knew things would go their way eventually. They closed the deal with seconds left. We wonder how good this team will be when they have their full squad. They will try to take over the top stop on the power rankings when they play a suddenly complete Gators team. We’re rooting for AK to break through all the way this year. Let’s see if they complete the task.
Bandits
2-0
Don’t look now, but the Bandits are 2-0, among the elites of the league. The Bandits blew out the Elites with stifling defense and an efficient offense that produced timely plays. They seem to be rounding into shape over the past 7 or 8 games including the second half of last season. The Bandits may have found a formula that suits their personnel and that’s key in maximizing opportunities on both sides of the ball. The Bandits face an improved Renegades team who should be a sound test for their D. On O the Renegades should provide ample opportunities for the Bandits QB to add new wrinkles to the arsenal. We’re rooting for the Bandits to be healthy and rolling come playoff time.
Cobra Kai
1-1
This is the Cobra Kai we envisioned when we heard about their new roster and improved roster. Great QB play, athletes all over the field making big time plays. Cobra Kai reached 40 points against a determined D last week. This week they’ll face a desperate Savages team looking for their first win of the season. Playing wounded teams is tricky as they gamble and take risks. Can Cobra Kai get past the initial adrenaline rush of the Savages and continue to improve upon their O and settle into a workable defensive scheme. We think they can as they are led by savvy veterans. We are rooting for Cobra Kai to become a well oiled machine come playoff time. We want competitive nail biters when the stakes are highest.
Browns
1-1
The Browns laid an egg against a game Gators team. The Browns looked like disheveled bums on the field. And that might be an insult to disheveled bums everywhere. The Browns looked out of sync and old. They could not and did not match the energy of the Gators. To the Browns’ credit they kept trying to come back relying on their D to make a stop which never came. Its not the end of the world, yet. Their O is still solid and their D has shown in the past to turn things around. So we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. They play a hungry Thunder team this week. If they falter here, the beginning of the end for this dynasty is closer than we thought. We are rooting for the Browns to right the ship, even though that might be like rooting for US Steel.
Prime Time
1-1
PrimeTime showed off what they can do when things are right. They can play with anyone and beat anyone. They have that much talent on their roster. They also have the most valuable commodity in the league – a very good QB. PrimeTime can become the best team in the league by keep working on what has been working and tidying up the sloppy play that holds teams back like throwing deep unnecessarily when a 5 yard dump off is the better option; like playing man to man when the personnel is not suited to play man to man and giving up the winning TD like it was a practice catch. PrimeTime will fix all of their mistakes as we are firm believers in their brain trust. Playing 60 minutes efficiently is what separates the good from the bad. We are rooting to PT to get the sloppiness cleaned up so we can enjoy a quality playoff.
Renegades
1-1
The Renegades pulled off an improbable victory playing with only 6 men in oppressive heat. As we noted previously, the Renegades are lead by a very good QB and cast of characters with no quit in them. Now if they could only find a few more bodies to round out the roster. They Can be very good if they secure some more talent and use the regular season to get their O down right and get their D playing team ball. The Renegades face the undefeated Bandits that should provide a glimpse into what type of team the Renegades can be. With a win they put the league on notice. There will be few naysayers should they falter because they are trying to make an impossible situation work. We are pulling for the Renegades to get a decent roster and work into playoff mode by playoff time. We selfishly want no clunkers in the playoffs.
Savages
0-2
The Savages lost a nail biter last week when they failed to convert an extra point to send the game into overtime. But they showed a lot of moxie in playing with a short roster with their best player still sidelined. If their captain and league superstar can recover in time, the whole complexion of the team changes. The team suddenly has more speed, more burst, more potential. Much of the Savages season hinges on their resident star returning to form. If not, they they have enough talent to still be dangerous. They should operate with both scenarios in mind. They will get a good test this week against the most improved team on paper in Cobra Kai. CK is what they need to figure out what they have. We are rooting for the Savages to get healthy and make the playoff games as exciting as can be.
Thunder
0-2
The Thunder didn’t know what hit them despite playing against the potent Cobra Kai squad over the summer scrimmages. That’s on team management for not being able to anticipate what CK was going to do. The Thunder are still having QB issues. Thunder, please make your QB show up. With each passing week, there is less time to play together and know what to keep for the playoffs. Having a decent QB is the number one factor in team success. The Thunder have too much athleticism and talent to not figure this thing out. Their top three WRs can match up with anyone in the league. They will get reprieve this week as they will face the slowest D in the league. This is the right time for the O to blast off. We are rooting for the Thunder to get their QB to show up and roll strong into the playoffs.
The Elites
0-2
The Elites started with so much hype but have failed to translate their talent boost into tangible wins. The Elites have good athletes all over the field. They know how to play. They are probably the smartest team in the league. They are committed to winning. So what gives? Apparently they are still unsettled in their offensive game plan. That’s an understandable excuse but these things should’ve been addressed in the off season. The season is already 20% over so we don’t understand this approach. The Elites get a good test this week against PT. If they come out victorious, then they’re as good as we thought they’d be. We are rooting for the Elites, because, frankly, who can root against the Elites.
