In the battle of the unbeatens, Chewton got the W and remained undefeated in a high scoring, close game against Allentown. Thanks to their loss, Allentown moves into a four way tie for second place. Sharing the 2-1 record is Latrobe, Prospect and Greenville, each winners this week in easy games.
Speaking of easy wins, Prospect beat Edinburg by more than 40 points.
Also of note, Farrell picked up their first win of the year this week, beating a weak Akron squad. The toughest loss of the week, besides Allentown, was Indiana, who just cannot seem to get it started. Hopefully, they’ll turn it around in the WR department.
On the transaction front, there were many add/drops but notable ones include: Prospect dropped Matt Hasselbeck and Ron Dayne to pick up the Denever defense and Ben Troupe. Greenville dropped tight end Alex Smith and Kyle Johnson and added Erron Kinney and Ron Dayne.
This week saw the first trade of the season, as Koppel and Indiana exchanged players. Koppel sent Indiana Roy Williams, Troy Williamson, and Willis McGahee, in exchange for Plaxico Burress, Chris Chambers and Warrick Dunn.
Who gets the better end of this one? Well, not to pass judgment, but Indiana can easily plug in Roy Williams in place of Plaxico Burress, then slide McGahee into the flex spot for vast improvement, but if Koppel thinks that Burress is that big of an upgrade over Williams, and that Warrick Dunn will suddenly start scoring touchdowns on the level of McGahee, they are sorely mistaken. This trade may shift the balance of power and send these teams in opposite directions. Only time will tell though.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
2005 LFFL Week 4 Power Poll
1) Chewton Champs (3-0, 282.35 pts) The last undefeated team? You cant argue with results, even if they have some questions.
2) Allentown Iron Men (2-1, 283.31 pts) The Iron Men are reeling after their loss to Chewton last week. However, they’ve scored more points this year than anyone, and expect to be back to number one once Chewton gets some Ls. Look for Brady to rebound this week.
3) Latrobe Brewers (2-1, 265.18 pts) After Chewton and Allentown there is a drop off in talent, and Latrobe is the best of the rest. Points-wise at least. Any team with LT gets instant top 5 anyway.
4) Prospect Pioneers (2-1, 253.28 pts) Gets the edge over Greenville for the 4 spot because of head to head matchup earlier this year which went to the Pioneers. Easy, but impressive win last week, will need more even performance to get past Allentown this week.
5) Greenville Trojans (2-1, 251.33 pts) Like Prospect, had an easy but impressive win last week. If Culpepper can return to his old form, and the RB produce, then they are in business.
6) Indiana Ignition (1-2, 205.27 pts) Had been no. 7 before the trade with Koppel, but getting McGahee for basically nothing gives them the edge. Potent running attack, will have WR and QB questions.
7) Koppel Koonhunters (1-2, 234.14 pts) McGahee for Warrick Dunn? Swap Roy Williams for Plaxico Burress? How could this be seen as a positive? They need to get it in gear, or 7 will look good soon.
8) Akron Assault (1-2, 201.68 pts) Not a lot of points here from a team that has Peyton Manning and Randy Moss. If they wake up though, and maybe one running back shines, they can turn it around.
9) Farrell Mooncrickets (1-2, 187.1 pts) Deep down you don’t want them to be 9, but until further notice, they are. Kevan Barlow shouldn’t start for anyone, anytime.
10) Edinburg Epidemic (0-3, 161.89 pts) Carson Palmer can’t do it all, and Rian Lindell is on pace for team MVP. Not good.
2) Allentown Iron Men (2-1, 283.31 pts) The Iron Men are reeling after their loss to Chewton last week. However, they’ve scored more points this year than anyone, and expect to be back to number one once Chewton gets some Ls. Look for Brady to rebound this week.
3) Latrobe Brewers (2-1, 265.18 pts) After Chewton and Allentown there is a drop off in talent, and Latrobe is the best of the rest. Points-wise at least. Any team with LT gets instant top 5 anyway.
4) Prospect Pioneers (2-1, 253.28 pts) Gets the edge over Greenville for the 4 spot because of head to head matchup earlier this year which went to the Pioneers. Easy, but impressive win last week, will need more even performance to get past Allentown this week.
5) Greenville Trojans (2-1, 251.33 pts) Like Prospect, had an easy but impressive win last week. If Culpepper can return to his old form, and the RB produce, then they are in business.
6) Indiana Ignition (1-2, 205.27 pts) Had been no. 7 before the trade with Koppel, but getting McGahee for basically nothing gives them the edge. Potent running attack, will have WR and QB questions.
7) Koppel Koonhunters (1-2, 234.14 pts) McGahee for Warrick Dunn? Swap Roy Williams for Plaxico Burress? How could this be seen as a positive? They need to get it in gear, or 7 will look good soon.
8) Akron Assault (1-2, 201.68 pts) Not a lot of points here from a team that has Peyton Manning and Randy Moss. If they wake up though, and maybe one running back shines, they can turn it around.
9) Farrell Mooncrickets (1-2, 187.1 pts) Deep down you don’t want them to be 9, but until further notice, they are. Kevan Barlow shouldn’t start for anyone, anytime.
10) Edinburg Epidemic (0-3, 161.89 pts) Carson Palmer can’t do it all, and Rian Lindell is on pace for team MVP. Not good.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
2005 LFFL Week 2 Wrap Up
It was billed as the game of the week: Prospect vs. Koppel. These two teams have played some of the most memorable games in LFFL, and going into this week, it promised to be another slugfest. However, the game took an all too familiar turn for Prospect, as they underperformed, and Koppel laid it on extra thick. In a career day Koppel QB Donovan McNabb passed for five touchdowns, himself chipping in nearly 35 points, with that, the rout was on. Thanks to impressive efforts from the wide receivers and tight end L.J. Smith, Koppel put up a season high 106.84 points, the first team to break the century mark this season. Prospect would have struggled to break 60 points, had it not been for the Monday Night heroics of wide receiver Joe Horn. Clearly, this was not the game it was billed as, at least not for Prospect. Next week, Koppel will have the chance to continue to roll as they face 0-2 Farrell, and a Prospect squad weakened by bye weeks will take on Edinburg.
Greenville bounced back from their season opening loss, no thanks to QB Daunte Culpepper, who handed over 5 interceptions this week. Last week Culpepper’s pathetic showing cost Greenville the game, without question. This week, thanks to a strong showing from other players, the team was able to absorb Culpepper poor play, and still pick up the W. The question now becomes, how many weeks can this team leave in their first round draft pick while he turns in such poor showings? This team may, within two weeks or so, have to consider turning the offense over to Chad Pennington.
In other action this week, the Allentown Iron Men defeated the Indiana Ignition, the Brewers of Latrobe won by 30 over Akron, and the Chewton Champs overcame an Epidemic from Edinburg.
The weekly poll question asked, “Who was this week’s (week one) Fantasy Player of the Week? The winner was Willie Parker, Prospect’s free agent running back, who picked up 16.7 points in week one.
There were many transactions this past week, most of which came from Prospect as would be expected. Akron dropped Tyrone Calico and the Cleveland defense to pick up Frisman Jackson and Marcell Shipp. Edinburg dropped Javon Walker and added Marty Booker (after adding and then immediately dropping Mike Williams), then dropped Jeb Putizer and added Duce Staley who was dropped by Prospect. The Pioneers replaced Staley with Bobby Engram, then dropped Paul Edinger and added John Kasay, then dropped Eric Moulds and added Ron Dayne, then dropped Ben Troupe and added Matt Jones. Greenville dropped William Green and added Alex Smith, and dropped Mark Clayton and added Michael Pittman. Koppel dropped Ronald Curry and added Joe Jurevicius. Latrobe dropped Matt Stover and added Lawrence Tynes. Allentown dropped Michael Bennett and added Marcus Robinson.
Greenville bounced back from their season opening loss, no thanks to QB Daunte Culpepper, who handed over 5 interceptions this week. Last week Culpepper’s pathetic showing cost Greenville the game, without question. This week, thanks to a strong showing from other players, the team was able to absorb Culpepper poor play, and still pick up the W. The question now becomes, how many weeks can this team leave in their first round draft pick while he turns in such poor showings? This team may, within two weeks or so, have to consider turning the offense over to Chad Pennington.
In other action this week, the Allentown Iron Men defeated the Indiana Ignition, the Brewers of Latrobe won by 30 over Akron, and the Chewton Champs overcame an Epidemic from Edinburg.
The weekly poll question asked, “Who was this week’s (week one) Fantasy Player of the Week? The winner was Willie Parker, Prospect’s free agent running back, who picked up 16.7 points in week one.
There were many transactions this past week, most of which came from Prospect as would be expected. Akron dropped Tyrone Calico and the Cleveland defense to pick up Frisman Jackson and Marcell Shipp. Edinburg dropped Javon Walker and added Marty Booker (after adding and then immediately dropping Mike Williams), then dropped Jeb Putizer and added Duce Staley who was dropped by Prospect. The Pioneers replaced Staley with Bobby Engram, then dropped Paul Edinger and added John Kasay, then dropped Eric Moulds and added Ron Dayne, then dropped Ben Troupe and added Matt Jones. Greenville dropped William Green and added Alex Smith, and dropped Mark Clayton and added Michael Pittman. Koppel dropped Ronald Curry and added Joe Jurevicius. Latrobe dropped Matt Stover and added Lawrence Tynes. Allentown dropped Michael Bennett and added Marcus Robinson.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
2005 LFFL Week 1 Wrap Up
The defending LFFL Champion Koppel Koonhunters were handed their first loss of the season this week, as they were defeated by the Chewton Champs. Koppel was the recipient of poor play by most starters, with the exception of running back Deuce McAllister, who had two touchdowns on the day. However, Chewton had more than just the will to win, they had the points too. Running backs Tiki Barber and Brian Westbrook carried the load, and QB Marc Bulger did his share to ensure the Champs victory.
Another game of note was Greenville at Prospect. Greenville, in their inaugural LFFL game, had better overall player performance, but the poor play of QB Daunte Culpepper cost them the game, as he was in negative points. Prospect however feasted on the strong play of free agent pick up Willie Parker.
The Edinburg Epidemic suffered a blow when start wide receiver Javon Walker was lost for the year due to a blown ACL in Edinburg’s loss to Indiana on Sunday. This will have a ripple effect on the team as it will need to find a new number one WR, plus suffer the almost certain loss of production from QB Brett Favre. Combine that with the less than stellar performance from the rest of the team, and while the season may only be a week old, this team may be in trouble. Hopefully GM Anthony Butka will be able to right the ship.
In other action, Allentown defeated Latrobe 88.87 to 71.20, and the Akron Assault bested the Farrell Mooncrickets 78.23 to 59.92.
Transactions of note this week included Prospect dropping Steve McNair to pick up free agent Drew Bledsoe (who was originally drafted by Prospect with the 3rd pick in the 14th round, but then dropped on August 25th to add McNair), Latrobe dropped David Patten to pick up Patrick Crayton, and Chewton dropped Michael Pittman to pick up Robert Ferguson, who will replace Javon Walker.
Last week’s poll question asked, “Who is the preseason frontrunner to win the LFFL Championship in 2005?” Allentown and Prospect tied for the win with 22 votes each, Latrobe picked up 12 votes, Indiana received 6 votes, and Koppel received 3.
Another game of note was Greenville at Prospect. Greenville, in their inaugural LFFL game, had better overall player performance, but the poor play of QB Daunte Culpepper cost them the game, as he was in negative points. Prospect however feasted on the strong play of free agent pick up Willie Parker.
The Edinburg Epidemic suffered a blow when start wide receiver Javon Walker was lost for the year due to a blown ACL in Edinburg’s loss to Indiana on Sunday. This will have a ripple effect on the team as it will need to find a new number one WR, plus suffer the almost certain loss of production from QB Brett Favre. Combine that with the less than stellar performance from the rest of the team, and while the season may only be a week old, this team may be in trouble. Hopefully GM Anthony Butka will be able to right the ship.
In other action, Allentown defeated Latrobe 88.87 to 71.20, and the Akron Assault bested the Farrell Mooncrickets 78.23 to 59.92.
Transactions of note this week included Prospect dropping Steve McNair to pick up free agent Drew Bledsoe (who was originally drafted by Prospect with the 3rd pick in the 14th round, but then dropped on August 25th to add McNair), Latrobe dropped David Patten to pick up Patrick Crayton, and Chewton dropped Michael Pittman to pick up Robert Ferguson, who will replace Javon Walker.
Last week’s poll question asked, “Who is the preseason frontrunner to win the LFFL Championship in 2005?” Allentown and Prospect tied for the win with 22 votes each, Latrobe picked up 12 votes, Indiana received 6 votes, and Koppel received 3.
Friday, September 9, 2005
Jerry Rice: Guardian Angel, or Angel of Death?
In a battle of wills unlike any the world has ever seen before, Jerry Rice blinked first, and Dan Coulter exhaled. On September 5, 2005, after twenty seasons on the gridiron, Jerry Rice retired from professional football. The winner in all this is Prospect Pioneers Owner and GM Dan Coulter, who gets a new lease on life.
For those not in the loop, we must go back and explain the complex relationship that Rice and Coulter share. In early March 2003, Jerry Rice, then with the Oakland Raiders, signed a 6 year contract extension that would have kept him playing until the age of 46. While the move was primarily aimed at saving money under the Raiders' salary cap, it did allow for the outside chance that Rice could play for many years to come.
When word of this contract extension reached Pioneer's GM Dan Coulter, he proclaimed (in so many words) that it was nonsense, and that he didn't expect Rice to play out the contract. Furthermore, in an effort to prove just how serious he was, Coulter solemnly pledged that if Rice did play out his contract, he would take his own life. As the last two seasons unfolded, and Rice reported to camp, and played his game week in and week out, it looked more and more like Coulter may, in time, have to off himself. As the 2005 season began in earnest, Rice found himself now in Denver, a city unafriad to host old wide receivers. As each day past Coulter grew closer to his own demise. However, at the close of training camp, for the first time ever, God showed mercy upon Dan Coulter, as he made Jerry Rice the 4th receiver in Denver, behind Darius Watts. With that, Rice saw the writing on the wall and filed the retirement papers, thus freeing Coulter from his martydom obligations.
Now here we are, Coulter lives on to continue his reign of terror in the LFFL, and Jerry Rice rides off into the sunset, the last rays of the day reflecting off his old, balding, dredlocked head. Rice blinked, and Coulter exhaled.
For those not in the loop, we must go back and explain the complex relationship that Rice and Coulter share. In early March 2003, Jerry Rice, then with the Oakland Raiders, signed a 6 year contract extension that would have kept him playing until the age of 46. While the move was primarily aimed at saving money under the Raiders' salary cap, it did allow for the outside chance that Rice could play for many years to come.
When word of this contract extension reached Pioneer's GM Dan Coulter, he proclaimed (in so many words) that it was nonsense, and that he didn't expect Rice to play out the contract. Furthermore, in an effort to prove just how serious he was, Coulter solemnly pledged that if Rice did play out his contract, he would take his own life. As the last two seasons unfolded, and Rice reported to camp, and played his game week in and week out, it looked more and more like Coulter may, in time, have to off himself. As the 2005 season began in earnest, Rice found himself now in Denver, a city unafriad to host old wide receivers. As each day past Coulter grew closer to his own demise. However, at the close of training camp, for the first time ever, God showed mercy upon Dan Coulter, as he made Jerry Rice the 4th receiver in Denver, behind Darius Watts. With that, Rice saw the writing on the wall and filed the retirement papers, thus freeing Coulter from his martydom obligations.
Now here we are, Coulter lives on to continue his reign of terror in the LFFL, and Jerry Rice rides off into the sunset, the last rays of the day reflecting off his old, balding, dredlocked head. Rice blinked, and Coulter exhaled.
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
2005 LFFL Preseason Power Poll
1) Chewton Champs- What a difference a year makes. Over the summer Chewton Champs owner Tony Pica stepped up his game and dedicated himself to not allowing the Champs to once again become the LFFL’s perennial losers. This year it could be argue that Chewton had the strongest draft, and enters the season as the early favourite. This team is strong just about everywhere, and has few, if any flaws. At quarterback the Champs boast two proven fantasy players, Trent Green and Marc Bulger. This provides depth, security and tempting trade bait. At running back the Champs are also strong with Edgerrin James and Tiki Barber. These are two starters that can break games open. While Barber has had off and on years, with a QB such as the young Eli Manning taking snaps in New York, they’ll want to hand off the ball to Barber early and often. Also, James should have higher TD totals this year as Manning cannot be expected to throw 49 again this year, James is due to run a few more in. Also, Brian Westbrook makes for a good bye week reliever and Marshall Faulk and Michael Pittman could prove to be useful should their starters go down. While wide receiver may be this team’s weak link, it is still not a bad link. Darrell Jackson, Anquan Boldin are sure starters (even if Jackson likes to drop balls) but the #3 slot is a crapshoot between Keyshawn Johnson, Donte Stallworth and Santana Moss. At tight end Todd Heap can be a force if he can stay healthy, and there is no finer kicker than Adam Vinatieri. The Baltimore defense also is on board the Champ’s roster. All in all, a very well balanced team that may not have the best players at each position, but does have the ability to take Chewton to the next level.
2) Indiana Ignition- This team is built for power, nothing more, nothing less. A very close runner up for 1st place in the preseason power poll, Ryan Alexander’s Indiana Ignition will be a force to be reckoned with this season. At quarterback is the Jake and Jake connection, Plummer and Delhomme. Either would make a solid #1, which makes this position deep. Plummer can be explosive if he can keep the interceptions down, and Delhomme is solid and should keep finding the end zone. At running back we find what could be one of the best backfields in the LFFL. Priest Holmes and Julius Jones are automatic starters, but Warrick Dunn, Travis Henry and the surprising Mike Anderson make excellent backup and provide depth and insurance. This team will run the ball every week, and will do so in such a way that any other shortcoming on this team will be hardly noticeable. At wide receiver Indiana steps up with Marvin Harrison, Michael Clayton as the go to guys, and rounds it out with Plaxico Burress, Chris Chambers, and Muhsin Muhammad in supporting roles. While Chambers and Muhammad will suffer from poor quarterback play, Burress may do well in New York, or at least well enough for a #3 wide receiver. Tight ends Jason Witten and Bubba Franks could each be starters, but Whitten will take the lead and be closely followed by Franks, who only catches touchdowns. Sebastian Janikowski will get plenty of 4 and 5 point field goals, and the Atlanta defense was last year’s best kept secret. This team, like Chewton, is well balanced and will be chased by the rest of the LFFL this season.
3) Koppel Koonhunters- The Koonies are where they find themselves almost every in the LFFL, toward to top. Owner and CEO Kurt Presnar has put together another solid team this year, and deserves mention in the top third of the power poll. At quarterback Koppel will lead by Donovan McNabb, who as long as T.O. stays quiet and in town, should do great things again this year. Eli Manning makes for a capable, but unproven backup. At running back however is Koppel’s strength and pride. The Koonies have the best stable of RB’s in the LFFL, and will ride them far this year. Deuce McAllister and Willis McGahee lead the way, but are quickly followed by Curtis Martin and backups Derrick Blaylock and TJ Duckett. This impressive group of running backs came at a price though, as Koppel couldn’t land a marquee wide receiver. Settling on Roy Williams, Donald Driver and Laveranues Coles as starters and having Amani Toomer, Troy Williamson and Ronald Curry as backups makes this team questionable at the position. Also, the consensus believes that picking L.J. Smith for Tight End in the 8th round when so many other quality tight ends were available was a bit of a reach. Kicker Nate Kaeding makes for the obligatory San Diego pick and is a solid one, and the Carolina/Washington defense combo should allow for some favorable matchups. So, while the backfield is set with a good quarterback and excellent running backs, it is the receivers who are this team’s question marks, and may stop them from moving up from a good team to a dominating team.
3) Latrobe Brewers- This is a good team. In fact, perhaps a better team than last year’s squad, which took the LFFL by storm in its first year. Owner Lisa Andrews is out to prove that last year was not a fluke, and her first step is building a successful team out of the draft. At quarterback Kerry Collins may now finally have the tools to put up Culpepper type numbers now that he has two big targets and a solid run game. Also, Brian Griese makes a solid backup and possible midseason trade material should his stock rise. At running back you cant say much other than one name, LaDainian Tomlinson. The first overall pick is joined by Ahmad Green, Thomas Jones, Stephen Davis and Larry Johnson. This is a powerhouse of a backfield, considering Davis looks to regain his old form, Jones may play more due to the holdout in Chicago, and Larry Johnson puts up Holmes like numbers when given the chance. Also, WR is solid with Terrell Owens leading the way, and Ashley Lelie, Jerry Porter filling out the other starting slots. Charles Rogers is a good sleeper should he not break his collar bone, and Brandon Stokley, Keenan McCardell, and David Patten can fill in on off weeks. At tight end Alge Crumpler holds down the fort, with Eric Johnson waiting in the wings, and Matt Stover is a solid kicker. The Tampa Bay defense is a good choice year in and year out. This team has the potential to ruin a lot of Sundays for other organizations this year, and the Brewers won’t rest until they win the Championship they were denied last year by archrival Koppel.
5. Prospect Pioneers- The Pioneers are looking to claim their first LFFL Championship this year, and they took their first step after a successful draft by Owner Dan Coulter. Infamously known as the league’s most active Director of Football Operations, Coulter has at press time already made 5 moves to strengthen his already stout team. At QB there is the trio of Matt Hasselbeck, Kurt Warner and Steve McNair. While Hasselbeck is the early season starter, Warner and McNair make nice alternatives should there be an issue. At running back Prospect has Coulter’s main man Clinton Portis carrying the load, along with Dominick Davis starting. Behind him are Duce Staley, Willie Parker, DeShaun Foster and Tatum Bell. While Foster and Bell look to be backups, that may all change, putting the Pioneers in a very strong position. At wide receiver Prospect is also doing well with a mix of youth and experience. You know what you’re getting with Steve Smith and Joe Horn, and Nate Burleson should improve upon the excellent year he had last year in Randy Moss’ shadow. Eric Moulds is a solid bye week starter, and Travis Taylor is a good plan C. At tight end Jeremy Shockey can strike if he’s healthy, and Doug Jolley is a fine prospect for the Pioneers. Kicker Mike Nugent is a bit of a question mark as he is a rookie, but usually kicker of his caliber can transfer their game from college to pros without any trouble. The Pittsburgh defense rounds out the roster and should pick up where it left off last year. All things considered this is a solid and deep team. However, it has some quarterback concerns which prevent it from cracking the top three. If Hasselbeck can perform to the level he’s capable, then Prospect should recapture the magic it had in 2003.
6) Allentown Iron Men- The Iron Men aren’t in fifth place overall because they lack talent, far from it, they are a talented team. However, there are so many solid teams this year in the LFFL, that there are just a couple better ones out there. At quarterback Allentown landed Tom Brady as their starter, after getting poor production from Aaron Brooks last year. Brooks rejoins the Iron Men this year, but now finds himself in a backup role. At running back Allentown has a mixed bunch of youth, experience and question marks. Shaun Alexander is as solid as a running back can be and was taken second overall in the draft. Behind him are two first year starters, rookie Cadillac Williams and Oakland’s free agent purchase, former backup Lamont Jordan. While these two have not seen full seasons for obvious reasons (having been in college and behind Curtis Martin last year) they could prove to have breakout years. Fred Taylor and Michael Bennett are question marks, as they could be the starters for their teams, but injuries have slowed them before. They could either be blazing successes or dismal failures. At wide receiver Chad Johnson takes the lead and is followed by a group of aged vets who can produce, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, Eddie Kennison, Justin McCareins. Also in the mix is young gun TJ Houshmandzadeh. Allentown does boast the best pair of tight ends with Tony Gonzalez and Randy McMichael, and the Iron Men hope that they can get wide receiver type production from their tight end. This year, Allentown turns to Ryan Longwell for the kicking duties, and the combo of Jacksonville and Dallas to run defense. While this team may turn out to be very good, at this early point there are still many questions which need answered before Allentown can return to glory.
7) Edinburg Epidemic- The Epidemic exited this year’s draft looking better than they have ever looked. Period. Easily the youngest team in the LFFL, the Epidemic is built for speed. Quarterback Brett Favre is this team’s only proven veteran, but is himself still a solid player. Behind him is Carson Palmer, who may raise eyebrows this year, as he looks to step up his game. Running back shows this team’s youth, with Kevin Jones, Steven Jackson, Cedric Benson, Mewelde Moore, and Brandon Jacobs. Edinburg is also young at wide receiver, Javon Walker, Drew Bennett, Lee Evans, Keary Colbert and Lee Evans. Jeb Putzier should really step it up this year at Tight End, and Mike Vanderjagt will consistently hit 4 point field goals. The Philadelphia defense is also good, as is the back up D, Chicago. If this team of youngsters break out then Edinburg has the potential to rocket to the top of the LFFL.
8) Akron Assault- Once again this year Akron and Owner Ryan Alessio went with a quarterback in the first round, however this year they decided to draft a good one, Peyton Manning, rather than a bad one like last year, Michael Vick. Manning is backed up by Drew Brees, who could easily start elsewhere. However, while quarterback may be sure thing with Manning, running back is at best a question mark. Chris Brown had a good season last year, but was injury prone. He’s got competition now and may lose his job at some point. J.J. Arrington has great potential, but at the end of the day, he’s still a rookie. Also, Ruben Droughns has to prove he’s the real deal, and not just another recipient of Denver’s rushing machine. Also, Chester Taylor, while an excellent backup is still just that, a backup. At wide receiver things are a little better off as the receivers are anchored by Randy Moss. However, after Moss, the talent after him drops off significantly. Derrick Mason, Tyrone Calico, Braylon Edwards, Brandon Lloyd, Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant are all at best marginal receivers, with no clear cut #2 and #3. This team may find some trouble here, deciding who to start each week. Tight End Antonio Gates will provide receiver like production, for the rest of the season starting with week 2 after his suspension, and Marcus Pollard is a good backup. Jason Elam also is a good investment as he will hit the long field goals. The Buffalo defense is also an improvement over Alessio’s first choice, Cleveland’s defense. While the presence of Manning and Moss may make one question why Akron finds itself at number 8 in the poll, it should be noted that Moss and Manning alone do not equal success. Last year Manning was paired up with other breakout players on Latrobe’s squad, including McGahee, Muhammad, and Walker. This year however it appears that Manning is not surrounded by such a strong supporting cast. However, should there be another breakout player or three on the same team as Manning, the Assault may finally get out of the basement and earn the respectability they have long pined for.
9) Farrell Mooncrickets- This team has one problem- it doesn’t have a quarterback. Yes, it does have Ron Mexico, er… I mean Michael Vick, but he’s not a quarterback, he’s a running back who takes snaps and sometimes throws the ball, often times to receivers. That is this team’s major flaw though, and what may keep it from contention. Ben Roethlisberger is the backup, and while he put up good numbers last year as a rookie (he threw for more yards than Vick) he doesn’t put up fantasy numbers. At running back though Farrell shines, with Corey Dillon and Jamal Lewis starting and carrying this team. They are backed up by Lee Suggs, Kevin Barlow, and Frank Gore. While Gore is a stretch, Suggs and Barlow are capable of carrying the rock in spot duty. The wide receivers are ok with Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson and Issac Bruce. Kevin Curtis and David Givens are also good backups. At tight end the Mooncrickets have Jermaine Wiggins and Chris Cooley, either one will probably provide the same average performance you’d expect. David Akers and Jeff Wilkins are solid kickers and New England is the best defense still. Farrell on paper is a good team, and would be ranked much higher if it weren’t for the weakness of the most visible position, quarterback. However, if Mexico finally takes that step we’ve been promised for years now and becomes an actual passer then maybe Farrell can elevate their game to the top tier of the LFFL.
10) Greenville Trojans- While it is early in the season to say this team has problems, the fact remains that it has problems. While on paper it may at first glance look ok, if you take a serious look, this is a team that has running back problems, and everyone knows that this game starts at the running back position. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper is clearly this team’s strong point, and Chad Pennington is a solid backup and insurance policy. However, running back is thin because of low numbers and a key injury. Rudi Johnson is an excellent back and will perform, but after him the trouble begins. Jerome Bettis is sidelined with a calf injury already and will lose carries to Staley once he returns in Pittsburgh, and Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both play for Miami. William Green is always one drug possession or stabbing away from jail or injured reserve. Not what you’d call the squad you’d want to build your championship hopes around. Wide receiver is a little brighter with Tory Holt, Hines Ward and Larry Fitzgerald. Backups include Antwaan Randle El, Deon Branch, and possibly the best rookie WR, Mark Clayton. However, at tight end the unproven Heath Miller starts, which could spell trouble as the Steelers are not know for throwing the tight end the ball. Not since Eric Green has there been a fantasy caliber tight end in the ‘burgh, and its unlikely that Miller will become one within the first few weeks of his rookie season. Jeff Reed continues the Steeler tradition at kicker, and the Cincy and Indy defenses should serve the Trojans well. Basically the performance of this Greenville squad will come down to the performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers, if Bettis can return to his youth form, and the ball gets in the hands of Ward, Randle El, and Miller, and Reed splits the uprights deep, then this team has a chance. However, should the Steelers struggle, then the Trojans will likewise.
2) Indiana Ignition- This team is built for power, nothing more, nothing less. A very close runner up for 1st place in the preseason power poll, Ryan Alexander’s Indiana Ignition will be a force to be reckoned with this season. At quarterback is the Jake and Jake connection, Plummer and Delhomme. Either would make a solid #1, which makes this position deep. Plummer can be explosive if he can keep the interceptions down, and Delhomme is solid and should keep finding the end zone. At running back we find what could be one of the best backfields in the LFFL. Priest Holmes and Julius Jones are automatic starters, but Warrick Dunn, Travis Henry and the surprising Mike Anderson make excellent backup and provide depth and insurance. This team will run the ball every week, and will do so in such a way that any other shortcoming on this team will be hardly noticeable. At wide receiver Indiana steps up with Marvin Harrison, Michael Clayton as the go to guys, and rounds it out with Plaxico Burress, Chris Chambers, and Muhsin Muhammad in supporting roles. While Chambers and Muhammad will suffer from poor quarterback play, Burress may do well in New York, or at least well enough for a #3 wide receiver. Tight ends Jason Witten and Bubba Franks could each be starters, but Whitten will take the lead and be closely followed by Franks, who only catches touchdowns. Sebastian Janikowski will get plenty of 4 and 5 point field goals, and the Atlanta defense was last year’s best kept secret. This team, like Chewton, is well balanced and will be chased by the rest of the LFFL this season.
3) Koppel Koonhunters- The Koonies are where they find themselves almost every in the LFFL, toward to top. Owner and CEO Kurt Presnar has put together another solid team this year, and deserves mention in the top third of the power poll. At quarterback Koppel will lead by Donovan McNabb, who as long as T.O. stays quiet and in town, should do great things again this year. Eli Manning makes for a capable, but unproven backup. At running back however is Koppel’s strength and pride. The Koonies have the best stable of RB’s in the LFFL, and will ride them far this year. Deuce McAllister and Willis McGahee lead the way, but are quickly followed by Curtis Martin and backups Derrick Blaylock and TJ Duckett. This impressive group of running backs came at a price though, as Koppel couldn’t land a marquee wide receiver. Settling on Roy Williams, Donald Driver and Laveranues Coles as starters and having Amani Toomer, Troy Williamson and Ronald Curry as backups makes this team questionable at the position. Also, the consensus believes that picking L.J. Smith for Tight End in the 8th round when so many other quality tight ends were available was a bit of a reach. Kicker Nate Kaeding makes for the obligatory San Diego pick and is a solid one, and the Carolina/Washington defense combo should allow for some favorable matchups. So, while the backfield is set with a good quarterback and excellent running backs, it is the receivers who are this team’s question marks, and may stop them from moving up from a good team to a dominating team.
3) Latrobe Brewers- This is a good team. In fact, perhaps a better team than last year’s squad, which took the LFFL by storm in its first year. Owner Lisa Andrews is out to prove that last year was not a fluke, and her first step is building a successful team out of the draft. At quarterback Kerry Collins may now finally have the tools to put up Culpepper type numbers now that he has two big targets and a solid run game. Also, Brian Griese makes a solid backup and possible midseason trade material should his stock rise. At running back you cant say much other than one name, LaDainian Tomlinson. The first overall pick is joined by Ahmad Green, Thomas Jones, Stephen Davis and Larry Johnson. This is a powerhouse of a backfield, considering Davis looks to regain his old form, Jones may play more due to the holdout in Chicago, and Larry Johnson puts up Holmes like numbers when given the chance. Also, WR is solid with Terrell Owens leading the way, and Ashley Lelie, Jerry Porter filling out the other starting slots. Charles Rogers is a good sleeper should he not break his collar bone, and Brandon Stokley, Keenan McCardell, and David Patten can fill in on off weeks. At tight end Alge Crumpler holds down the fort, with Eric Johnson waiting in the wings, and Matt Stover is a solid kicker. The Tampa Bay defense is a good choice year in and year out. This team has the potential to ruin a lot of Sundays for other organizations this year, and the Brewers won’t rest until they win the Championship they were denied last year by archrival Koppel.
5. Prospect Pioneers- The Pioneers are looking to claim their first LFFL Championship this year, and they took their first step after a successful draft by Owner Dan Coulter. Infamously known as the league’s most active Director of Football Operations, Coulter has at press time already made 5 moves to strengthen his already stout team. At QB there is the trio of Matt Hasselbeck, Kurt Warner and Steve McNair. While Hasselbeck is the early season starter, Warner and McNair make nice alternatives should there be an issue. At running back Prospect has Coulter’s main man Clinton Portis carrying the load, along with Dominick Davis starting. Behind him are Duce Staley, Willie Parker, DeShaun Foster and Tatum Bell. While Foster and Bell look to be backups, that may all change, putting the Pioneers in a very strong position. At wide receiver Prospect is also doing well with a mix of youth and experience. You know what you’re getting with Steve Smith and Joe Horn, and Nate Burleson should improve upon the excellent year he had last year in Randy Moss’ shadow. Eric Moulds is a solid bye week starter, and Travis Taylor is a good plan C. At tight end Jeremy Shockey can strike if he’s healthy, and Doug Jolley is a fine prospect for the Pioneers. Kicker Mike Nugent is a bit of a question mark as he is a rookie, but usually kicker of his caliber can transfer their game from college to pros without any trouble. The Pittsburgh defense rounds out the roster and should pick up where it left off last year. All things considered this is a solid and deep team. However, it has some quarterback concerns which prevent it from cracking the top three. If Hasselbeck can perform to the level he’s capable, then Prospect should recapture the magic it had in 2003.
6) Allentown Iron Men- The Iron Men aren’t in fifth place overall because they lack talent, far from it, they are a talented team. However, there are so many solid teams this year in the LFFL, that there are just a couple better ones out there. At quarterback Allentown landed Tom Brady as their starter, after getting poor production from Aaron Brooks last year. Brooks rejoins the Iron Men this year, but now finds himself in a backup role. At running back Allentown has a mixed bunch of youth, experience and question marks. Shaun Alexander is as solid as a running back can be and was taken second overall in the draft. Behind him are two first year starters, rookie Cadillac Williams and Oakland’s free agent purchase, former backup Lamont Jordan. While these two have not seen full seasons for obvious reasons (having been in college and behind Curtis Martin last year) they could prove to have breakout years. Fred Taylor and Michael Bennett are question marks, as they could be the starters for their teams, but injuries have slowed them before. They could either be blazing successes or dismal failures. At wide receiver Chad Johnson takes the lead and is followed by a group of aged vets who can produce, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, Eddie Kennison, Justin McCareins. Also in the mix is young gun TJ Houshmandzadeh. Allentown does boast the best pair of tight ends with Tony Gonzalez and Randy McMichael, and the Iron Men hope that they can get wide receiver type production from their tight end. This year, Allentown turns to Ryan Longwell for the kicking duties, and the combo of Jacksonville and Dallas to run defense. While this team may turn out to be very good, at this early point there are still many questions which need answered before Allentown can return to glory.
7) Edinburg Epidemic- The Epidemic exited this year’s draft looking better than they have ever looked. Period. Easily the youngest team in the LFFL, the Epidemic is built for speed. Quarterback Brett Favre is this team’s only proven veteran, but is himself still a solid player. Behind him is Carson Palmer, who may raise eyebrows this year, as he looks to step up his game. Running back shows this team’s youth, with Kevin Jones, Steven Jackson, Cedric Benson, Mewelde Moore, and Brandon Jacobs. Edinburg is also young at wide receiver, Javon Walker, Drew Bennett, Lee Evans, Keary Colbert and Lee Evans. Jeb Putzier should really step it up this year at Tight End, and Mike Vanderjagt will consistently hit 4 point field goals. The Philadelphia defense is also good, as is the back up D, Chicago. If this team of youngsters break out then Edinburg has the potential to rocket to the top of the LFFL.
8) Akron Assault- Once again this year Akron and Owner Ryan Alessio went with a quarterback in the first round, however this year they decided to draft a good one, Peyton Manning, rather than a bad one like last year, Michael Vick. Manning is backed up by Drew Brees, who could easily start elsewhere. However, while quarterback may be sure thing with Manning, running back is at best a question mark. Chris Brown had a good season last year, but was injury prone. He’s got competition now and may lose his job at some point. J.J. Arrington has great potential, but at the end of the day, he’s still a rookie. Also, Ruben Droughns has to prove he’s the real deal, and not just another recipient of Denver’s rushing machine. Also, Chester Taylor, while an excellent backup is still just that, a backup. At wide receiver things are a little better off as the receivers are anchored by Randy Moss. However, after Moss, the talent after him drops off significantly. Derrick Mason, Tyrone Calico, Braylon Edwards, Brandon Lloyd, Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant are all at best marginal receivers, with no clear cut #2 and #3. This team may find some trouble here, deciding who to start each week. Tight End Antonio Gates will provide receiver like production, for the rest of the season starting with week 2 after his suspension, and Marcus Pollard is a good backup. Jason Elam also is a good investment as he will hit the long field goals. The Buffalo defense is also an improvement over Alessio’s first choice, Cleveland’s defense. While the presence of Manning and Moss may make one question why Akron finds itself at number 8 in the poll, it should be noted that Moss and Manning alone do not equal success. Last year Manning was paired up with other breakout players on Latrobe’s squad, including McGahee, Muhammad, and Walker. This year however it appears that Manning is not surrounded by such a strong supporting cast. However, should there be another breakout player or three on the same team as Manning, the Assault may finally get out of the basement and earn the respectability they have long pined for.
9) Farrell Mooncrickets- This team has one problem- it doesn’t have a quarterback. Yes, it does have Ron Mexico, er… I mean Michael Vick, but he’s not a quarterback, he’s a running back who takes snaps and sometimes throws the ball, often times to receivers. That is this team’s major flaw though, and what may keep it from contention. Ben Roethlisberger is the backup, and while he put up good numbers last year as a rookie (he threw for more yards than Vick) he doesn’t put up fantasy numbers. At running back though Farrell shines, with Corey Dillon and Jamal Lewis starting and carrying this team. They are backed up by Lee Suggs, Kevin Barlow, and Frank Gore. While Gore is a stretch, Suggs and Barlow are capable of carrying the rock in spot duty. The wide receivers are ok with Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson and Issac Bruce. Kevin Curtis and David Givens are also good backups. At tight end the Mooncrickets have Jermaine Wiggins and Chris Cooley, either one will probably provide the same average performance you’d expect. David Akers and Jeff Wilkins are solid kickers and New England is the best defense still. Farrell on paper is a good team, and would be ranked much higher if it weren’t for the weakness of the most visible position, quarterback. However, if Mexico finally takes that step we’ve been promised for years now and becomes an actual passer then maybe Farrell can elevate their game to the top tier of the LFFL.
10) Greenville Trojans- While it is early in the season to say this team has problems, the fact remains that it has problems. While on paper it may at first glance look ok, if you take a serious look, this is a team that has running back problems, and everyone knows that this game starts at the running back position. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper is clearly this team’s strong point, and Chad Pennington is a solid backup and insurance policy. However, running back is thin because of low numbers and a key injury. Rudi Johnson is an excellent back and will perform, but after him the trouble begins. Jerome Bettis is sidelined with a calf injury already and will lose carries to Staley once he returns in Pittsburgh, and Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both play for Miami. William Green is always one drug possession or stabbing away from jail or injured reserve. Not what you’d call the squad you’d want to build your championship hopes around. Wide receiver is a little brighter with Tory Holt, Hines Ward and Larry Fitzgerald. Backups include Antwaan Randle El, Deon Branch, and possibly the best rookie WR, Mark Clayton. However, at tight end the unproven Heath Miller starts, which could spell trouble as the Steelers are not know for throwing the tight end the ball. Not since Eric Green has there been a fantasy caliber tight end in the ‘burgh, and its unlikely that Miller will become one within the first few weeks of his rookie season. Jeff Reed continues the Steeler tradition at kicker, and the Cincy and Indy defenses should serve the Trojans well. Basically the performance of this Greenville squad will come down to the performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers, if Bettis can return to his youth form, and the ball gets in the hands of Ward, Randle El, and Miller, and Reed splits the uprights deep, then this team has a chance. However, should the Steelers struggle, then the Trojans will likewise.
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