Breaking news
John Fox III returns for another season
At 39, and with his Octopi without any plans at quarterback, John Fox III has decided to return for at least another season. Though our allegiance stays with the Blizzard, we are hoping for another tilt with Oahu in the playoffs.
A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
JPK wrote:Breaking news
John Fox III returns for another season
At 39, and with his Octopi without any plans at quarterback, John Fox III has decided to return for at least another season. Though our allegiance stays with the Blizzard, we are hoping for another tilt with Oahu in the playoffs.
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Quarter season recap
The Blizzard is still dominant, just not as much as a few years ago. After squeaking out a win by 3 points against the Jaguars in week 2, the Blizzard lost by 1 point to the Grudlies.
Josh Bruce is still an elite QB, and he has to be, considering the run game is nearly nonexistent. Even worse than not gaining much yardage, all carriers have fumbled the ball at least once through 4 games.
Hariman Jahoda is still the leading receiver (26 catches, 477 yards, 6 TDs), but the balls are distributed more evenly than last year.
Rookie pass rusher Craig Hayden leads the team with 8 sacks, while Lamar Boston has 7 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Hayden and late bloomer DE/DT Tiki Reyes have actually taken away some playing from veteran (and future Hall of Famer) Dave Heatherington.
The Blizzard is still dominant, just not as much as a few years ago. After squeaking out a win by 3 points against the Jaguars in week 2, the Blizzard lost by 1 point to the Grudlies.
Josh Bruce is still an elite QB, and he has to be, considering the run game is nearly nonexistent. Even worse than not gaining much yardage, all carriers have fumbled the ball at least once through 4 games.
Hariman Jahoda is still the leading receiver (26 catches, 477 yards, 6 TDs), but the balls are distributed more evenly than last year.
Rookie pass rusher Craig Hayden leads the team with 8 sacks, while Lamar Boston has 7 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Hayden and late bloomer DE/DT Tiki Reyes have actually taken away some playing from veteran (and future Hall of Famer) Dave Heatherington.
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Breaking news
Anchorage GM has meltdown, goes on trade rampage
Following their first loss in a long time, GM Kokinski appeared to have a meltdown, and traded away a few aging assets. We are not sure if he already was toying with this idea or if something broke in his brain.
He traded DE Dave Heatherington (97/32) to the Falcons for FB Douglas Sitrin (84/24), a 1st-rounder and a 2nd-rounder.
Then he shipped LG Eldridge Stake (98/32) to the Packers for RE Jamaal Redmond (73/21), a 1st-rounder and a 3rd-rounder.
Finally, and this is the only move that makes sense, he traded C Randy Kroon (91/28) to the Seahawks for a 3rd-round pick. This was made necessary by rookie Jermaine Evans earning the starting spot.
Has power and success finally gotten to GM Kokinski's head? It appears he is running this team as if it were a video game.
In the offseason, he had already traded away WR Kurt Gordon (88/26, Broncos), Phil Bailey (94/29, Buccaneers) and SS Greg Morris (98/28, Seahawks).
Anchorage currently has 18 draft picks for next year, which would be a record. And they don't even have that many needs. This gives them leverage to trade for established players, or maybe trade up.
The Blizzard's next two games are against the resurging Seahawks and the John Fox III-led Octopi, and should give us a good indication of what to expect for the rest of the season.
Anchorage GM has meltdown, goes on trade rampage
Following their first loss in a long time, GM Kokinski appeared to have a meltdown, and traded away a few aging assets. We are not sure if he already was toying with this idea or if something broke in his brain.
He traded DE Dave Heatherington (97/32) to the Falcons for FB Douglas Sitrin (84/24), a 1st-rounder and a 2nd-rounder.
Then he shipped LG Eldridge Stake (98/32) to the Packers for RE Jamaal Redmond (73/21), a 1st-rounder and a 3rd-rounder.
Finally, and this is the only move that makes sense, he traded C Randy Kroon (91/28) to the Seahawks for a 3rd-round pick. This was made necessary by rookie Jermaine Evans earning the starting spot.
Has power and success finally gotten to GM Kokinski's head? It appears he is running this team as if it were a video game.
In the offseason, he had already traded away WR Kurt Gordon (88/26, Broncos), Phil Bailey (94/29, Buccaneers) and SS Greg Morris (98/28, Seahawks).
Anchorage currently has 18 draft picks for next year, which would be a record. And they don't even have that many needs. This gives them leverage to trade for established players, or maybe trade up.
The Blizzard's next two games are against the resurging Seahawks and the John Fox III-led Octopi, and should give us a good indication of what to expect for the rest of the season.
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Week 5 depth chart
QB: 7 Josh Bruce (98/34), 8 Lucius Stolte (80/22), 10 Jorge Jackson (81/24)
HB: 40 Tervaris Aldridge (90/28), 44 Michael Conway (77/26)
FB: 46 Deion Norris (87/24), 42 Douglas Sitrin (84/24), 30 John Yewell (88/23), 37 Chuck Nalencz (79/25)
WR: 84 Ryan Billups (82/27), 83 Ike Marshall (78/22), 87 Douglas Clarke (78/28), 89 Michael Wilkins (77/32)
TE: 82 Hariman Jahoda (92/30), 47 Julio Fredericksen (93/26), 81 Daryl Hales (79/24)
LT: 78 Garrett Jones (86/23)
LG: 73 Jonathan Jordan (82/24)
C: 74 Jermaine Evans (87/21), 70 Michael George (82/25)
RG: 61 Tom Swain (90/28), 64 Tervaris Johnson (77/24)
RT: 75 Jerry Benson (89/26), 63 Hank Stafford (77/22)
LE: 57 Ryan Joyce (86/27), 95 George Cain (78/22)
DT: 91 Lake Riley (81/22), 66 Anthony Ferris (89/28), 68 Tiki Reyes (77/27), 90 Greg Orchard (75/28)
RE: 97 Bill Hilton (92/23), 67 Randall Coles (79/28), 98 Ray Simmons (74/22), 94 Jamaal Redmond (73/21)
LOLB: 56 Mark Peterson (89/27), 49 Craig Hayden (77/22), 54 Darrell Newsome (83/27)
MLB: 58 Rondell Hendrickson (78/21), 51 Earl Bassett (71/22), 92 Emmitt Webb (73/27)
ROLB: 57 Ryan Joyce (76/27), 96 Conrad Griffin (83/29)
LB/CB: 55 Lamar Boston (90/27)
CB: 25 Jerry Jansen (94/30), 45 Antwaan Harper (92/29), 41 D'Wayne Hawthorne (83/30), 29 Paul Kennedy (81/29), 24 Vincent Armstrong (77/22)
FS: 32 DeShawn Kelly (92/26), 34 Steve Lindsay (88/26)
SS: 27 K.C. McDaniels (93/25), 26 Kareem Radetsky (84/24), 38 Stafon Spires (82/22)
K: 15 Jeffrey Harper (89/27)
P: 16 Jessie Cook (97/33)
H: 8 Lucius Stolte
LS: 57 Ryan Joyce, 70 Michael George
KR: 83 Ike Marshall, 84 Ryan Billups, 25 Jerry Jansen
PR: 84 Ryan Billups, 83 Ike Marshall, 45 Antwaan Harper
You'll notice that Ryan Joyce is listed as a starter at 2 positions (LE and ROLB). When in a 3-4 formation, he will line up as a linebacker. In the Pinch formation (3 linemen, 2 rushing linebackers and 6 defensive backs), he lines up as a defensive end. Very versatile, he is also the team's long snapper.
QB: 7 Josh Bruce (98/34), 8 Lucius Stolte (80/22), 10 Jorge Jackson (81/24)
HB: 40 Tervaris Aldridge (90/28), 44 Michael Conway (77/26)
FB: 46 Deion Norris (87/24), 42 Douglas Sitrin (84/24), 30 John Yewell (88/23), 37 Chuck Nalencz (79/25)
WR: 84 Ryan Billups (82/27), 83 Ike Marshall (78/22), 87 Douglas Clarke (78/28), 89 Michael Wilkins (77/32)
TE: 82 Hariman Jahoda (92/30), 47 Julio Fredericksen (93/26), 81 Daryl Hales (79/24)
LT: 78 Garrett Jones (86/23)
LG: 73 Jonathan Jordan (82/24)
C: 74 Jermaine Evans (87/21), 70 Michael George (82/25)
RG: 61 Tom Swain (90/28), 64 Tervaris Johnson (77/24)
RT: 75 Jerry Benson (89/26), 63 Hank Stafford (77/22)
LE: 57 Ryan Joyce (86/27), 95 George Cain (78/22)
DT: 91 Lake Riley (81/22), 66 Anthony Ferris (89/28), 68 Tiki Reyes (77/27), 90 Greg Orchard (75/28)
RE: 97 Bill Hilton (92/23), 67 Randall Coles (79/28), 98 Ray Simmons (74/22), 94 Jamaal Redmond (73/21)
LOLB: 56 Mark Peterson (89/27), 49 Craig Hayden (77/22), 54 Darrell Newsome (83/27)
MLB: 58 Rondell Hendrickson (78/21), 51 Earl Bassett (71/22), 92 Emmitt Webb (73/27)
ROLB: 57 Ryan Joyce (76/27), 96 Conrad Griffin (83/29)
LB/CB: 55 Lamar Boston (90/27)
CB: 25 Jerry Jansen (94/30), 45 Antwaan Harper (92/29), 41 D'Wayne Hawthorne (83/30), 29 Paul Kennedy (81/29), 24 Vincent Armstrong (77/22)
FS: 32 DeShawn Kelly (92/26), 34 Steve Lindsay (88/26)
SS: 27 K.C. McDaniels (93/25), 26 Kareem Radetsky (84/24), 38 Stafon Spires (82/22)
K: 15 Jeffrey Harper (89/27)
P: 16 Jessie Cook (97/33)
H: 8 Lucius Stolte
LS: 57 Ryan Joyce, 70 Michael George
KR: 83 Ike Marshall, 84 Ryan Billups, 25 Jerry Jansen
PR: 84 Ryan Billups, 83 Ike Marshall, 45 Antwaan Harper
You'll notice that Ryan Joyce is listed as a starter at 2 positions (LE and ROLB). When in a 3-4 formation, he will line up as a linebacker. In the Pinch formation (3 linemen, 2 rushing linebackers and 6 defensive backs), he lines up as a defensive end. Very versatile, he is also the team's long snapper.
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Regular season recap
The Blizzard escaped a few close calls, but didn't lose another game, finishing 15-1.
For the first time in years, the MVP was not from Anchorage. It was Saints QB Jason Stackhouse, who threw for 3078 yards and 32 TDs against 16 interceptions, and also rushed for 2361 yards and 15 TDs.
Rookie Blizzard LB Craig Hayden won DROY and DPOY with his 80 tackles, 54 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
QB Josh Bruce, though visibly less mobile, still threw for 5001 yards, 58 TDs and 5 INTs. It was the 8th time he reached 5000 yards, and 12th time (in 13 seasons) that he threw for over 50 TDs.
His targets were distributed pretty evenly between WR Ryan Billups (90 receptions, 2259 yards, 17 TDs) and TE Hariman Jahoda (95 receptions, 1559 yards and 20 TDs). Billups reached 2000 yards for the 2nd time in the past 3 seasons, and Jahoda extends his streak of 20-TD seasons to 8. (He didn't take the field in his rookie season and had 18 TDs in his sophomore year).
LB Lamar Boston had another impressive season, with 26 sacks, 6 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles and 2 safeties.
The Blizzard escaped a few close calls, but didn't lose another game, finishing 15-1.
For the first time in years, the MVP was not from Anchorage. It was Saints QB Jason Stackhouse, who threw for 3078 yards and 32 TDs against 16 interceptions, and also rushed for 2361 yards and 15 TDs.
Rookie Blizzard LB Craig Hayden won DROY and DPOY with his 80 tackles, 54 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
QB Josh Bruce, though visibly less mobile, still threw for 5001 yards, 58 TDs and 5 INTs. It was the 8th time he reached 5000 yards, and 12th time (in 13 seasons) that he threw for over 50 TDs.
His targets were distributed pretty evenly between WR Ryan Billups (90 receptions, 2259 yards, 17 TDs) and TE Hariman Jahoda (95 receptions, 1559 yards and 20 TDs). Billups reached 2000 yards for the 2nd time in the past 3 seasons, and Jahoda extends his streak of 20-TD seasons to 8. (He didn't take the field in his rookie season and had 18 TDs in his sophomore year).
LB Lamar Boston had another impressive season, with 26 sacks, 6 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles and 2 safeties.
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Playoffs recap
Flashback: In week 15, the Snow Cats came close to taking the lead in the final seconds, but an interception by Lamar Boston extinguised their hopes.
The divisional round rematch was sure to be exciting.
The Snow Cats took the early 7-3 lead, and applied pressure on the quarterback, as evidenced by this Tra Rutledge sack and then a forced pass that ended up tipped and intercepted.
But they were obviously nervous, and after 2 fumbles and an interception, they fell way behind.
They could not dig themselves out of that hole. Final score: Snow Cats 14, Blizzard 38.
In a shootout between Blizzard and Grudlies, Anchorage came out on top. It is turnovers that made a difference, as QB Cade Armstrong threw 3 TDs but 4 interceptions.
Despite a strip sack and this beautiful TD reception by Marquez McCaffrey, Toronto fell. Final score: Grudlies 35, Blizzard 53.
In another Blizzard vs Cowboys Super Bowl, Anchorage took the early 2-TD lead with TD passes to Hariman Jahoda and Deion Norris. The Cowboys replied when O.J. Joyce hurdled a defender and made it all the way to the endzone.
Dallas was combative, which lead to 7 sacks throughout the game. This is one of rookie DE Jacob Duncan's 2 sacks.
The Blizzard increased its lead with a 40-yard TD pass from Bruce to Billups, but Xavier Campbell broke a tackle and made it to the endzone to make it 21-14 at the half.
The teams traded interceptions, but the one by Boston was returned for the score to make it a 2-touchdown game.
Former Yetis Jim Carlton (4-yard run) and Kenny Sanders (78-yard reception) made sure the Blizzard didn't celebrate too early, as they tied the game with 92 seconds to go. But this gave just enough time for former Cowboy Jeffrey Harper to kick the winning field goal. Final score: Cowboys 28, Blizzard 31.
Congratulations, Blizzard!
Flashback: In week 15, the Snow Cats came close to taking the lead in the final seconds, but an interception by Lamar Boston extinguised their hopes.
The divisional round rematch was sure to be exciting.
The Snow Cats took the early 7-3 lead, and applied pressure on the quarterback, as evidenced by this Tra Rutledge sack and then a forced pass that ended up tipped and intercepted.
But they were obviously nervous, and after 2 fumbles and an interception, they fell way behind.
They could not dig themselves out of that hole. Final score: Snow Cats 14, Blizzard 38.
In a shootout between Blizzard and Grudlies, Anchorage came out on top. It is turnovers that made a difference, as QB Cade Armstrong threw 3 TDs but 4 interceptions.
Despite a strip sack and this beautiful TD reception by Marquez McCaffrey, Toronto fell. Final score: Grudlies 35, Blizzard 53.
In another Blizzard vs Cowboys Super Bowl, Anchorage took the early 2-TD lead with TD passes to Hariman Jahoda and Deion Norris. The Cowboys replied when O.J. Joyce hurdled a defender and made it all the way to the endzone.
Dallas was combative, which lead to 7 sacks throughout the game. This is one of rookie DE Jacob Duncan's 2 sacks.
The Blizzard increased its lead with a 40-yard TD pass from Bruce to Billups, but Xavier Campbell broke a tackle and made it to the endzone to make it 21-14 at the half.
The teams traded interceptions, but the one by Boston was returned for the score to make it a 2-touchdown game.
Former Yetis Jim Carlton (4-yard run) and Kenny Sanders (78-yard reception) made sure the Blizzard didn't celebrate too early, as they tied the game with 92 seconds to go. But this gave just enough time for former Cowboy Jeffrey Harper to kick the winning field goal. Final score: Cowboys 28, Blizzard 31.
Congratulations, Blizzard!
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Offseason preview
Eighteen draft picks. We are trying not to make too much of a deal, but this is exciting.
GM Kokinski said he intended to keep most of the draft picks, but reckoned that it also gave him leverage to conclude trades.
We try to remain impartial, but we also tried to help by making a list of players we would like to see in Anchorage.
FB Erick Mitchell, Seahawks
He is a sub-par blocker, but has freakish speed for his position (SPD 88). If the price is not too high, we'd be interested to see what kind of performance Coach Jackson can get out of him.
WR James Bowman, Vikings
He may lack some experience and game smarts, but he has the kind of astonishing speed the Blizzard is always looking for.
WR Kory Paige, Eagles
This one might be very pricey. He doesn't have Bowman's acceleration, but he is quickly learning the game, as evidenced by his 982-yard, 5-TD rookie season.
TE Oliver Drennan, Redskins
As All-Star Hariman Jahoda starts to lose speed, the team will try to look for a replacement. Drennan has the same skill set as Jahoda, but obviously will need to continue learning the game.
DT Cedric Harrison, Jets
He is young and one of the best in the game. We doubt the Jets would part with him, except for a package of established players and draft picks.
MLB Aric Bennett, Chiefs
A young rising star who would come with a high price. We however doubt Anchorage will follow through, as the middle linebacker is only used in about half the team's formations.
CB Raeshon Millen, Vikings
Another player with great speed, but he's buried in the depth chart in Minnesota. Would probably come at a decent price.
Eighteen draft picks. We are trying not to make too much of a deal, but this is exciting.
GM Kokinski said he intended to keep most of the draft picks, but reckoned that it also gave him leverage to conclude trades.
We try to remain impartial, but we also tried to help by making a list of players we would like to see in Anchorage.
FB Erick Mitchell, Seahawks
He is a sub-par blocker, but has freakish speed for his position (SPD 88). If the price is not too high, we'd be interested to see what kind of performance Coach Jackson can get out of him.
WR James Bowman, Vikings
He may lack some experience and game smarts, but he has the kind of astonishing speed the Blizzard is always looking for.
WR Kory Paige, Eagles
This one might be very pricey. He doesn't have Bowman's acceleration, but he is quickly learning the game, as evidenced by his 982-yard, 5-TD rookie season.
TE Oliver Drennan, Redskins
As All-Star Hariman Jahoda starts to lose speed, the team will try to look for a replacement. Drennan has the same skill set as Jahoda, but obviously will need to continue learning the game.
DT Cedric Harrison, Jets
He is young and one of the best in the game. We doubt the Jets would part with him, except for a package of established players and draft picks.
MLB Aric Bennett, Chiefs
A young rising star who would come with a high price. We however doubt Anchorage will follow through, as the middle linebacker is only used in about half the team's formations.
CB Raeshon Millen, Vikings
Another player with great speed, but he's buried in the depth chart in Minnesota. Would probably come at a decent price.
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Draft preview
There are also some very good prospects in the draft.
HB Shawn McNamara, Southern Miss
Projected in the top 5, McNamara had the fastest 40-dash among running backs, clocking in at 4.28. He is also powerful, so he can run inside as well as in the perimeter. We think the Blizzard will go after him with the 4th pick, possibly try to trade up.
FB Casey Redman, Navy
In the later rounds, the team could add to the current pool of fullbacks with this player who is not the best but has exceptional blocking skills.
TE Alan Clayton, Kentucky
The fastest of all tight ends with a 4.53 40-dash, the team will probably want to use a late pick on him.
WR Perry Jones, Kansas
He is projected in the 1st or 2nd round. Ran a 4.28 dash, and scored 39 on the Wonderlic. He has the physical and mental attributes to compete for a roster spot.
WR Dario Carter, Duke
A top-10 prospect, he has the best hands and field awareness of the group.
C Steve Bennett, Utah State
A balanced center, Bennett would be a nice depth addition if he falls to Anchorage in the middle rounds.
LE Terrell Moore, Indiana
We like him in the late first round, as he is both quick and strong. But we are unsure the Blizzard will go that route with the emergence of Tiki Reyes last season.
DT Josh Harris, Oregon
He is the fastest AND strongest at his position but lacks game awareness. This concern made him drop from the 2nd to the 4th-5th in recent mock drafts.
OLB Jim Garrett, Miami
A top-10 talent, he ran a 4.45 40-dash, scored 41 on the Wonderlic and is one of the best tacklers of his draft class. We don't think Anchorage will try to draft him this high, but they will sigh when a lucky team brings him home.
OLB Torrance Brickley, Oregon
He is in the same mold as Garrett, but more of a depth player than a potential starter. The Blizzard should look at him in the middle rounds.
CB Ethan Cobb, Michigan
Ranked in the top 10, he is both fast (4.27) and strong (benched 25). Needs to develop his game awareness, but this is not worrisome. With Jerry Jansen losing speed, the team will consider getting his replacement.
CB Al Watters, Georgia Tech
He is bigger but less physical than Cobb. Might fit in the Blizzard's draft plans if he falls to the second round.
FS Avery Snell, Winston Salem
The team is set at safety, but it will be hard not to consider him in the late first round or early second round.
There are also some very good prospects in the draft.
HB Shawn McNamara, Southern Miss
Projected in the top 5, McNamara had the fastest 40-dash among running backs, clocking in at 4.28. He is also powerful, so he can run inside as well as in the perimeter. We think the Blizzard will go after him with the 4th pick, possibly try to trade up.
FB Casey Redman, Navy
In the later rounds, the team could add to the current pool of fullbacks with this player who is not the best but has exceptional blocking skills.
TE Alan Clayton, Kentucky
The fastest of all tight ends with a 4.53 40-dash, the team will probably want to use a late pick on him.
WR Perry Jones, Kansas
He is projected in the 1st or 2nd round. Ran a 4.28 dash, and scored 39 on the Wonderlic. He has the physical and mental attributes to compete for a roster spot.
WR Dario Carter, Duke
A top-10 prospect, he has the best hands and field awareness of the group.
C Steve Bennett, Utah State
A balanced center, Bennett would be a nice depth addition if he falls to Anchorage in the middle rounds.
LE Terrell Moore, Indiana
We like him in the late first round, as he is both quick and strong. But we are unsure the Blizzard will go that route with the emergence of Tiki Reyes last season.
DT Josh Harris, Oregon
He is the fastest AND strongest at his position but lacks game awareness. This concern made him drop from the 2nd to the 4th-5th in recent mock drafts.
OLB Jim Garrett, Miami
A top-10 talent, he ran a 4.45 40-dash, scored 41 on the Wonderlic and is one of the best tacklers of his draft class. We don't think Anchorage will try to draft him this high, but they will sigh when a lucky team brings him home.
OLB Torrance Brickley, Oregon
He is in the same mold as Garrett, but more of a depth player than a potential starter. The Blizzard should look at him in the middle rounds.
CB Ethan Cobb, Michigan
Ranked in the top 10, he is both fast (4.27) and strong (benched 25). Needs to develop his game awareness, but this is not worrisome. With Jerry Jansen losing speed, the team will consider getting his replacement.
CB Al Watters, Georgia Tech
He is bigger but less physical than Cobb. Might fit in the Blizzard's draft plans if he falls to the second round.
FS Avery Snell, Winston Salem
The team is set at safety, but it will be hard not to consider him in the late first round or early second round.
Re: A Colts/Blizzard Journal
Poll
With the offseason just getting underway, is there any need you would like to see addressed by the team? Any player you would like aboard?
Also, are you worried by the lack of running game in the past few seasons, and our star QB getting up there in age?
With the offseason just getting underway, is there any need you would like to see addressed by the team? Any player you would like aboard?
Also, are you worried by the lack of running game in the past few seasons, and our star QB getting up there in age?
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