A Colts/Blizzard Journal

[JPK]

You have a guy who plays linebacker and... cornerback? That's an odd combo.

It's a hybrid position. Maybe LB/CB is not the best way to name it. He is basically a linebacker who spends a lot of time in coverage as well, a bit like Greg Dixon did. I modified the 3-3-5 formation so the nickel cornerback is actually a linebacker. Which is why I need a fast LB for the spot. I'm speaking SPD 87 at the least. Lamar Boston is SPD 88, which I believe is the highest a linebacker can be. Unless you do some position shifting, like when a freak safety is built to play linebacker.

[JPK]

Quarter season recap

Though the Blizzard is 4-0, there is some reasons for concern. Granted, it is harsh to compare to last season, which was one of the greatest seasons ever played. But last year, the team scored at least 50 points in every game. This year, they haven't reached that mark yet.

The defense does show up on every play. The team has only allowed 22 points so far. Ryan Joyce is benefiting from increased playing time, with a sack, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. Collectively, the defense forced 11 interceptions, 6 fumbles and 6 defensive touchdowns.

This makes up for the offense having trouble finding their rhythm. The running game is going nowhere, and though Josh Bruce has had some interesting sequences, he has also struggled at times. Lucius Stolte has emerged as the better backup so far, but we believe both backups might get more playing time down the line.

Ryan Billups may have 12 receptions for 273 yards and 2 TDs, but he also dropped some easy passes, like most other receivers so far. Thankfully, TE Hariman Jahoda seems to be having another monstrous year. He already has 48 receptions for 676 yards and 8 TDs.

On special team, Billups has had good punt returns, though no touchdown yet. On kick returns, he has shared duties with rookie Ike Marshall, and no touchdown in that area either.

[RevanFan]

You have a guy who plays linebacker and... cornerback? That's an odd combo.

It's a hybrid position. Maybe LB/CB is not the best way to name it. He is basically a linebacker who spends a lot of time in coverage as well, a bit like Greg Dixon did. I modified the 3-3-5 formation so the nickel cornerback is actually a linebacker. Which is why I need a fast LB for the spot. I'm speaking SPD 87 at the least. Lamar Boston is SPD 88, which I believe is the highest a linebacker can be. Unless you do some position shifting, like when a freak safety is built to play linebacker.

No, I've seen 89 and 90 for a LB, with no modification other than NZA rookie rating adjustments. It's rare, but it happens.

[JPK]

Regular season recap

The Blizzard eventually found its rhythm and rolled to another lossless season.

Rookie WR Ike Marshall moved up the depth chart to establish himself as a solid WR2. He finished with 28 catches for 681 yards and 11 touchdowns, as well as a 61-yard TD run. After a slow start, Ryan Billups finished with 54 catches, 1307 yards and 13 touchdowns.

However, the clear-cut MVP was TE Hariman Jahoda, who had at least 10 catches, 100 yards and 1 TD in every single game. His monstrous stat line is as follows: 201 catches, 3289 yards, 38 TDs.

Defensively, DE Dave Heatherington amassed 60 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery, while LB Lamar Boston had 23 sacks, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble. Those numbers are less impressive than last season, but still very solid.

FS DeShawn Kelly continued his impressive work with 8 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles, and cornerbacks Antwaan Harper and Jerry Jansen combined for 13 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries.

On special teams, Anchorage was shut down on kick returns, a very rare happening. But Ryan Billups continued his good work on punt returns, returning 4 to the house. In two seasons and change as a punt returner, he already has 13 TDs and keeps a 10.6 yards average.

[JPK]

Playoffs update

After dispatching the Jaguars, the Blizzard was facing the Oahu Octopi in the AFC championship. This matchup was sure to interest a few members of this forum, due to players coming from different universes.

DE Torry Douglas, coming off a 17-sack campaign that saw him voted 2nd best d-lineman in the NFL, was everywhere on the field. He stopped Hariman Jahoda from getting a huge gain, then sacked Josh Bruce very far out of the pocket.




Luther Flanagan stopped Ike Marshall from making it into the endzone.



John Fox III, possibly in his final attempt at a Super Bowl, took some time to get started. Here, he completes a pass for a first down.





The Blizzard came out firing, taking a 28-0 lead. But the Octopi clawed their way back, making it 28-21 into the final two minutes.

Then Torry Douglas (him again) strip-sacked QB Lucius Stolte, who was playing after an injury scare to Josh Bruce.



He had the whole field in front of him, but was tackled from behind before he could advance the ball. The Oahu offense marched down the field, but could not score with three attempts at the endzone. Final score: Octopi 21, Blizzard 28.

In Tampa Bay, the Super Bowl was, again, between the Blizzard and the Cowboys.

Josh Bruce connected with Hariman Jahoda on two short TD passes before O.J. Joyce retaliated with a kick return TD.



Ike Marshall had a kick return TD of his own when he benefited from a key block on kicker Lamarr Shade. Former Yeti S Kristofer Crawford could only look in disbelief.



Dwight Fraser connected with TE Earl Culberson for a 8-yard TD to make it 28-17 at the half.




The Cowboys defense made huge adjustments at halftime, which led to 3 second-half interceptions. One by safety Jordon Irving and two by CB Fred Dutton.




The Blizzard appeared to pull away when Bruce threw a 1-yard TD pass to FB Deion Norris, but Fraser made it a 5-point game again when he threw to another former Yeti, WR Kenny Sanders.




The Blizzard recovered the onside kick and was able to run out the clock. Final score: Cowboys 30, Blizzard 35.



Congratulations, Blizzard!

[JPK]

Coaching changes

Following the game, Dallas coach Elvis Dumervil resigned, saying he was obviously unable to win the big game. He will be replaced by Trent Cole and helped by OC Amari Cooper, DC Quinton Wilkins (a former safety for Anchorage and San Francisco) and ST coach Derek Carr.

For the Blizzard, HC Austin Jackson and OC Reggie Wayne are staying. The staff will be completed by DC Troy Polamalu and HC coach Cody Andrews (a former fullback for Anchorage and Pittsburgh).

[RevanFan]

Your games with the Cowboys are always intense. And that Torry Douglas... he's quite the force. Congrats on the championship.

[achernar]

WHAT A SEASON


great to see Fox III made a great season
And almost put a upset

[JPK]

Offseason questions
Breakdown by position

QB
It is unlikely that the team will go with a QB, even in the later rounds. But there is a big question coming with veteran Josh Bruce visibly losing mobility. They are grooming backups, but how much longer will they hold on to the best passer in the league, and how much are they willing to change their game plan (with fewer rollouts and play outside the pocket) for him?

HB
Will Tervaris Aldridge return to his form from 2 seasons ago, when he rushed for 30 TDs? Will the team stay committed to the run? Anchorage could be tempted by a new ball runner, like Will Winters from Ohio State.

FB/TE
The team never seems to have enough sturdy guys who can block and occasionnally move the ball. TE Darrel Harris from Texas is projected in the 1st or 2nd round, but he is more of a receiving threat, and we still have star Hariman Jahoda for that. Fullbacks John Yewell (Miami) or Josh Wade (Arkansas) are the best blockers in this class (aside from linemen, obviously).

WR
The Blizzard seems comfortable with Ryan Billups and Ike Marshall, but could be looking for some depth in the later rounds or in free agency. Kory Paige from Notre Dame is a top-10 talent, but we don't think we will draft a receiver this high. James Bowman (Auburn) or Andy Wall (Illinois) are more likely if the team addresses this need through the draft.

O-line
There is no pressing need in this area, as we already have young linemen to groom. Still, the team might be tempted to use one of the 1st-round picks on centers Carnell McEowen (Kentucky) or Jermaine Evans (Jacksonville State). There are a few good tackles and guards this year, but the best and deepest blocking position of this class is at center.

D-line
With Bill Hilton, Anthony Ferris and Dave Heatherington (and solid backups), the Blizzard has one of the best d-lines in football. If they go after defensive linemen, it should be for depth and competition at camp. George Cain (Virginia Tech) is projected in the 5th or 6th round and fits the profile of a Yeti edge rusher. DT Max Kelly from Mississippi State is a top-5 prospect and could bring competition to starter Ferris.

OLB
Anchorage will reload like every year. They might be interested by Otis Garrett from Tennessee in the later rounds. Or Craig Hayden (Kentucky) if they use a high pick.

MLB
Having surprisingly traded starter Phil Bailey, and not re-signed any other inside linebacker, the team is in the market for a starting MLB, as well as some depth. Cornelius Goodwin (Northwestern State) is rated in the mid-1st round, while Dario Nelson (N. Colorado) is a top-5 prospect. Kendall Kelly (California) was initially a top-5 prospect, but the injury bug made him drop to the 2nd round in the latest mock drafts.

CB
We have one of the best duos in the league, but Jerry Jansen and Antwaan Harper are not getting any younger. This might also complicate the crowded safety situation, as both CBs could be converted to safety sooner or later. At cornerback, Kevin Carufel from Oregon could provide a worthy eventual replacement, though he is nowhere as fast as the current starters

FS
Hakim Swain from Iowa is high on the list, though the Blizzard thinks of him more as a strong safety. But the starting position is already taken by DeShawn Kelly, and the position is logjammed, so it is unlikely that he will end up on the team.

SS
Desmond Sherry (Virginia Tech) and Rich Berger (Michigan State) are also to be considered. Some of the pressure was relieved when starter Greg Morris was traded to Seattle. K.C. McDaniels has been penciled in as starter, but former 1st-round Kareem Radetsky will also be competing for playing time.

K/P
Former Cowboys K Jeffrey Harper has been signed by the Blizzard, and they still have P Jessie Cook. No need to draft or sign anyone.

[JPK]

Draft recap

1. C Jermaine Evans (87/21), Jacksonville State, Blizzard
2. MLB Dario Nelson (86/21), N. Colorado, Redskins
3. DT Max Kelly (83/23), Mississippi State, Buccaneers
4. OLB Bennie Shaull (84/23), Tennessee, Steelers
5. WR Kory Paige (84/23), Notre Dame, Eagles
6. WR Andy Ellis (84/24), Miami University, Bengals
7. QB Ernie Warren (80/21), Kentucky, Falcons
8. QB Marcus Carey (82/23), Texas A&M, Chargers
9. DT Ryan Stone (82/23), Florida, Ravens
10. LG Darnell McClain (83/21), Kentucky, Packers
11. WR Dexter Turnbill (82/23), Clemson, Lions
12. MLB Cornelius Goodwin (85/23), Northwestern State, Broncos
13. TE Darrell Harris (87/22), Texas, Patriots
14. RT Lorenzo Smelley (75/22), UL Lafayette, Snow Cats
15. DT Wally Irvin (81/23), Miami, Panthers
16. RT Hank Stafford (77/22), Nebraska, Free Agent
17. SS Rich Berger (86/21), Michigan State, Cardinals
18. DT Jeff Boston (79/24), Michigan State, Bills
19. OLB Tom Williams (81/22), Virginia Tech, Dolphins
20. C Carnell McEowen (87/23), Kentucky, Raiders
21. FS Hakim Swain (86/21), Iowa, Bears
22. HB Will Winters (83/22), Ohio State, Giants
23. OLB Craig Hayden (77/22), Kentucky, Blizzard
24. RT Luke Martin (82/22), Duke, Chiefs
25. LT David Bates (80/22), Oregon, Vikings
26. DE Jonas Madison (85/21), North Carolina, Jets
27. MLB Will Watkins (78/22), Will Watkins, USC, 49ers
28. CB Jeffrey Golston (77/23), Idaho, Jaguars
29. MLB Bernie Dodge (80/23), Michigan State, Octopi
30. WR Sylverter Armstrong (82/21), Washington, Seahawks
31. DE Roscoe Cain (81/21), Tulane, Cowboys
32. MLB Rondell Hendrickson (78/21), Michigan, Blizzard
33. QB Kyle Hicks (81/23), Virginia, Grudlies
35. CB Rashard Cleveland (79/22), USC, Seahawks
36. C Louie Grimm (81/23), Nebraska, Steelers
40. MLB Kendall Kelly (86/24), California, Chargers
44. CB Vincent Armstrong (77/22), SMU, Blizzard
48. DE Neil Truman (82/22), Maryland, Crawlers
50. C LeRoy Harris (83/21), California, Bills
51. WR Todd Martin (88/23), Alabama, Dolphins
52. TE Dennis Dwight (85/22), Alabama, Raiders
55. TE Jarred Cleveland (81/21), South Carolina, Bills
61. WR Darrell Braxton (82/23), Kent State, Octopi
62. WR Patrick Gaither (80/22), Vanderbilt, Saints
65. FB John Yewell (88/23), Miami, Blizzard
66. C Nazarius Jordan (83/22), Michigan, Redskins
67. C Al Smith (82/21), Wisconsin, Jets
68. DE Newton Wells (80/21), Indiana State, Steelers
69. FB Dale Bright (82/22), Auburn, Lions
79. LG Jorge Adams (80/24), Dartmouth, Panthers
83. LG Jacob Smith (79/23), Texas A&M, Dolphins
89. TE Isaiah Harrison (86/23), USC, Vikings
94. WR Antonio Warfield (80/22), Texas A&M, Saints
95. MLB Ike Deas (81/23), Tennessee, Seahawks
100. RG John Tate (82/21), Houston, Jets
110. DE George Cain (78/22), Virginia Tech, Blizzard
121. WR Andy Wall (79/23), Illinois, Vikings
122. LG Roscoe Tatum (83/23), California, Jets
131. K Stafon Golston (81/21), Vanderbilt, Seahawks
133. QB Damien Andrews (82/21), Florida State, Eagles
141. HB Wayne Salaam (79/21), Baylor, Seahawks
160. HB Tyrone Blades (81/21), Grambling State, Chiefs
187. DE Ray Simmons (74/22), Michigan, Blizzard
195. P Trent Devine (85/23), West Virginia, Seahawks
210. WR Jaime Fulcher (80/22), Georgia, Bills