2009 SEASON IN REVIEW

NORTHEAST

Overview of The Division:

Competition is starting to pick up in the Northeast with the improvement of Mars, and a Reno team that seems to be getting their 2nd wind.  I look for quite a bit of competition for the division crown this season.

How They Will Finish:

Russia

Mars

Reno

Oakland

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Offensive Writeup:

With QB Lewis and the young trio of WRs Marion, Corlett, and Smith coming into their own, the Russians should have a solid passing attack, add to that the best two Offensive tackles in the league, Along with HB Hairston ready to carry the load on the ground, this team should be very difficult to defend.

Defensive Writeup:

A very good, young defensive line paves the way for a solid group of linebackers.  Over the years this front seven has put great pressure on opposing QBs.  The Defensive Backfield is a mix of youth, and veteran talent.

Coaching Writeup:

This team has been to two league championship games under the current coaching talent, and has proven that when they have time and desire they can beat anyone.

Management Writeup:

Management prefers to build the team through the draft as evident from their league leading number of 1st round picks.

Quality Additions:

The additions of Shancoe and Thomas should enhance the OL for years to come.

Why they will finish 1st.

Russia has the talent and the coaching to beat anyone in this league.

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Offensive Writeup:

Led by superstar QB Cadigan, this offense is loaded with talent, including the stellar HB Dave Davis, and All World Wideout Nolan Buchanon.  While the ol are certainly not the best in the league they have the talent to compete.

Defensive Writeup:

Conver is one of the best DLs in the league, unfortunately there is some fall off after that, though the rest are not elite, they certainly can bull rush.  The LB corps is led by one of the best in the league in Dion Wolf.  while the Defensive backfield is extremely talented.

Coaching Writeup:

Mars made a remarkable turn around in coaching last year after some ho hum performances in previous years.  If the staff can keep up the good work it bodes well for the franchise.

Management Writeup:

I have to question the trading of the best WR coming out of the draft, however Mars has proven that they can get what they think they need to win.

Quality Additions:

HB Adam Jennings, G Hillier, CB Kegel

Why they will finish 2nd

Mars showed last season that this team is for real by making it to the conference finals.

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Offensive Writeup:

8 year pro Drucknmiller throws his share of INTs, but he combines that with a healthy # of completions and TDs.  The Wideouts are not as talented in years past, but can still get the job done.  HB Kendrick Jones looks to make an impact on the ground game.  The OL lack a little depth, but are capable of getting the job done.

Defensive Writeup:

The Defensive line has gone from being one of the teams weak spots to being one of their strong spots after Reno has spent several high draft picks improving it.  The linebackers are solid, led by star Utecht.  The DBs are not the fastest in the league, but have ample skills to cover their opponents in the Reno bend but don't break style.

Coaching Writeup:

Coach C. has made it to the championship once, and has proven that when he is inspired to coach he can stay with any in the league.

Management Writeup:

This team has consistently been improved over the years.

Quality Additions:

Center Cox, and DE Smith provide good talent up front for the Rampage, while HB London may be a steal.

Why they will finish 3rd

With a little more effort this team could win the division, but is things stay the same, they will once again win a few and lose a few.

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Offensive Writeup:

QB Sandford trots onto the field as one of the most talented QBs in the league,  The running game looks to struggle a bit this season with no true Featureback on the team as HB Annable and Green grow into the position.  WR Hernandez can compete against anyone.  The OL has some great players but overall could use a boost.

Defensive Writeup:

Gary Parsons is still one of the best DL's in the league, but you have to look hard to find another DL on the team that strikes fear in opponents.  Speaking of strinking fear, theres all world LB Bo Thomas along with LB Harden just a step below.  This is another team that does not rely on fast DBs, but has quite a few that can leave their numbers burnt into your teams flesh after the big hit.

Coaching Writeup:

At Times Coach Annable has shown the tenacity to hang with anyone.  At times his team seems to get stuck in a rutt.

Management Writeup:

Coach Annable has done a great job, especially in the last few seasons of adding talent to a talent starved franchise.

Quality Additions:

HBs Green and Annable, OT Hudson, CB Blazek

Why they will finish 4th

this is still a rebuilding year for Oakland, and they probably need another season to get a couple more impact players to be a real challenge.

SOUTHEAST

Overview of The Division:

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the strongest most competitive division in the league.  The winner of this division will be a battle hardened veteran that could Take the next step to the big dance.  I believe any team in this division can step forward and win not only the division but the conference crown.

How They Will Finish:

Area 51

Indianapolis

Loch Ness

Houston

Carolina

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Offensive Writeup:

QB Jerome Upchurch leads the Dynamic pass catching Trio of Thorp, Alton and Pendell into what looks to be another MVP season for the alltime greatest QB.  When they decide to run HB Goff is one of the best in the league.  FB Tinsley is always among the very best FBs in the league and the offensive line knows how to pass block.

Defensive Writeup:

While never having one of the better DLs in the league the Aliens DL does continue to get better, however the LBs make up for the lack of superstar DL, with all world LB Clifford McGill backed by Lb Jurkovic, and the fastest LB in the league Neal.  The Defensive backfield has a mix of speed and playmakers.

Coaching Writeup:

You don't win back to back championships and finish off an unbeaten season without knowing how to coach.

Management Writeup:

This team continually goes after what they need to win whether it be via trade, draft, or free agency.

Quality Additions:

WR Hall,  TE McHugh adds even more talent and speed, OT Daniels, LB Lee

Why they will finish 1st

To be the best you have to beat the best, and until someone knocks them off their perch, the best is the Aliens.

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Indianapolis have 3 QBs that look like they could start for this franchise, so far no announcement from the crafty coach Hoover on who that will be.  HB Matt George was acquired to do the lions share of running with the age finally catching up to HB Snider,  While Spencer Hall continues to be one of the better FBs in the league.  Age has to be a concern at the Wideout spot, especially with Indy leaning more on the pass the last couple seasons.  While as always one of the very best OLs in the league rests in Indy.

Defensive Writeup:

indy can bring the outside pressure with very good DEs, however their interior guys are not up to the same standards.   The LBs are solid, while the defensive backfield relies more on technique than speed.

Coaching Writeup:

Coach Hoover is as good a coach as they come, and when time permits is always a danger.

Management Writeup:

This team has remained solid for years, a good sign of having a management team that knows what they are doing.

Quality Additions:

QB Jenkins, HB George, HB Rivers, OG Hoover, DE Ross.

Why they will finish 2nd

Indy has the talent and coaching to go all the way, they just need to find a way to get a win over the Aliens to vault into 1st place.

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Offensive Writeup:

QB Dan Gambino looks ready to lead the charge for one more season, as he hopes to hold off QB Defrancesco.  His Favorite target this season should once again be WR Harvey Hinkle, but WR Crafts is replaced with WR McNair to add more speed to this team.  Carrying the football will be HB Burgess acquired from Carolina in a trade involving the teams leading rusher Talley.  The Offensive line looks to be a much improved unit this season.

Defensive Writeup:

The Defensive line has it's share of playmakers with DE Frye, and Purvis along with DT Ward.  A stellar Lb corps featuring Scott Banner & Wildon Clark round out a great front 7.  A young, Talented defensive backfield rounds out a great defense.

Coaching Writeup:

Loch Ness has improved every season since they have been in the league, a testament to their desire to win.

Management Writeup:

This team continues to add an abundance of talent.

Quality Additions:

HB Burgess,  WR McNair, DE Frye, LB Cecil

Why they will finish 3rd

Loch Ness has the talent to finish higher, but the young coaching staff is still finding their way, if they continue to improve however, they could win the division.

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Offensive Writeup:

Veteran QB George Bruce will lead a team on offense.  HB Brian Edwards looks to have his chance to prove he is a capable HB.  WRs Montgomery and Smith pack plenty of talent on the field.  The OL are pretty good run blockers, but average pass blockers.

Defensive Writeup:

The DL features Ronnie Shaff, Marcus Raines, and LEs Oglesby providing the pressure, LB Sacks is often overlooked by everyone but his opponents, and Clay Marion, along with last years 1st round pick Foster bring plenty of speed.  The Db has a solid mix of vets and youth, with Tommie Anderson ready to make big on his promises of last years scouts.

Coaching Writeup:

Coach Johnson likes a power running game, with a high percentage passing game.  He has proved to match up well against many teams, despite the talent disparity.

Management Writeup:

this team like the Russians, tend to build more through the draft than free agency.

Quality Additions:

HB Edwards, WR Gold, CB Bankston

Why they will finish 4th

While the coaching is there, the talent is still a little behind, however coach Johnson's team is closing the gap.

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Offensive Writeup:

QB Henderson looks very good starting his 2nd year with the team, HB Talley is a 1000 yard rusher who can get it done.  The WR corps will be led by WR Mack, and also features the return of WR Norton.  The OL is strong, but otherwise average.

Defensive Writeup:

Carolina's defensive line has really taken a hit over the last several years and is in desperate need of rebuilding.  Carolina no longer possesses the great blitzing linebackers of years gone by, and this may make them change their focus away from a pressure defense.  The defensive backfield is in serious need of rebuilding.

Coaching Writeup:

Coach Stewart ahs been a perennial playoff coach, and can do so again

Management Writeup:

This team seems to find the players they need when they need them, but suffers from tradeitis at times.

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Why they will finish 5th

NORTHWEST

Overview of The Division:

New Jersey took a big step forward last season, and will be one of the favorites this season.  Bangor continues to plod along waiting for the day when they awaken from their slumber to claim another Championship.  Charlotte improved a lot last season, and should continue to this season, but they are still a year off.  Pittsburgh could play spoilers or contenders depending on their mood and their coaches time.

How They Will Finish:

Charlotte

Bangor

New Jersey

Pittsburgh

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SOUTHWEST

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Camelot

Hong Kong

Taiwan

Tennessee

Chicago

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