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Friday, Feb. 9, 4:00 PM ET
Brown,Collins,Drake
Battle For Atlantic
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Teddy B, Alex Smolka, and A.B., gather stats
from a 2000 season contest.
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When Tom Poon, formerly of the PFL Jets,
announced that he would not be playing with this season, it seemed as though
the Atlantic was a shoe in for either Kwan Drake or Teddy Brown. After all,
last season the two coaches took turns controlling the top of the Atlantic
division. Tom Poon made a late push, and David Nunez's 1-15 record was never
really a factor Now, all of that is set to change with the arrival of highly
touted rookie, Ryan Collins. Collins, brought to THE LEAGUE by defending
champion James Brooks, will not perform like your average expansion franchise.
He will not be in the likes of a Nunez, or an Ellis, two of last year's
rookies that had a combined record of 5-27. Collins may have as a good a
chance to win the title as any rookie entering THE LEAGUE since Keith Franklin
nearly went to the Superbowl in his rookie season.
A Three Team Race
Look for this to be a race between Buffalo,
Carolina, and Tampa Bay. Although Brown lost Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith,
as well as Andre Reed, Brown's game plan should not be hampered. Brown
will still go to Antowain Smith, and Eric Moulds in addition to some of
the young new talent on offense. The defense still features the bull rushing
Ted Washington, a solid secondary, and at best, average linebackers. Brown's
scheme, more so than his personnel, is what makes him a force to be dealt
with. Teddy B. has always been able to take a team with marginal talent,
and get a high level of play out of them. This year will be no different
with the Bills.
Drakes Bucs Are As Good As Ever
If Drake's Bucs don't take him all the
way this year, he may not ever get to the promise land. The Buc's are
no doubt one of the best defensive teams on the game this year, with a
solid 95 overall rating. There are no apparent weaknesses on the Buc's
defense. The corners are superb with Barber and Abraham. The safety's
awareness and ability to react to the ball is astounding. John Lynch is
one of the hardest hitters on the game. The linebackers are deceptively
quick, and close in on receivers that seem only to secure a pick.
With Warren Sapp leading the defensive line, that says enough. Offensively
the Bucs are solid just as well. An excellent running game, a good running
quarterback, and solid receivers make the Bucs overall, one of the best
teams on the game. The question is, can Drake get his PS2 game, where
his PS1 game was last year. If so he will be very tough to deal with this
season.
The New Kid On The Block
The Wildcard in the division is the
feisty Ryan Collins. The former University of Miami starting quarterback
joins the PFL this season and looks to make an immediate impact. The brash
trash talking rookie has an up tempo fast break game that will be tough
for some ballers to keep pace with. Collins will play with the Carolina
Panthers although, his favorite PS2 team is Jacksonville. Collins will
rely on his uncanny stick control combined with his knowledge of the game,
being a former Div. I quarterback, to carry him to the playoffs, and hopefully
to a Superbowl berth.
Nunez & Fox just for show
Look for Nunez and other incoming rookie,
Rick Fox to struggle this year. There are only so many victories to go
around. And having to face Drake, Brown and Collins twice a year will
put enough strain on these two. Nunez, was a dismal 1-15 last season.
No one in THE LEAGUE seems to have respect for his game. Don't look for
that to change too much this season. Newcomer Rick Fox, brother of current
PFL Packers Coach Kevin Fox, will improve as the season goes, but as for
Fox's Falcons, it will be a long season as well.
Look for this one to go the distance
with the two of the three favorites to pull away by week 7.
The Swammi's Predictions
1. Buffalo
2. Carolina
3. Tampa Bay
4. Atlanta
5. New York Giants
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