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Well I had a solid week last week going 4-1. There are a lot of good matchups this week, so let's get right to it.
Season Record
4-1
Career Record
33-30
Game of the Week
SLC @ CBA(-2)
With Julian Cartagena out, I see SLC taking this game. SLC has a potent offense and a great defense. CBA will be in tough at home this week. Look for James Tart to continue on his hot streak leading his team to victory.
ALB(-2) @ MUR
ALB is just too talented to lose for the 3rd straight time. MUR will struggle with their rookie QB. Look for newly acquired Scott Scharf to have a decent game
MON @ WV (-3)
In a battle of 1-1 teams, WV has the advantage at the most important position on the field. Sanders will pass his way to a Beasts victory
STL @ IWC (-1)
What a difference a year makes!. These two top AFC teams are both winless. STL will pull this one out due to the injuries that IWC have. I'd really like to see Beamer get the ball a little more. He will have to, if the Snipe Hunters have any shot at this one. Ultimately, STL wins its first game of the year.
Vic's Top 5 Teams
1.Vermont Mountaineers
2.Columbia Fire
3.Little Rock Toads
4.Salt Lake City Stallions
5.Oakland Assassins
Both SLC and OAK crack my top five teams this week. Again, most of this is based off of my perception of the teams with consideration given to the records of the teams over the last 2 weeks
News of of MUR..........The Mules may be looking to move TE Daniel Rich. Their goal would be to trade Rich for draft picks in order to add more pieces to work with Otis Peterson. Peterson and Rich have had some issues with eachother in their short time together. Rich is said to have asked the team to expore trade options. Rich is one of the best TE's in the league.
This week I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the more controversial owners in the Imperial league. Oakland GM Jave and I sat down, and here is the transcript
1. How is this team different from year's past?
Hello Vic, and first let me thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. While I didn't get a chance to see you at last Sundays game, your presence did not go unnoticed. We are proud of our new stadium and gave you the General Managers luxury box, as I was busy with the usual gameday activities. And a win on a beautiful day in the bay area by our Assassins sure made for a great weekend here in Oakland. But, on to business.
My goal from day one was stability Vic. I wanted a team of young, motivated players, that would be loyal to the organization, if we were loyal to them. We have great players, and we have average players, but they are all part of the family. Our turnover here in Oakland is less then 15% since this team was signed into the IFL, and I am very proud of that statistic, moreso then wins or losses, because the winning will come, but there has to be a base to build on first.
Our players know we believe in them, and thats they key to a successfull business. Your team is only as good has your players, and we want the best here in Oakland Vic. Our players are committed to this team, and this city. I couldn't be prouder!
2. Can this team make the playoffs, and a serious run at the Imperial Bowl?
Absolutly Vic, without a dought! You can look up and down this roster and see nothing but some of the best players in the league. This team has no weaknesses.
It's well known about the lofty goal of 3 years since the team was drafted to win the IFL, and were it not for nearly 50% of the starting lineup being seriously injuried last year Vic, we would have reached that. While most laugh at what they view a failure, I see only success. Were it not for that horrific season we would not have been able to bring in the outstanding additions to this years Oakland lineup. Lets talk about those for a second. How about Richard Mitchell. This mofo is one serious football player. You can see the fire in his eyes for this game! He is an absolute monster this year, just tearing up offensive lineman.
Or, Lance Delano. It's true, he will not play this season, but this is a pro-bowl player just waiting to for his chance. Next year, line him up with Mitchell and Nelson on the line, Oh My God, I cannot wait to see that!
Or lets talk about one of the best lineman in the league, Chad Jerome. This gives us the final addition to our offensive line we have so desperatly needed. Not only does Hamilton have time in the pocket to pass, but Lomeli now can choose which hole he WANTS to run through!
Year three a failure? I don't think so.
3. What happened with Wesley Connell?
We love Wesley, he was great here in Oakland. But the fact is, he was just not a good fit for this team. That was my mistake. After the success SLC had with Tart in 03', I forgot the vision I initially had for this team, and went after Connell with guns 'a' blazing! I assumed I could have success being a power running team like so many others in the league.
That is just not what we do well in Oakland. Bottom line! We run the ball strong here, but we have one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and are not going to ignore that.
Connell is a power back. Give him the ball 25-30 times a game, he will be in the hall of fame in 15 years. I guarantee it! But when you have a team with Hamilton, Bice and Martinez, we have other options. I am just happy he went to a team that will use him, and he felt the same way. It turned out to be a great trade for all involved.
4. How potent can this passing offense be with the likes of Hamilton, Bice, and Martinez?
Last year, I would have had a different answer for ya, but this year, the answer may suprise you.
Not Very.
Thats right, that was not a mistake. You can sit back in zone coverage and wait if you want to, but you will be dissapointed. We are not going to haul off and launch the ball 50 times a game because we have great recievers.
We have one of the best offensive lines in football, and a little fast son of a bitch named Lomeli who loves to run the rock, so the real answer here is, we have great recievers so we have options. You have no idea at any given time what we will do, and thats the point.
Options wins football games, not running it 40 times, or passing it 40 times a game. Balance is the key. And this year, more so then ever, we have that.
5. What players do you like to watch in the Imperial league?
I love this question. I love the game of football so I have many, but let me point out my favorites.
1. James Tart. I just love this guy. He lives and dies the game of football. Everything he does is great. he can kill ya with the outside run, or jam it between the tackles for 7. Catch the pass for first, or block the blitzing linebackers. This guy is just great!
2. Brian Cary. I love defensive football, and this guy is one of the greats. He is everywhere at once, rushing the passer, dropping back into coverage to break up a pass, or stopping the run. Planning for him is a nightmare, and where ever he is, you can be sure the football is near.
3. Jerald Harden. What an unselfish player. This guy just wants to win football games, and he will do whatever it takes to accomplish that. While he may not get any press, he doesn't care. I love this guy, he plays football like it should be played.
This has been outstanding Vic, and thanks for sitting down with me. Next time ya come to the bay area, you give me a call. Anything you want, I can get.
Now, I have a very motivated Texas team to plan for, so I better get to it!
Thanks Jave for your time and cooperation this week
Until next time,
Vic
Season Record
4-1
Career Record
33-30
Game of the Week
SLC @ CBA(-2)
With Julian Cartagena out, I see SLC taking this game. SLC has a potent offense and a great defense. CBA will be in tough at home this week. Look for James Tart to continue on his hot streak leading his team to victory.
ALB(-2) @ MUR
ALB is just too talented to lose for the 3rd straight time. MUR will struggle with their rookie QB. Look for newly acquired Scott Scharf to have a decent game
MON @ WV (-3)
In a battle of 1-1 teams, WV has the advantage at the most important position on the field. Sanders will pass his way to a Beasts victory
STL @ IWC (-1)
What a difference a year makes!. These two top AFC teams are both winless. STL will pull this one out due to the injuries that IWC have. I'd really like to see Beamer get the ball a little more. He will have to, if the Snipe Hunters have any shot at this one. Ultimately, STL wins its first game of the year.
Vic's Top 5 Teams
1.Vermont Mountaineers
2.Columbia Fire
3.Little Rock Toads
4.Salt Lake City Stallions
5.Oakland Assassins
Both SLC and OAK crack my top five teams this week. Again, most of this is based off of my perception of the teams with consideration given to the records of the teams over the last 2 weeks
News of of MUR..........The Mules may be looking to move TE Daniel Rich. Their goal would be to trade Rich for draft picks in order to add more pieces to work with Otis Peterson. Peterson and Rich have had some issues with eachother in their short time together. Rich is said to have asked the team to expore trade options. Rich is one of the best TE's in the league.
This week I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the more controversial owners in the Imperial league. Oakland GM Jave and I sat down, and here is the transcript
1. How is this team different from year's past?
Hello Vic, and first let me thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. While I didn't get a chance to see you at last Sundays game, your presence did not go unnoticed. We are proud of our new stadium and gave you the General Managers luxury box, as I was busy with the usual gameday activities. And a win on a beautiful day in the bay area by our Assassins sure made for a great weekend here in Oakland. But, on to business.
My goal from day one was stability Vic. I wanted a team of young, motivated players, that would be loyal to the organization, if we were loyal to them. We have great players, and we have average players, but they are all part of the family. Our turnover here in Oakland is less then 15% since this team was signed into the IFL, and I am very proud of that statistic, moreso then wins or losses, because the winning will come, but there has to be a base to build on first.
Our players know we believe in them, and thats they key to a successfull business. Your team is only as good has your players, and we want the best here in Oakland Vic. Our players are committed to this team, and this city. I couldn't be prouder!
2. Can this team make the playoffs, and a serious run at the Imperial Bowl?
Absolutly Vic, without a dought! You can look up and down this roster and see nothing but some of the best players in the league. This team has no weaknesses.
It's well known about the lofty goal of 3 years since the team was drafted to win the IFL, and were it not for nearly 50% of the starting lineup being seriously injuried last year Vic, we would have reached that. While most laugh at what they view a failure, I see only success. Were it not for that horrific season we would not have been able to bring in the outstanding additions to this years Oakland lineup. Lets talk about those for a second. How about Richard Mitchell. This mofo is one serious football player. You can see the fire in his eyes for this game! He is an absolute monster this year, just tearing up offensive lineman.
Or, Lance Delano. It's true, he will not play this season, but this is a pro-bowl player just waiting to for his chance. Next year, line him up with Mitchell and Nelson on the line, Oh My God, I cannot wait to see that!
Or lets talk about one of the best lineman in the league, Chad Jerome. This gives us the final addition to our offensive line we have so desperatly needed. Not only does Hamilton have time in the pocket to pass, but Lomeli now can choose which hole he WANTS to run through!
Year three a failure? I don't think so.
3. What happened with Wesley Connell?
We love Wesley, he was great here in Oakland. But the fact is, he was just not a good fit for this team. That was my mistake. After the success SLC had with Tart in 03', I forgot the vision I initially had for this team, and went after Connell with guns 'a' blazing! I assumed I could have success being a power running team like so many others in the league.
That is just not what we do well in Oakland. Bottom line! We run the ball strong here, but we have one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and are not going to ignore that.
Connell is a power back. Give him the ball 25-30 times a game, he will be in the hall of fame in 15 years. I guarantee it! But when you have a team with Hamilton, Bice and Martinez, we have other options. I am just happy he went to a team that will use him, and he felt the same way. It turned out to be a great trade for all involved.
4. How potent can this passing offense be with the likes of Hamilton, Bice, and Martinez?
Last year, I would have had a different answer for ya, but this year, the answer may suprise you.
Not Very.
Thats right, that was not a mistake. You can sit back in zone coverage and wait if you want to, but you will be dissapointed. We are not going to haul off and launch the ball 50 times a game because we have great recievers.
We have one of the best offensive lines in football, and a little fast son of a bitch named Lomeli who loves to run the rock, so the real answer here is, we have great recievers so we have options. You have no idea at any given time what we will do, and thats the point.
Options wins football games, not running it 40 times, or passing it 40 times a game. Balance is the key. And this year, more so then ever, we have that.
5. What players do you like to watch in the Imperial league?
I love this question. I love the game of football so I have many, but let me point out my favorites.
1. James Tart. I just love this guy. He lives and dies the game of football. Everything he does is great. he can kill ya with the outside run, or jam it between the tackles for 7. Catch the pass for first, or block the blitzing linebackers. This guy is just great!
2. Brian Cary. I love defensive football, and this guy is one of the greats. He is everywhere at once, rushing the passer, dropping back into coverage to break up a pass, or stopping the run. Planning for him is a nightmare, and where ever he is, you can be sure the football is near.
3. Jerald Harden. What an unselfish player. This guy just wants to win football games, and he will do whatever it takes to accomplish that. While he may not get any press, he doesn't care. I love this guy, he plays football like it should be played.
This has been outstanding Vic, and thanks for sitting down with me. Next time ya come to the bay area, you give me a call. Anything you want, I can get.
Now, I have a very motivated Texas team to plan for, so I better get to it!
Thanks Jave for your time and cooperation this week
Until next time,
Vic
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