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USA Today Sports, has been closley following the IFL since the league began 4 years ago. It was discussed many times during that span weither or not we were going to cover this league, as this would require such a huge investment of reporters and a serious investment of time.
During last season however, the current companies involved with covering the league did such a horrendous job, to the point that around midway through the year, they just abandoned the reporting altogether, we felt it was our duty to step in and provide a fair, accurate, and unbias analysis of the teams in this league.
We will began the coverage this year with a look at the top 5 teams in this league, as reported to us by our coverage team in the field. So without further ranting, lets get started!
Best Of The Best. Preseason rankings.
1.Norfolk Vipers
Untill they, or someone else proves otherwise, no one can argue the Vipers being unanimous choice to start the season in the top spot. Comming off an outstanding victory over a tough Oakland team to win the IFL bowl, they have done nothing but improve their squad in the offseason, and in our minds, are on track to repeat as IFL Champions.
2. Little Rock Toads
Despite winning 12 games last year, the Toads were upset in the playoffs by JC and the Columbia Fire. While this was a setback, the Toads used the extra time to study the draft and free agency and jump right back into our rankings by making key offseason moves and getting themselves well prepared for 07'.
We do have a bit of advice for L.R. Pssst, hey, it takes more then great athletes to win a championship! Stop overspending and pay attention to the details.
3. Columbia Fire
While this may be the last time you see the Fire ranked this high, we find it diffucult to rank a team with JC any lower at this point. The greatest quarterback in IFL history returns with a vengence this year, and with wideouts Justin Whitaker and Mercury Halbert, it's hard to bet against them. We are concerned with the front office however. We are not sure where exactly they are going with the offseason moves, and worse, we are not sure they know where they are going either! The multitude of moves made each year, with no real idea behind them, leads us to believe they are just bored in the offseason and moving people for the sake of moving them. Keep an eye on the Fire this year. This could catch up with them!
4.Anchorage Lynx
The Lynx look to rebound strong from a dissapointing loss to Norfolk in the playoffs. They have all the weapons, and a strong gameplan to take them deep into the playoffs this year. With underrated QB Leslie Steiner, and DT Stewart Lundquist running the show, you can't go wrong rooting for them. Look for the Lynx to improve on last year and post a 13 win season and a possible trip to the IFL bowl.
5. Oakland Assassins
Last year IFL runner-up could fall hard this year with any serious injuries to the team. But it's hard to bet against them as they return pretty much the entire team for another run. With SLC going on a trading spree and Reno rebuilding, look for the Assassins to repeat as NC West Divisions Champions. Their dream of an IFL Championship could crumble if the injury bug hits them at all however. They are beyond thin and out of cash to do anything about it. We will be watching them!
NOTE: We understand this is a very generic ranking. Preseason ranking are rarley accurate, and require a ton of speculation, so look for more detailed reporting and possibily a top 10 once the preseason draws to a close.
During last season however, the current companies involved with covering the league did such a horrendous job, to the point that around midway through the year, they just abandoned the reporting altogether, we felt it was our duty to step in and provide a fair, accurate, and unbias analysis of the teams in this league.
We will began the coverage this year with a look at the top 5 teams in this league, as reported to us by our coverage team in the field. So without further ranting, lets get started!
Best Of The Best. Preseason rankings.
1.Norfolk Vipers
Untill they, or someone else proves otherwise, no one can argue the Vipers being unanimous choice to start the season in the top spot. Comming off an outstanding victory over a tough Oakland team to win the IFL bowl, they have done nothing but improve their squad in the offseason, and in our minds, are on track to repeat as IFL Champions.
2. Little Rock Toads
Despite winning 12 games last year, the Toads were upset in the playoffs by JC and the Columbia Fire. While this was a setback, the Toads used the extra time to study the draft and free agency and jump right back into our rankings by making key offseason moves and getting themselves well prepared for 07'.
We do have a bit of advice for L.R. Pssst, hey, it takes more then great athletes to win a championship! Stop overspending and pay attention to the details.
3. Columbia Fire
While this may be the last time you see the Fire ranked this high, we find it diffucult to rank a team with JC any lower at this point. The greatest quarterback in IFL history returns with a vengence this year, and with wideouts Justin Whitaker and Mercury Halbert, it's hard to bet against them. We are concerned with the front office however. We are not sure where exactly they are going with the offseason moves, and worse, we are not sure they know where they are going either! The multitude of moves made each year, with no real idea behind them, leads us to believe they are just bored in the offseason and moving people for the sake of moving them. Keep an eye on the Fire this year. This could catch up with them!
4.Anchorage Lynx
The Lynx look to rebound strong from a dissapointing loss to Norfolk in the playoffs. They have all the weapons, and a strong gameplan to take them deep into the playoffs this year. With underrated QB Leslie Steiner, and DT Stewart Lundquist running the show, you can't go wrong rooting for them. Look for the Lynx to improve on last year and post a 13 win season and a possible trip to the IFL bowl.
5. Oakland Assassins
Last year IFL runner-up could fall hard this year with any serious injuries to the team. But it's hard to bet against them as they return pretty much the entire team for another run. With SLC going on a trading spree and Reno rebuilding, look for the Assassins to repeat as NC West Divisions Champions. Their dream of an IFL Championship could crumble if the injury bug hits them at all however. They are beyond thin and out of cash to do anything about it. We will be watching them!
NOTE: We understand this is a very generic ranking. Preseason ranking are rarley accurate, and require a ton of speculation, so look for more detailed reporting and possibily a top 10 once the preseason draws to a close.
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