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 | Vancouver Killer Whales Team Report |  |
SUMMARY:
Last year's record: 9-7
Key Losses: QB Tobias Stanfield, DC Bob Peebles
Key Additions: QB Winston Scott
Last year's record of 9-7 was one of the most successful in the K-Whales history. However, the K-Whales were 6-3 after beating their arch-rival DevilDogs and looking toward the playoffs when Stanfield's arm began to break down and the Whales went 1-4. Todd Gunther stepped in to lead the Whales to 2 victories to close out the season. This led many observers to conclude that Gunther would be handed the keys to the team for 2018. However, the Whales instead decided to bring in Winston Scott of Wichita for an interview. Scott impressed the coaching staff and he was quickly signed and has been designated the starter heading into training camp - much to Gunther's dismay.
Draft and Training Camp
Much of the early enthusiasm generated from last year has been tempered by a disappointing training camp. The team had high hopes that 2nd round pick Marc Kelly would become the starting TE, but he had a horrible camp, going from 23/60 to 23/48. 1st round WR Al Wormeck didn't fare much better - dropping from 37/59 to 40/55. This has intensified the criticism of the FO for not taking Winston Stuart instead. None of the other draft picks from this year or last showed any boom potential either.
Position Report
QB: As long as Scott stays healthy, the position appears solid.
RB/FB: Two capable but unspectacular RBs will hopefully perform well enough to keep defenses honest. Unfortunately, it appears that pro-bowl FB Harris Lindsay's best days are behind him.
WR/TE: A WR concentration in the draft for the past 2 years has not produced the game breaker than Vancouver desperately needs. However, the young players should form a solid WR corp.
O-line: A mediocre unit. It doesn't appear that a late round pick and a FA will make the squad. Vancouver may scour the waiver-wire to find some help.
D-line: Some of the old stars of Vancouver's defense have retired or are on their last legs. Recent picks headlined by Willie Peterson and Rex Ralph have replenished the line, but it doesn't appear any new superstars are on the rise.
LBs: MLB Nitschke looks to his left, and then looks to his right, and realizes that he IS the linebacking corps.
Defensive Backfield: SS Justin Warren still anchors this solid unit. Not much change here.
Outlook: Poor drafting the last 3 years has put a lot of pressure on the veterans and the front office. Another concern is the lack of continuity at QB - 4 different starters on opening day in 4 years. Still, there is some optimism that with Scott at the helm, this team may be able to challenge for the NC west crown.
Was he at his lower limit or did you not try to reduce his weight?
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