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The 7 time NC South division champion Tigerhawks had an unusually quiet offseason. This was brought on by a lack of draft picks (previously traded) and a lack of cap room. The Tigerhawk management has been openly speaking of "one more run" at a title. But things will be much more difficult brought upon by the previously mentioned shortfalls. That said, the team is a veteran squad with lots of talent on the roster. Their death has been prematurely reported. But lets get on with a quick recap of the happenings this offseason.
Key Losses:
Center Ernest Poston retired after 14 seasons in the league. He was an important member of the Tigerhawks offensive line. He could play center or guard. His versatility was important in keeping the offensive line firing.
Defensive end David Prescott also retired. Prescott was a menace to opposing offenses. He was a very disruptive force on the defensive line. His retirement was a surprise to management. The organization was sorry to see him leave.
Key Gains:
Guard Floyd Winslett was signed from Oakland. He will fill the hole left by Poston. Winslett is a veteran player that is very good at pass blocking. He should slide into a starting role.
Cornerback Derek Peeler was signed from Little Rock. He will play nickel for the team. He has decent cover skills. That will help as the defensive backfield needs depth.
Offensive Focus:
The team has morphed into a pass first team. It revolves around QB Matt Sanford and his stable of dynamic receivers. This will continue into 2020. But lets not forget the huge milestone RB Ken "DH" Singleton is approaching. Singleton will break the career rushing yards mark at some point this season. Singleton has been the best back the IFL has ever seen and this record is icing on the cake. But the focus will continue to be on the passing game. "The greatest treat on wheat" is still very much alive. Tulsa will live and die by the pass.
Defensive Focus:
A classic bend but dont break philosophy continues in Tulsa. The line was weakened by the unexpected retirement of David Prescott. The team didnt sign a replacement, hoping to fill the hole from within. The team will rely on Timothy Macri and D.J. Barrios to pressure the QB and the talented safeties to help in pass coverage. The team is hoping to score a lot of points this season.
Draft:
The team had a 5th, 6th and 7th round pick. The rest of the picks were traded away. The players chosen were picked to fill holes. They came into camp and were disappointing. They all made the roster, but will probably see limited time this season.
Prognosis:
The team should be able to put together one more division title and has an outside chance at winning a title. The pass game must excel or it will be a long season. Defensively, the team needs to hang on and let the offense get back on the field. A division title is a probable, beyond that, the team will have to get hot in the playoffs.
Key Losses:
Center Ernest Poston retired after 14 seasons in the league. He was an important member of the Tigerhawks offensive line. He could play center or guard. His versatility was important in keeping the offensive line firing.
Defensive end David Prescott also retired. Prescott was a menace to opposing offenses. He was a very disruptive force on the defensive line. His retirement was a surprise to management. The organization was sorry to see him leave.
Key Gains:
Guard Floyd Winslett was signed from Oakland. He will fill the hole left by Poston. Winslett is a veteran player that is very good at pass blocking. He should slide into a starting role.
Cornerback Derek Peeler was signed from Little Rock. He will play nickel for the team. He has decent cover skills. That will help as the defensive backfield needs depth.
Offensive Focus:
The team has morphed into a pass first team. It revolves around QB Matt Sanford and his stable of dynamic receivers. This will continue into 2020. But lets not forget the huge milestone RB Ken "DH" Singleton is approaching. Singleton will break the career rushing yards mark at some point this season. Singleton has been the best back the IFL has ever seen and this record is icing on the cake. But the focus will continue to be on the passing game. "The greatest treat on wheat" is still very much alive. Tulsa will live and die by the pass.
Defensive Focus:
A classic bend but dont break philosophy continues in Tulsa. The line was weakened by the unexpected retirement of David Prescott. The team didnt sign a replacement, hoping to fill the hole from within. The team will rely on Timothy Macri and D.J. Barrios to pressure the QB and the talented safeties to help in pass coverage. The team is hoping to score a lot of points this season.
Draft:
The team had a 5th, 6th and 7th round pick. The rest of the picks were traded away. The players chosen were picked to fill holes. They came into camp and were disappointing. They all made the roster, but will probably see limited time this season.
Prognosis:
The team should be able to put together one more division title and has an outside chance at winning a title. The pass game must excel or it will be a long season. Defensively, the team needs to hang on and let the offense get back on the field. A division title is a probable, beyond that, the team will have to get hot in the playoffs.
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