Peeze’s Playbook (Div D) – Week 5 – FlagPlus Football League

Earlier today, I received a brown envelope form the Canadian Revenue Agency. I was fearful and somewhat excited. Each paycheck they remove a hefty some of my earnings and as I held the envelope firmly in my grasp I asked myself “what more can they possibly take?” I was pleasantly surprised to see that I would be getting a direct deposit of 3.55$. What a great start to the last gameday of week 6.

Thursday’s Recap

Again!?!?!?!!

I’m sure that chief statistician/expert knob turner The Eagle at Master Control would probably say that I’m way off base; however, I think there are an insane amount of ties this season. Eagle would probably have you believe that it is on par with past seasons but that’s probably because his own team has been responsible for 2 of them.

Yet, another week another tie. The Warriors surprised Project Mayhem and kept up with one of the division’s preseason front-runners in a 34-34 tie. In my midseason breakdown I said that the Warriors had to make a decision at quarterback. It appears as though they’ve done so. Alex Da Silva has brought his previous divison 3 experience and knowledge and looks ready to play. Throwing for 5 touchdowns in this one, he allowed the Warriors to keep pace for the entire game. In the past DaSilva has had trouble protecting the ball and has thrown more interceptions than is typically expected should a team want to succeed. However, if he can keep the ball away from his opponents as he did in this one the Warriors may have solved their quarterbacking issue.

On the other hand, Project Mayhem’s offense also came ready to play. James Nowakoski caught 4 touchdowns in this game, which no brings his season total to 11. Glancing at the stat sheet one would be wise to notice that, after a little over half way through the season, he has already eclipsed his season high in touchdowns. Moreover, with another 14 catches and 3 receiving yards (which I completely expect him to attain) he will have had his best season in FPF. The offense however, is not the problem. The problem is that Mayhem cannot seem to get many stops on defense this season. In addition to the points scored against, their alarming lack of takeaways is troublesome. If the mayhem is to spread as it did last spring, they will need to resolve this as soon as possible.

Hell on Wheels

So, I’ve been really critical of Avi Yayon this season. I have had some reason to, as the 14 interceptions is cause for some concern. As a matter of fact Avi has only played n one game where he has turned the ball over less than 3 times. That being said he has thrown 29 touchdowns and that is equally notable. So far Wheel of Fish have been able to overcome the turnovers and have looked more impressive than expected. So imagine a game where Yayon does not throw an interception. Imagine, if you will, a in that game, Yayon throws 5 touchdowns. Well, you wouldn’t have to imagine it if you were present to watch the 32-19 beatdown as WOF took it to Ballz Deep. Now armed with two Viens (Frédéric and Marc-Antoine). The ever-turning Wheel of Fish seems to be on a roll.

Ballz Deep looks to be in more trouble with each passing week. After having taken over the reigns in the second half Vinny Gaulano did lead Ballz Deep to 19 second half points. However, by this point is was much too late. One would wonder if this move will be more permanent moving forward or if this will be the wakeup call that Anthony Pitoscia needs to kick him into gear. Either way, it is decision time, because, looking ahead, Ballz Deep schedule looks unrelenting.

Mongoose Run Out of Gotham

The Gotham Knights are a tough team to gauge. In weeks we expect them to get rolled they rise to the occasion. In other weeks, the winged footballers, simply do not show up. In a game faced up against one of the divisions stronger teams the Gotham Knights looked every bit the part of a division leader. Despite throwing two interceptions, two Gaudet’s 0, “Big-Bat” Candussi looked calm and collected. Hitting Mayers for three touchdowns and brother Mikey Candussi for another two he led the Gotham Knights to a 33-31 win. Another potential shortcoming for the Gotham Knights to overcome was their inability to convert after touchdowns. It may be unconventional but the Gotham Knights have been getting it done.

The Mongoose have lost three close games in this one and that is something that they can hang their hat on. However, losing close games is usually not a positive omen heading into the playoffs. The Mongoose have been getting solid production from their usual suspects but as I predictied in earlier articles, they continue to rely on Cedric ‘Brass’ Nuckle to make their offense tick. Scoring one receiving touchdown and another on the ground. The Mongoose have won 2 of their last 3 games but more impressive is that they finally seem to have their offense performing at the same level we are used to seeing.

5 Plays ‘till Halftime

As he does every week the Eagle at Master Control sends me 5 questions that I try to answer with the least amount of forthought possible. Such a task is quite easy for me when you consider how little I think on a regular basis.

1. In your articles, you often make the same mistake with Severino Nappi’s name. You often call him Sergio Nappi, why is that?

If I see Severino Nappi I need to apologize to him. I have often made that mistake because the first player that I met from the Big Blue Wrecking Crew was Sergio Sicoli. I have since been told that the two are as close as brothers so I don’t feel quite as bad as I should. Severino, please feel free to call me Sergio as well.

2. In your mid-season breakdown, you predicted that no team would go 10-0. Why do you feel that it would be unlikely?

Having been on a team that went 10-0 last season, I recognize how difficult such a feat is. It is not necessarily the team that has the most talent that can go undefeated. In fact, if a team were to go 10-0 it would be a testament to their football IQ, their chemistry and that they have the matchups remaining on their schedule where they can see success. As this is the toughest talent pool division D has ever seen I do not think this is possible.

3. Who is the most underrated team heading beyond the halfway point of the season?
Playground is really strong. They are at 2-3 but were given one of, if not the toughest, first half schedule of the division. However, their schedule does not let up at all. They will need to win some tough matches down the stretch or they will be the best team to not make the playoffs.

4. Is the season over for teams that have less than 2 wins?
Given that the division is quite tight I think that 5 wins should get a team into the playoffs, it isn’t to late but they will need to have a magical end to the season in order to sniff the second season. Black Ice, Underdogs, Shamrocks, Warriors, Black Mambas, and PXS, don’t give up just yet.

5. We are now in BBQ season, what are your favorite Hamburger Toppings?

Grilled lemon fennel, fig and balsamic reduction with arugula and chopped onions. Once you have one of these babies you will never go back!

Tuesday’s Headlines Today

Busting Makes Me Feel Good

Ok, so this is an obscure lyric from the Ghostbusters OST. Nay, let us consider it the Ghostbuster’s anthem. Nonetheless, I think the Shamrocks will defeat the Ghosts this week. For the Shamrocks, they’ve reached a do or die portion of the season where every game may as well be there last. The Ghosts seem to have some roster issues and while I do like new quarterback Francois Martin, I do think it does take some time to develop chemistry with one’s receivers. I don’t think they’ve had ample time to build that.

Pardon Me

The Vikings are coming off a huge shutout win against the Warriors. However, my prediction is that they come into this one a little underprepared and a little too cocky. Look for a strong, yet underachieving PMS to bring them back down to reality. I don’t think anyone on the Vikings can cover Karl Lavallee and I think that their team speed and athleticism will give Vikings quarterback Rick Cummins a great deal of difficulty.

X-Men Prove to be X-Pert Dogcatchers

What happened to dogcatchers? They were entirely the craze during the 90’s if Saturday morning cartoons were any barometer of their prevalence in every day life. In any case I think the X-Men will bring them back when they matchup against the Underdogs this week. The Underdogs have not looked great this season and the X-Men, while not as overpowered as initially believed are still a strong top tier team. I think their defense will give Chris Olson trouble. I hope so in any case, because my fantasy team relies heavily on the success of their defense and their ability to take the ball away.

Going for 1/Going for 2

At this point in the season it may be best to stay cautious. I choose to go for one. This week I tee off on the subject of theft.

Ever since I have been a player in this league I have seen postings on the FPF Facebook wall about players having items stolen from them and cars being broken into, etc. This is particularly bothersome to me. When I roam the sidelines I meet many players, all of whom are happy to engage in conversation and talk about, the league, their team or weekly flag gossip.

It gives one the sense of community. Is this sense merely an illusion? I truly hope not. Petty theft is ridiculous especially given the circumstance where we ban together on a weekly basis to live out our fantasies of being professional football players. Unfortunately, some have taken to the idea of being small time thugs. For the 99% of players who are truly good, honest people, don’t let this get you down. If you see anyone at the fields or around the complex who seems to be poking around other peoples belongings or vehicles, please alert league authorities to let us know what you see.

Weekend Wrap-up

Bouncing up and down to some sweet, but seemingly ancient 2 Live Crew hits I anxiously await yet another action packed day. My experience is my own; let me know how you enjoyed week 6 by emailing me at [email protected] or on Twitter @PeezeFPF.

The Division D edition of ‘Calling the Audible’ is getting better and better as the weeks go on and I will, for the first time ever be cohosting, via skype on location at some north of the city St.Jean related activities. Join Terry Tam (@TerryTamFPF) and I (as well as some potentially inebriated guests) as we combine in-depth analysis with bizarre, anarchic, conversation by subscribing via iTunes or at http://fpf.podomatic.com. Have fun; see you at the fields, and thank you for letting me be myself.