PFL Half-season report card

PFL 2019-20 Half-season report card

by Ryan Sollis

After ten weeks of action, everyone has completed nine games in league play. We have graded all 16 teams’ progress to date:

PFL EAST

Landor 96ers (6-3) – B+

The 96ers have been a great defensive team, led by DE Vin Marshall, who has become an elite pass rusher. The offence is still good, but there are signs that veteran QB Kurt Sierra is perhaps coming to the finish line sooner rather than later.

Adelphia Phoenix (6-3) B

The Phoenix went 4-0 and then 0-3, followed by 2-0! They  have been very patchy as they adjust to the new running game and with Matt Kelly making more conservative plays down the stretch. The team could make a second half run to the play-offs.

New Chester Knights (5-4) B-

The Knights have more talent than there record suggests, perhaps like the Cowboys in the NFL? Anyhow, the Knights have lost two games by late field goals, so they could just as easily have been 7-2 and on top the division. Probably good money to sneak in the final play-off spot if they don’t win the division.

Melborg Giants (3-6) C

Moving on from the Chase Hand era and into the “Tom2” Tom Tomkowski one has not been smooth. This so far has not proved to be a good marriage.  Will need to massively pick up their hustle to make any headway this year.

 

PFL CENTRAL

Chakota Wasps (5-4) B+

This team is about where we thought they would be. It will be a dogfight in this division, so they will need to win in-division to make it through. Have a slight upper hand as two home divisional games left. QB Trent Harris has become a game manager for the Wasps.

Oakland Ravens (5-4) B

The Ravens have impressed with rookies in prominent positions. This could prove to be a problem late in the season, when the pressure is really on. A dark horse.

Rochester Trojans (4-5) C+

The Trojans started off 2-0 and off to the races, but then the fire ran out and they have been iffy ever since. Need to finish off divisional dogfights to advance, 9 year veteran QB Ryan Bruce has proven before he can get the job done. The question is… will they?

Tallasseas Oilers (2-7) D-

Not a good look for a team that should have had more fight than this. The legacy is tarnished, the forwards on both sides of the ball are losing the battle. A lack of nastiness in the trenches means that they are just waiting for top picks next season!

 

PFL NORTH

Caligara Bulldogs (6-3)  A-

The Bulldogs have had two silly losses out of their three so far. They will likely adjust for them in the second half of the season. Will be stronger in the colder weather. Sitting atop the division and bossing the other about.

Ballymore Tigers (4-5) C

Tough championship hangover for the defending Bowl winners. They haven’t hit their stride yet and time is running out if they want to try and defend their championship. Tough defence is not as sharp as in the playoffs last time around.  Adjustments needed.

Harteford Hawks (4-5) B- 

The Hawks get a B- as they have massively imroved on the 2-16 team from two years ago. Not looking like contenders, but looking more like a pro football team once again.

Iomagh Steelers (1-8) D-

We’re being charitable to not give an F. After last years debacle, so much of the same has followed. Looking good for the no 1 draft pick in the summer though!

 

PFL WEST

San Angelo Miners (8-1) A+

The Miners are top of the class in the first half of 19-20. QB Brandon Mullen is mixing great efficient passing with their solid ground game. The defence is astonishing- Ezekiel Winters clogs up the middle of the line, allowing everyone else to get their shots/tackles in. Favourites for the title as of now.

Hallas Stars (6-3) B+

New  Quarterback, new defensive backs, no problem. The Stars have QB Chase Hand at the helm and he is steering them onwards and upwards. The new look team have some wrinkles to iron out before the play-offs, but unless they can catch the Miners, will be a top runner-up.

St. George Sharks (5-4)

The Sharks need to smell blood earlier in games, often trailing at half-time. If they can get their noses in front, they should compete for a play-off place. Difficult road ahead.

Eregon Eagles (2-7) C+

Actually playing better than their record suggests. The problem has been a strong divison, where they are 0-3. Competitive outside of their division, but all results matter.