PFL West 2017 Preview

Season 2017-18 | PFL West

In the West, they will be happy to have lost the Bulldogs in the re-classification this off-season. They proved pesky in divisional ties all year round. With the Eagles still a little unknown (and maybe paying for trading away the prospect of Vin Marshall) we think it comes down to the other three this year. Hallas lost the Crystal Bowl in March, but have lost before and come back. Adversity is not always a speciality of Saint George or San Angelo- which is why we give the Stars the edge in here.

EREGON EAGLES

The Eagles traded the number one pick- the chance of having Vin Marshall to gain some players with experience. Will they come to rue that day? They have a decent attack now and with Play-making midfielder Jeff Holliday bouncing back from injury, should be much improved from their disastrous 2016 (2-16 record). The defence can be stout- i they all put their shifts in. Is this enough to make any waves in a pass-friendly division? Can they cover everybody? We don’t think they’ll do enough this year.
Predicted finish: 4th

HALLAS STARS

Hallas are Crystal Bowl contenders, so have to figure to be in the top two for 2017. With Drew Williams having more weapons than just Amani Sanders- it seems a little unfair on pass coverage defences this year. They keep tinkering with the defence to keep pass protection confused, with crazy blitzes or zones springing up from time to time. The Stars should play a starring role in 2017, getting back should not be too difficult. No CB losing hangover for them.
Predicted finish: 1st

SAINT GEORGE SHARKS

The Sharks are ready, coming off a mildly disappointing 2016- with Trent Harris behind Centre. This is time for this team to preach togetherness, no more arguing on the sidelines or too the media (or social media). If they can get behind one-another for 18+plus games, will be in the final four. There, we said it.
Predicted finish: 2nd

SAN ANGELO MINERS

Poor San Angelo, after winning Crystal Bowl XLV it’s been tough for them. Brandon Mullen needs better protection from an ageing line. Will some new blood be enough to keep them battling for their QB? Defensive backfield is questionable, but otherwise is blessed with enough talent up front on defence. Just missing out on play-offs due to losing close divisional ties.
Predicted finish: 3rd

PFL North 2017 Preview

2017-18 Previews | PFL North

The PFL North is the home of smashmouth football in the PFL. The problem, sometimes is that they spend so much time beating up eachother that they don’t really make any moves in the post-season. It is a development year for both Harteford and Iomagh, so it is really between Ballymore and Caligara for the divisional title. This is the one division where we feel second place may not get you in the play-offs.

BALLYMORE TIGERS

The Tigers had a bad run last year, with a injury plague tearing apart the often stifling defence. When they had the ball, plays often broke down too quickly, meaning Bo Mills took a lot of unnecessary shots. Better forward play will make this team play-off bound. We think they might just make it.
Predicted finish: 2nd

CALIGARA BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs bounced back last season, following some dire performances since Sean Wallace retired in 2012. Zack Slater has arrived! The Slater-2-(Seth) Slater combo has opened up the attack nicely. The defence is a tough as always, perhaps even nastier than before. Should make enough early ground to win-out this division.
Predicted finish: 1st

HARTEFORD HAWKS

Harteford can always surprise you, but not this year. The new logo will look great, but don’t think it’ll bring any razzle-dazzle to this somewhat stagnant team.
Predicted finish: 3rd

IOMAGH STEELERS

Iomagh haven’t been that great for a few years now. The continued instability at the front office and at QB means we are not set for another dynasty , yet, or perhaps even for a while. Cam Rogers was let go, which was a chancey move. Read: Development year.
Predicted finish: 4th

PFL East 2017 Preview

Previews | PFL East

This division holds the reigning PFL champions and a team that’s gone to the big game in three of the past five seasons. With Melborg always looking competitive, what have New Jorg got themselves in to here?

ADELPHIA PHOENIX

Adelphia’s window of remaining great is shortening- players like Matt Kelly can continue, but replacements for the all-down back Marshall Knight and the receiving corps will be essential soon. The defence is marshalled my Micheal Keys in the middle and barring injuries, this team is ready for at least one more big run.
Predicted finish: 2nd

LANDOR KNIGHTS

Elijah (Brooks, QB) finally showed everyone that he is not just a regular season Quarterback. No, he is for real. This season he will be looking to replicate his athletic moves and tremendous decision making from last season. He ran the attack so efficiently last term, that the remainder of the league struggled with option plays and bubble screens. On Defence, a few changes up front may take time to bed in. Might not be a 18-0 team , but will surely be in the play-offs to defend their crown.
Predicted finish: 1st

MELBORG GIANTS

The defence carried them last year, and the team will be looking for some playmakers out wide to take the pressure off QB Chase Hand. Hand is really, really good, but can he be great thus year? That’s the question for him and his co-ordinators this time around. Solid ground game should stay solid, whilst the ‘D’ never gives up on a play.
Predicted finish: 3rd (possible play-off spot)

NEW JORG 96ERS

New Jorg join this division at a time when they have not been too competitive. The 96ers have lost one good QB and gained another one though, with the pick up of Kurt Sierra from Harteford. Sierra will have to learn the offensive system quickly and is expected to start- and maybe coach up his replacement in the next year or so (tough world for PFL QBs). Star rookie DE Vin Marshall will wreck havoc on this division’s forward lines- but it won’t be enough, at least for this year.
Predicted finish: 4th