Team Preview: Amsterdam Hammers

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December 27, 2010

Amsterdam may be best known for some conspicuous substances, but the Hammers may change the shape of that thinking if they can strike quickly. The Hammers are going to be lead by head coach Chris Beatty, who is known for producing and utilizing some explosive players like Percy Harvin and Noel Devine. He will probably love C.J. Spiller then, who is one of the most explosive backs int he draft. Beatty is a players coach who is a good motivator and can simply see talent and develop it.

But the strength of the Hammers lies in the overall balance of the team. There are no real weaknesses to the team. Teams may be able to run the ball against them, but defensive coordinator Keith Butler will make sure his defense is as tough as the Steel Curtain defense he played on. The secondary certainly has some great talent. But they gamble a little too much and can be burnt badly against teams with good offensive lines and quarterbacks.

The defense's strength will be its toughness. B.J. Raji is a wall and Phillip Merling and Jared Odrick each can occupy multiple blockers. That means the best player on the defense, Brian Orakpo, is free to rush into the backfield and hit the quarterback or knock down the running back. Orakpo could get 10 sacks in this defense and really scare quarterbacks and force teams to use extra blockers. Sergio Kindle can come from the other side too. Rolando McClain will be free to rack up tackles behind the massive line and eat up ball carriers.

Offensive coordinator Norm Chow should be excited about the offense. He has an excellent quarterback to build around in Josh Freeman and one of the most talented receivers in Michael Crabtree. As mentioned earlier, C.J. Spiller will be a threat at all times, but there are concerns about the workload he can handle. And Laurence Maroney isn't exactly the ideal workhorse to rely on. Speedy receiver Golden Tate is a deep threat Freeman can hit every once every so often, while tight end Zach Miller is a perfect underneath guy to pass to. The offensive line will be tough to get through, lead by first round pick Michael Oher. The line is a mean bunch with maulers Max Unger, Andre Smith, and Anthony Davis. The Hammers may not be considered a power, brute force team, but they have the dynamic players on both sides of the ball to create some excitement and energy.

This team could start slow trying to find what works for them on both sides of the ball. But once this team gains some momentum, watch out. They could catch fire and make some other smoke in Amsterdam.

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Eight Rounds In

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December 20, 2010

We're in the middle of round 8 now and teams are starting to have their identities form.

Bruschi: "Right. Some teams have distinct personalities. You look at a team like Barcelona and the defense they're building. It looks like an All-Star defense. Of course, they have one player on offense, but with a defense like that, they can keep the game close at least and maybe even be straight up dominant."

Fridge: "Well look at the New Jersey Shore. They have two big tackles bookending the offensive line. They know the game is won in the trenches and I really like that. Plus, they've got a defense that can match, if not better, Barcelona's. It looks like each conference is going to have one dominant defense while all the other teams are balanced or offense heavy."

Lynch: "Every other team has so many weapons. If I was still playing it would be hard game planning for all these dynamic players."

Bruschi: "Oh yeah. I would have trouble keeping up with all these guys who are so big, strong, fast, and smart. These guys are so talented and these coaches are so smart that they would pick apart guys like us, John."

Lynch: "Yup. I would still lay the wood on these young guys, though. So many teams are dangerous on offense. They all seem pretty equal right now. I think its going to be the guys picked in the later rounds that step up and perform like All-Pros that will be the difference."

BS: "Watch out for London. They have one skill player in MSW. But they have a quarterback who has been lauded for all of his intangibles. They have a complete offensive line that will grade out as the best at the end of the draft. And with that combination, Bradford will find anyone, no matter who they are where they were drafted. I'm really liking London."

Alright, guys. Pick your World Bowl favorite as of right now through 8 rounds.

Bruschi: Virgin Islands "A complete linebacker corps along with a shutdown corner makes one hell of a defense. They have two running backs who are very different and can be used in many different ways, making it difficult to game plan for."

Fridge: New Jersey "They can pound the ball with Moreno and behind two huge tackles. They have a bone-crushing defense that will knock ballcarriers' heads off."

Lynch: Cuyahoga Falls "Having the most dynamic running back paired up with a deep receiving threat plus the quarterback with strongest arm will mean this team can score from anywhere. They built a solid defense with two good safeties as blankets."

Me: Upland "A balanced team that can adjust to attack any team's weaknesses is very dangerous. Also, having one of the best quarterbacks helps in those close games when you need to hold onto the ball or need a quick drive."

Simmons: Myrtle Beach "Ryan is going to be the Tom Brady of this league and he has some outstanding targets to throw to. The defense has a few good players, to lean on, too."

No team is the clear favorite and that's how it should be. Once we get a better idea of the teams, more picks will be made. Keep the strong drafting up.

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Eric Berry Is The Pick

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December 19, 2010

"There are many people who view this pick as a reach. Not only do I disagree with that, but I think getting Eric where we got him was a steal. Eric is a gamer and has dominated everywhere he has played. He was an elite high school player and then he dominated at Tennessee, racking up over 240 tackles and 14 interceptions in just three seasons. He's versatile, fast, and can hit hard. We love everything about him. We believe Brandon and Eric will be quite the tandem in the secondary."

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Starting To Move

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December 18, 2010

Well guys, we're 3 rounds in and teams are starting to take shape. Have there been any big surprises so far? 

Fridge: "Yeah, the lack of running backs selected has been strange. Just four. They can be the workhorse of an offense and every team needs a good running game to win. Running backs can tote the rock reliably on every play and wear down a defense. That's how you win football."

Lynch: "I think it was smart to draft a QB early like many teams did. There is a pretty big drop off after Henne and the prospects aren't very enticing. But Sanchez being picked so early was a surprise too. But I guess had to get their guys and they were willing to risk it. That's what the draft is all about."

BS: "There have been no scandals! Where are all the stories about money-grabbing agents, free cars, strip clubs, and gun fights! I want some of those. Sidebar: This league seems like it could either explode or explode...in a good way. Every owner is basically Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones. Now imagine if the NBA or NFL was full of owners like that? What would happen? I think the players would go insane. Actually, the players would love it. The coaches and refs would go insane though. Owners barking in their ears every game would have to suck. Good luck to them."

Bruschi: "Lots of smart picks. I love them. Most of the players seem to complement each other quite well. And that is smart drafting and building a team. Each team is going to have that unique style to them and that's what's so great about this new league."

The WFL is starting to move. I hope these teams conducted their pre-draft interviews because the inevitable dirt will be dug up on these players. Someone is going to have that unsavory picture on their phone or Facebook. And you can tune in here to get the news



Kanin Harden on Brandon Flowers

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December 18, 2010

"We value cornerbacks highly and Brandon was at the top of our board. I realized many scouts had other players ranked ahead of him, but we didn't want to run the risk of waiting another round for him. Brandon isn't the biggest or fastest of players, but he's a fierce competitor who can lockdown receivers. He is great in coverage, as well as in run support. Despite his small size, he can really lay the wood. A funny story is Matt, who played against Brandon in college, actually came into my office last night and was lobbying for him. I told him I had him at the top of my board and he was excited. He didn't want to have to play against him."

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Trojans Direction

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December 18, 2010
 

Heading into the second day of the draft, the Trojans were unsure which direction they were headed in. Well, when halfback fell to them at the bottom of round 3, they pulled the trigger and brought him to Tallahassee. "Forte is perfect for our type of offense! He can run the ball well, and catch passes out of the backfield. Plus getting him at the end of the third is a steal!" says Owner/GM Ed LeFurge. The Trojans now had their minds set to defense, but when the opportunity arose to trade up and take their favorite wide receiver, Hakeem Nicks, they could not resist. Then four picks later, another wide receiver caught their eye. Dez Bryant out of OSU brings both the ability to make the big play in the passing game, and the return game! But Owner/GM Ed LeFurge did say, "The league isn't focused on drafting defense right now. Out of the first three rounds, only ten of the thirty players were defenders. I mine as well go with the flow and stake my offense while I have the chance!" LeFurge later said that he looks forward to what his team will be able to do both in the air and on the ground. No one will know for sure how this team will play until the season kicks off week one against London!

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Crabs Owner on Matt Ryan

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December 18, 2010

"We're thrilled to been able to land the first overall pick and select Matt. He's everything we want in a franchise quarterback. There are quarterbacks out there with better arms, but Ryan makes up for it with his intangibles, which off the chart; better than any other player in this draft, in my eyes. He is a great person and leader and we love that about him. His work ethic is incredible. He is cool under pressure, hence the nickname 'Matty Ice.' Matt will be the staple of our franchise for many years to come and we are very excited about that."

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Steve Smith To Rampage

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December 17, 2010

The Grenada Rampage have started their draft with stud receiver Steve Smith from USC. Not a surprise for those who know Rampage Owner Robert Walker. "Not gonna lie I love the deep ball, get down field and score as fast as possible. Steve is the best receiver in this years draft and feel lucky that he fell to us. Hes going to be a cornerstone for this offense for years to come." 

The Rampage also traded their second and third round pick for Cuyhoga Falls second and third round pick. They cited the lack of outstanding talent available at that pick and felt trading down would benefit them better Robert Walker also stated.

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Trojans Take Sanchez

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December 17, 2010
 
Upon the ending of the first round of the inaugural WFL draft, the Trojans walked away with two first round choices. After trading up to the 5th overall pick, the Trojans took quarterback from USC, Mark Sanchez. Five long and dreadful picks later, the Trojans picked up their defensive leader at the linebacker position in Brian Cushing, also from USC. Tallahassee Times' reporter caught up with Torjans' Owner/GM Ed LeFurge, "It was nice being able to move up and take the quarterback we wanted from the start. Mark shows great awareness in the pocket and can be a dynamic player for this team. Then, to conclude the first round we were able to snag linebacker Brian Cushing. Cush brings the play making ability to the defense that not many players can do. Both of these guys also show great leadership and we look forward to getting their teammates as the draft continues."

The Trojans go a long stretch of 19 picks before they are on the clock again. But with Ed LeFurge as the Owner/GM...who knows when he might be looking to trade up....

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Bobcats Quickly Follow

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December 16, 2010

Cuyahoga Falls quickly follows the first two selections by selecting running back Jamaal Charles out of Texas. Charles is extremely fast and an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He can do a number of things for the Bobcats.

Fridge: "Charles is a questionable pick here I think. He's small and may not be able to endure the pounding of touching the ball 20-25 times a game. Otherwise he's not the true workhorse a third overall pick needs to be. There were definitely more durable backs on the board and maybe some higher ranked guys on the board."

BS: "Yeah, but he's so exciting compared to Mendenhall and Stewart. A fan can really get behind someone who can take the ball to the house anytime compared to a grinder, Fridge. And about Ryan being compared to Brady. NOT EVEN CLOSE! Brady is the best in the NFL and maybe BEST QB EVER! Come on, Bruschi. I used to respect you...well I still do."

We're three picks in and someone has already lost Bill's respect.

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Upland Hawks Make Trade

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December 16, 2010
 
Earlier today, Upland Hawks owner Justin Wood traded up in the inaugural draft to select quarterback Joe Flacco. Here are Justin's thoughts regarding Joe Flacco and the draft:

"I'm very ecstatic that we could pick up Joe [Flacco]. He has a cannon on his right arm, and he can throw the deep ball very well. We have to work on finding Joe some targets now."

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The WFL Announced It's Forming

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December 16, 2010
 
The World Football League has announced it is forming and things will happen quickly. On December 12, 2010, it was announced the World Football League (WFL) would start play between 10 teams - 5 in the United States and 5 throughout the world. In the American Conference there are the Cuyahoga Falls Bobcats, Myrtle Beach King Crabs, New Jersey Shore, Tallahasee Trojans, and Upland Nighthawks. The International Conference is made up of the Amsterdam Hammers, Barcelona Bullfrogs, Grenada Rampage, London Hooligans, and Virgin Islands Minotaurs.

The 50 round draft began less than an hour ago and two picks and a trade have already occurred. First, the Myrtle Beach King Crabs used the first selection on quarterback Matt Ryan, out of Boston College. Then the Upland Nighthawks swapped 1st, 2nd, and 4th round selections with the New Jersey Shore. The Nighthawks used the Shore's 1st round selection at second overall to pick quarterback Joe Flacco. The Shore move up in both the second and fourth rounds while getting the ninth overall selection.

Clearly, quarterbacks will be at a premium and both teams just got the cream of the crop. Both teams get quality leaders at perhaps the most important position on the field.

John Lynch: "Both Myrtle Beach and Upland get two fine QBs today. There isn't a lot of weaknesses with these guys and you can't go wrong picking quarterbacks early."

Teddy Bruschi: "You know, Matt Ryan reminds me a lot of my old teammate, Tom Brady. He's poised and may not have the strongest arm in the draft, but he has those intangibles you can't measure. That's why I like him a bit more than an inexperienced Flacco."

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