Rematch Against the Mustangs and Monkeys Riding Dogs

When we played back in game three, the Mustangs beat us rather handily. There were a number of contributing factors involved, and unfortunately, not a lot has changed. However, now we are coming off of a "win" in the first of three division games in a row, and I hope the moral victory gives us some momentum going into this home stand.

In Coach Stingley's press conference this week, he was asked flat-out what the team can take out of the forfeit by Cleveland. He pointed out that a win is a win, and whether or not we earned it comes down to the fact that we showed up, ready to play. This is an important distinction. It was known by early afternoon that the Gladiators weren't going to play - but the Power was on the field ready to go until the game was actually called. This is a team that wants to win and wants to play. Despite the myriad of reasons why even I am disillusioned with the league right now, I think it's a strong reason to still root for the summertime black n gold.

Last time around, we were weak at QB and strong at kicker. The situation is mostly reversed now, but we're still not super strong at QB. However, they've put their confidence in Randall and let him stay as starter and build his own confidence. Coach said that Stull is almost ready to return - and might even be a backup this game - but Randall is the starter. I admire that.

Our other big weakness last time was Berry's inability to return. He's pulled off some great plays in the season since, but he's still had problems with teams who put the pressure on him. I'm expecting more of the same in this game, but still hold out hope for some of his explosive, surprising plays.

Everett was our main antagonist last time. He's a good receiver and he's a hell of a defensive player. He's good at picks, and Randall is good at throwing them. He's the main person we have to try and shut down, aside from QB Guidugli. Guidugli is solid, despite the Mustang's record.

And there's the hope. The most of the Mustangs' losses have been in games that they just couldn't close it. True, the Mustangs can't win the last minute, but the Power can't generally win the last quarter.

But hey, if nothing else, the Power's halftime show will feature monkeys, riding dogs and herding sheep. Monkeys. On dogs. Herding mother-humpin' sheep. How can you not be excited about that? If you aren't, you're not American and I have no further need to speak with you.

At anywho, if we can actually commit, Predators-31pt-comeback style, we might out last them. If we do, that's two division wins in a row and then a shot at getting the Soul to underestimate us on the road.

Blind optimism - not just for Buccos fans anymore.

Now, for the elephant in the room: The strike.

Not only did it not do any favors for the Gladiators, but it didn't do any for the league in general. My post earlier this week was actually one of the less scathing ones around the Internet. Many are flat-out calling the league a joke, and fans are running for the hills. Now, the league itself has gone on the offensive with an open letter telling their side.
Handled properly, this could have been a good chance to take the highroad, but the tone of the letter (to me, at least) did the opposite. When I read that, I see the jilted ex who says, "You know what? I've kept my mouth shut this whole time while he/she ran their mouth, but I've had enough. Let me tell you all the suffering I've done!" Frankly, I don't care. Not one. little. bit. I don't. I just want this shit over before it completely kills the league again - because I doubt it would come back.

Of note in that letter is what the NFL Network said - as I feared, they're pulling their support and airing games on delay Saturday afternoon. Now, there are some lines that can be read-between there, and none of it is good. If I had to bet, they're only airing them at all because they signed an agreement that said they would, just not when. Putting it on Saturday at three is multi-faceted "Eff you" from the Network.

First, it obviously ends the Friday night spotlight. Second, it means that fans of the teams playing can't watch them live, because the Network holds exclusive rights - so it can't be shown locally or streamed online. I usually watch the games late at night after the other streaming games finish, and even then, it's hard to avoid "spoilers." Finally, middle of the afternoon on a Saturday in the summer? Yeah, no one's watching that. It's a way of taking the most exciting game of the week, burying it at a time no one casual will catch it and get zero exposure for the league when it needs it the most.

I don't blame the Network in the least little bit - they have to protect themselves from the AFL's shenanigans. However, they did it in such a way that proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that the NFL merely tolerates the AFL, holds all the power, and will crush it like a bug if it wants.

Yeah. That's right.

Elsewhere in the league

• The "Friday" game of the week is Tampa Bay on the road against their rivals, the Orlando Predators. Too bad this is getting bumped, 'cause it's gonna be interesting. Either the Storm finally wins one on the road this season, or the Preds get to have a second win. My money is on Tampa Bay, but not 100%
• Next up is Philly at Jacksonville. Now, Jax has stepped up their game recently, but I still don't think they've got what it takes to beat the Soul.
• Cleveland hosts the Voodoo Saturday night, and it's all up to them. They're coming in after both a loss and a bye week, technically, and it all depends on where their head is. If they're ashamed of themselves for being the only forfeit in history and for how they treated their fans, they can come in and run the field. On the other hand, the strike did no favors for the Power or Predators, and this could be the beginning of their slide.
• San Antonio should be able to beat the Barnstormers this week. It's kind of a gut feeling, but it's one based on my confidence in Garcia's experience (as usual) and the beating Ratterink has been taking.
• Chicago got so utterly destroyed last week that I'm not sure how they're going to cope. Also, last time they played Georgia, they got pounded. However, they are perfect at home this season and they know they need the win - so I'm gonna call the Rush in this game.
• In the late game, Utah should have the win over Spokane, so long as they aren't too big for their britches after last week. Tommy Grady is set to achieve Roethlisberger-amounts of records this season and he's honestly better than Rowley. This game is his to lose.
• Finally, Sunday afternoon the Sabercats have their rematch against the Command. Should not be a problem unless they underestimate them.