To start the 2023 SFL season the Falcons welcomed division rival New Orleans Saints. The turnovers flurried but the Falcons were able to swoop in and steal the win, 37-17.
The good:
Newly acquired RB Josh Jacobs is as advertised! On 28 carries he ran for 122 yards. Vet Cordalle Patterson snuck in the end zone for 3 TDs. The Falcons have plans on featuring the backs throughout the season.
Rookie LB Troy Anderson has arrived! With Deion Jones being out for the season, Anderson was asked to step up and lead the defense, lead he did just that! Anderson had 2 interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble in his first SFL game. Troy Anderson was the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year last season.
Offensive line, our oline kept the rookie QB upright only allowing one sack.
Overall the defense looked stout. Forcing 7 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and 7 sacks
The BAD:
Rookie Desmond Riddler struggled to get the offense flowing. Often passes were sailed over offensive receivers. He totaled 4 interceptions on the day and only 160 yards through the air.
Rookie Drake London got hurt in practice and did not suit up for the week 1 matchup.
Late Wednesday night before SFL’s kickoff Coach Deon made a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to send 24 y/o Josh Jacobs to Atlanta for a 3rd round pick. Rumors are circulating that the Falcons are simultaneously working on a deal to ink the 4th year RB into a 5 year contract.
In three seasons, Jacobs has accumulated 3,087 rushing yards and 28 TDs on 732 carries. Coach Deon made it known he wanted to limit Cordalle Pattersons touches between the tackles and find him in open space. Josh gives the falcons a true premier RB, while Patterson can thrive in the slot and lined up at WR.
When asked what was his goal for this season, Jacobs smirked and said “2,000.”
With the roster update upon us, Coach Deon and ownership have been doing a bit of analyst on the team and where we would like to focus throughout the season.
First, we start at the Quarterback position- we have elected to name Desmond Riddler as the starting signal caller. Having similar throwing accuracy and athletic traits it was an easy call to give the rookie a start. Marcus Mariota is available for trade as the former first round pick would like to be an environment to earn a starting position. In Atlanta, he will remain the backup.
The offensive line is one of the key focuses we look to improve throughout the off season and draft. Veteran tackle Jake Matthews & Guard Chris Lindstrom leads the group with a lot of guys on the verge of not making the final roster. The projected starters are:
LT Jake Matthews
LG Jalen Mayfield
C Matthew Hennessy
RG Chris Lindstrom
RT Germain Ifeldi
Rumors involving talks with the following free agents have been gearing up prior to the upcoming free agency draft; Tackles - Duane Brown, Jason Peters & Bryan Bulaga
Center - Matt Paradise
The running back position is also in need of help. Cordalle Patterson returns RB1 but the front office would like to take some of the load off the 31 y/o specialist. Cordalle will be returning kicks and lining up in the slot this upcoming season. Rumors have been circulating about a upcoming trade for a top tier RB. There have also been reports of FA RBs Kalen Ballage and Javian Hawkins at Atlanta’s facility. Tyler Allgeier will be serving as the primary goal line back and will get the opportunity to tote the rock on early downs. Damien Williams looked really good in camp and will also get an opportunity to play in passing situations.
The Team drafted USC stud Drake London to pair up with TE Kyle Pitts. Calvin Ridley will be sitting for the season but Coach Deon is very confident that the club will make a deal to get Ridley resigned for next season. This will give recently acquired Bryan Edwards a bigger target share an opportunity to develop into the falcons third receiver while Ridley faces his suspension.
Starts will be:
X - Drake London
Y - Kyle Pitts
Z - Bryan Edwards
Moving on to the Defense as this side of the ball has some glaring holes.
We have elected to run a 3-5 defense this year and will hope to maximize the potential of our linebackers.
Defensive line is helmed by Veteran Grady Jarrett.. the rest of the D line pretty much a rag tag team of fringe players. Coach Deon knows the importance of a good pass rush and will be searching aggressively for the next big thing. Rookie Arnold Ebiktetie & Rashaan Evanswill get a good amount of opportunity rushing the passer as he will often be off the edge in the “EDGE” role. Coach Beaux would love to find an upgrade at DT.
DE - Grady Jarrett
DT - Anthony Rush
DE - Lorenzo Carter
Edge - Arnold Ebiktetie & Rashaan Evans
Mike LB - Troy Anderson
Will LB - Deion Jones
The two interior linebackers are the engine in the train. Team captain Deion Jones will be holding down the middle while mentoring rookie Troy Anderson. The two MLB tandem is aiming to the best in the SFL. The two will be backed up by Mykael Walker who has been turning heads at camp as he looks for more ways to get on the field.
Our secondary is just as promising as our linebacker core. Veteran Casey Hayward and rising start Aj Terrell will be starting at corner with the starting slot corner Isaiah Oliver. The cornerback room is very confident and looks to be one of the best pass defenses in the league.
Richie Grant will be starting at SS along with Mike Ford at SS. Mike Ford is moving from CB to FS. Erik Harris has been aiding Mike with the transition from CB to safety as the club looks to booster a weaker safety room with some of the talent from their cornerbacks. Safety is a position we plan to attack in the early rounds of the draft.
Team needs:
Offensive line
Running backs
Defensive tackle
Safety
Please contact the front office to facilitate a trade as some of the needs will need to be addressed immediately.
The SF 49ers met in Philadelphia to play the Eagles. Duncan Young quickly impressed dicing the 49ers defense with a deceptive play action offense. However, the 2nd half Duncan began to have trouble turning the ball over and threw three interceptions that helped the Niners creep up on the score.
Trey Lance had his best day of the season completing 26/37 passes for 310 yds and 4 TDs. The run game still struggles as the offensive line cant seem to hold blocks. The offensive trio of Lance/Samuel/Sermon rushed for a total of 104 yards on 30 carries.
Free Agent pick-ups Andy Isabella and Jonathan Jones have been the highlights on offense/defense especially versus the eagles. Isabella had a career high 10 catches for 136 yards and a TD. The fourth-year speedster had a total of 3 receptions his last three seasons. Jones had 2 of 3 interceptions on he day. Jones and Mosley both lead the 49ers secondary with 2 interceptions a piece on the season.
We have traded our 2nd round pick in this upcoming draft for rookie safety Cris Haynes, he has had trouble passing his physical with the Browns so we are awaiting for the club to send him over.
The 49ers spend three straight picks on defense providing some much needed youth to the linebacker core.
Addison Barnett is a bit undersized at 6 ft 231 but makes up for size in strength and quickness the 21 y/o Oregon outside backer is going to shine in a Coach Deon’s defensive scheme. We’re excited to get to work with the kid and look forward to him being an anchor to this defense.
DeVante Terry stands 6”1 241 pounds but has a unique combination of speed and quickness that will have him hindering quarterbacks in the SFL for years to come. He’s going to get a unique opportunity to come off the edge as teams double Nick Bosa. He was an excellent run defender at Clemson but in order to make a impact on this defense he will have to show more than just a good bill rush and add to his arsenal.
Daniel Burroughs will get to back up Fred Warner at MLB the 6”2 233 lbs Ohio State product. He has a ton of raw athletic potential and will benefit greatly being behind the best MLB in the SFL.
5”8 189 lbs soaking wet Donte Green toasted receivers during his 3 seasons at Kent State. He completely ran through the MAC. The niners needed to add more depth at receiver .. he joins one of the tiniest receiver cores in the SFL.
We signed undrafted free agent receiver Tavarres Hayward who had a injury filled career at Auburn. He stands 6”3 and will provide needed size as he, Brandon Aiyuk and Brian Wake are the only receivers who are not 5”9. In addition, we signed Alabama standout Dell Hatchett, there was a ton of drama surrounding his name with off field issues but Coach Deon did his due diligence and gave the kid an opportunity.
Coach Deon finished the season 5-12 in what felt like the worse season under his belt we look to move to the off season to turn the ship around.
Let’s start with the good? Trey Lance has developed into an XF after having a season high season.
Passing yards: 5,569
Passing TDs: 43
Rushing yards: 172
Rushing TDs: 2
George Kittle was hit with a PED suspension after a monster season:
1739 yards receiving and 8 TDs
Both Aiyuk and Samuel combined for 2K receiving yards and 20 TDs.
Trey Sermon had a total of 1200 total yards and 10 TDs being slightly more effective through the air than on the ground.
Obviously, the receiving core was thin .. the team has been meeting with veteran Adam Thielen to come to an agreement. In addition, the team has signed speedster Andy Isabella to hopefully help open up things down field.
The offensive line welcomes former Broncos guard, Daltner Risner. He will help boost one of the worst offensive lines in the SFL. The team is expecting a big leap from 22 year old tackle Jose Thomas.
The defense has lost some vital pieces in free agency but gained a boost on the defensive line adding some much needed depth. Fred Warner and Shaquil Griffin will more than likely mentoring a few rookies in the linebacker core.
Cortez Rivers is getting the starting node at FS and has worked on improving his athleticism in the off season, expect the young DB to play a pivotal role. Former Patriot, Jonathan Jones, will be leading the secondary as CB1 with Emmanuel Mosley and Ambry Thomas as supporting cast.
Coach Deon in this years strategy … TOTE THE ROCK.. we have 3 running backs that need to be fed the benefit of not having as many receivers is that we shouldn’t have to drop back forty times a game .. back to fundamentals.. expect 20+ rushes a game..
Coach Deon finished the season 5-12 in what felt like the worse season under his belt we look to move to the off season to turn the ship around.
Let’s start with the good? Trey Lance has developed into an XF after having a season high season.
Passing yards: 5,569
Passing TDs: 43
Rushing yards: 172
Rushing TDs: 2
George Kittle was hit with a PED suspension after a monster season:
1739 yards receiving and 8 TDs
Both Aiyuk and Samuel combined for 2K receiving yards and 20 TDs.
Trey Sermon had a total of 1200 total yards and 10 TDs being slightly more effective through the air than on the ground.
Obviously, the receiving core was thin .. the team has been meeting with veteran Adam Thielen to come to an agreement. In addition, the team has signed speedster Andy Isabella to hopefully help open up things down field.
The offensive line welcomes former Broncos guard, Daltner Risner. He will help boost one of the worst offensive lines in the SFL. The team is expecting a big leap from 22 year old tackle Jose Thomas.
The defense has lost some vital pieces in free agency but gained a boost on the defensive line adding some much needed depth. Fred Warner and Shaquil Griffin will more than likely mentoring a few rookies in the linebacker core.
Cortez Rivers is getting the starting node at FS and has worked on improving his athleticism in the off season, expect the young DB to play a pivotal role. Former Patriot, Jonathan Jones, will be leading the secondary as CB1 with Emmanuel Mosley and Ambry Thomas as supporting cast.
Coach Deon in this years strategy … TOTE THE ROCK.. we have 3 running backs that need to be fed the benefit of not having as many receivers is that we shouldn’t have to drop back forty times a game .. back to fundamentals.. expect 20+ rushes a game..
The 49ers front office was busy working limited cap space in free agency with the mighty task of rebuilding the offensive line and secondary.
Jason Verrett was signed to a one year deal as the coaches were overall happy with his on play on field. The 49ers are looking for big leaps from cornerbacks Jeff Gladney and Ambry Thomas. Emmanuel Moseley looks to work for the starting spot as he is working for a contract extension.
The 49ers drafted 2 offensive linemen in this years draft: Tyrone Rutland and Jose Thomas. Both are athletic but lack the skill set to be immediate impacts. Although, rumors report Jose Thomas may get the start at LT. The 49ers also signed C Will Hernandez and G Connor Williams who shined in preseason.
The real key to watch is the new 1-2 punch in RB Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell .. this tandem looks to make a lot of noise in the NFC west.
The front office used their 4th round pick to draft LB Shawn James.. Coach thinks he’ll have a chance to see the field often. The hope is he’ll be able to provide valuable support versus the run.
DB Obi Melifonwu was moved from CB to SS where he looks to also support the run as the coaching staff has looked to continuously improve. New addition of SS Tracy Walker gives this secondary a new look with Jackquski Tart departing in free agency. 5th round pick FS Cortez Rivers looks to work his way into the secondary rotation. However, Jimmie Ward is coming off the best season of his 8 year career.
It’s only right we end the final season with a full wrap up. Sit back, grab a brew and enjoy the read because it’s SFL FOOTBALL *plays theme song*
Let’s start with defense this year…
Nick Bosa - 20 TFLs, 10 sacks, 3 FF
Arik Armstead - 22 TFLs, 15.5 sacks
Deforest Buckner - 28 TFLs, 21.5 sacks and 1 FF
Dre Greenlaw - 10 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 Int (15 games played)
Fred Warner - 81 tackles, 12 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF (12 games played)
As you can see our front seven have delivering pressure all year, while our linebackers have been battling staying healthy. Some of the younger guys have picked up the slack. Our biggest concern heading into the season was our secondary:
Emmanuel Moseley stepped up and has served as our #1, with Jason Verrett slated for free agency, it is up to Jeff Gladney to step up as the #2 CB. Verrett ended the season with 4 INT (2 pick 6s) and 6 TFLs. Gladney and Moseley each had 3 INTs.
Jimmie Ward has had a career year totaling 6 INTs 15 deflections and 103 tackles.. his best season EVER, however, the 49ers had already decided this would be him and Jaquiski Tart’s final season as 49ers together. Tart also had a career year with 88 tackles, 7 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 21 deflections and 3 INT. Very proud of our secondary for remaining competitive and help leading us to a top 7 defense!
In one of the biggest trades this season that led the 49ers Deforest Buckner, fans can only be excited for the future. DeFo is currently leading in defensive MVP votes after nearly breaking Michael Strahan’s single sack record (21.5). However, since losing MLB Fred Warner for 6 weeks. A ton of pressure has been placed on the defensive line. Deforest Buckner has vowed to show San Francisco why he is the leagues MVP.
Trey Lance has had an impressive first year.
Passing yards: 4569
TD:INT: 32:22
Completion 63.2%
Rushing yards: 316
Rushing TDs: 8
4,885 total yards and 40 touchdowns. It’s safe to say Jimmy G will be on his way out the door. I was impressed with all 4 rookie QBs in this draft: Zac Wilson, Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence. We have a more developed roster surrounding Trey, but his draft class definitely showed out with less. It’s going to be exciting to see the rest of their careers pan out.
After trading Kyle Juszcyzk to the Colts, the run game slowed a bit. Rookie Trey Sermon hit a wall finishing the season with 439 yards on 113 attempts (3.8 yards/carry) and 3 touchdowns. Trey Sermonwill be taking on a much bigger role and it is hoped by leadership that despite his low speed (86), he can help lead this offense.
In most likely his last season as a 49er, Raheem Mostert finished the season with 874 yards on 191 carries (4.6 yards/carry) and 3 touchdowns while also snagging 58 catches for 513 yards and 2 touchdowns. Mostert is gearing up for his 3rd playoff appearance after totaling nearly 1,400 total yards. Rookie Elijah Mitchell is looking to help replace Mostert next season.
The offensive line has held on. After a big blow of losing Trent Williams to retirement and veteran center Alex Mack not being fully committed the offensive line attributed to a top 14 offense.
Tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Laken Tomlinson are the only guaranteed starters next season. We plan on completely rebuilding our offensive line in the off season.
Rookie guard Aaron Banks has a lot of work this off season as he will be competing for a starting spot.
The deadly trio of George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk have finally meshed combining for 3,000 total yards and 22 touchdowns. A common theme that must be corrected is the amount of drops (21) they have accumulated. Deebo Samuel has the most with 10. The addition of Ty Hilton has been a perfect fit. As he has caught 34 passes for 574 yards and 4 touchdowns since being traded by the Colts. Ty Hilton’s contract is up at the end of this season but the 49ers are open to welcoming him back.
We have wrapped of the NFC West and are this years champions. We look to move forward on the playoffs with hopes MLB Fred Warner will be healthy at some point. Thank you all for the great regular season and good luck to the teams in the playoffs!
As we are little pass the half way point of the season - the 49ers (6-3) are on a roll. The bye was spent working with the rookie quarterback Trey Lance on some of his fundamentals, this has since activated his superstar development trait.
Trey Lance is currently leading the polls for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has completed 65% of his passes, totaling 2280 passing yards, 18 TDs and 9 interceptions. He has also started to really flash his athletic ability, he is 3rd in rushing amongst quarterbacks nearing 200 yards rushing and adding an additional 2 rushing TDs.
The offense has done a great job with distributing the ball. Four receivers are over 30 receptions. George Kittle has emerged and is leading the receiving core with 690 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Brandon Aiyuk continues his coming out party leading the team in receptions (45) and reaching touchdowns (6). Deebo Samuel has continued to struggle with drops (6) but has reeled in 319 reaching yards on 31 rec. Newly acquired TY Hilton has made his impact on the 49ers 3-1 run. He has totaled 168 yards on 12 receptors averaging 14 yrds/rec.
The defense has been completely disruptive! Allowing less than 100 yards rushing / game and 220 yards passing. The defense sits within the top 10 of the entire SFL. However, the real darling of this defense has been the trenches. The 49ers lead the SFL in sacks (36) and currently have the defensive MVP candidates - Arik Armstead (11) and DeForest Buckner (10). Who total 21/36 of total team sacks.
The 49ers look to regain their rushing attack after the RB tandem Raheem Mostert & Trey Sermonhave only gained a total of 200 yards (50 yards/game) since the bye. The 49ers look to face the 5-4 Jacksonville Jaguars next week. Coach Dre had a few words during the press conference:
“Jacksonville is a good football team. They had some early struggles losing a few close games early but have been on a 3-0 run since their bye. I expect them to come out and try to attack. I emphasized in practice that we need to get the run game early so that is going to be our focus this week.”
Nick Bosa is currently day to day has not been seen practicing this week.
Top of the morning SFL,
Sitting at .500 (2-2), I thought it would be a good time to dig into the season this far…
Trey Lance is coming off his best performance this season- 18-25, 319 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT. Before this game as expected he’s been a bit streaky as the rookie looks to keep the momentum rolling.
Raheem Mostert & Trey Sermon have been on an absolute tear! The duo combine for 563 all scrimmage yards & 5 total touchdowns.
The Brandon Aiyuk show has arrived. The sophomore has been continuing his breakout campaign w/ 25 receptions for 418 yards / 4 TDs and NO DROPS. The guy is literally catching everything. He’s sitting at #6 in receiving yards in the SFL.
LT Trent Williams decided to hang up the cleats and retired prior to the Seahawks game. We with Trent the best as he embarks on his post football life.
Arik Armstead is currently leading the league in sacks (5) and having a monster campaign as teams have been forced to double team Nick Bosa. Fred Warner continues to be the glue of the defense - he suffered an elbow injury and missing week 2 and may have re injured in the latest matchup versus the Seahawks. Coach says he’s day to day.
It feels good to be back to the SFL! As a owner/coach with the WFT last season. A hell of a season, however, we could not make it past the playoffs. This season I will be operating the San Francisco 49ers! Let’s get started with a quick roster break down.
Who will be the opening day starter Jimmy G or Trey Lance?
We have decided to start the rookie Trey Lance week 1 and begin the building of our future franchise quarterback.
There are rumors Raheem Mostert is on the block, how accurate is this?
Mosterrati (Mostert) is a big piece to this roster. However, with drafting both Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell… it’s safe to say we will be running the ball a lot this season.
What’s your favorite thing about your current roster? What needs immediate improvement?
Have you seen our offensive / defensive line… TRENCH BULLIES. Our offensive line has remain intact, we are on the older side of age with the free agent signings of veterans: Kelechi Osemele & Alex Mack and contract extension to Trent Williams. Look to see rookie guard, Aaron Banks, get a shot at cracking the lineup at some point this season. Our defensive line is led by edge rushers Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead look for a big impact from those two. Javon Kinlaw looks to make that leap into stardom this season.
The part of our roster that needed immediate improvement was our linebacker core. With Fred Warner being the center piece of the defense, staff felt we put entirely too much pressure on him and decided to sign former Seahawk, Shaquem Griffin, he should make an immediate impact along with Dre Greenlaw.
How do you feel about your secondary?
I think they have 1 seasons left as a unit. This is going to be their final rodeo.
Look to see Emmanuel Moseley, Jeff Gladney and Tarvarious Moore early and often.
Who’s in the trade block?
The WFT looks to fight for its playoff hopes against a tough Seattle Seahawks team. As of now, three teams sit at 8-8 with the final two NFC wildcard spots up for grab. With a WFT victory four teams will be fighting at 8-8 for the final two spots.
Terry McLaurin was not slated to return back from the quad injury until next week, however, in this must win - he has decided to comeback a week early in hopes to help his team berth a wildcard spot. Alex DuVall who was out last week vs Greenbay w/ a shoulder injury, sid not appear on the injury list for tonight.
The WFT looks to fight for its playoff hopes against a tough Seattle Seahawks team. As of now, three teams sit at 8-8 with the final two NFC wildcard spots up for grab. With a WFT victory four teams will be fighting at 8-8 for the final two spots.
Terry McLaurin was not slated to return back from the quad injury until next week, however, in this must win - he has decided to comeback a week early in hopes to help his team berth a wildcard spot. Alex DuVall who was out last week vs Greenbay w/ a shoulder injury, sid not appear on the injury list for tonight.
Super star receiver Terry McLaurin has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season with a nagging quad injury he suffered back in week 12.
WFT offense has had to rely on rookie Alex DuVall and vet Tyler Lockett to continue the uphill battle for the last wildcard spot.
WFT looks to take on the Dolphins tonight, fans are looking forward to seeing Alex DuVall face off with fellow rookie receiver, Larry Cofield.