Tokyo Swallows (9-1)
One of the real surprises of the league: Tokyo always seemed on the brink of falling apart, but here they are, tied for first in their division.
It’s unclear how they are doing it: the Swallows give up nearly 400 yards a game and have the second weakest running game in the league (one of only two teams averaging under 100 yards). Having the 3rd best passing offense helps, but this is a team succeeding with smoke and mirrors right now.
One bit of substance stands out: Tokyo leads the league in sacks with 32–the next best team has only 24.
#Bottom Line
Roster Moves. Move Anderson down, Klug up, Ham up but not to starter. Move Maples and Levitre down.
Draft Needs. DT, OL/G, LB.
Week Four Draftee Update: Jack Ham. Done well enough to earn more playing time.
#QB
George Blanda has been a bit inconsistent, but his numbers are still very strong, driven by an incredible 20 yards+ per catch average. That’s resulted in 23 TDs against 10 interceptions, and a QB rating of barely under 100. The worrisome note is that he started the year poorly–to the point that John Elway was called in as a replacement–then ran off 6 great games (2 with over 400 yards, all over 100 in QB rating). But, he’s been back to substandard for the past 2 weeks, and if he can’t right the ship, the calls for Elway may re-emerge.
That’s a bit ridiculous for a one-loss team, but it’s true.
#RB
Earl Campbell has been OK: 680 yards and 8 TDs, but he needs to nudge his average per carry well over 4.0 before he can claim to be among the best in the league. C.J. Anderson has been disappointing as an alternative, and it may be time for Tokyo to look elsewhere behind Campbell.
Leon Washington is the most likely alternative, especially given his pass catching skills out of the backfield. He did well in one week as a high-use back, but has not shown much in limited appearances otherwise.
#WR & TE
It starts with Lionel Taylor, whose partnership with Blanda has been spectacular. Taylor has 46 catches, but over 1100 yards, for an average over 24 yards per catch. That’s resulted in 17 catches over 25 yards and 15 TDs. Kendall Wright and Demaryius Thomas have been quite good, and have helped reduce the impact of Rod Smith‘s long term injury.
Shannon Sharpe is one of the better TEs in the league, contributing over 300 yards receiving.
#OL
Mike Munchak has been quite strong, and Michael Roos and Ryan Clady have been solid at T. Bobby Maples and, especially, Andy Levitre have struggled, and this could be an area of need in the draft.
#DL
Karl Mecklenburg plays all over the place, and plays quite well: second on the team with 52 tackles plus 4 sacks, 7 hurries, and 8 stuffs.He has receive support up front from Karl Klug and Sean Jones, who have combined for 10 sacks, 12 hurries, and 6 stuffs. Derrick Morgan may deserve more time at DE, perhaps even moving Mecklenburg back to LB.
#LB
The dominant force here is Von Miller, who is second in the WFL with 9 sacks and 3 stuffs. He and Kamerion Wimbley have each forced 3 fumbles, but the mixture of Wimbley, Randy Gradishar, and Wesley Woodyard have been less than stellar. Decent, but less than stellar.
#DB
Champ Bailey leads the team with 64 tackles, but is out for at least another month. Both Michael Griffin and Chris Harris, Jr have been strong for the secondary (Griffin has 11 deflections, Harris, Jr. has 7 and 3 interceptions), and Jason McCourty has added 3 picks as well.
T.J. Ward has been excellent at S, defending half the balls thrown his way (as has McCourty) and adding 2 interceptions. Overall, a strong group.
#P & K
Ryan Succop has been perfect on XPs but only average on FGs, missing 5 of 19. Good enough to hold the job down for now.
Britton Colquitt has suffered some on punts, but is unlikely to be replaced.
#Returns
Leon Washington and Wes Welker have split the duties on returns, and have been quite effective, averaging over 22 yards on KOs and 13 on punts.