{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats are labeled as appropriate.}
There was a lot of feel-good in Lomé. Most of all from the QB situation, where Jim Kelly went down in game 3, turning over the reins to Austin Davis … who was absolutely spectacular, compiling a 100.8 QBR in about 12 games. Kelly returned late in the year, and was even better, so whatever went wrong for Lomé, the blame could not be placed at the feet of their signal callers, who are set to face off in the preseason for the starting role in Year II. Nor could you really fault the offense in general, where Thurman Thomas, Torry Holt, and Henry Ellard were a strong trio for the Dzidudu. And, Greg Zuerlein was easily the best PK in the league for whatever that means. So you turn to the defensive side of the ball, where once you move past a great year from Mario Williams and decent ones from Stephon Gilmore and Archie Matsos, you find very little of note. If Lomé gets better defensively, they could challenge for a playoff spot; if not, another long season looms.
Key Additions: DB Charles Godfrey {4} from BER; OL Travis Frederick {3} from LON.
Key Departures: RB Fred Jackson {3}, OL Stew Barber {2}.
#Year I Leaders
Passing: Austin Davis: 3152 yards, 22 TDs.
Rushing: Thurman Thomas: 1415 yards, 12 TDs.
Receiving: Torry Holt: 98 receptions, 1523 yards; Henry Ellard, 14 TDs.
Blocking: Ruben Brown: 25 big holes.
Pressuring: Mario Williams: 9 sacks; Marcell Dareus and Robert Quinn: 11 hurries.
Tackling: Todd Lyght: 97 tackles; M. Williams: 15 stuffs.
Defending: 4 players: 3 interceptions; Terry McDaniel: 12 deflections.
AV: M. Williams {15}, T. Thomas {13}, T. Holt {13}, Stephon Gilmore {11}, H. Ellard {11}, Archie Matsos {11}, R. Brown {10}, R. Quinn {10}, A. Davis {10}.
#Year I Award Winners
All-League: Greg Zuerlein.
All-Pro’s: Stephon Gilmore, Torry Holt, Archie Matsos, Thurman Thomas, Mario Williams.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Greg Zuerlein.
#QB
While E.J. Manuel {1} was a bit of a longshot, all 3 QBs went into preseason with a shot at the starting position. Jim Kelly {4} emerged the victor, with Austin Davis seen as a fantastic #2 option based on his Year I performance, with Manuel the 3rd string QB.
#RB / WR / TE
Thurman Thomas gained over 2000 yards from scrimmage, and established himself as a legitimate WFL RB. His primary backup, Fred Jackson {3}, was let go after a fairly average season, largely because of the immense promise shown by C.J. Spiller {1}, who rushed 20 times for over 160 yards. Add to that a great preseason from newcomer Marshall Faulk and the promise of Elroy Hirsch {1}, and Lomé’s running game should be a strength once again.
Torry Holt and Henry Ellard combined for 179 catches, 22 TDs, and over 2700 yards. There is some concern about a 3rd receiver–Sammy Watkins {3} was fine, but either him or Tom Fears {1} needs to step up in that role. Scott Chandler {5} was solid enough in Year I to hold his starting position at TE.
#OL
Newcomer Travis Frederick {3} will step right into the starting lineup at C, with a solid supporting cast in Ruben Brown, Rodger Saffold {7}, Orlando Pace {8}, and Jake Long {7}. Cordy Glenn {5} and Scott Wells {6} return to provide some depth on the line.
#DL
For all of their defensive woes in Year I, this should be a fearsome defensive line. Aaron Donald {9} and Marcell Dareus {8} hold down the middle, with Mario Williams and Robert Quinn providing pressure off the edge. And, if any of those should falter, Deacon Jones, Bruce Smith, and Merlin Olsen {1} all look to be more than capable reserves.
#LB
In contrast, LB looks to be a problem spot once more for the Dzidudu. Archie Matsos–who was quite good in Year I–anchors the middle, with Isaiah Robertson {3} and Alec Ogletree {1} on the outside with Cornelius Bennett {2} and Jake McQuaid {2} looking to be the first off the bench. There is enough talent here to help the team turn it around defensively, but it needs to show on the field.
#DB
Stephon Gilmore has one CB spot locked down, and Terry McDaniel {5} emerged over the last part of the season to claim the other. Offseason acquisition Charles Godfrey {4} steps right into a starting spot at S alongside the surprpising Da’Norris Searcy {8}. This is a decent group, but not a great one, and the same holds true for Janoris Jenkins {2} and Duke Williams {2}, the primary reserves.
#ST
The WFL’s best PK, Greg Zuerlein {4}, returns, as does P Johnny Hekker {2}. A pair of reserve WRs will handle the returns: Chris Givens on KOs and Roscoe Parrish on punts.