{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats are labeled as appropriate.}
It is certainly true that Tokyo got very, very lucky in Year I with regards to injuries. But the Swallows did not flatter to deceive: this is a great team, with MVP candidates in both Lionel Taylor and Karl Mecklenburg. George Blanda was fantastic at the deep ball all year, and Von Miller was a beast at LB. There was plenty of quality behind those 4 as well–a shut-down secondary led by Jason McCourty and Chris Harris, Jr., a dominant defensive line with Sean Jones, and an offense that was always incredibly dangerous in the air. There is even room for improvement, as Earl Campbell, while solid at RB, was not a top-tier back for the WFL. The bottom line is Tokyo should be in contention once more, and if the injury bug stays away, could even be considered a favorite to repeat.
Key Additions: OL Evan Dietrich-Smith {5} from BEI; DL Ziggy Hood {2} from NYG.
Key Departures: OL Bobby Maples {4}, DL Keith Traylor {4}, OL Andy Levitre {4}.
#Year I Leaders
Passing: George Blanda: 4773 yards, 45 TDs.
Rushing: Earl Campbell: 1167 yards, 14 TDs.
Receiving: Lionel Taylor: 68 receptions, 1675 yards, 21 TDs.
Blocking: Michael Roos: 28 big holes.
Pressuring: Von Miller: 14 sacks; Karl Mecklenburg: 19 hurries.
Tackling: Chris Harris, Jr.: 95 tackles; K. Mecklenburg: 13 stuffs.
Defending: Jason McCourty: 5 interceptions; Michael Griffin: 17 deflections.
AV: K. Mecklenburg {18}, G. Blanda {18}, V. Miller. {15}, J. McCourty {14}, Mike Munchak {14}, M. Roos {13}, C. Harris, Jr. {13}, Sean Jones {13}, Demaryius Thomas {10}, Ryan Clady {10}.
#Year I Award Winners
All-League: Karl Mecklenburg, Von Miller, Lionel Taylor.
All-Pro’s: George Blanda, Chris Harris, Jr., Sean Jones, Jason McCourty, Michael Roos, T.J. Ward.
Offensive Player of the Week: Lionel Taylor.
Defensive Player of the Week: Karl Mecklenburg.
#QB
George Blanda was other-worldly with the long ball in Year I, averaging over 10 yards per attempt and over 20 yards per completion. Those numbers are ridiculous, and key to Tokyo’s repeat efforts. John Elway {1} showed competence as a reserve QB, and newcomer Dan Pastorini will wait in the wings for his chance.
#RB / WR / TE
Earl Campbell {7} wasn’t bad, by any means, and he finished the season strong. But he could do more to bring some balance to Tokyo’s offense. Leon Washington {6} was effective as a change of pace, and C.J. Anderson {2} will be the primary reserve RB for Year II.
Blanda has a nearly unmatched set of 4 receivers to choose from: Lionel Taylor was one of the most dangerous threats in the league, and Demaryius Thomas, Kendall Wright {6}, and Shannon Sharpe {9} combined for over 120 catches and 2000 yards. Wright will start the season on the bench, as Rod Smith {2}, although injured for much of Year I, showed enough to retain his starting position now that he’s healthy. Justin Tamme {5} provides depth at TE and Wes Welker looks to have something to contribute as a reserve WR.
#OL
Michael Roos, Ryan Clady, and Mike Munchak are a fantastic trio, and Bruce Matthews {5} looks to be set to take over at G. But one key to success for Tokyo in Year II might be offseason acquisition Evan Dietrich-Smith {5}, who will step into the starting C position. There is also a fairly dramatic dropoff after the starters, with Tim Grunhard and Chance Warmack {4} the primary reserves.
#DL
With Karl Mecklenburg moving exclusively to LB, the Swallows have moved to a 3-4, but they should still be solid. Much will depend on how newcomer Ziggy Hood {2} does on one end, while Tokyo is expecting both Sean Jones and midseason addition Bud McFadin {4} to repeat their Year I levels of performance. Karl Klug {4} and Terrance Knighton {6} will provide some depth.
#LB
Mecklenberg will join Randy Gradishar {6} at ILB, with Von Miller on one side and Jack Ham beating out Kamerion Wimbley {6} in the preseason to start on the other. Al Smith {2} will provide depth in the middle.
#DB
The entire secondary returns with Jason McCourty and Chris Harris, Jr. at CB and T.J. Ward {9} and Michael Griffin {9} at S. Champ Bailey {8} and Bernard Pollard {6} provide depth.
#ST
Craig Hentrich takes over the punting duties while Matt Prater will be the Swallows’ PK in Year II. Leon Washington returns as a dangerous return man for both kickoffs and punts.