Istanbul Janissaries (8-1)
Some of it is smoke and mirrors, some of it is Johnny Unitas, some if it is a suddenly resurgent (if now injured) Franco Harris, some of it is a top 6 defense. Alright, a lot of it is Unitas.
It’s been long enough, though, that maybe it’s not smoke and mirrors and the Janissaries are a legitimate championship contender.
The offense is 1 of 2 in the league averaging over 400 yards per game and while the defense could tighten up a little against the run, it’s still in the top third of the league.
#Bottom Line
Draft Needs. OL, RB.
Week Four Draftee Update: Abe Woodson. Has played well at CB and as a KR.
#QB
Unitas has been fantastic, throwing for over 3000 yards and 28 TDs, and while the high interception rate remains an issue, he’s still in the MVP conversation in Year II.
#RB
Franco Harris finally showed his potential over a 5 game stretch during which he gained over 700 yards. But another injury will sideline him for most of the rest of the year, leaving Istanbul a bit unsure as to what to do at RB.
Jerome Bettis, the preseason backup, has managed under 3 yards a carry in nearly 100 attempts, and while Denard Robinson has produced more, he remains a highly unproven commodity. Rocky Bleier and Cory Schlesinger remain more suited to blocking roles, and the promising Le’Veon Bell is still injured as well.
#WR & TE
Four receivers have a shot at 1000 yard seasons, led by Antonio Brown‘s 53 catches and 872 yards (and only a single dropped pass). Hines Ward has 45 and 789 yards, and John Stallworth and Louis Lipps have combined for 55 catches and over 500 yards each.
Last year, the Janissaries got good production from Heath Miller and Dennis Pitta; this year, they have opted for blocking end Larry Brown to get most of the snaps, and Pitta has been injured.
#OL
G David DeCastro has been magnificent, but Marshal Yanda, Max Starks, and Marvel Smith have been merely adequate, with C Mike Webster struggling at times. Still the starters have been largely healthy, and none of them have been poor.
#DL
Mean Joe Greene and Dwight White have led the defensive line with 3 sacks each, and Brett Keisel has played well. Haloti Ngata is just back from injury: his return should help stabilize the line.
#LB
The trio of Ray Lewis, Elvis Dumervil, and Greg Lloyd has anchored Istanbul’s defense, led by Lewis’ 66 tackles and Dumervil’s league-leading 9 sacks. As this group returns to health, a bit of a logjam emerges, with Jack Lambert, Andy Russell, and Vince Williams all vying for playing time.
#DB
Rod Woodson has been a true shut down corner, with 4 interceptions, 12 deflections, and 43 tackles, and Troy Polamalu has managed to deflect an amazing 19 balls. Aside from that, the secondary has been decimated by injuries: Jack Butler, Ed Reed, and Brady Keys have all played well in spots, and Woodson has been solid since being picked up in the Week 5 draft.
#P & K
Justin Tucker has been his usual dependable self, but he also missed a month, with David Akers proving an unreliable replacement after a great debut.
Sam Koch has been fine on punts.
#Returns
Gary Ballman has been great on kickoff returns, averaging almost 29 yards, while Antwaan Randle El has handled the punt return duties well. Either or both would be well served to increase their value as receivers.
#Awards
Offensive Player of the Week: Harris (2)
Special Teams Player of the Week: Ballman (1)
Team of the Week: Ballman (1), DeCastro (2), Greene (1), Harris (2), Lewis (1), Lipps (1), Lloyd (1), Reed (1), Tucker (2), Unitas (1), Ward (1).