Excellent write-ups - many thanks! Where do you get your league rankings for pass/rush off/def?

Need to spend some Lira

Probably from RZA stats that show you whenever you hover over a team name in the league menu. I'm pretty sure it just takes into account yards for and Yards against because my "6th best passing attack" also had the 4th most Interceptions thrown.

Total Yards

The St. Pauli Packers will face their major division rival in a double-header in the coming days. All of St. Pauli is buzzing with excitement for the two games. We took the opportunity to interview St. Pauli HC Abdul Forgách.

SDSC: Coach Abdul, Are the players fit enough for these two games?

AF: The schedule works in our favor. We're facing a bot-opponent in the Supercup tomorrow, so we can rest our best players. The same applies to next week's Supercup match. Fortunately, we have a bye week in the league on Tuesday.

SDSC: These are perfect starting conditions.

AF: Games against the Riga Smokers are never easy, but I think we can get three wins this season. If we win both games now, we'll have taken a big step towards the Supercup and League playoffs.

SDSC: Haven't you forgotten another major division rival? The Reapers lead the NC North.

AF: Yes, certainly, but they're new. They first need to make a name for themselves in this league before we include them in the NC North Trophy calculation.

SDSC: That's understandable. I wish you the best of luck in the two games against the Latvians.

AF: Thank you.

Three weeks into the new season the HAMBURG SEA LIONS reclaim the top spot of the NC North. They won the second game against a division opponent by beating the best branded newbie of the Sea Devils league, the Texas Reapers, 34:20 in their home stadium. Early in the season they may not have the best passing attack, also their passing defense seems to have lost some bite. Their rush defense is top notch already, though, as is their rush offense. And with newly acquired veteran RB Burt Cantwell still becoming acclimated with the team it’ll only get better in the second half of the season.

Sharing the load with starting RB Ferdi Ludwig currently is 25yo homegrown ballcarrier Zdravko Keller, and he’s been using the first three games this season to make a statement for himself: Not only did he rush for a team high 151 yards already, he also came up huge as a special teamer by gathering 229 return yards on only 4 attempts, picking up an average of 57.3 yards per try, and putting the cherry on top by returning a kick for 6 points in the game against the Texas Reapers.

After returning to Hamburg late on Saturday SDSC was able to chat a bit with the HAMBURG SEA LIONS Youth Academy alumni.

SDSC: Zdravko, congrats on the win against the Texas Reapers and, especially for you, the great play you were able to contribute. Breaking tackles, making peoples miss… what were your thoughts when there was only open field before you?

Keller: Thank you. It was crazy, man. I honestly just hoped to get to the end zone.

SDSC: It was a crucial play, since the Reapers seemed to have found their groove on the drive prior to your kick return TD.

Keller: Yes, it was very important to show them what they are dealing with in all phases of the game. And it is also important for us to continue to show confidence in ourselves. It’s a long season, and we try to stay openminded, even after losses like against the Packers on Thursday. We only win because we’re true to ourselves, and we believe.

SDSC: You’re making a strong case for keeping you as a primary rusher alongside Ferdi Ludwig. Do you fear your new teammate Burt Cantwell in any capacity?

Keller: Burt has been great since he came here. He is so experienced and shows moves that I haven’t seen before. He has played against us before, when he was with the Ukies and the Bluebacks… and he says it’s nice to not have to play against our defense anymore. He’ll be a great help down the stretch, but, to answer your question, no… nothing to fear with that.

SDSC: And what about Tuesday, your next encounter with the Packers?

Keller: The same answer applies.

SDSC: That’s some confiance. Thank you, Zdravko, and good luck.

Keller: Thanks, the same to you.

Really should probably complete the rest... kind of an early season review rather than pre season tho eh

In accordance with league rules that stipulate “All teams must make a representative available to the world press a minimum of twice/ season. The first press conference should happen before the team has played 8 games.” Most teams send their HC but The Gaylord Zaleaping have made their Public Relations Consultant, Ivana Seltikets, available today.

Ivana Seltikets: I am super happy to see all of you here today! While this is my first “presser” , Coach Blazer said that all I have to do is to sit back and answer questions that you may all have, so let's go!

Reporter 1: Chip Wood Terryfying Hamster Times, Ivana I understand that your are the first PR person ever hired by the franchise. How has the expereince been?

Ivana Seltikets: You are right Chip, it has been a ride. But, after the old owner rage quit the game last season, it was decided to take a new approach to just about everything here. New ownership brought me in and were very receptive to my ideas. The name change, the new uniforms, everything. There has been some resistance for sure. Like when all the coaches refused to wear their costumes on the sideline. But once I agreed to do this press conference, everyone joined in on the fun. I thought Coach Blazer as Buddy the Elf and Coach Itagaki dressed as Cindy Lou Who stole the show. Next question!

Reporter 2 Clavdivs Iportvs, Rome Centvrion Tribune, Ivana! My fashion people have widely panned the new uniforms and have said this rebrand was all a huge mistake. How do you handle such withering criticism from such fashion experts?

Ivana Seltikets: Look we are all here to just have some fun and we really went all out on the holiday theme. The old colors just couldn't keep up with the holiday events that we had planned. I think the team has looked really festive out there in the red and green tights. Ticket sales are up and the team store can barely keep some merchandise in stock. The Nine ladies dancing cheerleader calendar has been a solid performer but the special edition Eight Maids a Milking Calendar is in its 6th printing and we still can't get enough of them in the team store. So overall we are selling plenty of merch. Next question!

Reporter 3 J. Wellington Wimpy Hamburger Herald, Ivana! Is management doing anything to stop the current 3 game losing streak?

Ivana Seltikets: I'm glad you brought this up. I was very impressed when management had the foresight to build the pool during the preseason and then activated it 3 weeks ago when we needed it. The guys are having so much fun that Morale is at 99% despite the losing streak. Why I think the team would play Marco Polo all day in the pool if Coach Blazer would let them. Next question!

Reporter 4 Jolly Roger, Northern Lake Superior Pirate Log, Will the Zaleaping continue to deploy the 3-4 against Shotgun 4wr or will they be more aggressive in future games against teams located north of them?

Ivana Seltikets: Um. I really don't know how to answer that one Jolly. Those kind of questions can only really be answered by coach Blazer. Next question! Tall, mysterious guy in the back.

Reporter 5 Yex Ivana! Thanks for taking my question. G. Reaper , Texas Tattler. Unfortunately it appears that the IR is clear right now. What do you attribute this to?

Ivana Seltikets: Yes! In fact I was just discussing this very topic with our new team Physiotherapist Dr. Marcus Welby MD. Marcus is a level 20 like myself and was brought in to help the team in any way. We were hit with a raft of injuries early on but his care has cleared the IR and the team is now at full strength. I give him all the credit for that. Next!

Reporter 6 Hello Ivana! Joe Crann from the Sheffield Star. Ivana, As you know the Sheffield Wednesday team has gone by that moniker since 1867. I would like to ask if recent criticism of the Gaylord Zaleaping team name from my side of the pond has had any effect and do you see the Zaleaping team name continuing after this season?

Ivana Seltikets: Thanks for the question Joe. While I really shouldn't go too deep into our marketing plan, it does not make much sense having a Christmas theme during the Spring and summer of S64. So you can expect a change of some sort for S64. Gaylord OftheRings anybody? What about Gaylord OftheDance? Nothing? Next question!

Reporter 7 John Doe, Minnesota Twins TV. Ivana can you talk about your controversial first promotion of the year involving the Silver Foxes?

Ivana Seltikets: Are you talking about opening day when we gave away free seat covers for our fans? Nothing controversial there and the Silver Foxes weren't involved at all. Well... some Foxes were involved I guess Yes, the 14,300 VIP and Executive level ticketholders recieved real Silver fox hide seat covers. The other 130,000 were genuine Naugahyde made to look like Silver Fox. Look, it's not like Silver Foxes are endangered or anything and there a still plenty of little Naugas running around as well. This was a very succesful promotion and I received great feed back from those big dollar seat holders. Next!

Reporter 8 Mike Hogan TSN radio and Silverbacks beat reporter, Ivana, Can you go into how the team is feeling about having two, strong Canadien teams in the league?

Ivana: Thanks for the question Mike but I learned early on that there was only one Canadian team that mattered to this franchise. Besides I don't think the Cincinnati Bengals will be worth worrying about for some time. Thank you all, this has been fun!

Ivana Leaves the press room.

The HAMBURG SEA LIONS won their week 10 game on the road against the Baltimore Blue Crabs, 30:13. Afterwards, some were concerned about the lack of urgency the offense surrounding QB1 Bryant Stover showed in the second half. They were not able to get into the endzone and had to rely on their defense to keep their own backyard clean.

No one can be concerned about the QB Back-up situation of the SEA LIONS, though: QB2 Alfredo Richter had a showing for the ages. He had to come into the game as early as 4 Minutes into the first quarter, and he put up stats some other QBs dream about: 2 Plays after he entered the game he passed the ball to Dau Ngige, a 20 Yard completion into the endzone for the first TD of the game. When they got the ball back after an interception by Bodo Schubert he was sacked, but then found TE Marjan Hofmann and two plays later carried the ball over the goalline for a 2 Yard Rushing TD.

When QB1 Stover came back after only 3 Minutes of playing time, the SEA LIONS led 14:0 thanks to Richter completing 2/2 passes for 38 yards and a TD as well as rushing for 2 Yards and a TD, earning him a perfect passer rating of 158.33.

SDSC spoke briefly with him after the game.

SDSC: Thank you, Alfredo, for your time. What a great performance you had today. How do you feel?

Richter: Well, it’s pretty neat to put up stats like that, but I know that it’s only momentarily. And it is made easy by the team, our O-Line is blocking like crazy. And when you have players like Dau and Marjan to throw the ball to, it’s a dream come true.

SDSC: Well said. You did advertise your abilties well today. How about asking for more playing time?

Richter: No, I won’t do that. Bryant is the starter for a reason, just look at the MVP honors he already has this season. No, it’s a team effort, and when I can help, I do my best. We’ll only get as far as the weakest link allows, so we all have to step up and show what we can do. The defense definitely deserves way more praise than me today.

SDSC: The defense was on it’s game today, yes. How do you see your chances for the game against the Social Distance Runners on Saturday?

Richter: It’ll be tough. We’re on the road, we never won against them. We have to play our best game of the season, probably. But we had the mystics on the ropes in the Conference Championship game last season, too… so we don’t have to hide. We’re going to Berlin to bring our A-game.

SDSC: Thank you, Alfredo, and good luck.

After being a little bit more than halfway into the S63, lets grade the first-round rookies of the Sea Devils S63 Draft so far.
(The list goes from 1st pick overall to 13th pick, 12 because 1 is a BOT pick and 2 haven't played a single game. Also only league stats will be listed).

#1 Uli Sonderegger, LB, Fuenlabrada Falcons - A.
Uli has yet to disappoint for the 1st overall pick, as he is the standout player of a failing team. With 70 total tackles (70!), 6 interceptions, and 4 team/game MVPs, Uli could be a great player going forward.

#2 Caros Silva, LB, Badalona Cheetahs - C+.
Carlos has been doing...ok. I was considering moving him to B-, but he hasn't done as much as the Cheetahs wanted him to...because...the team...hasn't won any games. With 1 INT and 47 tackles, it is a decent stat line, but not for a 2nd overall pick.

#3 Simon Falkesgaard, QB, Copenhagen Chargers - C+.
Rookie QBs need to develop, so of course they are not going to look great in year 1. With 14 INT, 12 TD, 2352 yards, and 20 rushing yards...he has been...ok, but the INTs really hurt the team if there are 14 thrown in 9 games.

#4 Gianni Danielson, OL, Black Knights - C.
Not really much to say about OL, all that I can say is that averages a total of 10 blocks per game with 92 blocks in a total of 326 plays, but I do see improvement of this player being made.

#5 (BOT PICK)

#6 Wally Marat, LB, Minnesota Silver Foxes - B-.
It's obvious to say that Wally was definitely not Minnesota's first choice, or maybe even second, but he has his ways of producing good stats. With a total of 44 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 3 sacks for 24 yards total as mostly a backup while playing all 9 of the games so far, I can see him producing better stats, and, maybe even get an Interception?

#7 Tomás Álvarez, SF, PATAGONIA RAPTORS - D.
Ouch. In 9 total games, with about 216 plays, he only has 9 tackles, that is an average of 1 tackle per game. I know he might mainly be a backup, but he has to get more involved than that.

#8 Xú Mar, DL, Downriver Seals - C.
Ok, so lets go over it shall we? In 7 total games played, he has had 159 plays, 11 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and....a catch for 13 yards? What? I'm...uh..just going to ignore that and put him at a C, almost a C+ but has had a decent season either way.

#9 Alton Schott, OL, Versailles Victors - UNGRADED.
It's impossible to give a grade to a player who has been benched and hasn't played a single game for the entire season.

#10 Sung Shin, LB, Union - B.
Considering that this is now a team in the Admirals league, it would be confusing to grade this player, however this team was apart of the S63 Sea Devils Draft so this player needs to be included, and boy, this player is pretty good. In 9 games and 339 plays, He had 14 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack for 10 yards, and a Pick 6, making him a decent but good player, that's why I put him at B.

#11 Kurtis Houston, LB, Baltimore Blue Crabs - A+.
Wow, what a player. In 9 games and 626 plays total, he has 69 tackles and 6 TFL, 6 sacks for 52 yards, and 3 INTs. Enough Said, this player is really good in his 1st year.

#12 Christian Vestergaard, LB, dERBENT CONVICTS - UNGRADED.
It's impossible to give a grade to a player who has been benched and hasn't played a single game for the entire season.

#13 Péter Komárek, LB, Rome Centvrions - B+.
With 9 games and 498 plays under his belt, he has recorded 13 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks for 15 yards, and 2 INTs. It's a pretty good stat line for a first year player, and I can see him becoming better and better in Italy.

Ok, that is 13 picks done, I will do the other picks later because I am tired, and if anyone wants to do the rest for me, then go ahead. Also I could do rookies of teams who are a team in the S63 Sea Devils league but weren't in the S63 Sea Devils Draft.

But what is everyone's opinions on the grades?