Tweet
2014 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> Mechanics<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
When the Motor City Mechanics drafted Cris Gardner in 2012, he stood at the podium at his first press conference and told the gathered media that he was the back that was going to finally carry the franchise back to the playoffs. In 2013, he kept that promise. The Mechanics went 10-6 in the regular season and earned a Wildcard Weekend date at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Anchorage</st1:place></st1:City>. Though the temperature topped out at -1 degree that day, <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gardner</st1:place></st1:City> was red hot posting 221 yards from scrimmage and running the boys from Motown into the Divisional Round and a date with their rival Phils. Their best effort just wasn't enough that night at the Phils easily handled them ending their 2013 season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With just a few days to go before opening the season with a trip to the same field where their season ended last year, the Mechanics come in with high hopes for the '14 season. A recent article by OSFL Insider Greta, listed MC QB Billy Joe "The Jiz" Jizmejian and Cris Gardner as the #1 players at their respective position. That gives high hopes for a team that actually did more with their defense last season. With some key retirements in the off-season and a rock solid camp that included a 4-0 pre-season, the team from Detroit is ready to start their quest for the AC East title and their first Steven's Cup.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
2014 Schedule<o:p></o:p>
Week 1 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Punxsutawney</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 2 <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 3 Kalispel <o:p></o:p>
Week 4 at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Lake</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 5 <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Utah</st1:place></st1:State> <o:p></o:p>
Week 6 <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 7 BYE <o:p></o:p>
Week 8 at <st1:place w:st="on">Los Alamos</st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 9 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Phoenix</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 10 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ohio</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 11 <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Punxsutawney</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 12 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Paul</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 13 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 14 Dakota <o:p></o:p>
Week 15 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Lake</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 16 at <st1:place w:st="on">North Liberty</st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 17 at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ohio</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Starters:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Quarterback -- Billy Joe "The Jiz" Jizmejian<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
It's not all the time that you hear about a player entering his prime at 32 years old, but many experts around the league feel like Jizmejian may be playing the best ball of his career right now. After his first 4000 yard passing season in 2013, as well as career highs in TDs, YPA, YPC and QB Rating, "The Jiz" is poised to lead his team on another playoff run. His 2779 career completion have him sitting 2nd on the All-Time list and just 15 behind AC East rival Nick Pipkin. With the high efficiency short passing game in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, most agree that Jizmejian will be setting the record that future OSFL signal callers will be chasing.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Backfield -- Cris Gardner & Artie Mayes<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
What can you say about the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> backfield that hasn't already been said? It's a perfect pairing of the #1 FB in OSFL History, leading the way for one the the young Superstars of the league. Cris Gardner followed up his record breaking 2012 Rookie of the Year season, by coming in 2nd place in a controversial vote for 2013 Offensive Player of the Year. His 2374 all-porpose yards were tops in the OSFL last season despite being banged up for the last 4 weeks of the year including take Week 17 off. By land or by air, the only question is what is <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gardner</st1:place></st1:City> going to do next.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Leading the way is 11 year vet Artie Mayes. Mayes, who had some issues with the Mechanics' front office this summer staging a short hold out after he was franchised and being given a 2-year deal, has lost a step the past few seasons, but is still the most prolific offensive FB in league history. He grabbed all OSFL honors for the 4th time in 2013 and continues to be a Special Teams dynamo. Mayes has enough left in the tank for another playoff run. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Receivers -- Lorenzo Woodworth, Riddick Polifca & Luther Biddle<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This off-season, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> tried desperately to address their largest need and bring in a Free Agent receiver. Though large offers were made, they went to camp without bringing in a legit deep-threat. The receiving duties will once again be shared by a "no name" receiving corp lead by last year's 2nd Rund draft pick, Lorenzo Woodworth. Woodworth worked hard in the off-season and hopes to become Jizmejian's #1 target this season. He's flanked by 3rd year receiver Riddick Polifka. Polifka was undrafted out of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Oklahoma</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> before being given a late season gamble with <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> back in 2012. He made the team and caught 48 balls in 2013 and 3 TDs. With the retirement of Casey Sommers, the Tight End position will be manned by Luther Biddle. While not the passing threat that Sommers was, Biddle proved to be a big red zone target catching 5 touchdown passes in 2013 to compliment his above average run blocking technique.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Offensive Line -- Archie Hoffman, Marc Sutter, Andy Flannery, Moe Palmer & Robbie Richmond<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The Mechanics pride themselves on doing things the right way and that started by building their rock solid O-Line through the draft. Adding pieces each season until they found a perfect blend to protect and open holes for their high powered QB/RB tandem. The 2014 season will feature only one chance to the lineup that has lead the way for Cris Gardner the last two seasons. Andy Flannery comes over from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Portland</st1:place></st1:City> and beat out Lincoln Drake for starting Center. Drake, who started all 16 games last season, will become a rotating sub at C and both Guard positions while also handling the long snapping duties. Flannery will be on limited snaps however as many question whether his knees can hold up. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Meanwhile, Marc Sutter, who lead the league in Key Run Blocks last year but was only awarded 2nd Team All-OSFL at Guard, looks to rebound and take that title back after winning it in 2012.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Defensive Line -- Clyde <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Oliva</st1:City>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kent</st1:country-region></st1:place> Cook, Justin Doucette & Jackie Patrick<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
When you build your defensive line on 1st Round Draft picks, you expect positive results. 2013 showed what you can get when you do just that. Clyde Oliva (1.11 in 2007), Kent Cook (1.24 in 2008) and Jackie Patrick (1.10 in 2010) combined for 32 sacks last season in lead the way on the Mechanics high-powered, high-energy defense. They got after the QB all-season and took a lot of pressure off of a depleted LB Corp. These vets are hungry for a Steven's Cup run and will not let any QB get in their way.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Linebackers -- Jermaine Sullivan (R), <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Troy</st1:place></st1:City> Isaacson & Adam Sims<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
For a Top 3 Defense in 2013, the Mechanics had a monsterous hole in their undersized and ultra-thin Linebacking Corp. They hope to fill that need through the draft by bringing in some fresh faces and new energy to pair with some crafty Vets. Jermaine Sullivan, the 6'3" 257 pounder out of <st1:place w:st="on">Rutgers</st1:place>, was taken with the 23rd overall pick and one the starting job on the Strong Side. He'll join 11th year veteren Adam Sims on the outside in a starting 3 that will be manned in the middle by Troy Isaacson. Isaacson, once a bright star in the team's future plans, narrowly beat out 3rd Round draft choice Marc Sutter (no relation to the All-Pro Guard of the same name) for the starting nod and will likely be looking over his shoulder most of the season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Secondary -- Jermaine Lowman, Harry Berry, Daryll Calabri & <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Clifton</st1:place></st1:City> Trabosh<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
When the OSFL released their "League's Fastest Man" list this off-season, some were suprised to see 3/4 of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>'s secondary in the Top 5. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Lowman</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Berry</st1:State></st1:place> and Trabosh all have blazing speed but are more than just track stars. Lowman, who was hurt in the final game of pre-season and will be limited in the first few weeks, is one of the league's most consistant cover corners, while <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berry</st1:place></st1:State> has become an elite Tackler and leader on the Defense. Calabri, originally drafted in the 1st round as a Safety but moved to CB before going back to Safety in 2013, is still trying to settle in his return to his old position while Trabosh is proving to be a ball-hawk and was the Runner-up for OSFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 despite missing 5 games due to injury. In limited action during the pre-season, Trabosh picked off 4 balls and looks to be ready for another great season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Specialists: Bryant Accimus, Rodney MaKinster & Robbie Small (R)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The Special Teams for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> may be the team's achilles' heel this season. Bryant Accimus, despite a big leg and decent success from 50+, has been an overall mediocre Kicker in his 3 year career. He'll need more consistancy in that 40-49 yard range to not have the Mechanics scouting the Free Agent class early in the season. Likewise, second year kicker Rodney MaKinster was below average most of the season, yet the team feels like his ceiling is high despite rumors of some lockerroom "disagreements" with teammates. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The biggest hold, however, is likely in the return game where the Mechanics have never had a legitimate threat. They tried out a number of players this off-season and finally settled on undrafted Free Agent Rookie Robbie Small. The team will let Small handle the primary return duties, but don't be suprised to see them pull out Cris Gardner and Jermaine Lowman in must win games. These guys were both jaw-dropping returners in college and still have the skill to take it to house if pressed into action.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Bottomline:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
In 2013, the team finished 10-6, was #6 in Total Offense and #4 in Total Defense, won a Playoff game and got some much needed experience for their younger players. Despite their strong record, a 2-4 season in the AC East proved that they still have some hurdles to overcome if they're going to unseat the Phils and get back to the top of the division. They open the season with a tough rematch with <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Punxsutawney</st1:place></st1:City>, but have an overall favorable early schedule with 4 home games and the BYE Week in the first 7. They alternate back to back home and away games after the bye playing everything in pairs through the end of the season where they wrap up with two on the road at North Liberty and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ohio</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. There's already health question marks going into the season with a dinged up Jermaine Lowman, but all in all the team is older, smarter and more in sync with their responsibilities.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Prediction:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
11-5 (Wildcard)
<o:p></o:p>
When the Motor City Mechanics drafted Cris Gardner in 2012, he stood at the podium at his first press conference and told the gathered media that he was the back that was going to finally carry the franchise back to the playoffs. In 2013, he kept that promise. The Mechanics went 10-6 in the regular season and earned a Wildcard Weekend date at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Anchorage</st1:place></st1:City>. Though the temperature topped out at -1 degree that day, <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gardner</st1:place></st1:City> was red hot posting 221 yards from scrimmage and running the boys from Motown into the Divisional Round and a date with their rival Phils. Their best effort just wasn't enough that night at the Phils easily handled them ending their 2013 season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With just a few days to go before opening the season with a trip to the same field where their season ended last year, the Mechanics come in with high hopes for the '14 season. A recent article by OSFL Insider Greta, listed MC QB Billy Joe "The Jiz" Jizmejian and Cris Gardner as the #1 players at their respective position. That gives high hopes for a team that actually did more with their defense last season. With some key retirements in the off-season and a rock solid camp that included a 4-0 pre-season, the team from Detroit is ready to start their quest for the AC East title and their first Steven's Cup.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
2014 Schedule<o:p></o:p>
Week 1 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Punxsutawney</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 2 <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 3 Kalispel <o:p></o:p>
Week 4 at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Lake</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 5 <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Utah</st1:place></st1:State> <o:p></o:p>
Week 6 <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 7 BYE <o:p></o:p>
Week 8 at <st1:place w:st="on">Los Alamos</st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 9 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Phoenix</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 10 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ohio</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 11 <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Punxsutawney</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 12 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Paul</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 13 at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p>
Week 14 Dakota <o:p></o:p>
Week 15 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Lake</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 16 at <st1:place w:st="on">North Liberty</st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
Week 17 at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ohio</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Starters:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Quarterback -- Billy Joe "The Jiz" Jizmejian<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
It's not all the time that you hear about a player entering his prime at 32 years old, but many experts around the league feel like Jizmejian may be playing the best ball of his career right now. After his first 4000 yard passing season in 2013, as well as career highs in TDs, YPA, YPC and QB Rating, "The Jiz" is poised to lead his team on another playoff run. His 2779 career completion have him sitting 2nd on the All-Time list and just 15 behind AC East rival Nick Pipkin. With the high efficiency short passing game in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, most agree that Jizmejian will be setting the record that future OSFL signal callers will be chasing.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Backfield -- Cris Gardner & Artie Mayes<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
What can you say about the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> backfield that hasn't already been said? It's a perfect pairing of the #1 FB in OSFL History, leading the way for one the the young Superstars of the league. Cris Gardner followed up his record breaking 2012 Rookie of the Year season, by coming in 2nd place in a controversial vote for 2013 Offensive Player of the Year. His 2374 all-porpose yards were tops in the OSFL last season despite being banged up for the last 4 weeks of the year including take Week 17 off. By land or by air, the only question is what is <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gardner</st1:place></st1:City> going to do next.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Leading the way is 11 year vet Artie Mayes. Mayes, who had some issues with the Mechanics' front office this summer staging a short hold out after he was franchised and being given a 2-year deal, has lost a step the past few seasons, but is still the most prolific offensive FB in league history. He grabbed all OSFL honors for the 4th time in 2013 and continues to be a Special Teams dynamo. Mayes has enough left in the tank for another playoff run. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Receivers -- Lorenzo Woodworth, Riddick Polifca & Luther Biddle<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This off-season, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> tried desperately to address their largest need and bring in a Free Agent receiver. Though large offers were made, they went to camp without bringing in a legit deep-threat. The receiving duties will once again be shared by a "no name" receiving corp lead by last year's 2nd Rund draft pick, Lorenzo Woodworth. Woodworth worked hard in the off-season and hopes to become Jizmejian's #1 target this season. He's flanked by 3rd year receiver Riddick Polifka. Polifka was undrafted out of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Oklahoma</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> before being given a late season gamble with <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> back in 2012. He made the team and caught 48 balls in 2013 and 3 TDs. With the retirement of Casey Sommers, the Tight End position will be manned by Luther Biddle. While not the passing threat that Sommers was, Biddle proved to be a big red zone target catching 5 touchdown passes in 2013 to compliment his above average run blocking technique.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Offensive Line -- Archie Hoffman, Marc Sutter, Andy Flannery, Moe Palmer & Robbie Richmond<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The Mechanics pride themselves on doing things the right way and that started by building their rock solid O-Line through the draft. Adding pieces each season until they found a perfect blend to protect and open holes for their high powered QB/RB tandem. The 2014 season will feature only one chance to the lineup that has lead the way for Cris Gardner the last two seasons. Andy Flannery comes over from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Portland</st1:place></st1:City> and beat out Lincoln Drake for starting Center. Drake, who started all 16 games last season, will become a rotating sub at C and both Guard positions while also handling the long snapping duties. Flannery will be on limited snaps however as many question whether his knees can hold up. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Meanwhile, Marc Sutter, who lead the league in Key Run Blocks last year but was only awarded 2nd Team All-OSFL at Guard, looks to rebound and take that title back after winning it in 2012.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Defensive Line -- Clyde <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Oliva</st1:City>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kent</st1:country-region></st1:place> Cook, Justin Doucette & Jackie Patrick<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
When you build your defensive line on 1st Round Draft picks, you expect positive results. 2013 showed what you can get when you do just that. Clyde Oliva (1.11 in 2007), Kent Cook (1.24 in 2008) and Jackie Patrick (1.10 in 2010) combined for 32 sacks last season in lead the way on the Mechanics high-powered, high-energy defense. They got after the QB all-season and took a lot of pressure off of a depleted LB Corp. These vets are hungry for a Steven's Cup run and will not let any QB get in their way.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Linebackers -- Jermaine Sullivan (R), <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Troy</st1:place></st1:City> Isaacson & Adam Sims<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
For a Top 3 Defense in 2013, the Mechanics had a monsterous hole in their undersized and ultra-thin Linebacking Corp. They hope to fill that need through the draft by bringing in some fresh faces and new energy to pair with some crafty Vets. Jermaine Sullivan, the 6'3" 257 pounder out of <st1:place w:st="on">Rutgers</st1:place>, was taken with the 23rd overall pick and one the starting job on the Strong Side. He'll join 11th year veteren Adam Sims on the outside in a starting 3 that will be manned in the middle by Troy Isaacson. Isaacson, once a bright star in the team's future plans, narrowly beat out 3rd Round draft choice Marc Sutter (no relation to the All-Pro Guard of the same name) for the starting nod and will likely be looking over his shoulder most of the season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Secondary -- Jermaine Lowman, Harry Berry, Daryll Calabri & <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Clifton</st1:place></st1:City> Trabosh<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
When the OSFL released their "League's Fastest Man" list this off-season, some were suprised to see 3/4 of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>'s secondary in the Top 5. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Lowman</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Berry</st1:State></st1:place> and Trabosh all have blazing speed but are more than just track stars. Lowman, who was hurt in the final game of pre-season and will be limited in the first few weeks, is one of the league's most consistant cover corners, while <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berry</st1:place></st1:State> has become an elite Tackler and leader on the Defense. Calabri, originally drafted in the 1st round as a Safety but moved to CB before going back to Safety in 2013, is still trying to settle in his return to his old position while Trabosh is proving to be a ball-hawk and was the Runner-up for OSFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 despite missing 5 games due to injury. In limited action during the pre-season, Trabosh picked off 4 balls and looks to be ready for another great season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Specialists: Bryant Accimus, Rodney MaKinster & Robbie Small (R)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The Special Teams for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Motor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> may be the team's achilles' heel this season. Bryant Accimus, despite a big leg and decent success from 50+, has been an overall mediocre Kicker in his 3 year career. He'll need more consistancy in that 40-49 yard range to not have the Mechanics scouting the Free Agent class early in the season. Likewise, second year kicker Rodney MaKinster was below average most of the season, yet the team feels like his ceiling is high despite rumors of some lockerroom "disagreements" with teammates. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The biggest hold, however, is likely in the return game where the Mechanics have never had a legitimate threat. They tried out a number of players this off-season and finally settled on undrafted Free Agent Rookie Robbie Small. The team will let Small handle the primary return duties, but don't be suprised to see them pull out Cris Gardner and Jermaine Lowman in must win games. These guys were both jaw-dropping returners in college and still have the skill to take it to house if pressed into action.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Bottomline:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
In 2013, the team finished 10-6, was #6 in Total Offense and #4 in Total Defense, won a Playoff game and got some much needed experience for their younger players. Despite their strong record, a 2-4 season in the AC East proved that they still have some hurdles to overcome if they're going to unseat the Phils and get back to the top of the division. They open the season with a tough rematch with <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Punxsutawney</st1:place></st1:City>, but have an overall favorable early schedule with 4 home games and the BYE Week in the first 7. They alternate back to back home and away games after the bye playing everything in pairs through the end of the season where they wrap up with two on the road at North Liberty and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ohio</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. There's already health question marks going into the season with a dinged up Jermaine Lowman, but all in all the team is older, smarter and more in sync with their responsibilities.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Prediction:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
11-5 (Wildcard)
Comment