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| INSIDER
June 12, 2012
5:44:59 PM
Entry #: 3931302
| #4 TIG OLD BITTIES (7-3).......The BITTIES defeated the CANES 13-6 to advance to the semi-finals
UP NEXT.........(#1)CHARGERS
KEY PLAYERS...........(QB)Kerry Palmer, (WR)Corey Newsome, (TE)Tim Uhl, (DE)Kerzell Barnes (DB)Leon Breece, (CB)Nick Patterson
If the league had a roster limit of 15, the BITTIES would probably be the preseason #1. They are short in numbers but play with tremendous heart, chemistry and cohesion making them a dangerous underdog vs most teams. After a slow start QB Kerry Palmer exploded, putting together one of the best seasons a QB can have. His quick release and mobility have helped solve o-line issues that no longer seem to be a problem. The boys in the trenches look undersized but have quietly become a dependable unit that gives Palmer just enough time to move the chains. Palmer has plenty of weapons from WR's John Kaczka, Corey Newsome and Angelo Marrerro to TE Tim Uhl. Spreading the ball around and mixing in screens and the occasional run can help offset the CHARGERS tremendous rush. On the defensive side they feature a pass rush that was 2nd in the league in total sacks and forced several turnovers in big games this year. LB Nakia Riley, along with Uhl, Barnes and DE James Blanchette have been all over opposing QB's helping cover up an average at best secondary. CB Nick Patterson has come on late and looks to be an elite cover corner, solidifying what was once a suspect unit. The BITTIES have the experience, composure and pedigree to shock the league this weekend if they play their best games
I have yet to get confirmation, but they may be without DE James Blanchette (knee) and WR/DB Angelo Marrerro (hand) for the rest of the playoffs
If TOB is going to win the chip they will have to play flawless for 2 games. If they dont have a plan to avoid the CHARGERS Dline than they are in trouble early. On the flip side, if the CHARGERS sleepwalk early in this game (which isnt uncommon) then watch out because the BITTIES are primed for an upset. Getting past the CHARGERS is the first step, but if they advance they have to feel good vs either of their possible opponents as they easily could have won their matchups in the regular season
BOTTOM LINE......If they had drawn anyone but the CHARGERS I might be inclined to jump on the bandwagon here but this is just a bad matchup for them. They have played them several times in the last two years and have been flat-out outmanned each time. A great season comes to an end in the semis
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