MPL Game Of The Week

Sully
v.s.

Rock
2-1
Record 
 3-0

10
MPL Top Ten

1

L1
Streak

W3
Offense

Defense

Intangibles
Coaching
17
GOTW Prediction

24


Week 4 brings a different flavor to the MPL. It's the first week where teams face opponents outside of their own division. It brings an opportunity to match up with someone you've never faced and perhaps, won't play again for a long time. It also gives owners a chance to settle scores and redeem their pride against someone who has trashed them on the boards. That's the case with this week's Game Of The Week. Sully is one of the best ballers in the MPL but gets no love and Rock has been all over him this season. Let's see who's got the edge in this bitter rivalry:

The Lions (Sully)

OFFENSE

While Sully is used to the feeble offense of the Niners, these Lions offer a few more options to him. Kevin Jones is a solid runner who is quick and can break some tackles. Roy Williams and Corey Bradford have quickness and good hands. Sprinkle in some Mark Furrey and you have solid receiving options. Jon Kitna doesn't have the quickness of Alex Smith but Sully knows when to pick his spots and will scramble with Kitna when he sees the opportunity. Sully seems to favor hitting those short routes but will look for Roy deep once in a while to keep the defense honest. He'll definately need to mix it up in this game to keep Rock's defense off balance.

Key Offensive Players:

  

Kevin Jones       Roy Williams



DEFENSE

The Lions are built for a 43 style of defense on the surface but in Madden, they're a 34 schemers dream. They have 4 linebackers with outstanding speed and a couple of big loads on the defensive line to help free those fast LBs. The corners have outstanding speed which allows them to stay with any receiver on the field. The deep secondary is solid with hard hitting Kennoy Kennedy and fleet footed Daniel Bullocks. Sully loves, just loves to bring the heat from that 34 defensive set. His LBs are going to have to get pressure on Young to force some bad throws. To help in coverage beyond the LBs, Kenoy Kennedy is going to have to make his presence felt with some vicious hits.

Key Defensive Players:

  

Boss Bailey       Kenoy Kennedy



The Titans (RuntheRock)

OFFENSE

Rock is off to a hot start and that's because he's been able to do what he does best, run run run the ball. Travis Henry has been Rock's best player so far this season. He's complimented well with some shots of Lendell White up the gut. Vince has been solid but not stellar. He proved he can lead his team from behind late in the game, but can he carry his team when they need him the most against a stronger defense? Vince will have to look to Henry and his tight ends in quick reads in order to move the ball against he heavy blitz of the Lions. It wouldn't hurt to keep the defense honest with a long ball or two.

Key Offensive Players:

  

Vince Young       Travis Henry



DEFENSE

Rock's defense is probably the most underrated part of his game. He's show excellent stick skill when controlling his safety and when it's time to tackle, he lays the wood with the hit stick. The Titans have held the high powered Rams to 7 points, the Wade led Browns to 21 points and the Bears to 14 points. In this offensive focused edition of Madden, those are great defensive point totals. Tennessee will need outstanding coverage on Roy Williams and that will come by way of Dre Bly. The quick linebackers and rugged defensive line should be able to do their best at stopping the running attack of the Lions.

Key Defensive Players:

  

Keith Bullock       Albert Haynesworth



Key Matchup:


VS  
Boss Bailey against Travis Henry

Sully has to want this game pretty bad. For 3 consecutive hot seats he's seen his name associated with the phrase "overrated". Rock has been dogging him all season, echoing those same sentiments of being overrated. The jaw jabbin has been constant with these two guys and even though he doesn't have his beloved Niners, Sully has a team that is plenty capable of shutting every doubters mouth with a win here. He'll have to man up and stop the intense running attack of RuntheRock. Henry has proven to be a beast and if he isn't contained, it'll spell the end for the Lions.


Outcome: The is the first in a very tough 3 game stretch for Sully. A win here means redemption for his surprising week 3 loss and it shuts up Rock, at least for now. While I think Sully will give it his all, Rock will just be a bit too much for him. The only way that Rock loses if he comes in a super ego and no preparation. He better put down the 360 sticks and bring his A game or the Lions will feast on rookie Vince Young. I think Rock knows his rep is on the line here with all trash he's been throwing Sully's way.
Titans win this one 24-17



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