[Taco]

The 2006 season is almost here and it's time for some division previews...


Memphis Express, Owner: GoldenEagle
2005 results:
- 9-7 regular season
- Won wild card game vs. New Orleans, 17-14
- Won divisional game vs. Durham, 17-14
- Lost Eastern Conference finals vs. Detroit, 27-28

Offense: The offense is based around the passing game with Mr. Consistent, QB Joshua Urrutia. Memphis has a big question mark at RB where last year's backup, Riddick Dole, is expected to start. Grade: B-

Defense: The only play-maker on this side of the ball is DE Horace Williams. Williams is tied for 3rd in career sacks with 33.5. Grade: C+

Special Teams: WR John Parsley continues to be the most dangerous kick returner in the league, having returned 4 kickoffs for TDs over the past 3 seasons. Grade: B+

Overall season outlook: 6-10, The Express just didn't do enough in the offseason to remain competitive.


New Orleans Breakers, Owner: backbreakers
2005 results:
- 9-7 regular season
- Lost wild card game vs. Memphis, 17-14

Offense: The Breakers' offense has talent at all positions. Their 1st round draft choice, TE Corey Francis, should be able to contribute right away in both the passing and running games. Look for QB Randolph Kranz to have a breakout season. Grade: A-

Defense: CB Forest Wheeler was a smart free agent pickup, but New Orleans still lacks depth at CB. The rest of the defense is solid, led by 5'10", 230 lb. LB Don Byer, who has 226 solo tackles and 84 assists over the past two seasons. Grade: B

Special Teams: K Eliseo Frame was 1st team all-league in 2005, and P Chris Elswick is still punting in his 17th season. Grade: B+

Overall season outlook: 11-5, This team should improve for the 4th straight year and could go far in the playoffs.


San Antonio Stingers, Owner: Shooter
2005 results: 7-9 regular season

Offense: Age is a concern for this offense with RB Chester Brumley (age 34) and QB Joaquin Luster (age 37). If Luster struggles early, 1st round pick QB Eddie Crawford could get thrown into the lineup soon. Grade: C+

Defense: If the Stingers could clone SS Michael Hubbard a few times they'd be ok, but for now they will allow their other young DBs to struggle for a season or two before they reach their potential. Grade: C

Special Teams: Last year's 5th round draft pick, K Alfred Luzar, made 84.8% of his field goals, including 6 in one game against Sacramento in a 32-29 Stingers overtime victory. Grade: C

Overall season outlook: 5-11, This team went 1-7 over the 2nd half of 2005 and the struggles will continue this season.


Shreveport Pride, Owner: Raven Hawk
2005 results: 4-11-1 regular season

Offense: WR Pedro Lopez was brought in to give young QB Douglas Hartman a consistent possession receiver. However, the Pride's offense is based around RB Weldon Rayburn who quietly rushed for 1328 yards last year with a 4.51 average. Grade: B+

Defense: Shreveport's defense is a young, talented group who should keep them competitive in every game. Last year's #1 overall selection, DT Jerald Barber is living up to his high expectations, and playing behind him is MLB Joshua Mask who is 2nd in the league in career tackles. Grade: A

Special Teams: Kicker Carson Blume really struggled late last year, only making 4 out of his last 12 field goal attempts. WR Juan Batchelor is a decent kick returner while rookie WR Ernie Sutton was drafted to return punts. Grade: C

Overall season outlook: 9-7, This team is a lock to improve on last year's performance.