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Santa Cruz Privateers, Owner: Fastcat
2005 results:
- 11-5 regular season
- Lost wild card game to Anchorage, 13-16

Offense: In their playoff loss to Anchorage, Santa Cruz rushed 26 times for only 73 yards (2.8 yds/rush). They made a big move to prevent that from happening again when they traded with Boston for RB William Sheehan. Sheehan filled the most obvious hole on the team, and now there isn't a weak link in this offense. Grade: A-

Defense: Many felt FS David Visser deserved some awards last season after he intercepted 10 passes. Perhaps he was looked over because he's the 3rd best safety on this team, behind studs Pitman and Bird. Losing DE Crank (traded in the Sheehan deal) will hurt, but this defense is still looking good. Grade: A-

Special Teams: Kicker Brady Stiehl missed two extra points last year but did connect on 85% of his field goals. Sheehan is a quality punt returner. Grade: B

Overall season outlook: 12-4, Santa Cruz was 11-3 last year before losing their last two regular season games and then losing the next week in the wild card round. This year they should learn from that experience and make it to the CFL Bowl.


Sacramento Dragons, Owner: FrogMan
2005 results: 10-6 regular season

Offense: Sacramento picked up all-league WR Mikel Rice from Honolulu. Rice had 83 receptions for 1216 yards and 6 TDs last year when catching passes from Ronnie Tu. Now he'll be catching them from Seymour Barre who signed a renegotiated contact for $51.67M over 6 years, the highest total dollar amount of any player this season. Grade: A

Defense: The Dragons' defense is very deep, and they should be able to play a lot of different players to keep everyone fresh. Their biggest name is CB Paul Stith who had 5 INTs in 2005. Grade: A-

Special Teams: Kicker Branden Eastman had a quality season in 2005 and is unchallenged for the kicker job this year. Grade: B

Overall season outlook: 11-5, The Dragons are hungry for a playoff berth after missing the playoffs with a 10-6 record last year. This is a dangerous team that has the talent to beat anyone.


Huntington Beach Capitalists, Owner: Castlerock
2005 results: 6-10 regular season

Offense: Jesus Dennis threw 28 INTs in his two seasons in Atlantic City, and then threw 30 INTs last season alone. This included a game against Santa Cruz where he went 10-34 for 98 yards and 5 INTs. Despite the stats he was given a $4 million signing bonus to continue to throw the ball. Grade: C-

Defense: The defense is the strength of the team, particularly the secondary. The four starters (Seawright, Unknow, Luck, and Gourley) are all between the ages of 30-34, but they can still play the game. Grade: B

Special Teams: WR Otto Perry returned a punt for a TD last year which was the difference in a 28-21 victory over Memphis. Grade: B

Overall season outlook: 5-11, The team is in good shape salary cap wise and could make a big splash next year in free agency.


Long Beach Calibri, Owner: Daedalus
2005 results: 4-11-1 regular season

Offense: QB Rodney Darr has joined Long Beach, his 3rd team in 3 years. Darr's cap cost in only $2 million, which is a bargain for a guy who threw for 3900+ yards and even won a playoff game last year. He will line up behind C Robbie Sutton, the best center in the CFL. Grade: B-

Defense: Defensive front leader Hollis Beardsley was given the franchise tag and later signed to a 3-year contact. This might be the last year for starting cornerbacks Kubiak and Poole, who have a combined 29 years of experience. Grade: B

Special Teams: WR Carl Schwartz returned both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown last year. The punt was a game winner against division foe Santa Cruz in the season finale, as Long Beach won 13-9. Grade: A-

Overall season outlook: 6-10, The Calibri have an improved passing game this year, but still need to work on the running game.