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Big Blue - Real Housing Preview

This Saturday night, in the first edition of the IFL’s annual Chanuka Bowl, Big Blue Jerusalem is set to host the Real Housing Haifa Underdogs at Kraft Family Stadium in Jerusalem. This exciting match-up between, arguably, the two strongest teams in the IFL should provide an opportunity for both clubs to really make a statement of the way they will perform going forward.

Big Blue’s attack has been lethal thus far, posting 48 and 46 points with 14 touchdowns in its first two games. With Haifa still hurting on the defensive front, and a number of players sidelined with injuries, Jerusalem should have its way offensively. If Jerusalem can protect QBs Aryeh Bauman and Uri Schiff there should be an explosive mix downfield with tight-end Yoni Lehrer and receiver Sinai Levi, as well as Moshe Horowitz and Yonah Misha’an out of the backfield. However, the pressure will be on Big Blue’s offensive line, which can expect a variety of aggressive blitz packages as the Underdogs will attempt to limit time in the pocket for Big Blue’s quarterbacks.

The Underdogs have seen encouraging play from QB Ori Shterenbach, but they remain committed to being a run-first team, which should hold true especially on the road. Haifa has averaged 91 yards rushing its two games, and the goal is still to lean on running backs Lior Subotnik and N. Medlinger on first and second downs to help keep Shterenbach from being forced to attack the Jerusalem defence, with 8 INTs already, out of third-and-long.

Haifa wide receivers Shachar Yeshurun and Ilan Maor give them the opportunity to stretch the field. The problem is that pass protection has been a concern for Real Housing, especially with the ground game not as threatening with Shterenbach playing out of the shotgun, where he is more comfortable. Haifa’s ability to keep the game close could come down to protecting their quarterback against the league’s best pass rushing team (7 sacks, a safety and a forced fumble for a TD).

Prepared by Uriel Sturm, IFL League Statistician, who has (objectively) viewed and recorded each and every IFL down and game ever played from the best seat in the house. Please feel free to contact at uesturm@gmail.com

December 5, 2007 Posted by iflfootball | Breakdown, Games | | 1 Comment