With the events of COVID-19 escalating, it is unsure what will happen with the second month of play in the LAEFL. Earlier today, the Governor making orders for people to stay at home for a minimum of one month and the suspension of gatherings of 10 people or more has not been extended statewide. However, that has not stopped the Mafia from preparing for the next gameday including the newly named 273.5 Bowl. Despite having a guaranteed opponent in Coach Mark Sr., Buffalo must be prepared for whoever may come next.
Jets: Boozer and Broadway have been forces against the defensive line of Buffalo. Shabby knows that you know his game plan and will still succeed. However, if he plays the Bills after the Smoke-A-Bowl with Cleon, the Northern New York team may have a chance depending on what medicine is served to him before, during, and maybe after the game
Steelers: Coach Ant will also be playing his first game(s) of the season at this time. However, these two teams met during the Open Run while Pittsburgh was still doing tryouts for the league squad and the Bills were testing out their killer new running back and switching players from DTs to DEs. However, with monsters at the front 5, don’t expect anything less from what has been working for him for the past 2 seasons.
Raiders: Since coming into the league in 2018, the Bills and Raiders have had wars galore including the playoffs last year where Buffalo’s rally fell short as time expired. Let us not forget earlier that year where a crucial 3rd and long created one of the greatest clutch completions in the end zone with 2 minutes left allowed ERob to hammer the final nail in the coffin. The Bills were able to compete with his famous Black College All-Stars team who provide which can give hope to the Buffalo faithful that this could be the year they get the monkey off their back.
Vikings: The Furnace Bowl will always have a special place in the LAEFL. Both games they have played as created a 21-point comeback from each team. When they play this year, last one to have the ball will be the winner hands down.
49ers: Coach Cleon wants revenge for last year’s loss to the Bills where turnovers played a major factor. However, the new-look Niner squad handed the Vikings a statement loss leading them to start the season undefeated. Ronnie Lott and Mark Kelso headline the 49ers and Bills defenses (respectively) but it will be the passing game that will determine who comes away with the victory
Browns: Another coach that wants to vengeance against the Mafia. Coach John won his first game ever in the LAEFL. However, he nearly lost it towards the end of regulation. Mark II will have to pay close attention to Chubb and Baker’s passing has been on point to where it can be a hassle for him to shut down this upstart team.
Ravens: Show up
Texans: Last year’s Most Improved Coach was handed a beatdown by the Eagles. Big mistake by Coach Isaac as he has now woken up the beast again. The passing game towards the end of the game was a sign of what is to come in his next game. Also, Coach Mark II is reminding his squad of what could have been after the heartbreaker in overtime adding more fuel to the fire during practices.
Cowboys: This year’s favorite for Rookie of the Year had a miraculous rally that could have some of its momentum carry over into April. Now, with their home field set to open, the team looked stronger and faster than ever in their training sessions. In addition, Mark II must be reminded that although he is a rookie in the league, he can still compete with the seasoned vets of the game and must respect him as so.
Lions: Originally scheduled for Opening Day, Thompson’s Lions have been able to defeat some of the best in the game nationwide. Not much is on tape for his squad so Buffalo must be prepared for anything that can and will be thrown at them. In this instance, they would just need to stick to basics and utilize their three-headed rushing monster in Kelly, Thurman, and OJ.
Eagles: The Bills just need to make it close. Coach Isaac has put up 74 points in two games allowing only 18 in that time. It will be the first time Philly and Buffalo meet since the infamous, “Tap Out,” game to open the 2018 eventually leading to Isaac capturing the Rookie of the Year Award. While they scrimmage and spar together like two boxers belonging to the same gym, their exhibition at Jamboree showed that there needs to be more improvement in all aspects of their game.
While all we have are previews, it is still unclear of what the future holds. What is certain, Buffalo will be better prepared for what is ahead on the electric gridiron.
-Thomas Aldrich
LAEFL 