The Juice of the Lime
by Simon McGrother
Closer Look: Austin Wranglers
Austin enter their 4th season in the AFL hoping to build on 2006's 10-6 record and 2nd place finish in the Southern Division. They are taking a chance on new QB Adrian McPherson, replacing the always very solid John Fitzgerald. But McPherson is not a big risk: he was the AFL rookie of the year in 2004, and is back from a couple of years hiatus with the Saints in the NFL. He has a great arm and is mobile enough to score without letting go of the ball.
The Wranglers' 2006 receivers are mostly returning for the 2007 season. Derrick Lewis, Kevin Nickerson and Sedrick Robinson accounted for 90% of the scoring and 80% of the yardage and all will play in 2007. Lewis and Nickerson are both terrific receivers, giving Austin a well-balanced look, but diminishing their fantasy value somewhat. Robinson is a useful fantasy asset as he led the league in kick return yardage (1800) and return TDs (6) last year, in addition to hauling in 7 receiving TDs.
In addition to the rushing threat of McPherson, Austin boast not one, but two of the league's more prominent fullbacks - Dane Krager and Chad Dukes (moving over from Philly to replace Henry Bryant). Krager was individually impressive in 2006, leading the league in rushing yardage as Austin ran the ball 3rd most of any team. With Dukes, a more than able backup, I think the Wranglers will again be one of the runningest teams in the league.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wranglers have added the highly talented Nate Coggins to their already formidable defense (2nd only to Columbus in TDs given up in 2006). Upon the rock of this defense Austin's season will be built.
From a fantasy perspective, Austin are likely to be in the middle of the range of scoring but to have an unusually tough defense. If your roster is up against the Wranglers it might be a good week to hit the bench.
In terms of the Southern Division, Austin look very strong indeed. They finished 2nd behind Orlando last year, with the same 10-6 record. Orlando's off-season moves suggest that they will be the team to beat again, but I think that Austin perhaps have a better balance and a stronger defense. It could well be that they finish neck-and-neck again, as both should go to the playoffs and both could do very well.
Simon McGrother is a founding member of ArenaFootballOnline.com, the #1 source for Arena Fantasy Football information, and has been following the Arena Football League for 4 years. Contact Simon at smcgrother@arenafootballonline.com
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