After Record 6 TD Passes: Can Wolves Offense Match Defense?
April 23, 2016 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Billings Wolves News Release
Billings Wolves Quarterback Mason Espinosa
(Billings Wolves)
In only his second start for the Wolves, quarterback Mason Espinosa set a franchise record, throwing 6 touchdown passes vs. the Green Bay Blizzard. The team's offensive explosion complimented their already stout defense-resulting in a 55-34 win. Seven games into the 2016 season, the Wolves defense currently ranks No. 1 in points surrendered, total yardage and passing yardage. As their offense continues to build momentum, will greater balance result in more wins as the team embarks upon a two-game home-stretch at the Rimrock Auto Arena?
On April 2nd, I previewed quarterback Mason Espinosa's first start for the Wolves:
"Mason Espinosa will start this week vs. the Danger. Prior to joining the Wolves, Espinosa played football at Ohio Wesleyan and spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 2014 rookie camp. At 6'4", 225 lbs., Espinosa has the prototypical build of a strong pocket passer. On-film, he displays the ability to stand tall in the pocket and push the ball down the field."
After a rough outing in his first start, Espinosa bounced back in a big way last week, completing 62.9 percent of his passes for 245 yards, 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in route to a 123.2 passer rating. His six touchdown passes set a Wolves franchise record.
Willie Downs (7 receptions for 73 yards) and Marcus Barnett (4 receptions for 70 yards) did their part, hauling in 2 touchdown receptions a piece. The Wolves passing offense boasted four players with 3+ receptions as Espinosa distributed the ball early and often.
Defensively, the Wolves have continued to dominate opposing offenses. Mikell Mair's 3.5 sacks ranks No. 3 in the IFL. Chris Frierson ranks No. 2 in the IFL in both interceptions (3) and interception return yardage (44). It's tough to move the ball against a defense that puts pressure on the quarterback and capitalizes off of mistakes made in the air.
Allowing only 38.1 points-per-game (No. 1 in the IFL), the Wolves defense can hang with any team in the league, providing opportunities for their emerging offense to put points on the board. The Crush will present a strong challenge for the Wolves defense. Ranked No. 3 in passing yardage per-game (175.7) and No. 2 in total yardage produced per-game (263.9), the high-powered Crush offense is hungry for the team's first win of the season. Expect a greater challenge than the team's 0-7 record would indicate.
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 Billings Wolves Quarterback Mason Espinosa |
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- After Record 6 TD Passes: Can Wolves Offense Match Defense? - Billings Wolves
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