Coach Marlier's: The Steam Press" Official Game Breakdown. IFL Article #3 4-20-24 Massachusetts Pirates vs. Quad City Steamwheelers

Coach Marlier supports the IFL and often attends home IFL Quad City Steamwheelers games in between his volunteer, professional and contractional commitments to Pro Football in his home community.

Marlier has supported Quad City Steamwheeler Football both as an AF2 fan (2000-2009) (2018 CIF) and as a past IFL Staff Coach (2019-2020). Marlier has taken SMWW coursework and worked in pro football since 2018 holding Pro Football roles as a Volunteer, Sponsor (Black Diamond), Charitable Donor (NFL Dallas Cowboys, DIII Augustana College and Assumption HS from the Marlier Estate), Founder, Board Member, Sports Agency Director/Vice President (Executive), Player Marketing Executive, Player Personnel Consultant, (WR/RB) Position Coach, Unit Analyst, Player Analyst, Quality Control and (Advance/College/Pro) Scout in his portfolio. Pro Position Analytics Coach

Michael A. Marlier has been honored with IAOTP's title of "Top Sports Journalist and Analyst of 2024" from New York City.

We are entering the halfway mark of the regular season. QCS is 3-4 at .429.

Coach Marlier's QCS Unit Play Ranking Subjective Scale

First Unit Grade: Defense Ranked B+

Objective Defensive Statistical Breakdown:

The Defensive Unit was opportunistic in generating turnovers. DB Kearney set the physical tone in tackles with 12 total with DB Duncan (FF) and WR/DB Harvey (INT) wrecking Mass Offensive Drives. Bailing of Defensive Lineman affected Mass. A very conservative passing game at level one is what existed as QCS kept everything in front of them Defensively. The Defensive Unit played with physicality and swagger.

Points of Emphasis: Tighten zone coverage in breaking on the Boundary WR's taking advantage underneath of cheap yardage.

Second Unit Grade: Offense Ranked B+

Objective Offensive Statistical Breakdown:

QCS demonstrated an up-tempo rhythm. Net yards rushing at 132 for the game with RB Vander averaging g 9.2 yards a carry with 3 TD's stood out. QB Erickson was 8/12 with 3 TD's. Erickson left some meat on the bone in forcing the football in 1 INT by DB Ford. Erickson needs to work on sideline level 2-3 passing in touch over the top in throwing the WR open. Points were left on the field in the passing game. Third down conversions were 80% (4/5). TOP 28:33.

Points of Emphasis: Sustain longer drives, when possible, by dominating TOP to keep the Defensive Unit fresh. QB Timing with touch over the top and making correct read progressions when the play breaks down.

Third Unit Grade: Special Teams Ranked B++

Objective Special Teams Statistical Breakdown:

Kicker Kaplan went 7/7 for Pats. 1/1 on FG's. Swan's blocked XP cost Mass 1 point with Harvey's return for a 2-point swing. Ashley was solid in the return game. Net kickoff yardage was 22.9. Improvement is needed through mining Kick Coverage lanes and gaps.

Points of Emphasis: Collapse and rally in kick coverage.

Coach Marlier's Game Wrecking Ball Player Award: #7 RB Vander #12 Kearney

QCS Offensive Player/s of the Game: #7 RB Vander #5 QB Erickson

QCS Defensive Player/s of the Game: #17 DB Duncan #9 WR/DB Harvey

QCS Special Teams Player/s of the Game: #8 DE Swan #9 WR/DB Harvey

QCS Coach/Co-Coordinators of the Game: Total Team Effort Awarded

Larry Hendrix - Defensive Coordinator - Football Coaches - Quad City Steamwheelers ( steamwheelersfootball.com )

Cory Ross - Head Coach | Director of Football Operations - Football Coaches - Quad City Steamwheelers ( steamwheelersfootball.com )

Nigel Stephens - Offensive Assistant | Quality Control - Football Coaches - Quad City Steamwheelers ( steamwheelersfootball.com )

QCS MDP's: #7 RB Vander, #16 WR/RB/KR Harrington, #13 WR Rudd, #17 DB Duncan, #34 DB Jackson, #41 DL Moore

QCS Potential Roster Upgrades: LB for Run Defense

Massachusetts MDP's: #15 QB Bennefield #3 RB Robinson #88 WR Zico #81 Owens

Massachusetts Potential Roster Upgrades: DL Front in Run Defense

First Half Observations from live game notes and film review.

Quarter 1 Summary

Special Teams Observations

QCS ST: 4-2-2 Return Form. Excellent Blocking for KR #0 Ashley for 16-yard return from EZ. 2/2 for XP's.

Mass ST: 4-2-1-1 Return Form. 1/1 for XP's. KR/RB #3 Robinson. Only Mass drive started at 8 YDL of Mass.

QCS Offense vs. Massachusetts Defense Observations

# 16 Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #1 off #2 possessions.

4X0 Form #1 Play Ran. Offensive Left Jet Motion to WS right out of option package to #16 WR Harrington for TFL of -1. #13 WR Rudd did not hold his block.

3X0 Form #4 Plays Ran. Offensive Right off Jet Motion Fake for Drag to #15 Vesey for Mass DB #8 Ford on INT negated. Trips Left in RZ with #7 RB Vander out of Wildcat Scheme Run stuffed at GL. Trips Left Ace Set Run Design Left off Toss. Vander read the Mass DL and reversed field to WS for TD in demonstrating athleticism and elite vision. Jet Motion Fake to Offensive Right off Triple Option look off QB Keeper for #5 Erickson for 19 yard run untouched to the Offensive left for TD.

3X1 Form #3 Plays Ran. Strong Right on Double Curl for completion to #16 WR Harrinton for 9 yards sitting down in zone coverage to the belt. Jet Motion Fake to Offensive Right off Triple Option on QB Keeper #6 Irwin for run to Offensive Left for 0 yards. Level 2 Completion down the Belt to #13 WR Rudd for 23 yards for first down.

2x2 Form #4 Plays Ran. Jet Sweep Offensive Right off RG for #16 WR Harrington for a First Down. Mass QBH out of 31 Front with #19 LB Bundage called for late hit on QCS QB to convert 3rd down conversion by penalty. Pass to the Belt to #15 WR Vesey was incomplete. Jet Motion Fake to #7 RB Vander for QB Keeper to Offensive Left for 0-yard gain by #19 LB Bundage. Level 1 Pass to the Right Flat for #16 WR Harrington incomplete.

2x1 Form #4 Plays Ran. High Motion Strong Left Ace set for #6 QB Irwin scramble for 0 yards. High Motion Strong Right for #13 WR Rudd to EZ Boundary on Go route incomplete. #7 RB Vander out of Wildcat zone read short at GL. Jet Motion Fake with #5 QB Erickson on screen pass to #7 RB Vander.

8/16 at 50% Run Offense. 50% Passing Offense QCS.

QCS Offensive Subjective Summary

QCS was successful in the level 1 passing game to Boundary and Belt. Wildcat scheme designs were not successful against Mass. Run Offense was more difficult to Offensive Left in getting positive yardage. Excellent motion and misdirection at the mesh point. TOP dominated by QCS. Balanced attack.

Mass Offense vs. QCS Defense Observations

#6 Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #1 off #1 possession.

3X1 Form #1 Play Ran. Shotgun #15 QB Bennefield completion to #81 Owens down the Belt.

3X0 Form #2 Plays Ran. Trips Left Ace Set out of Shotgun off Scissors concept incomplete pass Offensive Left. Trips Right on #15 QB Bennefield scramble to Offensive Left in forcing his pass to pylon where #9 WR/DB Harvey INT pass at GL for a turnover by crossing the WR's face.

2x2 Form #2 Plays Ran. High Motion inside to Field QCS DB's with NT #41 Moore Bailing for an Offensive Right completion for 0 yards. High Motion inside to Field QCS DB's with NT #41 Moore Bailing. Pass incomplete off QB scramble.

2x1 Form #1 Play Ran. Jet Motion Fake out of Triple Option for a hand off to #3 Robinson inside. #17 DB Duncan demonstrated great Run Defense at POA.

1/6 at 17% Rounded Run Offense. 83% Rounded Passing Offense Mass.

Mass Offensive Subjective Summary

QCS dropped 7 defenders into coverage and Mass did not adjust their rushing offense play calling in the light box by QCS. #15 QB Bennefield went 2-5 in pass completions with one INT in his only possession. Mass Offense was not balanced and out of rhythm.

14-0 QCS at the end of Quarter 1

Quarter 2 Summary

Special Teams Observations

QCS ST: 4-2-2 Return Form. QCS 25 Midfield. QCS 18. 1/1 XP's 2 points off blocked kick. #8 DE Swann block off Defensive Left off outside speed rush. #9 WR/DB Harvey on recovery in reversing field for 2 points to EZ. #12 DB Kearney standing out in Special Teams hustle, determination and downfield blocking.

Mass ST: 4-2-1-1 Return Form. Mass 15. Mass 16. Mass 21. 1/2 on XP's. 1/1 on FG's.

QCS Offense vs. Mass Defense Observations

#6 Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #2 off #2 possessions.

4X0 Form #0 Plays Ran.

3X1 Form #2 Plays Ran. #5 QB Erickson poor pass placement and touch over the top to boundary for TD opportunity missed downfield. #5 QB Erickson did not follow his progressions with #15 WR Vesey and #13 WR Rudd open and uncovered off Offensive Left scramble in poor ball placement in throwing behind #16 WR Harrington in staring him down at GL in #8 Mass DB Ford crossing face for a drive ending TO INT downfield.

3X0 Form #3 Plays Ran. Trips Right Ace Set for screen pass to Offensive Right Flat to #16 WR Harrington for 5-yard gain. Trips Right Ace Set Option Toss Right to #7 Vander for 6-yard gain. Trips Left Ace Set Pass Completion to left flat to #13 WR Rudd for 5-yard gain.

2x2 Form #0 Plays Ran.

2x1 Form #1 Play Ran. #5 QB Erickson to #15 WR Vesey in attacking the Belt via Skinny Post off Mass blown coverage for TD.

1/6 at 16.67% Run Offense. 83.33% Passing Offense QCS.

QCS Offensive Subjective Summary

QCS was not consistent in the level 2 and 3 passing game do to QB play. Level 1 passing was effective in working the flats.

Mass Offense vs. QCS Defense Observations

# 18 Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #2 off # 3 possessions.

3X1 Form #1 Plays Ran. Jet Motion Fake Play Action Option for #15 QB Bennefield scramble run to the Offensive Left for short gain.

3X0 Form #4 Plays Ran. Trips Right handoff right off Guard to #9 RB Thomas for #1 yard. 2X1 Pre-snap look into Trips Left off WR Motion Ace Set WS Offensive Right Lead Draw by #15 QB Bennefield over #17 DB Duncan for TD. Trips Right Ace Set Incomplete Bomb to EZ off #9 DB Harvey for PBU. Trips Right Ace Set #3 RB Robinson off Wildcat direct snap for run 5 yards.

2x2 Form #4 Plays Ran. #81 WR Owens TD at back of EZ over #17 DB Duncan off boundary High Motion with NT #41 Moore bailing into coverage. Inside Handoff to #9 RB Thomas for 5-yard run. Checkdown Pass #3 RB Robinson. #81 WR Owens catch sitting down in zone coverage down the Belt for 9 yards.

2x1 Form #9 Plays Ran. #3 Robinson inside handoff with great RG Kickout Block of #8 DE Swann. #12 DB Kearney physical on tackle. #88 WR Zico completion on sitting down on boundary corner playing soft zone. #3 Robinson inside handoff for 2 yards. QCS dropping 7 into coverage off QBH incomplete pass. Bomb off soft pocket for Mass where #9 DB Harvey was flagged for PI. WS pass to #88 WR Zico sitting down on boundary corner playing soft zone. WR Jet Motion Fake Ace Set off Triple Option to #9 RB Thomas off inside handoff. for 2 yards. #9 RB Thomas inside handoff for 1 yard to GL. #9 RB Thomas on inside handoff stuffed at GL by QCS #22 LB Morgan.

10/18 at 56% Run Offense. 44% Passing Offense Mass.

Mass Offensive Subjective Summary

Mass took their shots downfield to keep QCS honest over the top. Mass worked the soft zone underneath effectively taking what QCS gave them. A soft pocket was available for Mass #15 QB Bennefield. #3 RB Robinson was featured in the run offense in the middle of the field while #9 RB Thomas worked the RZ. The inside run was featured. Mass scored on 3 of 3 possessions with two TD's and a FG in being patient in running their offense eating up TOP.

23-16 QCS at the end of Quarter 2 (Halftime)

Second Half Observations from game notes and film review.

Quarter 3 Summary

Special Teams Observations

QCS ST: 4-2-2 Return Form. #0 WR Ashley 34-yard return demonstrating great cutback ability. Mass 21-yard line. QCS 2/2 XP's.

Mass ST: 4-2-1-1 Return Form. Mass 19-yard line. QCS 19-yard line. #3 RB Robinson 28-yard return. QCS ST not mining the Belt. #88 WR Zico broke three tackles. 18-yard line of QCS. QCS having difficulty collapsing in their contain on Kick Coverage. Mass 2/2 XP's.

QCS Offense vs. Mass Defense Observations

#5 Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #3 off # 2 possessions.

4X0 Form #0 Plays Ran.

3X1 Form #0 Plays Ran.

3x0 Form #1 Play Ran. Trips R Ace Set for a Level 2 21-yard completion to #16 WR Harrington for TD by #5 QB Erickson.

2x2 Form #2 Plays Ran. Jet Motion Handoff Offensive Right to #16 WR Harrington for 9 yards. Handoff to #7 RB Vander in demonstrating his cutback ability and vision in reversing field 11 yards for his second TD.

2x1 Form #2 Plays Ran. Pistol Set Jet Motion Fake Level 2 completion to #13 WR Rudd to Right Boundary. Ace Set Option Toss to #7 Vander in reversing field for a 14-yard gain where #54 DE Thomas lost contain.

3/5 at 60% Run Offense. 40% Passing Offense QCS.

QCS Offensive Subjective Summary

QCS was efficient in making the most of quick strike scoring drives with more balance in Run Offense and Pass Offense. TOP was limited. Mass struggled in backside contain at POA and in space in limited tackling opportunities.

Mass Offense vs. QCS Defense Observations

# Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #3 off # possessions.

3X1 Form #0 Plays Ran.

3X0 Form #3 Plays Ran. Trips Right QCS #4 DE Owens on PBU off QBH. Trips Right Ace Set #81 WR Owens on Belt Completion. #17 DB Duncan on fumble strip steal of football. Trips Left Option for QB Draw by #15 Bennefield for GL TD run.

2x2 Form #0 Plays Ran.

2x1 Form #10 Plays Ran. Ace Set #88 WR Zico on Curl to the Boundary off QCS soft Zone Coverage for 7 yards. Ace Set #11 WR Redding on Curl to the Boundary off QCS soft Zone Coverage. Ace Set #22 LB Morgan dropped coverage on #3 RB Robinson as the Checkdown for a completed pass for 5 yards. Mass continuing to have a soft pocket with no QCS pass rush. Ace Set Lead Draw between blocker #3 RB Robinson and #15 QB Bennefield off Offensive Left for a TD. #22 LB Morgan was tentative in stopping his feet in his A-gap breakdown. Ace Set. #3 RB Robinson Zone Read Run Offensive Left for 5 yards in breaking three tackles. Ace Set #3 RB Robinson off RG for 11 yards. Ace Set Jet Motion Fake to #88 WR Zico out of Triple Option to #3 RB Robinson off RG for 5 yards. Ace Set #9 RB Thomas inside run. Ace Set Jet Motion Fake to #3 WR/RB Robinson out of Triple Option for a GL handoff to #9 RB Thomas stuffed at GL. Ace Set #15 QB Bennefield incomplete EZ pass. #17 Duncan GL penalty for Illegal Blitz extended Mass Drive.

7/13 at 54% Run Offense. 46% Passing Offense Mass.

Mass Offensive Subjective Summary

The Mass Offense had good balance. Success in Run Offense came off Guard by stretching the QCS Run Defense in their Edge Contain. #22 LB Morgan struggled at the POA. The Mass passing game continued to be successful working underneath in QCS soft zone coverage.

37-30 QCS at the end of Quarter 3

Quarter 4 Summary

Special Teams Observations

QCS ST: 4-2-2 Return Form. 25 YDL. 20 YDL. 2/2 XP's 1/1 FG.

Mass ST: 4-2-1-1 Return Form. 23 YDL. 20 YDL. 2/2 XP's.

QCS Offense vs. Mass Defense Observations

# Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #4 off # 3 possessions.

4X0 Form #0 Plays Ran.

3X1 Form #0 Plays Ran.

3X0 Form #2 Plays Ran. Trips R Ace Set Run off LG Seal Block for untouched TD by #7 RB Vander for his third TD of the game. Trips Left for completion to #16 WR Harrington for 6 yards in the Belt.

2x2 Form #4 Plays Ran. Jet Motion handoff to #7 RB Vander to Offensive Right. Jet Motion Fake to Offensive Left with #5 QB Erickson on keeper for 3 yards to Offensive Right. Jet Motion handoff to #7 RB Vander to Offensive Right. Jet Motion Fake off Play Action Pass. #0 Ashley TD to EZ on Out Pattern.

2x1 Form #4 Plays Ran. Pistol Set Jet Motion Sweep with excellent seal blocking by QCS OL. #7 RB Vander for 6 yards off Offensive Left. #5 QB Erickson incomplete Pass on Go Route to EZ. Room for improvement of Accuracy and Touch. Pistol Set Triple Option Concept.

6/13 at 46% Run Offense. 54% Passing Offense QCS.

QCS Offensive Subjective Summary

QCS dominated the run game with excellent seal blocking by their OL. Misdirection and motion kept Mass off balance Defensively.

Mass Offense vs. QCS Defense Observations

#13 Offensive plays from scrimmage ran in Quarter #4 off #3 possessions.

3X1 Form #0 Plays Ran.

3X0 Form #6 Plays Ran. Trips R Ace Set. #4 DE Owens Contain Angle too wide at Mesh Point with QB Draw up Belt for 3 yards with #12 DB Kearney on massive hit. Trips L Ace Set Play Action Pass Scramble for TD negated by OL Holding Call. Trips Left Ace Set for #81 WR Owens for 18 yards down the Offensive Right Boundary. Trips Left Ace Set #9 RB Thomas for inside GL run for TD. Trips R Ace Set pass completion to #81 WR Owens for 12 yards. Trips L Ace Set #9 DB Harvey on QCS INT.

2x2 Form #1 Play Ran. #8 DE Swann in crossing the face of #3 RB Robinson in missing INT.

2x1 Form #3 Plays Ran. Ace Set Inside Run #9 RB Thomas. #22 LB Morgan stopped his feet in his read. Ace Set #11 WR Redding for completion of 9 yards for FD off QCS soft Zone Coverage. Ace Set Jet Motion Fake off Triple Option for inside Zone Read for 3 yards.

5/13 at 39% Run Offense. 61% Passing Offense Mass.

Mass Offensive Subjective Summary

The Mass Offense made some critical mistakes in untimely penalties and turnovers in not being able to execute when the game was in the balance that cost Mass the game. QCS made the game sealing INT to win the game in situational football.

54-43 QCS win.