May 9, 2024
By Adam Ruffner
24. Detroit Mechanix (-)
Record: 0-1
Most recent result: 24-9 vs Chicago (L)
Next game: May 11 at Indianapolis
Detroit’s 41 turnovers against Chicago was their highest in a game since 2021. The Mechanix narrowly lost to Indy the last time they played indoors, so maybe the calm conditions will limit the mistakes. The streak is now at 75 straight losses.
23. Portland Nitro (-)
Record: 0-1
Most recent result: 23-16 vs San Diego (L)
Next game: May 10 vs Oakland
The Spiders might be looking past Portland tomorrow night, which could be a terrific opportunity for the Nitro. Felix Moren is available, and while he missed the entire 2023 season, the 2022 Team USA U-20 gold medalist had four scores and nearly 500 total yards in his last start with Portland. The Nitro need a spark, and Moren has the playmaking potential to make a difference.
22. Dallas Legion (-)
Record: 0-1
Most recent result: 26-21 at Houston (L)
Next game: May 11 vs Austin
Last season’s huck king Jason Hustad is set to make his 2024 debut, and honestly everything feels on the table with this new frisbee. Hustad could complete double-digit hucks and throw double digit turnovers against Austin, and given his teammate Jake Floyd’s flirtation with 1,000 throwing yards, Hustad could gun for a new single-game record.
21. Pittsburgh Thunderbirds (-)
Record: 0-1
Most recent result: 18-11 vs Minnesota (L)
Next game: May 11 vs Madison
13 starts into his Thunderbirds career, Carl Johnson ranks first in franchise history* in goals per game. The third year receiver hasn’t just been valuable for his production downfield, either, as he’s registered eight blocks in his last seven starts, and provided stout coverage in transition. Madison will generate takeaways this coming Saturday, and Johnson will be crucial in limiting the Radicals defense in converting them into break scores.
*Played at least seven games
20. Toronto Rush (-3)
Record: 0-1
Most recent result: 21-13 at Boston (L)
Next game: May 11 vs Montreal
2019 All Rookie member Akifumi Muraoka made a splash in his return to the Rush, and finished with four scores, a block, and 343 total yards. But Toronto as a team converted only one break, which is tough for a team that has finished bottom six in each of the past two seasons in break rate. Toronto did finish with just 17 turnovers in Boston, but managing just 13 goals is tough. The Rush got three of their five wins against Montreal in 2023, and swept the season series. This Saturday against a rejuvenated Royal team, the Rush will have their hands full.
19. San Diego Growlers (-)
Record: 1-2
Most recent result: 18-16 vs Salt Lake (L)
Next game: May 17 vs Portland
The Growlers have yet to get a win against the Shred in five tries, but they proved their tenacity well into the fourth quarter of last weekend’s two-goal loss. Perennial All-UFA member Travis Dunn and San Diego newcomer Matt Miller are both averaging over 500 yards per game this season, but they’ve also combined for 23 turnovers in just three games. Defensively the Growlers have struggled to generate pressure, and have averaged just under seven takeaways per game in their last seven matches going back to 2023. But with five of the seven West Division competitors already saddled with a loss, the Growlers could remain pesky for undisciplined challengers.
18. Houston Havoc (-)
Record: 1-1
Most recent result: 25-14 at Austin (L)
Next game: May 18 at Dallas
Houston hung around for two quarters before self inflicted mistakes once again caught up to the young franchise. Through two games in 2024 the Havoc rank third worst in turnovers per game, and fourth worst inside the red zone; Houston converted on just 11-of-18 (61 percent) red zone chances in Austin. Houston is a team that likes to take looks when they’re there, but nine different Havoc players are averaging more than a throwaway per game. But in his fourth pro season on his third Texas team, Jimmy Zuraw is starting off looking like one of the premier arms in the league. He already has a career high for assists (14) in just two starts, and he’s top 10 in the UFA in assists, completions, and throwing yards per game.
17. Montreal Royal (+2)
Record: 0-2
Most recent result: 18-16 at New York (L)
Next game: May 11 at Toronto
The Royal’s Week 1 results look only more impressive in retrospect, particularly with Boston’s dismantling of Montreal’s countrymen. Now the Royal must prepare for their first of three battles with the Rush, which will be very important games for determining which team can remain in playoff contention, and which team will likely occupy the cellar of the East Division. 2022 All-Star Jakob Brissette is active and set to make his 2024 debut after appearing in only two games last season, and has the kind of throwing bag that could enhance Tobe Decraene and Quentin Bonnaud even more; Brissette finished eighth in throwing yards in his last full season of play. Montreal has committed 20 or more turnovers in five of their last six games, and would benefit from more depth in their throwing rotations.
16. Philadelphia Phoenix (-6)
Record: 0-1
Most recent result: 22-10 vs DC (L)
Next game: May 11 vs Boston
Another cold start for the Hotbirds, as Philly is now 0-7 before May 20 the past three seasons combined and have been outscored 39-18 in their last two season openers. There was too much going wrong on Sunday to know where to start, but most concerning was the dropoff in defense from last season. The 2023 Phoenix could pressure almost any matchup in single coverage, and finished third in defensive efficiency and seventh in breaks per game. Returning virtually every starter, that same unit managed just one break opportunity against the Breeze, and zero defensive scores; the last time Philly didn’t notch a break was also against DC back in July 2021. They get Boston on the second game of a back-to-back this Saturday, and it feels about as much-win as possible for the home team.
15. Madison Radicals (+1)
Record: 0-0
Most recent result: N/A
Next game: May 11 at Pittsburgh
The Radicals offense converted over half their offensive possessions in just seven of 12 games last season, which has been a big area that they’ve addressed this offseason. Two of those seven performances came against their upcoming opponents in Pittsburgh, so Madison knows how to attack the T-Birds. Victor Luo averaged over 440 yards per game against Pittsburgh in 2023, and might have even more freedom to range as a mobile passer this year; despite often starting in the backfield, Luo is the current franchise receiving yards leader for Madison.
14. Los Angeles Aviators (+1)
Record: 0-2
Most recent result: 23-20 vs Salt Lake (L)
Next game: May 18 vs Portland
LA is in a very precarious spot in an extremely crowded West Division. They’ve dropped both of their games to prospective playoff competition, have committed 48 total turnovers, and been outscored 24-14 in the first half so far in 2024. And yet the Aviators were here last season, facing an 1-3 hole at the beginning of their schedule that included a 12-goal blasting by the Shred before ultimately making the divisional championship game. The offense has been having trouble with the basics, but Pawel Janas has rediscovered his power with the new frisbee, and almost has as many hucks through two games (6) as he did in 14 starts last season (10). Team defensive captains Andrew Padula and Mitchell Steiner have 15 years of experience combined in LA, and are playing some of the best ultimate of their careers. Salt Lake had trouble containing the Aviators for the final three quarters, and with a week off now, it will be interesting to see if LA can carry that momentum forward.
13. Indianapolis AlleyCats (+1)
Record: 0-0
Most recent result: N/A
Next game: May 11 vs Detroit
It’s likely the most contentious award every season, but new AlleyCats player Jake Kenniv probably deserved more consideration as a Most Improved Player finalist last year for his campaign with the Mechanix. Prior to 2023 Kenniv never completed more than 26 passes in a single game, and yet he averaged 29 per start for an undergunned Detroit team; Kenniv was one of just 17 players last season to average at least five scores and 420 total yards per game* in the UFA. Now less of a focal point, Kenniv could become a true x-factor depending on where Indy decides to use him.
*Minimum two starts
12. Oakland Spiders (-1)
Record: 1-1
Most recent result: 22-21 vs Seattle (L)
Next game: May 10 at Portland
No team loves a second half/fourth quarter rally like the Spiders. But even their most enthusiastic efforts late couldn’t overcome another slow start, with Oakland now dropping three of their last four games going back to 2023. The offense is seemingly only able to stay consistent for a quarter a time, and as a team Oakland ranks in the bottom half of the UFA in team completion percentage. But new signings Jason Vallee and rookie Itay Chang have been bright spots early on, with Vallee coming off of the second and third highest thrower usage games of his six-year career, and Chang contributing on both sides of the disc.
11. Chicago Union (+2)
Record: 1-0
Most recent result: 24-9 at Detroit (W)
Next game: May 11 vs Minnesota
Jake Steslicki has yet to commit a turnover in three games against his former team, and has collected seven assists, eight goals, four blocks, and 81 completions combined versus the Mechanix. Chicago didn’t allow Detroit to convert a break, but their performance was far from impressive with 26 turnovers in their season debut. Now the Union face a real foe in the Wind Chill, a defense that gave the Chicago O-line fits in 2023; the Union offense had a success rate of just 33 percent in three matchups against Minnesota last season. Jeff Weis is slated for his Chicago return on Saturday, while John Lithio could prove the difference maker.
10. Seattle Cascades (+1)
Record: 2-1
Most recent result: 23-19 at Colorado (L)
Next game: May 11 vs Oakland
Seattle looks exceedingly real as a playoff contender through their first three games. There’s still the volatility that has always plagued the ‘Scades—40 turnovers in two road games in Week 2—but the playmaking and explosiveness is undeniable at this point. Christian Foster, Derek Mourad, Jeremy Norden, Khalif El-Salaam, and Tommy Li are all averaging at least one huck completion per game, and their ability to to take the top off of defenses has unleashed Zeppelin Raunig as one of the best downfield receiving threats in the UFA. And here’s where it really gets interesting for Seattle: the schedule. The Cascades only have two more matchups against teams currently with winning records—Salt Lake and Colorado, one game each—and could absolutely be 5-1 by the time they play LA for the first time on June 2.
9. Minnesota Wind Chill (-)
Record: 1-0
Most recent result: 18-11 at Pittsburgh (W)
Next game: May 11 at Chicago
The Wind Chill will be without All Defense selection Dylan DeClerck and starter Bret Bergmeier on D-line in an all-important first meeting of the season with the Union on Saturday. Minnesota is just 1-3 in their last four trips to Chicago, and with the Union’s recent O-line additions, DeClerck and Bergmeier will certainly be missed. One new piece the Wind Chill do bring to this longstanding Central Division rivalry is Matt Rehder, who continues to be a truly elite big into his thirties. Rehder’s ability to challenge any matchup in deep space could be vital in limiting the tall talent in the Chicago rotation, and his eight goals in his last three starts as a pro show he’s still an impactful scorer.
8. Boston Glory (-3)
Record: 2-0
Most recent result: 21-13 vs Toronto (W)
Next game: May 10 at Boston
Tomorrow night should be considered the biggest game in Boston’s short history—yes, even over their first playoff game in 2023—as they battle DC for the right to first place in the toughest division in the league. Glory were firing on all cylinders against Toronto, with the offense keeping possessions clean, and the defense providing an ample amount of break scores. Obviously Jeff Babbitt has an immediate and profound impact on offense—second year cutter Simon Carapella has taken full advantage of getting more favorable matchups, and is expanding his range as a thrower—but it’s this Boston defense that pushes this team’s ceiling into elite status. Veterans Brendan McCann, Gustav Haflin, and Rocco Linehan are all valuable in coverage and on the counter, which has provided the basis for the Glory’s stable of young defenders to just go make plays. Jonah Stang-Osborne’s athleticism and full-field arm talent are living up to the hype, while 18-year-old Roan Dunkerley made two huge layout swats in his pro debut.
7. DC Breeze (-1)
Record: 1-1
Most recent result: 22-10 at Philadelphia (W)
Next game: May 10 vs Boston
Before Week 2 and the Breeze’s 12-goal demolition of the Phoenix, DC had won their previous four meetings with Philly by a total of just five goals. And after 21 turnovers against the Shred in Week 1, DC committed just nine on the road last Sunday thanks to the continued smooth play of their throwers on offense. Andrew Roy has the most completions (73) without a throwaway in the UFA this season, with the next closest player (McKay Yorgason) sitting at 41. And despite losing a grip of starters over the offseason—with David Bloodgood set to make his season debut tomorrow against Boston, and Jasper Tom still sidelined with an injury—the DC D-line has upped their pressure from where they ended 2023. The Breeze managed just over seven blocks per game in their final four outings last season, and already have double digit blocks in both games of 2024.
6. Colorado Summit (+1)
Record: 1-0
Most recent result: 23-19 vs Seattle (W)
Next game: May 18 vs Salt Lake
Colorado converted on just 47 percent of their offensive possessions combined in their final three games of 2023, so kicking off the new season by going 17-of-27 (63 percent) without an All-UFA starter in the lineup is a good return to form for a strong Summit squad. Noah Coolman and Saeed Semrin tied for the team lead in blocks last year and played just 14 O-line points combined, and yet both were exceptional as offensive playmakers in their 2024 debuts. Coolman has always been an incredible athlete capable of finding separation, but his potential as a thrower makes him a true rising star. And Semrin has the size, speed, and tenacity to become a true force in the West Division, with some shades of Babbitt emerging in his play. Seattle was a tough out, and yet the Summit never really slowed down their highlight reel performance.
5. New York Empire
Record: 1-1
Most recent result: 20-15 vs Atlanta (L)
Next game: May 17 at Boston
All New York did the last time they lost a game was win 31 straight times and claim back-to-back titles, so doubt this Empire core at your own peril. But New York was an adjustment slow and a step behind Atlanta all game long in Week 2. And suddenly a lineup that has been a beacon of consistency and stability for years is having the other side of those qualities exposed—the Empire, dare I say it, look a little old. There has been a complete inability to produce explosive plays on offense through two games, and the normally ferocious Empire defense couldn’t muster their first (and only!) break of the game until late in the fourth quarter when the game was already decided; after finishing tenths of a decimal point beneath Austin’s league-record break rate mark in 2023, the Empire D-line has the sixth worst break rate of 2024. New York gets a week off before an emotional meeting with Boston and former three-time Empire champions Jeff Babbitt and Ben Katz.
4. Atlanta Hustle (+4)
Record: 1-1
Most recent result: 20-15 vs New York (W)
Next game: May 11 at Carolina
A total team win against New York has the Hustle on top of the league this week, even with three teams above them in these here standings. The top seven yardage producers for Atlanta committed just six total turnovers combined last Saturday, which was extremely reminiscent of the offensive performance Carolina had in the 2021 title game against the Empire in New York’s second most recent defeat. And while there’s plenty to be said for the Atlanta defensive system and their ability to keep offenses out of rhythm with multiple coverages, what we’re seeing from 21-year-old Justin Burnett is an emergence of an all-time defender. With his three blocks against the champs, Burnett is now one of just 15 players in league history to average 1.6 or more blocks per game in at least 20 career starts. The Hustle have proven themselves true title contenders, but their schedule doesn’t get any easier as they get set to face Carolina, Indy, and Austin in their next three matchups.
3. Austin Sol (-)
Record: 1-0
Most recent result: 25-14 vs Houston (W)
Next game: May 11 at Dallas
The Sol traded punches with the Havoc in the first two quarters before blowing the game wide open in the second half in their 11-goal home opener win. Austin surrendered over six breaks per game in 2023—the second highest of any team to qualify for the playoffs—but allowed just one against Houston. Jake Radack was deployed as a throwing anchor for the D-line and continually punished the Havoc in transition with his power, and finished with a game-high six assists. As a result of Radack’s line switch, the Sol offense isn’t so much “new” as tweaked, with main handlers Mark Evans and Duncan Fitzgerald pushing the tempo, and still a good amount of set designs to get Kyle Henke and Evan Swiatek the rock. Big throws, big pulls, and a defense that can generate pressure in single coverage have been the recipe for success in this league in recent seasons, and the Sol are packed with those qualities.
2. Carolina Flyers (+2)
Record: 1-0
Most recent result: 24-16 vs Atlanta (W)
Next game: May 11 vs Atlanta
It is just a one game sample size, but the Flyers currently lead the league in team completion rate, defensive success rate, and red zone efficiency after their domination of the Hustle in Week 1, which is now all the more impressive given what Atlanta just showed against the reigning champs. And through some timeline of events—just two games played in 2022 regular season due to injury, Carolina’s down year in 2023—it feels like the 2021 ROTY Anders Juengst has flown under the radar. He still might be the best offensive player at going from A-to-B with lightning decisiveness, and he has just two throwaways in his last four starts dating back to last season; Juengst’s combination of speed and throws makes him a top five asset in the red zone. The Flyers will be down a raft of starters in the rematch with Atlanta on Saturday night, and it could be a night where Carolina’s depth shines at home.
1. Salt Lake Shred (+1)
Record: 3-0
Most recent result: 23-20 at Los Angeles (W)
Next game: May 17 at Oakland
The first team to three victories this season and the newly anointed kings of these rankings, the Shred took care of business in SoCal despite needing fourth quarter closeouts against both San Diego and LA to get their wins. In fact: Salt Lake won just four of their eight quarters in Week 2, and were outscored by the Aviators in the final three frames on Saturday night; LA bombarded the Shred from deep, and connected on 13-of-18 (68 percent) of their huck attempts. Still this Salt Lake team is top six in offensive and defensive success rate, and second in team completion rate. Jordan Kerr is now up to 16 scores (assists + goals) and 1,036 total yards compared to just two total turnovers, while Sean Connole, Jace Duennebeil, and rookie Ben Field are all averaging over four scores per game. There’s no denying that the Shred have a championship contender look to them in 2024, but it feels like the top teams have especially large targets on their backs this season.
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