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*S31 Halfway - The Top 3 Players at (Almost) Every Position - HasumiKi - 10-04-2021
S31 Halfway - The Top 3 Players at (Almost) Every Position
by HasumiKi | Word Count: 3,536
Hello again everyone! We're seven weeks into S31 of the DSFL which means it's time to take a look at the candidates for POTY at all the positions (except punters, sorry punters). Everyone really seemed to like this bit last year and I'm glad to spend another few hours doing this all over again.
(Disclaimer: I tried to guess on pronouns and such for the players. If I misgendered your player let me know and I'll fix it!)
Quarterback
3. Wendell Sailor, Portland Pythons (169/265, 1912 yds, 10/6 TD/INT)
There's already a heated battle for the top 3 in the quarterback spot, as there's numerous QBs who could lay claim to the #3 spot. Portland's rookie QB hasn't been lighting up the stat sheet, but he's quietly been quite efficient, posting a league-high 63.8% completion rate (min. 100 attempts) as well as the third best QBR in the league at 88.4. While his yards and touchdowns are lacking, Sailor has a lot of upside in the future and Portland's got a good field general in the backfield.
2. Malcolm Savage, Norfolk Seawolves (150/243, 2087 yds, 10/8 TD/INT)
While this statline looks like Sailor is better, Savage is able to take advantage of slightly less opportunities to get a sizable lead in yardage. Savage has posted an incredible 8.58 YPA this season, and while his interceptions need a lot of work, he's been able to find his receiving core time and time again to make big plays for the Seawolves.
1. Ricky Stanzi, Dallas Birddogs (154/253, 2272 yds, 18/6 TD/INT)
There's no doubt who takes the top of the standings here, our only holdover from last season's top 3, Ricky Stanzi. Stanzi has been on fire through seven games, posting an incredible 18/6 TD/INT ratio as well as almost 200 yards above the next best passer. Not only that, but Stanzi also not only has the only passer rating above 90, his passer rating is the only one above 100, clocking in at an overwhelming 104.1. Ricky Stanzi has done an incredible job with a depleted WR room from last season, and he's the reason why the Birddogs lead the DSFL South at the halfway point.
Honorable Mention: Carter Knight, Kansas City Coyotes (175/280, 2058 yds, 16/13 TD/INT)
Carter Knight could have easily been in my number 3 spot instead of Sailor, but with 13 interceptions, his turnover affinity is way too high. Knight does post the third highest yards in the league as well as the second-best completion percentage (min 100 attempts), but his knack for passing to the wrong team is what's holding him off of this list. If he can rebound and cut down on his turnovers, he has a case to be a top 3 QB this season.
Runningbacks
3. Ken Oath, Bondi Beach Buccaneers (675 yds, 3.8 YPC, 5 TDs)
Oath has been great for Bondi this season, and he's a reason they're still competitive in a lot of games where the rest of the team is outmatched. I highlighted the offensive line as a weakness for the Buccaneers this season and it's a reason why Oath only has 3.8 ypc, but he's still been able to take advantage of holes and rush for the second-most yards in the league.
2. Miracle Whip, Tijuana Luchadores (627 yds, 5.6 YPC, 5 TDs)
Miracle whip has done incredibly this season, posting top-3 yards with much less carries than any of the other runningbacks near the top of the yardage list. His 5.6 yards per carry is best in the league, and he's been a force for the Luchadores this season as they look to finally capture another Ultimini title. He's taken more carries from CMC's Burner this season, but has definitely proven why he should get the chunk.
1. Lalu Muhammad Zohri, Minnesota Grey Ducks (703 yds, 4.6 YPC, 8 TDs)
He may be a downgrade from John Huntsman, but make no mistake when I say that Zohri has the capability to follow in his footsteps as the next great Grey Ducks runningback. Zohri is able to find holes in the defense, and it's allowing him to put up a good 4.6 yards per carry so far this season, and with a league-leading 8 touchdown carries, the Minnesota rookie has proven there's no reason to underestimate the Minnesota ground game.
Honorable Mention: Jeremy Crouse, Norfolk Seawolves (477 yds, 5.3 YPC, 6 TDs)
Had it not been for splitting carries with Matt Holford, Crouse has the capability to be a top-3 runningback in the league. While this duo isn't as dominant as Johns and Baker for the Pythons last season, Crouse leads the team in yards and touchdowns, and has the capability to break big runs.
Wide Recievers
3. Jaycee Higgins, Kansas City Coyotes (731 yds, 14.6 YPC, 8 TDs)
Jaycee Higgins has been a great pickup for the Coyotes this season, being a top target for fellow rookie Carter Knight and creating explosive plays for the Coyotes in a pinch. Watch out for Higgins in a few seasons, as he'll be one of the top WRs in the league if he keeps this performance up.
2. Ivan Toastovich, Dallas Birddogs (746 yds, 17 YPC, 5 TDs)
Toastovich is one of the last holdovers from a Birddogs WR room which was one of the best in the league last season. As such, he's seen a majority of the passes from Ricky Stanzi come his way, and he's certainly done well with them. His 746 yards are good for best in the league and he's showing that he's ready to take on anything that might try to guard him this season.
1. French Fries, Norfolk Seawolves (744 yds, 18.6 YPC, 5 TDs)
French Fries has been the name of the game when it comes to big plays this season, as his 18.6 yards per carry are second only to Janis Lux of the Minnesota Grey Ducks. He's right on the cusp of the league lead in receiving yards, and with the prowess that the Norfolk passing game has shown this season, it's not hard to imagine he'll still be near the top at the end of the regular season. Watch for Malcador the Hero and Johnny Patey to take some of his yards, but Fries has the agility and athleticism to make more with less opportunity.
Honorable Mention: Escanor Sama, Dallas Birddogs (694 yds, 15.4 YPC, 6 TDs)
Ivan Toastovich might be the top reciever in the league, but don't let him overshadow the work that rookie Escanor Sama has done behind the scenes. Sama has slid into a WR2 position and has produced more than many WR1s in the league, as his 694 yards are good for fourth overall. He leads his team in touchdowns this season and has been an excellent second option for Stanzi so far this season.
Tight Ends
3. Marquees Acho Jr., Kansas City Coyotes (264 yds, 2 TDs, 14 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed)
Acho Jr. has been an amazing dual-threat tight end for the Coyotes this season, not allowing a single sack while racking up the third most receiving yards among tight ends this season. The Coyotes have found an exceptional talent that can be a solid target for Knight as well as a good sixth man on the offensive line. Acho can do everything asked of him on the field and expect him to continue playing well in both aspects.
2. Mark Goodhead, Portland Pythons (511 yds, 4 TDs, 9 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed)
Goodhead is more of a recieving tight end, but he's also not allowed a single sack yet to accompany 9 pancakes on the season. His 511 yards rank second among tight ends and 13th overall, and he's also been able to haul in four touchdown catches. Goodhead has done an incredible job getting open and finding chunk yardage, with a solid 13.8 yards per catch to add a gold star on an already stellar resume.
1. Anthony MacGuire, Dallas Birddogs (534 yds, 4 TDs, 12 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed)
Following the trend, MacGuire is able to excel in both aspects of his position, not allowing a sack and adding 12 pancakes, which is good for fifth among all tight ends in the league. His 534 yards also rank first among tight ends, and this is done on less passes resulting in an astounding 16.8 yards per catch, far and above the most YPC among tight ends in the league. MacGuire is the big-man threat for Ricky Stanzi's high octane pass attack, and he provides ample time in a blocking scheme.
Honorable Mention: Tim Teboat, Portland Pythons (125 yds, 23 pancakes, 1 sack allowed)
The blocking half of Portland's tight end duo, Teboat has 23 pancakes, which is nine more than the next closest tight end on the list. Although he's allowed one sack on the season, he's been an excellent run blocker for the Pythons this season and he opens up many lanes for Portland's runningbacks to get through.
Offensive Line
3. Zoltan, Tijuana Luchadores (35 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed)
The one-name wonder, Zoltan has been a force on the offensive line for the Luchas, allowing no sacks and accumulating 35 pancakes this season. He's a big reason why Miracle Whip and CMC's Burner have been doing so well this season, and he continues to be one of the best linemen in the league.
2. Clifford Wilson, Norfolk Seawolves (40 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed)
A step down from last-season's record-breaking 99 pancake campaign, Wilson has still been a top-tier lineman in the league, still yet to allow a sack as well as posting 40 pancakes on top of it. A little bit of his workload is gone thanks to the addition of Mrs. "Stacks" McHits, but Wilson has not slowed down as he provides lanes for Jeremy Crouse and Matthew Holford to burst through.
1. Michael Carimi, Portland Pythons (46 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed)
The offensive line talent has been incredible for Portland this season and it's highlighted by the league leader in pancakes, Michael Carimi. Carimi has posted 46 pancakes so far this season and has not yet allowed a sack, and it's clear he's only getting better from here. Carimi has work to do if he wants to break Wilson's record, but it is doable.
Defensive Line
3. Tomme Salami, DE, Bondi Beach Buccaneers (30 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR)
Tomme Salami has been a solid pass rusher this season on the outside of the Buccaneer defensive line, leading all defensive ends in tackles so far this season. His 5 sacks are a bright spot on a Bondi team that is dead last in the league on sacks, with only 10 team-wide. Salami will be a a crucial part for a Bondi rebuild should he decide to stay all four seasons.
2. R.L. Stine, DT, Portland Pythons (40 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR)
R.L. Stine is an exceptional talent on the D-Line that Portland was able to retain from last season. His tackles are second among defensive lineman and he's shown to be able to get in the backfield and terrorize the run game for the opposition.
1. Hercules Kamealoha, DT, Kansas City Coyotes (48 tackles, 8 TFL, 1 sack)
Kamealoha has been the name of the game for plugging up gaps and getting to the runner in the backfield. Although he doesn't have the sack numbers, his 8 tackles for loss are second in the league and first among defensive lineman. He has been impeccable for the Coyotes' run defense and opposing offensive lineman will have to pay extra attention and even possibly double team him in the second half of the season in order to keep him from causing too much havoc for their runningbacks.
Linebackers
3. Omni Man, Tijuana Luchadores (57 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF)
Omni Man currently leads the league in tackles by a 4-tackle margin, and look for that to expand further in the second half of the season. Omni Man has been exceptional all season at leading the Tijuana defense and he's a great stopgap for a slightly depleted Luchadores defensive line. He's done a good job at elevating the play of the Tijuana front seven so far this season.
2. Erick Bolanos, Tijuana Luchadores (53 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR)
The other half of Tijuana's star linebacker duo, Bolanos has done an excellent job both in the middle of the field as well as dropping back in coverage to help the Luchas' secondary. Bolanos has 5 passes defended on the season, making him someone offenses have to keep an eye on both for their runnign game as well as their passing attack. Erick isn't short on talent for stopping gaps either, racking up 5 tackles for loss so far this season.
1. DeCarr Rek, Kansas City Coyotes (53 tackles, 10 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 FR)
DeCarr Rek has been an absolute monster in the middle of the field for the Coyotes, racking up 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. Opposing offensive lines have struggled to do anything to contain him as his 53 tackles rank joint second in the league. He's also shown flashes of coverage capability, adding two passes defended to his resume as he chases the LBOTY award.
Honorable Mention - Anya Mind, London Royals (49 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 sacks, 3 FF, 1 FR)
Anya Mind has quietly been a turnover machine for the last-place Royals this season, and while the stats aren't far behind the top 3, her ability to make it into the backfield isn't nonexistent either, with three sacks. She's forced three fumbles this season, recovering one herself, and has good eye to stop the pass, with four passes defended. Anya is a solid middle piece for a rebuilding London team.
Cornerbacks
Before I get into the cornerbacks, I want to say that this position is easily the toughest I've had to make during both seasons and all the positions. There are MANY cornerbacks that have a claim at top 3 and the race for CBOTY this year is going to be extremely close. That being said, let's get into the ball hawks.
3. The Laz, Portland Pythons (33 tackles, 3 INT, 20 PD, 1 TD)
Where The Laz lacks on tackles, he more than makes up for on his ability to break up passes. His 20 passes defended rank first in the league by a sizable margin and he's picked off three passes, returning one of them for a touchdown. He might have some work to do to defend his CBOTY title, but the talent is not lost here.
2. Hououin Kyouma, Norfolk Seawolves (44 tackles, 2 INT, 15 PD, 1 TD, 3 FF, 2 FR)
I might be a little biased (OK, a lot biased) here by putting my own player in the top 3, but Hououin has been at the top of the league for forcing turnovers. Though his season started slow, he's picked up the pace forcing 5 turnovers over the past three weeks, including a pick six in week 6 and two fumbles in week 7. He's got work to do to slow high-power pass attacks, but he has the makings of a turnover king in the future.
1. Tessie Garciaparra, Kansas City Coyotes (48 tackles, 4 INT, 10 PD, 1 TD, 1 FF)
The queen of cornerbacks, Tessie Garciaparra is the only user player to have four interceptions on the season, as well as leading all cornerbacks in tackles. Opposing cornerbacks should be looking to the other side of the field more often if they don't want Tessie jumping in front of a pass. She's shown speed and agility, returning one to the house as well as forcing a fumble. Along with Kyouma, they form a good young cornerback duo for Chicago when they get called up.
Honorable Mention 1: De'Aaron Harper II, Tijuana Luchadores (42 tackles, 3 INT, 10 PD, 3 FF, 1 FR)
Another turnover king, Harper has forced six turnovers so far this season, picking it off three times and forcing three fumbles as well. He'll have to work on his speed to create big time interception returns like the top cornerbacks, but Harper is an incredible player in his own right and a solid outside player for the Luchadores.
Honorable Mention 2: Modern Nazgûl, Minnesota Grey Ducks (48 tackles, 11 PD, 1 FF)
Modern Nazgûl has been incredible stopping players, but has yet to snag an interception so far this season. He's tied for the most tackles among cornerbacks, and adds a forced fumble to his resume, but the Minnesota rookie has work to do to keep up with the more experienced DBs. Keep an eye out for Nazgûl as a breakout star.
Safeties
3. Lance Witt, FS, Dallas Birddogs (29 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INT, 3 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR)
Witt has been a laundry list of statistics this year, making plays all over the field. He's able to get into the backfield when assigned to blitz and cause havoc, but is also a lurking threat for quarterbacks looking to heave one long. He's been exceptional at stopping the deep ball and is able to force fumbles in the clutch.
2. Fitted Cuddles, FS, Kansas City Coyotes (34 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 6 PD, 1 FF)
Cuddles is an incredible last line of defense for the Coyotes this season, part of a three-way tie for passes defended this season along with Spike Daniels of the Seawolves and Abed Nadir of the Buccaneers. Cuddles is able to come up and help the front seven make plays as well, getting a tackle for loss and a forced fumble as well to cap off a solid resume this season.
1. Amari Springer, SS, Tijuana Luchadores (35 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PD, 1 TD, 1 FF)
Springer has the ability to do anything, anywhere, anytime. With 35 tackles, he leads all safeties in the category and has shown his athleticism with the only touchdown among safeties this season. He's also able to get into the backfield with the prowess of a defensive lineman, adding 4 sacks to his already bursting statline. Add one of the highest PD totals for safeties this season, and Springer is the clear-cut favorite for Safety of the Year.
Honorable Mention - Ripoff CheeseBrand, London Royals (29 tackles, 2 INT, 4 PD)
CheeseBrand is one of the key pieces for London's defense this season, and he's been great as their last line of defense. He's able to cover both sides of the field to prevent big runs and has shown prowess at reading the quarterbacks eyes, picking the ball off twice and swatting four more. While he doesn't play run defense too often, he has the ability to make stops to help out the Royals defense.
Kickers
3. Spooky Bazz, Dallas Birddogs (26/27 XPM, 12/16 FGM, long 49)
Bazz has gotten his fair share of kicking in, and is almost automatic on extra points. What holds him back is his inability as of yet to hit one from 50 yards or beyond. He's also been inconsistent from shorter ranges, missing one from 20-29 yards and one from 30-39. He's got work to do, as the high-octane Dallas offense will be calling on him often.
T1. Ikick Ballz, Tijuana Luchadores (18/18 XPM, 14/16 FGM, long 51) and Izuku Campbell, Kansas City Coyotes (18/19 XPM, 12/14 FGM, long 50)
I honestly could not rank one of these great kickers above the other, as their statlines are extremely similar. Ballz might have a slight edge by virtue of a longer kick and not missing an extra point, but Campbell would be right on his heels. Campbell has nailed his only attempt from 50+ yards, whereas Ballz has gone 1/2 beyond the half-century mark. These two are neck and neck for Kicker of the Year and it'll be an interesting race.
Honorable Mention - Jack Lewis, Norfolk Seawolves (24/24 XPM, 7/10 FGM, long 56)
Lewis has the ability to kick bombs, as shown by his record of 56. What's holding him back right now is a lack of attempts and inconsistency when he does get the chance. With only 10 attempts, he's second-to-last ahead of London's Doornob and tied with Bondi Beach's Monitor (though Monitor is a bot so it doesn't matter). Lewis has nailed everything under 40 yards, but is inconsistent from longer ranges, going 3/6 from 40-49 yards out. If he's able to get his accuracy more on-target, he's got the makings of a top kicker both for Norfolk and in the ISFL.
Once again, this season is looking interesting. Close races in both divisions will make for a fun run come playoffs, and the races for player of the year at the respective positions are even closer. I can't wait to see how it turns out!