Three days ago, I posted this tweet and it received an overwhelming response. Because of that, I've decided to split this article into multiple parts as we start the T.R.M. (Twitter Requested Media) series.
What could be more fun than talking about some of the league's most notable players? Nothing!
We’ll start with Albert Ruschmann @katarn22 of the Colorado Yeti. The former Scarlet Knight has his team atop the NSFC with a 6-1 record. He broke out in a big way in just his third game as he posted a sack, tackle for loss, and three tackles against Yellowknife in Week 3. He’s a key cog in the league’s best defense, with the Yeti only allowing a measly 18 points per game. Opposing quarterbacks must look like delicious slices of pizza to the defensive lineman as he continues to gobble up the opposition.
And what about Cobra Kai? @OrbitingDeath Talk about fitting into your new position with ease. He currently leads all DSFLers in rushing yards (419), yards per carry (5.4), and has the longest rush of the season by far (68 yards). He’s found the endzone in three straight games and has rushed for an insane 147 yards per game in that stretch. With the pace he’s currently on, Kai is looking to sweep the leg on all sorts of DSFL rushing records. Could we be witnessing the birth of a Hall of Fame career?
But you don’t get great rushing totals like Kai without a good offensive line, which brings us to Connor Quigley @WhatAmUs of the Kansas City Coyotes. He’s one of just four DSFL user-OL with 16+ pancakes and 0 sacks allowed. The Coyotes are also just one of two teams with multiple 285+ yard rushers on the season, thanks in large part to Quigley. Abandon hope all ye defensive linemen who come between this Bostonian and the endzone, because, as they say, resistance is futile.
If you prefer more of an aerial attack, let’s talk about Killian Chambers @charlit of the Philadelphia Liberty. This fast-as-greased-lightning wide receiver is a big play waiting to happen. He’s second on the team in receiving yards and averages an absurd 17.4 yards per catch. That yard per catch figure is good for 11th in the league among receivers with 15+ catches. Just throw it up to Albuquerque's favorite son and he’ll do the rest. He’s coming off a career-high 89 yards on just three catches last week and is out to prove he’s one of the best weapons in the ISFL.
It’s only fair that we also give some love to those brave defenders whose job it is to cover the likes of Killian Chambers. Rich Triplet @Kotasa is one of the few who can lockdown a receiver and shutdown half of the field. Just look at his most recent performance against Portland - he had an interception, broke up two passes, and had four tackles in the 13-10 victory. In fact, in the last two games, he’s led a Luchadores defense that has held opposing quarterbacks to just one touchdown and 4.53 yards per attempt. I doubt any offensive coordinators are getting much sleep preparing for Triplet.
Sticking in the DSFL, how could we forget Wonderful Art Naught @wonderful_art ? Another Coyote, he’s made the long journey from Penn to Kansas City and is fitting in perfectly with his new team. He’s one of just 13 wide receivers with 11+ catches and at least one touchdown this season and is coming off a big performance last week where his third quarter TD catch put the game out of reach for good. He’s also frequently commanding double teams, which helps to open up the door for the entire offense. The Coyotes got a good one and I expect him to continue to show out as the season continues.
You know what else is wonderful? A delicious smoothie - Eugene Smoothie @Nhamlet , to be exact! Another Yeti in our list, Smoothie is one of the hardest hitting safeties in the league. Only four strong safeties have more than 25 tackles and at least three sacks, and the Blender is one of them. But he doesn’t just bring the pain on quarterbacks or crossing wide receivers. He’s got elite cover skills and isn’t afraid to drop back into zone and feast on errant throws. Smoothie was an all-time great at UCLA and he’s more than proving his mettle in the ISFL.
Some defenders look like a fish out of water when they transition to the ISFL, but that is not the case with Cuco Clemente @Billybolo53 . You want a ball hawking playmaker on defense? Look no further. He’s one of just 10 defenders in the ISFL with 7+ PD and at least two interceptions and has been a headache for quarterbacks all season. He’s picked off both Nick Kaepercolin and Norfolk Seawolves legend Suleiman Ramza, but he’s not just a turnover machine. He’s racked up 34 tackles and is more than willing to fly down in run support. Sarasota has been relying on their defense and Cuco has been more than up to the challenge.
From one alliterative cornerback to another, let’s talk about Peter Patterson @slate of the Kansas City Coyotes. To start, I’ll make a list of DSFLers with 20+ tackles, 2+ INT, and 5+ PD: Peter Patterson. That’s it. That’s the list. He’s been on another level for the Kansas City secondary and is a big reason why they’re won two of their last three games. Across that span, he’s got 14 tackles, 4 PD, and two picks, but he’s more than just a defensive weapon. He’s averaging 20.8 yards per kick return, which is fifth among all players with more than five returns. If he gets a seam, go ahead and put six on the board.
You know a defensive back's worst nightmare? How about the league leader in quarterback rating - Ryan Negs @"Ryan Negs" . The first overall pick has exceeded even the boldest of projections and has been straight up money for the Minnesota Grey Ducks. In addition to QBR, he also leads the league in completion percentage and yards per attempt. The Quack Attack have had two straight losing seasons, but the Negs-era is off to a 3-1 start and they look like legitimate Ultimini contenders. He’s got the highest selling rookie jersey this year and has Minnesota on the mind of just about every DSFL fan.
Speaking of four-lettered first name players, let’s move on to Haha Mango-Panda @furiousPanda of the Sailfish. He hails from Chicago, but now makes his home permanently in the nightmares of opposing teams. There are exactly two players in the ISFL with 40+ tackles and double-digit PD - and you guessed it, one of them is HM-P. For good measure, he’s also tacked on an impressive five sacks and can simply do everything for the Sarasota defense. He was absolutely dominant the last two weeks with a team high 19 tackles and two sacks. If he continues this torrid run, look for him to get all sorts of love for end of season awards.
What’s that? Y’all want another four-letter first name player? Who am I do disagree with the voice of the people. Let’s talk about Cmon Skiuuup @"AirCrou" of the expansion Berlin Fire Salamanders. A tight end by trade, Skiuuup is also not afraid to blow up defensive ends and has six pancakes on the year. He’s also a reliable pass-catcher, hauling in a half-dozen grabs so far this season. He’s unselfish and has a league-wide reputation of doing whatever he can to help his team get a win. It might be tough sledding for Berlin this year, but Skiuuup is someone they can build their franchise around for the long term.
From one tight end to another, we go to the Great White North and Zee Rechs @ZootTX of the Yellowknife Wraiths. Rechs is a more than reliable blocker for Yellowknife and has 10 pancakes and has yet to allow a sack this season. Through the air, he’s one of Colby Jack’s favorite targets. He’s third on the team in catches and is coming off a big win over Berlin where he hauled in a touchdown and six grabs. The Wraiths have won three straight and it’s no coincidence that it lines up with an increased workload for the Texas A&M star. In the last trio of games, he has 15 catches and appears to be hitting his stride this year.
Did I hear a request for another Coyote? How about elite OL Felix Archstone @GlimsTC ! Archstone is second in the DSFL in pancakes and has not allowed a sack. Whether it’s turning away speed rushers, stonewalling a blitzing linebacker, or piledriving a defensive tackle, Archstone can do it all. Perhaps the most eye-popping stat, however, is that Archstone has committed a total of zero penalties. Zilch. Nada. He’s a true technician and has all the attributes you want in a franchise left tackle. We’re looking at a Hall of Famer in the making, folks.
Time for some Myrtle Beach love and Djibutee McJimmerson @UberBJ. This monster of a tight end has taken the DSFL by storm. He leads all tight ends in yards and catches and has been a favorite target of QB Jackie Daytona. He's led the team all Buccaneers in catches in three of the four games and could be the key to their Ultimini run. He was unstoppable at Miami and could be headed for the Pro Bowl in short order. ISFL GMs, scouts, and executives, take note. You want a game-wrecking playmaker who is a mismatch the moment he walks on the field? Look no further than McJimmerson.
We’ll close this article with safety Bob Roberts @zaynzk . The Silverbacks’ safety moved from the Plains to the Big Apple and has been an instant impact playmaker. He’s one of just two rookies to force and recover a fumble and has 16 tackles so far this year. Like Cmon Skiuuup, it may be a rough year for the Silverbacks but Roberts is exactly the type of defensive general to build your secondary around. I don’t expect the doldrums to last too long in New York with Roberts & Co. patrolling the defense.
Keep an eye out for part two!
What could be more fun than talking about some of the league's most notable players? Nothing!
We’ll start with Albert Ruschmann @katarn22 of the Colorado Yeti. The former Scarlet Knight has his team atop the NSFC with a 6-1 record. He broke out in a big way in just his third game as he posted a sack, tackle for loss, and three tackles against Yellowknife in Week 3. He’s a key cog in the league’s best defense, with the Yeti only allowing a measly 18 points per game. Opposing quarterbacks must look like delicious slices of pizza to the defensive lineman as he continues to gobble up the opposition.
And what about Cobra Kai? @OrbitingDeath Talk about fitting into your new position with ease. He currently leads all DSFLers in rushing yards (419), yards per carry (5.4), and has the longest rush of the season by far (68 yards). He’s found the endzone in three straight games and has rushed for an insane 147 yards per game in that stretch. With the pace he’s currently on, Kai is looking to sweep the leg on all sorts of DSFL rushing records. Could we be witnessing the birth of a Hall of Fame career?
But you don’t get great rushing totals like Kai without a good offensive line, which brings us to Connor Quigley @WhatAmUs of the Kansas City Coyotes. He’s one of just four DSFL user-OL with 16+ pancakes and 0 sacks allowed. The Coyotes are also just one of two teams with multiple 285+ yard rushers on the season, thanks in large part to Quigley. Abandon hope all ye defensive linemen who come between this Bostonian and the endzone, because, as they say, resistance is futile.
If you prefer more of an aerial attack, let’s talk about Killian Chambers @charlit of the Philadelphia Liberty. This fast-as-greased-lightning wide receiver is a big play waiting to happen. He’s second on the team in receiving yards and averages an absurd 17.4 yards per catch. That yard per catch figure is good for 11th in the league among receivers with 15+ catches. Just throw it up to Albuquerque's favorite son and he’ll do the rest. He’s coming off a career-high 89 yards on just three catches last week and is out to prove he’s one of the best weapons in the ISFL.
It’s only fair that we also give some love to those brave defenders whose job it is to cover the likes of Killian Chambers. Rich Triplet @Kotasa is one of the few who can lockdown a receiver and shutdown half of the field. Just look at his most recent performance against Portland - he had an interception, broke up two passes, and had four tackles in the 13-10 victory. In fact, in the last two games, he’s led a Luchadores defense that has held opposing quarterbacks to just one touchdown and 4.53 yards per attempt. I doubt any offensive coordinators are getting much sleep preparing for Triplet.
Sticking in the DSFL, how could we forget Wonderful Art Naught @
You know what else is wonderful? A delicious smoothie - Eugene Smoothie @Nhamlet , to be exact! Another Yeti in our list, Smoothie is one of the hardest hitting safeties in the league. Only four strong safeties have more than 25 tackles and at least three sacks, and the Blender is one of them. But he doesn’t just bring the pain on quarterbacks or crossing wide receivers. He’s got elite cover skills and isn’t afraid to drop back into zone and feast on errant throws. Smoothie was an all-time great at UCLA and he’s more than proving his mettle in the ISFL.
Some defenders look like a fish out of water when they transition to the ISFL, but that is not the case with Cuco Clemente @Billybolo53 . You want a ball hawking playmaker on defense? Look no further. He’s one of just 10 defenders in the ISFL with 7+ PD and at least two interceptions and has been a headache for quarterbacks all season. He’s picked off both Nick Kaepercolin and Norfolk Seawolves legend Suleiman Ramza, but he’s not just a turnover machine. He’s racked up 34 tackles and is more than willing to fly down in run support. Sarasota has been relying on their defense and Cuco has been more than up to the challenge.
From one alliterative cornerback to another, let’s talk about Peter Patterson @slate of the Kansas City Coyotes. To start, I’ll make a list of DSFLers with 20+ tackles, 2+ INT, and 5+ PD: Peter Patterson. That’s it. That’s the list. He’s been on another level for the Kansas City secondary and is a big reason why they’re won two of their last three games. Across that span, he’s got 14 tackles, 4 PD, and two picks, but he’s more than just a defensive weapon. He’s averaging 20.8 yards per kick return, which is fifth among all players with more than five returns. If he gets a seam, go ahead and put six on the board.
You know a defensive back's worst nightmare? How about the league leader in quarterback rating - Ryan Negs @"Ryan Negs" . The first overall pick has exceeded even the boldest of projections and has been straight up money for the Minnesota Grey Ducks. In addition to QBR, he also leads the league in completion percentage and yards per attempt. The Quack Attack have had two straight losing seasons, but the Negs-era is off to a 3-1 start and they look like legitimate Ultimini contenders. He’s got the highest selling rookie jersey this year and has Minnesota on the mind of just about every DSFL fan.
Speaking of four-lettered first name players, let’s move on to Haha Mango-Panda @furiousPanda of the Sailfish. He hails from Chicago, but now makes his home permanently in the nightmares of opposing teams. There are exactly two players in the ISFL with 40+ tackles and double-digit PD - and you guessed it, one of them is HM-P. For good measure, he’s also tacked on an impressive five sacks and can simply do everything for the Sarasota defense. He was absolutely dominant the last two weeks with a team high 19 tackles and two sacks. If he continues this torrid run, look for him to get all sorts of love for end of season awards.
What’s that? Y’all want another four-letter first name player? Who am I do disagree with the voice of the people. Let’s talk about Cmon Skiuuup @"AirCrou" of the expansion Berlin Fire Salamanders. A tight end by trade, Skiuuup is also not afraid to blow up defensive ends and has six pancakes on the year. He’s also a reliable pass-catcher, hauling in a half-dozen grabs so far this season. He’s unselfish and has a league-wide reputation of doing whatever he can to help his team get a win. It might be tough sledding for Berlin this year, but Skiuuup is someone they can build their franchise around for the long term.
From one tight end to another, we go to the Great White North and Zee Rechs @ZootTX of the Yellowknife Wraiths. Rechs is a more than reliable blocker for Yellowknife and has 10 pancakes and has yet to allow a sack this season. Through the air, he’s one of Colby Jack’s favorite targets. He’s third on the team in catches and is coming off a big win over Berlin where he hauled in a touchdown and six grabs. The Wraiths have won three straight and it’s no coincidence that it lines up with an increased workload for the Texas A&M star. In the last trio of games, he has 15 catches and appears to be hitting his stride this year.
Did I hear a request for another Coyote? How about elite OL Felix Archstone @GlimsTC ! Archstone is second in the DSFL in pancakes and has not allowed a sack. Whether it’s turning away speed rushers, stonewalling a blitzing linebacker, or piledriving a defensive tackle, Archstone can do it all. Perhaps the most eye-popping stat, however, is that Archstone has committed a total of zero penalties. Zilch. Nada. He’s a true technician and has all the attributes you want in a franchise left tackle. We’re looking at a Hall of Famer in the making, folks.
Time for some Myrtle Beach love and Djibutee McJimmerson @UberBJ. This monster of a tight end has taken the DSFL by storm. He leads all tight ends in yards and catches and has been a favorite target of QB Jackie Daytona. He's led the team all Buccaneers in catches in three of the four games and could be the key to their Ultimini run. He was unstoppable at Miami and could be headed for the Pro Bowl in short order. ISFL GMs, scouts, and executives, take note. You want a game-wrecking playmaker who is a mismatch the moment he walks on the field? Look no further than McJimmerson.
We’ll close this article with safety Bob Roberts @zaynzk . The Silverbacks’ safety moved from the Plains to the Big Apple and has been an instant impact playmaker. He’s one of just two rookies to force and recover a fumble and has 16 tackles so far this year. Like Cmon Skiuuup, it may be a rough year for the Silverbacks but Roberts is exactly the type of defensive general to build your secondary around. I don’t expect the doldrums to last too long in New York with Roberts & Co. patrolling the defense.
Keep an eye out for part two!