Welcome to Week 1 of our (hopefully) weekly look at defensive line performances across the league! With a large influx of young talent on both sides of the trenches this year, there’s a lot of question marks out there and people just don’t know what to expect. Even the great Angus Winchester, who hadn’t allowed a sack all of last season, gave up two sacks in his first game this year. This gives us the perfect opportunity to bring attention to some young (and relatively unknown) talent, as well as some veterans who may have slipped through the cracks last year. Let’s begin!
Defensive End Top Performers
K. Hendrix : 7 TCK, 2 TFL, 2 SCK
Hendrix had himself a monster game against the Las Vegas Legion. He either led, or tied for the lead in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks amongst all defensive linemen. Despite being his first true game at the position (he converted from a linebacker in the off-season) Hendrix put on an amazing performance. The bar is sky high for him this season.
F. Wozy : 3 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 SCK
After recording 10 sacks last year, Colorado was expecting a lot out of their sack leader on the defensive line and he made sure to not disappoint. Wozy set up camp in the Wraiths backfield all night and was able to come away both a sack and tackle for loss. Next week Wozy faces a Legion line that surrendered 6 sacks (4 as sacks allowed), against the Baltimore Hawks.
O. Taylor : 3 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 SCK
Owen Taylor is the first of four(!) rookies on this list. TCKen 18th overall, Taylor was drafted to fill a big hole for the Hawks and did so admirably in his first game. While not a “sit up and TCKe notice” type of performance, this is a solid performance and hopefully a sign of things to come. Taylor gets his first rue test next week against the very goof offensive line of the Orange County Otters.
Other Top Performers
O. Von Gerhardt : 3 TCK, 2 TFL, 0 SCK
E. Charlton : 3 TCK, 2 TFL, 0 SCK
C. Okonkwo : 2 TCK, 2 TFL, 0 SCK
Here is where we get to the influx of young talent I was talking about; all three players listed above are rookies. While none of them managed to record a sack, they each recorded 2 tackles for loss, which is impressive enough in its own right. It will be interesting to see if the three rookies listed here (and Taylor) continue to have a profound impact or if the veterans begin to show their experience and make a few more appearances on this list. While still too early to call it, this past draft (at least after only one week) seems to have been deep on defensive end talent.
Defensive Tackle Top Performers
B. Bjornsson : 5 TCK, 0 TFL, 1 SCK, 1 FF
As the fifth overall pick, the Wraiths expected an immediate difference maker in Bjornsson, and this week he delivered. While a very good showing of 5 tackles and a sack would’ve been enough to make the list, he added a forced fumble as well. His all-around great game helped the Wraiths to secure a win over conference rival the Colorado Yeti. Next week he faces the 1-0 SaberCats.
M. Ramrio : 5 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 SCK
Ramrio was a terror in the middle and the Hawks had no answer for him. Constant penetration in the middle of the line made running inside the tackles difficult, with Hawks running back Farlane recording most of his yards while running to the outside. He will face a Colorado Yetis squad next week that will be eager to avenge their most recent loss.
R. Devitt : 6 TCK, 1 TFL, 0 SCK
Although the Liberty lost their inaugural away opener, Devitt gave the team something to be excited about. Devitt was an absolute plug in the middle of the line and a big reason SaberCats running back Durden was held to only 3.1 yards per carry. Unfortunately, the Liberty must continue their season opening road trip next week as they head to Arizona to face the defending champion Outlaws.
Other Top Performers:
V. Cox : 3 TCK, 0 TFL, 1 SCK
B. Green : 7 TCK, 0 TFL, 0 SCK
D. Miller : 2 TCK, 0 TFL, 1 SCK
Cox and Miller both stole a little of the lime light last night as they were each able to record a sack. Rookie Ben Green of the Otters had a quietly successful night however, recording a very impressive 7 tackles from his interior spot.
After only one week, it’s still too early to say for certain how this group will end up. While it’s a safe bet that DE Hendrix of the Hawks will make frequent appearances on this list, there are some very good veteran DEs that will most certainly make an appearance soon. The DT list is a little less surprising, but there’s guaranteed to be some shake-up on that list as well. Please feel free to share your thoughts below!
Defensive End Top Performers
K. Hendrix : 7 TCK, 2 TFL, 2 SCK
Hendrix had himself a monster game against the Las Vegas Legion. He either led, or tied for the lead in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks amongst all defensive linemen. Despite being his first true game at the position (he converted from a linebacker in the off-season) Hendrix put on an amazing performance. The bar is sky high for him this season.
F. Wozy : 3 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 SCK
After recording 10 sacks last year, Colorado was expecting a lot out of their sack leader on the defensive line and he made sure to not disappoint. Wozy set up camp in the Wraiths backfield all night and was able to come away both a sack and tackle for loss. Next week Wozy faces a Legion line that surrendered 6 sacks (4 as sacks allowed), against the Baltimore Hawks.
O. Taylor : 3 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 SCK
Owen Taylor is the first of four(!) rookies on this list. TCKen 18th overall, Taylor was drafted to fill a big hole for the Hawks and did so admirably in his first game. While not a “sit up and TCKe notice” type of performance, this is a solid performance and hopefully a sign of things to come. Taylor gets his first rue test next week against the very goof offensive line of the Orange County Otters.
Other Top Performers
O. Von Gerhardt : 3 TCK, 2 TFL, 0 SCK
E. Charlton : 3 TCK, 2 TFL, 0 SCK
C. Okonkwo : 2 TCK, 2 TFL, 0 SCK
Here is where we get to the influx of young talent I was talking about; all three players listed above are rookies. While none of them managed to record a sack, they each recorded 2 tackles for loss, which is impressive enough in its own right. It will be interesting to see if the three rookies listed here (and Taylor) continue to have a profound impact or if the veterans begin to show their experience and make a few more appearances on this list. While still too early to call it, this past draft (at least after only one week) seems to have been deep on defensive end talent.
Defensive Tackle Top Performers
B. Bjornsson : 5 TCK, 0 TFL, 1 SCK, 1 FF
As the fifth overall pick, the Wraiths expected an immediate difference maker in Bjornsson, and this week he delivered. While a very good showing of 5 tackles and a sack would’ve been enough to make the list, he added a forced fumble as well. His all-around great game helped the Wraiths to secure a win over conference rival the Colorado Yeti. Next week he faces the 1-0 SaberCats.
M. Ramrio : 5 TCK, 1 TFL, 1 SCK
Ramrio was a terror in the middle and the Hawks had no answer for him. Constant penetration in the middle of the line made running inside the tackles difficult, with Hawks running back Farlane recording most of his yards while running to the outside. He will face a Colorado Yetis squad next week that will be eager to avenge their most recent loss.
R. Devitt : 6 TCK, 1 TFL, 0 SCK
Although the Liberty lost their inaugural away opener, Devitt gave the team something to be excited about. Devitt was an absolute plug in the middle of the line and a big reason SaberCats running back Durden was held to only 3.1 yards per carry. Unfortunately, the Liberty must continue their season opening road trip next week as they head to Arizona to face the defending champion Outlaws.
Other Top Performers:
V. Cox : 3 TCK, 0 TFL, 1 SCK
B. Green : 7 TCK, 0 TFL, 0 SCK
D. Miller : 2 TCK, 0 TFL, 1 SCK
Cox and Miller both stole a little of the lime light last night as they were each able to record a sack. Rookie Ben Green of the Otters had a quietly successful night however, recording a very impressive 7 tackles from his interior spot.
After only one week, it’s still too early to say for certain how this group will end up. While it’s a safe bet that DE Hendrix of the Hawks will make frequent appearances on this list, there are some very good veteran DEs that will most certainly make an appearance soon. The DT list is a little less surprising, but there’s guaranteed to be some shake-up on that list as well. Please feel free to share your thoughts below!
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[OPTION]Johnny Snuggles || CB || Yellowknife Wraiths || Hall of Fame [OPTION]Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 [OPTION]Number: 21 [OPTION] Draft History: S13 #1 Overall [OPTION]=========================================== [OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:[OPTION] Ultimini Champs: S12 [OPTION] Defensive Rookie of the Year: S13 [OPTION] Pro Bowl: S14, S15, S16