Good Afternoon all,
I did an Offensive rankings post last week, time to give the defense some love. I know we have a game tonight that will be true mid season, but I wanted to go ahead and get this one out. After tonights games, I'll have an update for the offensive side of the ball out sometime tomorrow, maybe.
Let's get this started, Going to do an overall defense ranking, then break down by positions.
Top Number One Defense Unit after Six Games:
Norfolk Seawolves. They have given up the least points so far, only 91. They are only three points ahead of the Royals in points allowed, but are 5-1 instead of 3-3. I know it seems off to put them at the top as they don't have the highest stats. They have the least number of tackles, but 15 of those are for loss, with six(the most) fumbles forced, recovering five(tied for the most) of them. They are on the low end with only eight sacks total, but again with the lowest points allowed, they are not on the field as much as some of the other teams. They have four picks and 15 pass disruptions and two defensive touchdowns(double the next closest team). Their blueprint is to stop the other team, limit them on scores and let their offense score points and chew up clock time.
Top Number Two Defense Unit:
London Royals. Again a team that just is not giving up points to the opposing team. They go about it a different way from the seawolves. They actually have the second most tackles in the league with 328, with 25 of those going for a loss. Four fumbles forced and three of those recovered(about average for the league). They are second in the league with 20 sacks, only one behind the Luchadores. They only have two picks so far, but they have managed 19 pass disruptions and they managed to block a punt! Overall, a solid unit, limiting points by getting tackles and sacks to stop opposing teams.
Top Number Three Defense Unit:
Tijuana Luchadores. Got to pick my team after the way the defense came up huge at the end of both games five and six. Middle of the road on tackles with 289 total, with 15 going for a loss. Four forced fumbles and three recovered by the defense. A league leading 21 sacks, with multiple guys just getting a hold of opposing quarterbacks week in and week out. They have also produced five picks and a league leading 27 pass disruptions. They are tied for the second best record with the chance to move to the best record in the league tonight. Good unit, the team has had some penalties and turnovers at bad times that kept this defense from looking even better.
Position Ranking Time:
Top Number One Best Corner Back:
S. Jones(London). This is a hard group to pick from, all of the ones at the top are very good. He leads the way in tackles with 37(five more than the number two guy). One sack and no tackles for loss, but he has two fumbles forced and two fumbles recovered. He also managed two pass disruptions. In the end, he gets the nod because of the sheer number of tackles combined with his two for two fumbles forced and recovered. He seems to let the receiver catch the ball, they just don't get away from him afterwards.
Top Number Two Corner Back:
H. Andrews(London). He is third in tackles as a corner back with 31(only 1 behind the second most) and no tackles for loss or sacks. But he has forced one fumble , has one pick and five pass disruptions! A solid player playing across from the number one corner back after six games. He does a better job of stopping the receiver from actually catching the ball. I generally prefer this style of play from corner backs.
Top Number Three Corner Back:
B. Blackwell(Dallas). This choice was the hardest because there are so many good candidates to choose from. In the end, he wins out on account of having more tackles to go along with his other stats. He has 25 tackles, none for loss and no sacks, but really, most corner backs are not known for getting sacks. Where he shines is his two picks(tied for the lead in the DSFL), his six pass disruptions and he returned one pick for a touchdown. Hard to argue with his over all production.
Later in the season I will break the positions down further and add more than the top three for each, but this early in the season with the stats being so similar it gets difficult to really separate them out.
Next Position Rankings: Defensive End
Top Number One Best Defensive End:
M. Cadaire(London). I realize he does not have the most tackles by a decent number. But he is doing the job you really want your defensive ends to be doing. Stop the other team in the backfield, one way or another. He has 17 tackles with five going for a loss(which is above average for the position) with a whopping four sacks as a rookie. I think you could make an argument for quite a few guys, but I gotta give the shout to the rookie holding it down.
Top Number Two Defensive End:
R. Crowder(Dallas). The current tackles leader at Defensive end, with a league leading 25(three ahead of second place). One of those for a loss and also bringing in two sacks. While not a hugely disruptive force in the back field, he is constantly involved in plays making tackles all over. A solid every down Defensive end.On top of all that, he is also a rookie, showing rookies can show up and make a difference right away.
Top Number Three Defensive End:
A. Heights(Myrtle Beach). This guy is a similar force to Cadaire, in that he gets into the backfield time and time again. He has 17 tackles with 5 of those for a loss to accompany his three sacks. Very similar stats to Cadaire across the board, but he isn't a rookie and has less sacks with equal other stats. Very strong Defensive end, who with a couple more sacks could easily move up the list.
Next Position Rankings: Defensive Tackles:
Top Number One Best Defensive Tackle:
W. Brooks(Minn). A rookie leading the league in tackles as a Defensive tackle with 25 is hard to do. He is going against some really good offensive lineman and still managing to go and get those tackles. Only one went for a loss, but he has five more tackles than the next closest Tackle, and two of his team mates are constantly in the back field making tackles for a loss from the Defensive End position.
Top Number Two Defensive Tackle:
L. Simwell(Kansas City). Another great lineman with solid stats. He has gathered 17 tackles(third for defensive tackles), with one going for a loss. The kicker here is he forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. Big men in the middle don't get that chance as often as other positions. A lot of big men in the middle don't get credit for helping the more glamorous positions get the big numbers.
Top Number Three Defensive Tackle:
Goat Tank(Myrtle Beach). With a name like that, how could he not be on this list. Also a rookie making an impact right away. He has 15 tackles with one of those going for a loss, which puts him tied for fifth in tackles among Defensive tackles. He also has two sacks, which puts him in sole possession of most sacks for Defensive tackles. Another big boy in the middle causing problems for opposing linemen.
Next Position Rankings: Safety(Going to combine them for this mid season rankings)
Top Number One Best Safety:
N. Footballleague(Tijuana). He plays at strong safety as a rookie and is racking up those stats. He has 31 tackles(Tied for fourth among all safeties) with two sacks, one pick and one pass disruption. I like him because he can do it all. He plays coverage and impacts the pass plays, he can rush and sack the quarterback and he is a strong tackler in parts of the field. The most balanced of the top tacklers playing the safety position.
Top Number Two Safety:
N. Name(Dallas). Another rookie, this one playing Free Safety, racking up the tackles. Tied for the most tackles by any safety with 33. He definitely is not afraid to get in on hitting some guys. He also added one sack and two pass disruptions so far. He is the not as good version of Footballleague, though he plays a slightly different position. Great football player, with a big future ahead of him.
Top Number Three Safety:
T. Utterstruzen(Myrtle Beach). This guy is a ball hawk. He only has 19 tackles, but tackling isn't his game. He has forced a fumble, and he has two picks and eight pass disruptions! He sees the ball, and he goes up and comes down with it, or knocks it away. Every player has their gamestyle and his is all about the ball. A real boom or bust kind of player, so far it is working out for him.
Next Position Rankings: Linebackers
Top Number One Best Linebacker:
A. Chainbreaker(Minn). A rookie linebacker just killing the tackles board. This monster has 62 tackles with three of those going for a loss. That is eight more tackles than the closest defensive player in the entire DSFL. Crazy good at hitting people. But it doesn't end there, he also managed four sacks and a pass disruption. As a rookie, those are some scary stats and he seems poised to move up to the next level and produce at a high level. Hard to argue with those numbers.
Top Number Two Linebacker:
A. Schell(Tijuana). This is another monster linebacker. Nobody really wants to run at this man. Even his mother runs away from him. He has 52 tackles(fourth), only ten behind Chainbreaker, with three of those going for losses. But where he shines is his extra stats, he has two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He also has four sacks and three pass disruptions. He is an all around impressive linebacker. No weakness in his game at all. He is my favorite linebacker, but with the sheer number of tackles for Chain, I had to give him the nod for now.
Top Number Three Linebacker:
T. Tate(Tijuana). A rookie. A beast to be. I know some of his stats don't look as good as the two above. He only has 21 tackles, two for a loss. Not exactly breaking records. But where he shines is getting the quarterback. He is the league leader in sacks with six. Leads all defensive players in the DSFL in sacks as a rookie! Also add his four pass disruptions in there. Like this guy going forwards. Nothing but up.
Mark Walker Out.
I did an Offensive rankings post last week, time to give the defense some love. I know we have a game tonight that will be true mid season, but I wanted to go ahead and get this one out. After tonights games, I'll have an update for the offensive side of the ball out sometime tomorrow, maybe.
Let's get this started, Going to do an overall defense ranking, then break down by positions.
Top Number One Defense Unit after Six Games:
Norfolk Seawolves. They have given up the least points so far, only 91. They are only three points ahead of the Royals in points allowed, but are 5-1 instead of 3-3. I know it seems off to put them at the top as they don't have the highest stats. They have the least number of tackles, but 15 of those are for loss, with six(the most) fumbles forced, recovering five(tied for the most) of them. They are on the low end with only eight sacks total, but again with the lowest points allowed, they are not on the field as much as some of the other teams. They have four picks and 15 pass disruptions and two defensive touchdowns(double the next closest team). Their blueprint is to stop the other team, limit them on scores and let their offense score points and chew up clock time.
Top Number Two Defense Unit:
London Royals. Again a team that just is not giving up points to the opposing team. They go about it a different way from the seawolves. They actually have the second most tackles in the league with 328, with 25 of those going for a loss. Four fumbles forced and three of those recovered(about average for the league). They are second in the league with 20 sacks, only one behind the Luchadores. They only have two picks so far, but they have managed 19 pass disruptions and they managed to block a punt! Overall, a solid unit, limiting points by getting tackles and sacks to stop opposing teams.
Top Number Three Defense Unit:
Tijuana Luchadores. Got to pick my team after the way the defense came up huge at the end of both games five and six. Middle of the road on tackles with 289 total, with 15 going for a loss. Four forced fumbles and three recovered by the defense. A league leading 21 sacks, with multiple guys just getting a hold of opposing quarterbacks week in and week out. They have also produced five picks and a league leading 27 pass disruptions. They are tied for the second best record with the chance to move to the best record in the league tonight. Good unit, the team has had some penalties and turnovers at bad times that kept this defense from looking even better.
Position Ranking Time:
Top Number One Best Corner Back:
S. Jones(London). This is a hard group to pick from, all of the ones at the top are very good. He leads the way in tackles with 37(five more than the number two guy). One sack and no tackles for loss, but he has two fumbles forced and two fumbles recovered. He also managed two pass disruptions. In the end, he gets the nod because of the sheer number of tackles combined with his two for two fumbles forced and recovered. He seems to let the receiver catch the ball, they just don't get away from him afterwards.
Top Number Two Corner Back:
H. Andrews(London). He is third in tackles as a corner back with 31(only 1 behind the second most) and no tackles for loss or sacks. But he has forced one fumble , has one pick and five pass disruptions! A solid player playing across from the number one corner back after six games. He does a better job of stopping the receiver from actually catching the ball. I generally prefer this style of play from corner backs.
Top Number Three Corner Back:
B. Blackwell(Dallas). This choice was the hardest because there are so many good candidates to choose from. In the end, he wins out on account of having more tackles to go along with his other stats. He has 25 tackles, none for loss and no sacks, but really, most corner backs are not known for getting sacks. Where he shines is his two picks(tied for the lead in the DSFL), his six pass disruptions and he returned one pick for a touchdown. Hard to argue with his over all production.
Later in the season I will break the positions down further and add more than the top three for each, but this early in the season with the stats being so similar it gets difficult to really separate them out.
Next Position Rankings: Defensive End
Top Number One Best Defensive End:
M. Cadaire(London). I realize he does not have the most tackles by a decent number. But he is doing the job you really want your defensive ends to be doing. Stop the other team in the backfield, one way or another. He has 17 tackles with five going for a loss(which is above average for the position) with a whopping four sacks as a rookie. I think you could make an argument for quite a few guys, but I gotta give the shout to the rookie holding it down.
Top Number Two Defensive End:
R. Crowder(Dallas). The current tackles leader at Defensive end, with a league leading 25(three ahead of second place). One of those for a loss and also bringing in two sacks. While not a hugely disruptive force in the back field, he is constantly involved in plays making tackles all over. A solid every down Defensive end.On top of all that, he is also a rookie, showing rookies can show up and make a difference right away.
Top Number Three Defensive End:
A. Heights(Myrtle Beach). This guy is a similar force to Cadaire, in that he gets into the backfield time and time again. He has 17 tackles with 5 of those for a loss to accompany his three sacks. Very similar stats to Cadaire across the board, but he isn't a rookie and has less sacks with equal other stats. Very strong Defensive end, who with a couple more sacks could easily move up the list.
Next Position Rankings: Defensive Tackles:
Top Number One Best Defensive Tackle:
W. Brooks(Minn). A rookie leading the league in tackles as a Defensive tackle with 25 is hard to do. He is going against some really good offensive lineman and still managing to go and get those tackles. Only one went for a loss, but he has five more tackles than the next closest Tackle, and two of his team mates are constantly in the back field making tackles for a loss from the Defensive End position.
Top Number Two Defensive Tackle:
L. Simwell(Kansas City). Another great lineman with solid stats. He has gathered 17 tackles(third for defensive tackles), with one going for a loss. The kicker here is he forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. Big men in the middle don't get that chance as often as other positions. A lot of big men in the middle don't get credit for helping the more glamorous positions get the big numbers.
Top Number Three Defensive Tackle:
Goat Tank(Myrtle Beach). With a name like that, how could he not be on this list. Also a rookie making an impact right away. He has 15 tackles with one of those going for a loss, which puts him tied for fifth in tackles among Defensive tackles. He also has two sacks, which puts him in sole possession of most sacks for Defensive tackles. Another big boy in the middle causing problems for opposing linemen.
Next Position Rankings: Safety(Going to combine them for this mid season rankings)
Top Number One Best Safety:
N. Footballleague(Tijuana). He plays at strong safety as a rookie and is racking up those stats. He has 31 tackles(Tied for fourth among all safeties) with two sacks, one pick and one pass disruption. I like him because he can do it all. He plays coverage and impacts the pass plays, he can rush and sack the quarterback and he is a strong tackler in parts of the field. The most balanced of the top tacklers playing the safety position.
Top Number Two Safety:
N. Name(Dallas). Another rookie, this one playing Free Safety, racking up the tackles. Tied for the most tackles by any safety with 33. He definitely is not afraid to get in on hitting some guys. He also added one sack and two pass disruptions so far. He is the not as good version of Footballleague, though he plays a slightly different position. Great football player, with a big future ahead of him.
Top Number Three Safety:
T. Utterstruzen(Myrtle Beach). This guy is a ball hawk. He only has 19 tackles, but tackling isn't his game. He has forced a fumble, and he has two picks and eight pass disruptions! He sees the ball, and he goes up and comes down with it, or knocks it away. Every player has their gamestyle and his is all about the ball. A real boom or bust kind of player, so far it is working out for him.
Next Position Rankings: Linebackers
Top Number One Best Linebacker:
A. Chainbreaker(Minn). A rookie linebacker just killing the tackles board. This monster has 62 tackles with three of those going for a loss. That is eight more tackles than the closest defensive player in the entire DSFL. Crazy good at hitting people. But it doesn't end there, he also managed four sacks and a pass disruption. As a rookie, those are some scary stats and he seems poised to move up to the next level and produce at a high level. Hard to argue with those numbers.
Top Number Two Linebacker:
A. Schell(Tijuana). This is another monster linebacker. Nobody really wants to run at this man. Even his mother runs away from him. He has 52 tackles(fourth), only ten behind Chainbreaker, with three of those going for losses. But where he shines is his extra stats, he has two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He also has four sacks and three pass disruptions. He is an all around impressive linebacker. No weakness in his game at all. He is my favorite linebacker, but with the sheer number of tackles for Chain, I had to give him the nod for now.
Top Number Three Linebacker:
T. Tate(Tijuana). A rookie. A beast to be. I know some of his stats don't look as good as the two above. He only has 21 tackles, two for a loss. Not exactly breaking records. But where he shines is getting the quarterback. He is the league leader in sacks with six. Leads all defensive players in the DSFL in sacks as a rookie! Also add his four pass disruptions in there. Like this guy going forwards. Nothing but up.
Mark Walker Out.