Royals.
Stats.
Grades.
Words.
Let's take a deep breath and do this.
Stats.
Grades.
Words.
Let's take a deep breath and do this.
Charlemagne Cortez - QB
Cortez got off to a spectacular start in Week 1, setting Royals franchise single-game records for completions (29) and passing yards (334). His three touchdowns in the game equalled the franchise record, the pick of which was a 28-yard bullet finding Gunner Thorbjornsson in single coverage. He followed this in Week 2 with another record, this time in passing attempts (50), but could only complete 22 and tossed two interceptions in a losing effort for the Royals. Cortez put in a slightly better performance in week 3, but the offense overall was misfiring, failing to register a single point. Another improvement in Week 4 saw him toss another touchdown as he led the Royals to a convincing win over the Dallas Birddogs. Cortez found his form properly again in Week 5 as he threw for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns, and carried it through to Week 6 to go 213 yards in the air, including a touchdown where he
weighted his pass perfectly to find Frank Michell for 14 yards up a seam. He had a tougher week in Week 7, tossing two picks, his lone touchdown of the day coming on a 1 yard swing pass to Danny King.
Stats: 1507 Passing Yards (LL*), 137 Completions (LL*), 53.5 Comp%, 8 TD, 5 Int, 73.5 QBR
Grade: B
A big part of London's offense lives and dies on the arm of Cortez. On his day he's unstoppable, but when he's careless with his ball placement sure London wins turn into close losses. London's coaching staff have full faith in his talent though, as he's given the task of commanding the most pass-happy offense in the DSFL, and they seem confident that he will find consistency as the gameplan shows no sign of changing.
Jacoby Batista - RB
The power element of the Royals' running attack, Batista opened the season with a good performance, racking up 84 rushing yards on 16 attempts to keep the chains moving in a London win. He found it tougher in Week 2, being held to 3.6 yards per carry, but managed 2 pancakes when called into pass protection. Week 3 saw Batista see limited action from the bench, with only 2 carries. In Week 4, Batista finally made it to the end zone, managing to doing so twice on short yardage rumbles up the middle as the Royals destroyed the Birddogs. Despite this performance, he lost his spot in the depth chart to Danny King for Week 5 and only played a handful of snaps from there.
Stats: 226 Rushing Yards, 5.1 Yards per Carry, 2 Rush TD
Grade: C-
Flashes of talent weren't enough to overcome Batista's questionable work ethic, and hardcore Royals fans will be sad that his final season with the team ended in a benching. It doesn't have to end like this for him, but for now it looks it's going to.
Terry Yaki - RB
The more elusive of the two backs featured at the start of the season, rookie Yaki made 70 yards on 16 carries to begin his Royals career with a solid performance in Week 1. The next week, he showed he could find the end zone, notching his and the Royals' first rushing score of the season, taking a sweep around the right for 4 yards. Week 3 was tough, as Yaki was held to 3.2 yards per carry and fumbled, but he bounced back in Week 4, running for a new high of 84 yards and taking a goal-line carry up the gut for a score as the Royals routed the Birddogs. Yaki put up a new season high in Week 6, taking 20 carries for 97 yards to keep the chains moving for London. He found the end zone again in Week 7, walking in a pitch from a yard out.
Stats: 446 Rush yds (TL*), 4.2 Yards per Carry, 3 Rush TD (TL*)
Grade: B+
Terry Yaki is carrying most of the burden of the Royals' ground game. It's a lot to put on a rookie immediately, but he has shown a fearlessness in his running that impresses fans and coaches alike. If he continues to develop, he can be a star in the DSFL and the next level.
Danny King - RB
King was utilised mostly as a full back and an emergency backup runner by the Royals in the first 4 weeks of the season. His only carries of those weeks came in week 3, where he rushed for 12 yards on 3 attempts. Used mainly as a blocker, he excelled in the role, not giving up a sack in those 4 weeks. This tenacity apparently impressed the Royals coaches, who slotted King back into the depth chart at running back, and they were rewarded in Week 6 as he earned Offensive Player of the Game, taking 15 attempts to go 125 yards and score two touchdowns, including a run off a left-sided sweep where he blew past the defense for 46 yards on his way to the end zone. He found the end zone again in Week 7, catching a swing pass for a 1 yard touchdown.
Stats: 227 Rush yds, 5.3 Yards per Carry (TL*), 2 Rush TD, 1 Rec TD
Grade: B-
This grade would be higher if King had started all season, but he fell out of favour with the coaching staff. He has more production in 3 weeks than his predecessor had in 4, showing that he still has the talent that won him Running Back of the Year last season. London is a better team with him getting some carries.
Gunner Thorbjornsson - WR
As the number one reciever in London's offense, Thorbjornsson started the season in an explosive manner, catching 5 balls for 96 yards, including a touchdown catch on a screen, where he fought off tackles for 28 yards and found the end zone, sealing the game for London. The next six games saw him haul in 29 catches for 14.3 yards per catch.
Stats: 511 Rec yds (TL), 34 Rec (TL), 15 Yards per Catch (TL), 1 Rec TD
Grade: A
The above summary doesn't do justice to the performances of Gunner Thorbjornsson. When London makes it to the red zone, it's generally on the back of a big play of his, regularly fighting for 10 yards after the catch. He's top 5 in all the important receiving metrics except touchdowns, but his role seems to be setting them up rather than being the end zone target. When Gunner gets back to the top of the yardage and yards per catch rankings - which I have no doubt he will - he should be in the conversation for an award, such is his contribution to the Royals this season.
Tre'Darius J'Vathon - WR
The deep threat of the Royals' passing game and number two option, J'Vathon started the season brightly. He scored the Royals' first touchdown of the season in Week 1, exploding out of his cut to leave the cornerback standing and catch an 8 yard slant in the end zone. He registered 5 catches for 91 and 71 yards respectively in each of the first two games, before seeing limited time and fumbling in Week 3, but he bounced back to go 55 yards in the Royals' decimation of the Dallas Birddogs in Week 4. J'Vathon found the end zone again in Week 5, showing safe hands on a curl route before ragdolling a cornerback with a staff arm for a 19-yard score. He was close to finding the end zone once again in Week 7, with an 87 yard kickoff return coming up just short of the end zone.
Stats: 349 Rec yds, 27 Rec, 12.9 Yards per Catch, 2 Rec TD (JTL*)
Grade: B+
J'Vathon uses his speed to keep defenses honest and is a great complement to Thorbjornsson on the other side, but has shown himself to be a safe pair of hands in his own right. London will need him to sustain this production to reach the Ultimini.
Adam Spencer - WR
Though he styles himself on Twitter as a garbage time sepcialist, Spencer has proved to be a reliable third option for London. Over the first three games he hauled in 10 grabs at an average of 10.1 yards per catch, good numbers for a player who makes most of his catches over the middle. He opened the scoring in Week 4, showing his strength to hold off a defender and make a difficult 6 yard grab that set the tone for the Royals' humiliation of the Birddogs.
Stats: 170 Rec yds, 18 Rec, 9.4 Yards per Catch, 1 Rec TD (JTL*)
Grade: B+
Despite playing as a third wideout in a system that uses three wide receivers sparingly, Spencer has shown he can be productive. His reliability sets him apart from most DSFL third options, as he hasn't dropped a pass since Week 3.
Marlon Alexander - OL
As a rookie offensive lineman the adjustment from the college game can be difficult, but Alexander started from day one in the right tackle spot and has looked confident. He registered 17 pancakes in the first seven games, as well as only giving up two sacks in that time, a remarkable achievement for a rookie against some mean pass rushers.
Stats: 17 Pancakes, 2 Sacks Allowed
Grade: A-
The jump to the pros has gone about as well as it can for Alexander. A nasty run blocker, he has shown improvement through the season and is more than capable of taking over duties on the blind side when Elephant moves on.
Mac Elephant - OL
Macaroni 'Mac' Elephant has excelled as Cortez's blind side protector in the first half of this season. Over the first seven weeks the hulking left tackle dished out 28 pancakes, including a magnificent 7 pancakes in a dominant performance against the Dallas Birddogs.
Stats: 28 Pancakes, 0 Sacks Allowed
Grade: A+
Judging performance in football can be subjective, but it's hard to argue that a left tackle that gives up no sacks isn't playing at the peak of his game. Elephant buys the time to allow the Royals to play their offense, and that's priceless.
Frank Michell - TE
The more experienced of the Royals' tight end tandem, Michell hit the ground running with 9 catches for 54 yards in the season opener, the best of which showed his soft hands as he grabbed a Cortez fastball for a 4 yard touchdown. Weeks 2 through 5 saw Michell pull in 14 balls for an average of 9.8 yards per reception. Michell found the end zone again in Week 6, quickly identifying a gap in coverage to give himself perfect position to catch a 14 yard Cortez lob for the score.
Stats: 297 Rec yds, 32 Rec, 2 Rec TD, 6 Pancakes
Grade: A-
Michell has done a superb job this season of giving Cortez an outlet when his receivers are covered, and takes his chances in the red zone. A popular character in the locker room, his 6 pancakes show he's no slouch when it comes to protecting his quarterback either.
Joe Show - TE
Seeing part of his playing time at full back, the Royals' rookie backup tight end recorded 6 catches for 38 yards in the first 4 games. More importantly, in the blocking game Show recorded 7 pancakes over that time and crucially didn't allow a single sack. This tenacity would become more apparent as he recorded his first receiving touchdown in Week 5, fighting for for position in the end zone to give Cortez a target when it looked like nobody was open.
Stats: 1 Rush Yd, 41 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD, 11 Pancakes
Grade: B
Taking his snaps at both full back and tight end, Show has demonstrated the kind of team-first ethic that is key to the Royals' success. He's already a formidable blocker and will develop into more of a pass catching threat given increased time and opportunity.
Brent Silva - DT
A pickup on waivers by London before the start of the season, Silva has seen more playing time than he expected as part of the Royals' nickel package. He averaged 10 tackles in the first 7 games in his limited time, bulldozing his way for his first sack of the season in Week 3.
Stats: 10 Tack, 1 Sack
Grade: C+
Silva hasn't exactly set the world on fire after being claimed on waivers, but he was never expected to. An extra big body on the defensive line is helping the Royals, and he should get a larger role next season if he continues to develop.
Mr. Large Sternum - DE
Playing with an anger that can only come from your parents naming you "Mr. Large", Sternum brought down ballcarriers 26 times in the first 4 weeks. His best performance came in Week 3, when he terrorized the offensive line, making 8 tackles, 3 of which were tackles for loss.
Stats: 26 Tack, 3 TFL
Grade: B
Sternum frequently plays at defensive tackle, which hasn't helped his stat production, but his week 3 performance showed that he can be productive despite this. His presence against the run will be crucial to the Royals this season.
Albert Ruschmann - DE
A week 1 starter, the Royals' first round pick had a flying start in what can be a tough position for stat production. Despite seeing barely any playing time in Week 3, he recorded 9 tackles with 5 tackles for loss in the first four games. His breakout performance took place in Week 4 as he tore through the Dallas Birddogs' offensive line to get 5 tackles, 4 of which were for a loss. The next 3 weeks saw him make 8 tackles, with 5 tackles for loss.
Stats: 17 Tack, 10 TFL (JLL*)
Grade: A
Ruschmann is an expert at beating offensive tackles off the line. He commands that the offensive line account for him on passing plays, and running to his side is a very risky prospect, with a good chance of him meeting the ballcarrier behind the line of scrimmage. He's only getting better, so the sacks should come as he keeps finding his way into the backfield. At this rate of production and improvement, Ruschmann should be in the conversation for an award at the end of the season.
Bob Smith - DE
Smith has been a backup/rotation piece on the Royals defensive line, but despite his limited snaps he recorded 6 tackles and one tackle for loss in the first 3 weeks. He was benched in Week 4.
Stats: 6 Tack, 1 TFL
Grade: D
Smith obviously has the talent to help the Royals, but his lack of commitment and work ethic means he isn't seeing the field. Part of the reason for the existence of the DSFL is to weed out the players who burn out once they hit the pro level, and unfortunately it appears that's exactly what Smith has done.
Mattress Cadaire - DE
Through the first 7 weeks of the season, Cadaire made 21 tackles (8 for loss) with four sacks, even though - like many starters - he saw a significantly reduced number of snaps in Week 3. His best game was in Week 2, where he twice
Stats: 21 Tack, 8 TFL, 4 Sack
Grade: A
Cadaire is quietly having a really productive season. Like Ruschmann opposite him, he's regularly getting backfield penetration and causing offensive co-ordinators headaches. Don't sleep on Mattress. Sorry.
Juan Domine - LB
Carrying the weight of expectations that comes with being the first overall ISFL pick, Domine has thrived on the early pressure in the first half of the season. Week 2 saw him record 8 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and a pass deflection, but his best performance of the first four weeks saw Domine record 7 tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack as he led the London defense to a Week 4 shutout of the Dallas Birddogs and earn Defensive Player of the Game. He improved on this in Week 5, swarming every play for 11 tackles and 2 deflected passes. Another Defensive Player of the Game performance in Week 6 saw Domine carve his way through the offensive line seemingly at will for 3 sacks, also registering 8 tackles, one for loss.
Stats: 54 Tack, 5 TFL, 6 Sack (JLL*), 5 Pass Def
Grade: A
His combination of outstanding production and leadership last season was why Domine was selected first, and that hasn't changed one bit. Though he isn't putting up last season's tackle numbers, that's a product of a new defensive system, which has seen him rush the quarterback more often and led to him doubling last year's sack numbers already. A well-rounded linebacker, he excels in all situations.
Busch Light - LB
Another second year tackling machine, Light started a bit more slowly in Week 1, recording only 3 tackles. His numbers only improved over time, though, managing a sack in Weeks 2 and 3. Light hit full speed in Week 4, making 10 tackles and showing his athleticism to charge down a punt against the hapless Dallas Birddogs. Light improved these numbers in Week 5, with 12 tackles (one for loss) and a fumble recovery, but his best game was in Week 7, patrolling the field for 14 tackles and 2 sacks.
Stats: 60 Tack (TL*), 1 TFL, 5 Sack (JLL*), 1 Pass Def, 1 Fum Rec, 1 Punt Blk
Grade: A
Another linebacker who can - and does - do it all, that blocked punt says a lot about Busch Light. Despite waiting for an ISFL call up, he still gives 110% on special teams plays. It will be a sad day for Royals fans when he and Domine are no longer suiting up together in the black and gold.
L'Gazzy Burfict - LB
The rookie addition to the Royals' linebacking corps, Burfict has seen variable playing time due to the Royals' use of multiple defensive fronts. In limited snaps in Weeks 1 and 2, he recorded 13 tackles. Week 3 was his best game of the season, racking up 7 tackles and a sack. Burfict was used mostly as a backup in Week 4, but still found enough penetration to sack the Dallas Birddogs quarterback. A couple of penalties in Week 5 were quickly forgotten as he focused on discipline and concentration.
Stats: 35 Tack, 2 Sack
Grade: B+
Burfict took to Twitter recently saying he wasn't happy with his production, but those are the ramblings of someone who tackles with his head too much. He gets about 70% of the snaps of the other two linebackers, and isn't far short of 70% of their production. Given that he's a rookie, and the quality of players in this comparison, he should be very happy. When you consider that he was picked in the tenth round of the DSFL draft, there's a good case for charging the outgoing London GMs with theft. He can't be flying under the radar of ISFL scouts in the same way.
Harrison Andrews - CB
After a tough offseason program to transition from defensive end to cornerback, Andrews came out strong in Week 1, deflecting 2 passes and only having to make 3 tackles. He recorded 10 tackles and one pass deflection in Weeks 2 and 3. In Week 4, Andrews jumped the route of a Dallas Birddogs wide receiver to make a one-handed pick, giving the Royals possession in the red zone and allowing them to go three scores up by the half. He showed he still has some defensive lineman instincts in Week 5, quickly diagnosing a run off left tackle and blowing up the running back so hard that the ball came free.
Stats: 40 Tack, 1 Int, 6 Pass Def (TL*), 1 Forc Fum
Grade: A-
Andrews quickly established himself as a true number one cornerback, and has to be mentioned with the best in the league. This would be an A grade but for one or two matchups where he has looked more competitive than dominant, but that's to be expected after a position change. Andrews leads by example in a mean Royals secondary.
Mikel van Perkins - CB
Van Perkins made only 10 tackles in the first 4 weeks of the season, a positive start for the man coverage specialist. He showed his prowess in run defense in Week 5 when he stripped the ballcarrier for a London recovery. Van Perkins was relegated to the bench in Week 7.
Stats: 23 Tack, 4 Pass Def, 1 Forc Fum
Grade: C+
MVP should still be the number two cornerback on the Royals, but he has been outworked in training by the rookie class. It would be great for London if he could commit himself more to the cause, but some players just burn out. Royals fans are hoping he pulls it round.
Swantavious Jones - CB
Jones showed his worth immediately on the field, making his fourth round selection look like a steal. Playing the nickel in Week 1, he made 7 tackles, swatted a pass and punched the ball from the grasp of the opposing running back, though London couldn't recover it. In Weeks 2 through 4, he kept his production going, as he recorded 16 tackles and a pass deflection. In Week 5, Jones recorded 10 tackles, but made possibly the Royals' best defensive play of the season when he flew off the right edge on a zero blitz and hit the quarterback with such force that the ball popped loose. Not done, Jones recovered fast enough to scoop up the fumble and take it 14 yards. With that, the tackles, and the fact that he had previously recovered a fumble and taken it 25 yards, he deservedly earned Defensive Player of the Game.
Stats: 43 Tack, 1 Sack, 2 Pass Def, 2 Forc Fum (TL*), 2 Fum Rec (JLL*)
Grade: A+
Okay, so some of his production has been due to him playing nickel and linebacker rather than cornerback, but that shouldn't detract from it at all. If anything, his versatility is an asset. Jones has shown that he can be counted on to make plays, and that he has an eye for big plays. He has been a game changer for the Royals on a couple of occasions. If Swantavious Jones makes it to the fourth round of the ISFL draft I'll... I don't know. Some empty Glims promise involving a shoe or something.
Gavin LeClerc - CB
Playing as a rotational safety and backup cornerback, LeClerc didn't see too many snaps for the first 6 weeks, but still notched 8 tackles and a pass deflection in his limited snaps. LeClerc was promoted to starter in Week 7.
Stats: 9 Tack, 1 PD
Grade: B-
Though he hasn't seen too much action prior to Week 7, LeClerc has shown the Royals coaching staff enough in training to take the starting spot of a veteran. If he keeps improving the production will follow, and the Royals seem to have faith that this will happen. His rookie season really starts now.
Ed Ball - SS
As the Royals' backup safety, Ball hasn't seen much of the field, but still managed to make 6 tackles and a sack in Week 3.
Stats: 11 Tack, 1 Sack
Grade: C-
Ball has been an adequate backup, but much like a couple of others, it's sad to see a player with his talent underperform and get replaced by rookies. His ISFL dream is fading fast.
Steven Wadham - SS
Wadham started from Week 1 as the Royals' strong safety, though rotation limited his snaps. He managed a tackle a game for the first 4 weeks. His first sack came in the third quarter of the Week 4 game, as he flew unblocked round a bewildered Birddogs right tackle to take the quarterback to the dirt. He increased his tackle numbers to over 2 a game from Weeks 5 to 7.
Stats: 11 Tack, 2 Sack, 1 PD
Grade: B
Despite starting, the Scotsman has seen rotation-level playing time, which is reflected in his production. Two sacks shows he has the ability to blitz effectively, and though he hasn't made any other flashy plays, his single missed tackle on the season indicates that he's reliable when it comes to defensive fundamentals. A late round pick considered a bit of a project, Wadham can only improve from here, and London will have a special player on their hands if he does.
Tayshawn Crunk - FS
Crunk had a slow start to the season, managing only 6 tackles in the first 3 games. He upped this to 5 tackles in Week 4, and late in the game on a blitz he managed to dart right through the middle of the offensive line to take down the quarterback. It should be noted, however, that this was deep into garbage time and seemingly everyone and their sister had registered a sack on the Dallas Birddogs' quarterback at that point. In Week 5, Crunk made his best play yet when he caught the quarterback staring down his receiver late in the third quarter and stepped in front of the pass for an easy interception, taking it back 47 yards. Crunk made his second pick of the season in Week 7 as a tipped pass fell into his arms.
Stats: 25 Tack, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 2 Int (JLL*), 4 Pas Def
Grade: B+
If you can't tell by the disjointed writing style, this media was written over the course of two weeks, and after Week 4 I was determined to give Crunk a C+ grade (at best) for his lack of impact. Two interceptions in the three following games forced me to bump this grade up, as he began to show the range and playmaking instincts that led the Royals to draft him in the second round.
Jake Fencik - K/P
Though I absolutely agree that kickers are people too, their plays are really hard to write about, so I'll jump straight to the stats here.
K Stats: 15/15 (100%) XP, 12/14 (85.7%) on FG
K Grade: A-
Fencik's only misses of the season have come from over 40 yards, and he's been money on extra points. A little bit of work on his longer kicks is inevitable, and he should be the first kicker taken in the upcoming ISFL draft.
P Stats: 2,081 Yards (LL*), 49 punts, 42.5 Avg, 6 Inside 20
P Grade: A
I hate most punt statistics. Inside twenty and average are both situational, and tend to relate inversely to each other because of it. Let's look at the big number though - at 2,081 yards, Fencik has gained the Royals almost 3 fields worth of territory per game, over 350 yards more than the closest competition. If he doesn't get the Punter of the Year award, London will riot like it's 2011.
*
LL - League Leader
JLL - Joint League Leader
TL - Team Leader
Hahalua still ranked 12th btw
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