08-15-2021, 11:16 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-19-2021, 08:59 AM by allbetsonjames. Edited 1 time in total.)
A Dark Horse for Defensive Rookie of the Year – Morpheus Czargyros (1,548 words)
Thirty seasons.
Let that sink in for just one moment. Thirty seasons of players pouring blood, sweat, and tears on the gridiron. Thirty seasons of missing holidays with families, chasing perfection of the human body, and refining the human soul in the act of surrender of the self for the benefit of the greater team. For thirty seasons teams the world has celebrated the ISFL for its display of incredible football for the masses. And for 27 seasons, the DSFL has forged some of the greatest players the ISFL has ever seen.
Zack Vega, Sim Snowbow, Kazimir Oles Jr. True MVPs who paved the way to greatness in the DSFL as MVPs. But of course, there is the coveted Defensive Rookie of the Year. Among the greats who have received this prestigious award are LaCarpetron Dukemarriot and Matt Murphy. These five names are etched into the history of the DSFL and are also immortalized as Grey Ducks.
The story of the ISFL is incomplete without the history of the DSFL. And the DSFL cannot be discussed without recognition of the Minnesota Grey Ducks. Their players have taken the field with an energy that represents the beauty and grit that football has to offer. When the Grey Ducks play, they display energy, tenacity, toughness. . . all with a certain beauty. It’s impossible to really describe what makes the Grey Ducks so wonderful, they are almost like a cosmic gumbo. But this much can be easily said. The Grey Ducks have won 5 Ultiminis, including the most recent one. Their players have held trophies and have won a litany of individual awards. And for that reason, as OUR LEAGUE celebrates its thirtieth year, it is worth looking at Morpheus Czargyros for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Now let us begin by being abundantly clear. This is not a hit piece. To talk poorly of the players who make this league as competitive and fun as it is would be tasteless. It would make things a little less fun. This article wants to celebrate the league and its players. But I’ve been here before and it goes both ways. We can’t talk about Defensive Rookie of the Year without talking about the contenders.
So first, let’s talk about Sconnie McHits. 67 overall, 98 tackles(!!!), and simply too many stats to list out here. Sconnie is this authors personal favorite player. With great draft pedigree, incredible original work, you can tell that this award is beneath Sconnie. When you’re leading the league in tackles, you’re leading the league for Defensive Player of the Year and at least in the conversation for MVP. Sconnie plays like a seasoned vet. Remarkable speed, strong tackling, Sconnie is the player your team wishes they drafted. Defensive Rookie of the Year should go to a Rookie and I’m not convinced that Sconnie isn’t a previous ISFL MVP pretending to be a new guy. He’s just that good.
And then there’s Omni Man. 61 overall, 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, the man is omnipotent on the field. The fastest player I’ve yet to see, one might almost assume he’s not human. In fact, as you look closer at his resume, you learn he’s from Viltrum? A Viltrumite? Are we supposed to trust that his superhuman powers won’t be used to destroy mankind? Are you sure about that? Are you sure? OK, I’m not going to prejudice an alien player but he’s certainly using these alien powers to destroy offensive lines and terrorize running backs. I’m not saying that his super powered blood should prevent him from winning Defensive Rookie of the Year but maybe it should be considered when he’s playing a physical game with mere mortals.
There’s also Doc Holliday. 63 overall, 63 tackles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Doc Holiday recently exploded on the leaderboard for Defensive Rookie of the Year but has quietly had a consistent and strong season. This season Tijuana has the fewest Points Allowed thus far and there is no question that Doc Holiday has been a major reason for that. Doc Holiday, by all means, should be considered for this award, but is only leading the league in fumbles recovered. As a well rounded CB, this might be enough as Holiday is tied for third in interceptions as well, but there may not be enough *pop* in this resume to win over voters.
Although not currently listed in the index, FiveDucks In’Atrenchcoat must be discussed. 61 overall, 22 tackles, 6 sacks, FiveDucks was leading the index at one point for this award. With a strong sack rate, forced fumbles, a safety, and 2 tackles for losses, FiveDucks is a do it all player. Perhaps not the sexiest with stats but a force that has dramatically improved the Ducks as they aim to repeat last years’ season champions. However, we need to be honest. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, there are rumors that FiveDucks In’Atrenchcoat might actually not be human. And not inhuman like Mr. Man but rather feral and animalistic. There are whispers that FiveDucks might actually be bold enough to have confessed his nature in plain view by naming themselves what they are, five ducks in a trench coat. Now maybe FiveDucks is not actually Five Ducks but I think it’s incredibly likely. The worst part? I think they want to get caught. They’re probably tired of all the cat and mouse games. But it’s time to admit that while these Five Ducks can play football all they want, they should be barred from these awards. Other players might look as ugly as a duck wearing a trench coat, but Five Ducks is actually five ducks wearing a trench coat.
And so, we’re left with Morpheus Czargyros. 72 overall, 8 sacks, 32 tackles, and infinite sizzle. Born alongside his twin brother Orpheus Czargyros in the back of '76 Chevy, Morpheus came into this earth with steam coming off his body, his mother in intense pain. And similarly, Morpheus has come into the DSFL with steam off his body and opposing QBs in intense pain. As of writing this piece, Morpheus is no longer the league sack leader but is a close second with 8 sacks. Among DE players, however, Morpheus does lead in tackles. This is where Morpheus shines. He fights for every play, chases every running back, is the definition of tenacity. And among rookies, Morpheus does lead the league in sacks. By the end of this season, Morpheus will have hit his DSFL cap and intends to come back to the DSFL and push to become Defensive Player of the Year.
When reviewing Morpheus’ rookie year thus far, it’s impossible to not talk about his performance against the Birddogs where he earned Defensive Player of the Game. In the third quarter Morpheus sacked the QB for 10 yards forcing a long third down which essentially killed the Birddogs drive. Before the quarter ended, Morpheus again sacked the QB, this time for 11 yards, and again forcing a long third down which killed the drive. Although two sacks in a single game is the exception, not the rule, when discussing Morpheus, the unending effort is what he brings to each game.
Well-rounded unending efforts define Morpheus. For a championship defending team like the Minnesota Ducks, he has aimed to emulate the culture and playstyle of his team. As his team has a loss in what appeared to become an undefeated season, Morpheus has his blemishes, but he throws himself into the team with the belief that mistakes don’t ultimately define anyone. Every down is a new down. Every snap is an opportunity to be the best version of your self and Morpheus embodies that on the field. Even when a tackle is missed, Morpheus remembers that we should all be goldfishes, and pushes harder on the next drive.
Morpheus eats team success all the time. What he doesn’t like to make a habit out of doing is letting his team mates down. When Morpheus is on the field, it is the night that the defense comes to life and sacks are their money. Their tackles are their dollars. But their sacks are also their money. Trying to fit this many quotes from “I Think You Should Leave” is tough, so I’m going to have to say that this bit is dumb. Dump it. Trash it. This one is garbage.
But genuinely, Morpheus has loved this league and has learned to love its players. This league has been running for thirty seasons and Morpheus is in awe of its history. To be a part of it, to inspire future players, to support current players, that what Morpheus aims to do each morning that he wakes up. On the field and off the field, Morpheus may not always leave the greatest mark, but it’s a consistent one and it’s one made with love. The day Morpheus entered this league he wrote on his update page “If you’re reading this, I love you.” And he meant it. Morpheus feels fortunate to be a part of such an excellent rookie class and even if he’s unable to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, he’ll be grateful just to be part of the conversation.
Thirty seasons.
Let that sink in for just one moment. Thirty seasons of players pouring blood, sweat, and tears on the gridiron. Thirty seasons of missing holidays with families, chasing perfection of the human body, and refining the human soul in the act of surrender of the self for the benefit of the greater team. For thirty seasons teams the world has celebrated the ISFL for its display of incredible football for the masses. And for 27 seasons, the DSFL has forged some of the greatest players the ISFL has ever seen.
Zack Vega, Sim Snowbow, Kazimir Oles Jr. True MVPs who paved the way to greatness in the DSFL as MVPs. But of course, there is the coveted Defensive Rookie of the Year. Among the greats who have received this prestigious award are LaCarpetron Dukemarriot and Matt Murphy. These five names are etched into the history of the DSFL and are also immortalized as Grey Ducks.
The story of the ISFL is incomplete without the history of the DSFL. And the DSFL cannot be discussed without recognition of the Minnesota Grey Ducks. Their players have taken the field with an energy that represents the beauty and grit that football has to offer. When the Grey Ducks play, they display energy, tenacity, toughness. . . all with a certain beauty. It’s impossible to really describe what makes the Grey Ducks so wonderful, they are almost like a cosmic gumbo. But this much can be easily said. The Grey Ducks have won 5 Ultiminis, including the most recent one. Their players have held trophies and have won a litany of individual awards. And for that reason, as OUR LEAGUE celebrates its thirtieth year, it is worth looking at Morpheus Czargyros for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Now let us begin by being abundantly clear. This is not a hit piece. To talk poorly of the players who make this league as competitive and fun as it is would be tasteless. It would make things a little less fun. This article wants to celebrate the league and its players. But I’ve been here before and it goes both ways. We can’t talk about Defensive Rookie of the Year without talking about the contenders.
So first, let’s talk about Sconnie McHits. 67 overall, 98 tackles(!!!), and simply too many stats to list out here. Sconnie is this authors personal favorite player. With great draft pedigree, incredible original work, you can tell that this award is beneath Sconnie. When you’re leading the league in tackles, you’re leading the league for Defensive Player of the Year and at least in the conversation for MVP. Sconnie plays like a seasoned vet. Remarkable speed, strong tackling, Sconnie is the player your team wishes they drafted. Defensive Rookie of the Year should go to a Rookie and I’m not convinced that Sconnie isn’t a previous ISFL MVP pretending to be a new guy. He’s just that good.
And then there’s Omni Man. 61 overall, 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, the man is omnipotent on the field. The fastest player I’ve yet to see, one might almost assume he’s not human. In fact, as you look closer at his resume, you learn he’s from Viltrum? A Viltrumite? Are we supposed to trust that his superhuman powers won’t be used to destroy mankind? Are you sure about that? Are you sure? OK, I’m not going to prejudice an alien player but he’s certainly using these alien powers to destroy offensive lines and terrorize running backs. I’m not saying that his super powered blood should prevent him from winning Defensive Rookie of the Year but maybe it should be considered when he’s playing a physical game with mere mortals.
There’s also Doc Holliday. 63 overall, 63 tackles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Doc Holiday recently exploded on the leaderboard for Defensive Rookie of the Year but has quietly had a consistent and strong season. This season Tijuana has the fewest Points Allowed thus far and there is no question that Doc Holiday has been a major reason for that. Doc Holiday, by all means, should be considered for this award, but is only leading the league in fumbles recovered. As a well rounded CB, this might be enough as Holiday is tied for third in interceptions as well, but there may not be enough *pop* in this resume to win over voters.
Although not currently listed in the index, FiveDucks In’Atrenchcoat must be discussed. 61 overall, 22 tackles, 6 sacks, FiveDucks was leading the index at one point for this award. With a strong sack rate, forced fumbles, a safety, and 2 tackles for losses, FiveDucks is a do it all player. Perhaps not the sexiest with stats but a force that has dramatically improved the Ducks as they aim to repeat last years’ season champions. However, we need to be honest. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, there are rumors that FiveDucks In’Atrenchcoat might actually not be human. And not inhuman like Mr. Man but rather feral and animalistic. There are whispers that FiveDucks might actually be bold enough to have confessed his nature in plain view by naming themselves what they are, five ducks in a trench coat. Now maybe FiveDucks is not actually Five Ducks but I think it’s incredibly likely. The worst part? I think they want to get caught. They’re probably tired of all the cat and mouse games. But it’s time to admit that while these Five Ducks can play football all they want, they should be barred from these awards. Other players might look as ugly as a duck wearing a trench coat, but Five Ducks is actually five ducks wearing a trench coat.
And so, we’re left with Morpheus Czargyros. 72 overall, 8 sacks, 32 tackles, and infinite sizzle. Born alongside his twin brother Orpheus Czargyros in the back of '76 Chevy, Morpheus came into this earth with steam coming off his body, his mother in intense pain. And similarly, Morpheus has come into the DSFL with steam off his body and opposing QBs in intense pain. As of writing this piece, Morpheus is no longer the league sack leader but is a close second with 8 sacks. Among DE players, however, Morpheus does lead in tackles. This is where Morpheus shines. He fights for every play, chases every running back, is the definition of tenacity. And among rookies, Morpheus does lead the league in sacks. By the end of this season, Morpheus will have hit his DSFL cap and intends to come back to the DSFL and push to become Defensive Player of the Year.
When reviewing Morpheus’ rookie year thus far, it’s impossible to not talk about his performance against the Birddogs where he earned Defensive Player of the Game. In the third quarter Morpheus sacked the QB for 10 yards forcing a long third down which essentially killed the Birddogs drive. Before the quarter ended, Morpheus again sacked the QB, this time for 11 yards, and again forcing a long third down which killed the drive. Although two sacks in a single game is the exception, not the rule, when discussing Morpheus, the unending effort is what he brings to each game.
Well-rounded unending efforts define Morpheus. For a championship defending team like the Minnesota Ducks, he has aimed to emulate the culture and playstyle of his team. As his team has a loss in what appeared to become an undefeated season, Morpheus has his blemishes, but he throws himself into the team with the belief that mistakes don’t ultimately define anyone. Every down is a new down. Every snap is an opportunity to be the best version of your self and Morpheus embodies that on the field. Even when a tackle is missed, Morpheus remembers that we should all be goldfishes, and pushes harder on the next drive.
Morpheus eats team success all the time. What he doesn’t like to make a habit out of doing is letting his team mates down. When Morpheus is on the field, it is the night that the defense comes to life and sacks are their money. Their tackles are their dollars. But their sacks are also their money. Trying to fit this many quotes from “I Think You Should Leave” is tough, so I’m going to have to say that this bit is dumb. Dump it. Trash it. This one is garbage.
But genuinely, Morpheus has loved this league and has learned to love its players. This league has been running for thirty seasons and Morpheus is in awe of its history. To be a part of it, to inspire future players, to support current players, that what Morpheus aims to do each morning that he wakes up. On the field and off the field, Morpheus may not always leave the greatest mark, but it’s a consistent one and it’s one made with love. The day Morpheus entered this league he wrote on his update page “If you’re reading this, I love you.” And he meant it. Morpheus feels fortunate to be a part of such an excellent rookie class and even if he’s unable to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, he’ll be grateful just to be part of the conversation.