10-24-2021, 11:45 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-24-2021, 11:58 AM by allbetsonjames. Edited 1 time in total.)
In before the buzzer! I was recently named the federation head for Team Europe in the World Football Championships, and in this media I shall go over each player I have selected for the hopefully future gold medalist team. I am very excited to get to work and pursue a gold medal with this great group of players, so I’m not gonna waste any time and just get into it!
Starting with the teams offense:
Quarterback: Jackie Daytona @Mooty99
Jackie Daytona will be leading our passing attack to greatness, like he led the Austin Copperheads passing attack to greatness during the regular season (dont look at the playoffs). Daytona’s Copperheads had the best record in the regular season and while he did not set any fantastic total numbers, he was extremely efficient, with the third best passer rating in the ISFL and he tied for the least amount of picks thrown, with just 10.
Running Back: Jay Cue Jr @Opera_Phantom
The great OP will be the primary running back in the offense, as he was for the Yellowknife Wraiths this season when he finished third in total rushing yards and carried many fantasy teams (best waiver pickup I ever made not going to lie). Fun fact: Cue Jr’s longest run was 69 yards, and his user is very handsome and a great boss. I think he will be a very dangerous part of this offense that opposing defenses will need to make sure is kept in check.
Running Back: Madison Hayes @sve7en
Hayes was the primary back for the Chicago Butchers, who managed to reach the NSFC Championship game this season, however Hayes will be playing wide receiver in most formations and will only occasionally line up at running back. Hayes was 7th in rushing yards last season, but did not get used as a receiver too much compared to other running backs so we’ll see what her full potential as a receiver is.
Fullback: Ben Alexander-Arnold @Ben
At the fullback position we have the legend himself Ben Alexander-Arnold. While he wasnt used too much this season by Austin, he should get himself some rushes and be useful blocking for Team Europe whenever we need him.
Wide Receiver: Bayley Cowabunga @JKortesi81
Now, Cowanbunga is not actually European, but we had a pretty desperate need for some more experienced receivers so I picked him up in the loan draft with my first selection. Cowabunga lined up at wide receiver 2 all season for Austin and will step in at the primary receiver role for us. He should get plenty of targets and the chemistry will be there for Cowabunga and Daytona to hopefully lead us somewhere.
Wide Receiver: Ivan Toastavich @"Toast"
I promise I didn’t mean to have most of the team so far be Copperheads. That’s just how it worked out. Anyways, Toastavich is the first of our two backup wide receivers on the team as they were both selected before acquiring Cowabunga. While he will not get a starting job on the team, they will be nice backups and as he and the next guy age, they will step into bigger roles for us. In the meantime, Toastavich will be able to let the other receivers take a breather and still be decent enough.
Wide Receiver: French Fries @"Sonoclav"
Fries is the second of our backup wide receivers and like Toastavich won’t be getting any starting time, but will eventually grow into the starting role as he continues earning.
Tight end: Ragnar Krashwagen @CementHands
Krashwagen will be the number one tight end for Team Europe. Krashwagen will play a big role in the blocking game for Europe, like he did for the Arizona Outlaws. Krashwagen got plenty of pancakes, and also got some solid yardage. He will be a great piece in the receiving game as well so teams will have to be careful to not get too comfortable.
Tight End: Makoa Mahiʻai @King Jellyfish
Mahi’ai will occasionally line up at tight end 2 and play backup tight end at times, but most of the time he will line up at receiver since he has serious potential to be very dangerous lining up there full time. While he had a much better blocking season than Krashwagen, he will bring a dangerous presence lining up at wide receiver, especially considering Team Europe's lack of experienced options there.
Offensive Line: Jaja Ding Dong @"ckyroyal92"
Ding Dong had a fantastic season for San Jose, as he went perfect, allowing exactly 0 sacks all season, while acquiring 107 pancakes. That’s a lotta pancakes! Ding Dong will do great work protecting Daytona’s blindside to allow him to get throws off while not being pressured.
Offensive Line: Pepe Legs Johnson @golden_apricot
Rookie Johnson may have had an even better season than Ding Dong, and honestly until now I didn’t know he had such a fantastic season for the otherwise not too fantastic Hawks. Johnson got himself 117 pancakes and also did not allow a sack all year, which is really impressive. And as a rookie too! Guy has himself a bright future in the ISFL, along with here for Europe.
Offensive Line: Michael Carimi @"leahterneckmike"
My good friend Mike is our third offensive lineman who we also got off the loan draft and while he still currently plays for Portland in the DSFL, he had a spectacular season. 77 pancakes and no sacks allowed, that pancake number is more than anyone else in the DSFL this season. Really outstanding and if he can bring a similar level of the WFC I have no doubt in my mind that Daytona and the rest of this offense can do great things.
Alright now it’s time to move on to the star studded defense, starting off with the defensive line:
Defensive End: Demon Jaxson @LB3737
While it is unfortunate I must put LB on my team, he earns a lot of TPE and is also a good player. So actually not too unfortunate. Jaxson was tied for the third most sacks of any defensive end this season, with 7. He also got his first career defensive touchdown this season! He will play the first defensive tackle spot and should do a great job putting pressure in the passing game and stopping anything in the run game.
Defensive End: Medicinal Toblerone @JuOSu
Toblerone will play defensive end for Europe. While Toblerone did not manage to force any fumbles this year, they (not sure how to refer to a chocolate bar) still had a great season, with 7 sacks and a career high 8 tackles for loss, really stuffing the run this season. Another big piece for the defensive line right here.
Defensive End: Xmus Flaxon Jaxon-Waxon @ConnorM123
Jaxon-Waxon did a great job for the ultimately Ultimus losing Colorado Yeti. Waxon got 8 sacks, second among defensive ends, along with 2 forced fumbles and one recovered one. Another great piece for the very elite defensive line we have here in Europe.
Defensive Tackle: Patrik Money @PMoney
Our first (and only) actual defensive tackle on the team, the former Wraiths GM will play defensive tackle 2 and occasionally play backup DT1. Despite being lower in TPE due to regression than some of the other defensive pieces, Money will be very serviceable as he was for Yellowknife this season. Money finished 7th amongst all defensive tackles in tackles this season, and hopefully he can bring that to Team Europe.
Linebacker: Vincent Jones @huck24
Our first linebacker comes from New Orleans. Jones, as their archetype would imply, was very versatile. He set his career high for tackles this season with 96, managed to get 7 sacks and also got 8 pass deflections, along with 5 tackles for loss, showing off that versatility. Jones will be a great addition to the linebacker corp of team Europe.
Linebacker: Chet Larson @Tomasnz
Another versatile linebacker, this time Baltimores Chet Larson. Larson had a down year compared to previous seasons but were still solid, especially in pass coverage with their 8 pass deflections. Larson will help out a lot in the pass coverage game for Team Europe.
Linebacker: Glenn Smart @Pib
One of the younger defensive players on Team Europe, Smart had a career season for Arizona this year, with 109 tackles and 11 sacks, proving just how elite they are in the pass rush. In addition to that, Smart also managed 3 interceptions and 10 pass deflections, because he can really do it all, and will be a valuable asset for seasons to come for Team Europe and Arizona.
Linebacker: Heinrich Kackpoo @gbfn
Linebacker number four, Heinrich Kackpoo is next. Another Sailfish here, he also excelled in pass rushing with 12 sacks, the second most in the league this season. He also had 10 pass deflections and one interception, and managed to get 2 defensive touchdowns for the Sailfish this season, which is not bad at all.
Linebacker: Michael Witheblock @sakrosankt
Witheblock recently announced his retirement from the ISFL so this season, also with the Sailfish was ultimately his swan song for football. THe converted wide receiver didnt have his best of seasons, but he was still solid enough with 3 sacks and 6 pass deflections, he will play a nice backup role for the team.
Cornerback: Doy Fieri @Pat
First player on the secondary here, which also means we’re approaching the end of this article. Fieri has been a consistent 20 pass deflections and 1 interception per season kind of guy, along with 80-90 tackles. That consistency is good and will help out a lot. He will also be the backup kick and punt returner for us, so while he hasnt done either of those in a while he better brush up on his technique.
Cornerback: Jeeeeroy Lenkins @LewisMelville
Firstly, a great name. Secondly, and even more importantly, a great player. Lenkins had a career season for Berlin, finishing 5th in pass deflections with 29. Lenkins finished 5th amongst corners in tackles, got 4 interceptions, forced 4 fumbles and also got his first ever defensive touchdown this season. If he plays as good as he did for Berlin for Europe, other QBs won't have a shot.
Cornerback: Tim Soulja @Painted
Second year Butcher Soulja will play for Europe as well as Europe continues to show off the impressive defensive talent it has. Soulja didnt get too many interceptions but he still got a decent amount of tackles and managed to deflect 23 passes, along with forcing 4 fumbles and recovering 2.
Cornerback: Calvin Hobbes @krazko
One more Sailfish for good measure, Hobbes is the youngest defensive player on this team but already very strong. He didnt start every game for Sarasota this year and he likely won’t here either as evidenced by Europes very strong secondary, but as he earns more TPE he will eventually find himself a starting spot. Hobbes interestingly had 3 sacks for Sarasota as a corner, along with 3 pass deflections.
Safety: Annie May @frazzle14
Frazzle, Austin’s fearless (co)leader finds his way onto Europe. May will both play defense and handle all return man duties, whether it be punt or kick returning. Considering Austin has never once used him in the return game, he better learn quickly. In terms of actual defense, May got his 2 first defensive touchdowns this season, which you love to see. May only missed 2 tackles all year, which is probably the lowest on the team so far, and he had his career high in tackles this season.
Safety: Stevan Wadham @Arvot
Wadham had himself a down year this year in his peak season which is both surprising and unfortunate but still should be an alright piece for Europe, maybe he’ll find some of the fire that he couldnt for Arizona this year.
Safety: Brendan Lanier @jdourtled
Last but not least on defense, the designated backup safety, Lanier. As Sarasotas starting free safety this year, Lanier managed 5 sacks and tied his career high for pass deflections with 15, along with getting 2 interceptions. If you have a guy like Lanier as backup, I’d say that's pretty good for your team.
Special Teams
Kicker/Punter: Blago Kokot @"Ghost_Whisperer"
The real last player to go over, we have the Wraiths kicker Kokot. Kokot didn’t miss an extra point all year, which is pretty impressive. Decent on the field goals although struggled on 50+ yarders despite 100 power, the sim makes lots of sense. Overall, he will do a good job making necessary field goals and PATs, which is all you can really ask for out of your kicker.
And there we have it, that is Team Europe for the WFC this season. I expect big things this year, especially out of the defense considering that you can’t really trust Jackie Daytona too much, so hopefully the elite D will put on a big show this year at the WFC!
Starting with the teams offense:
Quarterback: Jackie Daytona @Mooty99
Jackie Daytona will be leading our passing attack to greatness, like he led the Austin Copperheads passing attack to greatness during the regular season (dont look at the playoffs). Daytona’s Copperheads had the best record in the regular season and while he did not set any fantastic total numbers, he was extremely efficient, with the third best passer rating in the ISFL and he tied for the least amount of picks thrown, with just 10.
Running Back: Jay Cue Jr @Opera_Phantom
The great OP will be the primary running back in the offense, as he was for the Yellowknife Wraiths this season when he finished third in total rushing yards and carried many fantasy teams (best waiver pickup I ever made not going to lie). Fun fact: Cue Jr’s longest run was 69 yards, and his user is very handsome and a great boss. I think he will be a very dangerous part of this offense that opposing defenses will need to make sure is kept in check.
Running Back: Madison Hayes @sve7en
Hayes was the primary back for the Chicago Butchers, who managed to reach the NSFC Championship game this season, however Hayes will be playing wide receiver in most formations and will only occasionally line up at running back. Hayes was 7th in rushing yards last season, but did not get used as a receiver too much compared to other running backs so we’ll see what her full potential as a receiver is.
Fullback: Ben Alexander-Arnold @Ben
At the fullback position we have the legend himself Ben Alexander-Arnold. While he wasnt used too much this season by Austin, he should get himself some rushes and be useful blocking for Team Europe whenever we need him.
Wide Receiver: Bayley Cowabunga @JKortesi81
Now, Cowanbunga is not actually European, but we had a pretty desperate need for some more experienced receivers so I picked him up in the loan draft with my first selection. Cowabunga lined up at wide receiver 2 all season for Austin and will step in at the primary receiver role for us. He should get plenty of targets and the chemistry will be there for Cowabunga and Daytona to hopefully lead us somewhere.
Wide Receiver: Ivan Toastavich @"Toast"
I promise I didn’t mean to have most of the team so far be Copperheads. That’s just how it worked out. Anyways, Toastavich is the first of our two backup wide receivers on the team as they were both selected before acquiring Cowabunga. While he will not get a starting job on the team, they will be nice backups and as he and the next guy age, they will step into bigger roles for us. In the meantime, Toastavich will be able to let the other receivers take a breather and still be decent enough.
Wide Receiver: French Fries @"Sonoclav"
Fries is the second of our backup wide receivers and like Toastavich won’t be getting any starting time, but will eventually grow into the starting role as he continues earning.
Tight end: Ragnar Krashwagen @CementHands
Krashwagen will be the number one tight end for Team Europe. Krashwagen will play a big role in the blocking game for Europe, like he did for the Arizona Outlaws. Krashwagen got plenty of pancakes, and also got some solid yardage. He will be a great piece in the receiving game as well so teams will have to be careful to not get too comfortable.
Tight End: Makoa Mahiʻai @King Jellyfish
Mahi’ai will occasionally line up at tight end 2 and play backup tight end at times, but most of the time he will line up at receiver since he has serious potential to be very dangerous lining up there full time. While he had a much better blocking season than Krashwagen, he will bring a dangerous presence lining up at wide receiver, especially considering Team Europe's lack of experienced options there.
Offensive Line: Jaja Ding Dong @"ckyroyal92"
Ding Dong had a fantastic season for San Jose, as he went perfect, allowing exactly 0 sacks all season, while acquiring 107 pancakes. That’s a lotta pancakes! Ding Dong will do great work protecting Daytona’s blindside to allow him to get throws off while not being pressured.
Offensive Line: Pepe Legs Johnson @golden_apricot
Rookie Johnson may have had an even better season than Ding Dong, and honestly until now I didn’t know he had such a fantastic season for the otherwise not too fantastic Hawks. Johnson got himself 117 pancakes and also did not allow a sack all year, which is really impressive. And as a rookie too! Guy has himself a bright future in the ISFL, along with here for Europe.
Offensive Line: Michael Carimi @"leahterneckmike"
My good friend Mike is our third offensive lineman who we also got off the loan draft and while he still currently plays for Portland in the DSFL, he had a spectacular season. 77 pancakes and no sacks allowed, that pancake number is more than anyone else in the DSFL this season. Really outstanding and if he can bring a similar level of the WFC I have no doubt in my mind that Daytona and the rest of this offense can do great things.
Alright now it’s time to move on to the star studded defense, starting off with the defensive line:
Defensive End: Demon Jaxson @LB3737
While it is unfortunate I must put LB on my team, he earns a lot of TPE and is also a good player. So actually not too unfortunate. Jaxson was tied for the third most sacks of any defensive end this season, with 7. He also got his first career defensive touchdown this season! He will play the first defensive tackle spot and should do a great job putting pressure in the passing game and stopping anything in the run game.
Defensive End: Medicinal Toblerone @JuOSu
Toblerone will play defensive end for Europe. While Toblerone did not manage to force any fumbles this year, they (not sure how to refer to a chocolate bar) still had a great season, with 7 sacks and a career high 8 tackles for loss, really stuffing the run this season. Another big piece for the defensive line right here.
Defensive End: Xmus Flaxon Jaxon-Waxon @ConnorM123
Jaxon-Waxon did a great job for the ultimately Ultimus losing Colorado Yeti. Waxon got 8 sacks, second among defensive ends, along with 2 forced fumbles and one recovered one. Another great piece for the very elite defensive line we have here in Europe.
Defensive Tackle: Patrik Money @PMoney
Our first (and only) actual defensive tackle on the team, the former Wraiths GM will play defensive tackle 2 and occasionally play backup DT1. Despite being lower in TPE due to regression than some of the other defensive pieces, Money will be very serviceable as he was for Yellowknife this season. Money finished 7th amongst all defensive tackles in tackles this season, and hopefully he can bring that to Team Europe.
Linebacker: Vincent Jones @huck24
Our first linebacker comes from New Orleans. Jones, as their archetype would imply, was very versatile. He set his career high for tackles this season with 96, managed to get 7 sacks and also got 8 pass deflections, along with 5 tackles for loss, showing off that versatility. Jones will be a great addition to the linebacker corp of team Europe.
Linebacker: Chet Larson @Tomasnz
Another versatile linebacker, this time Baltimores Chet Larson. Larson had a down year compared to previous seasons but were still solid, especially in pass coverage with their 8 pass deflections. Larson will help out a lot in the pass coverage game for Team Europe.
Linebacker: Glenn Smart @Pib
One of the younger defensive players on Team Europe, Smart had a career season for Arizona this year, with 109 tackles and 11 sacks, proving just how elite they are in the pass rush. In addition to that, Smart also managed 3 interceptions and 10 pass deflections, because he can really do it all, and will be a valuable asset for seasons to come for Team Europe and Arizona.
Linebacker: Heinrich Kackpoo @gbfn
Linebacker number four, Heinrich Kackpoo is next. Another Sailfish here, he also excelled in pass rushing with 12 sacks, the second most in the league this season. He also had 10 pass deflections and one interception, and managed to get 2 defensive touchdowns for the Sailfish this season, which is not bad at all.
Linebacker: Michael Witheblock @sakrosankt
Witheblock recently announced his retirement from the ISFL so this season, also with the Sailfish was ultimately his swan song for football. THe converted wide receiver didnt have his best of seasons, but he was still solid enough with 3 sacks and 6 pass deflections, he will play a nice backup role for the team.
Cornerback: Doy Fieri @Pat
First player on the secondary here, which also means we’re approaching the end of this article. Fieri has been a consistent 20 pass deflections and 1 interception per season kind of guy, along with 80-90 tackles. That consistency is good and will help out a lot. He will also be the backup kick and punt returner for us, so while he hasnt done either of those in a while he better brush up on his technique.
Cornerback: Jeeeeroy Lenkins @LewisMelville
Firstly, a great name. Secondly, and even more importantly, a great player. Lenkins had a career season for Berlin, finishing 5th in pass deflections with 29. Lenkins finished 5th amongst corners in tackles, got 4 interceptions, forced 4 fumbles and also got his first ever defensive touchdown this season. If he plays as good as he did for Berlin for Europe, other QBs won't have a shot.
Cornerback: Tim Soulja @Painted
Second year Butcher Soulja will play for Europe as well as Europe continues to show off the impressive defensive talent it has. Soulja didnt get too many interceptions but he still got a decent amount of tackles and managed to deflect 23 passes, along with forcing 4 fumbles and recovering 2.
Cornerback: Calvin Hobbes @krazko
One more Sailfish for good measure, Hobbes is the youngest defensive player on this team but already very strong. He didnt start every game for Sarasota this year and he likely won’t here either as evidenced by Europes very strong secondary, but as he earns more TPE he will eventually find himself a starting spot. Hobbes interestingly had 3 sacks for Sarasota as a corner, along with 3 pass deflections.
Safety: Annie May @frazzle14
Frazzle, Austin’s fearless (co)leader finds his way onto Europe. May will both play defense and handle all return man duties, whether it be punt or kick returning. Considering Austin has never once used him in the return game, he better learn quickly. In terms of actual defense, May got his 2 first defensive touchdowns this season, which you love to see. May only missed 2 tackles all year, which is probably the lowest on the team so far, and he had his career high in tackles this season.
Safety: Stevan Wadham @Arvot
Wadham had himself a down year this year in his peak season which is both surprising and unfortunate but still should be an alright piece for Europe, maybe he’ll find some of the fire that he couldnt for Arizona this year.
Safety: Brendan Lanier @jdourtled
Last but not least on defense, the designated backup safety, Lanier. As Sarasotas starting free safety this year, Lanier managed 5 sacks and tied his career high for pass deflections with 15, along with getting 2 interceptions. If you have a guy like Lanier as backup, I’d say that's pretty good for your team.
Special Teams
Kicker/Punter: Blago Kokot @"Ghost_Whisperer"
The real last player to go over, we have the Wraiths kicker Kokot. Kokot didn’t miss an extra point all year, which is pretty impressive. Decent on the field goals although struggled on 50+ yarders despite 100 power, the sim makes lots of sense. Overall, he will do a good job making necessary field goals and PATs, which is all you can really ask for out of your kicker.
And there we have it, that is Team Europe for the WFC this season. I expect big things this year, especially out of the defense considering that you can’t really trust Jackie Daytona too much, so hopefully the elite D will put on a big show this year at the WFC!