03-03-2023, 04:39 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-06-2023, 01:12 PM by Aneeqs. Edited 1 time in total.)
Midseason rankings? Pshaaaw. Who needs midseason rankings when we’ve got WEEK 4 RANKINGS, BABY!
I like writing about the DSFL at the moment, mostly because I’m a part of it as of right now, and because as a Rookie Mentor, seeing all these S41 rookies perform and get so invested in the games warms my cold, dead heart.
I’ll do these sporadically throughout the season, I think. While four games aren’t enough to judge a team here (looking at you, S39 Norfolk), especially as the DSFL is full of players earning as much as they can, today, I want to compare my observations after the draft to what is happening as of the most current week.
Shall we get started?
8. Portland Pythons
Man, it pains me to put these guys so low. Giving them an A- in the Dazzling Draft Grades, I think, is still warranted, but losing their defensive stalwarts to callups is hurting them a lot more than I initially anticipated. RB Tyler One is still wrecking shop, currently leading the DSFL in individual rushing yards with 396, but at this point last season he had a TD in three of four games. This season? The same as his last name; one. The offense just can’t find a way to get into the redzone when it matters the most. If you look at the box score of each one of Portland’s games, it’s a lot closer than one might think, week 2 not withstanding. Weeks 3 and 4, Portland only lost by one score. The Pythons have all the weapons they need, and I still have some hope for them; this could very well turn into another Norfolk situation. Only time will tell.
Standout Rookie Player: This one was a tossup; despite Portland’s issues with points against them, their defense just hits differently. LB Leo Stud (@Matlestud) and LB John Stark VIII (@UptownCord) both get honorable mentions here, but I think so far this one has to go to DE Bruce White (@toofpete) The stats may not read as impressive (10 tackles and 4 sacks) but those sacks came at very important moments in the games, and the pressure on the edge is huge from White. It’s hotly contested this season; in a few weeks, this answer might change next week.
7. Minnesota Grey Ducks
What an interesting team, these Ducks. I projected in the Dazzling Draft Grades that Minnesota would stay on the winning end of things. And yet, their only win comes against… wait. Let me check my notes.
This team beat the reigning, defending, undisputed Ultimini Champions, the Kansas City Coyotes? By two scores?
Oh.
Minnesota, at this point in the game, is a victim of potential just not being acted upon. Whether that’s due to the playcalling, or the sim being the sim is unclear. Week 1 and Week 2 were both losses by one score; week 2 is especially egregious, as London beat them by only two points. Right now the Grey Ducks running the two QB system has led to them being the team leader in passing yards, which is impressive considering two of their WRs are rookies; though the 4 interceptions in that mix are a bit worrying.
Still, don’t count on Minnesota being so low the next time I do these rankings.
Standout Rookie Player: Another tossup here, but this one’s on the offense. I think I’m going to go with WR Artemis Entreri (@entreri); keeping up with WR Florida Man is not an easy feat, and Entreri is a captain in their first year, which is impressive in its own right. Honorable mentions go to LB Liath The Squirrel (@LiathTheSquirrel) and OL Modest Mussorgky (@Gragg9).
6. London Royals
This took way too long to decide who to put here. Any of the 2-2 teams could have fit here; Bondi Beach, Dallas, or even the Coyotes. But right now, the Royals are leading their division by virtue of defeating Minnesota and Kansas City, yet… they have a staggering ratio in their points for versus their points against. They have so many rookies on this team and the fact that they’ve gotten this much success out of them is a testament to their grit and determination. I called them a sleeper team in the DSFL, and I think that still applies… but right now, they’re on a downward trend, having lost to Tijuana and Bondi Beach in weeks 3 and 4.
Their offense is running numbers under QB Willier Miller, and I think with enough work these rookies will shine through. Maybe they’ll stay on top of their division? We’ll see.
Standout Rookie Player: In a roster full of rookies, who do we pick this week? The dual tight end combo of Max Honestly (@"LeSizz") and Nick Williams (@nickWilliams)? The tackling machine of LB Loose Cannon (@Jumbo)? All of these are my honorable mentions on this team… but I’m hitting up the offense again here with WR Diego Lopez Alonso (@DL14). In a stacked WR roster, Diego has found a way to stand out and make plays when it matters.
5. Dallas Birddogs
And we’ve finally arrived in the DSFL South Division. The South is heating up this season, and competition is running rampant through the four teams here. Dallas being the first listed in these rankings is not as big a slight as some might think; the Birddogs are a crafty team and currently lead the DSFL in team rushing yards. Their smashmouth offense with a stacked roster of five (!) RBs has given them a nail-biting win over Bondi Beach and a decisive one against Minnesota. Problem is, they’re last in the receiving yards game, and with talented rookies like Dr. Livesey, The Riddler and even Wolfie McDummy Jr, that feels like a crime.
The Birddogs also lead the division in… points against their team, which is a really bad stat to lead a division in! Actually, as I’m looking at the index right now, they lead the entire DSFL in points against. While Dallas is a competitive team that has the potential to roar back from a .500 record, this feels like a case of the record being better than the team. Thank god it’s only week 4.
Standout Rookie Player: Honorable Mentions go to TE Pierce Hawthorne (@ianthebalance), as well as each and every WR I mentioned up there (@"RenoJacksonHS", @infinitempg, @MattBake12), but this one I didn’t have to think on too hard. Despite the defense allowing the most points against, LB Craig Brand (@ElMerchanto) has an astonishing 28 tackles with 3 sacks this season already. If he keeps up this pace, he’ll be a diamond in the rough all season.
4. Kansas City Coyotes
Another tossup for this spot, but I’m going with Kansas City for this one on the sole idea of consistency.
Points against this team are a DSFL low of 89, yet… they’re 2-2.
They lead in their division with points for with 128… but they’re 2-2.
And their two losses have come against divisional rivals in Minnesota and London, teams I ranked lower than them. Yet, against Portland they won with an astounding box score of 37-7. And in an Ultimini rematch, they absolutely destroyed Norfolk with a score of 41-14.
The reigning champs have a bit to figure out before I can reasonably rank them higher. This is a team that should be doing better than they are. That being said, this is Kansas City. In the next few weeks, they’re going to run the table like they have a tendency to do. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see them at rank number 1 when I next do these. You shouldn’t be either.
Standout Rookie Player: One of my honorable mentions goes to RB Elliot Berry (@titanfan34), taking up the bulk of the rushing yards and helping make KC a top three in the rushing game this season. Another mention has to go to the defense, with S Icepick O’Hullihan (@Joe Shabado) and LB Rodney Rosadino (@jross) totaling 6 sacks and over 50 tackles. That being said, an unsung hero this season for KC has been K/P Ray Baker (@jdc4654). Baker has not missed a single extra point all season and is tied for the longest FG this season with 51 yards. I mentioned consistency before; Ray Baker exemplifies it for this team.
3. Bondi Beach Buccaneers
You know I had to rank my team as high as I could, right? Doesn't say unbiased this time!
The last of the 2-2 teams in the DSFL as of right now, Bondi Beach has already met their win total from last season. That’s thanks to an experienced WR team, a stunning season from QB Smokin’ Jay that’s contributed to the league-high 141 points for, and the shining star of the Bucs; the defense. For the first time in what feels like forever, Bondi Beach’s defense is performing just as well as their offense, if not better. The first two losses in Bondi Beach’s season were by one score, which is impressive considering they were against Norfolk and Minnesota, two teams I surmised could make it to the playoffs this season in my draft grades.
From then on, Bondi Beach roared back with wins against the leader of the North in London and the Pythons. The Buccaneers have scored over 40 points in their last three games, and it’s been glorious to see. Even though the Bucs are in the bottom of the competitive South division, I don’t think they’re as much of a sleeper team as most people have them projected to be. I think they’ve got a chance to put up a fight against any team this season.
Standout Rookie Player: So many honorable mentions here. How about the rookie WR Oliver Tolliver (@Memento Mori) with 200+ yards off of 9 receptions? RB Malik Brooks (@AK41), who’s only one yard shy of tying for third in individual rushing yards? The safety duo of S Amanda HugandKiss (@Quisvilius) and 1OA in the draft, S Mary Marie (@aeonsjenni)? Any of these names could have fit here, but I think the standout right now is LB DJ Maclean (@Urq660). Top 10 in individual stats amongst all defensive players is nothing to scoff at. This is definitely a hotly contested spot, though… don’t be surprised to see it change next time.
2. Tijuana Luchadores
Tijuana saw my C+ grade in the Dazzling Draft and said “lol. Lmao even”. The Luchadores have run roughshod over their opponents in these first four weeks, with dominating wins over London, Portland and Dallas. One could argue ease of schedule here, but putting up 30+ points in three of their last four games is absolutely impressive. There was only one stutter in their schedule when they ran into the roadblock known as Norfolk.
I questioned the offensive adds to their roster in the draft grades, but Tijuana is second in the league in points for, with 132. A blazing rookie year by a new QB, a diverse WR roster and dual-threat RBs mean that the Luchadores have a very, very threatening offense, able to beat you up front with their running game and rely on their passing game when they need it the most. If my number-one-ranked team stutters out, expect Tijuana to roar to the front of the championship conversation.
Standout Rookie Player: Again, I’m confronted with the problem of there being so many to choose from. Honorable mentions go to Tijuana’s current receiving leader in WR Benji Aguilera (@CROney3), and on the defensive side of the ball is DT Dub Redd (@wizard_literal). RB Ezra Azazel (@baz1757) is nothing to scoff at either… but this one’s gotta go to QB Lloyd Bannings (@bowl0). Only two interceptions and 13 TDs is frankly, stunning. A threat at this position, don’t be surprised if this sort of QB play runs rampant over the DSFL this season.
1. Norfolk Seawolves
Yeah, here we are.
Norfolk received my highest grade in the Dazzling Draft, and I think for good reason. 3-1, leading the highly competitive DSFL South. Wins over Bondi Beach, Dallas, and Tijuana, with only one bad game against Kansas City in a rematch of last season’s Ultimini. The Seawolves feel like the most complete team in the DSFL this season, with equal parties on both offense and defense. They may not have the most points for or points against, but they’re consistent in their play. Second in passing and receiving yards, and only fourth in rushing and defense. Third in kicking stats. The ambition seen by the players on this team is nothing to scoff at; this bath toy is becoming a full-on warship.
Expect them in the playoffs, if not the Ultimini itself. And other teams had better be prepared.
Standout Rookie Player: Jesus Christ, I have to pick a rookie from this team. Honorable mentions go to RBs Sticky Hands and Akele Kekela (@Quasi and @YoungBuck), and S Rico Savage (@TheRake). Their WR room is full of rookies too, but alongside honorable mention WR Sean Robinson (@18situaseans) comes the biggest standout; WR Legs McMillion (@jollyjiggs). Leading all rookies in receiving yards with 402, plus 3 TDs, Legs truly stands out amongst the rest. Likely because he’s just a pair of legs, but you get what you get here.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Once again, I must mention that this is all based on one guy’s opinions and interpretation of the index through only four weeks here. Don’t feel offended if you didn’t get mentioned here, nor if your team didn’t make it as high as you want; my opinion doesn’t matter nearly as much as you might think!
See you all in the next edition!
I like writing about the DSFL at the moment, mostly because I’m a part of it as of right now, and because as a Rookie Mentor, seeing all these S41 rookies perform and get so invested in the games warms my cold, dead heart.
I’ll do these sporadically throughout the season, I think. While four games aren’t enough to judge a team here (looking at you, S39 Norfolk), especially as the DSFL is full of players earning as much as they can, today, I want to compare my observations after the draft to what is happening as of the most current week.
Shall we get started?
8. Portland Pythons
Man, it pains me to put these guys so low. Giving them an A- in the Dazzling Draft Grades, I think, is still warranted, but losing their defensive stalwarts to callups is hurting them a lot more than I initially anticipated. RB Tyler One is still wrecking shop, currently leading the DSFL in individual rushing yards with 396, but at this point last season he had a TD in three of four games. This season? The same as his last name; one. The offense just can’t find a way to get into the redzone when it matters the most. If you look at the box score of each one of Portland’s games, it’s a lot closer than one might think, week 2 not withstanding. Weeks 3 and 4, Portland only lost by one score. The Pythons have all the weapons they need, and I still have some hope for them; this could very well turn into another Norfolk situation. Only time will tell.
Standout Rookie Player: This one was a tossup; despite Portland’s issues with points against them, their defense just hits differently. LB Leo Stud (@Matlestud) and LB John Stark VIII (@UptownCord) both get honorable mentions here, but I think so far this one has to go to DE Bruce White (@toofpete) The stats may not read as impressive (10 tackles and 4 sacks) but those sacks came at very important moments in the games, and the pressure on the edge is huge from White. It’s hotly contested this season; in a few weeks, this answer might change next week.
7. Minnesota Grey Ducks
What an interesting team, these Ducks. I projected in the Dazzling Draft Grades that Minnesota would stay on the winning end of things. And yet, their only win comes against… wait. Let me check my notes.
This team beat the reigning, defending, undisputed Ultimini Champions, the Kansas City Coyotes? By two scores?
Oh.
Minnesota, at this point in the game, is a victim of potential just not being acted upon. Whether that’s due to the playcalling, or the sim being the sim is unclear. Week 1 and Week 2 were both losses by one score; week 2 is especially egregious, as London beat them by only two points. Right now the Grey Ducks running the two QB system has led to them being the team leader in passing yards, which is impressive considering two of their WRs are rookies; though the 4 interceptions in that mix are a bit worrying.
Still, don’t count on Minnesota being so low the next time I do these rankings.
Standout Rookie Player: Another tossup here, but this one’s on the offense. I think I’m going to go with WR Artemis Entreri (@entreri); keeping up with WR Florida Man is not an easy feat, and Entreri is a captain in their first year, which is impressive in its own right. Honorable mentions go to LB Liath The Squirrel (@LiathTheSquirrel) and OL Modest Mussorgky (@Gragg9).
6. London Royals
This took way too long to decide who to put here. Any of the 2-2 teams could have fit here; Bondi Beach, Dallas, or even the Coyotes. But right now, the Royals are leading their division by virtue of defeating Minnesota and Kansas City, yet… they have a staggering ratio in their points for versus their points against. They have so many rookies on this team and the fact that they’ve gotten this much success out of them is a testament to their grit and determination. I called them a sleeper team in the DSFL, and I think that still applies… but right now, they’re on a downward trend, having lost to Tijuana and Bondi Beach in weeks 3 and 4.
Their offense is running numbers under QB Willier Miller, and I think with enough work these rookies will shine through. Maybe they’ll stay on top of their division? We’ll see.
Standout Rookie Player: In a roster full of rookies, who do we pick this week? The dual tight end combo of Max Honestly (@"LeSizz") and Nick Williams (@nickWilliams)? The tackling machine of LB Loose Cannon (@Jumbo)? All of these are my honorable mentions on this team… but I’m hitting up the offense again here with WR Diego Lopez Alonso (@DL14). In a stacked WR roster, Diego has found a way to stand out and make plays when it matters.
5. Dallas Birddogs
And we’ve finally arrived in the DSFL South Division. The South is heating up this season, and competition is running rampant through the four teams here. Dallas being the first listed in these rankings is not as big a slight as some might think; the Birddogs are a crafty team and currently lead the DSFL in team rushing yards. Their smashmouth offense with a stacked roster of five (!) RBs has given them a nail-biting win over Bondi Beach and a decisive one against Minnesota. Problem is, they’re last in the receiving yards game, and with talented rookies like Dr. Livesey, The Riddler and even Wolfie McDummy Jr, that feels like a crime.
The Birddogs also lead the division in… points against their team, which is a really bad stat to lead a division in! Actually, as I’m looking at the index right now, they lead the entire DSFL in points against. While Dallas is a competitive team that has the potential to roar back from a .500 record, this feels like a case of the record being better than the team. Thank god it’s only week 4.
Standout Rookie Player: Honorable Mentions go to TE Pierce Hawthorne (@ianthebalance), as well as each and every WR I mentioned up there (@"RenoJacksonHS", @infinitempg, @MattBake12), but this one I didn’t have to think on too hard. Despite the defense allowing the most points against, LB Craig Brand (@ElMerchanto) has an astonishing 28 tackles with 3 sacks this season already. If he keeps up this pace, he’ll be a diamond in the rough all season.
4. Kansas City Coyotes
Another tossup for this spot, but I’m going with Kansas City for this one on the sole idea of consistency.
Points against this team are a DSFL low of 89, yet… they’re 2-2.
They lead in their division with points for with 128… but they’re 2-2.
And their two losses have come against divisional rivals in Minnesota and London, teams I ranked lower than them. Yet, against Portland they won with an astounding box score of 37-7. And in an Ultimini rematch, they absolutely destroyed Norfolk with a score of 41-14.
The reigning champs have a bit to figure out before I can reasonably rank them higher. This is a team that should be doing better than they are. That being said, this is Kansas City. In the next few weeks, they’re going to run the table like they have a tendency to do. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see them at rank number 1 when I next do these. You shouldn’t be either.
Standout Rookie Player: One of my honorable mentions goes to RB Elliot Berry (@titanfan34), taking up the bulk of the rushing yards and helping make KC a top three in the rushing game this season. Another mention has to go to the defense, with S Icepick O’Hullihan (@Joe Shabado) and LB Rodney Rosadino (@jross) totaling 6 sacks and over 50 tackles. That being said, an unsung hero this season for KC has been K/P Ray Baker (@jdc4654). Baker has not missed a single extra point all season and is tied for the longest FG this season with 51 yards. I mentioned consistency before; Ray Baker exemplifies it for this team.
3. Bondi Beach Buccaneers
You know I had to rank my team as high as I could, right? Doesn't say unbiased this time!
The last of the 2-2 teams in the DSFL as of right now, Bondi Beach has already met their win total from last season. That’s thanks to an experienced WR team, a stunning season from QB Smokin’ Jay that’s contributed to the league-high 141 points for, and the shining star of the Bucs; the defense. For the first time in what feels like forever, Bondi Beach’s defense is performing just as well as their offense, if not better. The first two losses in Bondi Beach’s season were by one score, which is impressive considering they were against Norfolk and Minnesota, two teams I surmised could make it to the playoffs this season in my draft grades.
From then on, Bondi Beach roared back with wins against the leader of the North in London and the Pythons. The Buccaneers have scored over 40 points in their last three games, and it’s been glorious to see. Even though the Bucs are in the bottom of the competitive South division, I don’t think they’re as much of a sleeper team as most people have them projected to be. I think they’ve got a chance to put up a fight against any team this season.
Standout Rookie Player: So many honorable mentions here. How about the rookie WR Oliver Tolliver (@Memento Mori) with 200+ yards off of 9 receptions? RB Malik Brooks (@AK41), who’s only one yard shy of tying for third in individual rushing yards? The safety duo of S Amanda HugandKiss (@Quisvilius) and 1OA in the draft, S Mary Marie (@aeonsjenni)? Any of these names could have fit here, but I think the standout right now is LB DJ Maclean (@Urq660). Top 10 in individual stats amongst all defensive players is nothing to scoff at. This is definitely a hotly contested spot, though… don’t be surprised to see it change next time.
2. Tijuana Luchadores
Tijuana saw my C+ grade in the Dazzling Draft and said “lol. Lmao even”. The Luchadores have run roughshod over their opponents in these first four weeks, with dominating wins over London, Portland and Dallas. One could argue ease of schedule here, but putting up 30+ points in three of their last four games is absolutely impressive. There was only one stutter in their schedule when they ran into the roadblock known as Norfolk.
I questioned the offensive adds to their roster in the draft grades, but Tijuana is second in the league in points for, with 132. A blazing rookie year by a new QB, a diverse WR roster and dual-threat RBs mean that the Luchadores have a very, very threatening offense, able to beat you up front with their running game and rely on their passing game when they need it the most. If my number-one-ranked team stutters out, expect Tijuana to roar to the front of the championship conversation.
Standout Rookie Player: Again, I’m confronted with the problem of there being so many to choose from. Honorable mentions go to Tijuana’s current receiving leader in WR Benji Aguilera (@CROney3), and on the defensive side of the ball is DT Dub Redd (@wizard_literal). RB Ezra Azazel (@baz1757) is nothing to scoff at either… but this one’s gotta go to QB Lloyd Bannings (@bowl0). Only two interceptions and 13 TDs is frankly, stunning. A threat at this position, don’t be surprised if this sort of QB play runs rampant over the DSFL this season.
1. Norfolk Seawolves
Yeah, here we are.
Norfolk received my highest grade in the Dazzling Draft, and I think for good reason. 3-1, leading the highly competitive DSFL South. Wins over Bondi Beach, Dallas, and Tijuana, with only one bad game against Kansas City in a rematch of last season’s Ultimini. The Seawolves feel like the most complete team in the DSFL this season, with equal parties on both offense and defense. They may not have the most points for or points against, but they’re consistent in their play. Second in passing and receiving yards, and only fourth in rushing and defense. Third in kicking stats. The ambition seen by the players on this team is nothing to scoff at; this bath toy is becoming a full-on warship.
Expect them in the playoffs, if not the Ultimini itself. And other teams had better be prepared.
Standout Rookie Player: Jesus Christ, I have to pick a rookie from this team. Honorable mentions go to RBs Sticky Hands and Akele Kekela (@Quasi and @YoungBuck), and S Rico Savage (@TheRake). Their WR room is full of rookies too, but alongside honorable mention WR Sean Robinson (@18situaseans) comes the biggest standout; WR Legs McMillion (@jollyjiggs). Leading all rookies in receiving yards with 402, plus 3 TDs, Legs truly stands out amongst the rest. Likely because he’s just a pair of legs, but you get what you get here.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Once again, I must mention that this is all based on one guy’s opinions and interpretation of the index through only four weeks here. Don’t feel offended if you didn’t get mentioned here, nor if your team didn’t make it as high as you want; my opinion doesn’t matter nearly as much as you might think!
See you all in the next edition!