Food for Thought (Div B) – Week 8

 

Numbers are fascinating. They can seem so futile but can also say so much. With a single fraction, one can determine the efficiency of a player or his tendencies and methods. It is also possible to understand a team’s mentality, especially the way it will cope with adversity. You can assess if a player is underachieving or playing above their head. Some will even use statistics to elaborate game plans to counter certain tactics and players.

 

But don’t forget that the key word here is ‘use’. Because between using and relying there is a fine line that if crossed, may lead to terrible results.

 

Just remember the exception that proves the rule…

 

 

Trophy Race

 

As promised in my last post, I will perform an in-depth analysis of the contenders for the different individual awards. To determine the current leaders and future winners, I have devised a practical way to use basic statistics to determine a player’s efficiency at his position that I’ll explain shortly before announcing the category’s 3 leaders.

 

QB of the Year

 

For this particular award, I simply rank the different Quarterbacks form 1 to 11 in 4 different categories: QB rating, completion percentage, yards / attempt and TDs / attempt.

 

I then add the ranks of the four stats and the lowest total wins.

 

QB rating – % – yds/att – TDs/att

1. Mathieu René 2nd 1st 1st 1st = 5

2. Gianni Settino 1st 4th 2nd 2nd = 9

3. Gino Di Fazio 4th 5th 3rd 4th = 16

 

Mathieu René is in excellent position to win QB of the year due to his impressive completion percentage and his ability to rack up yards and points on any defence. The only category he doesn’t lead is owned by Gianni Settino, who has only thrown 1 interception while accumulating 30 TDs. The 3rd contender, Gino Di Fazio, has put up an impressive amount of yards and TDs but has also attempted a greater number of passes. He is the hardest QB to sack but he will give up his fair share of interceptions.

 

 

Receiver of the Year

 

These rankings are based on the same principles than the last award but with these categories : receptions / game, yards / game and TDs / game.

 

rec/game – yds/game – TDs/game

1. Bryan Joseph 2nd 2nd 1st = 5

2. Patrick Jérôme 1st 4th 2nd = 7

3. Anthony Thompson 6th 1st 4th = 11

Bryan Joseph has been tremendous in the 6 games he has played thus far. Even though most receivers have played 8 games, he leads the Division in TDs (13) and is 3rd for net yards. Pat Jérôme, who also played 6 games, definitely has the best set of hands in the whole league. I have never seen someone display more concentration with a DB breathing down his neck. As for Anthony Thompson, he has racked up yards like there is no tomorrow. He also registered the league’s top receiving performance this season with a staggering 135 yards. The only thing that might separate him from this trophy is the abundance of talent on his team.

 

 

Defensive Player of the Year

 

To determine the best defender, points are attributed to the different defensive stats (excluding sacks) that the contending players have accumulated.

 

Tackle = 0.5

Pass Defended = 1

Interception = 2

Defensive TD = 3

 

The total is then be divided by the number of games played by those players to determine their defensive rating.

 

 

1. Patrick Jérôme 29 points / 6 games = 4.83

2. Marc Champagnie 31.5 points / 8 games = 3.95

3. Nathan Taylor 22.5 / 7 = 3.26

Pat Jérôme seems untouchable in this category. The 2010 Winter Season Div 2 Defensive Player of the Year has intercepted a pass in all 6 games he has played in. Marc Champagnie has demonstrated many times that he may be one of the best safety’s in the game. Relying on his great hands and his killer speed, he has returned 2 interceptions for TDs this year. Even though Nathan Taylor is a long shot to win this award, he remains one of the premier shutdown corners in the league because of his ability to read the play and react in a quick and efficient way every time.

 

 

Finally, here would be my 3 contenders for the Two-Way Player of the Year award:

 

1. Patrick Jérôme: Only player to appear in both Defensive and Receiver top 3.

2. Marc Champagnie: His ability to avoid tackles, return interceptions for TDs and defend passes makes him a stellar candidate for this award

3. Anthony Thompson: Known for his offensive exploits, he is a big presence on defence, jumping the plays with regularity.

 

 

Next week will feature this year’s last interview as well as a portrait of the playoff race and potential first round match-ups!

Technically Speaking…

For any questions regarding statistics, rule clarifications or for any other FlagPlus Football related enquiries please email me at [email protected]. As always, I hope I have entertained you as much as you entertain me weekly. See you Saturday.