Food for Thought (Div B) – Week 6

Lay off the Vodka and chill on the Red Bull because you will need all your senses for this one… To complement the usual team Power Rankings, I’ve decided to instate the QB Rankings, featuring the 5 best pivots in Div B. No aphorisms here. Only groundbreaking stats and trends!

 

Week 6 QB Rankings

1. Jamil Springer (Big TDs): Milli is the hottest player in the league bar none. His decision-making is eased by his ability to scramble in the pocket as long as it takes for his receivers to elude the marauding DB’s. His ankle-breaking spins and turns keep the opposition on their heels, never knowing what to expect from the most vocal player in Div B. Rarely going deep (he has the second lowest yards per completion amongst starting QBs), he makes up for the absence of a deep threat by spreading the ball and using the full width of the playing surface. Having some of the best possession receivers in the game on his side, Springer keeps his completion percentage high (73.1) and his interceptions total low (2) by avoiding risky situations. Who would have thought Rick Nincheri’s fiercest competition would come from him?

 

2. Rick Nincheri (Trojans): Of all ten starting QB’s, Nincheri has the least play attempts under his belt this season. However, whenever he shows up, he is an unparalleled passer. Leading an offense that builds its drives with a proven alloy of short and deep game, Nincheri has no need for running game. Actually, he is the only starting pivot without a run attempt this season. But who needs a running game when you can reach the endzone in less than 5 plays (4.96 Offensive plays per TD scored) relying solely on air strikes? His stats would normally have him in first place but his absence in week 6 relegates him to a close second. For now…

 

3. Gino Di Fazio (SWAT): The emperor is feeling the dark star blow up under his feet… Still, he remains composed despite a tough season. His numbers are pretty standard, including a division-leading 8.48 yards per offensive play and a third place 5.46 plays needed to reach the endzone. However, his interceptions (10) are also on the high side. Same old song and dance for one of the most daring passers of FPF. Nevertheless, I have to admit I am quite impressed with his ability to maintain a decent offense despite a fluctuating roster. I guess experience does pay off.

 

4. Paul Lapierre (Evolution): The tower of power is slowly recovering from a post-championship hangover and he seems fit enough to attempt the back-to-back. After a slow start that could be attributed to the new faces lining up with him, Lapierre seems to be clicking with Kenton Lowe, Rehan Sarwar and especially Sean Kennedy. With a decent mix of receivers at his disposal, the big guy’s numbers should be a little higher. Fortunately for him, they are steadily improving. After six weeks, he owns the fourth best yards per offensive play (7.46) and the sixth best plays per TD average (6.36). However, his most impressive stats are his TD/INT ratio (4.17, 3rd) and his Passer rating (104.2, 3rd). Composure is always a nice commodity.

 

5. Tony Tabet (Snookers): The crafty Tony is once again at the helm of a contender. With his last championship already five years behind him, his hand is getting itchy for another ring. With the flair and gusto of a world-class golfer, Tony is showing FPF that his short game and ball location is still excellent. Despite posting a mediocre 6.28 yards per play average, Tony manages to reach the endzone in less than 6 plays (5.85 average). While his passer rating (98.7) and completion percentage (59.4) are decent, his offensive IQ, while unquantifiable, is one of the best.

 

Quick word on the others…

Scott Kelly (who is most likely furious right now) didn’t make my top 5 despite the fact he owns the highest TD total in Div B. His downfall? A very weak passer rating (88.6) and the second worst completion percentage (47.8) for the king of the long ball.

Étienne Chauvin’s stats are all ranked 6th to 8th among starting QBs. Promising, but not yet enough to crack the top five. I am confident he will ascend in the near future.

Tam Vilaydeth is a much better QB than his stats indicate. The only problem is his current inability to reach the endzone with efficiency. A low TD/int ratio couple with a mediocre completion percentage have him anchored out of the top 5.

Alex Lever is suffering both figuratively and physically. He attributes his atrocious 5 interception outing to a displaced finger in his throwing hand, an injury he suffered early in his last game. However, his team’s poor offensive output falls, in part, on his shoulders…

Kristian Cerantola is now entering his 4th season as a QB. Despite showing promise in Div 3 last winter, it is safe to assume he still needs to polish his game. Blessed with one of the strongest throwing arms in FPF, Kristian might still be a little green to contend in the competitive Div B.

 

Power Rankings

(All my predictions will be tweeted via @Score_keeper on game day.)

1. Big TDs (5-1): Duraney White was possessed last week. Intense, clutch and aggressive. A token Big TD player!

 

2. Snookers (5-1): After trouncing over the desperate Broccasion without their star receiver Raffi Kozanian, the Snookers will look to knock out the struggling Prestige World Wide.

3. Park Street Elite (4-2): After being outplayed on both sides of the ball by the surging Evolution, PSE have a chance to hurt the flailing SWAT… and haul Scott Kelly back into the QB rankings.

4. Trojans (4-2): Who needs a D when you’ve got Nincheri…or Avraam?!?

5. Evolution (3-3): Big test against Terror Squad this week. This matchup may have playoff implications down the road…

6. Patriotes (3-3): Ouf… Let’s hope their week off helped them prepare for the explosive Big TDs…

7. Terror Squad (2-4): Two words once again: MUST WIN.

8. SWAT (2-4): After clashing with the TDs and the Trojans, SWAT now shows the second worst defence in Div B. Can they turn things around against the Scott the “human cannon” Kelly?

9. Prestige World Wide (2-4): The good news: Matt Bishara will be available this week. The bad news: the Snookers are in town.

10. Broccasion (0-6): Less scrambling, quicker passes, less long bombs and shorter routes is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Score_keeper where I will be blogging live from Brossard and Lachine on game day!

If you have any comments, suggestions or rants, feel free to email me at [email protected].

See you at the field!