The Larkspur Bowl: January 2014

Every week, the highest scoring offensive and defensive players are awarded for their prowess.
By having their stats posted, along with a silly picture of them. A glory beyond all else.

WEEK ONE

Week 1: QB Peyton Manning, Silver City (46.28)
462 Passing Yards 0.04 18.48
BONUS: Passing Yards > 350 1.00
BONUS: Passing Yards > 400 1.00
BONUS: Passing Yards > 450 1.00
7 Passing Touchdowns 4 28.00
3 Sacks -1 -3.00 -2 Rushing Yards 0.1 -0.20

Week 1: CB Charles Tillman, Chicago (26.05)
5 Tackle Solo 1 5.00
2 Tackle Assist 0.5 1.00
2 Interception 6 12.00
2 Pass Defended 3 6.00

41 TO Return Yards 0.05 2.05

BEST PLAY: RB Shane Vereen, Teamville Players (19.40 pts)

Despite projections favoring Lamar Miller, JohnBoy went with his instincts and played Vereen, who came up big in a losing cause. While Vereen will miss some time due to a wrist injury, he has proven to be a dual threat weapon at a position hurting for depth.

WORST BENCH: WR Anquan Boldin, Toronto LTP (36.30 pts)

LTP, known to have hard luck, will bemoan their game time decision to bench Boldin in favor of rookie Tavon Austin this week. Austin had a respectable game, but Boldin has a world beating effort that would have turned the tide in a tight matchup with Silver City. LTP looks to have some of the best depth in the LFL, which makes their tough calls on gameday a 'good problem.'

WEEK TWO

Week 2: QB Aaron Rodgers, Hill Valley (33.90)
480 Passing Yards 0.04 19.20
BONUS: Passing Yards > 350 1.00
BONUS: Passing Yards > 400 1.00
BONUS: Passing Yards > 450 1.00
4 Passing Touchdowns 4 16.00
4 Sacks -1 -4.00
-3 Rushing Yards 0.1 -0.30

Week 2: CB Alterraun Verner, Orgrimmar (28.65)
5 Tackle Solo 1 5.00
1 Tackle Assist 0.5 0.50
1 Interception 6 6.00
1 Defensive Touchdown 7 7.00
3 Pass Defended 3 9.00
23 TO Return Yards 0.05 1.15

Best Play: WR Eddie Royal, Atlanta Rage (30.63 pts)

Royal had a nice week one, and has been a solid contributor in the past, though has been unable to maintain the success he enjoyed in his rookie season. Atlanta picked him up and plugged him right into the starting lineup- whether gut instinct or due to dire circumstances, it paid off to the tune of three TDs on the way to Atlanta's first win.

Worst Bench: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, Pawnee PJers (14.90 pts)

Playing Bradshaw would not have won the game for Pawnee, but following David Wilson's debacle in game one, and with the news that Bradshaw's platoon mate, Vick Ballard was out for the season, the savvy play would have been Ahmad.

WEEK THREE

Week 3: TE Jimmy Graham, Chicago (30.90)
9 Receptions .5 4.50
134 Reception Yards 0.1 13.40
BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00
2 Reception Touchdowns 6 12.00

Week 3: CB Terence Newman, Oakwood (26.85)

1 Off. Fumble Return TD 6 6.00

6 Tackle Solo 1 6.00

1 Interception 6 6.00

1 Pass Defended 3 3.00

1 Tackles for Loss 2.5 2.50

67 TO Return Yards 0.05 3.35

Best Play: WR Josh Gordon, California (28.80 pts)

California plugged Gordon in for his first week following suspension, which might have been seen as a dice roll, considering all of the circumstances, but he delivered a huge line, doing a little bit of everything for the swag. If he can stay on the field, Gordon can provide WR1 output from the flex position for the Swag.

Worst Bench: WR Antonio Brown, Toronto (38.20 pts)

For the second time in three weeks, LTP lands on this list with a WR they benched for Tavon Austin, although, at least this time it didn't cost them the win. Antonio Brown had a huge game, with nine catches for nearly 200 yards, and two trips to the end zone. Toronto has a five bonafide WR starters for three slots- Tavon Austin has to be slotted in fifth.

WEEK FOUR

Week 4: TE Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta (33.90)
12 Receptions .5 6.00
149 Reception Yards 0.1 14.90
BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00
2 Reception Touchdowns 6 12.00

Week 4: LB Sean Lee, Phoenix (37.60)
15 Tackle Solo 1 15.00
3 Tackle Assist 0.5 1.50
1 Interception 6 6.00
1 Defensive Touchdown 7 7.00
1 Pass Defended 3 3.00
1 Tackles for Loss 2.5 2.50
52 TO Return Yards 0.05 2.60

Best Play: RB Reggie Bush, Toronto LTP (23.80 pts)

Both Bush and RB Daryl Richardson missed week three with injuries; In Bush's stead, Joique Bell played well, and looked to be in line for a bigger role in the platoon. But LTP stayed with Bush, and it paid off huge, as Richardson went for a feeble 2.9. As long as Bush can stay on the field, he's as electric a playmaker as there is in this league.

Worst Bench: RB Danny Woodhead, Atlanta Rage (23.55 pts)

It's hard to rag too much on the Rage, who got a serviceable 10.5 points from Giovani Bernard, whom had outscored Woodhead in each of the first three weeks, and should continue to start over him most weeks going forward. But it has to sting, that in Woodhead and Harry Douglas, Atlanta had the points to win this week, had they played. Roddy White's injured ankle strikes again.

WEEK FIVE

Week Five: QB Tony Romo, Levee (39.94)
506 Passing Yards 0.04 20.24
BONUS: Passing Yards > 350 1.00
BONUS: Passing Yards > 400 1.00
BONUS: Passing Yards > 450 1.00
5 Passing Touchdowns 4 20.00
1 Interceptions -2 -2.00
4 Sacks -1 -4.00
7 Rushing Yards 0.1 0.70
1 2-Point Conversions 2 2.00

Week Five: LB Daryl Washingon, SCFC (31.05)
8 Tackle Solo 1 8.00
1 Tackle Assist 0.5 0.50
2.0 Sack 2 4.00
1 Interception 6 6.00
1 Pass Defended 3 3.00
3 Tackles for Loss 2.5 7.50
41 TO Return Yards 0.05 2.05

BEST PLAY: RB Pierre Thomas, New York's Finest (25.60)

After weeks of productive time on the bench, New York finally dressed Pierre the last two weeks, and they were rewarded with a huge game in week five. Thomas will probably return to his depth role next week, as Le'von Bell takes over the starting role, but it doesn't matter; He secured the W this week for the Finest.

WORST BENCH: WR Rueben Randle, Phoenix Uprising (24.80 pts)

Randle was not actually listed on the Uprising's roster this week, as they cut him before his big breakout. They then added WR Austin Pettis who they subsequently cut, who subsequently scored 18.9 for Bristol. Replacing Pettis (albeit briefly) was RB Donald Brown, who scored a solid 10 in week 5, but had already been replaced by RB Daryl Richardson, who scored only 4.8 on the Uprising bench, and then was cut Sunday evening. Overmanaged catastrophe.

WEEK SIX
Week Six: TE Vernon Davis, New York's Finest (36.00)

8 Receptions .5 4.00

180 Reception Yards 0.1 18.00

BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 -1.00

BONUS: Reception Yards > 150 -1.00

2 Reception Touchdowns 6 12.00

Week Six: CB Tim Jennings, Hill Valley McFlys (35.20)

1 Tackle Solo 1 1.00

2 Interception 6 12.00

1 Defensive Touchdown 7 7.00

4 Pass Defended 3 12.00

64 Turnover Return Yards 0.05 3.20

BEST PLAY: RB Giovani Bernard, Atlanta Rage 19.00 pts

This is purely speculative; Bernard was coming off of his worst game since week one, while Danny Woodhead has had big back to back weeks, and is likely to have a major role this week. So it took cojones to play Bernard, and Gio didn't disappoint in a Woodheadianesqe role, doing more damage receving than rushing. If Woodhead tops 19, perhaps I have to rethink this, but it's nice to have a RB1 performance in the book.

WORST BENCH Orgrimmar Horde

The Horde's undefeated run was bound to come to an end this week, as they ran into a Toronto team that was hitting on all cylinders. But uncharacteristic sloppy game management was the first nail in the coffin: WR Cecil Shorts and LB Bobby Wagner both sat as game-time decisions; Playing their rostered subs, WR Kendall Wright and LB DeMeco Ryans would have meant a swing of 21.4 points. Too much late night puzzle partying, methinks Mr Stano!

WEEK SEVEN

Week Seven: WR Calvin Johnson, Phoenix (34.00)

9 Receptions .5 4.50

155 Reception Yards 0.1 15.50

BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00

BONUS: Reception Yards > 150 1.00

2 Reception Touchdowns 6 12.00

Week Seven: LB DeMeco Ryans, Orgrimmar (23.30)

7 Tackle Solo 1 7.00
2 Tackle Assist 0.5 1.00

1.0 Sack 2 2.00

1 Interception 6 6.00

1 Pass Defended 3 3.00

1 Tackles for Loss 2.5 2.50

36 TO Return Yards 0.05 1.80

BEST PLAY: WR Jarrett Boykin, Toronto (21.30 pts)

A few weeks ago I may have erred, when I didn't award Terrence Williams the Best Play ball, after he scored 27.3; He didn't get the award, as Toronto's bench was full of bye week players, and as such, he was started via necessity rather than by decision. Consider this vindication: Since getting two of the first three worst bench awards for their WR juggling, Toronto has maximized their talent, making ballsy starts, exploiting matchups and getting major pay off. Props to you, Les Tres Petites. Imagine if you had played Roy Helu and Terrence Williams too? This section would explode.

WORST BENCH: WR Jeremy Kerley, Levee (19.70 pts)

To be fair, personally, I would have never in a million years started Kerley. But for the G-Men, their flex choices came down to Kris Durham, Ryan Broyles, or Jeremy Kerley, and when framing that trifecta, perhaps you have to second guess. Kerley had himself a day, and had he been in the lineup, Levee would be holding on to a slim lead over the number one ranked Horde. Alas! Also, this should totally go to Silver City for fielding 13 players, but at least he didn't have productive alternates on his roster, like Orgrimmar last week.

WEEK EIGHT
Week Eight: Calvin Johnson, Phoenix Uprising (46.40)

14 Receptions .5 7.00
329 Reception Yards 0.1 32.90
BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 150 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 200 1.00
1 Reception Touchdowns 6 6.00
1 Fumbles -.5 -0.50
1 Fumbles Lost -2 -2.00

Week Eight: DeAngelo Hall, Toronto LTP (33.30)

4 Tackle Solo 1 4.00
2 Interception 6 12.00
1 Defensive Touchdown 7 7.00
3 Pass Defended 3 9.00
26 TO Return Yards 0.05 1.30

BEST START: RB Andre Ellington, Toronto (22.70 pts)

LTP would have been justified going with RB Roy Helu Jr in this spot- after all, he was coming off of a 20.1 point game in week 7, with plenty of hype supporting his role. Flip side, Ellington had only score 2.3 last week, although context predicted a bigger role this week, as his platoon-mate was out with injury; Toronto boldly started Ellington who went off, as Helu scored an afterthought 3.00 points on the bench. More brilliant tactics from the Northern squad, as the team continues to look like an elite competitor.

WORST BENCH: WR Marvin Jones, Chicago (41.20 pts)

It's been a rough go for Windy City BPB. They're likely to lose to the worst team in the league, and it is because they dropped Marvin Jones for LB Spence Paysinger; Paysinger scored 1 point while Jones erupted for 41.2, and will likely take his talents elsewhere via the waiver wire. With several of their key players returning from bye next week, Chicago should be able to get back on the horse, but this will go down as a week they'd like to forget.

WEEK NINE

WEEK NINE: WR Andre Johnson, Levee G-Men (48.40)

9 Receptions .5 4.50
229 Reception Yards 0.1 22.90
BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 150 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 200 1.00
3 Reception Touchdowns 6 18.00

WEEK NINE: CB Sean Smith, Flint Aristocrats (25.50)

1 Tackle Solo 1 1.00
1 Tackle Assist 0.5 0.50
1 Interception 6 6.00
1 Defensive Touchdown 7 7.00
2 Pass Defended 3 6.00
100 TO Return Yards 0.05 5.00

BEST PLAY: QB Nick Foles, Silver City (45.64 pts)

With starting QB Peyton Manning on bye week, and backup QB Mike Vick injured, SCFC turned to Nick Foles, and he delivered a record setting day, throwing for seven touchdowns: Silver City has been treated to superb QB play this season, despite a less than stellar WR corps, and now sits in second place overall, tied with the best record in the league at 7-2.

WORST BENCH: QB Tom Brady, Bristol Executioners (32.18 pts)

Bristol benched their starting QB for the second time in a month, and it was a bad call again- this time a really bad call. The future Hall of Famer is having a down season, but Week 9 was a vintage performance, that doubting Vincent Thomas missed out on. Other optimal plays RB Mike James and S Mark Barron were benched as well- some solace for the spurned: Even with all three in the game, Levee's Andre Johnson onslaught would have clinched a nailbiter.

WEEK TEN

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

WR Demaryius Thomas, Levee 33.3 pts

7 Receptions .5 3.50

108 Reception Yards 0.1 10.80

BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00

3 Reception Touchdowns 6 18.00

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

CB Lardarius Webb, Hill Valley 27.5 pts

2 Tackle Solo 1 2.00

3 Tackle Assist 0.5 1.50

1 Interception 6 6.00

6 Pass Defended 3 18.00

BEST PLAY: RB Darren Sproles, New York (22.25 pts)

New York sent RB Chris Johnson to the McFlys for their underutilized scatback, Darren Sproles; He then started Sproles over RB Pierre Thomas, who was actually even more productive in week ten. But the upgrade from Johnson to Sproles was significant, and without the trade, CJ2K would have likely logged another subpar week for the Finest. In the end, it didn't matter, as New York lost again, plummeting from first to worst in less than a year. They have three more weeks to dig themselves out of their grave, and get a chance to compete for the top pick in the consolation bowl.

WORST BENCH: WR Tavon Austin, Atlanta (40 pts)

On the flip side, we have Atlanta, who won their matchup to string two wins together for the first time all season, but left would-be offensive player of the week Tavon Austin on the bench, and will miss his bulkload of points this week when it comes to tiebreakers. After acquiring Austin from Toronto, Austin has been active thrice, with minimal productivity: His highlight reel performance would be tough to prognosticate, and occurred with minimal touches, so I'd give him a pass on this one, except... 40 points is just too much to not regret.

WEEK ELEVEN

Week 11: WR Calvin Johnson, Phoenix Uprising (34.9 pts)
6 Receptions .5 3.00
179 Reception Yards 0.1 17.90
BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 150 1.00
2 Reception Touchdowns 6 12.00

Week 11: LB Vontaze Burfict, Orgrimmar Horde (31.65 pts)
10 Tackle Solo 1 10.00
5 Tackle Assist 0.5 2.50
1 Fumble Force 3 3.00
1 Fumble Recovery 3 3.00
1 Defensive Touchdown 7 7.00
1 Pass Defended 3 3.00
1 Tackles for Loss 2.5 2.50
13 TO Return Yards 0.05 0.65

BEST PLAY: TE Delanie Walker, California (20.1 pts)

The Swag were compelled to trade Rob Gronkowski during his bye week, as they need every game going forward to cement their playoff push. To replace him, they acquired Jason Witten, who subsequently went on bye the week after. No matter- the Swag picked up Walker, who put up numbers good enough for the silver medal through Sunday.

WORST BENCH: RB Bobby Rainey, Bristol (34.7 pts)

For the second straight week, this is a thoroughly defensible move, as any owner with other options would have opted to keep Rainey on the bench. But like a winning scratch off lottery ticket you accidentally threw in the garbage, Rainey's huge day won't count for the Executioners, and is void of the silver lining of trade value as well. If he can remain a stalwart, expect him to get a few turns through the Bristol lineup before the season ends, as Vince is one of the league's most fearless opportunists.

WEEK TWELVE
Week 12: WR Josh Gordon, Hill Valley 39.7 pts

14 Receptions .5 7.00
237 Reception Yards 0.1 23.70
BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 150 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 200 1.00
1 Reception Touchdowns 6 6.00

Week 12: LB Von Miller, Pawnee 32 pts

6 Tackle Solo 1 6.00
2 Tackle Assist 0.5 1.00
2.0 Sack 2 4.00
1 Fumble Force 3 3.00
1 Fumble Recovery 3 3.00
1 Defensive Touchdown 7 7.00
2 Tackles for Loss 2.5 5.00
60 TO Return Yards 0.05 3.00

BEST PLAY: WR Kendall Wright, Orgrimmar 20.3 Pts

WORST BENCH: Bristol Executioners, Three Unused Slots

WEEK THIRTEEN

WEEK 13: WR Eric Decker, Oakwood Drivers (48.4 pts)

8 Receptions .5 4.00
174 Reception Yards 0.1 17.40
BONUS: Reception Yards > 100 1.00
BONUS: Reception Yards > 150 1.00
4 Reception Touchdowns 6 24.00
1 Tackle Solo 1 1.00

WEEK 13: S Eric Weddle, Bristol Executioners (23.4 pts)

6 Tackle Solo 1 6.00
1 Tackle Assist 0.5 0.50
1 Interception 6 6.00
1 Fumble Recovery 3 3.00
1 Pass Defended 3 3.00
1 Tackles for Loss 2.5 2.50
48 TO Return Yards 0.05 2.40

BEST START: S Morgan Burnett, New York (21.45 pts)

The Finest have started S Barry Church five times this year, but sat him in favor of Burnett, who delivered a huge stat line in New York's third straight win to close the season. The Finest might be the odds on favorite to clinch the top overall pick in next year's draft, as the only team rolling into the consolation bracket. They will enjoy a bye week next week. Burnett covered for Trumaine McBride's 0fer-McBride was benched. Starting low tier talents has an inherent risk factor, as they can be removed form the game plan without warning.

WORST SIT: WR Brian Hartline, Silver City (24.20 pts)

Playing Stevie Johnson over Brian Hartline did not prove to be too damaging, as FC won handily. This is more an opportunity to soapbox about their treatment of TE Jordan Reed, twice in the lineup despite being inactive; Last week he was ruled inactive early, and no replacement was found- SCFC had clinched a playoff spot and decided to rest players rather than shake up their roster to cover bye weeks. This week Reed was listed as questionable, but generally regarded as a good bet to play, before not actually playing. Concussions have unpredictable and long term repercussions, and a questionable tag is officially a 50/50 designation. Our rosters lock at 1pm on Sundays, giving teams the week to prepare, and eliminating any advantage of 'real timing' Sunday's action. A shrewd move would have been to add Brendan Myers, who was playing at the same time as Reed and had no injury status before 1pm, to be prepared if Reed was unable to go. Instead, SCFC gambled to protect the players on their roster, rather than assure themselves an auxiliary option.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

2013: Playoff Awards

2013 Regular Season: Weekly Awards