Peter takes the award for the second consecutive season, with flying tackles, blocked passes and key interceptions all highlights of his defensive season. Continues to maintain a high pain threshold, and unlike last season when he had only 1 interception, Peter racked up a massive 12 over the course of 19 games played. Was always faced up against one of the top receivers, and was rarely overmatched or blamed on a play. Finished third with 11 Hand of Toms.
As aforementioned, Peter wasn't afraid of the assignment placed before him, be it high scoring Pat, speedy Neil, terrifying David, or lackadaisical Maciej. It doesn't matter to him. And that's why he was so utterly effective at blocking receivers.
David, although it hasn't been outlawed in the FFL, wears steel toes to FFL games. Add that to his natural leg strength, and you've got a borderline illegal kicking equation that strikes opponents (and weak laced footballs) with freakish might.
Tommy's massive bilbo-like hands are enough to block out the sun, nevermind the view of a concentrating quarterback. With the initiation of quaterback rush, Tommy managed to stop any unnecessary yards with quick swipes.
Jordan takes the win with a solid 18, Maciej second with 17, and Peter ending up with 12.
Most Interceptions per game (minimum 5 games played) - Winner - Jordan T.; Runners up - Jordan/Alex, Maciej
Jordan T. finished with an even 1 per game, namesake-plus-the-D. and Alex finished second with 0.9, and Maciej a distant third with 0.7.
Tommy, ironically enough, takes the award named for his defensive open handed swap of a pass, with 21, Jacob/Neil tied for second with 12, and Peter a close third with 11.
Getting a two-handed slap is no easy thing to do, particularly as the FFL speed increases, and players develop jukes and spins to counterbalance onrushing defenders. However, Neil seems to be the most consistent player to get back and bail out his team when all seems lost. Blessed with wheels like a raging buffalo, Neil also finds and exploits seams in offensive blocks.
Again utilizing speed is the name of the game for Neil. Also being of the tallest FFL players helps him notice gaps that he can later exploit. Is always the first to rush off the kickoff, and rarely gets out-juked for position once in the opponents zone. Clutch stuff.
Alex felt at home in all aspects of defense, and was rarely caught of position, be it on a zone defensive coverage or a man-to-man play. On top of his excellent positioning, he exploited poor passes, racking up close to an interception per game played. Simply knows how to play defense, and where to be at what time.
He almost dares you to get past him, but to date, no one has been able to. Peter makes sure you take the long route around, and if you manage to see daylight, the player with the ball is long gone and your stuck staring at blank field. Blessed with tree trunk legs and no neck to speak of, Peter is the prototypical football blocker, and a must on any team.
Although he did not record an interception all year, he did manage 12 Hand of Toms, and the most defensive stops the FFL has recorded to date. A beast with speed, he shred the supposedly skilled vets when it came to defence. Honorable mentions go to Ezra who managed 5 interceptions in his debut season, with Jordan T. doing the same in 8 fewer games.
Jacob proved that offense wasn't his only calling in football lore. Although still capable of being beaten on relatively easy moves, he does now have the speed to compensate and the long arms to Hand of Tom accurate passes out of awaiting clutches. Developed better awareness over the course of the season. Honorable mentions go to Robbie for using new found agility to cover his man adequately, and Patrick for improving his interception totals.
