Breaking down the #AFLTop50

I have a new infographic up at ArenaFan, this time going into the player-selected top 50 players in the AFL that the league provided this offseason.

All in all, the list had a definite winners’ bias – with 11 defensive backs selected, three top-ten interception guys somehow didn’t make the list – Cameron McGlenn of the New Orleans Voodoo, who was fifth in the league with 11 interceptions, and Eric Crocker and Varmah Sonie of the Portland Thunder with 10 and 9, respectively. Sonie also forced three fumbles, but it wasn’t enough to get him on the list

They also didn’t care much about offensive linemen, as only two, Richard Ranglin and Michael Huey, managed to crack the top 50, the only position for which I couldn’t make a full first-team squad out of the votes.

The below graph shows that San Jose has amassed more Top 25 players than any other division has for 2015. If any team seems to have the talent edge coming into the season, it’s them. Position breakdowns, the color key, and more data are found on the graphic over at ArenaFan. Check back later this week for a Thunder breakdown!

(Data accurate as of 3/21/15)

This is where the top 25 players in the league are, by team. In each division, there is one team with no players in the top 25 – Las Vegas, Portland, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay.

2015 Player Cards

I had some free time and mocked up a few online player cards for Instagram or Facebook profile pics. My current ability to produce is limited by photos I already have of players – if you’d like to have one of your favorite player, message me on Twitter (@BeaudryPDX) with a photo to use and I’ll turn it into a card for you as quickly as I can (life responsibilities do have a priority)!

2014 #ThunderTopPlay Champion Announced

It took a couple of months, but we did it! We determined the single top play of the 2014 season for the Portland Thunder.

Fitting for a defensive backfield that had three players in the league’s top 10  turnover forcers, the top play of the Thunder season was Eric Crocker’s interception of the Tampa Bay Storm’s B.J. Hall, which turned into a 23-yard touchdown run by Varmah Sonie.

The play involved one of the EIGHT fumbles between both teams in the game, six of which were picked up by the opposing team.  Tampa Bay’s Michael Lindsey forced three of them, the top mark for the AFL in 2014, including the one that sent Sonie into the end zone.

“Not again!” said Crocker, when asked about what he was thinking as the ball was poked out by Lindsey. “But Varmah was Johnny-on-the-spot, and he has great return skills, so once the ball hit his hands, I was like ‘He’s going to score anyway.'”

The cap to the play was Sonie’s roll across the end zone from the T of Tampa to the Y of Bay before Coach William Mulder stopped him and pulled him up to celebrate.

“I was just happy I got in the end zone,” said Sonie. “I think that was my first touchdown of the season on defense, so I was just excited.”

Check out the full interviews with Crocker and Sonie below.

#ThunderTopPlay, Florida Final

It’s all about the chalk in Florida.  1 vs. 2 in the Florida final. Just purely incredible plays, both of which left announcers in disbelief.

The top overall seed, Douglas McNeil provided some Odell Beckham, Jr.-caliber hands when snagging this pass with one hand.

But oh, the wacky greatness of this two seed. Teamwork on incredible defensive plays…it just warms the heart.

To vote in today’s other contest, the New Orleans Final, click here.

You could make the Thunder’s top play in 2015! To sign up for our open tryout on Dec. 1-2, click here.

Thunder Top Play, FLA Region 2 vs 3

Two great plays, both end up with Thunder players on the ground. Eric Rogers got there organically, flying over the wall to make a touchdown catch and landing in the VIP section. Great catch, great touchdown, everyone’s happy.

But there’s just so much more going on with this Crocker/Sonie play. First Crocker gets the INT and a big return. Then Michael Lindsay, as part of his THREE forced fumbles in the game, pops the ball out. Sonie chases it down and eventually corrals it, then turns around and finishes the return and ends it with a consummate Thunder Roll.

Which moves on – the classic AFL touchdown or the crazy one? You get to decide!

To vote in today’s other #ThunderTopPlay matchup, click here.

Thunder Top Play, NO region 1 vs. 4

Eric Crocker picked off the most passes for the Thunder. Eric Rogers scored the most touchdowns. That Crocker and Rogers would help the Thunder pull off their fourth win of the season is no surprise -Crocker’s pick-six started the game against the Voodoo off right for the defense, and Rogers’ final touchdown was the final offensive score of the game.

Which big play moves on to the regional finals?

To vote in today’s other matchup, click here.

2014 Thunder Top Play, Day 5: Crocker vs. Solomon

The first two brackets wrapped up the biggest plays in  our wins against the National Conference. Now we move on to those American Conference wins, starting with the home win against the New Orleans Voodoo.

Why is this crazy touchdown from Jeffrey Solomon only an 8 seed? First of all, the Thunder made a lot of great plays in this game. Secondly, the replays indicate that Solomon probably should’ve been ruled down, so we have to lower the score a bit. Eric Crocker didn’t need to worry about whether he was tackled or not as he strutted into the end zone on an early stop for the defense.

Which big touchdown is the first of its bracket to move to Round 2?

To vote in today’s other poll, click here.

What on earth are we doing? For the answer, click here.