League Forums

To mark the fifth season since moving the franchise from Indianapolis, and second under the current management, the London Monarchs debut a news forum to get fans excited, and hopefully get more butts in the seats at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Following a disastrous 0-16 season in 2030, the new regime took over and started cleaning up shop. David Kirby marked a decent start to his head coaching career posting a 3-12-1 record in 2031, which marks the Monarchs best record in London since the Colts' 6-10 record in 2027. After beginning the season 0-8, the Monarchs seemed to gain their footing with a come from behind 10-7 victory over their crosstown rival London Ravens in week 9 to break a 36 game regular season losing streak and went 3-4-1 in the second half of the year. The offense struggled mightily all season, and there remains plenty of work to do, and poor contracts for aging vets will hamper the Monarchs rebuilding efforts for several more seasons.

2031 retirements:
MLB Michael Bailey - a league founding player with Pittsburgh (now Ravens), Bailey played his final 10 seasons with Indianapolis/London. His retirement at age 37 was not unexpected, and management has been drafting possible replacements. Bailey finishes with 894 tackles, 20 interceptions (including a career high tying five in his final season), 17 forced fumbles and 9 sacks. A big hole to fill in the middle of the Monarchs shaky defense.

DT Salvatore Pearson - The #1 overall pick of Jacksonville (now Roswell) in 2018, Pearson retires at age 36 with 42 career sacks and 120 QB hurries, most of them in his first two seasons. A declining pass rusher who was nearing retirement, a replacement was added in the 2032 draft.

DT Mason Saunders - Another 2018 draftee from the New England Vince Wolforks (now Thrashers), Saunders had the more distinguished D Line career with 70 career sacks (plus 10 postseason sacks). His best season was for the world champion Boston Biscuits in 2020 with 23 sacks, and 6 more on the way to title town that year. Following a draft day trade to the Colts in 2025 after winning his second championship ring with the Biscuits/Thrashers, Saunders lost his pass rush mojo and recorded just six sacks in his final seven seasons. London will still look to improve their defensive line after two big losses.

SLB Clifford Kelley - a surprise retiree at just age 30, Kelley was signed for LB depth before the start of the 2031 season. The 2024 first round pick (Demons) appeared in all 16 games in 2031 and recorded 9 tackles in his final campaign.

FB Jeremy Dukes - another retiree at age 30, the undrafted fullback made a decent impression in his lone season with the Monarchs. A stopgap pickup before last season, Dukes posted a 21-207-3 line as a receiver out of the backfield in 2031, with all three touchdowns coming in a 39-0 week 10 blowout win at the Houston Golden Dragon. Dukes surprise retirement forced management to look for a replacement earlier than expected in the 2032 draft.

Coaching changes:
Backfield: Michael Sweeney comes over from Cincinnati, where he spent the last six years as the Bangles offensive line coach. Sweeney replaces Willie Nichols after two poor seasons with the Monarchs, with the hope he can improve the team's running game and help 2031 #1 overall pick RB Archie Daniels fully blossom (735 yds 2 TDs, 3.7 YPA 39 rec 233 yds)

Quarterbacks: Robert Hanna hops a quick cab ride across town, where he spent the last two seasons as the Ravens backfield coach. Any improvement he can make handling the London passers will be welcome. Hanna replaces Eugene Azure who guided the Monarchs to a league worst 141.4 yards per game passing in 2031 with just 8 TDs all season. A big draft day addition could help turn things around going forward.

Kickers: The Monarchs are having trouble filling this position, which remains open as of this writing. Two contract offers have been declined, but hopefully a coach will be in place before training camp. Brandon Shah struggled in his first full season as a kicker, missing 13 field goal attempts and two extra points. With a team that can't punch it into the end zone, leaving any points on the field is unacceptable. Shah missed a 30 yard FG in OT of the season ending 17-17 tie with the SnowSharks (one of three misses on the day) and whoever comes in as kicking coach will have a training camp evaluation to make.

Offseason pickups:
Previous management handed out some poor contracts before abandoning the franchise, so London will have salary cap issues to round out the roster. Mostly one year "prove it" deals and waiver claims, hoping to find some diamonds in the rough.

WLB Robert Williams - Yet another poach from the Ravens, the speedy LB was a second round pick in 2031. The Monarchs are slow on both sides of the ball, and management hopes Williams will be a key to picking up the pace going forward.

FS Clifford Rowe - After posting 72 tackles in starting fifteen games for Memphis in 2031, the Monarchs hope Rowe can step up his solid if unspectacular play in defensive backfield, and allow Leonard Lino to return to his natural CB position. If not, Rowe appears to be a quality backup at a shallow position.

SS Joshua Taylor - Another cheap depth pickup, Taylor had 63 tackles, 12 pass knockdowns and 1 INT for Arizona last season. With a 42.6 career catch allowed rate, the Monarchs hope he's a sneaky addition to a struggling defense.

FB Roosevelt Logan - Did not play in 2031, but was brought in to compete for the FB job. Never a rushing threat, Logan posted 78 receptions for 516 yards in two seasons with Atlanta.

RT Robert Hill - The best O lineman London could afford, Hill started fifteen games for San Francisco last season. London is hoping to improve their rushing attack, with Hill's specialty as a run blocker. With a number of linemen drafted in 2032 Hill may end up being expendable.

RB James Cooper - The 30 year old appeared in just seven games for the Barbarians in 2031, and hasn't had a regular season rushing attempt since 2029. London was looking to add speed to the backfield and signed him to a one year deal to compete against...

RB Johnathan Bell - the undrafted RB has never appeared in a Football Moguls game, but decent speed and pass catching ability earned him a ticket to training camp. Either Bell or Cooper seem likely to make the final roster as RB #3, following the departure of second leading rusher Jeffrey Oneil, who was not re-signed.

TE Finn Balor - comes to camp as a FB candidate, after posting 10 tackles on Arizona's special teams in 2031. With speed and strength and stone hands, he may not see the field often if he makes the final roster.

2032 Draft:
Where the Monarchs will have to make most of the improvements to the team without much cash to toss around, management is pleased with most of their draftees this season.

1-6 WR William Ortiz - The Monarchs were over the moon with the #1 overall player on their draft board inexplicably falling to them with the sixth pick. A somewhat undersized combo of blazing speed, strength and pass catching ability, Ortiz will be tasked with lifting London's putrid passing attack. A draft day addition at QB should help. He may not immediately begin his career as WR #1 for the Monarchs settling behind Seth Rollins (41-328-3 in 12 games), but we're excited to see how his career plays out.

1-23 DT Cameron Couch - Following the retirements of Saunders and Pearson on the D line, London drafted for need with their second first round pick. Their second ranked DT prospect, Couch combines strength, tackling and ability to stuff the run or pass. He slots in as an immediate starter.

2-6 RT Nathan Parker - A run blocking specialist, the 6'5 330 mountain will look to open more running lanes for Archie Daniels - a continuing theme with the 2032 draftees.

3-24 RG George Dowell - Another piece to improve the right side of the Monarchs O line, Dowell has boom/bust written all over him, but could be a great addition as a pass or run blocker at either guard position.

3-31 RT Timothy Hansen - Another run blocker, Hansen appears destined to add some depth at RT behind Parker as the eventual starter or at LT. A crowded position on the roster.

4-6 FB Howard Bordelon - After the retirement of Jeremy Dukes London had to look for a new starter earlier than expected. Bordelon has above average speed, poor receiving skills and great potential as a pass blocker, so he may fill the position quietly for the next several seasons.

5-6 TE David Bond - Our most disappointing pick. Three players we were coveting in the fifth round were taken before our selection, so the project was snapped up. At 6'3 275, Bond projects more as a possible backup guard or center than a TE, and if he doesn't improve much after the position switch in training camp he's not likely to make the team.

5-11 RG Matthew Swanson - Look - another run blocking lineman! With his high potential he might make the team, but there's a lot of competition. Management had hoped to add more defensive players late in the draft, but it didn't shake out that way - probably should have tried to package these final three picks for the future.

6-6 K Jimmie Hammons - With the earlier detailed kicking struggles of Brandon Shah, Monarchs management brings in some competition with their final selection. Their second rated kicker prospect, Hammons attracted interest with his high accuracy despite middling kick strength.

Special addition: The Monarchs made a splash with a draft day #2 trade with the world champion LA XTreme for QB Matthew Avila. The 28 year old with his strong arm and high accuracy could kickstart the Monarchs passing attack. Although only starting one game for the champs in 2031, his 2030 campaign was impressive - 4481 yards with 34 TDs. His career 9.25 YPA stands out on the stats page, far better than either QB who started for London in 2031 - Edwin Johnson (1747 yds 6 TDs in 12 starts) or aging vet Michael Higgins who won't be re-signed after the final year of his contract, and could retire. All of the various offensive line additions could also help protect the slow footed Avila, with 20 sacks in 21 career starts. Trading a 2033 second round pick and 2034 seventh rounder for Avila is a big gamble, but if he can replicate his career in London the trade will have been worth it.

Look for more updates after training camp and through the regular season as the rebuilding Monarchs look to stop their run as a leaguewide punching bag in 2032 and beyond! With the conference champion Arkansas Thrashers, Terre Haute Terror and Charlotte Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies among the teams traveling to London this season, at least fans will have a chance to see what successful teams look like on the visitors sideline.

Training Camp update for 2032 rookies:

1-6 WR William Ortiz (+14/+0): All systems go! Was hoping for a bigger boost in route running, but everything else looks great. Hopefully his blazing speed will make up for any sloppy routes.

1-23 DT Cameron Couch (+5/-7): Looks like he'll be more of a pass rusher than a run stuffer, but Monarchs need help everywhere, so I'll take it.

2-6 RT Nathan Parker (+4/-5): Disappointing drop in his run blocking potential, which is what I picked him for. May end up being a backup than a future starter.

3-24 RG George Dowell (+2/-11): Not a big surprise that he dropped so much with his 94 volatility, but with his 39 run blocking now he's going to be an expensive benchwarmer.

3-31 RT Timothy Hansen (+2/-5): Looks like he may take a while to reach his run blocking potential. Probably a special teams blocker.

4-6 FB Howard Bordelon (+4/-20): Ouch. 98 volatility, so the bottom fell out. No pass blocking skills now either, so he's pretty much worthless. Counting the seasons before he can be cut without a nasty salary cap hit.

5-6 C David Bond (+5/+0): Didn't crash and burn after switching from TE, so maybe he'll stick around. Room to grow as a run blocker, and good strength and acceleration

5-11 RG Matthew Swanson (+6/-1): Still has his 100 run block potential at least, but pretty worthless as a pass blocker. Not sure he's going to make the cut.

6-6 K Jimmie Hammons (+3/-4): Very minor dip in kick accuracy, and kick strength stayed about the same. If he doesn't shank many preseason kicks he should make the team.

After picking so many O linemen, I wish a few more had popped - at least Ortiz looks to be as good as advertised. Already dreaming of the 2033 draft list.

The Monarchs went 1-3 in the preseason, but there were definite reasons for optimism in Coach David Kirby's second year in charge.

- London led 17-0 at halftime against Atlanta in week 1, while the backups got nothing done in a 21-17 loss. Matthew Avila went 11-14 for 126 and 2 TDs (11 straight completions to end the half after starting 0-3) in his debut for the Monarchs.
- The Monarchs pull out a 22-20 thriller at San Francisco in week 2, as beleagured K Brandon Shah hits a 46 yarder as time expires for the win. Speedy undrafted RB Johnathan Bell probably secured his roster spot with a 75 yard catch and run TD in a wild back and forth 4th quarter.
- London gives the Giants all they can handle in a 26-23 OT loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in preseason week 3. 2031 #1 overall pick RB Archie Daniels runs for 100 yards in one half of work, but the defense couldn't nail down the victory, allowing the game tying touchdown with less than a minute left in regulation, and the game winning field goal at the end of overtime.
- The regulars on offense only play one quarter, as the Monarchs get curb stomped 39-10 in the preseason finale at Chicago. In a scary flashback to the 2031 season, now backup QB Edwin Johnson gets sacked five times and throws three picks against a Bears team playing most of their starters all game.

An expensive round of cuts mostly older vets to get the roster down to the 53 man limit for the regular season. Management decides to eat the cash on some poor contracts in what is expected to be another rebuilding season.
QB Michael Higgins - after coming over from the Pirates in a disastrous trade by the previous regime for the #1 overall pick in the 2030 draft Higgins never impressed. With no bonus money tied to him, management decides to roll with only one backup QB for Matthew Avila.
WR Michael Nesmith - the most expensive cut, but too many WRs on the roster
RG Matthew Swanson - the rookie fifth round pick didn't impress, and had no place on an O line heavy roster
RT Robert Hill - a modestly priced offseason pickup, he was the final cut but could be back if the need arises during the season
MLB Bruce Johnson - another big bonus cut in the final year of his contract, a big drop in his ratings suggested the 30 year old was going to be in for a rough season. Two second year MLBs will be expected to make the jump to prime time.
WLB Eric Kula - another cheap cut who performed adequately in limited work last season, he could make a comeback if the need arises.
K Jimmie Hammons - the rookie didn't show much leg strength and missed several kicks.

Off to the regular season - not expecting a huge jump from London's northside team, but continuing to become more competitive is management's main objective this season. 5-6 wins is the top projection from this year's tough schedule.

Quarterly report:

Record 1-3

London has been competitive to start the season, but management is frustrated that the team record isn't better.

- After storming back from a 20-7 halftime deficit in the season opener at the Pirates, the Monarchs took the game to the final gun before Independence kicked a 46 yard FG as time expired to lose 30-27. Newly acquired QB Matthew Avila threw for the 12th most yards in Monarch history with 361 yards and 2 TDs in his regular season debut with the team. First round draft pick WR William Ortiz announces his presence with a 6-150-1 line in his debut, including a 75 yard TD catch on the first play after halftime.

- London was in control the entire game with a home opener victory over the SnowSharks 17-12. The score was deceptively close as the Monarchs shaky secondary gave up an 86 yard TD pass with less than 10 seconds left in the game.

- The Monarchs showed their fans what a real football team plays like as they welcomed the Thrashers to town in week 3. After scratching out a 14-13 halftime lead, the Monarchs were steamrolled in the second half of a 41-17 loss. London had a chance to make the game interesting after intercepting Arkansas QB John Spartan at the Thrasher 26 with 5:51 to play only trailing 27-17, but Thrasher DE Michael Cerrito collected his second sack of the day, stripped QB Michael Avila and returned the fumble 58 yards for a touchdown to put the game out of reach on the very next play. London's rebuilding offensive line surrendered six sacks on the day.

- The week four 24-20 loss to the Pennsauken Del Fuego Phoenix was the most frustating so far this season. After going up 14-0 in the first quarter and 17-0 at halftime, it appeared the Monarchs would be cruising to an easy victory. In a disturbing trend, the Phoenix outscored the Monarchs 24-3 after the break as Pennsauken scored twice inside the two minute warning to get the win. RB Archie Daniels chalks up his third career 100 yard rushing game in the loss.

The Monarchs offense, the major weakness during the 3-12-1 campaign in 2031, appears to be getting on track. London ranks 8th in the league with 375.0 yards from scrimmage per game so far. Avila has fared well with 6 TD passes, and nearly 1100 passing yards through four games. Raiders castoff RB Randy Bainter has been a good addition, averaging nearly four yards per rush and 2 TDs, plus an additional receiving score. Ball protection with Bainter has been an issue with two fumbles in the young campaign. WR Ortiz has been the field stretcher with TDs of 64, 41 and 75 yards and at least five receptions and a TD in each of his first three games, however he was mysteriously only targeted once in the week four loss to the Phoenix.

However the defense has struggled, allowing a 31st ranked 415.5 yards per game in the first four, topping only the SnowSharks in that category. The Monarchs have been outscored 61-9 in the second half of their last three games, after leading all three contests at halftime. Second year coach David Kirby may be tweaking the gameplan to jumpstart both sides of the ball. Second year MLB Byron Cleveland has impressed with 39 tackles and 7 pass deflections in the first four games. Speedy 2032 first round pick SS Carol Baskins has played well in two starts filling in due to injury after being claimed off waivers following his surprising release by the Devils after week one.

As London prepares to face off against the division leading Roswell Invaders in two of the next three games, their outlook for the rest of 2032 could likely be determined before the season reaches its halfway point.

Quarterly report:
record: 3-1 overall record 4-4

The defense and running game steps up in the second quarter of the 2032 season to put the Monarchs in a surprising hunt for a playoff spot.

- After a depressing loss to Pennsauken in week 4, the Monarchs traveled to New Mexico for a showdown with the division leading Invaders. A surprising dominant performance from the defense led to a 19-0 shutout. Roswell was held to 80 yards of total offense, as London held the ball for nearly 40 minutes. Archie Daniels runs for a solid 90 yards and adds 40 yards receiving, and QB Matthew Avila puts in a workman like performance with 215 yards passing, including a one yard TD pass to WR Seth Rollins.

- The road trip continues with a visit to rainy Boston in week 6, as the Monarchs manhandle the Teabag Party from start to finish winning their second straight shutout 45-0. Archie Daniels showcased his skills as a receiver, opening the scoring with a catch and run 63 yard TD scamper, the first of FOUR TD catches on the day. The only downside coming with an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand that would keep him out of the week 7 lineup. Second year CB Osvaldo Costales scored his first career TD returning an interception 36 yards to the house for the London defense.

- The third largest home crowd in London history of 47,687 goes home disappointed as the Roswell Invaders return to form with a 31-6 thrashing in week 7. London's defense had zero pressure on Roswell QB Todd Sather who went 12-15 on the game for 280 yards with TDs of 59, 75 and 55 yards and a perfect QB rating of 158.33. RB Randy Bainter does his best trying to fill in for the injured Daniels, rushing for 53 yards and adding an additional 62 yards receiving in the lone bright spot for the Monarchs, whose season long second half scoring troubles continue.

- The Monarchs travel to New Jersey for a rematch with the Del Fuego Phoenix, winning a sloppy 13-9 contest. Holding Pennsauken to only 152 yards of offense (41 rushing 111 passing), London controlled the game with two second quarter TDs, a 1 yard TD pass to seldom used WR Dale Hale and a 4 yard TD run by Archie Daniels. Daniels has come into form this season, with 85 yards or more rushing and at least 1 TD in each of his last three games played. MLB Byron Cleveland continues to impress with 8 tackles and an INT as the Monarchs even their record at 4-4.

Management sees the team as far ahead of schedule on the rebuild, and with only two games left against teams with winning records (Terre Haute Terror week 10, Charlotte Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies week 14), the remainder of 2032 looks bright in London. Currently sitting in the eighth position for the playoffs the Monarchs will need some help returning to the postseason for the first time since 2025 (Indianapolis), but at least looked primed to post their best record since going 6-10 in the 2026 campaign.

Quarterly report:
Record: 3-1 overall record: 7-5

I think 2031 #1 overall pick RB Archie Daniels really wants to make the playoffs this year judging by his performance lately.

- The Monarchs start the third quarter of the season hosting the Kayfabe on Halloween. Archie Daniels isn't spooked at all, as he dominates in all aspects of a 29-9 victory. Daniels tallies TD runs of 15 and a career long run of 79 yards to the house, part of his career high 161 yards on the ground. Daniels adds his third TD on the day with a 6 yard scoring catch from QB Matthew Avila. Avila throws for a season low 156 yards and the single score, but doesn't have to do much as backup running back Randy Bainter adds a two yard scoring plunge.

- London flips the script in week 10 with a surprisingly dominant 30-13 win over the Terre Haute Terror. The Monarchs turn in a pass heavy performance to roll up over 400 yards of total offense. QB Matthew Avila shines, throwing for 325 yards and 3 TDs, connecting with ten different receivers in the game. Primary kick returner WR Dale Hale tallies a 53 yard TD on a rare reception, and K Brandon Shah adds 3 FGs, as the defense forces three turnovers (2 INTs, 1 fumble recovered) and London holds the ball for over 36 minutes in the victory.

- All the momentum of London's three game winning streak comes to a crashing end with a visit to the Memphis Hound Dogs. Memphis blows the doors off early in route to a 24-0 victory, which isn't as close as the score would indicate. Matthew Avila throws two interceptions in the first five minutes of the game, setting up Memphis with two easy scoring drives starting deep in London territory. The Hound Dogs defense pins their ears back with relentless pressure all game resulting in eight sacks and four total turnovers. Someone must have said something bad about Memphis DT Jack Arana's mother, as he posts a career high 4 sacks on the afternoon. A fumbled punt sets up another Memphis score, and Hound Dog QB Robin Arroyo puts the cherry on top of the sundae with a season best 79 yard TD pass to WR Charles Garcia. The Monarchs pick up their luggage at the Heartbreak Hotel and slink out of town with a 6-5 record.

- London's final division game of the year wraps up with a season sweep of the Wisconsin Frozen Tundra SnowSharks, bouncing back with a 23-13 victory. The SnowSharks put up a fight all game, trailing only 7-3 at halftime on Matthew Avila's 23 yard TD toss to FB Roosevelt Logan. Archie Daniels comes to the rescue on the second play after the break, hauling in a career long 77 yard catch and run TD, to go along with 108 yards on the ground. A turnover free afternoon, plus allowing only a single sack after the debacle in Memphis, leaves the Monarchs with a winning record at the third quarter mark of the season.

With three of their final four games of the year against the NFC South, the Monarchs remain in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt. London's pass defense, a leaky problem in 2031, has tightened up this season, with three of the four teams faced this month failing to throw for 190 yards, as well as picking off 7 passes in the four games. As the calendar turns to December, the Monarchs growing fan base will return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to see if the blue, red and gold can punch a playoff ticket.

Quarterly report:
Record: 4-0 overall record: 11-5

The Monarchs top their 2031 win total in a single month, as the franchise makes the playoffs for the first time in Great Britain.

- The final month of the season begins with a bang, as London cruises to a 31-13 victory over the Shadow Dancers. The Monarchs score touchdowns on all four first half possessions, as QB Matthew Avila tosses 3 yard TD passes to both TEs on the roster - Bernard Smith in the first quarter and Eric Willard in the second. Of course RB Archie Daniels figures heavily in the gameplan, adding 91 yards and a 3 yard TD on the ground, plus six receptions for 62 yards including a 23 yard scoring strike, both in the second quarter. The London secondary continues a strong late season showing picking off Rapid Valley QB Francis Norris twice and limiting him to only 191 yards through the air. Shadow Dancer RB Garrett Moore tops the century mark, although most of the damage comes on a 77 yard scoring run in the second quarter.

- The biggest hurdle on the schedule comes in week 14, as the NFC South leading Charlotte Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies visit London. Charlotte picks off Monarchs QB Matthew Avila less than two minutes into the game, and quickly gets on the board with a short FG. However, London settles down and caps a 75 yard scoring drive with TE Bernard Smith's second straight game with a TD from four yards out. Smith continues to impress as he collects 10 receptions for 104 yards on the day. The Monarchs curse of allowing big TDs strikes again late in the second quarter, as Charlotte QB Thomas Fungundes hits WR Guillermo Garrett with a 65 yard score, and a FG with five seconds left before halftime puts the Duckies ahead 16-10 at the break.

Charlotte's defense plays strong all afternoon, but Avila is able to break through early in the fourth quarter, with a 13 yard scoring toss to WR Michael Woodmansee to tie the score at 16. However, disaster strikes as K Brandon Shah shanks the go ahead extra point. Neither team can punch ahead and regulation ends knotted at 16.

Charlotte wins the toss, and proceeds on an efficient seven play drive lasting nearly four minutes that seems destined to end with a winning score without the Monarchs ever touching the ball. The London D steps up with a stop, as the Charlotte drive stalls out just past midfield. After a well placed punt pins the Monarchs back at their own 10 yard line, the Monarchs need just one play to exorcise five years of terrible football demons since relocating to London:

https://moguls.myfootballnow.com/watch/5278#995255


Who else but RB Archie Daniels could take a short screen pass 90 yards for a game winning TD? The 22-16 overtime thriller ensures the Monarchs their first winning record since 2025, and sends the London fans into a frenzy at the home finale. Avila sets a new career best with 386 yards passing (topping his 361 yards in the season opening loss to the Pirates), and ends up with three TD passes. The Duckies defense limits Daniels to just 42 yards on the ground, but with 126 yards receiving, including the game winner, nobody can be disappointed.

- If there was ever the definition of a trap game, it was a visit to sin city to face the 5-9 Las Vegas Wraiths in week 15. The Monarchs could tell they were playing with house money with a playoff berth at stake, and take no chances with a 24-0 victory, their third shutout of the season. Matthew Avila comes back down to earth throwing a pair of TD passes to backup RB Randy Bainter, adding a pair of interceptions. The London defense dominates the game, limiting the Wraiths to just 115 yards of total offense. London's run heavy game plan leads to over 36 minutes of possession time, the only downside being Archie Daniels injuring an ankle after an inefficient day running the ball with 78 yards and a one yard TD plunge capping the scoring. With a playoff berth secure, management takes no chances and shuts Daniels down for the season finale.

- The 2032 campaign ends the way it began, with a rematch of the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The venue and the outcome differ in the showdown in Georgia, as the Monarchs survive for a 22-7 road win. Too much celebrating in Vegas could be the only explanation for the offense's woeful performance on the day, as London accounts for only 245 of offense. With Archie Daniels sitting out, QB Matthew Avila looked lost the entire game with wildly inaccurate throws and dropped passes galore. Avila gives his worst performance in a Monarchs uniform going 16-41 for only 156 yards, redeeming himself with a 19 yard TD pass to WR Seth Rollins for the only touchdown of the day. That left the remainder of the scoring to K Brandon Shah, who posts a perfect day going 5-5, including a season long 50 yard kick. The London defense picks up the slack for the struggling offense, picking off six Falcon passes on the day. CBs Frank Ball and Osvaldo Costales both notch a pair of picks, setting up London's offense deep in Atlanta territory, allowing the sluggish offense to still come away with points on four second half drives. The field goals provide enough cushion as Atlanta snaps the Monarchs' streak of ten straight scoreless quarters with a two yard TD pass from QB Robert Wallace to RB Ronald Keil midway through the fourth quarter.

London ends the year on five game winning streak, but can't catch the division leading Roswell Invaders, who win their final six contests and end up as the #1 seed in a tightly fought AFC. Few Monarchs fans can complain, as a season no one could have predicted ends with a sterling 11-5 record, the franchise's best since going 13-3 in 2022 in their former home of Indianapolis. It's doubtful the team will find any remaining fans in the Hoosier state, as the Monarchs travel to western Indiana to face off against the 10-6 Terre Haute Terror as the #5 wild card seed. London won the week ten battle 30-13 over Terre Haute, but topping a playoff seasoned team like the Terror twice in one season could be a tall order. Hopefully the season ending offensive funk from Atlanta can be wiped out by the return of a healthy Archie Daniels - stay tuned!

Avila's career best is 433 passing yards in one game: https://moguls.myfootballnow.com/box/4610

Grrr! Thought I'd checked all of those LAX boxscores. Actually looks like he threw for 445 against Detroit in 2030 - let's just cheat and say I meant his *London* career best the whole time! Wish my O line could keep him upright like yours did. Thanks Norm.

Big Ben has finally tolled midnight on the London Monarchs Cinderella-like 2032 season. The team's unexpected return to the playoffs and first winning record since 2025 came to an end on a chilly day in Wilmington Delaware, as the eventual AFC Champion Argonauts defeated London on a pair of second half field goals 6-0.

All the talk of defense winning championships could apply to both teams, as they combined for five interceptions on the day - three by the Monarchs and two by the Argonauts. However, Wilmington was able to establish their run game, while the Monarchs were not. RB Archie Daniels could only muster 58 yards on the ground, adding three catches for 38 additional yards. Wilmington's stout secondary, led by outstanding second year CB Allen Reynoso frustrated Monarch QB Matthew Avila, leading to a quiet day going 17-34 for only 209 total yards and the two picks. Besides one broken tackle catch and run completion to WR Michael Woodmansee for 52 yards, no other pass went for more than 17 yards. London CB Frank Ball did his part to keep the game competitive with two INTs deep in Monarch territory to stop potential Argonaut scoring drives. However, Wilmington had the game in hand most of the day, as London kicker Brandon Shah missed kicks from 37 and 44 yards in the first and second quarters to end the Monarchs only realistic chances to score in the contest. The Monarchs "Tough Blokes" defense can hold their heads high, as they did not allow a touchdown in either of their postseason games, after holding the Terre Haute Terror to only three field goals in a 10-9 victory in the wild card round.

The future looks bright for the Monarchs, as some expected retirements and bad contracts come off the books to free up more cap space for competitive offers to free agents in 2033 and beyond. After stumbling to a 3-12-1 record last season, no one in London could have expected this strong of a showing in 2032. The offense and defense both made huge improvements year over year:
2031 offense: 222.0 yards per game (30th) defense: 337.8 yards allowed (23rd)
2032 offense: 349.1 yards per game (12th) defense: 279.8 yards allowed (7th)
If both sides of the ball can keep their upward trajectory, the sky could be the limit in the next few seasons.

Team Co-MVPs:
Offense:
QB Matthew Avila 3884 yards passing (13th in league) 27 TDs (8th) 87.49 QBR (10th)
RB Archie Daniels 1138 yards rushing (6th in league - 14 games) 6 TDs 54 receptions 797 yards 8 TDs combined totals: 1935 total yards (12th) 14 TDs (5th)

Defense:
MLB Byron Cleveland 129 tackles (1st in league) 1 INT
CB Osvaldo Costales 86 tackles 8 INTs (tie 8th) 1 TD