Retirements

Tommy Hall, Defensive Coordinator - Coach Hall Spent six season with the Thrashers and saw the team through 4 championships through various positions. He was the defensive coordinator through the last two seasons. He retires as age 56.

Bryan Banks, Defensive Line - Coach Banks was a stalwart for the team, having been on staff since the inception of the New England Vince Wilforks. Coach Banks could have moved through the ranks but was always happy to help where he was needed. He served as the D-Line Coach and TEs before that. Because of his extensive time, he is technically the most decorated coach in Football Moguls history, having been to 8 Super Bowls and winning 5 championships. He retires at age 56, as well.

Antonio Chavez FS - Chavez anchored the free safety position for five years in Arkansas and four before that in Roswell. He was a leader for the defensive backs and won three championships in his time with team.

Charles Reese QB - Charles Reese appeared to be a journeyman QB, finding a modicum of success for six years until the Thrashers picked him up in 2023. He spent the remaining eight years of his career with the team, none so great as in 2024 when he led the team to a championship. Reese threw for over 30,000 yards with 221 TDs and 95 Ints for a career QB rating of 94.91.

George Miles - Miles played for 13 total seasons, amassing one of the most impressive resumes in Football Moguls history. He was part of 4 championships (one for Indy and three for Arkansas). He was 510/553 on FGs, a 92.2% completion and kicked 544 PATs as well, only missing 5 his entire career. He made the computer's All Time Moguls Team for Kickers in 2030.

Alan Woods DT - Woods spent 12 seasons with Minnesota to some success and then joined the Thrashers after he was cut when the Vikings moved to Tasmania. Woods picked up 6 tackles and 2 sacks in his final year and won a championship.

Notable Departures

Max Dicken DE/DT - At age 35, Dicken chose to leave in pursuit of another contract, in some ways to prove he's more than just part of the Thrasher system (echoes of TB12). Dicken leaves the team as the most decorated player in Thrasher history with 5 championships, 8 Super Bowls, 92 regular season sacks, and 22 post-season sacks.

Hans Gruber CB - Gruber picked up a nice deal from the LA Xtreme to move on from the Thrashers. Gruber led the team in Interceptions in 2030, and in his career, he picked up 23 total Interceptions and 75 Knockdowns. He was a valuable piece of four championships.

Early Free Agency

Coach Hires

Nicholas Hunt was promoted from Secondary Coach to Defensive Coordinator. He is expected to bring solid fundamentals to the position, focusing primarily on tackling and man-to-man coverage skills.

Leslie Weaver was hired to fill the role of Offensive Coordinator. Coach Weaver spent three seasons as a Receivers Coach in Arkansas, ending in 2024. He then went on to have moderate success across the league and bumping all the way up to the Head Coach of Memphis and Rapid Valley.

Lloyd Smith is a former assistant coach at the University of Arkansas. He was hired on as the new Offensive Line coach. This is his first season in the league.

Player Acquisitions

Whitney Bowens TE (signed from South Brisbane) - Bowens lacks the raw talent of an athlete, but he's a reliable receiver, route runner, and blocking tight end. He's not expected to share a significant role with the current depth as it is.

George Erwin RB (re-signed) - Erwin was brought back on a three-year deal, so now two of the three-headed monster remain on staff. Who will fill that third spot role?

Jacob Fujita T (signed from Rapid Valley) - Fujita has played in the league for nine seasons now. There were moments of solid play from the lineman but unfortunately he's still remembered for giving up 10 sacks in 2028. However, the team doesn't need him as full-time starter, so he'll fill in when needed (hopefully) to generally positive performances.

Michael Patel QB (signed from Chicago) - Patel is an nine year veteran, who's spent the last three seasons backing up George Wilson in Chicago. Patel has some pedigree though. He led the Bears to a championship in 2023. The Thrashers are happy to have an experienced back-up in the wake of Charles Reese's retirement.

Antonio Joyner K (signed from Arizona) - Joyner has been a consistent force in the league for thirteen seasons. He's a career 87% FG kicker and has only missed one PAT in his entire career. He's flirting with retirement, but could serve as the team's kicker for two years if needed.

2031 Draft

2 (61): "Mighty" Thor Odinson DE/DT, Iowa, 5'11" 260 lbs.
Thor provides an interesting fit for the Thrashers who were without a first round pick this season. He played MLB at Iowa but will be asked to play EDGE and some at DT this season. He's undersized for a DT/DE but has great burst and strength. He fits the mold of Grady Jarrett of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Thor will find his way on the field no matter his performance at camp, but he could be a rookie contributor, even a starter if he does well.

2 (64): Steve "Captain" Rodgers LB, Arizona, 5'11" 239 lbs.
Captain Rodgers was a two-year starter at Arizona and a great leader off and on the field. The Thrashers saw him as the best available player at the end of the 2nd round, even though the team had greater needs. Rodgers isn't the fastest player, but he's strong and he has the potential to have man-to-man coverage skills and tackling, two features new DC Nic Hunt are looking for. Rodgers could eventually work his way into a nice role as many of the current LBs are aging out of their contracts with the team.

3 (65): Tony "Iron Man" Stark DB, Iowa, 6'0", 204 lbs.
In a pretty stellar trade, the Thrashers jumped up to snag the first pick of the 3rd round to fill a need in the secondary. Stark needs to up his speed after camp, so he's vowed to slim up to around 195 lbs. He's already got great acceleration and strength. He's almost certain to be converted to a safety, having played the position in college. The team envisions him as a thumper free safety, loading the box on running downs.

4 (113): Nat Romanov CB, Arizona State, 6'0", 209 lbs.
Nat started all four years at Arizona State but never had the elite speed to be a shutdown corner. Nat has great acceleration and strength for the position and looks like bump and run coverage could be quite proficient as well.

5 (160): T'challa King K, Wakanda College for Polytechnic Sciences, 6'0" 212 lbs.
The team signed Antonio Joyner, a 13 year vet, who has already expressed retirement, but committed to Arkansas in hopes of a send off championship. T'challa joins the Football Moguls as a potential long term replacement for the team. It's the first kicker drafted by the Thrashers since Butch Coolidge in 2023. King has all the traits, excellent kicking strength and above average accuracy. If he has a good camp, he could be on the team for the next decade or so.

6 (192): Clint "Hawkeye" Barton SS/FS, Texas, 5'11" 218 lbs.
Barton brings a pretty average resume to the team, but he's a depth add to a currently weak secondary. The tape suggests he plays better than his measurables. The team rated him a full 7 points higher than the default rating. He's expected to spend some time at both safety positions and if he doesn't pan out, the free agency waiver will be one Avenger richer.

7 (224): Bruce "Hulk" Banner TE, Brigham Young, 6'5" 243 lbs.
Banner is a raw talent with good size, speed, and strength. He's not afraid to go up for the ball, but doesn't have the softest hands and is prone to drops. It's unlikely that Banner makes the 53-man roster, but he was an appropriate pick to receive the moniker of "Hulk" and "Mr. Irrelevant."

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of booms and busts, I will fear no evil juju, for Coach Reid and Mr. Thompson art with me..." --Reporter Newsman, Thrashers Beat Reporter

Training Camp

The Thrashers had seven picks this season, in hopes of filling many needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Let's look at how camp panned out for those players:

Thor Odinson (-5) did not look very mighty throughout camp, but the unfortunate truth is that he still might wind up being the starter by the end of the season. The defensive lineman still has elite strength and quick feet. He showed flashes of greatness on the Pass Rush, but did not give much confidence in stopping the run. However, his tackling skills are not bad overall.

Steve Rodgers (+2) lived up to his namesake as the Captain. He came in motivated at camp, and although the need wasn't particularly dire for another LB, he showed his skills. He still have average speed and acceleration, but he's got great potential on coverage skills, pass rushing, run stopping, and he is in an elite tackler. Captain will spend more time at MLB than on the outside this season, but he's got a chance to contribute all over.

Tony Stark (-6) for team need, he's really a true bust. He never had elite speed (re:below average), so Stark built his reputation on coverage and fundamentals. In camp, he displayed neither. His data all suggests that his future ratings for where it matters are all sub-70 as well. Stark will make the team, most likely as 3rd safety or 5th corner back, but he's certainly not the hero the team needed.

However, Nat Romanov (+3) who was taken a whole 48 picks after Tony Stark, brought an energy to camp that the team really needed. While Nat isn't the speediest pick, she's quick and strong and great in bump-and-run coverage. She's not expected to be a full-time starter; however, she could push for a sizable role at free safety.

It seems very likely that the Thrashers could carry two kickers this season, while T'challa King (+3) continues to develop. His kick strength is excellent already and should continue to be elite, while his accuracy might limit him on post-50 yarders for a while. In any case, the Thrashers have found a long-time answer for kicker, so there shouldn't be any floundering on this issue going forward. The only thing seems to be how long will Antonio Joyner still be on the roster.

Clint Barton (-1) missed the mark at Training Camp. He's not expected to be a full-time (or long-time) contributor, but he does have an amplitude for man-to-man coverage that DC Nicholas Hunt likes to see. He doesn't have any other great strengths, and the chances to make the roster are slim.

Bruce Banner (-1) is expected to be cut before the end of the preseason.

Late Free Agency Acquisitions

Charles Tran, Secondary Coach, was added to the team a little later than expected. Secondary opened up after the promotion of Nicholas Hunt to DC and negotiations stalled between the team and several prospects. Tran has spent five years in the league and specializes in zone coverage and run defense. He'll be helpful with a new crop of safeties on board.

Harold Pike, DE/DT (signed from Arizona) is long, rangy DE at 6'5". His speed is great for a big man, and he has excellent pass rushing ability. Now, his strength and acceleration are lacking, so that could be an issue, but Pike would rather let his record speak for itself as he contributed 6 sacks to Arizona last season.

Alvin Taylor, LB (signed from Arizona) is a third year player who hasn't seen much game time, but he'll get his shot with the Thrashers this preseason. He's got decent speed and great pass rushing potential, but his coverage skills are subpar.

Michael Holmes, RB/WR (signed from Battle Creek) hasn't seen much playing time in his four seasons in the league, but he's got an interesting combination of size and ball skills to make for a decent back up running back. With George Erwin's regression through camp and the preseason, Holmes has a chance to compete for snaps with Alvin Dillon and Martin Riggs.

Preseason Report

Going into the 4th preseason game, there's a lot of noise to sift through with the Thrashers before the regular season begins. Let's a take look at some developments on the team before the preseason ends:

In the third game "test run", QB John Spartan the starters showed out for three quarters and looked ready for the regular season. Spartan himself seems to have picked right back up after last season's championship run. The running game was a little pedestrian, but Spartan was throwing dimes, so it was inconsequential. The defense held Irvine to 6 FGs, which is a win, but as a unit, they are still a continual work in progress. Sacks and Interceptions have been sparse in this preseason.

In roster news, the team is currently carrying 57 with the addition of TE Warren Chartier (another FA victim of Arizona's new management), following the major neck injury to John Creasy (expected to be out 6-8 weeks), so the team will have to trim the fat to make the 53-man roster. The coaching staff has some ideas but there's not a lot of wiggle room on this year's roster. Offhand, MLB Sergio Jobe took a big step back after training camp, and it looks like Captain Rodgers will easily fill the slack in that area. Additionally, OLB Todd Tipton seems to be supplanted by free agent signing, Alvin Taylor. Tipton will count nearly 2 million against the cap next season if cut.

In rookie news, even though DE/DT Thor Odinson had a rough camp, he still looks like he'll fit nicely onto the defensive line. He's managed 4 tackles and 3 QB hurries and he's bulked up to 272 lbs. He's still quick off the first step and has elite strength. His pass rushing and tackling is developing nicely, and he's average run stopper when called on.

However, the rookie star of camp has been Nat Romanov. For a 4th round pick, she's developed really well to the cornerback role and could possible take over as a starter for Balboa in a year or two. She's not a burner but she's got great burst and coverage skills. Her tackling leads a little to be desired, but--once again--4th rounder. She's a great addition to the team and will probably serve as the primary nickel some at full safety.

Well, that's it for the preseason review. Check back after the first quarter of the season to see how the team is faring. Until then...

END OF PRESEASON UPDATE:

Roster Moves

The team parted ways with MLB Sergio Jobe, SLB, Todd Tipton, DE Scott Hart, and DT Steve Austin to make the 53-man roster.

The team is easing K T'Challa King into the role with Antonio Joyner on roster. If injuries keep piling on, the team is expected to thrust King into the starting spot and release Joyner.

Rookie DE/DT Thor Odinson will get the starting nod for game 1; the Thrashers are pleased with his development.

Rookie SS/KR Clint Barton had an impressive 105 kickoff return in game 4 of the preseason. While Dutch Schaefer recovers from injury, Barton will assume return duties.

Quarterly Report

After four games, the Thrashers rest comfortably at 3-1, having only lost one game to Chicago. Here are some of the headlines for Thrashernation so far:

-The team released veteran tackle, Jacob Fujita, to acquire Rookie tackle, Arthur Rodriquez.

-DE Patrick Murray and LT Ron Hunter signed long-term contracts.

-DB Gerald Johnson was acquired from the Shadow Dancers for a 3rd round pick. The longtime corner back joins the Thrasher secondary as a hybrid safety/nickel corner. He has elite speed, which is one area the team could always use more of. Johnson is just 28 and signed a shiny new contract for 4 years.

-K Antonio Joyner was released in the wake of T'Challa King's continual display of incredible panther-like leg strikes to the football. Since taking over in Week 3, King has been perfect from the field, even nailing one from 57 yards in Week 4.

-QB John Spartan has a more modest start to this season, but a consistent one nonetheless. He's throwing a 72.2% completion rate for 1,382 yards (2nd in league). He has 6 TDs to 2 INTs for a 100.71 QBR.

-The running game ranks 6th in rushes and yards, but 14th in yards per carry. RB George Erwin has taken a significant step back in his 9th year, but he's still usable. Meanwhile, Al Dillon is averaging 4.0 yards a carry and FB Martin Riggs has already tied his career best 22 carries four games into this season.

-WR Dutch Schaefer leads all WRs in yards (207) even after missing the first game of the season, but the RB David Lusher has caught more passes for more yards (232).

-DE Michael Cherrito once again leads the team in sacks with 3, but newcomer DE/DT Thor Odinson has amassed 2 sacks and 2 hurries through four games as well. This could be a nice pairing for a few years.

-CBs Rocky Balboa, Alonzo Harris, and Nat Romanov have been a great trio of defenders. None allowing over 50% passes caught thrown their way, snagging at least 1 interception each (Balboa 2) and multiple knockdowns.

Get those CB's a body bag!!!! (great name)

Mid-season Report

Currently, the Thrashers rest atop the AFC East with a 7-1 record, but the play has some concerned. "These are not dominant wins." said Coach Reid in a presser after Arkansas eeked out the win over Detroit. The margins of victory against the Kayfabe, Argonauts, and Lions were a touchdown or less. QB John Spartan had a 1:1 TD:INT ratio in the same spread. The running game was often abandoned for Spartan's arm, but the defenses clued into this quickly. Still, a win's a win, right? As a result of these mediocre performances, the Thrashers dropped to 9th in the Power Rankings in spite of the 6-1 record.

Last week, gameplan adjustments were made when the team traveled to Manhattan to face the Dildozers, and the results paid off. Walking in to the competition, the team was was a 3 point underdog on the road, but looked much better. The run game was dialed up. The running back corps rushed 35 times for 139 yards. Spartan tossed another 300 yards for 1 TD and no INTs.

The defense looked a little sharper in the last game too, but forcing a fumble, INT, and a sack. However, prior to Brawndo, the defense looked out of sorts. The team has only produced 4 fumbles, 7 Interceptions (21st), and 8 sacks (12th) through the first half of the season! You'd have to go back to 2018 years since the team finished outside the top 10 in sacks (15th)!

Now, the team has nursed injuries throughout the season (on both sides of the ball), but consistently allowing so many points has never been the team's philosophy. More stops need to be made. Full stop. Who will step up? That question will be on the lips of Thrashernation as we move forward.

Looking ahead, the team has a tough stretch ahead. All but one team currently sits .500 or above. You can't ever count the Thrashers out, but it might be a more difficult road to the playoffs this season. Check back at the 75% mark to see an updated status on the team's progress.

Quarterly Report

Current Record: 10-2

Besides a wildly defensive affair in Terre Haute, where things just couldn't seem to get moving, the boys their second loss of the season, but overall, the Thrashers improved to 10-2. However, let's be honest: this ain't last year's team.

It's hard to call it a Superbowl Hangover when you're 10-2 but the stats in comparison to last season aren't even close. Let's take a look at some of the highlights and numbers so far this season.

QB John Spartan has been rough this season, even though the cast around him in generally the same. He's only completing 68% of his passes, and he's thrown 10 INTs to only 17 TDs. Extrapolating the numbers, he could be in for his worst statistical season of his starting career. Spartan has never scored less than 30 TDs in a season. He's on course for 24...no bueno.

Spartan's not alone in this hunt though. The running game has been a mixed bag. No RB averages more than 4.0 yards per carry, but RB David Lusher might be the only 1000 yard receiver because of his work out of the backfield. RB George Erwin continues to lose a step. His speed and burst just aren't there but he's been helpful, scoring 8 total TDs. The WRs look limp. It's been a revolving door of injuries, and although Dutch Schaefer leads receivers in catches, yards, and TDs, he'll be lucky to get 750 yards this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, it's paltry at best. They rank 13th in sacks and 21st in Interceptions. There are some good pieces in play, especially in the secondary, with the trifecta of Balboa, Harris, and Romanov. The trio have combined for 9 INTs and 47 Knockdowns. However, the front four have been destroyed with injuries...LDE Jonathan Fink, LDE Patrick Murray, RDE Harold Pike, and DT Thor Odinson have all been ruled out for multiple weeks. In the wake of the carnage, just in order to have a body on the field, Jonathan Fink was cut in order to pick up DE Javier Villegas. Fink was set to go to free agency after this year. The team however will still pay out the remainder of his contract. A number of LB will asked to step in to fill some plays at DE as well.

Now, the Thrashers are set to hit the road for three of next four contests. It could be a very rough stretch for the team. Check back after Week 16 for the End of Regular Season Report.

End of Regular Season Report

Current Record: 14-2

In spite of a lackluster season production-wise, the Arkansas Thrashers dominated the AFC and finished with the first seed and the first round bye. Next week, they host the South Brisbane Raiders in the divisional round of the playoffs, and the Thrashers are favored by 8 points.

Let's take a look back at the 2031 season and touch on the notable performances:

QB John Spartan finished with his lowest TD total (22) since becoming the starter in 2025. However, he still finished with 94+ QB Rating and threw for nearly 5,000 yards. Impatient fans are wondering if Spartan has peaked after his 8th season, but Owner Thompson sees it as a down year for the QB (one--he notes--the team still captured a first round bye and should still go deep into the playoffs).

So, too, did the running game lose a step this season. Anchored by RB David Lusher who led the team in receiving as well, the YPC was sub-4.0 for the first time since 2017. It's fair to say that the RBs will have new blood and a new scheme in the upcoming season.

The wide receivers spent a lot of time banged up this season but Dutch Schaefer led all (natural) receivers with 619 receiving yards, but William Williams almost caught up to him with a paltry 560. Long-time TE Winston Wolfe potentially finishes his final season with 47 catches and 528 yards. Wolfe has flirted with retirement for the last year, although he still has one year remaining on contract.

Defensively, it was a rough season on the front four. Injuries everywhere. When Thor Odinson was drafted and started playing, early rumors signaled the next coming of Max Dicken, but instead after missing 3 games with a leg injury, he only amassed 2 sacks and 5 hurries. DE Michael Cherrito led the team in sacks (yet again), but only with 6 this season.

The secondary fared a little better, snagging 17 INT as a unit, led by CBs Alonzo Harris and Rookie CB Nat Romanov, both with 4. The three primary corners yielded 58 knockdowns, so that did result in a lot of the success the team had this season.

Rookie Kicker T'Challa King finished 50/57 on FGs and 15/17 from beyond 50 yards, and he's only projected to be better next season. King should be team kicker for at least the next decade.

That's all, folks. Tune in at the end of the post-season to see how the Thrashers did.