2033 Retirements

RB David Lusher - Winner of three league championships, Lusher was a great sophomore year pick up and spent eight seasons with the Thrashers. He collected nearly 12,000 scrimmage yards and 54 TDs in that stretch. He finished with a 4.2 ypc as well. Although the back lost his footing in his year 31 season, he still contributed enough to get the team to the AFC championship game.

Coaching Carousel

None. For the first time in a few seasons, no shakeups in coaching.

Player Extensions

QB John Spartan signed with the Thrashers ($67,068,486, 4 yrs); Spartan is 32 years old but hasn't started showing any signs of regression aside from the 2032 season under Coach Gough. He's still QB1 for the near future.

RDE Ronald Surface ($5,264,510, 6 yrs) didn't cost the team much to be an EDGE rusher. He joined the team as a roster cut from the eventual champs over at Brawndo Corp. Surface has great speed, acceleration, and pass rushing ability, although his strength is lacking.

RB/WR Muhammad Boudreaux signed a shiny new contract with the Thrashers ($71,010,520, 6 yrs). Now that David Lusher has retired, it's Mr. Boudreaux's job to lose. He averages 4.2 ypc out of the backfield but really operates as a receiving threat, amassing nearly 100 catches last season for nearly 1000 yards and 7 TDs.

SLB Alvin Taylor signed a contract with the Thrashers ($33,850,173, 4 yrs), too. Simon Phoenix and Nelson Esquivel are getting long in the tooth. Taylor is an acceptable placeholder while new talent learns the reins.

Early Free Agency

Christopher Worley, CB (from CLT) - Worley spent 8 seasons with the Fire-Breathing Rubber Duckies and even won a championship with them. His speed and acceleration are elite. He's expected to be the primary CB in hopes of shutting down the dreaded FL Hitch. Worley will also test his ability at KR/PR as well to take some stress off of M. Boudreaux and D. Schaefer.

Ira Lewis, SS (from ATL) - Lewis is 26 and will probably be the long-term starter for the next three seasons. He's got great coverage and run defending skills to make him a 3-down starter. He's not an all-world talent but he's good enough to help the Thrasher's secondary.

Errol Millard, LB/SS (from ATL) - Millard is a five year vet and the second leading tackler in Atlanta last season. His only real knock is his speed, but Coach Hunt has a role cut out for him as a long, rangy strong safety. He's hoping by the beginning of the season, he can trim down some to gain a little more speed. In any case, he'll be helping in the secondary, while his former teammate gets the probable start.

Julio Jones, LB (from KMN) - Jones is another projected stop-gap on the linebacking corps. He's got some speed and is a great run defender but his coverage skills are lacking. He'll back up Simon Phoenix as needed as well and probably help in the return game.

Brock Lesner, C/G (from IRV) - The Beast Incarnate steps in as the Thrasher's full time long snapper and back up Center and O-line.

Scott Wilder, DT/DE (from SBR) - Wilder has had a long career at being serviceable...and really that's what the Thrashers need from him too. He's pretty quick for big man, he's strong, and his run stopping is nice. If he pulls 2 sacks and a forced fumble this year, the coaches will be happy.

Paul Yeager, DE/DT (from BTP) - Yeager has only one season under his belt (even though he's 26 years old), but in that 9 game stretch for Boston, he got 2 sacks and 6 tackles. When he was with Detroit, he snagged 4 QB hurries over a few preseasons. He's still young enough to work in some playing. On top of that, he's go decent speed and excellent strength on the d-line.

2034 Football Moguls Draft

Thrashers' Management has pulled out the stops this year to try to hit big in the Boom or Bust Bowl. Nearly all the players drafted are considered volatile picks or project picks but have raw skills that could push them to greatness. Let's get to know some of your future Thrashers:

(1:29) Henri Boudreaux RB, Nebraska. 6'0" 198lbs.
Boudreaux (younger sibling to teammate Muhammad) set rushing records for the Corn Huskers in two years but landed in some hot water over NCAA rules violations concerning gifts. His behavior has been sporadic at times, and the Thrashers know the younger Boudreaux has a chance to blow up in their faces. However, Henri has his brother Muhammad to keep an eye out for him, and if he booms during training camp, the kid has got the potential to be a knockout RB for the next 8-10 years.

(2:30) Declan Moreyn OL, Wake Forest. 6'4" 316lbs
The big man is a risky choice at the turn of the 2nd round due to his volatility but the offensive line allowed John Spartan to be sacked a record 24 times last season. If Moreyn pays off, he could anchor the blindside for the foreseeable future.

(3:19 traded with NYN): Ignatius Infernus WR, Pittsburgh. 6'0" 190lbs.
The Thrashers often pick safe receivers with a good mix of skills, but in the case of Infernus, the team is betting on raw talent with this receiver's speed and acceleration. The team has no plans to re-sign Sam Quint or Phillip Graves next season, so Infernus could have a larger role if he pans out.

(3:29) Krishna Jaggernath DT, Tennessee State. 6'5" 309 lbs.
The last time the Thrashers took a true defensive tackle in the 3rd round, they got Jason Voorhees for 9 years and a plethora of championships. Jaggernath has big shoes to fill, but the good news is Krishna Jaggernath has LARGE shoes. With many player's contracts set to expire at the end of the season, Jaggernath could be a full-time starter sooner rather than later.

(4:30) Caliban Moonblood TE, Fresno State. 6'4" 268 lbs.
Moonblood is a raw talent, who could compete for a back up TE role, especially in blocking. Currently, there is no elite blocking TE on the team. Joseph Swain is serviceable at best. Moonblood has the strength but currently lacks the technique to really help seal the edge. His receiving skills are questionable but he's not afraid to go up and compete for a ball. He's 6'4" and you can't teach that.

(5:18, trade with CLT) Magnus Ragnarok FS, Alabama A&M. 6'3" 226 lbs.
Ragnarok is a project, one that could easily be removed from the roster if necessary. However, the former linebacker has some intriguing qualities. His height gives a distinct advantage in coverage. He's got great strength and above average speed. His man coverage skills project to be decent. However, he's shows little potential pass rushing and run defending.

2034 Training Camp

The Thrashers brought in six players this draft and had mixed results with training camp outcomes. In fact, it was an even split. Three players found themselves on the rise, while three probably will get buried on the roster or cut. Let's check it out:

Booms

Although there was some initial hesitation about signing a second Boudreaux to the team with the younger brother's perceived baggage, it seems that the Boudreaux Brothers will anchor this team offensively for years. Henri (+3) displayed his speed, acceleration, and strength throughout camp. He's still developing, but it looks like e could eventually overtake his brother in the run game to be the primary focus. They bring an electric energy to the team.

That's not to exclude Ignatius Infernus (+2), who was drafted for his elite speed and acceleration, but found his way taking carries alongside the Boudreaux Bros. He's not meant to be an every down back, but he could easily get a few carries in relief. Infernus has the topline speed to keep most corners in the league honest, which should free up a lot of the underneath work to stalwarts like Schaefer and Creasy.

On the other side of the ball, Krishna Jaggernath (+1) performed above expectations. He's the largest defensive player on the team and certainly one of the strongest. He's got a knack for pass rushing as well. However, his run defense has been paltry, so he might only be used in certain packages where he's more apt to get after the QB.


Busts

Declan Moreyn (-13) showed up to camp all out of sorts. He's got the physical tools, exceptionally strong, pretty light on his feet for a big man...but he can't block. His technique is beyond mediocre. It seems that the talent in Football Moguls was just too much to prepare for out of college, which is a huge blow to the team. Moreyn will sit for a couple of years until it's feasible to cut him and he'll fade into oblivion.

Caliban Moonblood (-2) had a lot of potential but none of it showed during camp. He's a decent receiver but really projects better as a crummy lineman than a weak tight end. He's another prospect that didn't really work and will probably find himself on waivers sooner rather than later.

Magnus Ragnarok (-3) did not fair very well throughout camp and received his walking papers already.

Preseason News

Acquisitions

The Thrashers made a trade to acquire blocking TE Daniel Orozco from the Boston Teabag Party for next year's 2nd round pick. Orozco will fill the need that Rookie Caliban Moonblood. was expected to hold. However, Orozco is not expected to do much outside of blocking on running downs and catch the occasional pass. However, the team views this as another young, healthy piece. In addition, his contract was restructured for a long term, team-friendly deal. Instead of $8m over two years, he'll make $14m over six years.

Extensions

DT Thor Odinson signed a $28m extension over six years.

OL Stringer Bell signed a 5-year extension worth $25 million

Releases

The Thrashers parted ways with DT Arthur Farmer, FS Gerald Johnson, and Rookie TE Caliban Moonblood.

Offensive Preview

With QB John Spartan entering in his year 32 season and carrying a hefty $17m bonus, this is his team, and it's all on his shoulders. He's got proven veteran receivers, led by Dutch Schaefer, Sam Quint, William Williams, and Phillip Graves. Muhammad Boudreaux has been seen lining up in the spread offense in some packages, and the team added speedster Ignatius Infernus help on deep routes. John W. Creasy and Stacker Pentecost are seen as a reliable duo in TE passing situations

The running game got a major overhaul as well this offseason as Henri Boudreaux was drafted to split duties with brother Muhammad for an interesting one-two punch, but Henri's camp was so good, some pundits wonder if he'll take the job for himself since Muhammad was seen lining up as a receiver some downs. Backing the Boudreaux Bros. up is speedster Ignatius Infernus as more of a change of pace back. FB Martin Riggs continues his dominant run as the franchise's greatest Full Back. He rarely takes part in the spotlight, but he's an integral piece in the blocking and receiving game. Finally, you have FB Stacker Pentecost who can play RB, WR, or TE. Pentecost only had 75 touches in 2033 but averaged nearly 5 yards per carry and nearly 13 yards per catch. He didn't have a TD until the post season, but the team will lean on him more this season as well.

The starting five on the offensive line remains the same from last season. RT Roger Murtaugh and LG Blain O'Painless anchor the group, while C Matt Hooper beefed up a little from last season, in hopes that his new weight will help strengthen the line some. LT William Hand hit the wall during training camp, but will still start for the foreseeable future. RG Stringer Bell plays passing downs while RT Jasper McGillicuddy subs in on running packages. TE Daniel Orozco also plays on running downs as well.

Defensive Preview

The defensive line was re-tooled this offseason, especially with how the players are rotated. The front four include DE Chris Shaver and perennial team sack leader, Michael Cherrito on the edges, while DTs Thor Odinson and new acquisition Scott Wilder will start in the middle. Rookie DT Krishna Jaggernath keeps developing as well. Former CB turned DE, Tony Stark (you read that right) has played some downs as an EDGE and seems to be developing better than playing as a CB.

The linebacking corps was tweaked very subtly. SLB Alvin Taylor slides to MLB since John Rambo's departure. Both Simon Phoenix and Nelson Esquivel hit the 30 year old wall, but still retain the 80+ speed needed for OLB. MLB Captain Steve Rodgers is still in his prime. WLB Julio Jones joins the team to help where needed.

The secondary is a talented group of players, led by ballhawks, CB Alonzo Harris and Nat Romanov. The duo both snagged 7 INTs last season. This year they are joined by SS Ira Lewis and CB Christopher Worley as starters. FS/CB Raymond Hopper rounds out the group.

Preseason 2034

Preseason record: 2-2

Coach Barbosa threw a lot to his players during the preseason: new formations, new plays, players at new positions to try to make the most out of his team this season. The coached liked what he saw, but there's always room for improvement. After opening the preseason to the Anteaters and Barbarians and collecting two Ws, the team faced the Seahawks and Lions and took two losses. The receivers recorded 25 drops during the four games, but a lot of that can be attributed to running unfamiliar plays. John Spartan and Ricky Steamboat only threw two picks, so that was a welcome sign. The defense looked a little anemic at times, tallying 5 sacks and 3 INTs over the preseason. Some of that can also be attributed to the starters not playing much.

Offensive Player highlights:

RB Henri Boudreaux is a stud...if he can stay healthy. Over the three games he played (resting his neck in Game 3), he amassed 237 yards rushing on 27 carries (8.8 ypc) and collected 8 catches for 97 yards and 1 TD, receiving, Extrapolated over a full season, that's 1,260 yards rushing and 517 yards receiving.

WR/RB/KR Ignatius Infernus also made an impact in his four stints in the preseason. He did accumulate the most drops of anyone (sometimes from errant passes from QB Steamboat when warming up). Infernus made the most of his limited touches though; he led the team in receiving with 20 catches for 240 yards and a TD. He also added 23 carries for 147 years (6.4 ypc) and a rushing TD. He also added 130 yards in the return game as well.

MLB Alvin Taylor had 6 knockdowns on 20 passes and only allowed completions on 20% of passes thrown his way. He also picked up 12 tackles.

CB Nat Romanov picked up where she left off las season. She scored 2 INTs, 3 knockdowns, and 10 tackles in limited action during the preseason.

Departures
LDE Matthew Jones is expected to be released to get the roster down to 53. Jones only spent one season with the team and saw limited time playing.

Up Next...
The team hosts Denver to open the season. Check back to see how the team did.

The Thrashers finished the season 11-5, making the playoffs again, but were ultimately shut down against division rival, The Real Kayfabe. Structurally, the team should remain the same--for better or worse: a perennial playoff team that can't quite elevate to championship contention.

End of 2034 Random Musings

John Spartan mulls retirement. At 33 years of age, Spartan could physically continue to play for 3-4 years, but he gave the first notion of retirement at the end of this season. He doesn't have much to prove at this point (3 championships, 4 super bowl appearances). He's completed 4000 passes for 45,000+ yards with 317 TDs. He ranks 1st in the computer's All Time Post-Season QB. He's on par with league greats, Andrew Martinez, Richard Williams, and Timothy Thompson;

With two fresh-faced Rookies, the Thrashers became the league's best running team, ranking 1st in yards rushed and yards per carry, while 4th in rushing TDs. The hydra approach with the Boudreaux Brothers, Infernus, and Pentecost will continue next year.

Defensively, the team ranked in the top ten in Interceptions (3rd), Sacks (3rd), and Turnover Margin (9th). Alonzo Harris continues to look like a star CB with 10 INTs last season; while Michael Cherrito RDE forced 10 sacks and an incredible 40 QB Hurries.

2035 Off Season

Retirements

Andrew Edwards CB

Departures

Martin Riggs FB
Phillip Graves WR
Sam Quint WR
William Hand OL
Nelson Esquivel SLB
Eric "Blade" Brooks SS
Tony "Iron Man" Stark LDE

Early Free Agency

Brian Johnson DT (from ATL) signed a contract with the Thrashers ($41,740,189, 6 yrs). The big man is a prototypical defensive tackle, standing 6'3" and weighing 306 lbs. He's got elite strength and a good burst off the line for a big man. His pass rush skills were under-utilized with the Falcons, but he's expected to pair well with a strong unit in Arkansas that just finished 3rd in sacks last season.

Willie Bacon LT (from LDN) signed a contract with the Thrashers ($13,070,786, 3 yrs). Bacon will hopefully help shore up the offensive line that lead to QB John Spartan being sacked a record 27 times in 2034. Bacon only has average strength but elite pass blocking skills. His speed is great for the offensive line; however, he isn't the most explosive off the line. The O-line is line for some big changes after this year, so Bacon should benefit the team in the long run.

Wilburn Love OL (from BTP) signed a contract with the Thrashers ($20,617,414, 5 yrs). Love seems to just be hitting his stride. He started 10 games for Boston Teabag Party last year and has not given up a sack in his career. He's got great strength and discipline, and his pass blocking is elite. He's a little undersized, having played at center, but he's going to shift to left tackle and compete for time. If he grows (pun intended), he's another value add to assist the offense for years to come.

Trades

The Arkansas Thrashers have acquired from Atlanta LB Henry Tyler and their 5th round pick for Arkansas' 1st (27th overall) and this year's 6th and 7th round pick. The management for Arkansas wasn't convinced that a rookie could come in and get results as much as the third year product out of Pittsburgh. Tyler will slide from the middle to outside linebacker. His 85+ speed and man coverage ability should allow him to keep up with most TEs or Running Backs out of the backfield. This was considered a high need to make the defense work with aging Simon Phoenix still rostered and Nelson Esquival exiting during free agency.

2035 Football Moguls Draft

As previously mentioned, the Thrashers traded out of the 1st round for LB Henry Tyler.
Team Needs: LB, OL, FB/TE, CB/S, WR

(2:58) Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, Penn State, LB. 6'0" 227 lbs.
After trading away the first round and acquiring TE Daniel Orozco for 2035's 3rd round pick, the team had to take a bit of a leap for Round 2 by selecting The Dude out of Penn State. Lebowski is little undersized, but he's got great speed, strength, and intelligence. His discipline is elite; he once went through great lengths to get a rug back that really tied the room together. His man coverage skills are lacking, but he makes up for it in his pass rush and bump and run coverage potential.

(4:123) Walter Sobchak, Rutgers, OL. 6'2" 306 lbs.
Sobchak has a bit of a temper that results in some undisciplined behavior on the field, but he is loyal to his team to a fault. His strength is elite, and his pass blocking could develop quite nicely. He does lack in run blocking, but the team doesn't lack in run blockers. Sobchak will most likely be a back up.

(5:132) Theodore Donald "Donny" Kerabatsos, Hawaii, WR/RB/KR. 6'1" 188 lbs.
Say this for Donny boy, the kid can fly like ashes spread in the wind. He can plug in immediately as a return man; however, his pass catching, route running, and penchant for fumbling leave much to be desired. Oddly enough, Donny could develop into a fullback if he meets his potential. His strength and run blocking are very promising in that regard. Is it worth the risk to convert him now, and see if he can gain enough mass? Or does the team leave him at WR and see if he can catch enough FL Hitches?

Late Free Agency

The team added WRs Rod Smith and undrafted rookie Warren Bhatia to the roster prior to training camp. Smith has a great max speed but hasn't really ever had any on field production. For this reason, he's only signed on as a camp body with little hope to make the roster. Bhatia signed a two year deal and doesn't have any great skills, but if training camp works out, he could at least make the roster.

In addition, the defense added Dewey Grimes who was previously settled in as a defensive tackle. Impressively though, Grimes has great man to man and zone coverage skills. He's going to plug in at MLB in hopes that he drops weight and gains some speed. In any case, Grimes is not expected to contribute much and will cost the team very little.