2035 Rookie Training Camp

"Whole lotta growthin' goin' on!" --Reporter Newsman

Booms

The Dude (+4) was a moderately risky pick (volatility notwithstanding), being in that class of high-need-yet-low-yield-on-return late 2nd round pick, but he fell right into the mix at camp and will easily win the starting role at SLB. HIs man coverage skills will never be elite, but he will eventually cap out with a 85 max speed, elite B/R coverage, and excellent pass rush and run defending ability.

Walter Sobchak (+2) seems to have already met his potential in his first training camp. His strength maxes out the equipment on hand, and his technique in pass block is decent. He might not ever be a full-time starter but he can be used in key situations at least. He'll log some time during the pre-season in hopes that he can develop beyond his potential ratings.

Donny Kerabatsos (+4) plugged in all over the offense during camp. He won the KR/PR job from Iggy Infernus, and he's great in run blocking. In addition, he can still stretch the field as a back-up WR as well, so he joins the team's already crowded utility role with Stacker Pentecost and Iggy Infernus.

Warren Bhatia (+2) went undrafted but had a decent camp. He'll never be a burner in the receiving corps, but he outshined William Williams (now age 30). Bhatia has a great chance to make the team, but he'll probably never exceed a 30 catch, 350 yard season...and that's ok.

Busts
None (gasp...)

Preseason 2035

Preseason Record: 3-1

The Arkansas Thrashers had a really productive camp and it showed in the preseason. After a rough showing with against the league champions, the crew bounced back and put together a nice showing for Thrashernation. Here are some highlights:

Offense
As much of the time, it starts and finishes around QB1. John Spartan had a rough outing against Tasmania, throwing 3 picks, but aside from that he completed 70% of his passes with 3 TDs in roughly six quarters of football.

The addition of new linemen, Wilburn Love, Willie Bacon, and Walter Sobchak, seems to have helped eliminate some sack problems from previous years. Across last preseason, nearly 2 sacks per game were allowed; whereas, this preseason only 1.0 sack per game was allowed. Hopefully, this continues into the regular season. All of that to say, the line is once again plagued with injuries, and starters Blaine O'Painless and Matt Hooper remain out for Game 1 of the regular season.

The running game still consists of a thunder and lightning combination of Henri Boudreaux and Iggy Infernus, but newcomer Donny Kerabatsos is expected to carry some of the load to manage touches. The team lost longtime FB Martin Riggs in the offseason, but it appears TE Daniel Orozco and Stacker Pentecost will split time in the position.

The moves to the backfield firmly puts Muhammad Boudreaux as the locked in WR1 now that Sam Quint has moved on. Dutch Schaefer will continue to work out of the slot and stretch, while Rookie Warren Bhatia and speedster Rod Smith will round out the receiving corps. Once again, Stacker Pentecost will contribute as well.

Defense

Several additions and moves were made on the defensive side of the ball. DT Brian Johnson, Rookie SLB Jeff Lebowski, and WLB Henry Tyler have already made an impact on the team. In a wild move, Captain Steve Rodgers was repositioned to starting FS from MLB, and the MLB starter spot was handed to Alvin Taylor. In total, the linebacking corps has been effectively re-built to be much faster than last season. Even LB backups Julio Jones and Martin Brody have great mobility.

The cornerbacks are also cemented with Alfonzo Harris and Nat Romanov, but a late walk-in addition last season has bumped up to the nickel spot: Jeremiah Randall. He's the fastest secondary member on the team, so it will fall to him to defend against the FL Hitches.

Up Next

The team opens the regular season with old time rival Del Fuego Phoenix in what should be an exciting matchup. Stayed tuned!

2035 Quarterly Report

Current Record: 3-1

The Thrashers dominated the Phoenix in the regular season opener, shutting down the long-time rivals 51-0. QB John Spartan was statistically perfect throwing 4 TDs at 90% completion, while the running game amassed nearly 250 yards on the ground with an additional 2 TDs. The party continued against the Pirates defeating them 31-10, but the luck ran out against the Real Kayfabe succumbing to them 20-14. It seems the Kayfabe continues to have the Thrashers' number, but in any case, Arkansas travelled to Wisconsin to put the SnowSharks under the ice 24-10. Over these first four games, the Thrashers have outscored opponents 120 to 40--an incredible +80 margin.

Offense Highlights

John Spartan is projected to bring in under 4000 yards and 30 TDs for the second time in his storied career; however, his completion percentage is about 8 points up from his three year average, while his QB rating hasn't been this high since 2030. It'll be interesting to see where he'll land by season's end. Four games isn't the biggest sample size, but it seems though that this a better than average start for future Hall of Famer.

The running game has been excellent so far in spite of the scary injury to speedster Iggy Infernus. Rookie Donnie Kerabatsos has been an excellent (nearly defying all expectations), pairing with second-year back Henri Boudreaux. Both backs are averaging 4.4 ypc, and although, it's merely a product of game flow, Kerabatsos has already punched the ball in four times compared to Boudreaux's two efforts. Both options have helped in the passing game as well, pulling in 37 passes for 270 yards, with Donnie-boy hauling in another 4 scores there as well.

Receiving-wise, Dutch Schaefer has capitalized once again after having multiple down years. Currently, he's on pace for over 1,300 yards and 80 catches--something he has never achieved (he topped out with 56 catches in 2030). The other receivers seem secondary options at best, but Spartan still spreads the ball fairly evenly and the receivers have been reliable to hold on to the ball. Drops are down as well as fumbles.

Defensive Highlights

You can't talk defense without bring up Michael Cherrito (another future HOFer in this writer's opinion). He's only drawn one sack so far this season but is credited for an incredible 13 hurries already. The big surprise here is the contributions from Rookie LB "Dude" Lebowski who's already gotten 3 sacks on the year. The last time an Arkansas LB had more than one sack in the regular season, you'd have to go back to--you guessed it--2030.

Across this first quarter, the team has 8 sacks, 4 INTs, and 3 Forced Fumbles.

The team pulls a rematch with the Kayfabe in Week 5, but the squad is ready to go. It will no-doubt be a nail-biter to jockey for first place in the division. Check back at the mid-point for another update.

5/8ths Report

Current Record: 7-3

Offensive Highlights

Although the Thrashers have only lost three games (2 to the Kayfabe), it seems some uncertainty has set-in on the team. QB John Spartan is completing over 70% of his passes but is still only projected to get around 3800 yards and 22 TDs. He's only been sacked 10 times this year, which is a significant improvement from last year. Even if he's sacked another 6 times (current pace), it'll be the lowest total in three years.

The running game has slowed as well. Many thought that Henri Boudreaux who started off averaging 4.4 ypc could eclipse 1400 yards rushing and 600 yards receiving, but his 3.9 ypc pushes him dangerously close to not making 1000 rushing yards. On the other hand, he has been an exceptional receiver out of the backfield hauling 61 passes for 393 yards. Iggy Infernus and Donny Kerabatsos have been excellent when healthy to provide relief to Boudreaux.

Dutch Schaefer won't be having a career year, but it will likely be his second best. He's on pace to exceed his highest amount of receptions (58) and it's likely he'll break 1000 yards receiving sometime before Week 16. No one else has bears mentioning, but Spartan has always spread the ball around and there are many contributors on this team, rather than many stars.

Defensive Highlights
The defensive is out of the top 10 in sacks and interceptions in the first time in recent memory; however, the Thrashers are winning games by forcing a lot of punts and keeping scoring relatively low. Most games, the offense controls the time of possession, so the defense doesn't have to spend a lot of time on the field. Stud DE Michael Cherrito has a significant injury that will keep him out until the playoffs more than likely (assuming the boys get in), but through ten games, he's only amassed 3 sacks while getting 28 QB Hurries. Both Alonzo Harris and Nat Romanov are tied with 3 Interceptions each, off pace for their usual totals, but plays are being made in any case.

Most likely minor changes will be made over the course of the next few games. Hard to complain when you are 4 games above .500. Look for the next update at the end of the regular season.

2035 End of Season Report

Final Record: 12-4

The Thrashers finished the season strongly, wining 5 of the final 6 games (only losing to the sizzling Chicago Bears headed to the NFC Championship). Arkansas pulled conference rivals Terre Haute Terror in the Wild Card and were soundly stomped; the offense never strung anything substantial together. Let's take a look back at some of the season highlights on both sides of the ball.

Offensive Recap

QB John Spartan still mulls retirement, but only being 300 yards shy of 50,000 passing yards might encourage him to give it one more go. This season Spartan threw for nearly 4,000 yards and an additional 22 TDs--certainly not the halcyon days of his career, but he's still capable enough physically if he sticks around to compete another year.

The running game was a treat this year. With the combined efforts of Henri Boudreaux, Iggy Infernus, and Donnie Kerabatsos, the team finished 5th in rushes and 7th in yards per game. H. Boudreaux became the first RB in 10 seasons to cruise to over 1,000 yards on the ground while Rookie teammate Kerabatsos logged in 7 rushing touchdowns. All the backs contributed in the passing game as well, hauling in a combined 1,000 yards receiving and 7 receiving TDs.

The wide receivers had a mixed season. Dutch Schaefer led the team again in receptions, and it was nearly a career year. He caught 88 passes for 1,200 yards and 6 TDs. While Muhammad Boudreaux seemed to be getting on a hot streak toward the end of the season, he had trouble with drops, and only ended up with 57 catches and 548 yards. The duo will still be around next season as well, but the team looks to add some talent in free agency and the draft next season.

TE Daniel Orozco subbed in at FB most of the season and did fairly well. Stacker Pentecost, the team's only listed FB, still provides more of a gadget role. He's quick enough to sub at RB if needed, and lines up in all two-TE sets as well. Longtime TE, John Creasy led the group in receptions again with a stat line of 42-391-4. It's possible that the team invests in a more traditional FB role going forward, but otherwise, it's not a glaring hole if things should remain the same.

The offensive line held up pretty well outside of some injuries. RT Roger Murtaugh is expected to leave the team next season, so there will be some large shoes to fill there, but cumulatively, the team only gave up 14 sacks in 2035--half the amount from the previous season. The team expects to retain most of the talent from this year's line, so that helps the team in that regard.

Defensive Recap

The team's record cannot be denied, but defensively, it was the worst showing the team had in years. 10th in Interceptions, 15th in sacks, and 29th in Turnovers. It was not good. Respectively from last season, they were 3rd in Interception, 3rd in Sacks, and 12th in Turnovers. So, what went wrong?

First, the front four was anemic, compared to seasons past. Future HOFer Michael Cherrito spent six games injured, but when he was on the field, he only compiled 2 sacks and an ungodly 28 Hurries--the fewest in recent memory. LDE Chris Shaver was widely ineffective as well and is not set to return next season. DE Ronald Surface lead the teams in sacks with 4. He might slide into the fulltime role next season.

The linebacking corps had a total makeover. Henry Tyler was brought in and contributed a team high 111 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 Interceptions. His strong-side compliment Jeff Lebowski had 56 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception as well. LB Alvin Taylor got promoted to starting MLB with mixed results. It's another area the team will look to improve in the offseason.

In the secondary, Captain Rodgers moved from MLB to FS in a seamless transition. He'll never have blazing speed, but his coverage skills are remarkable. Alonzo Harris once again led the team in interceptions with 5, and Nat Romanov was not far behind with 4 herself. CB Jeremiah Randall held the speedsters in check for the most part on the outside (the FL Hitch side), but occasionally got beat over the top.

Special Teams

K T'challa King finds himself in a bit of a pickle. Across five seasons, he's only averaged 84% from the field and 71.4% from beyond 50 yards. He still put up the 5th best numbers this season, but his percentages were notably lower than all the other kickers above him. The job is his for now, but the team had an additional roster spot and signed K Matthew McQuade to compete for next season. King's skills are measurably better than McQuade's, but McQuade might ensure that King knows his job should not be taken for granted.

Final thoughts

It was another successful season, but the team is missing key pieces to be elite. Spartan is on a (slow) downhill trajectory, and the team does not have a satisfactory replacement if he were to retire. The team could always use another speedy WR. The offensive line has improved but needs to replace Murtaugh. The defensive line needs to be quicker and stronger to force more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The offseason starts soon, and it's back to trenches.

The Offseason - 2036

Retirements

Coach Edward Barboza spent three seasons as the head coach of the Thrashers. In that time, he delivered a division title and a playoff appearance each year of his tenure. Barboza has coached in Football Moguls in some capacity since the league began in 2017.

The Coaching Carousel

In the wake of Coach Barboza's retirement, the team sought out a natural replacement to keep the scheme unchanged and work to the team's strengths. The Thrashers brought in Coach Terry Caskey, who was recently released from the Irvine Anteaters. Coach Caskey will maintain the West Coast Scheme and 4-3 Defense, and brings a certain pedigree to the team having been to a Super Bowl in 2029 with the Terror.

The team also brought in Coach Russel Kimbrel to work with the Tight Ends.

Many of the other coaches were re-signed within their roles to keep some consistency within the organization.

Early Free Agency

The Thrashers made attempted to pull in some big name talent in the offseason but ultimately failed to capitalize. The market was too high. However, the team landed some nice pieces, some foundational and others complimentary, to keep constructing the team.

WR Gary Crume signed a 5-year contract (from RMB) to fortify the receiver corps. Crume is a 5th year player out of Montana and played four seasons with Frozen Tundra Sharks. The wideout has decent speed and excellent route running ability.

CB Herbert Nicholes signed a 3-year contract (from BCD) to add more speed to the secondary. Nicholes lacks the coverage skills to be an every down player, but he'll add to special teams depth as well, notably as a gunner.

Long-time DT Joseph Fields signed a 3-year contract (from DET). Fields brings a valued combination of strength, quickness, pass-rushing and run-stopping. Last year, the team added Brian Johnson, who was an upgrade to Thor Odinson. This newest move is the same step again. Along with third year player, Krishna Jaggernath, the team has best group of defensive tackles they've had in years.

Last year's pass rushing was the worst in recent memory. Many factors can be blamed including the health of DEs Chris Shaver and Michael Cherrito. Shaver's and perennial backup Patrick Murray's contracts expired last season. To quell that, the team brought in two new faces that should be with the team for some years to come.

DE Wade Crandall signed a 4-year contract (from TAZ), and should shore up the left side with a capable mix of speed, strength, and pass rushing. In addition, DE Walter Klaus was signed to a 5-year contract (from MEM) who brings a very similar skill set as well.

2036 Draft

The Thrashers entered the season with a number priorities in free agency and the draft. After addressing the defensive line in free agency, the team looked toward the draft. The largest needs for the team were QB, FB/TE, OL, MLB, and LB depth.

1(26): **** Hardwick II, TE, Southern Mississippi. 6'3" 265 lbs.
The son of former Thrasher **** Hardwick (I) had an excellent four year career at SoMiss and possesses excellent speed and strength at the position. The Thrashers lack an excellent blocking TE, and Hardwick could be an every down player if he reaches his potential. However, he's been volatile in the past, especially his weight, so there are some concerns there. The team still has long-time TEs John Creasy, Stacker Pentecost, and Daniel Orozco. Creasy is 28 this season and is signed through next season, and Orozco plays primarily at FB for his run blocking ability; Pentecost has spent his career playing all over the field and has been seen trying to primarily play in the slot as a receiver lately. Hardwick could provide coverage as FB2 and TE2 and take the lead when Creasy moves on after the 2037 season.

3(88): Major Bohner, LB, Colorado. 6'0", 242 lbs.
Bohner fills a need in the linebacking corps, purely as a backup. He lacks the speed, quickness, and strength to be a top prospect, but his coverage skills and pass rushing potential is noteworthy. It's likely that Bohner will make the team if he meshes and has a good camp. He could challenge longtime vet Simon Phoenix for a roster spot.

5(152): Dixon Cox, CB, Georgia. 6'0", 228 lbs.
Cox is a bit of a late round flyer with above average speed, which the team always favors. He's got a really low floor when it comes to coverage skills, but his potential for defending against the run could help. He could line up as a safety as well. He'll never project as a starter, but if Cox drops weight in camp he could be a back-up defender and a special teams ace.

6(167): Holden McHunt, WR, Texas Tech. 6'0", 195 lbs.
McHunt has relatively nice speed and pass catching courage. His receiving skills are pretty lacking. It's unlikely the kid makes the team, but Coach Caskey likes speed, and that's what McHunt has going for him.

2036 Training Camp

"There will be no Max Dicken in this year's draft class. There will be no Christmas. Life is meaningless and full of pain. Good day, sir! I said, GOOD DAY."-- Reporter Newsman

The rookies are bad enough that I won't breathe their phallically delicious names.

Stacker Pentecost's transition to WR seems to be the best move the team has made. If he can continue to cut weight, he'll be a match up nightmare for years to come.

The team's goals this season are as follows: 1) tank for a high QB pick next season, 2) send John Spartan off to the sunset with over 50,000 passing yards and 350 TDs (700 yards and 12 TDs to go!), and 3) be experimental with the offense and defense to find different, effective plays.

Coach Caskey will not be eliminated as a coach based off the team's performance. Little Rock, WELCOME TO TANKTOWN!

EDIT: The team will be competitive. I have no intentions to put a punter in at QB or anything ridiculous. I don't want an opposing team to beat me by 100. I do, however, want to lose.

All trades are welcome to unload talent for the rebuild. See Trading Block for details.

2036 Preseason and Trade News

The Thrashers Organization was not exaggerating when they declared the team was open to trades to build future draft capital. All told, the team made four moves, landing them 6 additional picks in next year's draft.

The team says farewell to Dutch Schaefer, Simon Phoenix, Matthew McQuade, and 2036 first round pick **** Hardwick II.

In addition, the team signed TEs Julio Cole and Michael Johnson, QB Milton Surrette, and WR Lecarpetron Dookmariott.

The Thrashers also extended the contracts of RB Henri Boudreaux, WR Ignatius Infernus, and CB Nat Romanov.

During the Preseason, the Arkansas Thrashers went 4-0, which was rather bad news for the team intending to tank this season, but hey, it's the preseason. The team opens against the London Ravens in London, which should be an interesting game to test just how far the Thrashers are willing to go to stink this year.

2036 Regular Season Update

Thrashers Defense Shocks Terre Haute Terror
September 15, 2036
by
Reporter Newsman

All off-season and through training camp, news was a-buzz about the intentions for the Thrashers to tank this season for the QB lottery. Instead, after two regular season games, Arkansas is the only team without a loss in the AFC East.

Across two games, the defense has only allowed 10 points. In 29 opposing drives, only 2 have managed to be productive. The unit as a whole has worked beautifully together. Only one starter, SLB Dude Lebowski is allowing over 50% of his passes caught. DE Michael Cherrito made 2 sacks, forced a safety, and had 9 QB Hurries, while the secondary has chipped in 4 Interceptions and 23 knockdowns in the same stretch. FS Captain Steve Rodgers ripped off 37 yard pick-six against the Terror in Week 2.

One the flip, the offense has been pedestrian for the most part (one rushing TD; one passing TD). QB John Spartan seems to be settled in as a game manager, completing 75% of his passes while not throwing a single pick through two games. The team leads the league in rush attempts, so as a result, this approach has absolutely dominated the time of possession nearly 3:1.

The season has just begun, and this author doesn't quite see any major victories ahead. Spartan is not the MVP. Henri Boudreaux isn't winning a rushing title. Dutch Schaefer is on another team, and his replacement Stacker Pentecost was already injured badly enough to not play in Week2. However, the defense is playing extraordinary enough to justify this update. Do I see a championship returning to Arkansas in February? Hardly. Am I stunned with the results thus far? Absolutely.