Maassluis Merchantmen, take 3 (FOF MP) [Archive] - Page 2

MIJB#19

04-21-2020, 11:51 AM

General Manager Notes: So far so good!
We won on the road!

No really, we did. After our near unbeatable road game status in 2087, when we won 7 straight to reach the playoffs and saw the streak end in the divisional round at the Orlando Talons, the 2088 season was an 0 for 8 campaign. Our stop was Frederick to face the Red Menace and their brand new quarterback Angel Henson. Well, no worries, we've got our very own rookie quarterback with a 1-0 record. The #1 overall versus the #13 overall pick. Yes, the media were on it.

Things didn't start that well for us. Despite that sacked Henson on his first all passing drive, it took them three minutes to see their star wide receiver hurdle into our endzone on a 25-yard catch and run. Our respons was a decent drive ending in a 38-yard field goal. After a couple of three and outs, we forced them to punt after 4 plays anchored by Daquan Espino's 9-yard sack of Henson. Yet another three and out for our offense left a minute to play in the first quarter, a couple of neat throws brought them into our territory to end the first quarter with Frederick leading 7-3.

A couple of penalties didn't push them back enough to get into field goal range, but the range turned out to be too much to ask, the kick fell short. Our reply was a quartet of neat runs from Francisco Patter and Reggie Thongchanh, followed by Bell finding Theo Bondy for a 35-yard gain. Two plays later, Patter ran it in for the 10-7 lead. Defenses started to dominate, although our own chances were mostly diminished by penalties. It resulted in thr Red Menace getting a short field and a 38-yard pass from Henson to Jermome Barber put them back in the lead (14-10). Our running game continued to be solid and with a minute to go, Bell threw a short pass to Patter, who managed to turn it into a 24-yard touchdown catch. The defense was stout enough to maintain the 17-14 lead into the half time break.

First drive of the second half, an obnoxiously short kickoff return pushed us deep in our territory. Bell found Ronnie Hammond for 23 yards, Patter ran for 24 yards. It was enough to have a shot at a three-pointer, but Emmitt Wells missed the 47-yarder. Our defense started to bend, but forcing a 19-yard field goal felt like a victory. After an exchange of three-and-outs, we managed to resparkle our confidence. Steadily we marched into the Red Menace territory, Bell found Hammond for 25 yards and on second and goal, Patter ran it in from 3 yards out. We cheered too early, a penalty called it back and we had to settle for a 25-yard field goal, yet a 20-17 lead to end the third quarter.

The fourth quarter started with the play of the game. Henson's pass was picked off by Kirk Hitchcock and he ran it 33 yards back for the touchdown and a 27-17 lead. Now, it was all up to the defense to figure out that all passing offense from the Red Menace and primarily focus on the red zone defense. First drive, crucial third down defended pass by Hitchock. Their second drive, we allowed them to sniff at midfield. Bell responded with a 22-yard pass to Hammond to put them back at their turf on their next drive. Henson found R.J. Wiggins for 30 yards, then Jerome Barber for 33 yards to get into our 6-yard line. Another defended pass by Hitchcock, our alert defender on a Henson scramble and then a dropped pass made us force them to kick a 20-yarder. Leading 27-20, we had an efficient time outs burning drive. We pushed them back to their 19-yard line with 1:51 to go. 8 yards, 35 yards, 7 yards, they quickly marched into our turf. Ball spiked, 27 second to go. Gene Kondosvki pressured Henson into throwing it away, fourth down and three. Henson threw it to Barber, who used his hands illegally, but cornerback Jessie McNeil still managed to bat it away and we gladly declined the penalty. Knee drop Bell for the 27-20 victory!

Bell completed 21 of 37 passes for 259 yards and 1 touchdown without interception. Ronne Hammond lead the receivers again with 6 catches for 90 yards, Theo Bondy was held to 5 catches for 71 yards. Francisco Patter ran 17 times for 80 yards and a score, adding a receiving touchdown to it as well. The Red Menace's Henson completed 37 of 64 passes for 509 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception and got sacked twice.

Sure, we got outgained 517 to 385 yards, but we were clearly more efficient in what was probably an even game, if not for the two-score lead taking pick six from Kirk Hitchcock. We failed to pressure their quarterback, but the defense defended 11 passes, on top of that single interception.

Elsewhere in the IHOF, our division rivals all won as well. Paris won 27-20 at the Williamsburg Colonials, Bordeaux beat the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums 22-16 and Gothenburg beat the Chesapeake Chitterlings 27-23. Rookie Mercury Pierce got the start for the Giants, could this kid be for real?

Division:
1. Maassluis 2-0
2. Paris 2-0
3. Gothenburg 1-1
4. Bordeaux 1-1

Up next, the Houston Mustangs. They'll be motivated to test our rookie quarterback Brandon Bell, given that we picked him with the first round pick we got from them. They picked wide receiver Ruben Lynn for the pick they received back then, he's got 13 career catches, none so far this season. Let's hope we can make them regret that trade even more by bringing our A game. Or B game as we're already jokingly calling it.

But let's not get carried away now, a 2-0 start can still end up in a 2-14 season. Surely, we hope to improve to 3-0, but Houston also had a 2-0 start. They finished last season with a 6-3 series, starting it with a 30-23 win in our place. It's time to avenge that. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

04-21-2020, 05:59 PM

Maassluis Merchantmen, masters of trading, episode 1.

We're in the middle of the 86th regular season of the IHOF. Rookie quarterback Brandon Bell has been a pleasant surprise in the first two games, but he wouldn't have been here had the Merchantmen not traded their late first round pick of the 2088 draft to the Houston Mustangs in exchange for a 2089 first round pick. A pick that ended up being the #13 overall and as the Merchantmen stayed there, the end result was picking Bell.

With just two games on his resume, it's clearly way too early to claim this trade was good or bad. But there's no reason not to look at the past and dig up memories on historic moments in Merchantmen trading tradition. There a lot to pick from, as the Merchantmen have made no less than 343 trades in 86 off-seasons and incidentally a trade or two during the regular season. Wouldn't it be neat to look back on some of those moments. Let's try to see if it's possible to count down the top 10 best trades, throw in a handful of bad ones and one specific trade that never happened, which could have had major implications on the history of the Merchantmen.

To kick off this series, let's take a look at the day the Maassluis Merchantmen picked the player that ended up wearing the #86 jersey: wide receiver Gabe Springer.

It was early in the 2016 draft. THe IHOF until that point had a tradition of quarterbacks getting picked #1 overall. The class of 2016 wasn't all that bad, the Chesapeake Chitterlings managed to selected Glenn "GC75" Coleman with the second pick of the second round. A completely different and new trend was established in the first round, 2016 became the draft of the wide receivers.

Going into the draft, the Maassluis Merchantmen held the #17 overall pick and had their eyes on one and only one player: wide receiver Gabe Springer. A combine skipper, thus interviewing his was considered crucial in the war room in Maassluis. It gave the team management a sense that he was very underrated and as such Springer was highlighted on their draft board.

The Houston Mustangs started the draft of wide receivers by taking Dusty Kassem #1 overall. Ironically, he ended up being the lesser of four wide receivers taken in the first round, all in the top eight. Brandon LaCour was taken with the #5 overall by the Asheville Axemen and the #6 became Syracuse Mohawks legend Cris Anthony (#2 all time in receiving yards). At that point, it was the Merchantmen's belief that Springer would not last until that #17 overall pick and it was time to make a move. The Oakland Black Panthers decided to invest in Brant Pancake as their quarterback at #7 overall. The Boulder Blizzard then were on the clock.

The Merchantmen were coming off an 8-8 campaign and had fallen from a team with an elite defense to a barely over .500 team. With that reputation in mind, the Merchantmen offered the #17 overall and their 2017 first round pick to move up 9 slots. Negotiations were short, the trade was accepted and the Merchantmen management was overjoyed: Maassluis got the #8 overall pick and would get it's own super star wide receiver by selecting Gabe Springer out of Ohio.

The Boulder Blizzard would later on trade down from 1.17 to 1.28 and additionally acquired the North Plainfield Plague's first round pick in 2018. The frenzy continued as shortly after picking linebacker Cary Wofford with that 1.28 pick, the Blizzard sent the rights to Wofford back to the Plague for two third and two fifth round picks that draft, as well as the Plague's second round picks in 2017 and 2018 and third round pick in 2017.

The gist of things was Maassluis getting their wide receiver. Gabe Springer turned out to be the guy they wanted to have. Springer served as the #1 target for HOF quarterback Louie Flannery for 4 seasons and then for HOF quarterback Russell Harrison until Springer retired after the lost AOC Championship game in the 2027 season.

Maassluis Merchantmen send:
2016 1.17 pick
2017 1st Maassluis

Boulder Blizzard send:
2016 1.8 pick

The sacrificed 2017 first round pick ended up being the #15 overall, which the Blizzard used to pick wide receiver Van Pool, who retired after 12 seasons of a bit of bouncing around with 393 catches for 5,167 yards and 31 touchdowns, getting just one 1,000-yard season, achieved in his third and final season in Boulder. He did win a championship ring as the third wide receiver for the Superior Intellects in IHOF Bowl XX at the end of the 2023 season.

The 2016 #17 overall pick was used by the North Plainfield Plague to select safety Kevin Hickman. After being a starter in his rookie season, he left the Plague after 5 seasons, having been buried in their depth chart. He hopped around as a dime back for three more season and retired after 95 regular season games with 4 interceptions (2 of those in his rookie season), 27 defended passes, 186 tackles and 64 assists.

The Merchantmen were perhaps the obvious winners from the trade. Although back then all that mattered was getting Springer and back in 2016 the value of a star wide receiver was roughly two first round picks. Playoffs success was limited with Springer around. In the middle of the '20s, Springer was the centerpiece of a 500-points caliber offense in 2023 with HOF quarterback "Rusty" Harrison, HOF running back Stanley Givens and Springer's understudy Terry Thomason. In following years the Merchantmen bolstered their defense. The 2027 AOC Championship game turned out to be the deepest the Merchantmen would get into the playoffs with Gabe Springer. He retired after a Hall of Fame worthy career with 1,077 catches for 14,531 yards and 105 touchdowns in 170 regular season games, all wearing the Maassluis Merchantmen's #86 jersey.

MIJB#19

04-22-2020, 02:02 PM

General Manager Notes: Fun while it lasted
We're back to the land of the mortals.

Starting the season 2-0 was a welcome surprise, but today the Houston Mustangs put us in our place, probably. After a 30-9 drubbing, we know one thing for sure: we can't think we're already back in the land of the playoff caliber teams. Brandon Bell completed 15 of 37 passes for 106 yards, Theo Bondy had 2 catches for 14 yards.

What has me worried is that the staff keeps thinking it's a great idea to not use our best player on offense. Have they forgotten or never noticed we have Theo Bondy on our team? So far he's been targeted 22 times, cumulative over 3 games. Problem remains to be that opposing defenses will try to double cover our man. Hence the reason to sign a guy like Ronnie Hammond to have a legitimate WR2 and put Branden Sandlin in the WR3 spot that suits him.

And Francisco Patter continues to be angry, just because he isn't in our 113 formation. Get real, kid, you're getting 75% of the carries now, stop complaining!

At least we can put everything negative aside next week. Oh wait, it's once again our bye week already, in week 4 of the regular season. That never gets old, I guess.

Enough complaining, we're 2-1 and despite that the rest of the division is as well, we're still in the lead. Yay!

European Division:
1. Maassluis 2-1
2. Paris 2-1
3. Bordeaux 1-2
4. Gothenburg 1-2

So, next up a bye week. And then, in week 5, the Tucker Tigers. Yummy! We'll get them in Oranje Haven, but still, they're one of two undefeated teams in the AOC. They other team was our opponent from Houston earlier today.

The good news? It actually felt bad losing today, which is a signal I have by no means gotten accustomed to it. Let's keep that up. We've got our fair share of losses against them, but notching win #19 would put is one more away from batting .333 against them. Which is actually kind of decent in the grand scheme of things. The little wins count too. We can do this.

Back to the drawing board and see where it well gut us. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

04-22-2020, 06:16 PM

Maassluis Merchantmen, masters of trading, episode 2.

The story of the trading tradition in Maassluis. Nobody kept track, except for the Merchantmen themselves on their own trades, but it's likely the Merchantmen have made the most deals of all over the past 86 off-seasons and a bit of regular season trading. The idea was to count down the top 10 best trades, to throw in a handful of bad ones and one specific trade that never happened, which could have had major implications on the history of the Merchantmen. Episode 1's trade for the 2016 #8 overall pick that was used on wide receiver Gabe Springer will certainly ranks in the top 10 all-time, but where? Let's save that question for later and switch from #86 to #89, wide receiver Terry Haskell.

The 2035 season had been a very good one for the Maassluis Merchantmen. After 6 seasons outside the playoffs and seeing the Bordeaux Vineyards pull of an equally long series of European division titles, the Merchantmen finally restored their dominance. Before Bordeaux' unprecedented streak in the division, the division title tally was Maassluis 12, Bordeaux 8, Gothenburg 6, Paris 3. The 11-5 record was far from good enough to even sniff at the byes as the top two seeds in the AOC both put down a 14-2 record. The Merchantmen ended up beating the 12-4 wild card Fort Wayne Fury, but were no match for the nearly unstoppable Tucker Tigers en route to their second straight IHOF Bowl victory, their first back-to-back league championships.

Result of that campaign was a #26 overall first round pick for the Merchantmen. While the draft was slowly starting to roll, the Merchantmen had put their eyes on wide receiver Terry Haskell. Yes, they interviewed him prior to the draft and they were very impressed as the staff back then felt Haskell was a very underrated prospect (and he was, on arrival Merchantmen staff assessed him as a 42-potential player on a 1-100 scale). It would turn out to be a draft of wide receivers (shocker!) with seven of them taken in the first round, all of them with the top 18 picks.

To be able to make a move, the Merchantmen jumped on the Paris Musketeers' willingness to trade the #20 overall pick for two second and one third round pick in that 2036 draft (#56, #57 and #80 overall). Due to their trading in prior off-seasons, the Merchantmen were stocked with even more picks. Dating back from the 2033 off-season, they had acquired third rounders from Tucker, Minnesota, Texas and second rounders from Texas and Outer Banks. At that point, those second rounders were already gone, one of them in the move up to #20, another went to Rochester Razorbacks to be able to acquire veteran wide receiver Russell Holliday.

Anyway, stocked with picks, the Merchantmen rang the Neverland Ranch Hands and packaged the #20 and #26 overall picks, as well as a triplet of third rounders (#80, #90 and #96 overall) for the #6 overall and a 2037 third round pick. Hoping it would be high enough to grab their diamond in the rough.

In a change of events, the Neverland Ranch Hands ended up trading both the 1.20 and 1.26 picks to acquire the 1.3 overall pick from the Asheville Axemen and ended up selecting wide receiver Vincent Reblin. An obvious sigh of relief for the Merchantmen, whom had traded up for a different wide receiver.

Pick 1.20 ended up being traded by Asheville to the Vicksburg Vipers to be able to select cornerback J.C. Abrams. Pick 1.26 ironically moved back to Maassluis in exchange for their 2037 first round pick to be able to pick defensive tackle Jerome Tyson. Picks 3.24 and 3.26 remained in Neverland Ranch Hands hands, they were used to select wide receiver Reggie Thorstenson and defensive tackle Bill Lewitt. The 3.32 was traded by Neverland Ranch to the Orlando Talons to be able to select offensive tackle (to be moved to guard) Melvin Connell.

Maassluis Merchantmen send:
2036 1.20 pick
2036 1.26 pick
2036 3.24 pick
2036 3.26 pick
2036 3.32 pick

Neverland Ranch Hands send:
2036 1.6 pick
2037 3rd Neverland Ranch

#20 overall pick J.C. Abrams turned out to be a solid cornerback for the Vicksburg Vipers, sticking around for 9 seasons, missing 7 regular season games and participating in 10 playoffs games. 13 interceptions, 105 defended passes, 5 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 418 tackles and 118 assists was his resume in Vicksburg. His 10th and final season in the IHOF was underwhelming with no interceptions or defended passes, despite playing on 428 passing plays for the Hanalei Dragons.

#26 overall pick defensive tackle Jerome Tyson was a welcome addition to the Merchantmen defense, but after four seasons, salary cap issues made them release him as the start of the 2040 off-season, despite having signed an expensive 4-year deal in the 2039 off-season. He bounced around with 3 seasons for the Moontown Darksiders, 3 seasons with the Hanalei Dragons, 2 with the Toronto Lake Monsters and one final game for the Augusta Greenjackets. In 2039 he was an All-IHOF first team selection, which was a cause for the Merchantmen and Tyson being unable to agree to a contract that would work under their tight cap situation. Tyson ended up retiring with 377 tackles, 166 assists, 35.5 sacks, 93 hurries, 30 blocked passes in 182 games in 13 seasons. He participated in 12 playoffs games, most prominently the 2039 IHOF Bowl XLII in which the Chesapeake Chitterlings beat the Merchantmen 23-10.

Neverland Ranch's third round picks all turned out to be duds. Wide receiver Reggie Thorstenson played only two seasons there, accumulating 82 catches for 1,065 yards and 8 touchdowns. In four more seasons with the Colorado Cutthroats he failed to get above 1,000 yards for a single season either. In 2042 Colorado decided to let Thorstenson walk in free agency and no other team showed any interest, despite coming of his most productive season with 75 catches for 864 yards. Defensive tackle Bill Lewitt was released after 4 underwhelming seasons with 46 tackles, 30 assists and 6.5 sacks in total.

Orlando's guard Melvin Connell remained inactive throughout the 2036 season and got cut in the 2037 off-season. He never got to play a down in the IHOF. That too happens at times, even for third round picks.

That 2037 third round pick from the Neverland Ranch Hands ende dup being the 3.14 pick, which the Merchantmen packaged in a swap of three third round picks for a 2039 second round pick and some 2038 picks from the Outer Banks Ospreys. The Ospreys used that 2037 3.14 pick to select wide receiver Marc Kohler, with 78 catches in 102 regular season games and 7 seasons, an afterthought in their game plan.

Terry Haskell at #6 overall was still considered to be like hitting the jackpot for the Merchantmen. Evidently they knew what they were doing, grabbing this undervalued wide receiver that would end up being their all-time leading receiver (until Theo Bondy most likely catches up somewhere in the 2090s). 1,086 receptions, 15,001 yards, 127 touchdowns in 202 regular season games. 19 more playoffs games for 101 catches, 1,254 yards and 8 touchdowns, including 8 catches for 85 yards in the lost IHOF Bowl XLII. After a Haskell unworthy 58 catches for 671 yards, the 21-13 loss to the San Antonio Tidal Force in the 2048 divisional round was his last game in the IHOF. He retired in the following off-season, to get selected into the IHOF's Solecismic Hall of Fame in 2053. One of seven players from that 2036 draft class, one of the other six being linebacker Wesley Devine, with whom Haskell played together on the same team for all that time. They got inducted into the HOF together.

MIJB#19

04-23-2020, 02:20 PM

Maassluis Merchantmen, masters of trading, episode 3.

It never gets old for Merchantmen fans to hear old stories of obscure trades that happend in 86 off-seasons in the IHOF. The plan was to count down the top 10 best trades, in between throw in a handful of bad ones and one specific trade that never happened, which could have had major implications on the history of the Merchantmen. Episode 1 and 2 were about how #86 Gabe Springer and #89 Terry Haskell each become the best wide receiver in Merchantmen history, with a HOF worthy career. Let's continue with the third amazingly talented wide receiver, like Springer and Haskell a home grown top 10 pick, which in team tradition was acquired through trade: J.R. Mills.

The trip in the time machine brings us back to the 2069 off-season. Maassluis Merchantmen had gotten quite lazy in recent off-seasons, not preparing themselves well for the draft with their usual spreadsheets and all. Perhaps spoiled from their first (and so far only) IHOF Bowl victory at the end of the 2066 season and actually thinking 10-win seasons will be sufficient all the time. In 2068, after a 10-6 campaign and choking in the wild card round against fellow 10-win Tucker Tigers, the time for change was announced. A record and playoffs exit that earned the Merchantmen the #24 overall pick for the 2069 draft.

An overjoyed general manager M.IJ.B. was happy to announce a deal with the Moontown Darksiders. Part of the happiness was explained by this being the 300th trade in franchise history (incidentally not M.IJ.B.'s 300th trade in IHOF, in 2017 temporary substitute dann made two draft day trades). The joy came from the ability to move up in the draft from the #24 slot. It cost them their second, third and fourth round picks, as well as an additional second round pick that was acquired from Texas during the 2068 draft for that draft's second round pick.

Ironically, the Merchantmen general manager back then apologized to other g.m.'s for making trade talks so difficult, claiming "It took [Moontown] an hour to convince me to trade after all. Y'all know it's unusual for me to actually want to keep a truckload of picks, but with my decimated roster, I actually wanted to keep a pick or 10". J.R. Mills it was after all the debating. He turned out to be the most productive receiver of his draft class and one of 12 to get elected into the Hall of Fame.

The Moontown Darksiders held onto the four highest picks and got linebacker Kendall Sualua, left tackle Randall Fleming, defensive end Rodney Root and offensive tackle Tim Parker with them. The 4.24 pick was traded to the Capital City Blues for cornerback Randall Heinlein. Capital City then spent the pick on center Noah Springer

Maassluis Merchantmen send:
2069 1.24 pick
2069 2.24 pick
2069 2.29 pick
2069 3.24 pick
2069 4.24 pick

Moontown Darksiders send:
2069 1.9 pick

The #24 overall pick linebacker Kendall Sualua turned out to be a centerpiece for the Moontown Darksiders' exceptional dynasty, winning 4 IHOF Bowls in the '70s. He left Moontown after 11 seasons for 2 more with the Iowa Cobbers and an HOF worthy career. Ten times did Sualua record 100+ tackles, but he also added 19.0 sacks and 28 forced fumbles.

Left tackle Randall Fleming won three championship rings in Moontown, missing the 2079 title after having signed with the Houston Mustangs, where he spent the last 2 seasons of his HOF worthy career. Fleming was a phenomenal run blocker, posting three season with 40+ key run blockers for the Darksiders. He finished his career with 375 key run blocks in the regular season and 39 in 19 playoffs games.

Left tackle Tim Parker's career in Moontown was short, active in 26 games and being released during the 2071 season. It meant he was cut in the middle of the Darksiders' first IHOF Bowl winning season. Two seasons with the Harlem Apollos didn't help his career get a real boost, he retired after his two-year contract expired and no other team offered him a third chance in the league.

Noah Springer's career brought him to five different teams. Capital City let him walk away after 4 seasons in a backup role. The Gothenburg Giants signed him in the 2074 off-season, but released him in pre-season. In 2074 the Frederick Red Menace offered him a new opportunity in a backup role, but in the 2075 off-season he was released. During the 2075 pre-season he signed with the Arizona Miners, playing 11 games there in a backup role. I 2076 he signed a one-year deal with the San Antonio Tidal Force, but remained inactive that season. It was his last stint.

Given their four league championships, with two hall of famers out of this particular trade, it's hard to argue the Darksiders didn't get their fair share of success out of this trade.

Merchantmen fans would probably have liked to see #82 wearing J.R. Mills get a championship ring for himself, but he didn't get closer than the lost AOC Championship game in 2078. Mills' career notoriously ended after 11 seasons. With just 839 catches, Mills still managed to get 14,944 receiving yards for 85 touchdowns. 57 yards short of tying Terry Haskell for the Merchantmen franchise record. Mills did have a sensational 2077 campaign with 111 catches for 2,228 yards, the only season he was an All-IHOF first teamer. His 63 games with 100+ yards receiving was a franchise record, until Theo Bondy jumped ahead in the 2088 season by setting the new mark at 66 and counting.

MIJB#19

04-24-2020, 11:09 AM

Solid Merchantmen victory over Tigers
The 2089 season continues to be better than hoped for the Maassluis Merchantmen. With a solid 23-17 victory over the previously undefeated Tucker Tigers, the Merchantmen improved to 3-1 and sitting in the middle of the playoffs race spots. Brandon Bell earned his second player of the game honors.

After a bye week and before that a lesson in high level football, the Merchantmen were in for another big test, facing the Tucker Tigers. With a 4-0 record and solid football on the field, the Tigers are looking like the Tigers again. The Merchantmen however are wrestling with an identity crisis. The defense has been struggling for years, while the search for a new franchise quarterback appeared to be harder than they're used to. Taking Brandon Bell in the first round, 13th overall even, the media was all over this reached pick.

First drive of the game, the Tucker Tigers to receive the ball. Despite some strong plays early, they were halted at the Merchantmen 42-yard line. The Merchantmen responded with a bang, on the second play of the drive, starting at their own 27-yard line, Theodore Bondy went deep, caught Brandon Bell's first pass of the game close to midfield and turned it into a 73-yard touchdown. Oranje Haven exploded: this is football. The Tigers seemed unmoved, drove downfield on their next drive, but safety Riddick Newsome was spot on, in the Merchantmen red zone and picked off Donovan Muth on a short throw to the fullback. Francisco Patter ran for 10 and 11 yards, followed by another deep throw from Bell, this time to Branden Sandlin for 42 yards. A holding penalty in the red zone forced the Merchantmen to kick, but going 10-0 early exceeded expectations. The Merchantmen defense responded with forcing the Tigers to punt, except that Courtney Blackwell dropped the punt return after a 16-yard gain and two plays later, Greg Ena ran ran it in for 12 yards and a 10-7 Tigers deficit.

Reggie Thongchanh opened the second quarter with a 23-yard run, taking full advantage of Howard Humphrey's typical dominating run blocking on the right side of the line. Francisco Patter ran for 12 yards and Thongchanh followed yup with a 20-yarder to march into the red zone. Francisco Patter showed his third down skills, converting on third and one and getting the additional two yards to dive into the end zone for the 17-7 lead. The Tigers tried to reply with a solid drive of their own, but a holding penalty pushed them back, making an 18-yard catch by Lewis Burchfield at midfield still way short of moving the chains. Brandon Bell quickly lead his offense into Tigers territory, leaning heavily on a screen pass to Ronnie Hammond that turned int a 32-yard gain. The Tigers defense played a firm red zone defense and the Merchantmen settled for a 25-yard field goal and the 20-7 lead with 2 minutes remaining in the first half. Greg Ena ran for 34 yards and the Tigers marched forward. Andy Russell sacked Donovan Muth on second and ten, eventually forcing the Tigers to settle as well, a 29-yard kick made it 20-10 for Maassluis at half time.

The second quarter the Merchantmen got the ball first and continued their solid offensive play. Brandon Bell found tight end Jeffrey Blake for 10 yards, Reggie Thongchanh ran for 11 yards and on third and short, Bell connected with tight end Renaldo Crawford for a scree pass that turned into a 23-yard gain. On third and 12, firmly within field goal range, the line collapsed and as Brandon Bell tried to salvage the field goal, his 3 yard scramble resulted in a fumble and a turnover. The Merchantmen defense proved they got Bell's back and forced the Tigers to punt within 2 minutes of clock time after the turnover. Perhaps overwhelmed by his first career turnover, Bell's offense was kept to three and out, helping the Tigers get a somewhat short field. A penalty and the ferocious pass rush from the Merchantmen pushed the Tigers back, but the 20-yard punt return by Courtney Blackwell resulted in his second lost fumble of the game. His fellow cornerback saved the day on the next play, picking off Donovan Muth a couple of steps outside the end zone and the Merchantmen were starting to believe that this good showing so far could actually end up in a victory. Francisco Patter converted a couple of three and one plays and Brandon Bell himself scrambled for a couple of short gains. An unnecessary roughness penalty helped the Merchantmen into field goal range and despite Bell getting sacked on third and long, Emmitt Wells received applause for his 47-yard field goal. Maassluis was up 23-10 against the Tucker Tigers, with one quarter of football still to be played.

The roaring Tigers' offense apparently woke up now. Steadily, they ran for first down after first down and after 5 minutes of possession, Donovan Muth found his tight end Ron Virgadamo for a 21-yard touchdown play and trimming the score to a 23-17 deficit. An impressive kickoff return by Tracy Arntt was called back by a penalty, shortly followed by Brandon Bell getting sacked for the second time, this time on third and three. The Merchantmen defense returned back into action, Muth was pressured into throwing the ball away on third and long. Brandon Bell responded with a 12-yard pass to Theodore Bondy, but a couple of players later, his scramble on third and long was way short to move the chains. Punter Doug Guynes pinned the Tigers deep at their own 5-yard line with barely more than 4 minutes remaining and needing a touchdown. Donovan Muth found Tyrone Starks for a crucial 32-yard gain on third and ten. The Merchantmen pass rush showed up again, forcing a hurry immediately followed by a sack. On fourth and 14, the Tigers went for it from midfield and the Tigers' call was to throw it short, with both Merchantmen cornerbacks all over Tyrone Starks. The two-minute warning and two time outs gave the Tigers the ball back with 94 seconds to go. Hopes of coming back from behind where quickly gone as Jessie McNeil intercepted Donovan Muth on first and 20. Three plays later, victory formation was there: the Merchantmen completed a 23-17 victory!

Brandon Bell completed 15 of 22 passes for 245 yards, with 1 touchdown and a lost fumble. He outgained Tucker's Donovan Muth, who completed 27 of 44 passes for 210 yards with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Theodore BOndy had 5 catches for 114 yards, Reggie Thongchanh ran 12 times for 97 yards, Francisco Patter 16 times for 77 yards and a touchdown. With 3 sacks, 8 hurries and 1 blocked pass, the Merchantmen pass rush disrupted 12 of 47 pass plays. The Merchantmen secondary made 3 interceptions and the defense added 4 defended passes to that.

Elsewhere in Europe, the Gothenburg Giants beat the Bordeaux Vineyards 26-19 in a game where punt returns accounted for 2 of the 5 touchdowns in the game, while the Paris Musketeers steamrolled the Augusta Greenjackets 39-7 with 6 field goals and a late game pick six to seal victory.

Standings:
1. Gothenburg 4-1
2. Maassluis 3-1
3. Paris 3-1
4. Bordeaux 2-3

Victories over two 4-1 division leaders help the Merchantmen into a stronger strength of victory tie-breaker to sit ahead of Paris' three wins over below .500 opponents. But it's so early in the season, that's worth very little.

After 4 games for the Merchantmen, Brandon Bell has completed 75 of 128 passes for 872 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. A scary jinxing number, given that every other starting quarterback has thrown at least 2 interceptions in 4 or 5 games so far.

The Merchantmen offense ranks
20th with 218 passing yards per game
8th with 6.8 yards per pass attempt
9th with 138 rushing yards per game
18th with 4.32 yards per carry
13th with 351 total yards per game
16th with 21.8 points per game

The defense ranks
31st with 149 rushing yards per game
32nd with 6.9 yards per carry
24th with 264 passing yards per game
23rd with 6.4 yards per pass attempt
28th with 394 total yards per game
15th with 20.3 points per game

Not the most overwhelming numbers so far for the Merchantmen, even knowing the sample size is obviously small and from games against teams combining for a 13-6 record (including the 1-3 record against Maassluis). So far, the Merchantmen are playing decent football on third downs and pass rush numbers on both ends are top five in the league. It also helps that they played giveaway free football until today, but they nullified the 3 fumbles by quadrupling their takeaways from 1 to 4.

Again, it's way too early to draw conclusions on where the Merchantmen are headed this season, but 3-1 isn't all that shabby. Brandon Bell isn't likely to win the Rookie of the Year battle anyway, despite a better passer rating, Angel Henson completes 32 of 56 pass attempts for 400 yard per game in a pass only offensive game play. But true football fans, especially the Merchantmen's, are not bothered by those kind of numbers. Football is a team sport: lose together, win together. And winning together is what the Merchantmen did today, beating the IHOF's historically strongest team.

MIJB#19

04-25-2020, 01:01 PM

General Manager Notes: good, great, bad, nice, ugly
Unpredictable, that's what we are.

Just after we've established that we can beat good teams at home, we get our second big loss of the season. The Augusta Greenjackets may have had some bad seasons recently, but this isn't your average 'below average' team. For instance, they've got Randal Webb walking around, quite possibly the most gifted tight end to have played in the IHOF all-time.

But one tight end doesn't make it right for us to play terribly. Against the Greenjackets, a good number of our players and elements of our game plan sunk below our standards. Our inability to move the chains today was the most troublesome: 9 of 13 drives were 3 or less plays long. Losing the turnover battle 3-1 didn't help there.

Our first drive was reason to think we could play ball with Augusta, between their first two drives for a touchdown, we responded with a similar drive. But after those drives the defensive supremacy reigned and ours was less capable of forcing turnovers and pushing them back. Long story short, we lost 47-21 and got humiliated by seeing the Greenjackets pull their starting quarterback at half time.

Brandon Bell completed 12 of 20 passes for 144 yards, with 1 interception that got returned 64 yards for a touchdown. Theo Bondy was held to 5 catches for 57 yards, Branden Sandlin had 3 catches, Ronnie Hammond jus 1 catch. Francisco Patter ran for 52 yards and a score, Reggie Thongchanh for 45 yards, Moe Sheldon scrambled for a touchdown as well (Bell got pulled late in the game). Our only takeaway resulted in a touchdown (Alexander Marty with a 56-yard fumble return. Our pass rush was invisible, our pass defense completely dependent on Kirk Hitchcock.

Elsewhere in the league, our division rivals also had a tough day. The Gothenburg Giants lost at home to the Tucker Tigers 30-24 in overtime on a 76-yard touchdown run by Greg Ena. The Paris Musketeers got crushed 36-10 in their own place by the Orlando Talons. The Bordeaux Vineyards were the moral winners, their bye week meant they were the only European team not to lose today.

Standings:
1. Gothenburg 4-2
2. Paris 3-2
3. Maassluis 3-2
4. Bordeaux 2-3

Yeah, the game against Augusta for now is the tie-breaker (Paris beat them in week 5).

Up next for us a crucial road game at the Musketeers. At the very least, it'll be time for a new game plan. We can do this team!

MIJB#19

04-27-2020, 08:09 AM

Merchantmen reclaim division lead without ejected Bondy
The Maassluis Merchantmen have retake the lead in the IHOF's European Division. With a convincing 30-23 victory at the Paris Musketeers, they did their own part. The Gothenburg Giants put a sloppy 20-3 deficit on the field at the Orlando Talons, which helped the Merchantmen leap ahead in the standings. But the biggest story of the game was about one of IHOF's stars, what happened to Theodore Bondy?

The Brandon Bell lead Maassluis Merchantmen are turning into a surprise of the 2089 season. With a solid 24 of 38 completed passes for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns without interception, Bell was once again impressive for an unpolished rookie quarterback. Helped by a defense that took no less than three takeaways on the first three Paris drives, the Merchantmen took a quick 13-0 lead and basically held ground from there on. Trailing by 14 points late in the game, he Musketeers almost got their miracle comeback. After making it 30-23 with a minute to go, they recovered the onside kick. But an impressive Gene Kondovski ended the Musketeers' hopes with a defended pass on third down and a solo sack on fourth down. Bell knee dropped to the victory.

But in a game where the Merchantmen pass defense defended 9 passes and had 1 interception, wide receiver Santiago Messenger's 7 catches for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns were the most surprising statline of any single player. The story of the day was the sudden disappearance one of football's stars: Theodore Bondy.

About six and a half minutes to go in the first quarter. Maassluis was up 7-0 and slowly but steadily driving downfield. On second and ten, Reggie Thongchanh got the handoff and after a 6-yard gain was tackled. A couple of feet away from the spot of the tackle, a couple of players had gotten into a brawl. After some time, Merchantmen guard Andre Watson was called for unsportsmanslike conduct, which essentially put the Merchantmen in a field goal at best situation. But on top of things, wide receiver Theodore Bondy was ejected from the game. One anonymous Merchantmen player pointed to the vile and dirty Paris cornerbacks Arturo Dunn and Ross Madison as the culprits for provoke Bondy.

The referees refused to elaborate and "profound language" was given as the explanation. Watson received the penalty for being first to misbehave, but Bondy was visible taunting. It's no secret that divisional clashes can get more heated and the Merchantmen had clearly arrived in Paris with an attitude of wanting to win at all cost. Bondy received a fine on top of the ejection, but league officials said there will be no other disciplinary actions.

With Bondy sitting out the game in the locker room, his replacements Branden Sandlin and in particular Santiago Messenger did their best Bondy impersonations. On top of it, the adrenaline from the heated atmosphere kept flowing through the veins of the Merchantmen players and eventually they got to travel home with their fourth "W" of the season. And with head-to-head wins against both Gothenburg and Paris, they have the tiniest of edges to potentially end up with tie-breakers, albeit they'd probably still need to beat one of them in the bottom half of the regular season.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 4-2
2. Gothenburg 4-3
3. Paris 3-3
4. Bordeaux 2-4

Amidst the turmoil, last year's starting quarterback Moe Sheldon was spotted with an annoyed face on the sidelines. Although he's been silent in the media about it, his role as a backup isn't doing him well on game days. Last season one of his finest performance for the orange-white-and-blue came in a 48-14 trashing of the Musketeers in Maassluis, he had hoped to finally get a chance to travel to Paris and play well to avenge the release by the Musketeers in the 2087 off-season. Last season, Sheldon was a backup as well in the road game in Paris, sitting behind Francisco Farley, shortly before Sheldon took over and guided the Merchantmen to a 6-7 record.

Brandon Bell in the mean time continues to play like a division winning quarterback, still boosted by the lowest interception figure of all starters in the league. He had already shown he can find other receivers than the all world caliber Theodore Bondy, but today he proved to be able to do it even without Bondy. Or perhaps it was his ability to stick with the game plan, not to go for the safer route to throw it to the veteran Ronnie Hammond on the right side, but stick with the game plan and throw it to the left a lot. Branden Sandlin and in particular Santiago Messenger showed they have the quality to play in Reuben Bidwell's spread offense. Imagine Bondy back in the mix and this passing game could actually be good against any defense.

MIJB#19

04-28-2020, 03:01 PM

General Manager Notes: Saved by the Bell, No wait...
We're still winning games, how sweet is that?

Hosting the 2-4 Snapfinger Jazz, the unknowing fan would assume that the 4-2 Maassluis Merchantmen would have to be the favorite in a home game. But after last season's mass departure of stars and cohesive veterans, we can't ever feel like we're the clear cut favorites.

First quarter, first drive. Our defense gives up a 15-yard pass, a 21-yarder and an 18-yard run. On third and four in our redzone, Tony Whiting makes the sack to force them to kick the 37-yarder. Our response was the kind of offensive play we've shown more often this season: 15 yards here, 5 yards there, 7 through the air, 6 on the ground, Bell to Bondy for 11 and then the 7-3 lead taking Bell to Bondy for 30 yards. Now that was somewhat new, for whatever reason Bell has had trouble connecting with Bondy. After our defense keeps them short, we continue with another one of those drives: Bell finds the tight end Crawford for a couple of 10-yarders, Thongchanh and Patter make the smooth runs and Bell finds Bondy open in the end zone for the 14-3 lead on the first play of the second quarter.

Things continue to be good for us, when Bart Sword intercepts a third and long pass and returns it to the 50-yard line. Alas, we end up punting and get a 32 and 30-yard passes thrown at us, but no worries, the D-Line overthrows their O-Line and their quarterback loses the ball in the melee. Things get even better on the punt play shortly after, as our guys knock over their punt returner, strip the ball and our guard Michael Szott bulldozes 30 yards downfield for the 21-3 lead. And things would have been swell had we all just shook hands and gone back to the locker rooms. But that wouldn't have been fun for our fans, would it?

Randal Solomon (that's the Jazz's quarterback, the one that we picked off and strip-sacked) finds Riley Doyle (the #2 pick from this draft class) for 27 yards, but as they settle for a 34-yard field goal, we think we can improve our lead from 21-6 to something larger. Francisco Patter runs for 9 yards, Bell finds Ronnie Hammond for 22 yards and just before the two-minute warning, again Hammond for a 44-yard touchdown. 28-6 up, hell yeah. Our defense plays well, but with the ball back in Bell's hands, we get cocky. Rather than running the clock out, we keep trying and Bell gets picked off at our 45-yard line. Two plays later, we get punched back hard: Solomon to Doyle for 45 yards and just like that it's 28-13 for the half time score.

We get the ball first in the second half, but at midfield we get slowed down and punt. First play on their drive, Clayton Jackson blitzes around their right tackle, sacks Solomon and Andy Russell recovers the loose ball at their 6-yard line. A goal line stand later, we kick the 18-yarder for a 31-13 lead. The rest of the third quarter continues with drives that get a bit upfield, but far from midfield. Until the Jazz decides to go run heavy and get to our 49-yard line by the end of the quarter.

Still leading by 18, we know this isn't a closed deal, but we're in good shape. On third and two, our strong safety gets the credits for stuffing their 224 pounds running back to force the punt. Then all of a sudden, our wheels are coming off: Bell throws his second pick of the game (and third of the season). They have a short field and a 21-yard pass on third and 13 is the key play to their touchdown, but after a failed 2-pointer, we're still up by 12 points. We get three-and-outed, return the favor, and get held to a short drive again. Solomon keeps finding open receivers, finds a guy with 3 minutes to go for a touchdown, but a holding penalty stalls them, for a minute. All of a sudden we up 31-26 and with 2 minutes remaining. We need just one more first down to end it and we get it done on second and five. Bell can do it again: knee drop for the victory!

Brandon Bell completed 23 of 34 for 195 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions (tripling his season total). Francisco Patter ran for 72 yards, Theo Bondy had 9 catches for 62 yards with 2 touchdowns, Ronnie Hammond 4 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. The defense gave up 412 total yards, but most of it came in the second half. Despite the raw numbers, I actually have to like what we displayed today.

Lesson of the day? Don't get too excited when we're leading big just before half time and also get the ball first in the second half. It unnecessarily made it close than it needed to become.

Elsewhere in the league, the Gothenburg Giants had a bye, while the Paris Musketeers lost 40-34 at the Tucker Tigers and the Bordeaux Vineyards won 34-17 at het Augusta Greenjackets. The division is once again a close race.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 5-2
2. Gothenburg 4-3
3. Paris 3-4
4. Bordeaux 3-4

The ugly part is that all four teams have a negative points differential. Some consecutive hilarity too, at 337 yards per game, we rank just ahead the 334 yards per game of all three of our rivals. We do score more points, have the better turnover margin and shockingly give up the most yards: we're bottom five in rushing and passing yards allowed.

The key stat is pointing towards us the most of course: the W-tally. We're going to need the cushion as we've got a rough road ahead, visiting Bordeaux, Orlando (5-2) and Gothenburg in the next three games. Of the last 6 games, 5 are in our place and the only one in the USA will be at the Chesapeake Chitterlings, standing tall with a league best 7-1 record. The home games are all but one against teams with a 3-4 record, which doesn't say a lot, 25% of the league has that record.

So, next up Bordeaux. We lost there the last two times, four out of the last five as well. Time to turn back time to when we used to own them in their place as well. We can do that, Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

04-29-2020, 10:41 AM

General Manager Notes: 2089 regular season halfway done, too good to be true?
"Venimus, vidimus, vicimus".

I mean, we're a team, right?

Get this: we've already equaled our win total from last season. Our fifth road game of the season and eighth in total, against our long time division rivals from Bordeaux. Sure, we've played all three of them for the past 85 and a half seasons, but just like our franchise, Bordeaux' has had the same ownership throughout.

So, Bordeaux. We pulled a nice 31-24 victory here, once again quickly bursting into a solid lead (21-0 today) and smooth sailed to another victory while seeing them getting closer and closer, but never catching up.

Brandon Bell is turning into a phenomenon. Either this kid is the real thing (mind you, eight games is a small sample size) or the guys around him know what they're doing. 30-yard bomb to Ronnie Hammond, 5-yarder to Theo Bondy and a 20-yarder to Branden Sandlin, that's how the first possession started. On third and goal, Bell found Sandlin wide open and the early 7-0 lead was ours. The defense kept their possession short and we saw Bell immediately reply with a 15-yard pass to Bondy. Francisco to the left for 15 yards, Reggie Thongchanh to the right for 9 yards and on third and ten Bell throws a 26-yard bomb into the end zone to Bondy for the 14-0 lead. We force three and out and Bell adds a 14-yarder to tight end Jeffrey Blake and an 8-yarder to Sandlin to play out the first quarter.

They finally find a way to stop us by the time we're a couple of yards shy of midfield, then give up 21-yard and 28-yard catch and runs, but the pass rush pressure was spot on on third down and as their kicker shanks the 52-yard kick, we get the ball back at our own 42-yard line. Third and three, Brandon Bell finds Theo Bondy for 16 yards. Then Francisco Patter rans the ball into the red zone and Bell himself goes for a 15-yard scramble towards the 21-0 lead. Bordeaux then finally wakes up as Brad Nestor finds various players for 18, 23 and 22 yards, that last completion accounting for the touchdown to trim it to 21-7. We get three-and-outed, give up a 24-yard pass, then see Archie Exner sacks Nestor for a huge loss of terrain and after good old Artie Blazewicz (130 games with us on his resume) makes his first catch in a Vineyards uniform, they throw for 8 more on third and long to set up an impressive 54-yard field goal. Bell knee drops to halftime with a 21-10 lead.

We struggle on their first drive in the second half, but regroup once they reach our red zone, with Kirk Hitchcock showing why he's considered the best player on our defense and an early favorite to win defensive player of the year in the IHOF. Sure, they convert the 25-yard field goal, and force three and out, but on the very next play, Hitchcock picks off a short pass at the Bordeaux 11-yard line and we're in good shape to extend our 21-13 lead into a two-score lead. Brandon Bell to Theo Bondy falls a yard short, so a 19-yard field goal puts us 24-13 up. We allow Nestor to throw for 25 yards, but Gene Kondosvki sacks him on the very next play and as he forces an incomplete pass on third down, we get the ball back, albeit deep in our own territory. Bell to Bondy for 8 yards, Francisco Patter over Howard Humphrey for 8 yards, but then out of nowhere Nathan Hadinger gives up his first sack of the season as Bell goes down on third and 5. Another three and out after they get pushed back 10 yards by a holding penalty and then Bell finds tight end Randy Holliday for 10 yards to end the third quarter.

We get stopped on third and 6, but Doug Guynes pins them at their 2-yard line for their first possession in the fourth quarter. On second down their tight end fumbles after making the reception and as Clayton Jackson recovers it for us, we're already in first and goal. On third down, Brandon Bell finds Theo Bondy in the end zone for the 31-13 lead. Brad Nestor then orchestrates a solid drive, eventually pounding it in himself from the 1-yard line, followed by a 2-pointer for a 31-21 deficit for Bordeaux. We scrape a minute off the clock and after a 25-yard punt return they just need a 15-yard pass to get into field goal range and with a 34-yarder they comeback within a touchdown: 31-24. With just under 5 minutes to go, we know this isn't a done deal. Instead of just running on all downs, Bell mixes it up just enough with 11-yard and 9-yard completions to make them burn their first time out with just over two minutes remaining. After we punt and give up a 26-yard return, Kirk Hitchcock comes up big again, making his second interception of the game right before the two-minute warning. Reggie Thongchanh runs for 11 yards and as they burns their last two time outs, we need him to do that one more time to seal the deal.

As Gothenburg miss a late game 45-yard kick in a 28-26 home loss to the Augusta Greenjackets, we extend our lead in the division to 2 wins. Paris needed their kicker to converted all four of his 46-yards and longer field goals to pull off a 25-24 win at the Snapfinger Jazz.

European Division:
1. Maassluis 6-2
2. Gothenburg 4-4
3. Paris 4-4
4. Bordeaux 3-5

Brandon Bell earned yet another player of the game by completing 26 of 31 passes for 228 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also had that 15-yard scramble for a touchdown, while his only booboo (a fumble) got recovered by his running back Francisco Patter. Theodore Bondy had 14 catches for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. Reggie Thongchanh ran for 53 yards, Patter for 49 yards.

Defensively, Kirk Hitchcock was phenomenal again: 2 interceptions and 2 defended passes. The pass rush was impressive as well, breaking up 14 of 53 passing plays.

Next up, Solecismic has tagged our road game at the Orlando Talons as the game of the week. Two 6-2 teams facing each other. One a usual suspect, the other a team that used to be great, but is now on a bounce back season. That's us, with Brandon Bell our cinderella story, so far. Well, kind of. A first round pick quarterback is supposed to be good, but not in his rookie season and especially not after everybody wrote him off before he took his first snap.

Keep it up Bell (and the rest of the team). Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

04-30-2020, 02:02 PM

General Manager Notes: Cautiousness remains, we're not there yet
Yup, we lost in Orlando, the most logical result of the season so far.

We had it coming of sorts, we knew the stretch of one-score-margin wins would come to and end sooner or later. We're kind of similar to last season's team, still. All our wins were kind of blowouts, today's 27-11 loss at Orlando only shows that we're still far from a true contender.

Brandon Bell was brought back to earth. Although completing 22 of 34 passes, the ground gained was only 176 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Indeed, that's from 1 to 5 in just 3 games time. Growth spurts, or early signals Bell is closer to the replacement level quarterback he's been talked about being?

Theo Bondy has completely lost it, that's a sure thing. After 9 games, he's gotten over 100 yards just twice. Twice! And that was with 114 and 110 yard figures. Ronnie Hammond as the diversion tactic is slowly stopping to work. But perhaps he can relive the week 1 success against his old team as we're visiting the Gothenburg Giants up next.

Gothenburg isn't in good shape either though, they got crushed 31-6 at home by the Paris Musketeers. The Bordeaux Vineyards got destroyed 51-20 at the Tucker Tigers.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 6-3
2. Paris 5-4
3. Gothenburg 4-5
4. Bordeaux 3-6

Aside from our struggles on offense, despite that I've been impressed by our defense at times, we continue to be bottom feeders in rushing (28th per game, 31st per carry) and passing (27th per game, 25th per attempt). As impressive as our defensive front looks on paper, we're actually mediocre in pass rush figures. Yeah, I actually thought we were doing pretty well, but we're actually below average.

Oh well, losing in Orlando wasn't a shocker, it's back to focusing on games that will matter even more for the division title race. We'll pout about the missed opportunity to grab the #2 seed spot with head-to-head tie-breakers over both Southeast division's title contenders by the time we find out the loss in Orlando cost us a bye week. Now we'll just have to stay ahead of Paris. For starters, extending our wins in the division would help us make another leap towards maintaining the division lead.

MIJB#19

05-01-2020, 05:23 PM

General Manager Notes: Optimism, pessimism, we're all over the place
At least we're still in the lead.

Gothenburg, our most disliked division rival. Our ancient fans remember the day Justin McDavid's career came to a halt on the terrible turf of the Palace of Ice and Frost. And then there was that game where we choked a 21-point lead in less than 10 minutes. It's just two games from 50+ seasons ago, but we still remember. At the same time, last season the Giants snapped our 6-game winning streak in their place. Ellis McAlister learned to love leading us there.

It was Brandon Bell's first visit and in the first drive of the game, it was a familiar sight: he was throwing the ball all over the place to lead us to a touchdown. In particular a triplet of completions to Theodore Bondy was very encouraging. The Giants needed just three plays to pound back on a 35-yard run from Jack Crane. Their next drive was cut short by penalties, but the 32-yard field goal was enough for the Giants' 10-7 lead.

The second quarter saw the defenses get stronger, as both teams got stopped after a handful of plays. We got into their turf as Theodore Bondy turned Brandon Bell's screen pass into a 30-yard gain. Francisco Patter followed up with 13 and 14-yard gains, to set up Bell's scramble for a 1-yard touchdown. Leading 14-10, Kirk Hitchcock accounted for the first turnover of the game. Only to see Brandon Bell return the favor four plays later in the Giants' redzone. With three minutes remaining, the ensuing drive also ended with a pick in Giants' territory, Courtney Blackwell made the play. After the two-minute warning and our punt, we gave up an 80-yard touchdown pass from Mercury Pierce to Frederick Wight to give them a 16-14 lead at half time as they missed their extra point.

The Giants drove downfield on their first drive of the second half, but linebacker Moe Iveans prevented a touchdown pass by picking the ball off at our 1-yard line. After two risky 0 yard runs from Reggie Thongchanh, Brandon Bell found Theodore Bondy for the 11-yard first down catch. Bell did it again on third and one to Bondy and a 19-yard pass to Ronnie Hammond brought us within field goal range. Braxton Szporluk got his rare third and long carry to extend the drive and as Bell found Branden Sandlin for 18 yards, we were only 3 yards shy. Their goalline stand was strong and we settled for a 20-yard field goal, yet taking the 17-16 lead.

We stopped them on their first drive in the fourth quarter, but got pushed back to our own 20-yard line. Brandon Bell got strip-sacked, but possession was saved by All-IHOF right tackle Howard Humphrey. On third and long, Bell got his payback with a 27-yard pass to Theodore Bondy. On third and eight, it was Bondy again as the receiver, this time for 15 yards. On third and six, Branden Sandlin came short, followed by a bad hold from Bell to see Emmett Wells miss a 45-yard field goal. Still leading 17-16, we had to not just stop them, but really keep them from reaching field goal range as well. After three and out by our defense, things were feeling pretty good. On our next drive, Reggie Thongchanh converted three and one with a trick play, although just barely. We ended up punting three plays later, but the defense was strong again with a three and out. Instead of running out the clock, we decided to throw, or rather, hope to do that. Brandon Bell was hurried on three consecutive plays, twice by our former All-IHOF defensive tackle Heath Oliver.

By the time of the two-minute warning, the Giants had reached our 44-yard line and on third and 2, Mercury Pierce found Frederick Wight for 13 yards. A sack couldn't avoid their 43-yard field goal attempt, that got converted for the 19-17 lead for the Giants. With 32 seconds to go, it was a tough task, but starting at our 25-yard line and with 3 time outs in hand, not impossible. First attempt, Brandon Bell's pass got batted down by the front seven. Second and ten, the obvious choice to throw to Theodore Bondy, but a safety got in between to break up the play. Third down, Bondy gets open, but fails to make the catch. Fourth down, Bell fails to see an open receiver and goes for a scramble that ends up way short. With 6 seconds remaining, all our time outs remain unused, they can go into victory formation for the 19-17 win.

A disappointing result of what felt like a game where we had control, took advantage of the three interceptions and really were a non-shanked field goal or not giving up an 80-yard play away from pretty much eliminating the Giants in what now is a three-horse race. Three, as the Paris Musketeers pulled off an ugly but effective 33-13 victory over the Bordeaux Vineyards.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 6-4
2. Paris 6-4
3. Gothenburg 5-5
4. Bordeaux 3-7

With these standings, we really can't afford any more hiccups. The week 17 clash in our place against the Musketeers could end up being a winner takes all, but we can't rule out the Giants just yet. That week 17 clash does mean we can potentially come back from 1 win behind, but that not something we can bank on, we have to get back into the swing we had going for us.

Brandon Bell today completed 24 of 40 passes for 257 yards, with 1 interception and saved fumble on his only sack taken, with his only touchdown that 5-yard scramble. Theodore Bondy was his old self with 12 catches for 172 yards. Francisco Patter ran for 70 yards and a touchdown, despite that our running game struggled today.

No time to mourn, we're going back home to host the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums. In this season, we have no opponents that we can afford to underestimate, because even a 3-7 team like the Bums will likely claim they have the superior roster. Surely, we'll disagree here, but the neutral football scout will probably agree with them. It's up to us to prove them wrong and extend our winning streak at home to 7 games, dating back to week 12 of last season, basically a full season away.

I'm all for it, so let's regroup and make it happen, team.

MIJB#19

05-02-2020, 04:16 PM

Maassluis Merchantmen, masters of trading, episode 4.

Sometimes it's a little bit too much to brag about the success the Merchantmen had in their trading sprees these past 86 off-seasons in the IHOF. It sounded like a good idea to count down the top 10 best trades, in between throw in a handful of bad ones and one specific trade that never happened, which could have had major implications on the history of the Merchantmen. Episode 1 through 3 were about how three HOF wide receivers were taken in the draft shortly after the Merchantmen traded up for them. For today's episode, we go back to the day the Maassluis Merchantmen made one of their worst trades: the acquisition of wide receiver Jewell Simpson.

In the 2009 season, the Merchantmen had a touchdown lacking 0-3 start and after a mid-season 4-game losing streak, the Merchantmen needed to win 6 of their last 7 games to avoid a losing season. Quarterback Louie Flannery threw for 3,550 yards, with his leading receivers Bryce Ewald (48 catches for 751 yards) and tight end Jim Reiser (59 catches for 582 yards). Ewald and fullback Jamal Rosenberry lead all offensive players with 3 receiving touchdowns. In the 2010 off-season, the Merchantmen management felt a new wide receivers was a necessity and got their eye on 27-year old Jewell Simpson from the Springfield Isotopes (after several name changes today known as the Moontown Darksiders).

Simpson was coming of an underwhelming season with 19 catches for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns in 14 games. The Merchantmen staff assessed Simpson as a wide receiver with excellent route running skills and felt they could afford a lot to acquire him. After long negotiations and Springfield's little interest to trade Simpson, the Merchantmen management threw their 2011 first round pick on the table. It didn't take long, that offer was unsurprisingly quickly accepted. Backlash was all around from other owners across the IHOF. The Merchantmen started the 2010 season with a couple of wins, but the back-to-back wins in the last two games downgraded the traded pick from a top5 pick to the #9 overall pick.

Naturally, the Merchantmen didn't trade their 2011 first round pick straight up for Simpson, they also negotiated to receive a couple of fourth round picks in exchange for a couple of fifth round picks. Springfield kept their fifth round picks to select cornerback Cary Dubord and linebacker Carl Travers. The Merchantmen traded the 2010 4.5 pick shortly after to the Syracuse Mohawks to be able to move up in the third round to select fullback Quentin Malicki. Syracuse ended up picking center Adrian Clemons with that 2010 4.5 pick.
The Isotopes' 2011 fourth round pick got traded by the Merchantmen in the 2011 off-season in a move up 27 spots to select safety Eddie Cole. The receiving team Georgia Gridlock used that top 4th round pick to select Georgia Tech alumni cornerback Dominic Campbell. The 2011 first round pick from Maassluis remained in Springfield possession and was used to selected running back Will Davidson.

Maassluis Merchantmen send:
2011 1st Maassluis
2010 5.19 pick
2010 5.30 pick

Springfield Isotopes send:
WR Jewell Simpson
2010 4.5 pick
2011 4th Springfield

2011 #9 overall pick Will Davidson turned out to be a useful running back. The Springfield Isotopes became the Knoxville Rebels in 2013. In 7 seasons with this franchise, Davidson had 5 1,000-yard seasons, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2011 and eventually peaking in 2015 when he ran for 1,661 yards and 11 touchdowns, also earning him All-IHOF first team honors. In 2016 he was the starting running back in Knoxville's run to the NAC championship, to be held to 50 yards in the lost 41-21 IHOF Bowl against the Orlando Knights. In the 2018 off-season he was traded to the Oakland Black Panthers, only to get traded after just one dreadful game (20 carries for 31 yards) to the Bordeaux Vineyards, where he played 15 more games and retired in the 2019 off-season. Davidson still ranks first in carries for the today called Moontown Darksiders. His career totals of 8,430 rushing yards, 58 rushing touchdowns and 16 receiving touchdowns

2010 5th round pick cornerback Cary Dubord didn't survive the Springfield Isotopes' roster cuts for the regular season and that was the last that was seen of him in the IHOF. He filed for retirement in the 2011 off-season.

2010 5th round pick linebacker Carl Travers became a starter for the Springfield Isotopes in their 5th regular season game that season. But after a promising rookie season, dropped hard on their depth chart. After his rookie contract expired, he was picked up by the Boston Rhinos and after a season on special teams moved on to the Rochester Lake Monsters for another season in a backup role. In 2015 the Williamsburg Colonials signed Travers, the team where he ended up having his longest stint with 7 seasons, including the lost 2017 IHOF Bowl against the Syracuse Mohawks. He retired with 136 games played on his resume.

2010 4th round pick center Adrian Clemons spent the 2010 as an inactive reserve for the Syracuse Mohawks. The deception of his career was getting cut in the lead up to the Mohawks' IHOF Bowl participation, which ended up being a 34-31 victory over the Frederick Red Menace. Clemons subsequently retired from football, disillusioned.

2011 4th round pick Dominic Campbell hung around with the Georgia Gridlock for 5 seasons, aside from his rookie season being a learning year, he was basically their nickelback. In 2016 he was out of contract and signed by the Paris Musketeers. Campbell became a starter that season, doing pretty well with 3 interceptions and 10 defended passes. After a dreadful 2017 campaign (0 picks of defended passes in 404 pass plays) and an injury plagued 2018 season, he was released on cut down day 2019. The Conyers Condors picked him up for the last 3 games of the 2019 season, but failed to get a new contract in 2020 in the IHOF. His 122 regular season games in the IHOF saw him make 5 interceptions and defend 46 passes.

The jewel of the trade was supposed to be wide receiver Jewell Simpson. His 2010 campaign was unimpressive, with just 38 catches for 635 yards and 3 touchdowns. He failed to become the top receiver in 2011 as well and by 2012 was firmly behind then recently acquired wide receiver Alfredo Bass. In 2013 Simpson was active in only 4 regular season games and retired in the following off-season. Because of the trade, Simpson did finally get a chance to see some playoffs action, something he would have never gotten with the Springfield Isotopes. In the end, the Merchantmen basically traded a top-notch running back for a wide receiver that would rack up 149 catches for 1,992 yards and 14 touchdowns.

MIJB#19

05-03-2020, 05:22 PM

Merchantmen rebound, hold on to division lead
The Maassluis Merchantmen improved to 7-4 after a 24-19 victory over the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums. Brandon Bell and his team showed resilience to get the job done. With the win, the Merchantmen already have won more games that they did all of last season, with 5 still to play. Their focus is on more than just doing better, they are still in the middle of a division title race which remains tight as the Paris Musketeers beat the previously 8-2 Chesapeake Chitterlings.

Scoring early has become the Merchantmen's way to make a statement this season, but in the home game against the Fightin' Bums, things went quite differently. On the first drive of the game, Francisco Patter was stripped of the ball on the second play and get returned to the Merchantmen red zone to set up Brooklyn's 7-0 lead on the very next play as Jason Leeuwenburg ran it in. Brandon Bell and his offense responded as Bell found Ronnie Hammond for 26 yards, Reggie Thongchanh for 34 yards and after Patter ran for 8 yards, Bell found Theodore Bondy open in the end zone for the 7-7 tied score. The Merchantmen defense stopped their opponents with a stuff and a sack near midfield, giving Patter a chance to rebound with 19-yard and 13-yard runs. It was to no avail, as the Merchantmen punted from the Brooklyn 36-yard line, quickly followed by an impressive three and out by the defense. The Merchantmen showed guts with a fourth and one run from Thongchanh to move the chains from near midfield and saw Bell run for another first down on fourth and three shortly after. Patter followed up with 6-yard and 10-yard runs to end the first quarter with the Merchantmen in the Brooklyn red zone and the score tied 7-7.

Brandon Bell used his legs to gain more ground, but after a rushed pass on third down, the Merchantmen finally settled for a 29-yard field goal for the 10-7 lead. Jason Leeuwenburg caught the Merchantmen defense off guard with a 58 yard run to set up a 26-yard field goal to tie things 10-10. Bell continued to struggle with getting the ball to Theodore Bondy, getting intercepted at the Merchantmen 44-yard line. Ross Grinnell responded with throws for 9 yards, 11 yards, 17 yards and 6 yards to get to the Maassluis 1-yard line. Both Brooklyn running backs got a chance to pound it in, but both were stopped at the line of scrimmage, forcing Brooklyn to settle for an 18-yard field goal, yet taking a 13-10 lead regardless. Asher Ford was promoted to third down back today and responded by converting on third and four to keep the Merchantmen's next drive going. Bell had a typical third down conversion with a short pass to Branden Sandlin but right after the two-minute warning, Bondy dropped what would have been another third down conversion. Antoine Boyd ran for 21 yards for the Fightin' Bums but a strip sack by Clayton Jackson ended the first half, with Brooklyn leading 13-10.

On Brooklyn's first drive of the second half, they showed their own fourth down magic, having Jason Leeuwenburg run for 16 yards where was sufficient. It inspired Ross Grinnell to throw for 23 yards to Vincent Turner and get his team into field goal range. On third and very long, Grinnell scrambled for 15 yards, but still short of the first down as Brooklyn again settled for a (28-yard) field goal and a 16-10 lead. The Merchantmen got three-and-outed on the next drive and Oranje Haven was getting more worried than it has been so far this season. Rookie Darien Fletcher sacked Grinnell on second down and still shaky Grinnell mistimed and saw his pass picked off by Clarence Blackwell near midfield. Brandon Bell finally found Theodore Bondy for a big gain (18 yards) and followed up with a 14-yard pass to tight end Jeffrey Blake. Asher Ford saw has efforts end up inches short on a third down run, followed by a missed field goal, again with kicker Emmett Wells giving the evil eye to Brandon Bell for a bad hold. The Merchantmen defense forced three and out, but Bell was looking bad on the next drive. Momentum shifted when a deep punt was fumbled by the returned after getting tackled by Bondy and another multiple All-IHOF selection, Howard Humphrey recovered the loose ball at Brooklyn's 3-yard line. Two plays later, Francisco Patter pounded it in and after the extra point, Maassluis was leading again: 17-16. Rookie Darien Fletcher sacked Grinnell on the next drive to basically end the third quarter.

The Merchantmen defense completed the three-and-out, but the offense failed to get much going as Theodore Bondy dropped yet another pass on third down. In an attempt to gain ground quickly, Ross Grinnell threw a long pass, but linebacker Clayton Jackson showed he's got more than an ability to make sack, picking off the pass and returning it to the Brooklyn 34-yard line. On third and five, Brandon Bell found Bondy wide open on a screen pass and Bondy promoted it to a 29-yard touchdown. After the extra point, the 24-16 lead was on the scoreboard. The Merchantmen defense held ground and the Merchantmen offense went into a time wasting mode. The Bell to Bondy connection failed again. As did the run defense, giving up a 62-yard run to Jason Leeuwenburg (giving him 120 yards on just his two longest carries). Grinnell scrambled for a decent gain, but got sacked by Andy Russell on second down and after Clayton Jackson tackled the third down receiver short of a first down, Brooklyn went conservative and kicked the 31-yard field goal to the 24-19 score. Bondy dropped yet another third down pass and Brooklyn really went for their chances to comeback from behind. Grinnell found Leeuwneburg for 20 yards, only to get sacked again, this time by Gene Kondovski. On fourth down near midfield, Bart Sword batted down a pass to give the Merchantmen a chance to waste a lot of time or time outs, perhaps even get a chance to kick for an 8-point lead. After three runs, the Fightin' Bums were out of time outs, but as the third down run came short, punting was next and the touchback gave Brooklyn 80 yards of ground to gain for the win. Grinnell found running back Antoine Boyd for 30 yards and tight end Dwyane Osterlund for 26 yards, to quickly march to the Merchantmen 24-yard line. Time was running out and after Grinnell went for a scramble with little luck, they had to rush to the line of scrimmage and after a successful third down conversion, Grinnell came time short to spike it.

It wasn't pretty, but the Merchantmen defense has held ground, just barely, to secure a 24-19 victory. In a game where Brandon Bell completed just 17 of 33 passes for 179 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, while Theodore Bondy had 7 catches for 70 yards (with 2 scores) and Francisco Patter ran for 78 yards, it came as no surprise that a defensive player was the player of the game. Clayton Jackson took the honors, as his strip sack, a second sack, a crucial interception and 7 tackles made him the most productive player on his side of the ball. Kirk Hitchcock extended his defensive player of the year chances with 2 defended passes and leading the team with 8 tackles.

As the Paris Musketeers pulled a 26-13 win over the Chesapeake Chitterlings, but the Gothenburg Giants fell 34-18 at the Williamsburg Colonials, the European division appears to have been trimmed to a two-horse race now, despite that Gothenburg and the 22-18 winning Bordeaux Vineyards are mathematically still in the race.

1. Maassluis 7-4
2. Paris 7-4
3. Gothenburg 5-6
4. Bordeaux 4-7

Next up, a trap game, against the 2-9 Harlem Apollos. Even at home, with how this team played recently, they can't take anything for granted. Today, the Merchantmen got sloppy at times, gave up two big runs and saw Theodore Bondy drop too many passes, things that can cost them victories. To maintain the division lead and stay on the race for the playoffs, they have to stay focused, drive after drive, play after play. All game long.

MIJB#19

05-05-2020, 09:36 AM

Merchantmen lose game and Bell
A mix of emotions lived amongst the Merchantmen fans as they one by one departed from Oranje Haven. Disappointment after their team lost in overtime. Relief after hearing the Paris Musketeers also lost. But the sight of a carted off quarterback Brandon Bell leaves behind the biggest impact on the fans. The first loss in Oranje Haven in more than a year may have come with an even bigger deception.

A near sold out Oranje Haven was getting ready for a pounding of the visiting Harlem Apollos. Like no others, the Merchantmen fans realize any team can win any day in the IHOF, but the Merchantmen were on a 7-game winning streak at home, while the visiting Harlem Apollos brought in a conference worst 2-9 record. And with Brandon Bell quickly becoming the new popular quarterback in Maassluis, with a rejuvenated Theodore Bondy on the wing, this could be an enjoyable game of football. And entertaining it certainly got, for at least the first three quarters.

The Merchantmen had first possession and came out of the gates like they have done most of their games this season. 6-yard run by Francisco Patter, 7-yard run from Reggie Thongchanh, Brandon Bell scrambling successfully on third down. Then on fourth and two at the Harlem 44-yard line, the Merchantmen tried to go for a homerun, yet Bell's deep pass towards Theodore Bondy was deflected by a nearby linebacker. The Merchantmen defense didn't seem prepared to go on so quickly, but in their red zone they were back at it and forced Harlem to settle for a 32-yard field goal. The Merchantmen running backs looked even more eager to get the job done on the next drive. Patter ran for 27 yards and Thongchanh for 14 yards, shortly after followed by Bell finding Ronnie Hammond on a deep throw for a 33-yard touchdown. Maassluis 7, Harlem 3, that's what the fans had showed up for. Harlem quarterback Eugene Logan responded with a 26-yard throw to his tight end, while his running back Tre Ellison took credits for an 11-yard run and a 12-yard catch to set up Logan's 19-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Ward. Harlem was unimpressed and took a 10-7 lead with a minute to go in the first quarter.

The run heavy offense continued for Maassluis. Francisco Patter ran for 10 yards, Reggie Thongchanh for 13 yards. Brandon Bell was connected with his receivers left and right, finding Theodore Bondy for a crucial 10-yard gain in the red zone on third and two, only to get picked off in the end zone on the next play. Defensive player of the year candidate Kirk Hitchcock came up big on the next drive, intercepting the ball near midfield and retuning it to the Harlem 30-yard line. Thongchanh ran for 12 yards and Bell found Bondy near the end zone open enough to get the 13-10 lead, the extra point was blocked. Anchored by middle linebacker Daquan Espino's 8-yard sack, a three and out quickly gave Maassluis the ball back in a good position. A pass interference call helped the Merchantmen on seemingly failed third down en route to getting deep inside Harlem territory. A couple of Patter runs were stopped at the 3- and 2-yard lines, then followed by Bell unable to find Branden Sandlin on back to back plays to have the ball turnover on downs. Harlem quickly got out of the situation of being pinned so deep, but could do little more than get the last 2 minutes off the clock to end the half in a 13-10 lead for the Merchantmen.

The second half started with Harlem's quarterback Eugene Logan running on back to back plays to quickly reach midfield. A couple of penalties pushed them back and gave the Merchantmen the ball back after the punt. Brandon Bell found Theodore Bondy for 18 yards, while Reggie Thongchanh ran for 11 yards to get the chains moving. A holding call and a sack put Maassluis in third and twenty, which was enough to force a punt. Logan decided to continue running, although the Merchantmen defense forced him to fumble on his first carry, it didn't turn the ball over and Logan did get a first down on his second scramble. Unable to complete passes, Harlem punted again, which the Merchantmen responded to with Bell finding Bondy for 12 yards and then tight end Renaldo Crawford for 8 yards to get into Apollos' territory. A 19-yard pass from Bell to Branden Sandlin got Maassluis into the red zone, but on the next play, Bell's short pass to Bondy got picked off and returned to the Merchantmen 41-yard line, as cornerback Braden Burnett got chased down and tackled by Bondy himself. The Merchantmen defense stood high, but as Harlem's kicker Austin Ferguson converted the 49-yard field goal, a 13-13 score was making this game much closer than it had need to be. Brandon Bell quickly responded with a 16-yard pass to Bondy and an 11-yarder to Crawford before the third quarter was over.

Then on the second play of the fourth quarter, things went horribly wrong. As Brandon Bell tried to escape the incoming pass rushers and neatly completed a 16-yard pass to Theodore Bondy, he bumped into a defender and was knocked out. Oranje Haven got quieter and quieter as Bell was lying on the ground motionless. Until that point, Bell had completed 21 of 29 passes for 218 yards and 2 scores to wipe away his 2 interceptions. After minutes had gone by, doctors were signaling Bell had retained consciousness, but it was apparent he was getting carted off the field and not to return today.

Veteran Moe Sheldon, last season's street free agent turned into starter for the Merchantmen was all of a sudden back in action. Wide receiver Branden Sandlin looked stunned from what happend earlier, dropping the ball on the next two plays. Oranje Haven erupted as Harlem cornerback Albert Houston shoved Sandlin after the second one of those drops and as the referees called Houston for unnecessary roughness, it was first and one from the 8-yard line. Francisco Patter was stopped after 1-yard gains on back to back plays and as Sheldon was rushed into a bad throw on third down, Maassluis settled for a 23-yard field goal to gain a 16-13 lead. Harlem failed to score on their next drive, but instead managed to pin the Merchantmen at their own 1-yard line. Things got worse as Reggie Thongchanh fumbled on the very next play and Harlem was all of a sudden just 6 yards away. Eugene Logan needed just one play to find Wyatt Ward. As the extra point was missed, Maassluis was now trailing 19-16 in what could have been a steamrolling victory. The Merchantmen continued to struggle and after guard Andre Watson was called for unsportsmanship conduct, they were forced to punt. The Merchantmen pass rush showed up on the very next drive as rookie Darien Fletcher sacked the quarterback on first down, while Gene Kondovski forced two hurried passes right after. Moe Sheldon continued to struggle and Maassluis once again was forced to punt. Harlem all of a sudden seemed ready to roll into Merchantmen territory to complete the upset, but on third and one, Andy Russell added to the pass rush domination by sacking Eugene Logan and forcing Harlem to punt again. On third and long, Sheldon finally found Theodore Bondy for 17 yards and Oranje Haven was at last getting the confidence back this game was still winnable. Sheldon found Bondy again on third down, this time for 12 yards to cross midfield and then found Ronnie Hammond on second and twenty for a 26-yard gain. Maassluis was back on fire and marching for a game winning drive. Sheldon found Bondy again for a crucial third down conversion, but inside the red zone, Maassluis decided to settle for a 29-yard field goal and with 33 seconds to go tying the score 19-19. Harlem actually tried to get the chain moving, but overtime was unavoidable.

Harlem got the ball back and on their second play quarterback Eugene Logan found a wide open Ernie Flood for a 27-yard gain. Well within Maassluis territory, Harlem was forced to punt. A holding penalty pinned the Merchantmen deeper inside their own red zone and they were eventually forced to punt. On third down, Logan found Wyatt Ward for 15 yards and a first down two plays later Flood for another 15-yard gain to reach field goal range. A penalty and a Gene Kondosvki sack pushed Harlem back a little bit, but not enough to avoid a field goal attempt. Austin Ferguson converted the 43-yarder and completed the upset victory for the Harlem Apollos.

Having lost not just the game, but also their quarterback, the Merchantmen and their fans had a lot to be disappointed and worried about. A glimpse of hope returned after word came out the Paris Musketeers had lost 12-9 at home against the Rochester Razorbacks. With the Gothenburg Giants winning 24-12 at the 10-1 San Antonio Tidal Force, this may actually return to being a three-horse race for the division title. The Bordeaux Vineyards won 20-3 at the Atlanta Vipers, but their chances are very slim to leapfrog all three of their division rivals.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 7-5
2. Paris 7-5
3. Gothenburg 6-6
4. Bordeaux 5-7

For the Merchantmen it's back to Moe Sheldon as Brandon Bell was diagnoses with a concussion and quite possibly ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. Unless the Merchantmen management is in for an even bigger turnaround, as this also means the return of Francisco Farley to the active roster and Farley surely showed his eagerness to play in pre-season. Up next a huge test, visiting the 8-4 Chesapeake Chitterlings, who are in desperate need to stop their sudden downfall to second place in their division after a 7-1 start with a still undefeated status at home.

For the Merchantmen, still leading the division, now isn't the time to give up just yet. The Merchantmen are no quitters, they will continue believing it ain't over till the fat lady sings. And even then will probably still hope things will fall their way until long after she's done with her performance and has left the stage.

MIJB#19

05-06-2020, 04:17 PM

General Manager Notes: Falling but still floating
Yup, we've lost 4 of the last 5 games. And we're still leading the division.

It's a silly season. Today we managed to get a shot at upsetting the Chesapeake Chitterlings in their own house and we blew it.

In the first quarter we forced them to punt, then fumbled and lost possession to give them 46 yard to go and succeed for a touchdown. We responded with a 34-yard field goal and then saw penalties push them from field goal range to punting to maintain their 7-3 lead.

In the second quarter we struggled again in their territory, settling for a 44-yard field goal. Then we give up a 45-yard paas to set up their 14-6 lead taking touchdown. Our response a 6 1/2 minute drive to trim the deficit to 14-13. Right after the two-minute warning Alexander Marty picks their QB off and gain just enough ground to kick a 29-yarder towards a 16-14 half time lead.

Third quarter, we're forced to punt, but our OL stars somehow hunt down their punt returner and make him fumble and Howard Humphrey collects his league leading 3rd and 4th fumble recovery of the season. Yes, he had to save Moe Sheldon's ass after a strip sack as well. We came a yard short for a first down and settled for a 19-14 lead with a 40-yard field goal. They responded with a solid drive, but they too come a yard short and settled for a 36-yard kick (19-17). We reached midfield, sadly punted and failed to pin them deep. By the end of the third quarter, they reached midfield.

In the fourth, we had nothing against their running game and see them take a 24-19 lead. After a solid kickoff return, we got three-and-outed, but finally pinned them deep at their own 3-yard line. Our defense responded with a quick stop, but their punt pushed us back to our 37-yard line. Moe Sheldon then started to look like Brandon Bell (yes, I went there), running for 7 yards, converting 3rd down to Branden Sandlin, reaching Theodore Bondy for 34 yards and then Sandlin again for the 16-yard touchdown. After the two-point conversion (Sheldon to Reggie Thongchanh) we got back in the lead: 27-24. They responded with a third down 33-yard bomb, but we defended our red zone enough to force a 33-yard field goal for the 27-27 tie. We reached the tow-minute warning without enough progress to score, but our defense responded more impressively to give us the ball back with 44 seconds to go. Moe Sheldon got sacked and on the very next play gets picked off. 15 seconds to go, one play for them: Corwin Blanchett finds Casey Alexandre for a touchdown. 34-27, game over, basically. We went for the long bomb, obviously, but it got picked off.

A back and fort close game, that we had a chance to win, or at least get to overtime, but instead managed to lose. We knew Sheldon could be a bit of a problem against the pass rush, but didn't expect him to throw a game losing interception. A fumble maybe, but not a late game pick.

On the bright side, Paris also lost. The football gods are keeping the pressure on us to hold onto the division lead. With Gothenburg and Bordeaux both winning, it heats up.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 7-6
2. Paris 7-6
3. Gothenburg 7-6
4. Bordeaux 6-7

Next week: Gothenburg at Paris and we host Bordeaux. Yes, I kid you not, this division race is incredibly tight. Week 17 is still the most crucial game for us, hosting Paris, but week 15 is close behind. As close as it may look, Bordeaux still needs a miracle to win the division, as their hopes to get tie-breakers are up in smoke and the head-to-head clashes inside the division mean the division winner will be at minimum 8-8. Our tie-breaker situation is smooth, but the week 17 game against Paris is a can't afford to lose game in that regard.

And with this team this season, we thought we knew what we could expect: two close victories followed by a blowout loss. But after the choke jobs against Gothenburg, Harlem and Chesapeake, had we held on to winning two of them, we were one win away from the playoffs. Now, we'll have to keep on winning and winning and hope to see Bell back in action with the season on the line.

Do I think we got this? Yes, I do actually. Moe Sheldon should be doing better than last season. Theodore Bondy has finally returned to his normal level of play, while Ronnie Hammond and Branden Sandlin prove to be worthy WR2 and WR3. The running game is quite good, usually, the defense really isn't the bottom 6 that the yardage figures make you believe we are. No wait, we actually have been dreadful against the run, giving up 6.23 yards per carry. That's 0.76 yards worse than second worst. Good heavens.

Anyway. The defense might be mindboggling bad, we're a pretty good team, most of the time. I've regained faith in this team, we can beat anybody, we should be able to keep this going, or rather, get back to the 6-2 form we had. Let's do this, Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

05-07-2020, 04:49 PM

General Manager Notes: we're still pretty good at this...
... apparently!

So, Bordeaux. The score is somewhat misleading, given how we ran up the score late in the game, but the fans must have enjoyed the 35-3 score.

It was a defensive game in the first quarter, Bordeaux ended the three-and-out series with the first third down conversion, only to see our defensive end Andy Russell pick off the ball on their fourth play that drive. Then two more three-and-outs, until Moe Sheldon found Branden Sandlin for 20 yards on third and two. Sheldon then found Theodore Bondy for 13 yards and a bunch of plays later Bondy turned a caught screen pass into a 15-yard touchdown for the 7-0 lead. Bordeaux woke up, helped by an unnecessary roughness penalty.

The kicked a 38-yarder to make it 7-3 at the start of the second quarter. It got followed up with three incomplete passes from Moe Sheldon, but things flipped on Bordeaux' next play as Riddick Newsome picked off a screen pass and stumbled into the end zone for the 14-3 lead. Then the defenses took over, with both getting stopped after three plays, twice. Bordeaux thought they had it fixed after a 23-yard pass play, but they settled for punting to pin us at our 6-yard line. We then went on an impressive drive, but eventually settled for a 49-yard kick, which Emmitt Wells missed, with no Brandon Bell to blame for this time. Bordeaux tried to make the best of the last minute of the first half, but our pass rush was too dominant to let it happen.

Second half and Bordeaux' quarterback must have felt deja-vu getting sacked by Gene Kondovski and Darien Fletcher for the second time. Our fumblitis positive punt returner Clarence Blackwell called for a fair catch on our 9-yard line, but we gained just enough ground to put them right back where they should have started: their own 20-yard line. Penalties left and right, helping Bordeaux get a first down, but the biggest help was Blackwell losing the fumble on the next punt return. Another three and out and another Blackwell fumble, this time ge got his ass saved by a teammate. Moe Sheldon then inspired the running game, alternating himself with our running backs Francisco Patter and Reggie Thongchanh, while in between throwing to his tight ends, with Renaldo Crawford making the touchdown catch for a 21-3 lead. Bordeaux' Brad Nestor then threw his third pick off the game, Kirk Hitchcock yanked up his Defensive Player of the Year chances.

After smooth time wasting play, The fourth quarter started with Francisco Patter running for 5 yards and Moe Sheldon finding Theodore Bondy in the end zone for a 28-3 lead. We gave Bordeaux the room to move up field, or maybe they deserved the credit for it themselves, but the blocked 44-yard field goal attempt was all on Clarence Blackwell, finally doing something right on a special teams play. A time wasting drive came next, including a nice 27-yard run from Patter to reach their red zone. On second and goal, Sheldon connected with Branden Sandlin for running up the score to a 35-3 lead. Bordeaux pulled their quarterback and although reaching our 15-yard line in the last nearly 5 minutes, it was all game over anyway, the score remained 35-3 for us.

Moe Sheldon completed 26 of 35 passes for 188 yards and 4 touchdowns. Theodore Bondy had 8 catches for 67 yards with 2 touchdowns. Francisco Patter ran for 61 yards. It wasn't much on offense, but it was all good enough given how dominant our defense (or incapable Bordeaux' offense) was.

With the Paris Musketeers winning the turnover battle 3-0 against the Gothenburg Giants, they ended up winning 30-23 in their own place, to basically turn this into a two-team race.

1. Maassluis 8-6
2. Paris 8-6
3. Gothenburg 7-7
4. Bordeaux 6-8

Bordeaux is done as the division winner will be 8-7-1 at minimum, Gothenburg will need a Maassluis-Paris tie in week 17 to be able to jump ahead, because they have inferior tie-breakers in any possible tied situation.

Paris next hosts the 3-11 Frederick Red Menace. You know, the team that took Angel Henson at the #1 overall pick and the probable Offensive Rookie of the Year, despite that we would put our vote on our own first round quarterback. In contrast, although we play at home as well, our job is to fend off the 9-5 Williamsburg Colonials. They're still in the race for a bye week, providing they win their last two to jump ahead of the 10-4 Chesapeake Chitterlings in their very own potential winner takes all week 17 clash.

Brandon Bell is still out, which means it's Moe Sheldon for yet another game. Which in itself means Sheldon is slowly backing down from his angriness over seeing little playing time. If it wasn't for Sheldon's inferior pass rush avoiding skills, we'd probably consider keeping him in the lineup for week 17. Heck, if we win in week 16, that's still a possibility... Luxury issues, after a 6-10 season. Heck, we've even somewhat saved face by flipping the points differential into a +8 with the big win today.

But really, we're still going to need to win in week 17. Winning in week 16 would keep us in the race for the #3 seed, but given how good the wild card teams are (it's already set in stone that the Deep South and Southeast runners up will be the wild card teams, just not which teams), #3 or #4 doesn't make that much of a difference. We got to stay focused, game for game and do our best to get back into what's so familiar for us: the playoffs. We got to keep believing, so we will. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

05-08-2020, 08:51 AM

Merchantmen fend off Colonials in crazy victory
The Maassluis Merchantmen improved to 9-6 after a strange 34-24 victory over the Williamsburg Colonials. Interception returns and a kickoff return combined for the lion share of points, while inept play in the red zone, kept the Merchantmen from making things easier for themselves. The victory means the Paris Musketeers' result became irrelevant, as it maintains the prospective of a victory or tie making the Merchantmen division champions, while a lose in week 17 will drop them outside the playoffs.

With Brandon Bell still sidelined with a concussion, Moe Sheldon started for the third game in succession. A decent kickoff return made the field a bit shorter on the Merchantmen's first drive. Francisco Patter ran for 6 yards, Moe Sheldon for 7 yards and a first down, but a fourth and one attempt at the Colonials' 43-yard line failed. Punishment took almost 5 minutes as the Colonials drove downfield and scored on a 10-yard screen pass from Donovan Wagaman to Ernie Browning for a 6-0 lead after a failed extra point. Three and out was the Merchantmen faith and a face mask penalty put the Colonials near midfield and capable of quickly getting into fieldgoal range, only to see them miss the 45-yard kick to remain at 6-0 up. Patter then ran for 15-yard and 8-yard gains to end the first quarter with the Merchantmen trailing 6-0.

Third and short wasn't converted and the Merchantmen punt barely helped for field position purposes. Kirk Hitchcock was then called for unnecessary roughness, but set things right on the next play, picking Donovan Wagaman off for a huge 37-yard return well inside the Colonials red zone. Moe Sheldon returned the favor 3 plays later, throwing the ball into a Colonials' defensive end's hand. Still deep inside their own territory, the Colonials thought they were quickly moving upfield, until Riddick Newsome picked off a short pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdowns and a 7-6 lead. Archie Exner made a big sack on third and short to force the Colonials to punt, but Moe Sheldon continued in his struggle to reach Theodore Bondy in double coverage. The Merchantmen defense forced three and out, shortly after followed by Sheldon finding tight ends Renaldo Crawford for 21 yards and Jeffery Blake for 14 yards. Francisco made a 10-yard run on third and short to get into field goal range, while Sheldon kept connecting with various players to get closer and closer to the end zone. Reggie Thongchanh got tackled a yard short from the endzone, but Branden Sandlin made the touchdown catch on the very next play for a 14-6 lead. Donovan Wagaman found Dustin Orenstein for 30 yards and the Colonials though they would get into field goal range, yet their 59-yard kick missed wide to the left. Maassluis went into the break leading 14-6, despite feeling like they got outplayed.

The Colonials stormed out of the gates in the second half with a 9-play 63-yard touchdown drive, With Donovan Wagaman finding Ernie Browning for a 25-yard touchdown pass. The Colonials went for a single to make it a 14-13 deficit. On an almost gone wrong play, Moe Sheldon connected with fullback Clay Brosseau for 33 yards to march into opposing ground, but a stuffed run pushed the Merchantmen outside of field goal range and went for pinning the Colonials at their 3-yard line. The Colonials barely made ground and Maassluis got the ball back at the 49-yard line. Sheldon found Theodore Bondy for 16 yards, Reggie Thongchanh ran for 11 yards and that turned out to be sufficient to set up the 38-yard field goal towards a 17-13 lead. The Merchantmen defense then got bailed out by the Colonials inabilty to play disciplined football and the ensuing punt got blocked and recovered at the 30-yard line.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Emmett Wells scored on a 41-yard field goal for the 20-13 lead. Merchantmen defense looked strong again on the next drive, but tight end Renaldo Crawford fumbled on a 20-yard catch and saw ex-Merchantmen Darien Stokes recover the loose ball. Three incomplete passes later, a 53-yard field goal was scored to give the Colonials the feeling they were stil in it, but kickoff returner Santiago Messenger responded with a 97-yard kickoff return to make it a 27-16 lead for the home team. The Colonials replied with a strong 9-play 72-yard drive completed with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Donovan Wagaman to running back Harris Gerhardt, then a two-point conversion to Gavin Johnston to make it 27-24. Reggie Thongchanh converted on third and one, but Theodore Bondy dropped a short pass on third and two, helping give the Colonials the ball back. Wagaman marched his team into Merchantmen territory lead by a 23-yard pass to Ernie Browning, into field goal range, but then a short pass got intercepted by defensive end Gene Kondovski, with two and a half minutes to go. The Merchantmen offense struggled to move the ball and made the Colonials burn their time outs. Wagaman lead his team forward once again, but at midfield his fourth interception of the day was there and Alexander Marty ran it 52 yards back for a 34-24 lead for the Merchantmen. In the final 21 seconds, the Colonials didn't even seriously try and the Merchantmen victory was there.

Offensively, the Merchantmen offense had little to be proud about. Moe Sheldon completed 14 of 28 passes for 141 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Especially his inability to reach Theodore Bondy (3 catches on 12 targets for 30 yards) were disappointing. Francisco Patter lead the running game with 55 yards on 13 carries.

Key numbers were on the defensive side with 4 interceptions for the Merchantmen, including touchdowns by the safeties Riddick Newsome and Alexander Marty. Especially the numbers for Kirk Hitchcock were interesting, as he was at the spot of a successful catch 11 times, which he responded to with 14 tackles and the first interception of the game.

Elsewhere in the league, the Paris Musketeers beat the Frederick Red Menace (3-12) 24-14, while the Gothenburg Giants won 20-16 at the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums (5-10). The Bordeaux Vineyards got crushed 52-24 by the Chesapeake Chitterlings, Corwin Blanchett threw 6 touchdown passes.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 9-6
2. Paris 9-6
3. Gothenburg 8-7
4. Bordeaux 6-9

Oranje Haven will be the place where the European Division title will be decided. The Maassluis Merchantmen will host the Paris Musketeers in a winner takes all game. In case of a tie, the Merchantmen will take the division title based on the week 7 victory in Paris. The loser will miss the playoffs as the conference has two second place teams with at minimum an 11-5 record. The winner might improve to the number three seed, depending on what the North Plainfield Plague will do in their last game. But the difference between the third and fourth seed will be marginal, either way the visiting wild card team will have a better regular season record.

Elsewhere in the league, the Hanalei Dragons kept their playoffs hopes alive, meaning in a best case scenario, the Merchantmen will get the #12 overall pick from their draft day trade in the off-season. But that's all just minor stuff in the grand scheme of things for the Merchantmen, right now all that really matters is beating Paris at home. Basically, the playoffs have already started.

MIJB#19

05-08-2020, 09:33 AM

General Manager Notes: Ok, one more and we're in...
And then what?

Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty happy how things are going. Our rookie quarterback is playing much better than we could have hoped for. Yes, a first round pick, but the lack of progress and the toned down expectations of how good he can become, made me worry. And quite simply, if Brandon Bell crashes back to earth in week 17, we'll have nothing to show for his promising season.

The defense is even more puzzling. I refuse to think our game plan is horrible. We've been there, done that. It may not be the best possible, but the way this football works, there's just so little you can do to figure out what does or does not work. It's all a crapshoot, shots in the dark. It is quite obvious that Kirk Hitchcock must be feeling like he's doing it all by himself. He's leading the league with 8 interceptions, ties for the lead with 18 passes defended, but more shockingly, has already made 110 tackles (fourth in the league) even ahead of our linebackers, although Daquan Espino might still get ahead of Kirk.

Our completely revamped game plan on the offense has worked, well, most of the time. We've played pretty horribly in about a third of our games, but in the rest I was actually impressed by how smoothly we could march downfield, running left and right, seeing Bell use plenty of his receivers, but mostly fixing Theodore Bondy. I am disappointed that he's still

Paris won't be an easy game. Yes, we won in their place, but it's still a game to be played. I should be confident, I know we can beat them, but I try to temper my expectations. We've already had our upset victories to boost our record, but also saw a couple of horrible things gone wrong games. But, honestly, I'll be disappointed if we choke this season, we've been leading the division for most of the season. It's our season to lose and we're not going to let that happen. Right, team?

Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

05-09-2020, 11:45 AM

Merchantmen fumble division title away
The Paris Musketeers crowned themselves European division champions after a 36-31 victory at the Maassluis Merchantmen. In a winner take all game, the Merchantmen wasted their own chances, almost pulled a sensational comeback lead by backup quarterback Moe Sheldon, but they fell short. The Oranje Haven attendees went home with a mix of emotions, but this time the "what could have been" trumped.

The Merchantmen went with rookie Brandon Bell at quarterback, returning as the starter after three games and a bit sidelined due to a concussion. First possession was for the Merchantmen and Bell immediately showed he was back in action, completing third down passes to Theodore Bondy for 9 and 24 yards respectively. On third and seventeen in field goal range, Bell went for a scramble, but lost the ball and none of his teammates was capable of avoiding Deron Bualat's 82-yard return for the touchdown and 7-0 Paris lead. The reply was non-existing, the Paris defense kept it short and after a 20-yard punt return got to start their drive on their 49-yard line. On third and long, Gabriel Woodson found his running back Moe Shannon on a short pass for 25 yards, setting up a successful 24-yard field goal for the 10-0 lead. A holding penalty pushed the Merchantmen offense back, basically forcing them to punt, but their defense was strong enough to force Paris to punt as well.

The second quarter started with Brandon Bell finding Francisco Patter for 15 yards, Patter running for 7 yards, Bell finding Ronnie Hammond for 23 yards and then tight end Jeffrey Blake for 13 yards on a crucial third and long situation. Reggie Thongchanh ran for 9 yards, followed by Bell finding Theodore Bondy on third down to move into Paris 6-yard line, and then Branden Sandlin on third down to leap into the endzone for the 10-7 score. Paris' Gabriel Woodson responded with a screen pass to tight end Allen Weikel, who turned it into a 48-yard reception, shortly after followed by Woodson finding Darrin Sheldon on a 5-yard touchdown pass for a 17-7 Paris lead. The Merchantmen were three-and-outed on their next possession and then allowed a 27-yard punt return well inside their territory. Woodson finished a short drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Darrin Sheldon for a 23-7 lead, as the extra point was missed. Oranje Haven was getting unamused. Brandon Bell then ran for 10 yards, but got sacked two plays later and after another punt, Marshall Aleman pulled another long punt return to get into Merchantmen territory. Ripe for the knockout punch, safety Alexander Marty seemingly saved the day with an interception. But two plays later, Brandon Bell fumbled for the second time and the Musketeers' Gabriel Woodson followed up with a 26-yard toss to Willie Woodward and a 12-yard throw to Aleman for the 30-7 lead. Bell tried to reply with a quick drive into field goal range, but time ran out near midfield.

The Paris Musketeers steamrolled on their first drive of the second half. Moe Shannon ran for 12 yards, Gabriel Woodson found tight end Leon Heffner for 19 yards and Darrin Sheldon for the same gain. Even a holding penalty couldn't stop the Musketeers, as Woodson found Sheldon for a 13-yard gain and then Moe Shannon didn't just converted on third and three, but took it five more yards for a touchdown. Following the missed extra point, Paris was 36-7 up. Oranje Haven got silent. What had become a face saving season, things were going horribly wrong and a clobbering at home was what they had to witness. But on the sidelines rumors were spreading that Brandon Bell was going to be replaced.

Helped by a 25-yard kickoff return from Santiago Messenger, the Merchantmen tried to respond. Reggie Thongchanh ran for 9 yards, Brandon Bell was still on the field and connected with Branden Sandlin for 19 yards to reach field goal range. After Francisco Patter moved the chains, the replacement was there after all in the middle of the drive: Bell out, Moe Sheldon in. Sheldon's first pass was dropped by Ronnie Hammond, but on third down he found a wide open tight end Renaldo Crawford for 19 yards and on the next play Sandlin in the end zone for a 36-14 score. A glimmer of hope returned as the Merchantmen defense kept the Musketeers short, but the real hope restoring play came right after as Crawford turned a short pass into a 58-yard gain. Two plays later it was Sandlin with his third touchdown catch of the day to sparkle some hope, the deficit was trimmed to 36-21. Another three and out was there to end the third quarter.

The Merchantmen got pinned deep, but on third and short, Moe Sheldon found Theodore Bondy for 42 yards to quickly march into Paris territory. On third and long, Sheldon connected with Bondy again for a first down, but on the third third down, he was forced to scramble and gain just enough yards to set up the 47-yard field goal for the 36-24 score. The Musketeers finally got a first down again, but in the end just took 2 minutes off the clock. Pinned deep again, it was Sheldon to tight end Jeffrey Blake for 31 yards on third and very long to keep the chains moving and the fans believing in a miracle. They were forced to punt with less than 4 minutes to go (the Merchantmen shockingly didn't go for it on fourth and 6 from the Paris 45-yard line). The conservative play turned into a turn over, as Paris' Moe Shannon fumbled the ball on the first next play and rookie Darien Fletcher recovered the ball and moved it to the Paris 12-yard line. Three plays later, Sandlin made his fourth touchdown catch of the day. The deficit trimmed to 36-31, the Merchantmen were still in it, with just over two minutes to go. But that's where it also ended. Paris made the frowned upon play to put their wide receiver at running back and Marshall Aleman ran for the first down and time out waster. Moe Shannon followed up with a 15-yard gain and that was basically it. Paris 36, Maassluis 31.

Oranje Haven at first showed disappointment, but a couple of enthusiastic fans started a loud applause as the players made their round across the stadium to thank the loyal fans. A turn around season ended in disappointment of missing the division title and with that the playoffs, but with a 9-7 record, the Merchantmen at least returned to winning football and showed at times they can play with the best. A couple of stupid losses turned out to be too much to overcome, including Brandon Bell's fumbles today.

Brandon Bell completed 14 of 24 passes for 134 yards and 1 touchdown, but also lost 2 fumbles. Moe Sheldon completed 10 of 14 passes for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns. It marked the first 300-yard passing game for the Merchantmen of the season. Theodore Bondy had 8 catches for 94 yards. Branden Sandlin 7 catches for 41 yards, but with 4 short touchdowns. Reggie Thongchanh ran for 60 yards, Francisco Patter for 49 yards.

The Merchantmen defense may have played a role in the comeback today, but looking over the numbers, they can't be all that happy about their showing. The supposedly top-notch pass rush unit broke up 2 of 36 passing plays, with the credits going to cornerback Kirk Hitchcock and running downs linebacker Moe Iveans. The pass defense deflected 4 passes and had 1 interception. The Merchantmen offense may have gained more total yards, the Merchantmen defense allowed the Musketeers to gain more yards per play.

Final standings:
1. Paris 10-6
2. Maassluis 9-7
3. Gothenburg 9-7
4. Bordeaux 6-10

The Paris Musketeers move on to the wild card round as the #3 seeds (the North Plainfield Plague lost 29-12 at home in their final regular season game) and will host the Tucker Tigers (11-5 after losing 13-6 at the Orlando Talons). The Houston Mustangs are the #5 seeds despite a 13-3 record, as the San Antonio Tidal Force have the same record.

In the NAC, the Hanalei Dragons won their last regular season game, but as the Oakland Black Panthers also won, their season ended anyway, as their tie-breaker situation compared to other wild card teams was a lost situation. It means the Merchantmen end up with the #17 overall draft pick in the 2090 draft from the 2-89 draft day trade, in combination with the 'self-earned' #19 overall pick.

MIJB#19

05-14-2020, 03:45 PM

Kirk Hitchcock receives Defensive Player of the Year Award
Maassluis Merchantmen cornerback Kirk Hitchcock has been named 2089 Defensive Player of the Year. Unsurprisingly, Hitchcock also earned All-IHOF honors, being joined by teammates offensive tackle Howard Humphrey and rookie defensive tackle Darien Fletcher. Fullback Clay Brosseau received All-IHOF second team honors.

In a bit of a bounce back season for the Merchantmen with plenty games against opponents throwing a lot, Kirk Hitchcock was co-leader in the league with 8 interceptions and with 20 defended passes. He ranked sixth in tackles with 115, an unusual high number for a cornerback. His All-IHOF honors make him go back-to-back and make it his third season as a first team selection. Hitchcock is only the third Merchantmen player to ear Defensive Player of the Year honors. He follows up defensive end Daquan Strugielski, the award winner of 2071 and 2072, and linebacker Daniel Duncan, winner in 2043. Linebacker Oliver Drake won the award the season before he was traded by the Williamsburg Colonials to the Merchantmen.

Rookie defensive tackle Darien Fletcher earned All-IHOF honors as well. He was second amongst his peers with 6.5 sacks and added 40 tackles to his resume. He steps in the trails of a tradition of first team Merchantmen defensive tackles, preceded by Charles Gomez, Andy Cottle, Brenden England, Jerome Tyson, Dennis Lucas, Brian Lincoln, Donald Lapointe, Shaun Hartman and Preston Urquoila, Glen Stiegler and Heath Oliver. But none of them earned those honors in their rookie seasons, Fletcher is the first to achieve that.

Offensive tackle Howard Humphrey was selected as an All-IHOF first teamer for the fifth straight season in his equally long IHOF career, strengthening his status as the league's elite right tackle. His key run block total was his lowest with a figure of 36, but he made up for it with just 2 sacks in 561 pass plays, his best season in that area and 4 fumble recoveries.

Clay Brosseau was an unsurprising pick as the All-IHOF second team fullback. Playing at a bit of a niche position, he was going to be in the mix, leading all fullbacks with 9 key run blocks. He lost the first-team honors to Walter Baxter, the leading receiver with 28 catches for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Theodore Bondy missed out on All-IHOF honors for the second season in succession. The four-time first teamer had 118 catches for a career low 1,329 yards, while scoring 13 touchdowns. For the third season in a row he was the co-leader in forced fumbles, once again showing why he's a cherished player on the team's special teams unit as well as a key player on the offense.

As expected, quarterback Brandon Bell's 2,662 passing yards (6.48 per attempt), and 18 touchdowns vs 9 interceptions with a 62.8 completion percentage in 13 games (7-6 win/loss record) came way short of winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. The award went to the #1 overall taken quarterback Angel Henson, who went 3-13 while completing 56 percent of his passes for 5,978 yards (second in the league), 6.63 yards per attempt with 33 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Bell finished 8th in the league in passer rating, Henson 17th.

MIJB#19

05-14-2020, 04:30 PM

Ellis "Who the Fuck is Ellis?" McAlister retires
The football career of Ellis McAlister is over. A sixth round pick for the Maassluis Merchantmen in the 2074 draft that went from fourth choice to franchise quarterback after five full seasons without a single pass attempt. He defied all odds of not being a first round pick or a quarterback acquired through trade or signed as an expensive free agent to become a 9-season starter, missing just 1 game in those seasons and guiding his team to the AOC Championship game in the 2085. He was released during the 2088 off-season and signed by the Arizona Miners for a one-season stint there, then sat out the entire 2089 season as a free agent. The Merchantmen claim to have contacted McAlister's agent to sign him late in the regular season, in case Brandon Bell would be diagnoses out for the remainder of the season and in an attempt to have him retire as a Merchantmen player, but the negotiations failed over salary cap issues. McAlister retires with a 86-67 record for the Merchantmen (6-7 for the Miners), while throwing for exactly 35,000 for the Merchantmen (3,343 more for the Miners), 218 touchdowns for the Merchantmen (15 for the Miners) and 152 interceptions (15 for the Miners).

Wide receiver Ronnie Hammond has filed his retirement papers after just one season with the Maassluis Merchantmen. Hammond offered Brandon Bell the much needed WR2 option opposite Theodore Bondy, but finishes the season with only 48 catches for 768 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Linebacker Glenn Brewer spent the 2089 season waiting for a phone call that never came, just like McAlister. A 2077 first round pick for the Merchantmen, he spent 11 seasons in Maassluis, receiving All-IHOF honors in his third season. In the 2088 off-season he was released for salary cap reasons, then signed a two-year deal with the Williamsburg Colonials, but was released there on roster cut day 2089, thus spending one season there. He made 43.0 sacks, 991 tackles, 10 interceptions, defended 86 passes and forced 22 fumbles in his 12-season career. He played in 174 regular season games and 13 playoffs games for the Merchantmen, including the lost 2078 and 2085 AOC Championship games.

Defensive end Gino Kemp also spent the whole 2089 season without a team. A fifth round pick in the 2080 draft, he joined the front seven rotation in the 2081 season for the Merchantmen. After 8 seasons, he was released over cap reasons in the 2088 off-season, then briefly was on contract with the Kansas Creationists (without seeing the field) that season and despite being re-signed there in the 2089 off-season, he failed to make their regular season roster. In 115 regular season games for the Merchantmen he made 39.5 sacks, 129 hurries and blocked 26 passes. He played in 9 playoffs games for the Merchantmen.

Defensive tackle Erik Shrader is yet another off-season cap casualty, who spent the entire 2089 season without a team. Shrader was a fourth round pick in the 2080 draft and worked his way up to become a full time starter in the 2084 season. After 127 regular season games and 9 playoffs games for the Merchantmen, he was released in the 2088 off-season and was then picked up by the Moontown Darksiders for 7 games, to be released mid-season by them.

Safety Emmitt Miller was the Merchantmen's 2082 second round pick. After spending two full seasons inactive, he became a starter for the 2084 and 2085 seasons, to return to inactivity for another season and get released in the 2087 off-season. He then signed with the Paris Musketeers for two seasons, but after his contract expired, he spent the 2089 season without a contract in the IHOF. Miller played in 35 games for the Merchantmen, including the lost 2085 AOC Championship game. With 2 interceptions, 10 defended passes, 2 forced fumbles and 86 tackles, he's far from a memorable figure for the Merchantmen fans.

Linebacker Jace Peterson spent the 2088 season with the Maassluis Merchantmen, being a premier special teamer. Partly a result of the roster cuts wave to get under the cap, the undrafted rookie was active in all 16 regular season games, but almost exclusively on special teams, without making an impact as a tackler. He was released during the 2089 pre-season, then decided to pursue other opportunities after a season of watching the IHOF on television.

Kick holder Karsten Muchnick joined the Maassluis Merchantmen as an undrafted rookie in the 2079 off-season and became their fulltime kick holder from the opening day. He had that role for 156 regular season games and 9 playoffs games. With heavy protest from team management and ownership, the various head coaches let him pollute the quarterback position, attempting to throw away 4 blowout victories and disgusting the orange-white-and-blue uniform 4 more times in blowout losses. He was nevertheless a respected kick holder by his teammates.

MIJB#19

05-14-2020, 05:37 PM

Oscar Meadows elected into Solecismic Hall of Fame
Former Maassluis Merchantmen offensive tackle Oscar Meadows has been elected into the Soleciscmic Hall of Fame. A first round pick in the 2071 draft, Meadows was just 21 years old when he was made a day one starter for the Merchantmen. For 13 straight seasons his position as the right tackle was undisputed, but during the 2084 season he lost his spot on the line initially to rookie guard Michael Szott, who in return was replaced by veteran left tackle Louie Murray. Meadows hung around for the 2085 season, but only saw very limited action on special teams and didn't see any action in the lost 2085 AOC Championship game. He was on the field in the lost 2078 AOC Championship game, which ended in disappointment after a strong season by the Merchantmen offense, of which Meadows and fellow Hall of Famer J.R. Mills were both selected on the All-IHOF second team.

Meadows was initially scouted as a strong offensive tackle, slightly better in the pass protection than supporting the run. In his second season already proved his value to the running game with 35 key run blocks. After all was said and done, Meadows retired with 380 key run blocks, third most for the franchise and the highest figure by any non-center. With 213 starts, he tied the franchise record of fellow Hall of Fame lineman Tom Anaya. Contrary to Anaya, Meadows also saw action in regular season games he didn't started, which increases his number to 224 games played (excluding 9 in the playoffs). Some fans claim that had Meadows never been benched, he would have broken the 287 games played franchise record of kick holder/quarterback Kerry Lewis (which is also the league record).

Meadows was added to the Merchantmen ring of honor in the 2086 pre-season, half a year after he announced his retirement. He will get a special moment again prior to the pre-season game against the Chicago Norsemen. Meadows is the 18th player inducted into the Solecismic Hall of Fame as a Maassluis Merchantmen and the 30th team alumni.

Year and player(s)
2024 CB Ben Greer (2019)
2026 QB Louie Flannery (2006-21)
2031 RB Stanley Givens (2023-26)
2032 WR Gabe Springer (2016-27)
2039 QB "Rusty" Harrison (2020-29, '33-34)
2043 WR Russell Holliday (2036-38)
2049 LT Kerry Zumdahl (2031-38)
2050 QB Perry Coleman (2041-45)
2053 LB Wesley Devine (2036-48), WR Terry Haskell (2036-48), S Donald Gadrinab (2047-48) and TE Seth "Superman" Shroeder (2047-48)
2055 DL Dennis Lucas (2041-50)
2060 DE Kai Kramer (2055) and RB Norbert Talley (2048-55)
2061 DE Kenyon Durham (2056)
2063 QB Bryson Chow (2045-58)
2075 WR Riddick Stanley (2057-70)
2077 LT Adam Gorski (2071-72)
2079 DT Shaun "The Behemoth" Hartman (2062-74)
2080 LB Edward Ross (2064-75), DE Daquan "Da Machine" Strugielski (2064-75) and CB Peter Tucker (2064-75)
2083 C Tom Anaya (2065-78), QB Bennett Morris (2078) and DE Zachary Tompkins (2076)
2084 QB Erick Loera (2075-77) and WR J.R. Mills (2069-79)
2088 C Nicky Sherman (2079-80, '82)
2090 OT Oscar Meadows (2071-85)

Years of service in parentheses, Merchantmen inductees in bold

MIJB#19

05-15-2020, 11:21 AM

General Manager Notes: back to business in the '90s?
One thing looks familiar: we're over the cap!

Okay, that sounds much worse than it really is. By having locked up 51 of 52 players on roster (we lost Ronnie Hammond over retirement) and that 52nd being a restricted free agent, we're in a position where we just have to get under the cap, use our 10 draft picks and have some difficulties in decided who to keep.

Okay, let's back up just a bit. Over the cap? By how much? We're currently $10.7M over the $493.8M salary cap.

Sidetracking for a minute: insane how high the cap has gotten, no? It was just $75M when the IHOF was established. In 2022 it had already doubled up to $149.9M. In 2031 we went north of $200M, in 2041 north of $250M, in 2051 we surpassed $300M, in 2062 we got past $350M, in 2072 we reached $400M and in 2082 we surpassed the $450M mark. I'm projecting the salary cap to break the $500M barrier in the 2092 season.

But yeah, about $29M over is doable. A good chunk of that is the reservations of the draft picks, with the #17 and #19 overall picks accounting for $14M. Technically we're just $10.7M over the cap, which should be something to figure out by talking with our key players Kirk Hitchcock, Theodore Bondy, Daquan Espino, a bunch of our offensive linemen and the defensive ends.

We've got an interesting case with backup quarterback Moe Sheldon, our 10th most expensive player. Both starter Brandon Bell and Moe Sheldon played okay football, but we'll have to consider our options at quarterback. A playoffs caliber quarterback at minimum get $40M. Bell and Sheldon right now combine for barely $21M. It's very unlikely we'll go out there on the market to try and sign any of the top free agents. Who would that be? Eric Keith, Iowa Cobbers starter, turning 40 during the off-season. He's in the average starter level and it will require that $40M kind of offer to sign him. Perhaps less, most teams will shy away from the veteran. We haven't seen the draft class yet, but let's be reasonable, we can't count out the possibility we will try to see what #17 and #19 will get us in terms of trade up options. Heck, maybe the #1 pick holding Chicago Norsemen will go quarterback and (in that scenario with good reason) put Brady Ladner on the block, the 2088 #2 overall pick, a kid with playoffs caliber potential.

Backup guard Darren Theisen is our 9th most expensive. Based on that, it makes a lot of sense that Andre Watson in his 5th year will start demanding starter money. For us, that means being top10 in cap figure, as Theisen is the 5th highest paid offensive lineman on our roster and the other four starters are top7.

And then there's Reggie Thongchanh. He's on roster for $8M with a very cut friendly $1M bonus figure. But then, why would we release one of the two guys of our running back rotation? A bigger test will be to see what Francisco Patter's demands will be as he's in his final year of rookie contract. Being a former 7th round pick and coming off a 1,000-yard season, there's an obvious mismatch that his player agent might try to milk millions out of.

But all things considered, with Ronnie Hammond already out of town, having Theodore Bondy and Branden Sandlin as our receiving options means we've got that area to look into. We targeted our tight ends 113 times last season, which is an area where we might try to shift away from pure run blockers to improving on the 75 catches for 731 yards and 1 touchdown they accumulated. But a new wide receiver might make even more sense as we're losing a guy that had 3 catches per game for 16 yards per catch. And knowing that keeping Branden Sandlin might get tricky, as he's (also) entering his final season of the rookie contract and he's coming from 6th round pick money.

After this, I see you wondering, which player is that one restricted free agent? It's the undrafted rookie signing linebacker Malcolm Wentz. By lack of special teams skills, he sat out the entire 2089 season, but his run stopping, zone defending and pass rush technique make it worth the trouble to keep him around, especially after seeing how our linebackers deteriorated last off-season. But by the lack of stamina, he's no all downs guy either, so brining him will mean we need a second linebacker to fill in as well. Or maybe, just maybe, we do one of those linebacker combo drafts, if the talent is there...

The secondary could be another area of interest and effort. Kirk Hitchcock is entering his 10th season in the game, the 3rd most expensive player in the league delivered with a DPotY award. Our safeties and sidekick corners to Hitchcock are acceptable, but a second impact player would be really nice.

Lastly, I've already mentioned some players in their final year of contract and loyal readers know that we prefer to lock up as many players as possible going into a new season. It applies to our tow running backs, wide receiver Sandlin, guard Watson, but especially our secondary will be an area of attention. All four of our tight ends will be out of contract after the 2090 season.

For now, optimism is returning, we've got a healthy roster/cap situation and are coming off a season that was encouraging. One reason for that has been our performance on the road against one of the two teams that eventually faced off in the IHOF Bowl. I think we had our chances to have a better result against the Chesapeake Chitterlings. During the IHOF Bowl I claimed that the Orlando Talons crushed us and were worthy league champions. That last part is certainly true, but we didn't have our worst game against them. The do have plenty of reason to claim they crushed us though, we were down 21-3 at half time and really showed very little to prove we deserved to get in a situation where we'd be driving late in the game to tie things up.

So yeah, optimism. A step at the time? I hope we make a big step then. Our more fitting in our team theme, a firm breeze would be nice. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

05-16-2020, 11:31 AM

Merchantmen replace Offensive Coordinator
Reuben Bidwell's stint as the Maassluis Merchantmen offensive coordinator last just one season. Today the Maassluis Merchantmen announced the replacement of Bidwell with 17 years younger Willie Behrendt. Bidwell stepped in during the 2089 off-season to replace recently retired Neal Murack after 18 seasons of service. It marks the fourth time the Merchantmen replace their offensive coordinator after just one season.

Bidwell came in with in a new philosophy, desiring to unravel his take on a spread offense. Instead, the team asked him to build on the balanced approach that Murack had established, but improving on the passing game in the process. A mission somewhat accomplished as the Merchantmen improved from 31st in passing yards to 19th, while going from 9th to 10th in rushing yards with miniscule improvement in production in rushing yards per game and carry.

Not so much apparently. The Merchantmen decided that, despite Bidwell's highly praised playcalling skills, they needed a coordinator better capable of evaluating the players on roster.

In comes Willie Behrendt, at 42 years old still young for a coordinator. He left the Chesapeake Chitterlings after just one season there as their assistant coach, in a season where the Chitterlings went above their expectations and reached (and lost) in IHOF Bowl LXXXVI. Behrendt has previously been the offensive coordinator for the Frederick Red Menace (2086-'87) and Chicago Norsemen (2088). In Frederick, Behrendt was kind of a mismatch as he's a fan of a smashmouth approach to the game of football, while the Red Menace have recently established themselves as a pass first, run rarely team. He was supposed to be a better fit with the running style of the Norsemen, but in his tenure their running game went from 2nd to 24th in rushing yards, although improving the yards per attempt figure. A change of management then and yet again during the 2089 off-season already ended his stint in Chicago.

Merchantmen management looks forward to Behrendt's cooperation with head coach Kyle Elliott, who received a contract extension through the 2093 season. If he sticks around that long, he'll tie the franchise's longest head coaching tenure of Ellis Cassidy (2054-'69), the Merchantmen's only IHOF Bowl winning head coach. For now, Elliott is entering his 13th season with the Merchantmen, making him the third longest, sitting also behind Leroy Van Der Woude's 14-season tenure (2005-'18).

It means the Merchantmen staff has changed in at least one role for the sixth season in a row, something that happened only once before during the 2066-'71 period, shortly after the team's only IHOF Bowl victory and ending it with the unique situation of having three former players of the team on the coaching staff (former safety as the head coach Kelvin Shepherd, former center Neal Murack as the offensive coordinator and former wide receiver Dwayne Kemp as the assistant coach).

Bidwell has been contracted by the Atlanta Vipers as their new offensive coordinator, as the Vipers had a vacancy following the retirement of Dominic Ehret, a two-time IHOF Bowl winners as the offensive cooridnator of the Tucker Tigers.

MIJB#19

05-21-2020, 09:52 AM

Merchantmen sign CB Jackie Richardson
Cornerback Jackie Richardson moves to the Maassluis Merchantmen. The highly touted free agent signed a 4-year contract worth $160M, with a $50M signing bonus. Richardson left the San Antonio Tidal Force after 6 seasons as their premier cornerback.

Fans of defensive football should be pleased. Signing Richardson means the Merchantmen can make a claim for having the best cornerback duo in the league with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kirk Hitchcock already walking around. A unique duo? Perhaps, although the Merchantmen tried a stud cornerback duo before, with mixed results.

All the way back in 2019, the Merchantmen made a pair of trades that got them the exceptional duo of Randall Allen and Ben Greer together. The pass defense improved from 27th to 7th in yards allowed and went from 30th to middle of the pack in yards per attempt. The overall result didn't improve either, the Merchantmen finished with a 6-10 record for the third season in succession. The duo didn't last long as Greer ended his Hall of Fame worth career after just one season in Maassluis. Allen for 5 seasons.

In the 2026 season the Merchantmen made a blockbuster trade in week 4 of the regular season, acquiring Defensive Player of the Year linebacker Oliver Drake and shutdown cornerback Walt Wheatley from the Williamsburg Colonials. The plan was to team up Whatley with Thomas Nordbye, acquired through trade in the 2025 off-season. Coming in, the Merchantmen were aware of Nordbye's injury proneness and it turned out to be an issue, missing 9 games in his first two seasons, but in 2027 he finally played a full season together with Wheatley. But despite their apparent skills, they didn't visually imporve the already strong Merchantmen defense. In fact, the impressive 2028 campaign with just 211 points allowed came the season after Nordbye's inevitable retirement.

In the 2040 IHOF draft the Merchantmen selected Mark Crum with the #30 overall pick and in the 2041 off-season they traded their 2042 first round pick to the Minnesota Miners for 2039 first round pick Marc Pomato. The duo stuck together through the 2050 season. Some say they both peaked early. In the 2042 season, the Merchantmen ranked 1st in passing yards allowed both per game and per attempt, a sign of things going well. They were actually just a 10-6 wild card team and went one and done at the division winning Gothenburg Giants. Between 2040 and 2047, the Merchantmen did keep opponents below 300 points for the season, but the pass defense remained, although strong, not the best in the league like it was in 2042. Crum and Pomato both left after the 2050 season and immediately dropped from top10 to bottom8.

During the 2066 IHOF Bowl winning run, the Merchantmen were clicking on many levels, but the presence of cornerback Peter Tucker, one of the members of the Class of '64, and 2060 first round pick Leo Angus was part of the team's success and spectacular defense. The pass defense ranked 1st in yards per pass attempt allowed, the overall passing yards allowed number was much less impressive, a result of a lot of catch up games. With Tucker around and Angus eventually replaced by 2068 second round pick Tre Rice, the Merchantmen went up and down season to season between top three and middle of the pack in yards per pass attempt. Until Tucker retired and the pass defense plummeted to bottom8 status.

Kirk Hitchcock has previously been one half of a highly touted duo, as the #11 overall pick in the 2081 draft was accompanied by the #14 pick of that class Tre Poloski. Unlike Hitchcock, Poloski has struggled to live up to the first round pick status and was released in the 2087 off-season in a salary cap move, but part a result of his inability to return to his production of the 2082 and 2083 seasons. Despite all this, the Merchantmen never really stood out with this duo, even ranking 32nd in passing yards allowed in 2082 and more shockingly 32nd in the league in 2084 in yards per pass attempt allowed.

All in all, results from the past have no influence on what the future will bring, but the Merchantmen fans should know well that having a studly cornerback duo can do only so much for a team, from being improved in pass defense without more wins, to winning an IHOF Bowl, to ranking last in the league.

MIJB#19

05-21-2020, 01:15 PM

General Manager Notes: I love this CB duo
Yay, two of the top5 corners in the league!

Okay, before we get overly excited, I just gave a couple of cornerbacks a $50M signing bonus, each. Richardson is the new guy in town, 29 years old, into his 7th season, we gave him a somewhat inflated contract, going from a $15M salary in 2090 to $35M in 2092 and '93. Hitchcock signed an extension through the 2092 season. He's now at $53.18M dead cap space (due to signing boni) in this and next season. So yeah, we're spending almost $84 of our $494M cap figure on two cornerbacks.

At the same time, as I mentioned earlier, the offensive line is pretty expensive too. Even after some renegotiations to be able to afford Richardson, 4 of our linemen accumulate to over $109M, still excluding the backup guard Darren Theisen that we're paying $9.2M.

All this means that we're now at 53 signed, of whom 32 signed for next season, excluding the incoming 10 rookies. The 21 that will be out of contract will be a bit of a concern, but that's something I don't want to address until after we've played our second pre-season game [okay, seriously, how the bleep can I roleplay it into making any sense that random player development changes happen right between two pre-season games!?]. There might be a hold out or two, but we'll probably be able to cover that.

I'm actually not so thrilled about going into training camp with 63 players signed, it's 3 too many to my liking. We just don't get to see too much about rookies and other young players in camp. It's a first glimpse of their potential, but not the end all be all. It means we'll have to deduce the roster by 3 players before we actually get any sense for where we stand as a team in terms of talent for the (2090) season.

In the mean time, the draft is hopping along. When we're done, I'll write about the whole bunch that we picked, I'll stick with a short summary for now. I had hoped to push the 2nd round picks forward with trades to the 2091 draft, but I got one team interested too little too late: the 2.20 pick had already been used. We did trade our 3rd round pick to the Orlando Talons for their 3rd next draft. We'll probably trade down this way, but it better than to spend a signing bonus on a rookie that might not even make the team. I kept the additional 1st round pick, without making any moves up or down, which is quite unique. Our score so far, mid-way through the 5th round: a RB, a TE, 2 WR, a K, a DT and a LB.

I constructed a new draft board tool, combining all the data we have so far on scout assessments and combine scores. After a fix of an initial small error in calculation, the board actually says we grabbed a kicker that ranks 4th overall, a linebacker ranked 10th, a tight end ranked 16th. On an adjusted board, where we ignore skills I don't usually value highly on certain positions, that linebacker moves up to 2nd overall, the kicker drops to 7th, the tight end to 34th, but we'll also see the defensive tackle come in at 27th. The first WR ranks 38th, the RB 47th and the second WR 123rd.

Sure, no names yet, despite that the draft results are published on the open net? Again, I'll announce the full class all at once.

Other things to consider for now? Well, not particularly. It seems unlikely I'll make a bid for any other free agent, because, clearly, with 53 signed an 9 draft picks incoming, we're still ahead of the 60 I prefer. Technically, the league mandated limit is 70 on roster for training camp, but as I said before, there's little need to go far beyond that 60 figure. For now, I'm hoping that new draft board works. Reading through the history books and seeing how confident I was when we traded up for kids like Gabe Springer and Terry Haskell, despite looking underwhelming from a distance, that's why we're doing this, getting back into being one of those teams that drafts well. We've had such good drafts in the '60s, late '70s and even as recently as the early '80s, it's a track record that I'd like to build on.

MIJB#19

05-22-2020, 04:55 AM

TE Gaynor, LB Brady top Merchantmen draft class 2090
The 2090 class of draft picks for the Maassluis Merchantmen is complete. A result of trades during the 2089 draft, the Merchantmen went into the draft also holding the Hanalei Dragons' first, second and fifth round picks. During this draft, the third round pick went to the Orlando Talons, leaving 9 picks to be used.

With the 1.17 pick, the Merchantmen selected tight end Clay Gaynor from Texas Tech University.
rn bl X+++++?___ 60-70
ps bl XX++++++?_ 80-90
bl sl XXXX?_____ 35-45
av dr X++??_____ 35-45
gt dw X+++++??__ 65-75
rt rn X+++++?___ 60-75
3d ct XX+++++++? 85-100
bg pl XXXX?_____ 40-50
coura XX+++++?__ 65-80
ad bl X+++++?___ 55-65
endur XX++++++?_ 80-90
sp tm XX++++++?_ 80-95

With the 1.19 pick, the Merchantmen selected linebacker Brandon Brady from Florida State University.
run d XXXX+++??_ 75-85
pr tc XX+??_____ 35-45
pr st XX??______ 20-35
mtm d XXX+++?___ 60-70
zon d XXX++??___ 55-65
bnr d XXXX++++?? 85-95
ply d XXXX++++?? 85-100
p hit XXX??_____ 35-45
endur XXXX++++?_ 80-95
sp tm XXXX++++?_ 75-90

With the 2.18 pick, the Merchantmen selected wide receiver George Stuckey from the University of Oregon.
av dr X++???____ 30-60
gt dw X+++++???_ 60-85
rt rn X+++++???_ 65-90
3d ct ++???_____ 25-50
bg pl XX??______ 15-40
coura XX+++++??? 75-100
ad bl X++???____ 30-60
pnt r ???_______ 0-25
kck r ???_______ 0-25
endur XX+++++??? 75-100
sp tm X++???____ 35-60

With the 2.20 pick, the Merchantmen selected kicker Mark Giles from the University of California, Los Angeles.
k acc XXXXX++??? 75-100
k pwr XXXX+???__ 50-75
ko di XXXX++???_ 65-90
ko ht XXXXX++??? 70-95

With the 4.20 pick, the Merchantmen selected wide receiver Griffin Iafigliola from Marist College.
av dr +++??_____ 25-50
gt dw ???_______ 0-25
rt rn X+++++???_ 60-85
3d ct +++???____ 30-55
bg pl XXXXXXX??? 75-100
coura ???_______ 0-25
ad bl X++++++??_ 70-95
pnt r ???_______ 0-25
kck r ???_______ 0-25
endur X+++???___ 45-70
sp tm X+++++??__ 55-80

With the 5.17 pick, the Merchantmen selected running back Trey Samuels from Vanderbilt University.
break XXXX???___ 40-65
pw in X???______ 15-40
3d rn ???_______ 0-25
hol r XXX+++??__ 55-80
elusi X+??______ 15-40
outsd XX??______ 25-40
blitz X++??_____ 30-55
av dr XX++???___ 45-70
gt dw XX+++???__ 50-75
rt rn XXX+++???_ 60-85
3d ct XX+++???__ 50-75
pnt r XXX+++???_ 60-90
kck r ???_______ 0-25
endur ???_______ 0-25
sp tm XX++???___ 40-65

With the 5.19 pick, the Merchantmen selected defensive tackle Tyrone Hanson from Vanderbilt University.
run d XX++???___ 45-70
pr tc XXX++++??? 70-100
pr st ???_______ 0-30
mtm d X+???_____ 20-50
zon d X+???_____ 20-50
bnr d ???_______ 0-30
ply d XX+++???__ 45-75
p hit XX???_____ 20-45
endur XXX++++??? 65-95
sp tm +???______ 5-35

With the 6.18 pick, the Merchantmen selected quarterback Carlton Mathews from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
sc ps XX++++??__ 55-85
sh ps ???_______ 0-25
md ps X+++???___ 40-65
lg ps X++??_____ 25-55
dp ps ???_______ 0-25
3d ps X++???____ 30-55
accur +???______ 15-40
timin XX+++++??_ 70-95
s rsh XXXXXX???_ 60-85
rd df ???_______ 0-25
2m of X+++???___ 45-70
scr f XXX??_____ 25-50
kck h ???_______ 0-25

With the 7.17 pick, the Merchantmen selected center Dwayne Gullett from St. John's University in New York [it appears that this football program discontinued in 2002 in RL].
rn bl +++??_____ 25-50
ps bl ++++???___ 40-65
bl st XXXXXX??__ 60-85
endur X++++??___ 45-70

Scouting reports from the Merchantmen, pre-draft, somewhat tinkered to round up/down to the nearest 10s and 5s.

MIJB#19

05-22-2020, 08:49 AM

General Manager Notes: Rookies are here!
We got our first new look on our rookies. And boy is it a mixed bag. I mean, I like some of them and others are kind of "meh".

1.17 TE Clay Gaynor
rn bl X++++++___ 15/65
ps bl XX+++++++_ 20/85
bl sl XXXX______ 40
av dr X++_______ 5/30
gt dw XXXXX++___ 45/70
rt rn X++++++___ 10/65
3d ct XXXXXXX++_ 65/90
bg pl XXXX______ 45
coura XXXXX++___ 50/70
ad bl X+++++____ 10/65
endur XXXXXX++__ 60/80
sp tm XXXXXX++__ 60/85
Needs time to develop.
Potentially our best receiving TE.
Now a liability to running game.

1.19 SLB Brandon Brady
run d XXXXX++++_ 45/90
pr tc XX+++_____ 20/45
pr st XXX_______ 35
mtm d XXXX+++___ 35/70
zon d XXX+++____ 30/65
bnr d XXXXXXX++_ 65/85
ply d XXXXX+++++ 50/95
p hit XXXX______ 40
endur XXXXXX++__ 65/85
sp tm XXXXXXX++_ 75/90
Opening day starter?
Will play on running downs.
50/50 to be on 2 LB pass formations.

2.18 WR George Stuckey
av dr X+++______ 5/40
gt dw XXXX++____ 45/65
rt rn X++++++___ 15/75
3d ct XX+_______ 25/30
bg pl XX________ 25
coura XXXXXXX+++ 70/100
ad bl X+++______ 10/45
pnt r __________ 0
kck r __________ 0
endur XXXXXX++__ 55/75
sp tm XXXX+_____ 35/50
Green, but route running potential.
Questionable get downfield.
No big play ability.

2.20 K Mark Giles
k acc XXXXXX+++_ 60/85
k pwr XXXXX+____ 50/60
ko di XXXXXX+___ 60/70
ko ht XXXXXXX+__ 70/75
Decent kicker all around.
No improvement over Wells.
Might may better, but needs to grow.

4.20 WR Griffin Iafigliola
av dr ++++______ 5/40
gt dw __________ 0/5
rt rn X++++_____ 5/55
3d ct XXX+______ 30/45
bg pl XXXXXXXXX_ 90
coura +_________ 5
ad bl X++++++___ 10/65
pnt r __________ 0
kck r __________ 0
endur XX++______ 25/40
sp tm XXX++_____ 30/55
Big play ability, but little else.
Potential in route running.
Longshot to make 53-men roster.

5.17 WR Trey Samuels
av dr X+++++____ 10/55
gt dw XXXX++____ 40/65
rt rn X++++++___ 15/75
3d ct XXXXX+____ 45/65
bg pl XXXXXX____ 60
coura XXXXX+___ 45/65
ad bl +++_______ 5/25
pnt r XXXX++____ 35/65
kck r __________ 0/5
endur __________ 0
sp tm XX+_______ 15/35
Will move from RB to WR.
Void of endurance is a concern.
Looks otherwise pretty good.

5.19 DT Tyrone Hanson
run d X+++______ 15/40
pr tc XXX+++++__ 30/80
pr st __________ 0
mtm d +++_______ 5/25
zon d X+________ 5/20
bnr d __________ 0
ply d XX+++_____ 20/50
p hit XXX_______ 30
endur XXXXXX+___ 55/70
sp tm X+________ 15/25
Greener than anticipated.
Potentially can join our rotation.
Has a shot at making 53-men roster.

6.18 QB Carlton Mathews
sc ps XX++++____ 18/58
sh ps __________ 0/0
md ps X++++_____ 15/45
lg ps X++_______ 10/30
dp ps __________ 0/5
3d ps XXX+______ 25/40
accur X++________ 5/25
timin XXXXXX++__ 65/85
s rsh XXXXXXX___ 65
rd df +_________ 0/10
2m of X++++_____ 10/45
scr f XXXX______ 40
kck h __________ 5
Typical late round stab in dark.
Disappointing sense rush ability.
Unlikely to make 53-men roster.

7.17 C Dwayne Gullett
rn bl +++_______ 0/30
ps bl ++++______ 5/45
bl st XXXXXXX___ 70
endur XXX+++____ 35-56
All round decent potential.
Weakness is run blocking, sadly.
Longshot to make 53-men roster.

So, Brady and Gaynor look good, but not quite the game changers you want out of the first round, yet. Hanson looks promising. Samuels' endurance might drop him from WR2 potential to punt returning WR4. Giles needs to show up in camp, or risk losing the kicking battle. Stuckey in the second round was a reach, but if he fails to make the team, a typical wasted second round pick. Iafigliola is tough to pronounce, but does have some interesting upside. Gullett might be ok, but too much of a blind side protector than a running game supporting center. And Mathews, well, let's see where he stands after training camp and a bit of pre-season action, if he makes that pre-season roster.

Aside from this bunch, we'll be offering a contract to 7 undrafted rookies, which would potentially put us at the league maximum of 70 signed. A player that looks promising, but didn't get an offer is WR Ricky Owens. If he's still on the street at mid-pre-season, don't be shocked if we take a look at him after all. But with 3 incoming rookies at WR already, we have other priorities.

MIJB#19

05-23-2020, 07:23 AM

General Manager Notes: Undrafted rookie free agents arrived!
Yup, we increased the class of 2090 from 9 to 14.

As I mentioned already, we offered contracts to 7 rookie free agents. Two of them signed a bonus heavy contract elsewhere in the league, being punter Jake Tyworth (went to the Frederick Red Menace) and offensive tackle Jorge Duke (went to Snapfinger Jazz). Who did we sign?

RG Marvin Silvan
From South Carolina, we had to outbid two other teams to win him over. Longshot to make the team, but you never know what happens in the off-season to returning veterans.
rn bl XX++++____ 15/55
ps bl XX++++____ 15/60
bl st XX________ 15
endur XXXXX++___ 55/75

MLB Brant Rayburn
Comes from Vanderbilt (indeed, a third rookie from this university). Primarily a hard hitting special teamer, but could be okay in pass defense support. We outbid three other teams for his services. He's actually got a decent chance to make our pre-season roster and who knows after that?
run d XX________ 15/25
pr tc XXX+++____ 35/55
pr st XXX_______ 30
mtm d XXX+______ 25/35
zon d XX++______ 20/40
bnr d XXXXX_____ 45/50
ply d X+________ 10/15
p hit XXXXXXX___ 65
endur XXXX______ 35/40
sp tm XXXXXXX___ 70/75

WLB Ruben Caminiti
Comes from Michigan State. This kid could be a great fit on a 3-4 defense. We run a 4-3 defense and upon arrival realize this kid will be a misfit here. He's undersized to move to defensive end. Hence, he should have been signed by a 3-4 team, but eerily we were the only team showing any interest.
run d XXXX+++___ 40/70
pr tc XXXXXX++__ 55/85
pr st XX________ 20
mtm d X+________ 5/20
zon d __________ 0
bnr d X+________ 10/20
ply d __________ 0
p hit XX________ 25
endur __________ 0
sp tm __________ 0

CB Chuck Murray
Comes from Florida State and will be moved to strong safety, as was our plan. Lack of endurance and special teams skills could limit his chances to make our final 53-men roster, but in theory he could make the team as a running downs strong safety. N other team showed interest in him.
run d XXX+______ 25/40
mtm d X+_______ 10/20
zon d XXX+++____ 35/60
bnr d +_________ 5
ply d XX++______ 20/40
p hit XXXXX_____ 50
inter XXXXXXX___ 70/75
pnt r __________ 0
kck r __________ 0
endur X_________ 10
sp tm X_________ 15

FS Jon Brotzman
Comes from Oklahoma, has the potential to be a fine free safety and brings the welcome special teams skills with him. Surprisingly we signed him uncontested.
run d __________ 0
mtm d XX+++_____ 25/45
zon d XXXX++++__ 40/80
bnr d __________ 0
ply d XXX++++___ 30/70
p hit XXX_______ 30
inter XXXXX+____ 45/65
pnt r __________ 0
kck r __________ 0
endur XXX+______ 30/35
sp tm XXXXXXXX++ 80/95

So, yeah. Honestly, I really like this group. Botzman and Murray could be keepers here. With 7 safeties signed, some will be released even between training camp and pre-season games, but right now, had I use the axe today, both would make the 60 men pre-season roster. Can't be unhappy about Rayburn either. And Caminiti really deserves to play in this league. And Silvan has a legitimate shot at being our eight lineman.

Oh, by the way, we signed the Gothenburg Giants' long snapper Bryce Karney in pre-draft free agency. The 10th year veteran will get a position battle with our 5th year pro Thomas Biegen. And they get to do this alongside the inevitable kicker battle!

Two men enter, one man leaves.

Twice.

All this means we've got 68 players on roster. And we've got plenty of positions or position groups where it's clear we'll make some cuts sooner or later (well, duh!). What have we got?
4 quarterbacks (it makes sense to stick with 3)
4 running backs (I'm opting to trim this to 3)
1 fullback (bar disaster, Brosseau will be the 1)
5 tight ends (we'll end up at 4)
8 wide receivers (including some return specialists, but this has to come down to 5 or 6)
3 centers (this will be at most 2)
4 guards (this will be at most 3)
3 offensive tackles (this will likely remain 3)
1 punter (got to have 1)
2 kickers (position battle down to 1)
4 defensive ends (I like all 4)
6 defensive tackles (that's seriously too much, we'll do with 5 or even 4)
9 linebackers (this may end up being 5, at most 6)
5 cornerbacks (depending on what happens elsewhere, this will be 4 or 5)
7 safeties (yeah, that's too much, this will come down to 4 or 5)
2 long snappers (by opening day this will be 1)

That will get us down to 52 by mu count, so there's some room to keep one more player. Speaking of that, don't be shocked if a couple of free agents joins our training camp at the eleventh hour...

A side line story, what happened to Ricky Owens? He signed with the Moontown Bombers, taking the only only offer that he received. I know the game has changed, but this kid would have been a lot of fun to see play in any of the deep throwing eras. Yeah, let's not second guess this decision to not make an offer to him.

Wait, there's one more thing: what was the effect on WR Trey Samuels position change? The staff re-evaluated him already and this is what they make of him now. They tempered expectations a little bit, but overall his player profile looks nearly unchanged.
WR Trey Samuels
av dr X+++++____ 10/55
gt dw XXXX++____ 40/60
rt rn X++++++___ 10/65
3d ct XXXXX+____ 45/60
bg pl XXXXXX____ 55
coura XXXXX+___ 40/55
ad bl +++_______ 0/25
pnt r XXXX++____ 35/65
kck r __________ 0/5
endur __________ 0
sp tm XX+_______ 15/35

Finally, training camp is upcoming. We're going form a Spread offense to a Smashmouth offense, which might cause an overhaul in the playbook. Well, there will be some changes, but ironically, we were well prepared for this change, it appears. Our formation choices last season are more than ready to have this new philosophy work... on paper.

I can't wait to see what the progress of all the youngsters will be!

MIJB#19

05-25-2020, 04:19 PM

Editor's note: Yesterday I spent half a day researching for a new installment on the 'masters of trading' series. Fact that I haven't posted it yet, comes to show how time consuming this specific one has been so far and I'm a little bit worried there will be no end of it. We'll have to see where that ends. I'm afraid it's going to be brain bursting for anybody trying to read it anyway. It'll be a tough call, but I might have to make a decision on how deep to follow the trail of trades.

I'm afraid I'll have to go with how I did with the previous installments: stick with who got taken with the the draft picks that were involved in the initial trade. It might end up being nothing more than a long list of team names exchanging some players, but mostly draft picks that eventually get used to pick players. In fact, I almost lost it myself during the research, had to write down in detail where I was. So yeah, judgement call, I'll do some more digging later this week and probably make the mind blowing part spoiler tag hidden in the full version.

It was fun, for a long time, until I had to call it a night way past 1 am and a couple of hours later realized within my sleep that I was dreaming about the kind of research I had been doing, the massive spread of things that were going on. It felt like a virus and trying to figure out who or what got infected and every time you think you've got it isolated, the last end in the diagram becomes a new tree.

So yeah, just had to share that for a bit, for those regularly tuning in and reading. Let's do the training camp report and mulling over who to release to get down from 70 to 60 players.

MIJB#19

05-25-2020, 06:00 PM

General Manager Notes: Training Camp 2090, decisions, decisions
So many fine players and 10 won't even be here for our first pre-season game.

First things first, right before training camp, two players got a last minute call to join our team. Rookie cornerback Adam Harmon somehow slipped through earlier, this 23-year old looks to have fine potential in zone defending (excellent even), interception skills, man to man defense and also has special teams potential. The other signing was tight end Sherman Bridges, 10th season veteran, mediocre blocker, questionable receiver (144 career catches for a guy with no route running skills), but he can play special teams and mentor Clay Gaynor, which the kid desperately needs.

Then we went to camp and afterwards asked the scouting staff to report on how much progress the youngsters on the roster showed. Well, we got some surprises on all ends of things. Let's break it down by position group.

Quarterbacks
40/40 no ch. Moe Sheldon (9th, 3rd with us)
20/40 +3/nc Brandon Bell (2nd)
30/35 +3/nc Francisco Farley (4th)
15/25 +2/-1 Carlton Mathews (R)
Our new offensive coordinator likes Bell's potential better than Farley's, but still has Sheldon about 3/100th ahead of Bell. Mathews was a bit of a lottery ticket, it's safe to say, he's projected outside our 53 men roster.

Running backs
55/55 no ch. Francisco Patter (4th)
35/35 no ch. Reggie Thongchanh (6th)
30/30 +1/-1 Braxton Szporluk (5th, 3rd with us)
25/25 no ch. Asher Ford (4th, 3rd with us)
Patter and Thong' once again, but the decision to be made is Szporluk or Ford as the third down back, with the loser a serious candidate to miss out on our 53 men roster. Ford has the advantage of also being a quality special teamer.

Fullback
40/40 no ch. Clay Brosseau (5th)
Best run blocking fullback in the league. We're moving to a smashmouth offense, you do the math.

Tight ends
35/65 +4/-1 Clay Gaynor (R)
40/40 unkn. Sherman Bridges (10th, 1st with us)
30/40 +3/nc Jeffery Blake (3rd)
30/30 no ch. Renaldo Crawford (4th, 3rd with us)
30/30 no ch. Randy Holliday (4th)
15/15 no ch. Tyler Kotz (6th)
We have to believe in Gaynor and Bridges will help him. Blake and Crawford are the better run blockers of the returning players, Holliday and Kotz won't make the 53 men team. In fact, both are on the chopping block for pre-season already.

Wide receivers
75/75 no ch. Theodore Bondy (9th)
40/40 no ch. Brandin Sandlin (4th)
30/50 +4/-2 Trey Samuels (R)
25/50 +4/nc George Stuckey (R)
35/40 +3/nc Harris Wilkerson (2nd)
35/35 +1/+1 Santiago Messenger (3rd)
25/45 +2/-1 Griffin Iafigliola (R)
30/30 no ch. Tracy Arntt (3rd)
Messenger and Arntt are our kickoff return guys, Samuels right now looks like the third best option as punt returner. I'd love to see what the rookies can do on the field, but it's a numbers game already and think I'll have to release Wilkerson or Iafigliola before pre-season. Wilkerson was one of our special teamers, but Arntt is good competition and Samuels os on par with him. Stuckey an odd one, made the best progress, but is he (or Samuels) good enough to become the WR3 behind Bondy and Sandlin?

Offensive Linemen
70/70 no ch. Michael Szott (7th)
70/70 no ch. Butch Pearson (11th)
65/65 no ch. Howard Humphrey (6th)
65/65 no ch. Nathan Hadinger (8th)
50/50 no ch. Darren Theisen (5th, 2nd with us)
45/45 no ch. Andre Watson (5th)
35/35 +1/nc Tyler Hamilton (4th)
20/40 +2/-3 Dwayne Gullett (R)
30/30 +3/+2 Jared Labbe (5th)
25/45 +6/-2 Marvin Silvan (R)
Same story as last season: 4 of 5 starters look locked in, Watson once again has to look behind him for veteran Theisen, but rookie Silvan made such a strong jump in training camp, we have to consider him as a legitimate option for the future. Gullett was underwhelming, Labbe slightly recovered, but is far from the kind of football player we thought he was going to be. One of those last two will not make the pre-season roster. After or midway through pre-season we'll make a decission on the guards.

Punter
55/55 no ch. Doug Guynes (6th)
Please don't fall apart, please don't fall apart.

Kickers (yup, plural)
65/75 +7/+1 Mark Giles (R)
55/55 no ch. Emmitt Wells (3rd)
Wells is good, but Giles is great? That's what this looks like now. It's tough to already go our separate ways from a third round pick, but such can be the life in the IHOF.

Defensive Ends
60/60 no ch. Gene Kondovski (9th)
45/45 no ch. Archie Exner (4th)
40/40 no ch. Andy Russell (5th)
30/30 no ch. Tony Whiting (5th)
This is what it is, bar disaster.

Defensive tackles
65/65 no ch. Darien Fletcher (2nd)
60/60 no ch. Jumbo Mojica (4th, 3rd with us)
45/45 no ch. Francisco Burgess (11th, 2nd with us)
35/35 no ch. A.J. Ritt (7th)
30/30 +3/-3 Kurt Ackerman (3rd)
20/40 +3/-3 Tyrone Hanson (R)
Burgess is a run stuffer, mentor, but I doubt we will keep him. Hanson might turn out to be too green after all. Ritt is good for cohesion. Ackerman finally looking like the kind of player we thought he could be. But Fletcher and Mojica are complete defensive tackles, with Fletcher slightly on the tricky end in endurance. Depth isn't required, 4 guys on the 53 men list should be sufficient.

Linebackers
50/75 +6/nc Brandon Brady (R)
55/55 no ch. Daquan Espino (5th)
45/45 no ch. Clayton Jackson (4th)
40/40 no ch. Moe Iveans (5th, 2nd with us)
35/40 +3/nc Trenton Mendelssohn (3rd)
35/40 +3/nc Malcolm Wentz (2nd)
30/35 +3/+1 Brant Rayburn (R)
25/35 +3/-2 Ruben Caminiti (R)
25/25 no ch. Alec Palmer (3rd)
Brady, just hold and you're the new name in a long list of spectacular linebackers wearing the orange-white-and-blue. As was the plan with Espino, until pre-season 2089 happened. Caminiti looks so sweet, but we just can't make a roster spot for him. Kid might should end up on a 3-4 defense as their pass rushing WLB. This could be the off-season where Mendelssohn finally gets axed. Jackson has grown into being a very good passing downs linebacker. Iveans might already get cut after one season, we had good hopes, until pre-season 2089 happened to him (as well). Palmer is the best special teamer, but we'll be good to go with Brady, Rayburn and Iveans, if those last two stay.

Cornerbacks
70/70 no ch. Jackie Richardson (7th, 1st with us)
70/70 no ch. Kirk Hitchcock (10th)
45/45 +5/+1 Ted Frias (3rd)
40/40 no ch. Jessie McNeil (4th)
20/40 unkn. Adam Harmon (R)
30/30 no ch. Courtney Blackwell (7th)
If they don't fall apart, Richardson and Hitchcock will be the best duo in the league. Frias made great progress, but might actually be the casualty of the Richardson acquisition. McNeil solid, Harmon greener, with slightly more potential. Blackwell used to be our punt returner, in raw talent is still the ebst by far, but has shown a tendency to fumble too often, that's risky.

Safeties
45/45 no ch. Alexander Marty (8th)
35/35 no ch. Bart Sword (5th, 3rd with us)
35/35 +1/+1 Salvador Harper (4th)
30/40 +5/+2 Chuck Murray (R)
30/30 no ch. Riddick Newsome (8th, 6th with us)
20/35 +3/nc Jon Brotzman (R)
20/25 +2/nc Levi Blanchard (3rd)
So many decent options, but none that wow us. Murray may be too much of a Marty look-a-like, which is both a compliment and a problem, because he has to become better to surpass him. Brotzman may already be our best special teamer, maybe aside from Harper, that's a thing to consider here as well, with Sword close behind. I'd like to keep them all, but we really can't, not even for our first pre-season game.

Long Snappers
20/20 no ch. Bryce Karney (10th, 1st with us)
20/20 no ch. Timothy Biegen (5th)
To go with cohesion or with ability, that's the question. Karney is the better snapper, no question about it, but Biegen has been good enough. We won't keep both, not even into pre-season, simple as that.

So yeah, decision to be made. 10 guys have to leave now, not after the (wacky) pre-season re-evaluation of players, now. Or to be more exact, tomorrow. We'll have about a day to mull over this. The lineup for the games can be made already, the players that are available for trade have been listed on the trade block: Kotz, Holliday, Gullett, Wells, Iveans, Palmer, Mendelssohn, Wentz, Blanchard, Harper, Sword and Biegen. Yes, an old fashioned bargain bin trade block, anything goes for a 7th round pick. Got to try, no? We have a name to live up to.

MIJB#19

05-26-2020, 11:20 AM

Merchantmen release 10 players
The Maassluis Merchantmen have trimmed their roster down to the pre-season maximum of 60 on roster. 10 players were released, most notable long snapper Timothy Biegen and kicker Emmett Wells. The full list of players released is below.

Long snapper Timothy Biegen was an undrafted rookie free agent signing for the Merchantmen shortly after the 2086 draft. He got the nod as the new long snapper and kept the role for 4 straight seasons. This off-season the Merchantmen brought in veteran Bryce Karney as competition and the team went with the supposedly more talented veteran.

Kicker Emmett Wells was a 3rd round pick for the Merchantmen in the 2088 draft. It seemed that the Merchantmen had found their long-term answer at the position, but in the recent draft they took a U-turn and drafted Mark Giles in the 2nd round. Wells spent 2 seasons with the Merchantmen and kicked for them in 32 games.

Tight end Tyler Kotz was a 7th round pick for the Merchantmen in the 2085 draft. He spent his first two seasons inactive, then in 2087 was active in 4 games and in 2088 finally made his first career catch, but that season was almost exclusively a special teamer. Last season his activity was limited to 1 game. Kotz leaves Maassluis after 5 seasons on roster with 21 games played.

Tight end Randy Holliday was a 5th round pick for the Merchantmen in the 2087 draft. He spent 2087 on inactive, but in 2088 was a starter being considered the best receiving tight end on roster. Last season he was demoted to a backup role, playing almost exclusively on special teams. He leaves the Merchantmen after 3 seasons of service with 31 games played.

Linebacker Trenton Mendelssohn was the Merchantmen's 3rd round pick in the 2088 draft. After an underwhelming initial training camp and pre-season, he spent his rookie season inactive. In 2089 he saw the field just once, making a tackle on 1 of just 2 plays, meaning he leaves the team after 2 seasons on roster and just 1 game played.

Safety Levi Blanchard was an undrafted rookie signing shortly after the 2088 draft. But he was stuck behind veterans and never got to see any action for the Merchantmen. He leaves the team after 2 seasons on roster, without any games played.

Defensive tackle Francisco Burgess leaves the Merchantmen after a season without seeing the field. The 11th year IHOF veteran was signed to mentor first round pick Darien Fletcher, but spent all season inactive and now is considered no longer required.

Defensive tackle Tyrone Hanson was recently a 5th round pick for the Merchantmen in the 2090 draft. Despite praise to the 23-year old pass rusher, he was considered unlikely to make the 53-men roster on a unit that the team considers to be loaded with many young, but developed others.

Center Dwayne Gullett was recently a 7th round pick for the Merchantmen in the 2090 draft. The Merchantmen decided that he was the least likely of 10 linemen to make the final 53-men roster.

Linebacker Ruben Caminiti was a recent undrafted rookie free agent signing. His release was very likely as the fear of him unable to adapt to a 4-3 defense or moving to defensive end turned out to be legitimate. Team management continued to praise him as a worthy pass rusher on a 3-4 defense.

MIJB#19

05-27-2020, 04:54 PM

General Manager Notes: The day we all fear, and sometimes love, or both
Pre-season week 2. You know it.

This is one of those days where you know something's coming, but not quite where it will go and feel afterwards. It's not exactly that tension when you're about to make a phone call to that special person that you hope will finally be ready to give you a chance to get to know you better and sparkle the positive vibes you hope she has for you as well, but it's somewhat close. So, what did the randomness of destiny in mind for us?

Wait, let's take you with me on this journey a little bit more.

I woke up more than an hour before the alarm was set...
Okay, not that far back.

Days like these, they go in three shifts of tension. First, there's the moment the game is played. Ask all the owners and GM's in the league, none of them even remotely care about the result and few will be bothered to investigate the play by play and box score. No, everybody is waiting for all the staff members and the league scout to re-evaluate the players.

Step one, the league office announces the results of the games and lets the league scout and a specific report from one team in the league make a leaguewide evaluation, with a list of the players that have made the most progress and those that looked like total duds.

You hope to see your own players on that first list, well, our undrafted rookie linebacker Brant Rayburn did. Good for you, kid!

Then you scroll down to the second list. No Merchantmen players. Oh goody!

But that's not all there is. The second stage is the league scout's report on your own team. You know going into the numbers that the league scout by no means can do a reliable report, or at least not as reliable as your own staff. But being stuck outside your team network, you go can't help yourself and do take a look.

Brandon Bell went 10 points up on the scale of 1-100. Holy smokes! Moe Sheldon went 7 points up. Kid Rayburn, +19. Goodness, we're back in business with our quarterbacks? Then you notice the evaluation of Sheldon from the league scout from the previous point in time was far off from your team's assessment. And you also realize that a young quarterback like Bell is hard to pinpoint, especially for a league scout who, by lack of interest, didn't land a better job in the league.

You go on with your normal day life, this particular day having some kind of planned phone call, but still slightly different from an average conference call. A bunch of normal conference calls follow and then, after the last one, it's time to shift the attention and get onto the team's network and find out what your own staff has to report.

Brandon Bell +1/-1, drats, stupid league scout. Moe Sheldon +2/+2, good, but not awesome. Bryan Rayburn +1/+5. Okay, some good news. And then you stare at the reports on your first round picks.

Dang.

Okay, not the end of the world, but -2/-8 for the highest pick you ever spent on a tight end and then +1/-5 on the linebacker that you though was the best player in the entire draft class, that's disappointing to read. Even if the league office still grades your draft as the 3rd best in the league, seeing your first round picks not at the very least hold ground, it's a bummer.

But it's not the end of the world, your awesome cornerback duo went -2/-2 (the new guy Richardson, not all that bad) and +1/+1 (Hitchcock, you old dog! Who said you can't peak in your 30s?).

Then the night falls, and loneliness... No wait, that's a different story.

Anyway, it was a mixed back this day in the life of a GM/owner in the IHOF. Some good news, some bad news. To put things into perspective, it's best to look over the roster just like you did after training camp and look at it from the "what have we got?" point of view?

Quarterbacks
45/45 +2/+2 Moe Sheldon (9th, 3rd with us)
20/35 +1/-1 Brandon Bell (2nd)
30/35 -1/-2 Francisco Farley (4th)
15/25 nc/+1 Carlton Mathews (R)
Yup, that's the new pecking order. Sheldon starts, Bell on the bench, Farley inactive, Mathews released.

Running backs
55/55 +3/+3 Francisco Patter (4th)
35/35 no ch. Reggie Thongchanh (6th)
30/30 +1/-1 Braxton Szporluk (5th, 3rd with us)
25/25 +1/+1 Asher Ford (4th, 3rd with us)
Patter and Thong' the one-two punch, Ford the special teamer, Szporluk released.

Fullback
45/45 +1/+1 Clay Brosseau (5th)
Nothing new here, Brosseau is our guy.

Tight ends
30/55 -2/-8 Clay Gaynor (R)
35/35 -6/-6 Sherman Bridges (10th, 1st with us)
30/40 -1/nc Jeffery Blake (3rd)
30/30 no ch. Renaldo Crawford (4th, 3rd with us)
Gaynor the starter, Blake and Crawford the other blockers, Bridges the special teamer? I'll have to browse over the whole team, 4 active will be a bit much, but that's what we're looking at for now.

Wide receivers
75/75 -1/-1 Theodore Bondy (9th)
40/40 no ch. Brandin Sandlin (4th)
30/50 -1/-3 Trey Samuels (R)
35/40 no ch. Harris Wilkerson (2nd)
25/50 nc/-2 George Stuckey (R)
25/40 nc/-7 Griffin Iafigliola (R)
30/30 -7/-7 Santiago Messenger (3rd)
20/20 -6/-6 Tracy Arntt (3rd)
Theo and Sandlin the starters. WR3? It's up for grabs, kids. Messenger and Arntt took hits, but they will stay on as our kickoff return guys. Iafigliola will be released.

Offensive Linemen
70/70 -1/-1 Michael Szott (7th)
70/70 no ch. Butch Pearson (11th)
65/65 no ch. Howard Humphrey (6th)
60/60 -4/-4 Nathan Hadinger (8th)
45/45 no ch. Andre Watson (5th)
45/45 -6/-6 Darren Theisen (5th, 2nd with us)
30/30 -4/-4 Tyler Hamilton (4th)
25/40 -1/-5 Marvin Silvan (R)
30/30 no ch. Jared Labbe (5th)
Hadinger, Szott, Pearson, Watson, Humphrey. Our line for another season. Theisen will be released, despite being the best backup.

Punter
60/60 +1/+1 Doug Guynes (6th)
He didn't fall apart!

Kickers (yup, plural)
65/75 +2/-3 Mark Giles (R)
He held, basically.

Defensive Ends
60/60 no ch. Gene Kondovski (9th)
45/45 no ch. Archie Exner (4th)
40/40 -1/-1 Andy Russell (5th)
35/35 +2/+2 Tony Whiting (5th)
Continuity at this position, now there's something unexpected!

Defensive tackles
65/65 no ch. Darien Fletcher (2nd)
55/55 -1/-1 Jumbo Mojica (4th, 3rd with us)
35/35 no ch. A.J. Ritt (7th)
30/30 +1/+1 Kurt Ackerman (3rd)
Fletcher and Mojica the starters, Ritt and Ackerman the backups. We'll browse over the entire roster to determine whether both can be active, or just one.

Linebackers
50/70 +1/-5 Brandon Brady (R)
55/55 -1/-1 Daquan Espino (5th)
45/45 +4/+4 Clayton Jackson (4th)
40/40 -1/-1 Moe Iveans (5th, 2nd with us)
35/40 +1/-1 Malcolm Wentz (2nd)
30/40 +1/+5 Brant Rayburn (R)
25/25 no ch. Alec Palmer (3rd)
Brady and Espino, but Jackson will be our LB2 on passing downs. Iveans probably our LB3 on running downs. Rayburn and Palmer special teamers, number active based on room at other positions. Wentz will be released.

Cornerbacks
70/70 +1/+1 Kirk Hitchcock (10th)
70/70 -2/-2 Jackie Richardson (7th, 1st with us)
45/45 -1/-1 Ted Frias (3rd)
35/35 -3/-3 Jessie McNeil (4th)
20/40 nc/-1 Adam Harmon (R)
30/30 +1/+1 Courtney Blackwell (7th)
Hitchcock and Richardson the starters. Frias and McNeil the active backups. Harmon a project for the future, if we decide to keep him (we'll trim down to 54 today). Blackwell gets this pre-season to prove he's over the fumblitis.

Safeties
45/45 no ch. Alexander Marty (8th)
30/40 nc/+3 Chuck Murray (R)
35/35 -2/-2 Salvador Harper (4th)
30/30 no ch. Riddick Newsome (8th, 6th with us)
20/30 nc/-3 Jon Brotzman (R)
25/25 -12/-12 Bart Sword (5th, 3rd with us)
Still puzzling with these guys. Marty is a strong safety, Murray could be a running downs guy or a future strong safety, but Harper is better right now. Newsome is our passing downs free safety. Brotzman special teamer and future project. Sword will be axed.

Long Snappers
21/21 no ch. Bryce Karney (10th, 1st with us)
Don't believe the league scout and his -2/-2, we still think Karney was a good signing. Still top5 in the league.

All in all, it was an okay day. Sometimes having things not get worse is good enough for now, as long as there's potential for growth. I think there is, we got to give it a little bit of time, but by week 11 or so, I think that's roughly the right time to decide whether the course we set was right, or whether to turn the ship around and sail to other horizons, of course hoping to find the treasure.

MIJB#19

05-28-2020, 04:13 PM

[b]General Manager Notes: Extension Day![/i]
Cap space next season, bye bye.

Yup, it's that time of year again. I'm not talking about the money generating exhibition games, but the scare moments between the notorious early pre-season impression the players give us and the start of the regular season, This is the incredibly short window of opportunity where you can realistically extend contracts.

As a result, we've extended contracts of 9 players and will make a second bid to Reggie Thongchanh, who turned our first offer down. RB Asher Ford, RB Francisco Patter, WR Branden Sandlin, C Jared Labbe, G Andre Watson, P Doug Guynes, DE Andy Russell, DT Jumbo Mojica and S Alexander Marty won't be be a free agent next off-season.

We've still got $4.7M of cap space to work with after these extensions, so we're not cap strapped... for now.

For next season, it's a different story. We're projected at $54M over the cap with 41 players signed. Some would call it crazy, for me that's our usual business. We'll be fine, I think. Just not making a splash signing like we did this off-season with Jackie Richardson.

For those wondering how we did in our two pre-season games, we won and lost. No wait, we lost and won in that order. By some random luck, we got the privilege to visit the Fairbanks Northstars (1-15 last season) and then host the Chicago Norsemen (also 1-15 last season).

We seriously crushed the Northstars, if you're beleiving in total yards numbers, but losing the turnover battle 6-1 with three pick sixes will lead to a 38-23 loss, despite 359 yards gained and 193 yards allowed. Moe Sheldon had 1 pick six, Brandon Bell 2 pick sixes. Bell also lost a couple of fumbles, as did our punt returner Courtney Blackwell. These last two are very alarming, for both this is a serious issue to make them, well, lose the position battles they are in. Were we smashmouthing it? Not quite, we ran 31 times versus throwing (or trying to) 43 times.

We seriously crushed the Norsemen as well. 366 yards versus 141 yards, only this time the turnover battle was in balance (1-1). Two missed field goal on their end made this end up as a 28-0 shutout. With 27 runs and 37 pass plays, we weren't quite smashmouthing this one either. Fun stat of this test game? We seriously punished Chicago's backup quarterback, sacking him 8 times in 26 pass plays. Our punt returner Courtney Blackwell fumbled yet again. I mean, seriously dude, you're going to cost us games. Gabe Broady, wish you were still here. The VSOD was unkind to you in '87...

So yeah, pre-season does tell us something about our team: we need to look for a different punt returner. Blackwell will be deeper down our cornerbacks depth chart, but this fumbling is just something we can't afford. We'd better let Thong' do his thing and take the 5 yards less gained for granted.

Back to that stuff before that. Brandon Bell and fumbling, does this mean Moe Sheldon will be our starter this season? Why, yes, I think he's sealed that deal. Bell seems to have really lost his confidence or whatever it is. He got sacked 7 times in those two pre-season games. And most of those behind the starters on the O-Line. For Sheldon that would be bad, he's a pocket passer, for the mobile Bell that's atrocious, below his ability to avoid the pressure. And how about Francisco Farley? He'll be the inactive third quarterback. Unless he does something even more overwhelmingly impressive in the last two pre-season games than he did in the '89 pre-season games. But most likely, we'll still give Bell the backup role, he did quite well last season, remember?

Oh yeah, have I mentioned how disappointed I am in Blackwell? Right now he's the prime suspect to become that 54 to 53 men roster cut.

Let's wrap this up for tonight. Two more pre-season games, with mostly the youngsters playing: Bell at quarterback, the undrafted guard Silvan, rookie receivers Samuels and Stuckey, second year receiver Wilkerson, tight end Clay Gaynor obviously, and on defense rookie linebackers Brady and Rayburn, and defensive backs Harmon, Brotzman and Murray.

And then the regular season, it's coming soon...

MIJB#19

05-29-2020, 03:28 PM

Merchantmen release cornerback Courtney Blackwell
The verdict is out, cornerback Courtney Blackwell was the final cut for the Maassluis Merchantmen to meet the regular season limit of 53 players signed. It had been hanging in the air, as Merchantmen management was open about the concern about Blackwell's fumblitis and he got this pre-season to prove them wrong. Blackwell fumbled twice in four pre-season games.

A fifth round pick in the 2084 draft, the Merchantmen initially saw Blackwell as a future prospect and backup plan to punt return specialist Gabe Broady (who the Merchantmen claim was the best punt returner to ever play in the IHOF for any team). But Blackwell's zine defense ability and interception skills also made him a worthy nickel or dime option. After spending his rookie season inactive in all but one game, he got the nickelback role in his second season and grew into the nickelback role in his fourth season. The Merchantmen recognized Blackwell's punt returning skills to be phenomenal, but with the best guy in the league in front of him, his time would have to come later. In 2087 Blackwell got that part too and averaged 14.3 yards per return, while scoring his only touchdown for the Merchantmen.

With 2 fumbles in his first 9 returns in earlier seasons, there was a fumbling concern already, but in his breakout season, he fumbled 4 times in 48 returns. The problems continued in 2088, when Blackwell fumbled 4 times on 37 returns and last season a couple of two-fumble games already made the team take him off punt return duties and hand the role over to running back Reggie Thongchanh.

The arrival of cornerback Jackie Richardson as a free agent, combined with the improvement of Ted Frias and the faith the team has in undrafted rookie Adam Harmon, it piled on and lead to this decision. Blackwell played in 81 regular season games and 7 playoffs games for the Merchantmen, making 4 interceptions (excluding the one in the lost 2085 AOC Championship game), 26 defended passes in regular season games and averaging for 12.0 yards per punt return (but also 15 fumbles in 126 returns).

MIJB#19

05-29-2020, 05:19 PM

General Manager Notes: Third look at the rookies: end of pre-season
Let's take yet another look at our rookies.

I'm not going to report on those that have left the facilities, flown back home to the USA and hope to get a second shot in the IHOF at some point during the upcoming 2090 season. i will mention them though.

Center Dwayne Gullett has already found a new home at the Frederick Red Menace, but it might just be short term. I have less hope for quarterback Carlton Mathews, despite his decent training camp and lack of disappointment in pre-season, but he still has the intangibles several teams look at for young players at his position. Wide recevier Griffin Iafigliola is unlucky to be around in the wrong era, although I still think he should be capable of becoming a good football player, he's got the looks of an underveloped, yet faster Branden Sandlin. It even makes you wonder why we kept Trey Samuels and George Stuckey. And then there's linebacker Ruben Caminiti. Seriously, IHOF, sign this guy, any 3-4 team not signing him just isn't really paying any attention. Defensive tackle Tyler Hanson is a tad more underdeveloped, but if given the time to develop, he can be a good pass rusher as well.

1.17 TE Clay Gaynor
rn bl XX++++____ 20/55
ps bl XXX+++++__ 30/75
bl sl XXXX______ 35
av dr X+________ 10/25
gt dw XXXXX+____ 45/60
rt rn XX++++____ 20/60
3d ct XXXXXX++__ 65/80
bg pl XXXX______ 40
coura XXXXX+____ 50/60
ad bl XX++++____ 20/50
endur XXXXXX++__ 60/75
sp tm XXXXXX++__ 60/80
To be fair, Gaynor is not ready to be a full time starter. As a result, we'll throw him out there on what should be mostly passing formations, but on running downs he's a liability. I hope he'll be good, but we won't really know until like halfway the 2091 season, I suspect.

1.19 SLB Brandon Brady
run d XXXXXX++__ 55/80
pr tc XXX+______ 30/40
pr st XXX_______ 35
mtm d XXXX++____ 45/65
zon d XXXX++____ 35/55
bnr d XXXXXXX+__ 75/85
ply d XXXXXX+++_ 55/90
p hit XXXX______ 40
endur XXXXXXX+__ 70/80
sp tm XXXXXXXX__ 80/85
Another mixed bag. Brady looks really good, but we thought even more of this kid. He'll be there on running downs, for sure, and with Espino's endurance, it wouldn't be a total waste to rotate between them on passing downs to play next to Jackson.

2.18 WR George Stuckey
av dr X++_______ 10/30
gt dw XXXXX+____ 50/65
rt rn XX+++++___ 25/70
3d ct XX++______ 25/35
bg pl XX________ 25
coura XXXXXXXX++ 80/100
ad bl X++++_____ 15/45
pnt r __________ 0
kck r __________ 0
endur XXXXXX+___ 60/75
sp tm XXXX+_____ 35/45
He's going to start the season inactive. Lack of special teams skills really hurt here. Inactive also means a season of no progress, so at some point we do need to get him out there, one way or another, to develop.

2.20 K Mark Giles
k acc XXXXXXXX__ 75/85
k pwr XXXXX+____ 55/55
ko di XXXXXXX___ 65/65
ko ht XXXXXXX___ 75/75
So he was slightly better than Wells after all. At least for now, but this is still before his very first real game. Anyway, he didn't fall apart, that's improvement from many previous highly picked kickers. And Wells was one of those, although he's actually IHOF worthy material, just not a game winner.

4.20 WR Griffin Iafigliola
Released
Yes, looking again, I'm actually convinced we should have kept him over Stuckey or Samuels. (Both, even). So it goes.

5.17 WR Trey Samuels
av dr XX+++_____ 15/50
gt dw XXXX+_____ 40/50
rt rn XX++++____ 20/60
3d ct XXXX+_____ 45/55
bg pl XXXXXX____ 55
coura XXXX+_____ 40/55
ad bl X+________ 5/15
pnt r XXXX+_____ 40/50
kck r __________ 0/0
endur __________ 0
sp tm XX+_______ 15/25
Lack of special teams skills and endurance, those are serious issues. He'll stick around, in hopes to see improvement.

5.19 DT Tyrone Hanson
Released.

6.18 QB Carlton Mathews
Released.

7.17 C Dwayne Gullett
Released.

undrafted RG Marvin Silvan
rn bl XX+++_____ 20/50
ps bl XX+++_____ 20/50
bl st X_________ 15
endur XXXXXX+___ 60/65
We kept him over veteran backup Theisen. Which was also in part a salary cap move.

undrafted MLB Brant Rayburn
run d XX+_______ 20/30
pr tc XXXX++____ 40/60
pr st XXX_______ 30
mtm d XXXX++_____ 35/50
zon d XXX+______ 30/45
bnr d XXXXX+____ 50/55
ply d X+________ 10/15
p hit XXXXXXX___ 65
endur XXXX+_____ 40/50
sp tm XXXXXXXX__ 80/80
Promising, but even now not quite there yet to see much if any action. Maybe some as a special teamer. At least he's ahead of Iveans as the fifth linebacker.

undrafted WLB Ruben Caminiti
released
Seriously league, sign this kid.

undrafted CB Adam Harmon
run d X+________ 10/15
mtm d XXX++++___ 30/65
zon d XXXXX+++++ 45/95
bnr d __________ 0
ply d __________ 0
p hit __________ 0
inter XXXX+_____ 40/55
pnt r __________ 0
kck r XXXXX_____ 45/50
endur XX+_______ 25/35
sp tm XXXXX++___ 55/65
We've got to give this kid a chance to develop. He's already survived a phone call where he was told it was over, only to have me make a 180 degree turn and keep him instead of a second kicker for just a little while. And now he's still here, making us release our nickelback from past season.

undrafted SS Chuck Murray
run d XXX++_____ 35/50
mtm d X+_______ 15/25
zon d XXXX+++___ 45/65
bnr d +_________ 5
ply d XXX+______ 30/45
p hit XXXXX_____ 50
inter XXXXXXXX__ 75/80
pnt r __________ 0
kck r __________ 0
endur X_________ 10
sp tm X+________ 15/20
This kid will also get the chance to develop. We'll throw him out there a little bit. He really resembles Alexander Marty, including the lack of endurance, forcing us to still look out for a third or even fourth safety to fill the playing time.

undrafted FS Jon Brotzman
run d __________ 0
mtm d XXX++_____ 30/50
zon d XXXXX++___ 50/70
bnr d __________ 0
ply d XXXX++____ 40/65
p hit XXX_______ 30
inter XXXXX+____ 50/60
pnt r __________ 0
kck r __________ 0
endur XXX_______ 30
sp tm XXXXXXXX+_ 80/90
Speaking of additional safeties, Brotzman also makes the active roster, hopefully as a key special teamer, but is already good enough to play dimeback.

Weird how so often we end up picking the real gems after the draft or with the late round picks, and them totally miss in the 2nd through 4th rounds. But it's usually also a sign that the team is already considered to be pretty good. It's not quite the surprise that I tried to move some of those picks. We got one out and actually failed to trade a second one, the trade offer came right after we handed in the name of our selection.

Including these 11 rookies, this means we're going into the new season with 13 new faces on the team and 40 returning players. 13 isn't actually that far off from what we usually do. 2088 was exceptional, with 23 new names, but salary cap woes were the cause for that. We followed up with just 8 new names. The lowest turnover was in the 2067 off-season with just 4 new players, but that was to be expected after our bowl victory, we really wanted to keep that bunch together. The cap hell in 2070 brought in 26 new players, that's how it goes when you do what we do: push the cap a bit too much to the future and eventually you'll get stuck in a transition season.

Anyway, this is it.

Oh yeah, we actually played those last two pre-season games. We lost 33-17 at Hanalei. Some kid named Chance Arnold scored two 50-yard field goals, as well as two short ones and three extra points. More importantly, we got outgained heavily: 417 vs 196 total yards. Yes, that was our worst showing this pre-season. But we followed up by doing the opposite with 426 vs 169 total yards, crushing the Arizona Miners 51-6. Guess who scored their two field goals? Emmett Wells, the other kicker picked in the third round and still in the league after we gave up him. Thomas Robertson is also still in the league, actually. He was our second round pick in 2084. Okay, so maybe we do pick talent, but are too picky to give them a chance to stick around. Robertson today is the second best paid kicker in the league. Quite the contrast with the past, as we spent a total of 8 draft picks in the second or third round on kickers and of the first four only Levon Elliott (2068) survived the pre-season roster cuts. Arnold and Robertson hung around for 4 season, but left as free agents, Wells was released this pre-season. But it's not like we did any better in the 4th through 7th rounds, of those 13 guys only 4 made the roster and one of them actually was drafted for a second time after we didn't offer him a rookie contract. Paul Welker (2020-2026) was the only one that hung around for more than 4 seasons, as did third round pick Elliott.

But enough about kickers. On to week one, home game against the Bordeaux Vineyards. 39-year old (what's age got to do with this? That's a fine age!) Brad Nestor is still around quarterbacking for them, their 2076 #1 overall pick. He's got a neat group of receivers, 3 of his guys got to 900+ yards last season. Their line is solid, but lacks endurance, maybe we can take advantage of that late in the game, when our rotating defensive lineman are slightly less worn out. Their defense is fine: strong linebackers, okay secondary, shaky defensive line. We should be able to handle them, especially at home.

Moe Sheldon is listed as our starter, but Brandon Bell made one hell of a statement in the last pre-season game in Oranje Haven in that 51-6 steamroller: 28 of 42 passes completed for 298 yards and 5 touchdowns without any turnovers. He got the ball in Theo's hands 10 times for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. We really have to not give up on this kid just yet, despite that he's basically plan B now. Having a (pass) defense that makes 6 sacks, 6 hurries, defends 6 passes and has 2 picks, that certainly helps too though.

So yeah, bring it on. 2090, new decade (well, technically not, xx90 is the tenth of the '81-90 decade, plus we started the league in 2004, so decades should basically run from '04 through '13 and so on), new opportunities. Merchantmen, let's get this ship sailing, full speed ahead!

MIJB#19

05-30-2020, 06:13 PM

Maassluis Merchantmen, masters of trading, episode 5.
(non-extended edition)

In quieter times, there's grasping for things to write about, like the Merchantmen and their trading sprees these past 86, no wait, 87 off-seasons in the IHOF. It's still a good idea to count down the top 10 best trades, throw in a handful of bad ones in between and eventually get to that one specific trade that never happened, which could have had major implications on the history of the Merchantmen. Episode 1 through 4 were about trades that brought wide receivers to Maassluis. For today's episode, we go all the way back to the day the Maassluis Merchantmen traded away the 2005 #1 overall pick of the very first amateur draft, before having taken note of the draft class.

The inaugural season of the IHOF had finished with a bit of a blow out in IHOF Bowl I as the Joey Allen lead Fairbanks Northstars crushed the Stillwater Dynamite 23-7. The losers of that game immediately began their first name change, as the then owner (our beloved Buccanneer, rest in peace good friend) had come in late in the season and had to wait his opportunity to move his team to become the Telluride Outlaws. In 2018 that franchise moved to become the Houston Mustangs, a new they still hold. The Fairbanks Northstars are one of just five franchises to be owned by the initial owner, albeit being the only one of that in between changed ownership. The Maassluis Merchantmen back in 2004 were on the other end of the spectrum and finished a somewhat prophetically predicted 1-15 season en route to 'earning' the first pick of the amateur draft in the next off-season. The story of the 2005 #1 overall pick.

As trigger happy as the Merchantmen management was those days, the somewhat hard earned 1.1 pick of the 2015 draft was burning in their hands. There was no doubt that this pick was not meant to be used to select a player, but cash it in for a truckload of picks and players. The list of players that were officially becoming eligible wasn't out yet, but the Merchantmen felt gambling on there being a franchise quarterback was not worth the wait. The Astoria Heroes (in 2008 renamed Williamsburg Colonials after ownership change) were more than welcome to jump in quickly. The Merchantmen came out somewhat on the weaker end, getting 24-year old linebacker Ellsworth Thelen, the Heroes' first and second round picks (12th overall in those rounds) as well as the by the Heroes earlier acquired first and second round picks from the aforementioned just recently renamed Telluride Outlaws.

It would have made things a lot easier had it just stopped there, but this one trade was just the beginning of a chain reaction of other trades involving those picks involved. *see note at the end.

Let's begin with what happened to the picks that moved to the Astoria Heroes. For those that felt the earlier move was a blockbuster, they hadn't seen quite the thing yet. The Georgia Gridlock (in 2036 renamed the Augusta Greenjackets after ownership change) turned out to be welcome trade partners for the Heroes. Both the 1.1 and 2.1 picks went South, while the Heroes also threw in their 4th round pick and a 2006 1st round pick they had recently acquired from the Vicksburg Vipers (these days playing in Atlanta). In return, Georgia was giving up their 2.5 and 3.5 picks in that 2005 draft. Moreover, no less than 6 players changed places, with three of them going from Astoria to Georgia (guard Rex Snyder, defensive end James Bull and defensive tackle Calvin Sylvia) and three going the other way (defensive end Cris Richardson, defensive tackle Albert Simone and safety Marlin McAlister). We're almost there on this end as the Gridlock held on to those two picks and made wide receiver Tyrus Shaye from the Air Force the first ever draft pick in the history of the IHOF. In the second round, offensive tackle Victor Owens from Wake Forest was the Gridlock's selection pick of that draft.

So, the Maassluis Merchantmen got out of the deal having doubled their number of picks in the first and second round and with a new starting linebacker in Elsworth Thelen. The 1.12 and 1.31 picks didn't leaves Maassluis either, as cornerback Tai Wayne and quarterback Leonard Lyon were taking at those slots.

The Merchantmen didn't keep the 2.12 pick of the 2005 draft, they used it to be able to move up in the draft from the 1.14 (yes, they traded a lot that draft) to the 1.6 slot. To get there, they also gave up their 2006 2nd round pick, but in return received the Springfield Isotopes' 2007 3rd and 4th round picks. Springfield used the 2.12 pick on quarterback Mel Atkins.

The 2005 2.31 pick didn't stay in Maassluis very long either, the Merchantmen traded it to the Paris Musketeers, alongside with the 2.18 pick (acquired in another trade), their 5th round pick, a 2006 7th round pick and safety Randall Smith to acquire right tackle Wilson Grimaldo and Paris' 2005 7th round pick. The Musketeers held on to the 2.31 pick and selected left tackle Louis Bell with it.

Maassluis Merchantmen send:
2005 1.1 pick
2005 2.1 pick

Astoria Heroes send:
LB Ellsworth Thelen
2005 1.12 pick
2005 1.31 pick
2005 2.12 pick
2005 2.31 pick

So, the top pick of the 2005 draft became the 6'4" 201 pounds wide receiver Tyrus Shaye. His stint with the Georgia Gridlock was disappointing. He was without a touchdown as a rookie and missed 4 games in his second season. Georgia traded him to Paris, but in 4 seasons there he failed to get a 1,000-yard season as well. In his seventh season, the Tucker Tigers became his third home, agqin through trade. He got to 1,000 yards in 4 of 5 seasons, scoring 17 touchdowns in just 12 games in 2012 (the Tigers lost in the AOC Championship game that season). In 2016 he was traded to the Knoxville Rebels, but after two more mediocre seasons he was traded once more to play his 14th and final season in Georgia. He played and lost with Knoxville in IHOF Bowl XIII in his first season there. He retired with 815 receptions for 11,671 yards and 87 touchdowns in 203 regular games.

In the 2005 draft at 2.1 taken offensive tackle Victor Owens stayed his entire IHOF career with the Georgia Gridlock. In 13 seasons he was more of a run blocker than a pass protector, but nevertheless a reliable starter for the Gridlock. He played in 191 regular season games for them.

After Linebacker Ellsworth Thelen's first season in the IHOF with the Astoria Heroes, he played for the Merchantmen for 5 seasons. His first two seasons in Maassluis he was a full time starter, but the next three he was stuck in a loaded group as his position. Eventually it lead to trade in the 2010 off-season to the North Plainfield Plague, where he was used more often. He played 139 games in the IHOF (76 for the Merchantmen) in which he made 649 tackles and 29.5 sacks. In 2007 he was on the losing end of the AOC Championship game with the Merchantmen, in 2010 he was with the North Plainfield Plague.

As the 1.12 pick of the 2005 draft, cornerback Tai Wayne came into Maassluis with high expectations. The Merchantmen claimed they had their shutdown corner in him. He was with interceptions in his rookie season and went out for the season after just 13 plays into the 2006 campaign. But in 2007 he came back strong and was a factor in the Merchantmen's run to the (lost) AOC Championship game. It turned out to be the highlight of most of his teammates and that applied to Wayne as well. He retired after 11 seasons in Maassluis, having played in 147 regular season games (probably 6 playoffs games) in which he made 12 interceptions and defended 135 passes, peaking in 2011 with 24 defended passes.

Unlike Wayne, 2005 1.31 pick quarterback Leonard Lyon's stint in Maassluis ended after just one season. He won the starting role in Maassluis due to injury to his rival, but got traded in the 2006 off-season shortly before the draft as the Merchantmen had already decided to select a new quarterback. Lyon was traded to the Springfield Isotopes for quarterback Mel Atkins (and a bunch of draft picks ), where he was the starter in his first and third season, but in 2009 got traded to the Williamsburg Colonials after just 2 games. At Williamsburg he was playing a backup role, but still ended up starting in 13 games for them. He missed the 2015 season due to a suspension and in the 2016 off-season signed with the Vicksburg Vipers the season after as a free agent. He had his finest hour there, going 9-1 in 10 starts, but despite that in 2017 remained on the bench all season. On roster cut day 2018 the Vipers released Lyon, to never been seen active in the IHOF again. He still managed to record 131 games of activity (15 in Maassluis), 69 as a starter (9 in Maassluis) and throwing for 13,115 yards and 76 touchdowns versus 69 interceptions.

The 2005 2.12 pick Mel Atkins had a somewhat similar faith as Leonard Lyon. After a dreadful rookie campaign, he was traded by the Springfield Isotopes to Maassluis in exchange for Lyon. After two seasons on the bench behind rookie Louie Flannery and watching him guide the team to the lost 2007 AOC Championship game, he was released in 2008 and signed with the San Luis Obispo Burn. In 2012 he returned to the Isotopes and started in their last 4 games in the regular season for them. In 2013 he signed with the Tucker Tigers, but was released before training camp there and then had a failed tryout with the Gothenburg Giants late in the season. In 2014 he signed with the Conyers Condors, stayed there for 2 season, but in 2016 didn't survive the 53-men roster cut day. His career ended there, eventually being active in 124 regular season games, mostly as a kick holder, earning just 14 starts. With just 2,015 passing yards, 6 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.

2.31 pick of the 2005 draft left tackle Louis Bell remained with the Paris Musketeers for 4 season, after which he got traded to the Maassluis Merchantmen for a couple of third round picks. In that 2009 campaign he started in a reserve role, but was forced into action to replace injury prone guard Butch White (one of 4 first round picks for the Merchantmen in the 2005 draft). But aside from the 2011 season, he was just a backup in Maassluis throughout the 2013 season and left for the San Luis Obispo Burn in the 2014 off-season as a free agent. He rode the bench for 2 more seasons and retired in the 2016 off-season. His IHOF career ended after 151 regular season games, playing the most with the Merchantmen (65).

It's hard to say who got the better end of this deal, as that would require an extensive research on how the trade between Astoria and Georgia evolved. Tyrus Shaye was a disappointment, so the 1.1 pick himself wasn't much of a success and turned into the gift that kept getting given along. Maassluis got three starters out of it and the second round picks that they threw away, those players still ended up in Maassluis for some part of their careers. Astoria didn't keep the pick for very long, they probably felt they got the pick cheap, but by lack of a true gamechanger in the 2005 draft class (although one player did make the Solecismic Hall of Fame: Chesapeake 's #18 overall pick quarterback Ron Lyle, which as a result makes nemesis Astoria by default a loser in this story). It makes it hard to call Georgia the third dog here either. But perhaps all were winners, the general managers/owners for having so much fun tossing around all the draft picks and players in the early days of a young football league. The fans for getting so much drama and news stories during the off-seasons.

* Note: As I was writing this, I actually had no idea how many there are, I hoped it was doable, so far it's been fun to track down, but shockingly, I'm not even close to having found all loose ends. As a result, this is the short version, in the same style as the previous "masters of trading" episodes. I've tried to track down all the draft picks that have exchanged hands in the following chain of events, but this trade has unleashed a gigantic spread of trades, so far too large to have finished research on.

To give you some pointers, the chain has already reached the 2016 draft, for which Maassluis held a 4th round pick from Georgia, and all that is still from the trail of the picks that went from Astoria to Georgia. Another end sees Georgia sending Maassluis' 2nd round pick in 2011 to Ann Arbor for cornerback John Q Ballhawker.

Yet another side story involved a 4th round pick from Springfield the 2007 draft that Maassluis for a short while held, but eventually ended up in Tucker, which the Tigers used on running back R.J. Ellard, who ran for 4 touchdowns and still holds the all-time record for carries in a playoffs game, set in a the 2012 conference semifinals against the Merchantmen. The rushing touchdowns got tied for the first time in 2057 and eventually broken in 2060.

Just to name a few.

MIJB#19

05-31-2020, 05:51 PM

General Manager Notes: Side stories of the 2090 season
How about that Theodore Bondy guy?

Remember how he broke the franchise receptions record last season? Probably not, because I completely missed it and never wrote about it. Apparently it happened in week 11 early in the fourth quarter during the 19-17 loss in Gothenburg. Bondy tied it and broke it on the very next play.

Usually, these kind of things are the side stories for me, not really the important stuff (wins and losses, players getting injured or not living up to expectations), but sometimes there's some time to focus on the individual honors. To be clear, we don't give players more playing time to break records and such, we play to win. But, looking over some other stuff, I noticed Bondy has cracked into the 14K receiving yards, which obviously means he'll have a shot at 15K and such the franchise record. Interestingly enough, he'll go into 2090 as the #4 all time. He jumped ahead of one of the four hall of famers, Riddick Stanley, the one I have the least affection for, as far as that's a thing.

15,001 Terry Haskell
14,944 J.R. Mills
14,531 Gabe Springer
14,371 Theodore Bondy
13,511 Riddick Stanley
11,996 Terry Thomason

(yeah, if we're going to list guys, let's at least mention Terry for being the other guy over 10K)

Anyway, this means there will be, or could be fans who keep track of Bondy's chances to get past them one by one. If he keeps pace with the last two seasons, say roughly 80 yards per game, Bondy can pass Springer in week 2 at Hanalei, Mills in week 9 at Harlem and Haskell in week 10 at Bordeaux. Must be a joy to reach those milestones in front of hostile fan bases, but that's what the likelihood is. Needing 630 receiving yards, it's no given still, but bar injuries, Bondy should get there by the end of the season, even with just 40 yards per game.

The touchdowns record, also in Haskell's hands, is (at 128) well out of reach for now. Bondy jumped into the 100-club, sitting at 105, one behind Springer's 106 and just ahead of Stanley's 103. Naturally, the receiving touchdowns record is almost equally out of reach for now. Haskell has 127 of those, Bondy and Springer sit at 105, Stanley at 100. In both categories, Mills is far behind with just 85 (receiving) touchdowns.

In a similar fashion, Kirk Hitchcock took the all-time passes defended record for Merchantmen players. He's currently at 147, far ahead of Tai Wayne, who had been the recordholder for such a long time, retiring with 135 of those after the 2015 season. Hall of Famer Peter Tucker came close at 130, but he settled for the interceptions record with 45 of those. Hitchcock is still 9 behind on Tucker, even still trailing safety Thurman Hopper and his 42 interceptions.

And last but not least likely, center Butch Pearson has a shot at jumping into the franchise top 5 in number of key run blocks. With 308 of those he ranks sixth now, but he's 25 behind mid '40s to '50s guard Bryant Huffman, which is a number he topped in each of his 9 seasons as a starter (he spent his rookie season inactive). The top 4 is still far out of reach though, as Carlos Webb is fourth with 359 key run blocks.

If this stuff is your thing, keep your eyes open for it. I'll probably forget about it and maybe remember by the end of the season, or maybe only if one of these three phenomenal players retires in the next off-season. Which is getting us way ahead of things, we're not going to worry about the projected $71M over the cap, excluding draft picks, that we'll be in then. We'll focus on this season, where we hope to make one more bounce back towards the upper echelon of teams in the league. The defense looks ready, the offense looks barely unchanged.

The biggest question will be: Moe Sheldon or Brandon Bell. I think you know by now which route we'll take, but if Sheldon starts struggling, or worse, we have some confidence in Bell being good enough to jump in. And worst case scenario, Francisco Farley can make his additional years on team come into play.

MIJB#19

06-01-2020, 07:26 AM

General Manager notes: 2090 has begun, a win is a win!
How does it go in English, a good start is half the battle?

New season, new quarterback. Okay, technically Moe Sheldon isn't new, he's got 16 starts in 2 seasons prior with us, but this was the first time he got to start in week 1 for us. The opponents were the Bordeaux Vineyards, the division's last place team last season, in Oranje Haven. Sheldon started in this matchup in both previous seasons and both ended up in large victories (37-10 in '88 and 35-3 in '89), with Sheldon throwing for less than 200 yards per game, but accumulating 6 passing touchdowns and no interceptions. Prior to joining us, he also guided his previous teams (Rochester and Paris) to large victories over Bordeaux. Apparently a matchup that Sheldon really likes.

First quarter, Bordeaux has the ball first and our defense immediately forces three and out. Francisco Patter runs for 13 yards on the first play on our drvie to march into their territory, Moe Sheldon finds Theo Bondy for backu-to-vack 10-yard gains to nearly reach the red zone. Patter runs for 18 yards and a couple of plays later pounds it in from the 1-yard line: 7-0, Maassluis. Second Bordeaux possession, Gene Kondovski sacks Brad Nestor on second down, but they convert on third and long and toos it into our half. Then second and long, Nestor goes for a short pass to his tight end, but linebacker Clayton Jackson comes in between: first turnover of the game, Oranje Haven erupts. Sheldon finds Patter for 21 yards, Bondy for 26 yards, Patter for 11 yards and then Bondy in the end zone for a 14-0 lead with just a minute left in the first quarter.

Bordeaux starts the second quarter with a failed third down pass deep inside their red zone and punt. Moe Sheldon finds Reggie Thongchanh for 25 yards to move back into Bordeaux turf, but two plays later the line collapses, Sheldon diverts from the play design, makes a bad throw towards an unexpecting receiver and safety Ivan Lynch comes in between to pick it off. A triplet of passes for a first down get Bordeaux into field goal range and Billy Blankenhorn converts the 37-yarder for the 14-3 score. Merchantmen move downfield, but are forced to punt and see Bordeaux return the favor after a similarly short drive. Three and out is then the Merchantmen offense's faith. Bordeaux finding itself slightly more upfield than before the exchange of punts, Nestor attempts a long pass, but it gets picked off by rookie linebacker Brandon Brady and it gets returned to the Bordeaux 42-yard line. Maassluis fails to move the chains, nor run out the clock, giving Bordeaux one more chance to get into scoring position. Bordeaux converts on 3rd and long as Brad Nestor finds Russell Mitchell for a 17-yard gain, they then go into field goal is good enough mode, as Nestor completes two chains moving passes to give them a 56-yard attempt with 3 seconds to go. Blankenhorn misses, meaning Maassluis goes into the half time break leading 14-3.

Second half, Maassluis has the ball first. Moe Sheldon finds Branden Sandlin for 9 yards, Reggie Thongchanh runs for 11 yards, but a dropped pass by Theo Bondy (who else?) on third down brings on the punter to nail them at their 4-yard line. With the pressure on, three and out follows and Maassluis gets the ball back at Bordeaux' 37-yard line. Sheldon connects with Bondy for 14 yards, Francisco Patter runs for 8 yards and on second and goal, Sheldon finds a wide open rookie Clay Gaynor to make his first reception in the IHOF be a touchdown, making it 21-3 for Maassluis. On their next possession, Bordeaux by then has already benched their quarterback, putting off-season acquisition Trenton Edwards on the field, but a couple of penalties bring them in an unconvertable 3rd and 25 situation. An exchange of three and out drives follows, but Maassluis breaks the trend as Francisco Patter converts in third and two, already well inside Bordeaux territory. Moe Sheldon scrambles for 17 yards and on the next play throws a screen pass to wide open wide receiver Harris Wilkerson, who turns his first career reception into a touchdown (just like Gaynor did earlier). Maassluis is then 28-3 up, with just 26 seconds to go in the third quarter.

Bordeaux' drive gets stopped short once again at the start of the third quarter. Maassluis just runs it and pins them back at their 3-yard line. Theodore Edwards then finds fullback Matthew Croom for a 23-yard gain and Marshall Hoffman for an 11-yard gain, but the latter gets tackled by Clayton Jackson with a nifty move, losing the ball and Jackson himself recovers it at the Bordeaux 40-yard line. Moe Sheldon finds Branden Sandlin for 10 yards to set up rookie Mark Giles' first field goal attempt and Giles nails the 41-yarder. Bordeaux fights back and after Theodore Edwards finds Nick Gnida for a 16-yard gain to get into field goal range, Gene Kondovski misbehaves and helps Bordeaux 15-yards deeper upfield. The Merchantmen defense stands strong and Kondovski himself makes the crucial tackle on third down to force Bordeaux to kick (and convert) the 29-yard field goal. Maassluis runs and punts, Bordeaux tries to pass, but receptions don't happen. Bordeaux decides to call it a game, not go for it and Maassluis basically runs the clock out for the 31-6 victory.

Moe Sheldon got the somewhat surprising player of the game honors, completing 18 of 33 passes for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns. Theodore Bondy had 9 catches for 77 yards and a score. Francisco Patter ran for 72 yards and a score.

Defensively, Clayton Jackson had a monstrous game, with an interception, a forced and recovered fumble, 4 tackles, 3 assists, a hurried pass and 3 defended passes. Cornerback Jackie Richardson made his first game in Maassluis a noteworthy one, defending 4 passes and making 5 tackles. Rookie linebacker Brandon Brady lead all Merchantmen with 7 tackles. Gene Kondosvki made the only sack of the game, but with 8 more hurried passes (3 of those credited to Tony Whiting), 9 of 48 passing plays were disrupted.

On the grand scheme, how did the change of offensive coordinator affect this game? Has Maassluis turned into a smashmouth offense? The simple answer after just one game? No, we haven't. We ran the ball 32 times and tried to throw it 33 times. Given that we ran a lot late in the game, shows that we were trying to throw it slightly more on the 'normal' drives.

Elsewhere in the division, the Paris Musketeers decided to start quarterback Wesley Elliott today, which was obviously a mistake. After 5 sacks, he got replaced after all, seeing last season's division winner Gabriel Woodson return to the field. It was too little too late already by then, the Gothenburg Giants had already taken a smooth lead in Paris' house and steadily kept the big lead to secure a 41-10 victory on the road in a crucial division game. Jack Crane ran for a league leading 175 yards. Maybe Gothenburg is the real smashmouth team in the division this season?

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 1-0
2. Maassluis 1-0
3. Bordeaux 0-1
4. Paris 0-1

Elsewhere in the league, the Hanalei Dragons beat the Colorado Cutthroats 26-23. Chance Arnold missed two extra points, but a missed field goal on Colorado's side cost them the chance to tie the score. Why is it worth mentioning? Hanalei is next up on our schedule, in their house. We've already played them there in the pre-season (weird how that was arranged), which means we can't go out there with the same game plan again.

Big test? Sure. We have big goals and these are the kind of games we have to win to show we've made the leap forwards towards a true contender. Solecismic Software already puts us in a situation where we have something to prove, calling us 11-point underdogs. Last time we lost by more than a score was last season in week 10 at the Orlando Talons, the eventual IHOF Bowl winners.

So yeah, the season continues there, at the Dragons. It will be an interesting game at the very least, possibly an even bigger test for our defense and us thinking that unit is a very good one. Go out there and make it happen, guys. Go Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

06-02-2020, 03:21 PM

General Manager Notes: Back to the drawing board?
Yup, we lost.

We had our chances to start the season 2-0, but the Hanalei Dragons turned out to be be slightly better, more efficient, or some other combination.

Things starter pretty well. Francisco ran for 7 yards, Theo Bondy caught a pass from Moe Sheldon to convert on third down, Patter ran for 7 more yards, Sheldon found Reggie Thongchanh for 20 yards, Patter ran for 11 yards and 8 yards, but eventually we settled for a 34-yard field goal. We forced them to punt after 4 plays and responded with another solid drive. Patter ran for 7 yards, Sheldon found Bondy to move the chains, Sheldon to Harris Wilkerson for 15 yards, Patter ran for 9 yards, Sheldon to Thonghanh for 12 yards, Sheldon to Bondy for 26 yards and eventually Patter ran in from 3 yards out for the 10-0 lead. After three and out on both ends, Hanalei quickly won the position battle with a 19-yard punt return to start their drive in our half and a 19-yard pass got them in field goal range by the end of the first quarter.

Hanalei settled for a 33-yard kick, making us maintain the lead, with a 10-3 score. Santiago Messenger returned the ensuing kickoff for 41 yards, giving us a short field, but after three and out we punted after all. Then Alvin Engelberger got his offense going, but our pass rusher sacked him for 9 yards and forced them to try a 57-yard field goal and the home crowd cheered as Chance Arnold converted it. So he can make those kicks elsewhere. We failed to make much ground on our next drive and an incredibly bad punt put them at midfield with the ball. A penalty called back a big 23-yard pass play for them and Arnold's 50-yard field goal attempt got blocked by us. Moe Sheldon found Theo Bondy for 23 yards on 2nd and 19 to move upfield and an unsportsmanlike penalty got us in field goal range with a minute left. Their pass rush kept us from making more progress and we settled for a 13-6 half time lead after Mark Giles 38-yard field goal.

First drive of the second half and with a 30-yard pass and 37-yard run they burst into our red zone. They quickly toss a 6-yard touchdown and level the score: 13-13. After our drive got cut short, again, they got into full swing. 21 yard pass, 13 yard pass, 14 yard pass... It was a minor victory to make them settle for a 31-yard field goal for a 16-13 Hanalei lead. We responded with a slow, yet somewhat steady drive, yet punting got us no better than having them start at their 20-yard line. We finished the three and short with Darien Fletcher sacking their quarterback and after a solid punt return we were back at our 42-yard line. Our drive stalled early, but a fumble on their punt return found us in possession again, at their 29-yard line. On third and nine, rather than maintaining field goal range, Sheldon got picked off and their linebacker ran the ball the full 81 yards for a 23-13 Hanalei lead. Our next drive was short and in return their last two plays of the quarter got them just across midfield.

A dropped pass forced them to punt, pinning us deep at our 10-yard line to start the fourth quarter. Moe Sheldon found Theo Bondy for a crucial 23-yard gain, but around that play our running game crumbled into near worthless small gains. Sheldon found Francisco Patter for 6 yards on 3rd and 4, but another short run and back to back sacks put us far away again. We managed to pin them at their 14-yard line, but our defense kept struggling with holding them down. A joint sack forced their quarterback to fumble, but they recovered the ball. It was enough to make them punt two plays later, but with time ticking away, we were back at our own 7-yard line. After a fruitless drive of our own, Hanalei efficiently ran out the remaining two and a half minutes. We did stuff them on a trick play, trying a sneak quarterback play when knee dropping would have secured the victory, but the 23-13 deficit on the road was there anyway.

Moe Sheldon completed 16 of 33 passes for 163 yards, with 1 interception. Theo Bondy caught 11 passes for 109 yards (indeed, moving to third and ahead of Gabe Springer on the all time Merchantmen list). Francisco Patter ran for 77 yards. We allowed them to gain 340 total yards, including 157 on the ground with a 6.8 yards per carry average. Horrendous run defense.

Our division rivals all lost as well. Gothenburg lost 27-13 at the Oakland Black Panthers. The Bordeaux Vineyards were inefficient in a 40-16 crushing loss at home to the Fairbanks Northstars. The Paris Musketeers went back to Gabriel Woodson, but couldn't avoid losing 23-17 at home against the Colorado Cutthroats.

European division:
1. Maassluis 1-1
2. Gothenburg 1-1
3. Bordeaux 0-2
4. Paris 0-2

So yeah, we lost and somehow improved to leading the division on the obscure tie-breakers.

Our game plan for today, well, I've decided to throw it away already. Okay, our first two drives were actually pretty solid, but the rest was so-so. Moe Sheldon is way down on the quarterbacks list. 2 games is a small sample size, but 2 picks in 2 games is very uncharacteristic for him. His pass completion percentage at 51.5 is disappointing.

But yeah, actually more troublesome has been our run defense once again. 2 games in and we're already back in last plays in yards per carry, just like the last 2 seasons. Maybe i should fix that game plan, if only I had a clue how this works, or if my staff had a frickin' clue, which they naturally don't either.
Until then, we're probably stuck with what's been going on the last couple of seasons on that side of the ball, despite awesome front seven, cornerback duo and very useful safeties. Shrug?

It's up to the offense to save the day then. Less short gains in the running game, more completions in the passing game. And we'll make a chance again. But probably not next game, when we visit the always sting y Houston Mustangs. But we can hope and certainly try, no?

MIJB#19

06-03-2020, 04:48 PM

General Manager Notes: A losing record...
I had forgotten how that looks and feels.

In short, we were outmatched by the Houston Mustangs. Sure, we sacked their sack magnet of a quarterback 7 times on 37 passing plays (yes, it was neat to see 7 different guys getting in on the party), but he still threw for 296 yards to guide his team to a 24-16 victory. The run defense was unable to stop their (admittedly) top-notch running game.

Our offense was silly as it has been at times over recent season. Theodore Bondy made 11 catches... for 60 yards. Goodness, what kind of crappy game plan did my staff think we should run? Those are the numbers of a fullback, not the best wide receiver to ever wear the Merchantmen uniform. Sigh.

The unintended comedy of the game came after our turnovers, twice. Moe Sheldon got sacks and fumbled, only to see his Houston counterpart return the favor on the very next play. Also in the first quarter, Sheldon threw an interception, but on the very next plan then, their quarterback lost another fumble after getting sacked.

But really, when you give up a 33-yard pass play on 3rd and 14, and a 22-yard run on 3rd and 1, you know the defense just wasn't clicking on all cilinders. The difference between great and horrible plays was too big.

Elsewhere in the division, Gothenburg and Bordeaux pulled off victories. Paris put up a serious fight with the reigning league champions, but lost anyway.

standings
1. Gothenburg 2-1
2. Maassluis 1-2
3. Bordeaux 1-2
4. Paris 0-3

Next up will be the North Plainfield Plague, again on the road. But not in week 4, because we're once again having our bye week this early in the season.

Will we bounce back from this 1-2 start? Sure, I've got to confident about it. Is it likely? Hard to tell, we've built quite the reputation in recent years to completely lay an egg against the Plague. You'd think we'd throw a Yathzee to brush away all the snake eyes at some point, but we'll have to go back to the drawing board first. You're going to need 5 dice to make that happen, it feels like we're not giving ourselves enough dice to get good numbers.

Win some, lose some? I had hoped to be 2-1 now, but given the competition and locations, 1-2 is probably where we're supposed to stand, if we consider ourselves a 9-7 or 10-6 kind of team. Which is a bummer then, because at some point you'd expect these guys to really get that 12-4 kind of season out of their overpaid talented asses.

Did I just say that? No, but I did write it. These guys are talented, I know they are. They'd better start playing like it. And the staff? Well, we all know all these so-called coordinator and coaches are just making wild guesses and drawing up completely random game plans.

But enough for a rant. It's been a sunny day, life's too good and too short to get worked up about one loss in a game that going into the season was quite possibly the most likely game to be lost anyway. Our goal remains unchanged, patience is tough, but it's sometimes part of the game plan. Not for this team here and now, we're in it to win it and it's up to ourselves to pry open a window of opportunity. We can do this team.

MIJB#19

06-06-2020, 07:19 AM

General Manager Notes: The running experiment
First attempt: failure.

Week 5 of the 2090 season. We were visiting the North Plainfield Plague and scouting them I figured: this team is a prime candidate to go try to run it up their gut. So, we constructed a game plan that, would estimate us to run about 75% of the time. In theory, you'd think: maybe this can work?

First quarter, we threw in some catch them off guard plays, but they all failed. Moe Sheldon got sacked on our very first offensive play and on the second one he apparently had to divert from the plan and throw it to someone else than Theodore Bondy. Unable to really beat their defense, including possession in field goal range due to a fumble, but also stout enough to fend them off, the scoreboard was showing a 3-0 lead for the host by the end of the quarter.

Despite being pinned deep, we managed to orchestrate a very long (17-play, 8-minutes) drive, that ended in an interception at their 2-yard line. Their response? A 98-yard drive to take a 10-0 lead. Ouch. Closing in again on the next drive, we got there, but not quite: another interception, this time at their 1-yard line and with just 26 seconds to play. Half time score: North Plainfield 10, Maassluis 0.

Third quarter, second drive for us, we finally catch a real break, as Moe Sheldon finds Harris Wilkerson wide open and able to turn a short pass into a 48-yard touchdown. The defense continues to play decently, but in turn we start doing silly things, like running a hail mary play on 3rd and 9 halfway through the third quarter. And it almost even worked, had Bondy not dropped the pass.

Early in the fourth quarter, we continue another long drive, but Sheldon takes a sack on third and five, pushing us out of field goal range and punting. On their next drive, they get into a field goal range and we're more than happy to force them to kick after a crucial sack on third down. 13-7 down, we have more than 5 minutes to make up for it. Stuff, sack, dropped pass; attempt one is no success. We get the ball back shortly before the 2-minute warning We need a penalty to see the drive stay alive, see Sheldon connect with Branden Sandlin for a crucial 22-yard gain on 3rd and 14. But despite the chains moving, we simply fail to gain much ground and the game is over before we even barely reach midfield.

So, we lose 13-7, part of it was the turnover battle (we lost that 3-0), which could have saved us about 17 points, yet at the same time we had two long drives that were only long in time, not in yardage gained. Experiment to run failed? Yes and yes. It failed, because we ran 33 times for 125 yards. It also failed because we threw the ball 34 times, or tried to, not counting Moe Sheldon's scramble on the last play of the game.

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 3-2
2. Bordeaux 2-2
3. Maassluis 1-3
4. Paris 1-3

So yeah, despite this unnecessary loss, we're still right in the mix, our points differential is still an acceptable +1.

Moe Sheldon got us 1 win so far, with a horrible 73.7 passer rating, barely north of 200 yards per game, a terrible 6.2 yards per attempt average and 5 picks in 4 games, Sheldon unworthy.

Theo Bondy is averaging 10 catches for 86 yards per game. His 5.7 yards per target is hair pulling terrible. I have no idea what our staff thinks they're doing, but the plays they keep suggesting, it surely isn't making this most talented receiver in the history of the Merchantmen look like he is who he is.

Our running game? Francisco Patter so far is averaging 3.77 yards per carry. Thong' 3.71 per carry. That's downright disappoint with the personnel that we have. We've invested a lot of cap space in our offensive line, even hired a run oriented offensive coordinator and the result so far is almost depressing.

The good news? Not the defense, really. We're bottom 6 in both yards per pass attempt and yards per rushing attempt. Our sack percentage is pretty good, but the overall pass rush pressure is barely above league average, which is just not what you'd expect from the talent that we have walking around here.

End of story, so far, we've played three tight road games, albeit losing them all, we didn't get crushed. I mean, we looked bad at Hanalei and Houston, but i think we'll have to give credit to the class and talent of those teams there as well. Yes, I'm convinced that we have a defense that should be spectacular, but it's not quite making it happen.

But, it's still early in the season, new opportunities will arise to turn the tide. Like in week 6 at home against the Rochester Razorbacks. Running it up the gut might not be the best idea, given their top5 run defense, but their pass defense has been equally impressive, so going with our usual balanced approach is the way to go. And at some point, you'd think our defense can play up to their skill level. Maybe today is the day.

MIJB#19

06-06-2020, 11:34 AM

General Manager Notes: Lose some, win some
And today we won, but it didn't come easy.

The opening day victory feels like it was months ago. And looking at the schedule, it kind of was, we had 3 road games and a bye week since our optimism rising victory over the Bordeaux Vineyards. Today the opposing team came from Rochester, the Razorbacks were visiting Oranje Haven.

We're still going with Moe Sheldon ahead of Brandon Bell, although I have to admit I was really tempted to rethink this decision based on today's performance. And then there was my rant after our previous game about how underwhelming the running game, the passing game, the run defense, the pass rush, well, basically the entire team has been doing in the totality of the 4 games already behind us.

We got the ball first and our kick off returner Santiago Messenger showed why we made him our #1 guy, moving the ball 27 yards forward. But our first drive wasn't as impressive, Francisco Patter ran three times, but his third and one attempt was stuffed. The special teams unit responded by nailing the Rochester punt returner. We thought we stopped them on their first drive at midfield, but Clayton Jackson was called for illegal use of hands. We gave up a 15-yard pass and then on third and one an 8-yard run. Then on third and 13, we allowed a 14-yard pass to have them set up rookie harry Hicks' touchdown run for a 7-0 Rochester lead. Messenger replied with a 30-yard kick off return. Moe Sheldon completed a pass to Clay Gaynor for 11 yards then a 4-yarder to move the chains again, Patter converted third and two and then Sheldon found Gaynor for 25 yards to march into their red zone. Francisco Patter tried to run it in, but lost the ball halfway there. So much for that scoring opportunity to lower or brush away the 7-0 deficit...

Rochester moved the chains a couple of times, but coming all the way from their 2-yard line, they eventually had to punt, but put us right back to where we started. But not for long as Reggie Thongchanh returned the punt for 13 yards and followed up with a 17-yard run. Moe Sheldon then found Branden Sandlin for a 26-yard gain. On third and six, Sheldon found Theodore Bondy, but he got basically nowhere. We then went for it on fourth and five, but again the completed pass did not earn a first down. Second play of their drive, we give up a 26-yard run, but a couple of plays later on third and two close to field goal range, our off-season star signing Jackie Richardson comes up with the interception and even runs it back to our 48-yard line. Reggie Thongchanh continues to be the guy making the big gains on the ground, but Francisco Patter recovers a bit with a neat catch and the drive finally results in a touchdown as Theodore Bondy makes the 14-yard reception to level the score 7-7. The defense then comes up big on third and short to quickly give us the ball back. We had a little scare as Thongchanh loses the ball after an 18-yard punt return, but thankfully recovers it himself. Patter then runs for 12 yards, but it's way too little to inspire the passing game. Then Oranje Haven burst afterall as on another third down pass, a pick happens: this time it's Riddick Newsome on the spot and he runs it the full 46 yards back for the touchdown and a 14-7 half time lead!

Second half, Rochester to get the ball first. We think we stopped them, but on fourth and second from well inside their own territory, they take the risk and come up with a 16-yard screen pass play to maintain possession. It turns out to be a crucial play, as they eventually have a 22-yard pass to move into our red zone and finish it off with an 8-yard touchdown pass for the 14-14 tied score. Moe Sheldon responds with a 9-yard pass to Harris Wilkerson, but a nasty sack moves us back, forcing us to punt, pinning them at their own 5-yard line. On their first play of the drive, they decide to run and we almost tackle their running back in the end zone, but it turns out he's still about a yard shy of giving up 2 points. It seems to be good enough to end it there, but on the punt return soon after, Reggie Thongchanh fumbles it after a 17yard run at their 27-yard line. The defense responds well and after another three and out, we get the ball back at midfield as Thongchang makes a 20-yard punt return. Sheldon this time connects succesfully on third down to Theodore Bondy, twice. However, we eventually have to settle for a 32-yard field goal, which rookie Mark Giles converts for the 17-14 lead.

To start the fourth quarter, our defense comes up with another three and out. Our offense makes nothing of it though and on their next drive, Rochester quickly marches away from their red zone. We force them to punt after all and as Reggie Thongchanh pulls of a 26-yard punt return, we're winning the field position battle. Moe Sheldon connects with Theodore Bondy on third down for 17 yards and we quickly move into field goal range. Sadly, Mark Giles misses the 42-yarder and we're still leading only 17-14. After three and out, we start smelling the victory, so we think, although we do get pinned deep after an impressive punt. Thongchanh runs for 11 yards and Sheldon finds Santiago Messenger for 14 yards to get away from our red zone and into the two-minute warning. After we burn their time outs, we punt and put them at their 34-yard line with 96 seconds to play. On fourth and eight, they stay alive with a 13-yard pass. 32 seconds remaining, they throw for 10 yards and a penalty on our end makes it a free play. We then allow a 16-yard pass and as they rush on their kicking unit, the 42-yard field goal attempts is scored to force overtime with a 17-17 score.

Second play of our first possession, Moe Sheldon finds Harris Wilkerson and he turns the short pass into a 48-yard gain. Next up, Sheldon finds Santiago Messenger for 20 yards and we're at the very least into field goal range. It's where it also ends though, as our special teamer Sherman Bridges is stupidly allowed to get on the field and he drops a pass in the end zone. Mark Giles converts the 26-yard field goal and with the 20-17 lead, we're still in good shape. We allow them to start their drive at their 24-yard line. They convert on third and five, but are still far away. On second down, their quarterback scrambles to move the chains. The defense does the job, but on fourth and six, they extend the game with an 8-yard pass. Our defense continues to run havoc though, pressuring their quarterback on and off, forcing them to make a decision on fourth and 10. Apparently unconfident in their kicker, they dismiss the opportunity to tie it with a 57-yarder and instead go for it. The pressure is on once again and after a botches pass, the game is finally over: Maassluis 20, Rochester 17.

A much deserved win, but we made it a lot harder for ourselves than it needed to be. We brushed away the turnovers with turnovers, but I think we proved to be the better team and simply failed to show it on the scoreboard with a solid score.

Moe Sheldon completed 25 of 34 passes for 259 yards and a score, while avoiding turnovers. Theodore Bondy made 9 catches, but gained only 60 yards, yet did score. Harris Wilkerson lead the team with 73 yards on 5 catches, rookie Clay Gaynor had 4 catches for 45 yards. Reggie Thongchanh was the leading rusher with 57 yards on 10 carries, Francisco Patter was held to 41 yards on 20 carries. The running backs combined for 3 fumbles, although Thong' had both on punt returns. It makes my decision earlier in the off-season to cut Courtney Blackwell a bit more of a headscratcher though.

The defense gave up 318 total yards, of which 135 on the ground at an 3.9 yards per carry average (our best run defense showing of the season). The pass defense was actually pretty good, giving up 183 net yards passing, the defensive line collected no less than 15 hurried passes, 1 blocked pass and 1 sack on 47 pass plays. The defense also defended 7 passes and collected 2 interceptions. Got to be pretty happy about that at the end of the day, no?

Elsewhere in the league, the Gothenburg Giants did manage to win 19-17 at the North Plainfield Plague, showing how it's done with 507 total yards of offense, albeit making it slightly harder than necessary with sloppy red zone offense. The Bordeaux Vineyards beat the Harlem Apollos 24-17, the Paris Musketeers lost 10-6 at the Toronto Lake Monsters, our opponents next week.

Standings:
1. Gothenburg 4-2
2. Bordeaux 3-2
3. Maassluis 2-3
4. Paris 1-4

A good, victory. The score was way too close for how much better we were, or so I think. It basically continues the sloppiness of the previous 3 games and continues my disappointment in my staff to get the best out of my players. It's troublesome that I actually continue to feel like I have to make that game plan all by myself, sensing that as talented as my staff should be, they really have no clue how football in the IHOF is to be played. So it goes, such is life in the league and with the Merchantmen. We'll struggle along and in week 7 get a chance to shift back to .500 land, which is despite their 1-win record, not an easy task.

MIJB#19

06-09-2020, 02:03 PM

General Manager Notes: Disappointment is an understatement
I have no poker face, I'm quite obviously unamused.

I'll keep it short, for now. We just lost two home games, where we scored a combined number of 6 field goals and 0 touchdowns. Despite outgaining both opponents in yardage by a wide margin: 107 yards and 125 yards. We actually won the turnover battle against Toronto 2-0, but we lost it against Paris 6-2. Yes, that's right: 6 turnovers.

I'm pretty speechless for now. Maybe after our 8th game of the season, I'll be a bit happier. For now. I'll focus on other stuff and not waste my energy on the disappointment that this team is this season.

Step it up, team!

MIJB#19

06-10-2020, 04:53 PM

Theodore Bondy reaches milestones in Merchantmen victory
Theodore Bondy put his name in the record books. A late-game 8 yard catch got his career production over 15,000 receiving yards and simultaneously became the Maassluis Merchantmen's all time leading receiver. The party was that much larger as the Merchantmen ended a streak of ridiculous home losses with a smooth 16-3 victory at the Harlem Apollos.

Going into the season, Theodore Bondy and his teammates were convinced he would become the leading receiver and break the 15,000-yard mark, but it was still a matter of staying healthy and focusing on the actual games. After all, if results come, the production will be required to get there anyway. Bondy needed 629 yards to reach the first mile stone and 2 more to break T.J. Haskell's franchise record. Given his resume, it made sense for him to at the very least reach it by week 9, but the hopes were things would go smoothly and he would get there in the prior three-game stretch at home.

It has been a disappointing season for the Merchantmen so far. Even today's 16-3 defeat of and at the Harlem Apollos doesn't make all things right again. A couple of dominant performance resulted in losses, the game against Rochester unnecessarily went to overtime and all three hard fought road game before that all went in the L-column as well.

Division Standings
1. Gothenburg 7-2
2. Bordeaux 4-4
3. Maassluis 3-5
4. Paris 2-6

Playoffs Race
1. Gothenburg 7-2
2. San Antonio 7-2
3. Tucker 6-2
4. North Plainfield 5-3
5. Fort Wayne 5-3
6. Houston 5-3
7. Orlando 5-3
8. Bordeaux 4-4
9. Harlem 4-4
10. Snapfinger 3-5
11. Augusta 3-5
12. Maassluis 3-5
13. Toronto 2-6-1
14. Paris 2-6
15. Rochester 1-7
16. Atlanta 1-8

For now, the playoffs are far away for the Merchantmen. It's time to focus on winning games again. Despite Bondy's record breaking day, the passing game is incredibly bad this season. At 5.95 yards per attempt, the Merchantmen are historically bad, as this is setting up to be the third worst season in franchise history in that measure. Only the 2021 (5.93) and recent 2088 (5.75) campaigns have been worse. Editor's note: statistics for 2004-2012 have gotten lost at Solecismic, it's likely the Merchantmen had a worse season or two early in their existence. The Merchantmen offense is actually not so bad on first and second downs, and acceptable on third downs, but they seriously struggle once they get into the red zone, scoring just 7 touchdowns in 20 visits.

Defensively the Merchantmen run defense has seemingly recovered after several obnoxiously bad seasons and an equally terrible start to the season. The pass defense is shaping up to be above average, in part due to the pass rush at times living up to the hype, while the secondary is similarly flipflopping between good and underwhelming.

For the moment, good vibes appear to be returning and a crucial road game series continues with visits to Bordeaux and Gothenburg. The French second placed team first, where the Merchantmen hope to build on their solid week 1 victory at home against the Vineyards.

MIJB#19

06-11-2020, 01:28 PM

General Manager Notes: That's my Theo
Individual records? Whatever. Winning games, that's the stuff!

Seasons can go with ups and downs. Today, the road game at the Bordeaux Vineyards, was one of those rising moments. No, we're not quite at the top yet, I hope we have that ahead of us.

So, Bordeaux.

We struggled early, but the D did just enough to make them kick for just a 3-lead. Moe Sheldon found Branden Sandlin (19 yards) and Theodore Bondy (17 yards) for big gains, but once in the red zone, he got sacked and fumbled (not again!?): opportunity vanished. The defense was unamused, but underwhelming as well, allowing them to take a 10-0 lead.

A slow, but steady, drive got us back in the game, seeing Moe Sheldon running it in for 3 yards and the 10-7 deficit. Next drive, we stopped them barely past midfield, but on the very next play, Moe Sheldon tossed a screen pass to Theodore Bondy, who somehow managed to make it all the way to the other end for an 85-yard touchdown and the subsequent 14-10 lead. The defense finally woke up for a three and out, followed by a Reggie Thongchanh 24-yard punt return. With the short field and a couple of long plays, you'd think we would have made it two scores, but we ended up settling for a 25-yard field goal. We actually managed to get the ball back before half time, but came time short to extended the 17-10 lead.

Second half and some guy named Springer makes a decent and a great catch for Bordeaux. A penalty didn't push them back enough, we then allowed them to converted on third and 12 yards and on the next play they run the ball in for a 17-17 tied score. We replied with a solid, but not solid enough drive to make it 20-17 for us after a 38-yard field goal. After a three and out and a short punt, we were starting to win the field position battle, on top of maintaining the 3-point lead. Moe Sheldon next recovered his own fumble, but the turnovers continued as he saw a pass picked off near midfield and returned for what could put Bordeaux in a score tying field goal. A quick sack disrupted their drive and Jessie McNeil, recently activated to fill in for injured Ted Frias, deflected a third down pass to force them to punt. We responded with a couple of big plays to restore field position advantage.

To start the fourth quarter, Doug Guynes directed a short punt well to pin them at their 2-yard line. They 20-yard run was insufficient to get their engines really going and we replied with a 20-yard gain on third and 17 as Moe Sheldon found Theodore Bondy. Francisco Patter's 13-yard run then marched us into their red zone and a 37-yard field goal a couple of plays later put us a touchdown up: 23-17. A punting battle followed, crumbling the clock down to the two-minute warning. On fourth and 4 at midfield, Bordeaux went for it and Tony Whiting twirled around their line to sack the quarterback to stop them. We burnt their time outs, but still needed to punt. They tried, but another well timed sack, credits to Andy Russell, ended the game.

Yes, turnovers hurt once again, but this time the near 100-yard advantage did get the job done. Of course, take away Theodore Bondy's spectacular play and we're, well, actually on the losing end with slightly less production in yardage.

Moe Sheldon completed 22 of 35 passes for 272 yards, 1 touchdown, but also a pick and a fumble lost on one of 4 sacks. Theodore Bondy had 9 catches for 161 yards and a score, Reggie Thongchanh ran for 72 yards.

Bad news of the day was injury to Howard Humphrey, our all galaxy right tackle (I mean, this is american football, it's hardly worth mentioning outside the USA, there's no way it's being played on any other planet, is there?). It's probably just a game or three, but with a couple of other good players already missing, this is one of those not so small things that might come back to hurt is in Gothenburg.

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 7-2
2. Maassluis 4-5
3. Bordeaux 4-5
4. Paris 3-6

So, all of a sudden, we're right back in the mix for the wild cards? Not quite yet. We're stil a game and tie-breakers behind. I'm still hoping we can aim for the division title.

But yeah, Gothenburg. They're on a roll and although it's usual in our rivalry to see the one trying to catch up actually derail the division leader, we'll have to put up our A game out there. Which is certainly possible, so let's do that, team. if you ever want to impress me, now is the time.

MIJB#19

06-12-2020, 01:49 PM

General Manager Notes: When it rains, it pours...
Which makes today's game a tropic storm.

41-3.

No, we didn't win. We endured or second largest margin of deficit. By the hands of the Gothenburg Giants. I know, based on our historic resume, a score like that would make you think we were on the winning side, but we were not.

Let's start with the biggest disaster of them all: Moe Sheldon, completed 7 of 14 passes for 29 yards with 2 interceptions returned for 60 yards. He was benched at half time, when the score was already 27-0 for the Giants.

So yes, Brandon Bell actually returned to action and he completed 8 of 10 passes for 122 yards. But he wasn't flawless either, he lost a fumble after one of his scrambles, he clearly not over that yet.

The plan was to run and run, then run some more and run some more. The end result? 27 carries for our running backs, 24 pass attempts and 4 quarterback scrambles. Which once again shows that even when we try not to have balanced offense, we still end up with it.

Games like these, you're usually happy that you have a talented defense, with the best cornerback duo in the league and one of the best pass rushing units to compliment them. And it worked, we gave up 281 yards on 29 pass plays, with a grand total of 2 defended passes and 3 sacks. Impressive.

So... 10 games in, we've lost 6 games, of which 2 should have been victories and 3 were maybe winnable. Of the 4 victories, 2 were closer than they should have been and 2 were solid wins.

Division standings
1. Gothenburg 8-2
2. Paris 4-6
3. Maassluis 4-6
4. Bordeaux 4-6

Clearly, we're not giving up just yet, but the division title is, aside from a complete meltdown from the Giants, out of sight.

Take a deep breath, sleep on it and tomorrow make a plan of what to do next. Because we got to keep believing in ourselves!

MIJB#19

06-13-2020, 04:03 PM

General Manager Notes: We did it again
The better team lost, the trend continues.

Okay, "better" can be a subjective term, sometimes you try to look at the raw numbers and see numbers like 351 total yards of offense (5.66 per play), 238 total yards of defense (4.33 per play).

We were up to a big test, playing at home against the Oakland Black Panthers. This season, they're thriving, visiting us with a league best 8-1-1 record. They beat the Gothenburg Giants (yes, those guys) two seasons ago in the IHOF Bowl, and this season after the 8-3 loss against the Fairbanks Northstars (what a weird score line), they haven't lost a game.

To spare you all the details, we had our chances, took a 6-0 lead on field goals, missed a third field goal, scored a touchdown to get back within 2 points (failing the two-point conversion), and in the fourth quarter saw our coaching staff make an unforgivable blunder, punting on 4th and 3 with 1:06 remaining, but only 2 time outs left. You can see how that cost us the game as Oakland simply went into victory formation to end it.

My decision for today was to go back to last season's first round pick and starting quarterback Brandon Bell. Yes, Moe Sheldon played better last season and started strong this season, but after the 10 games, there was simply no excuse anymore to keep him in. Bell did kind of okay in an already lost game at the Giants, it was only fair to give him another shot. Bell completed 27 of 35 passes for 262 yards, 1 score, but also 2 interceptions. There was no need for him to scramble (a good sign?), he got 111 yards out of Branden Sandlin and 86 yards out of Harris Wilkerson. Sure, he struggled to connect with Theodore Bondy (8 catches of 14 targets for 50 yards), but Oakland was the kind of defense where Bondy could get in trouble against an almost as good as our secondary.

Our running backs struggled, although they did combined for 100 yards on the ground at a 4.0 per carry average. At the same time, our defense had much less of an answer to their running game, which was not inflated by one big run, although the ran for the first down only 5 times (and threw for it 7 times). They were ripe for the upset, but it wasn't to be.

Elsewhere in the league, Gothenburg extended their winning streak to 7 games, while Paris failed miserably in their tanking efforts and Bordeaux lost.

Division standings
1. Gothenburg 9-2
2. Paris 5-6
3. Maassluis 4-7
4. Bordeaux 4-7

Playoffs? Mathematically we're still in the race, being 2 wins and tie-breakers behind the last wild card. Theoretically, we can actually still get the tie-breakers on all the other other hopefuls as well, but it's clearly a longshot. Besides, with the ways we're finding to lose games. Have the players the right to talk about it? Some would say no, but I think they actually need to. We're in it to win it, as long as the scenario writers claim we're still in the race, I fully expect this team to go for it. One game at a time, but with the ultimate goal in mind.

We have to keep believing in making it happen. Looking at the teams that beat us, their records are 9-1-1, 9-2, 8-3, 8-3, 6-5, and then there's the two fuckups against a 5-6 and a 2-8-1 team. Only Gothenburg really crushed us, I think we can claim to be better than a 4-7 team.

And then you look at the schedule and see our historical toughest opponent coming to town: the Tucker Tigers, 7-4 division leaders. Admittedly, 18 other franchises also have Tucker as their toughest opponents, including heritage (only the Williamsburg Colonials have a winning record), but we've played the Tigers the most of all our non-divisional opponents and it's actually to my surprise to see we won the last two meetings.

Tucker runs well (7th in yards, 5th in per carry) and passes well (6th in yardage, 3rd in per attempt). Their defense seemingly is far below average. I'm skeptic on that second part though, having a tough schedule and leading a lot can inflate those numbers. We'll have to see, believe in ourselves and go out there with the thought that we can beat them.

MIJB#19

06-15-2020, 03:40 PM

General Manager Notes: And there goes the season
Just mathematically alive, that's what we're looking at now.

Let's go back to the time between our silly loss against the Oakland Black Panthers and the time before today's game against the Tucker Tigers. It was time for change, okay, not really, but we went to the film room and analyzed the Tigers' 11 games this season. We noticed some interesting things in their trends with formations, run tendencies and such. As a result, we crafted a specific game plan for this particular game.

Game day. They kick off, we receive. Francisco Patter runs for 12 yards, but the third play of the drive, a Brandon Bell pass gets intercepted near midfield and returned to our 26-yard line. We make the right call on their first play, stop them on the second, but then they throw for 14 yards on third down and as we forgot to spy him, their quarterback Donovan Muth runs the ball in for a 7-0 Tucker lead. Santiago Messenger responds with a 35-yard kickoff return and Bell with a 10-yard pass to Patter. Then a backwards pass (why, people, why!?) and two dropped passes. They respond with passes for 18, 8 and 15 yards to break into our end of the field. On third and 10, we lineup to protect the first down, instead they turn a short pass into a 30-yard gain. We stop their two runs, but on third and goal their WR3 is wide open in our end zone: 14-0 Tucker. Another strong kickoff return and a neat third down conversion by Patter bring us into their territory. A penalty on our end gets wiped away by Bell with a 25-yard pass to Theodore Bondy. Patter converts again on third and short, then from their 6-yard line, Reggie Thongchanh runs it in for the 14-7 score. But before the second quarter begins, we allow a 63-yard kickoff return, so much for that momentum shift...

Our run defense stands strong after they have another big catch by their tight end Ron Virgadamo, forcing them to settle for a 22-yard field goal. It's a small victory, but we're still trailing 17-7 early in the game. Reggie Thongchanh runs for 10 yards and Brandon Bell finds Theodore Bondy for 25 yards to march into their turf. Bell then finds Bondy for 19 yards to get into field goal range. Three plays later, Bell finds Bondy open in the end zone: 17-14, we're back in the game. On third and 3 we have no answer to their star wide receiver Lewis Burchfield, who turns a short pass into a 34-yard gain. For a change we allow a couple of decent runs, but after two strong stops of their running backs, we see one of our defensive lineman actually closing in on their quarterback (finally!) and they are forced to kick (and score) the 34-yard field goal. Down 20-14, we're clearly still in the game, but on third and short, Brandon Bell throws his second interception of the game. Starting at our 26-yard line, Tucker has field position and plenty of time to increase the score before half time. A quarterback scramble saves the drive (we should have spied on Donovan Muth a lot more) and two plays later he throws a 10-yard touchdown pass to a 26-14 lead as the kick is missed. We try to go for it, but unlike our own excellent pass rush unit missing in action, their pass rushers do get on top of our quarterback and so the first half ends as they run out the clock.

Five plays into the second half, the stadium falls completely silent, aside from a bunch of flown over Tigers fans. Long pass by Donovan Muth and for whatever dubious reason our corners play well, but still can't stop his receiver from the 57-yard touchdown reception. Tucker goes up 33-14. A nice kickoff return gets partially called back for an illegal block and on third and 12 we somehow see Brandon Bell throw to a player that diverts from his route and fails to get the first down. A penalty pins them inside their red zone, but despite that we fully expect them to throw, we have no answer to their 37-yard pass from Muth to Lewis Burchfield. On third and seven they throw for a 17-yard gain and this time our goal line stand collapses on third and short: Tucker takes a 40-14 lead. And at that point our staff decided to pull Brandon Bell and bring back Moe Sheldon. Obviously he gets sacked on the first play (hey, wasn't that why he got benched?) and obviously his third down pass falls incomplete (wasn't he benched for a reason, staff?). We then stand strong against their running to force three and out (yes, we actually did something right today: stopping their rushing attack. In reply, a typical Sheldon drive starts, with short but steady gains.

Moe Sheldon scrambles on the first play of the fourth quarter. And on third down can't even connect with Theodore Bondy for a short gain (goodness, Moe!). Tucker immediately responds with a 22-yard pass against our nickel formation, but three plays later another rare pass rusher break through their line and forces the incomplete pass and a punt. Obviously we call plays that get us nowhere and three plays later Tucker is actually inside our turf after the punt return. On third and long, we sit back to stop their short pass short of the first down, but instead give up a 26-yard pass to their second tight end (Tucker has a strong duo at this position). On the next third down, they catch us off guard and run for the first down, but three plays later we stuff them (the game log correctly claims "The defense looked extremely familiar with that play") and a 25-yard field goal towards a 43-14 lead is their reward. Santiago Messenger then has a nice kickoff return, but follows up with two meaningless way too short receptions, that are proof that we are too chicken to make anything of this game (sigh). We stuff them on their next drive, but on the punt return Reggie Thongchanh goes all Courtney Blackwell, fumbles the ball and Tucker makes things even worse, returning it the full 42 yards for a 50-14 lead. Moe Sheldon throws a couple of silly passes to should never be on the field tight ends and the game is over.

What a disaster.

Brandon Bell gets pulled, despite that he actually got us places, aside from the two interceptions. Our run defense worked, but our pass rush and pass defense were completely missing in action. Not just a bad day, it was a complete off day. So, game planning, did it work? You can't defensively game plan your offensive turnovers away and we were giving up big plays in spite of what was actually a solid run stopping effort.

Elsewhere in the division there were other results, but this loss basically destroyed our still very reasonable hopes of making the playoffs.

Division:
1. Gothenburg 9-3
2. Paris 5-7
3. Maassluis 4-8
4. Bordeaux 4-8

Half of our wins came against Bordeaux to keep us out of last place. We had three losses that 9 out of 10 times would have been wins. And then we had not one but two unbelievably depressing results in Gothenburg and today against Tucker.

Four more games, all winnable. Two on the road, but we end it with a home game against Gothenburg (we can play spoiler and possibly throw them from #1 seed to #4 seed), but the season first continues at home against the Fairbanks Northstars. They're sitting at 3-8-1 and are still licking their wounds from picking what everybody thought was a sure thing franchise quarterback at #2 overall, only to see him do incredibly stupid stuff after his first pre-season game (a game against us, in which he was shockingly kept inactive) and become a complete waste of a roster spot. The dead cap hit of cutting his ass for next season would be $51 million, so they're stuck with him for the next season as well, if they want to play it cap technically save.

That doesn't change the fact that we've wasted so many opportunities this season, we're fully capable of pissing away this opportunity to save face. I hope we fail to fail, put a solid performance on the field, entertain the loyal fan base and prove why I'm thinking this collective of players actually would have been capable of making a surprise run in the playoffs.

Mathematically, we're still in the race even, but it'll require some incredibly weird scenarios that are too much to work out for now. We'll check back on that after another game or two, for now, winning the next game is all that matters. We can do this, Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

06-16-2020, 11:01 AM

General Manager Notes: Another win, but...
We're still on pace for one of our 5 worst seasons.

Wait.

One of our 5 worst seasons. Let that come to you. Then look at the 53 players on roster, look at the guys that we actually had to cut before pre-season action started, guys that arguably can contribute in this league and didn't even make our list of 60 pre-season players. Look at the top-notch secondary. Look at the promising Braden Brady, ever improving Clayton Jackson and still solid Daquan Espino as our linebackers. The elite pass rush ensemble around our tremendous defensive tackle duo. The highly talented and cohesive offensive line. That guy that we call Theo and remains to be a top5 skill position player in this league. That running back duo.

And then you realize that despite all that, our quarterbacks have made a mistake or two too many and cost us a bunch of games. But that's not all of it, we somehow completely sucked in those games at Gothenburg and against Tucker. Indescribable how bad we were, despite the talent.

And today, against the Fairbanks Northstars? Our last hopes on a wild card for the playoffs were on the line and we kept them alive. We won 12-9, as the score line already suggests, a game without touchdowns. Our longest drive was a gain of 45 yards. Theirs a gain of 50 yards. Enough said.

Let's give the credits to the defenses, to stay positive. We gave up 16 rushing yards on 20 carries, indeed, a 0.8 yards per carry average. In return, our two running backs and one scrambling quarterback all gained roughly 40 yards to shift the balance into our direction and to overcome Brandon Bell's lowsy 123 yards passing.

Part of the story possibly was the injury to our left tackle Nathan Hadinger. Gets little credit for it in the league, but we see him as an elite left tackle, the type of guy that gives a quarterback the time he needs to avoid the turnovers. (Which makes you wonder even more how on earth we're fourth in most giveaways). Losing Hadinger is actually a case for keeping Moe Sheldon on the bench and stick with Bell or even consider Francisco Farley, as both are more capable in avoiding the pass rushers.

Fair enough, at least we won. Which can't be said about our three division rivals. Which effectively still clinched the division for the Gothenburg Giants as they still needed to win (or tie) today, or see Paris not win, to divert the losing tie-breakers situation if both end up with a 9-7 regular season record. That's settled now.

Standings:
1. Gothenburg 9-3*
2. Paris 5-8
3. Maassluis 5-8
4. Bordeaux 4-9
* division champions

Okay, let's go crazy for a second or 150 and look at the wild card race, excluding the eliminated teams on record.

Wild card race:
1. San Antonio 9-3-1
2. Gothenburg 9-4*
3. Tucker 9-4
4. North Plainfield 8-5*
------------------------
5. Fort Wayne 9-4
6. Orlando 8-5
--------------------
7. Snapfinger 7-6
8. Houston 6-7
9. Paris 5-8
10. Maassluis 5-8
11. Harlem 5-8
* division champion

And then I looked at the tie-breakers and it becomes clear that we won't win a tie-breaker straight up against Orlando as they will have the common games tie-breaker (they'll be 2-3 against Houston, North Plainfield, Paris and Tucker, we'll be 1-4). But there's also Snapfinger to consider and if they end up in second place with an 8-8 record while only winning in week 16, we'll be losing that same common games tie-breaker to them (they'll be 4-1 against Bordeaux, Houston, Harlem and Tucker, we'll be 2-3). Which means we'll need Harlem and or Houston to break the tie in both situations.

We can quickly strike out the situation where Harlem joins Snapfinger and us. As Snapfinger and us swept Harlem, they'll be ignored first. Snapfinger beating Houston and Houston beating us means nothing, because we didn't play Snapfinger, which means common games will be ignored and strength of victory will be up next. Our situation is dire, as the best record of a team we beat is 5-8, while beating Paris, Colorado and Gothenburg up next will add at best 26 wins (which isn't even the best case scenario for us) to our current total of 20.5 for a maximum of 56.5. Houston will be 59.5 at worst, Snapfinger will be 45 at worst and Harlem 44 at worst and Orlando 44.5 at worst. So yeah, Houston, please stay away by going 1-1-1 at best in the last thee games.

So, in essence, we can get there with 3 wins, with 3 losses from Orlando, at most 1 tie for Snapfinger, Houston not winning their remaining 3 games and Harlem's result not making a difference.

The Solecismic Playoffs Probabilities calculator gave us a <0.1% on the first try, nothing on the next few, but clearly it's still better than no chance at all.

What to do next? Try to save face, that's what's next. 3 games remaining to brush away that -67 points differential. -54 is our fifth worst for now, so getting ahead of that is kind of not so terribly bad. The next progress would be at -35, which is already a pretty steep hill, requiring us to win all three remaining games with 11 or more points. For a worst season we need -14 to tie the -81 record. Yeah, that sounds actually more likely...

So it goes. We're alive, but barely kicking. But we'll keep on trying, like we always do.

MIJB#19

06-17-2020, 05:07 PM

General Manager Notes: No playoffs once again
... and we still have two games to play.

With a much deserved, but somewhat lucky performance, we've managed to beat the Paris Musketeers 33-27 in their house. We once again struggled to get the ball in the opponents' red zone, settling for 6 field goals and needing a 78-yard interception return touchdown to get back into the game in the fourth quarter. Although, with Paris going with Wesley Elliott at quarterback, they were basically throwing the game away to begin with, his a serious mismatch for our kind of defense.

Division standings
1. Gothenburg 10-4*
2. Maassluis 6-8
3. Paris 5-9
4. Bordeaux 4-10
* division champions

So, we did our job: win. But it was too little too late, the other wild card hopefuls, most specifically the Orlando Talons posted a victory to make this once again a season that ends after week 17. It will mean three seasons without playoffs, the last time we were this bad for so long was in 2062-2064, shortly before we broke out for our first and so far only IHOF Bowl victory.

So, red zone play, we suck at it, apparently. We've got a league worst 3.7 points per visit, scoring just 11 touchdowns on 35 visits. Our inability to get good stuff out of Theodore Bondy is also hurting us. He's second in the league in receptions, but only eighth in receiving yards. That makes no swear word sense to me. It's not my intention to hold him short, but the staff thinks this is how we should do this, I suppose.

Today's win marked the second straight for Brandon Bell as well, second straight with less than 200 yards thrown and actually completing less than 46 percent of his passes. He's actually doing worse than Moe Sheldon now, but with Nathan Hadinger missing, going back to Sheldon was a bad idea. Hadinger will be back in week 16 against the Colorado Cutthroats, which might be an opportunity to bring Sheldon back as well.

Cornerback Ted Frias had the first career interception and he made it count with the 78-yard touchdown return. It's quite the surprise it took him this long, although he was kind of stuck in a fourth choice role until this season.

Two more games and this from bad to worse season is over. I wish we had done something right here, but when we turned into a turnover machine (in a bad way), our season was a lost cause. I hope we recover next season, when we'll be in our usual deep cap trouble to start the off-season. Looking forward to it, but for now a chance to beat Colorado on the road and then finish the season with a face saving victory over Gothenburg, possibly costing them a bye week, but most likely it can only cost them the #1 seed. We'll try though, after we've visited and beaten Colorado. Let's stay confident.

MIJB#19

06-19-2020, 12:30 PM

General Manager Notes: It's over
The season of disaster is finally over.

We ended it in style, with a serious 27-10 drubbing in our own house by the hands of the Gothenburg Giants. They spared us in the fourth quarter, otherwise this season would have turned into the worst ever. Now, it ended up being tied for worst. Yeah, I measure this by points scored and allowed margin. -81 over 16 games: disgusting. Previous time we did that was in 2021. Since the 2029 season, we've had 3 seasons with a negative points differential: -24 in 2063, -73 in 2088 and -81 in 2090 (this season).

Division Standings
1. Gothenburg 12-4*
2. Paris 7-9
3. Maassluis 6-10
4. Bordeaux 4-12
* #1 seed

I should be flabbergasted, which I actually am mentally, but that's mostly because of other events in my life. Still, the contrast between what actually felt like a team that was built and ready to make a playoffs run and turns out to be the worst I've ever put on the field, that contrast is surreal. Some day I'll look back on this season and wonder what the bleep went wrong here.

Quarterback situation
Going into the season, I felt very strongly about Moe Sheldon being the guy. One of the "most careful quarterbacks", this should work out well. Yes, he's more prone to get sacked, but we have the OL to protect him. After 10 games and a 4-6 record, I was done with Sheldon. He had just 4 games over 200 yards with 9 interceptions. We had lost 3 games we really shouldn't have.

So, back to Brandon Bell it was. After a 1-2 record, I was ready to write him off, he actually posted another win (I kept him in because I feared Sheldon would not do weel with our left tackle Nathan Hadinger out), but the win did not convince me.

Last two games, back to Sheldon. He sucked, terribly. Gothenburg kept him to 66 yards, while Colorado picked him off 2 more times.

Okay, there are two possibilities: the game plan, initiated by me, but designed by my staff, it sucked. Number two: both quarterbacks just don't gel with the game plan at hand.

I'm throwing the second one away. Looking at our running game, it was good, but far from spectacular. We have a strong expensive line, excellent cohesion, running backs with hole recognition. Francisco Patter got a lot of third down carries, which can be bad for the yards per carry (it was 3.66) figure, he converted 16 of 31 attempts, which is acceptable on an average running game, but not on this team. This personnel should have done better than this. Reggie Thongchanh got few third down carries and managed to average 4.67 yards per carry. It's better than one would want from a change of pace back, but in this setting, it has to be 5.0 at minimum to be considered a success. Moreover, they combined for 4 touchdowns of 43 red zone carries. Perhaps we ran too little once we got downfield?

Now, that offensive line. The running game was not what we hoped and expected for.: 9th in yards per game, 17th in yards per carry. Our pass rush percentage allowed was 2nd best in the league, but once our pocket was invaded, the number of sacks was very high, we were 18th in avoiding sacks. Not sure what to make of that, really. It feels weird to see those two together.

Our passing game overall was abmysal. We were 31st in passing yards, which in a way can be explained by being tied for 27th in pass attempts, but our yards per catch (29th) and yards per attempt (24th with a 5.77 figure) are simply unacceptable with a top five wide receiver on the team. Unacceptable, period. Theodore Bondy tied for 3rd most receptions, was 9th in receiving yards, but medicro in touchdowns. Our WR2 Branden Sandlin had 32 receptions (on 447 pass plays), our rookie tight end Clay Gaynor 37 receptions (531 pass plays), our WR3 Harris Wilkerson 46 receptions (280 pass plays).

The defense? The run defense clearly improved down the stretch of the season and we finished with a near league average 4.17 yards per carry allowed. We tied for 22nd in least rushing yards allowed. Teams ran a lot against us, so that's an acceptable number.

In contrast, teams surprisingly decided to not throw the ball against us, we had a league low of 552 pass attempts against us. Sadly our clearly better than average pass defense personnel played way below league average, allowing 24th best yards per pass attempt. All that despite that we had the 2nd highest pass rush percentage, which generated the 4th highest sack percentage.

Now the crucial downs and ends of the field. We were the worst red zone offense, scoring just 3.8 points per visit. Our third down conversion rate was slightly below league average, but with a 5th best yards to go figure, that's just not good enough, you have to be above average if you're usually in a better spot to get there.

Defensively, the yards to go on third downs was very even across the league, surprisingly. The difference between league average and league worst was marginal (an extreme example: Gothenburg was 3rd in third down conversions, but 32nd in to go yardage). Our red zone defense was close to league worst.

One thing we really excelled in was generating turnovers, and not in a good way. We ranked 5th in most giveaways, most notably with an incredibly uncharacteristic high number of fumbles lost. Thongchanh fumbled 8 times, I thought this guy was extremely steady, his total of 12 in 5 prior seasons was convincing to me, punt return duties can apparently do that to a player? Sheldon fumbled 5 times, which is about on par for him. Patter fumbled 4 times, acceptable numbers to me.

Season in a nutshell? Perhaps. It was for the most part a frustrating season. I think we pissed away (excuse my language, okay, not really, otherwise I would have written something else here) at least 3 games that were lining up to be smooth victories. Combine that with two of the biggest blowouts in 87 seasons of team history, it makes clear that we were very capable of making things go from bad to worse unnecessarily on a very consistent level. Had we improved those 5 games though, we still would have ended up as a 9-7 team with a very negative points differential, but actually sneaking into the playoffs. So it goes? It seems unfair to not at least in part credit the opponents for their efforts, but I'm talking about games where we visibly dominated and purely lost on turnovers.

So, 2091? We're lining up to be in a terrible, but manageable cap situation of roughly $70M over the cap. We've 'earned' the #9 overall draft pick.

What about our rookies and other promising youngester?

TE Clay Gaynor (pick 1.17) had 37 receptions for 335 yards and 1 touchdown, contributing with 3 key run blocks. He was basically on the field for us on all downs, but didn't visibly do much to improve either the passing game or running game. Our staff does say he improved roughly 12 points on the 1-100 scale in overall ability, which is acceptable for a player of his supposed caliber.

WR George Stuckey (2.18) and WR Trey Samuels (5.17) were inactive all season long. Their lack of current ability, combined with lack of special teams skills and lack of a mentor made it seemingly pointless to put them on our active roster. In retrospect, Stuckey might deserve to get another look next season, while Samuels will obviously stick around, because, you know, you can't really know much about a young player until after his third training camp (I should keep on remembering that!).

G Marvin Silvan (undrafted) was activated early in the season to be part of our special teams unit. He actually got some action there in 11 games. He did not improve according to our staff.

K Mark Giles (2.20) converted 35 of 38 field goals and 18 of 19 extra points. (Yes, we had only 19 PAT attempts, how depressing is that!?) The staff claims he improved into being "fully developed" and is a top5 kicker.

LB Brant Rayburn (undrafted) was kept inactive all season long. By the time I felt he deserved to get a spot on the active roster to give him some chance to improve, he picked up a viral infection to side line him for several weeks and as a result he remained inactive.

LB Brandon Brady (1.19) improved to being almost fully developed, getting a +18 by the staff. On the field, he actually lead the team with 101 tackles. He was mostly kept in pass defense short zone coverage, which is probably why he ranked 2nd on the team in most catches allowed. He made 2 interceptions, which shockingly was enough to be top 3 on the team.

CB Adam Harmon (undrafted) was active in the first four games, but after Ted Frias got hurt, we activate Jessie McNeil and when Frias was ready to step back in, I decided to deactivate Harmon, hoping McNeil would help boost the pass defense. Harmon didn't play much on the defense though, he was mainly a special teamer. He didn't make much progress according to the staff.

S Chuck Murray (undrafted) was on our active roster all season long and on the field about 40% of the time. He made little progress, said the staff.

S Jon Brotzman (undrafted) was active all season long, but the staff for dubious reasons felt he wasn't ready to see a lot of action. All that despite that they consider him to be one of our best special teamers. Hard to understand, but that's what your coaching staff can do at times. Consequently, he made little progress.

Other young players:
QB Brandon Bell (2nd year, 1.13 pick) made hardly any progress. A huge bummer, as he got 4 more starts to prove himself and being mentored by Moe Sheldon should have helped him. But no. In limited action, his production was shockingly bad compared to last season's stats.

WR Harris Wilkerson (2nd year, 7.9 pick) became our WR3, somehow got more catches than our WR2 branden Sandlin, but despite his activity didn't make much progress. His production was acceptable.

DT Darien Fletcher (2nd year, 1.9 pick) is the kind of player that from day 1 already presented himself as a grizzled veteran and it feels weird to mention him here. He will probably get All IHOF first team honors for the second time in his short career. With 61 tackles, 23 assists and 7.5 sacks, 18 hurries his numbers were up compared to last season. By fear of exhaustion, we actually toned down his overall activity late in the season, but I think it didn't hurt his productivity at all.

CB Ted Frias (3rd year, undrafted) made some minor progress according to the staff, despite that they told me going into the regular season that he has no room for improvement anymore. He played about half the time, in part because of missing 4 games.

So, what next? We'll watch the playoffs from home and take a look at the bargain bin of free agents to see if we can find some 1st through 3rd year players who are worth a look in pre-season next season, I can think of a couple of players (and the loyal readers of my ramblings must know some of them *caugh* Ruben Caminiti *caugh*). And think hard, really hard about what to do with our complete incompetence in making an in my opinion very good team actually play up to their ability.

We've gotten over the hump of the late '10s to early '20s, but that's so long ago... Football in the IHOF has changed, and apparently we haven't found our position in this new era of football yet. I thought a run heavy offense would work. It doesn't, the staff doesn't even listen to me when I tell them to run it anyway. So yeah, back to the balanced plan, but finding plays that can actually work. yeah, good luck with that...

But, there's still hope. Yes, it's still there. But I really have to go work for it, hopefully figuring out how and when the right moment appears...

MIJB#19

06-20-2020, 03:03 PM

General Manager notes: Roster breakdown
SO, some time on my hands, I decided to look at our roster and what the perspectives are.

<table border=1><tr><td>player<td>short term plans (2091,’92)<td>long term plans (2093+)
<tr><td><tr><td>QB M.Sheldon<td>Apparently even in his 3rd year cohesion wasn’t sufficient to have him play well enough. I’m not ready to show him the door, but he’s not quite the undisputed QB1.<td>Stick around as the mentor to a new QB project, unless Bell convinced us to be our new franchise quarterback.
<tr><td>QB B.Bell<td>Too early to give up on him yet, but the future doesn’t look bright. We’ll give him his 3rd camp and pre-season, to prove he’s worth the salary to stick around and get another shot at QB1.<td>Win the QB1 role or be done. Unless he’s willing to play for less than Farley as our QB2.
<tr><td>QB F.Farley<td>Taking a pay cut was the thing we needed for him to stick around as our QB3. Should be ok if forced in action.<td>Stick around as our QB2.
<tr><td>RB F.Patter<td>Cap space could be an issue, but should be good enough to play another season as our RB1, unless we .<td>Hard to tell with RBs
<tr><td>RB R.Thongchanh<td>Cap space is an issue, but if he doesn’t take a ratings reduction, should stick around as our RB2 and possibly as the punt returner and a special teams RB.<td>Hard to tell with RBs
<tr><td>RB A.Ford<td>Special teams RB<td>Depends on his demands.
<tr><td>FB C.Brosseau<td>Play for us<td>Play for us
<tr><td>TE C.Gaynor<td>Develop, will get the time to prove himself.<td>Develop or get lost. First signs were bad, but you have to wait until after that 3rd camp to draw conclusions.
<tr><td>TE R.Crawford<td>Stick around as a run blocker<td>Stick around, if the price is right.
<tr><td>TE J.Blake<td>Stick around as a run blocker<td>Stick around, if the price is right.
<tr><td>TE S.Bridges<td>Mentor Gaynor.<td>retirement
<tr><td>WR T.Bondy<td>Return to All IHOF quality, that would be swell.<td>Don’t retire early.
<tr><td>WR B.Sandlin<td>Our WR2 for now, more of a WR3 type, I suspect.<td>Has to give up some of his cap space, or he’ll be unaffordable as a WR3.
<tr><td>WR H.Wilkerson<td>Special teamer, good enough for a WR3 role.<td>WR3 role? He’ll have to beat some of the other youngsters.
<tr><td>WR S.Messenger<td>I think he was randomly hit when he became a pure kickoff returner. Hope he’s willing to play for less money.<td>Depends on his salary demands and whether he picked up fumblitis last pre-season.
<tr><td>WR T.Arndt<td>Special teamer and backup kickoff returner.<td>If the price is right, he can stay.
<tr><td>WR G.Stuckey<td>Let’s wait and see whether he’s going to live up to his route running potential.<td>Let’s wait and see after his 3rd camp.
<tr><td>WR T.Samuels<td>Still a project, will be tough to remain patient with him.<td>Show me something and you can stay.
<tr><td>LT N.Hadinger<td>Take a pay cut and hang around.<td>The same as the short term.
<tr><td>LG M.Szott<td>Take a pay cut and hang around.<td>The same as the short term.
<tr><td>C B.Pearson<td>Take a pay cut and hang around.<td>Don’t retire early.
<tr><td>RG A.Watson<td>Stick around.<td>Stick around.
<tr><td>RT H.Humphrey<td>Take a pay cut and hang around.<td>The same as the short term.
<tr><td>LT M.Hamilton<td>Be our backup OT.<td>Probably elsewhere by lack of willingness to sign a new contract with us.
<tr><td>LG M.Silvan<td>Develop into a serviceable backup OL.<td>Wait and see.
<tr><td>C J.Labbe<td>Stay as our backup center.<td>Stick around as our backup.
<tr><td>DE A.Russell<td>Take a pay cut and stay.<td>I want him to stay, but cap space might become an issue, if he doesn’t retire.
<tr><td>DE T.Whiting<td>Take a pay cut and stay.<td>I want him to stay, but cap space might become an issue.
<tr><td>DE G.Kondovski<td>Take a pay cut and stay.<td>I want him to stay, but cap space might become an issue.
<tr><td>DE A.Exner<td>Take a pay cut and stay.<td>I want him to stay, but cap space might become an issue.
<tr><td>DT J.Mojica<td>Take a pay cut and stay.<td>I want him to stay, but cap space might become an issue.
<tr><td>DT D.Fletcher<td>Prove he’s the real deal. No wait, he already has done that.<td>Cap space will be an issue once he starts asking for what he deserves.
<tr><td>DT A.Ritt<td>Sign a new cheap deal.<td>We’ll see after that cheap deal.
<tr><td>DT K.Ackerman<td>Stick around, be our new DT3.<td>Stop being unhappy first, we’ll see after that.
<tr><td>LB C.Jackson<td>Take a pay cut and stay.<td>Take a pay cut and stay.
<tr><td>LB B.Brady<td>Not fully convinced he’s the real thing, but he’ll get another season or two to prove he is.<td>Wait and see.<tr><td>
<tr><td>LB D.Espino<td>Took a hit in pre-season, but his contract will force us to keep him for at least another season or two.<td>The random hit is an issue, but our hands are tied for now.
<tr><td>LB M.Iveans<td>Free agent, unlikely to get a new deal.<td>See short term.
<tr><td>LB A.Palmer<td>Special teamer.<td>Would be nice to keep him, but you know the deal.
<tr><td>LB B.Rayburn<td>Restricted free agent, can stay for minimum salary.<td>Special teamer or elsewhere in the league.
<tr><td>CB K.Hitchcock<td>Take a paycut and stick around as our CB1.<td>Retired and likely HOF bound.
<tr><td>CB J.Richardson<td>Take a paycut and stick around.<td>Tough to tell with cornerbacks, they tend to retire early.
<tr><td>CB T.Frias<td>Worth keeping.<td>Hitchcock won’t be around forever, but Frias isn’t a CB1.
<tr><td>CB J.McNeil<td>Already regretting that I didn’t get to sign him to a new deal.<td>Hopefully here to stay as a nickel or dime.
<tr><td>CB A.Harmon<td>We’ve got to re-sign this restricted free agent.<td>Really worth keeping, I think.
<tr><td>SS A.Marty<td>Cohesion is king. Marty our man.<td>Probably not here anymore.
<tr><td>FS R.Newsome<td>Cohesion is king. Newsome our other man.<td>Probably not here anymore.
<tr><td>SS S.Harper<td>Candidate #1 to not make the team next season.<td>If he hangs around, cohesion will make him worth keeping active.
<tr><td>SS C.Murray<td>We’ve got to re-sign this restricted free agent.<td>Really worth keeping, I think.
<tr><td>FS J.Brotzman<td>We’ve got to re-sign this restricted free agent.<td>Really worth keeping, I think.
<tr><td>P D.Guynes<td>It’s not all up to himself, if we get a chance to find a better punter, well…<td>Be good, or be gone?
<tr><td>K M.Giles<td>Stick for another season or 3.<td>And then we’ll see what his contract demands will be and where we’ll be in terms of cap hell.
<tr><td>LS B.Karney<td>Still here, hopefully.<td>Even long snappers will retire someday.</table>

Funny enough, despite this all time worst season, I see very little reason to feel bad about most of the players on roster. I do suspect we need a legitimate WR2 and it's worth looking out for receiving TE options that would be better than Gaynor, but overall, I think this collective isn't really the issue. Cap space will be a thing, big time. And the QB situation won't be solvable without making some other cap saving moves. It'll be an interesting off-season, that's for sure...

MIJB#19

06-21-2020, 05:35 AM

General Manager Notes: One more thing about this past season
Yeah, I'm still not over this.

I'll try to wrap it up, but to be able to make progress, it does help to figure out what the mistakes were that were made. But before looking into that, I wanted to see where this past 2090 season stands for us historically, not just in previously mentioned points differential.

The neat stuff explain in a nutshell. I took all the regular season standings of all 87 seasons into a spreadsheet and went to the points scored and points allowed figures again. Knowing there are some flaws in comparing seasons with another, I've adjusted all figures for all teams by comparing their points scored and points allowed to the league average that season. This in an attempt to adjust era to era differences. Then I calculated the percentage figure over or under league average, and less useful, but still fun, compared to the franchise average.

Jumping out right away is how our 251 points scored is 25% less points than league average. That may not tell you a lot without putting it into perspective, but on average the Maassluis Merchantmen score 9% higher than league average. In fact, this -25% is the worst in team history. In the early days (2004 and 2005) we scored less than 250 points in the first two IHOF seasons, but with those being the upstart seasons, those figures of 238 and 239 were actually -14% and -16%. In 2021 we scored 275 points, which was -23% compared to league average, that was our worst season in scoring, until this just finished 2090 season.

So, where do we rank in points allowed? The figure of 332 is actually slightly above average, a whopping +1%. It's still below Merchantmen standards, as our average is at +8%. We've actually broken through the 400 points allowed barrier 8 times, but the inaugural 2004 season still took the cake as 358 points allowed was actually a -30% compared to league average (to put into perspective: as recently as the 2088 season, two teams scored a +1% with this exact same points allowed figure).

Our total figure for 2090 thus was a cumulative of -24% if you're tallying up both points scored and allowed. I'm guessing you've already figured out that 2004 must have been even worse overal (it was, a -43%), so 2090 comes in as just the second worst season all-time. Go team?

When were the good times then? Well, unshockingly, the 2059 15-1 campaign jumps out way ahead of the rest as we scored 562 points (55% over league average) and allowed 254 points (30% better than league average) combining for a stellar +85%. Of course, we had just as many victories in the playoffs that season as we did this season, so our roster from back in that day has nothing to show for it.

That one season when we won it all and the defense guided us to the second largest margin of victory in IHOF Bowl history? We scored +22% more than league average and were surprisingly at league average (0%) in points allowed. It reiterates that quite often, regular season play does not translate into post-season success either.

After that 2004 campaign, we bounced up to -11%, -6% and then the anomality towards the other end, the 2007 campaign with a 13-3 record and a +41% in this metric. And after our 2021 campaign with a -23%, we rebounded as well, with a -9% the next season and a +50% as early as the 2023 season, continuing to be good for a stretch of 6 seasons, peaking with a +52% in 2028. However, two seasons ago we put down a gruesome -20% in Moe Sheldon's first season as a starter with a -9% in points scored and -11% in points allowed. Last season we bounced back up to +4%, which makes this season's -24% that much harder to explain.

But those are just numbers, at the very least, it's a repeat of earlier conclusions: we can hardly blame the defense, despite that points from turnovers were down, it's really on the offense that has scored way too little touchdowns this past season. Unless we achieve progress, and a lot of it, there, we're going to be in for a series of seasons of unpreceded mediocrity and below...

MIJB#19

06-25-2020, 05:43 PM

General Manager Notes: the '91 off-season!
Yay, new opportunities!

Will this be the season we really bounce back? Will it?

We got 44 players signed and are $66.9M over the salary cap, with the 6th most expensive draft picks collective of $28.25M. The good thing there is that we've got 9 picks as we have an additional 3rd and 5th round pick. As mentioned before, we'll be picking at 1.9 (and in the following rounds alternating between 10th and 9th). It does mean we'll have to find $95.15M from those 44 signed players, which can be tricky with Theodore Bondy in his final year of contract and Kirk Hitchcock accounting for $53M in bonus money. Still, I'm optimistic we can get enough arrangements with the 10 players that all are projected at $10M+ in their 'save if release' figure.

Three players have become street free agents: TE Renaldo Crawford, LB Moe Iveans and CB Jessie McNeil. Six players are restricted free agents, but I've mentioned that before already as well.

A result of our gigantic bonus money figure of $355M of last season and slightly more expensive staff members, we've had a record highest cost figure of $706M, making us fall to the 11th slot in the staff draft, which is quite the thing here, I can't remember ever drafting that lowly. We still made $1,091M for a profit of $384M, so, we're not exactly doing bad as a business, but drafting lowly isn't quite good for our ability to get new staff members. Perhaps we should save a buck or two next off-season, so we can improve this slot for the '92 off-season.

Another thing to note, I didn't add some potential restricted free agents to our roster during the post-season, contrary to my announcement to do so. It means we didn't save Ruben Caminiti's career, he's off into the wilderness of life after football, before playing a single down in a competitive game in the IHOF. I'm still shocked no other team even tried to sign him. But that too can be life in the IHOF.

Five players that were free agents, but spent time with us during the '80s also called it a game.

CB Tre Poloski was from our 2081 first round duo with Kirk Hitchcock. As the #14 overall pick we had high expectations, but unlike Hitchcock, Poloski never lived up to the status of a first round pick. He did play in 85 regular season games and 7 playoffs games for us, making 11 interceptions in his time as a starter for us, although he did drop to a nickelback role in his last two seasons with us. He spent 3 seasons in Arizona and was without a team in 2090.

CB/PR Courtney Blackwell was one final cut last off-season. In retrospect, he might not have fumbled much more (or less) than Reggie Thongchanh did as a punt returner, but apparently I'm too much focused on how good Gabe Broady was and can't see that after such a legend, every new punt returner will be a step back. Blackwell was a 5th round pick in 2084 for us and after not playing much at all that rookie season, he did see a lot of action from his second season and onwards, until the release. With 81 regular season games and 7 playoffs games, his role wasn't small on our defense and special teams unit, as he was also our primary punt returner in the last 3 seasons.

FB Tristan Cochrane was a 5th round pick for us in the 2081 draft and spent 7 seasons on our roster, the last 5 as a starter. We didn't utilize him enough, as he was an excellent run blocker. He played in 112 regular season games and 9 playoffs games for us, most notably the 2085 AOC Championship game. After w released him, he spent a season in Texas, Harlem and Augusta (each), but decided to not play out the second season of his contract.

TE Tyler Kotz was a 7th round pick in 2085 and didn't get any action until late in the 2087 season. In 2088 he was a fulltime member of our special teams unit, but in 2089 he was back to an inactive role and didn't make our cut in the 2090 off-season. He played in 21 games for us.

S Mason Wilson joined as an an undrafted rookie in the 2087 off-season and was eventually active in 8 regular season games and 2 playoffs games that season. He didn't survive cuts in the 2088 pre-season and played two seasons with the Moontown Darksiders in a marginal role. He was released in the 2090 pre-season after training camp and found no new team.

But enough about the past, the future begins now. I've made big claims that we want to reclaim the division this upcoming season. Well, we'll have to do well this off-season to make that happen. It won't come easy, but we're in for the challenge as well. Stay focused and positive and good things may happen for us.

MIJB#19

06-27-2020, 01:02 PM

General Manager Notes: Cap magic time!
You know the drill, renegotiations will be here again.

The short version once again: we're $67M over the cap, need $28M for draft picks and as a result need to free up roughly $95M to be able to make those draft picks and not get penalized for being under the cap by the start of the draft.

We've talked with all 53 players on roster, which includes the 9 free agents and I made the grand picture of what their demands will do to our cap situation and the ability to get that $95M figure worked out. There's one thing I would like to avoid: overdoing things on players that might be over their peak and give them a new deal before we've seen them in action in pre-season. That said, we need to get that cap space, doing nothing isn't an option.

The bad news first: this bunch is a greedy bunch, or maybe it's just their agents, but their demands are much richer than I would have imagined. I mean, for crying out loud, these guys come off the second worst season in franchise history and they all think they should be rewarded for it. Really, kids? I'll spare the details on the marginal and even the normal starters, let's get to the key players and what we can do here.

CB Kirk Hitchcock is listed at a $79M cap figure: a $26M salary and a $53M bonus figure. He's willing to give up $8M in salary, to receive $26M in bonus money for a new 3-year deal, so in fact he wants more guaranteed money and an even higher cap figure. No can do, Kirk. Our only option is a cap out, which will give him a $22M bonus, which will be spread over the two years of his contract.

WR Theodore Bondy is listed at $60.9M cap, wth a $29.4M salary and a $31.5M bonus figure. After yet another off-season, he wants a $40M bonus for a new 3-year deal (he's in the final year of contract) and is willing to give up $240K in salary. He's asking us to increase his cap figure by nearly $14M. Does he want us to release a couple of offensive linemen to make the odds of him making catches even slimmer? Instead, we'll have to be creative, completely tak away his salary request, turn it into a much higher bonus figure, like $70M and have his new cap figure be roughly $3M below his old figure. He'd better take it...

CB Jackie Richardson is under contract for a $25M salary and a $12.5M bonus figure for a $37.5M cap figure. He's asking for another $38M bonus, for an additional year to his 3-year contract and with an increased salary by $4M, meaning an increase of his cap figure by $17M. D'oh! We'll be forced to make a cap out move here, take about $22M off his salary and give it to him in bonus money.

LT Nathan Hadinger is more than happy with his cap figure of $41M with a $21M salary and a $20M bonus figure. He's willing to renegotiate, but his request will be insufficient to have a meaningful effect. Instead, cap out will be our resort here as well: nearly $18M of salary turned into bonus money.

And that's all symptomatic for the overall attitude across this team. There was little reason to try renegotiating with a lot of players, so as a result no less than 15 players will get a cap out offer. There are 6 players whom we will offer a renegotiated deal: WR Bondy, C Butch Pearson, G Michael Szott, DE Archie Exner, DE Gene Kondovski and KR Santiago Messenger.

If I've done my calculations correctly and all of them sign, we'll have cap relief of about $3.4M, with still 44 players signed and the required cap space for the 9 draft picks.

And we're going to need it, because there are a bunch of restricted free agents that I want to sign before the draft, to avoid losing them to other teams. We can't actually afford all the free agents, so we'll have to make decisions here. LB Moe Iveans looks like he's done, not to return to Maassluis next season. TE Renaldo Crawford and CB Jessie McNeil will be tough to keep, their demands are conform their ability and all, but we can't make everybody happy. Unless we renegotiate with LB Daquan Espino, who understands that he's no longer a clear cut all downs starting MLB and is willing to downgrade his 4-year deal. Generously, but I'm going to wait for it for a bit.

Never say never, but it most likely means we're not going to go onto the open market and try to sign a bunch of free agents from other teams. Interesting to see our former first round picks S Bart Guthrie and LB Craig McCorkle amongst the top25 free agents. We could use them, but can't afford them.

Looking at the draft class, it's a bit early to reveal my plans, but with the 1.9 pick in hand, I think we can be optimistic to get a game changer, or perhaps trade up to get one. We've sent our staff members out to interview 12 rookies and hope to get the reports back in time before the draft kicks in. Will we make a push for the top listed QB Keith Vitale? He's fast, smart, strong and agile, a complete prospect, he should be the 1.1 pick, right? Maybe, maybe not, let's not be that guy that puts his plan on the table for everyone to see. Vitale looks interesting, but he's only 53rd on our draft board...

Two more days until the clock officially starts. It'll be an interesting draft, no doubt.

MIJB#19

06-29-2020, 01:11 PM

Merchantmen pick and trade top graded rookie
The Maassluis Merchantmen lived up to their name today. After selecting top graded rookie offensive tackle Douglas Grosz with the 1.9 pick, the Merchantmen made a 180 degree turn and traded him to the Oakland Black Panthers for the 1.28 and Oakland's 2092 first round pick. After missing out on the top three quarterback prospects and the top two wide receiver prospects, the Merchantmen management was missing in action, had some water boy write down and hand in the pick, only to see their actual target get taken with the #12 overall pick.

MIJB#19

06-29-2020, 04:03 PM

General Manager Notes: A busy day at the office...
And that didn't go as planned at all.

We're drafting in IHOF and that means getting yourself ready to make picks or have a list ready. The bad news is that sometimes duty calls and before your scouts return to the war room to give reports on the 12 players worth selecting at the 1.9 overall pick, that pick is no longer available to use: our clock ran out.
The good news was that we ended up getting assigned the highest graded player of this draft class, offensive tackle Douglas Grosz.

I had hoped to have a shot at trading up for one of the three quarterbacks of this class, or for undersized top wide receiver Bryson Zimmerman. After seeing interview results, there actually was one wide receiver still worth picking at the #9 overall slot: wide receiver Tristan Powell, but we ran of luck, not just a little bit, but big time.

Trading down to the 1.28 slot saves some value, because quite frankly, we have no room for an offensive tackle on our roster and tight cap. 1.28 was lower than I had hoped to move down to, if this situation would arise, but with some stellar back and forth trade talks, we managed to end up with an additional first round pick next draft. The cap situation will also get a bit better, as we'll save $4.7M with this trade.

Renegotiations with 18 of 21 players were successful, although most were cap outs. From actually renegotiations, only 3 of 6 were accepted. It was at the very least enough to end up $9.8M under the cap. The draft cost will still require us to get the other renegotiations worked out, but I think we'll manage. I've also started making offers to all the restricted free agents.

But the thing that matters is that we lost our chance to pick a new wide receiver. The window of opportunity closed about 40 minutes before I got my hands on the information needed to make a decision. This was all the bad luck we really needed to make the unusually horrific season we recently finishes, get even worse.

If this was a card game, well, now would be a tremendous time to try my luck at love, I suppose?

MIJB#19

06-30-2020, 05:58 PM

General Manager Notes: it's all about timing...
No, not skill we grade quarterback's on.

Trade opportunities come and go. At the top of the first round, we missed our chance to trade up, then missed an opportunity to trade down. Eventually we managed to trade Douglas Grosz to Oakland for the #28 overall pick. Once we got there, we missed an opportunity to trade it as a potential trade partner moved into a pick slightly earlier, but this time I was at the war room just in time to make a pick. I went away from the initial list and selected S Devon Farrell. And with the 2.8 pick, a trade opportunity fell once again as the trade partner had more options going and moved into a slot right in front of us. We kept the pick and selected WR Rickey Lyle. Yes, at last, a new wide receiver. To finish the wheeling and dealing, for now, we moved our couple of third round picks and the fourth round pick for a second round pick next draft, which now gives us an additional 1st and 2nd for that 2092 draft.

Theodore Bondy signed a new 3-year contract, but it barely made a difference for the cap situation. The crucial renegotiations with guard Michael Szott failed for a second time, we'll go around the table again tomorrow.

We did extended the serviced of five restriced free agents: TE Jeffrey Blake, G Marvin Silvan, LB Brent Rayburn, CB Adam Harmon and S Jon Brotzman. Talks with S Chuck Murray failed due to lack of cap room, but we'll get there after the renegotiations. Our cap situation will be better after the draft anyway, because now we'll have more than 53 players signed after the rookies are on board.

It does mean that we're probably going to be without the cap room to re-sign CB Jessie McNeil, which would be a bummer as he's been on team for 4 seasons and has been reliable. The same applies to TE Renaldo Crawford, but his service are slightly less important to extend, although we do need a fourth tight end eventually.

Okay, so, what about these two rookies? We didn't interview either of them, I invested heavily on prospects for that #9 overall pick (I'm over the mix up, I think, or almost at least).

Devon Farrell is the highest grade safety in this class. He had a tremendous position drill score and an excellent 40-yard dash. He's scouted to be at least very good in man to man coverage, zone coverage, interceptions, endurance and probably also in play diagnosis. Run defense should be at least good. That's a decent strong safety or a solid free safety in my opinion. This possibly means the end for Chuck Murray in Maassluis, at the very least for Salvador Harper it's over here. He listed as 21st most useful player on our draft board.

Rickey Lyle is a 6'2", 200 pounds receiver, getting his highest scouted potential in route running and big play ability. Endurance should be sufficient and he's possibly a return specialist as well. I seriously have no idea what to expect here. He's very green and I've got a terrible track record with second round picks.

We're off the clock until the fifth round, so that gives me some room to not worry too much about wasting another pick. ("Wasting", so I still haven't forgotten about other things that may have changed things, like trading up to a higher pick that in retrospect was available for trade after all.)

It is as it is. I really, really, really hope this the last time I'm going to say: maybe next draft, at some point next draft isn't going to work anymore and it's time to go for it, all or nothing, all card on the table. I still hope to make that happen sooner rather than later, hopefully it's just a minor setback that eventually turns out to be a blessing in disguise.

Yes, there's still hope, there sure is.

tzach

06-30-2020, 11:22 PM

just a quick note that i'm still following this thread, which is among my favorites here.

you put very nicely in words what we think/feel when managing an ihof team!

QuikSand

07-01-2020, 05:10 AM

MIJB#19

07-02-2020, 01:50 PM

General Manager Notes: playing the waiting game...
Patience, grasshopper, patience.

Sometimes you know what you want to achieve, don't know exactly how to get there and ask for advice and the advice is simple: you have to wait for the stars to align and then still wait for half a year and be at the right place at the right time. So maybe, last season was just like that moment when I saw the stars align and forgot about the good advice and thought going all in was a good idea. It showed guts, but it wasn't the right time at all.

That's what it can be like to draft a quarterback. You think you see potential, test the waters, get denied big time, but still feel like there's something there. Brandon Bell, I'm looking at you. As I am to you Moe Sheldon and Francisco Farley. With the Merchantmen, it's all about cohesion, we don't rush into action, we slowly build on getting to know each other and wait for the right time to make things happen. But that's also where the analogy goes wrong, because Bell did need to see some action to build experience, not just test the waters but throwing him out there, possibly getting eaten alive by the opposing defensive linemen trying to bulldoze over those five or six guys in front of him to buy just enough time to release his pass and make things happen.

It's just another draft and I didn't just fail to fall for another quarterback, I've decided to make the best of it, look at the three, cheap, guys still on roster and hope their years of service will bail them out, just like what worked for Ellis McAlister after all those seasons of waiting in the wings.

And to make it all possible, we're doing very little. Redoing contracts left and right, just to make sure all these players that had such a horrible 2090 campaign stick around. We get rid of some drat picks that will costs us more bonus money than I think we can afford if they fail to make the team. We're at 49 players signed and have 6 draft picks incoming, which means only the first three will actually count against the cap. The Solecismic assigned financial department can't really add up, they think the other 3 guys will also cost us cap space, but we're actually still about 600K short of being able to afford the higher of our 5th round picks, so we'll have to find a little bit more cap room.

DE Gene Kondosvki hasn't been the easiest guys to persuiade into signing a new 3-year deal. Aside from the fact that he's asking way too much money, I'm too much focused on keeping the D-Line together and hope they will be that top-notch super duper mega awesome unit that crushes not just the sack magnet quarterbacks in the league, but can also run havoc on a half-decent QB with a better than average pass protection. I bet the $6M earning three guys around him won't exactly feel that way, but to me, Kondosvki's $25 (or there abouts) that we'll need to keep him should be divided in four, we're spending close to $78M of our nearly $500M of cap space on 8 defensive linemen, including the backup defensive tackles that we might put more often out there to give the two monster defensive tackles some chances to take a breath.

Still, it won't be enough, which means, before making some cuts, which will come eventually, I've decided to talk with our once franchise MLB, then after a pre-season of back luck has become our LB3, but still with LB1 cap figure. Cutting Daquan Espino now would save us $11.8M from his salary, but it would give us a $23.5M cap hit next season on bonus money alone, while his 'saved' salary figure would be $13.3M. That's a no go for me, we don't cut (or trade) players anymore that will make such a cap hit in the next off-season. In return, Espino wants a 7M bonus figure to save us about $7.5M in salary in each of the 4 years on his contract. I think it's profitable for us in the long run and better than a cap out that will make him even cheaper this season, but escalades it into future seasons. We're going to take up on Espino's offer, either tomorrow or after the draft, if he's not willing to take our slightly lowered counter offer.

It's crazy how saving about $7M in cap space can make such a difference in the next few days, when we'll try to sign undrafted rookies and have to think about some contract extensions at mid-pre-season. 11 players will be unrestricted free agents next off-season (including Kondovski). TE Sherman Bridges won't make our roster in 2092 anyway, if he's going to hang around, it will be to mentor that Clay Gaynor kid that we drafted last off-season. Yes, I'm going to stick with my at least 3 training camps and pre-season out of the blue randomness hoopla that can make or break careers. We have to remember the Ellis McAlister story, the guy that we miracleously kept on team as our 4th quarterback and turned out to be a franchise quarterback, or at least the kind of guy that is good enough to stick around for 9 seasons as a starter.

So, long story short:
* renegotiations, Espino getting a crucial new deal
* draft picks, still looking for 4 late round gems
* close to no free agency action

Hold on, "close to no free agency action"? Indeed, if Espino signs, we'll have some unforseen cap space and I plan on offering it to one free agent on a bonus light offer. It won't be Moe Iveans, who seems to be Kansas bound. Good for him. He bombed in his first pre-season with us and now gets a chance to join the reigning league champions. Good for you, Moe.

But other than that, the waiting game continues. I told myself to never get into this situation ever again, step it up, go for it. But every once in a while, you have no other options, because the other side will have to make the first move for things to work out in the long run. Fingers crossed. And that's not just on landing our late round gems and having a solid pre-season...

MIJB#19

07-02-2020, 02:16 PM

just a quick note that i'm still following this thread, which is among my favorites here.

you put very nicely in words what we think/feel when managing an ihof team!+1Always good to know there (still) are readers.

MIJB#19

07-03-2020, 12:58 PM

General Manager Notes: Fifth round magic!
Myth or reality?

It goes all the way back to the 2007 draft. Perhaps initiated by boredom or an overall addiction to making trades, I accumulated a bunch of fifth round picks that were consecutive. After a lot of wheelin' and dealin', we kept five of them. Two of those players hung around for four seasons, one spent one season with us, the other two didn't even make the final 53-name roster, but did find a home elsewhere in the league. This quintet eventually combined for 55 regular season games for the Merchantmen, 193 more for other franchises. All was forgotten at the end of the season, a 13-3 regular season campaign and a trip to the AOC championship game blew away the mockery from the off-season.

The Merchantmen and fifth round picks have been a thing ever since. Over the years, there've actually been a bunch of players that didn't just make our roster, but actually had a fine career in Maassluis. Browsing the roster of the 2005 through 2090 seasons, there's been only one season where there wasn't at least one home grown 5th round pick on roster. We went 11-5 that 2072 season, but crashed out in the wild card round as the #5 seeds.

A quick road down memory lane?
2008 pick LB Bernie Surry, dubbed a boomer, perhaps deserved defensive rookie of the year honors, hung around through the 2017 season for 147 regular season games, really excelled in the all zone defense.
2017 picks S Brian Campbell, LB Alonzo Sales and RB Tom Bone. They all hung around for at least 8 seasons, Campbell as a regular starter, T-Bone had to share carries, Sales was mostly a special teamer.
2018 pick DE Broderick Amadro overcame our traditional rotation of defensie ends, hung around for 8 seasons.
2020 pick TE Rondell Bowers, a blocking tight end.
2027 pick RB Mark McConnell, once ran for 277 yards against the Tucker Tigers and we still lost 38-12.
2030 pick S Perry Walker, the underdog of the best safety duo in Merchantmen history (Hopper and Walker wasn't just a comedy duo).
2036 pick CB moved to S Bernie Gordon, still a starter in his 12th season.
2037 pick RB Donald Terry, league leading rusher in our 2039 IHOF Bowl campaign, phenomenal rusher for 2 more seasons after that.
2040 pick G Vinny O'Neill, 2044 pick G Bryant Huffman and 2046 pick T Mitchell Glover, all three long time starters, the last two the key blockers for hall of fame RB Norbert Talley.
2057 pick DE Jordan St. Pierre, late in his career a starter on the exceptional '60s defense, side kick of IHOF Bowl MVP "The Behemoth" Shaun Hartman and two-time defensive player of the year "Da Machine" Daquan Strugielski.
2062 pick S Cornelius Dionne, also a starter on the mid/late '60s exceptional bowl winning defense.
2075 pick S Maurice Harkleroad, 2080 pick DE Gino Kemp, 2081 pick FB Tristan Cochrane...
And more recently 2082 pick DE Andy Russell, 2083 pick S Alexander Marty, 2087 pick CB Jessie McNeil and 2088 pick DT Kurt Ackerman. If we re-sign McNeil, guys that should be members of our 2091 defense.

But back to today, we had two 5th round picks in this ongoing 2091 draft and we made our selections. RB Trey Beyer was our pick at 5.9, TE Clarence Gore our 5.23 pick. Beyer has the hole recognition and breakaway speed combination that we like for our running backs. Gore has route running, endurance and some blocking skills. I mean, if they live up to potential, obviously.

We'll see what happens this time around. In all those years, 23 of 354 fifth round picks didn't make the regular season roster. There's no guarantee for these picks to make the team. Just ask our 5th round pick from last season DT Tyrone Hanson, who is smart enough to not have retired just yet, that kid does have the potential to be a solid pass rusher somewhere, someday...

MIJB#19

07-03-2020, 05:13 PM

Merchantmen wrap up draft with QB Martin, RB Joseph
The Maassluis Merchantmen have finished their 2091 IHOF draft. With the selection of quarterback Bert Martin with the 7.9 pick, they turned in the last of their six draft picks. This came shortly after they selected running back Patrick Joseph at the 6.8 slot.

The 6'4" 237 pounds Bert Martin is widely regarded as the best quarterback of the class in sensing the pass rush. He combines it with a strong arm.

The 5'11" 214 pounds Patrick Joseph is the second running back taken by the Merchantmen. Just like the 5.9 pick Trey Beyer, Joseph combines hole recognition with breakaway speed, but unlike Beyer can play on special teams and doesn't have the receiving skills Beyer does have.

It concludes a draft in which the Merchantmen selected safety Devon Farrell at the 1.28 slot, wide receiver Rickey Lyle at the 2.8 slot, running back Trey Beyer and tight end Clarence Gore in the fifth round, and running back Patrick Joseph and quarterback Bert Martin in the last two rounds.

MIJB#19

07-04-2020, 07:55 AM

Merchantmen re-sign CB McNeil
Jessie McNeil extended his contract with the Maassluis Merchantmen. The 27-year old cornerback was out of contract, but the player's agent and the team's management agreed to a new two-year deal worth $8.3M. McNeil started the 2090 season inactive as the fifth cornerback on roster, but due to injury to Ted Frias was activated mid-season and was kept active for the last 10 games of the season. Merchantmen management said they want to bring at least 5 cornerbacks into pre-season and McNeil's experience on the team made him the best option at this salary level on the market.

MIJB#19

07-04-2020, 08:23 AM

General Manager Notes: drafted rookies first look
It's early, but you know how it goes.

The six rookies that we selected in the 2091 draft have reported to the team facilities. Not an overwhelming class, but neither a sign that we completely butchered our chances to do well in what other GM's claimed to be a deep class. Rounding to the nearest '5s or '10s, here's what these guys overall are scouted at by our staff:
10/30 QB Bert Martin
35/45 RB Trey Beyer
30/40 RB Patrick Joseph
30/45 TE Clarence Gore
20/50 WR Rickey Lyle
35/65 S Devon Farrell

Martin is an interesting case. He's green, but first look has him as a 90-ish sense rush guy, 60-ish long passing, perhaps an alternate option as a kick holder.
Beyer and Joseph are more similar than I expected. Both breakaway speed in the 60-65 range and hole recognition in the 70-75 range. Joseph a special teamer and more elusive, Beyer potentially an okay receiver (50-ish route running), neither has the endurance to be a full time starter.
Gore comes in as being roughly 30/60 in route running with 60-ish big play ability and okay pass blocking skills. He won't be very useful on run blocking duties though (10/25-ish).
Lyle comes in with a 70-ish big play ability and an enigmatic 5/85ish route running ability and potential. Yes, he's extremely green. 40/60 and 45/70 in return skills makes him a viable option, possibly even the new #1 punt returner.
Farrell is obviously the make or break player of this draft. Developed enough to already jump into a starting role and has the endurance to be an all downs player. 70-ish intercepting potential, 90-ish zone defense, 55-ish run defending, 50-ish play diagnosis, this kid can play ball.

But these are just the first looks at them. We have to understand that a lot can happen between now and opening day. One thing that will happen is that we'll make offers to 14 free agents to add up to the 70-player maximum for training camp. Still mulling over whether Chuck Murray is worth getting a signing bonus as this second year kid has become less likely to make the final 53-men roster after the arrival of Devon Farrell. I'll probably still see him as more useful on the defense than Salvador Harper.

Same applies to tight end Renaldo Crawford, a quality run blocker and starter in the 2089 season. Thing is: he wants more money that we realistically can afford right now. We're under the cap now, by $4.4M, but that's really all that we have left.

Another team showed interest for one of our young wide receivers. I'm open to dealing him, as I'm personally not yet convinced he fits on our system, but he's got talent nevertheless and if used well could be a serious WR2 or WR3 option for many teams. I'm stalling things until at least after training camp, to give us another chance to look at this kid.

Linebacker Moe Iveans has left the team, he signed with the Kansas Creationists, as was to be expected. No other teams showed interest, including us. An unlucky situation for all involved, we traded for him with the Hanalei Dragons, initially just to have a quality LB3 on team, but after Daquan Espino and Iveans both had a horrific 2089 pre-season, we grabbed Branden Brady with our 2090 first round pick and there really was no room for Iveans anymore behind Brady, Espino and the emerging Clayton Jackson.

Speaking of Espino, we indeed agreed terms to a new contract, in which he receives much less salary, but in return got a signing bonus to make the chances much more solid for him to make our team in the next two seasons as well.

Negotiations with defensive end Gene Kondovski failed once again. We'll re-evaluate the situation after early pre-season action, as we're under the cap now and no longer need to rush into getting a deal done. His current deal is rich enough for him to not consider taking a stand. As did none of our other players: we're not confronted with any holdouts this off-season.

Looking over the undrafted rookies collective, I've noticed 10 guys that actually may be an upgrade to one of our depth backups. Half of them were on the radar during the draft, but the other half have come to my attention after the scouting staff has made some more thorough observations and reports. We're going to lowball most of them, lacking the cap space to offer hefty singing boni, but we'll see what the competition will do.

More on that tomorrow...

MIJB#19

07-05-2020, 10:24 AM

Merchantmen sign 8 free agents to training camp roster
Following the 2091 IHOF Draft, the Maassluis Merchantmen have signed 8 players that were free agents. They re-sign tight end Renaldo Crawford and safety Chuck Murray, signed veteran safety Thomas Lucas and signed five undrafted rookies: fullback Tracy Rhodes, center Brady Burke and linebackers Van Bertolone, Trent Donovan and Trenton Prescott.

The re-signing of Crawford and Murray weren't much of a surprise. Merchantmen management already publicly stated they were willing to bring them back, at the very least for training camp to give them a chance to reclaim their roster spot after the drafting of respective replacements Clarence Gore and Devon Farrell. Both signed a new three-year deal, which should indicate the team actually thinks they are in their plans for the upcoming season and beyond. Especially given that both received a $500K signing bonus, which is very unusual for the Merchantmen to hand out to free agents post draft.

Safety Thomas Lucas signed a one-year veteran minimum contract. In a crowded secondary, it's most likely he'll be asked to mentor the youngsters for a while, meaning there's a modest chance he'll have a shot at making the 53-men roster.

Rookie fullback Tracy Rhodes was already on the Merchantmen radar during the draft. He's an underdeveloped run blocker, could possibly contribute to special teams, but isn't regarded as a talented runner or receiver. Most likely he'll get a chance to gain some experience and show he's an IHOF worthy player.

Center Brady Burke wasn't on the Merchantmen radar during the draft, but going onto the market to fill the roster up, the team decided to give a look at a couple of linemen, of whom Burke decided to sign in Maassluis. Team management thinks he's got a reasonable chance to unseat the unhappy Jared Labbe, who's been with the Merchantmen for 5 seasons, without seeing much playing time behind Butch Pearson, aside from special teams action in the 2088 season and a little bit last season.

The signing of the three linebackers doesn't come as a surprise, as the Merchantmen had only five on roster after the departure of Moe Iveans. Pass rusher Van Bertolone appears to be undersized to make a transition to defensive end, but the Merchantmen management feel they still wanted to give him a look in training camp. Trent Donovan might be slightly undersized, but he does seem to have the framework to make such a transition, or to stick as a blitzbacker. Lack of pass defense skills means the Merchantmen are seriously considering that switch, special teams experience is in Donovan's favor. Trenton Prescott is (also) too short to play defensive end, but has blitzbacker potential and like Donovan has special teams experience and is actually considered to have great potential there.

Merchantmen management also made a statement on losing out on the services of undrafted rookie longsnapper Keith Borders. General Manager M.IJ.B. stated "We knew there would be more interest, in particular from the usual suspects," hinting to the North Plainfield Plague who offered Borders a $1.6M sining bonus, "which in retrospect means we should have done the right thing and make Borders a market value offer". A bold statement to make, as the Merchantmen only signed their current longsnapper Bryce Karney last off-season and released their younger snapper Thomas Biegen to make the roster spot available, claiming Karney was the best guy in business available. Likewise, the Plague might consider to release their 34-year old longsnapper Dustin Cooksey, who is currently considered the best in business by the league's scouting department, as the Plague signed no less than 3 more undrafted rookies for tryouts in training camp for the longsnapper roster spot.

The Merchantmen also lost the bidding wars on rookie running back Matthew Reed (signed a $4M deal with Orlando), linebacker Salvador Moye (did get a $500K singing bonus from Williamsburg), veteran wide receiver Junior Filby (did get a $250K bonus from Oakland) and interior linemen Steve Myers (got a $370K bonus from Moontown) and Ian Cady (got a $4.57M deal from Rochester).

MIJB#19

07-06-2020, 04:39 PM

General Manager Notes: Training Camp 2091
Hopefully pre-season will bring better news...

Training camp 2091 wasn't something to get all excited about. It was a chance for all the young guys on the team to show and make progress, proving us they can live up to their potential. 12 guys got reported with good progress, 11 others with okay improvement. The roster, as we enter pre-season:

Quarterbacks
40/40 Moe Sheldon (-1/-1)
35/35 Francisco Farley (+2/-2)
20/35 Brandon Bell (+2/n.c.)
15/30 Bert Martin (+3/+1)
Sheldon the best guy in overall talent. Farley seems to have reached his potential, Bell once again an unimpressive camp, time to give up on him? But what about his stats? Martin with the least unimpressive camp. This reaks of another transition season...

Running backs
55/55 Francisco Patter
35/45 Trey Beyer (+1/n.c.)
35/40 Patrick Joseph (+2/n.c.)
35/35 Reggie Thongchanh
25/25 Asher Ford
Beyer and Joseph look nice, but training camp was very underwhelming. Most of the time, that doesn't bode well for the future. It'll be tough to make up my mind on them, pre-season will possibly be the deciding factor. Patter and Thong' will remain our tandem. Ford will only make the team if we have enough roster spots for special teamers.

Fullbacks
45/45 Clay Brosseau
20/40 Tracy Rhodes (+4/-1)
So, Rhodes could be for real, but we already have Brosseau. Two fullback will be a bit too much. I could have decided to keep Rhodes around as an insurance policy in case pre-season has a disaster up it's sleeve, but I'm taking the gamble here. Sorry kid, maybe another team will give you a chance, or report back for camp in 2092.

Tight ends
45/55 Clay Gaynor (+4/n.c.)
35/45 Clarence Gore (+3/+1)
35/40 Jeffery Blake (+4/n.c.)
35/35 Sherman Bridges
30/30 Renaldo Crawford
Misleading information this is. Gaynor and Gore are receivers, Blake and Crawford run blockers. Those are their roles, with Gore still a longshot to make the 53-men roster. Bridges is a mentor, but I'm not yet convinced we'll keep a roster spot for him available this season.

Wide receivers
75/75 Theodore Bondy
35/50 Trey Samuels (+4/n.c.)
40/40 Branden Sandlin
35/40 Harris Wilkerson (+2/n.c.)
30/45 George Stuckey (+2/n.c.)
25/50 Rickey Lyle (+3/-1)
30/30 Santiago Messenger
20/20 Tracy Arntt
It's early, pre-season and all, but behind Bondy, I'm really struggling to determine what to do here. Sandlin has the route running and big-play ability to bounce back as a viable WR2. Stuckey still pretty green, but route running and downfield ability make him another WR2 candidate. Wilkerson can play special teams, lacks route running, but still had 46 catches as a WR3 last season, Lyle is similar to Sandlin, but a ton greener and with return potential, he could be our punt returner this season. Samuels still an enigma, overall a good receiver, (lack of) endurance is his only real weakness. Messenger is our kickoff returner, Arntt the backup and special teamer. Decisions, decisions.

Offensive Line
70/70 G Michael Szott
70/70 C Butch Pearson
65/65 RT Howard Humphrey
60/60 LT Nathan Hadinger
45/45 G Andre Watson
30/40 G Marvin Silvan (+4/n.c.)
20/40 C Brady Burke (+4/-2)
30/30 LT Myron Hamilton
30/30 C Jared Labbe
Bar disaster, the starting five will remain. Silvan has solidly claimed the OL6 slot. Hamilton will be the backup LT. Burke or Labbe is the race for slot 8.

Defensive Line
65/65 DT Darien Fletcher
60/60 DE Gene Kondovski
55/55 DT Jumbo Mojica
45/45 DE Archie Exner
40/40 DE Andy Russell
35/35 DT A.J. Ritt
35/35 DE Tony Whiting
30/30 DT Kurt Ackerman
20/30 DE Trent Donovan (+3/+1)
Yes, Donovan was moved from OLB to DE. But he won't make the 53-men roster, unless something unexpected happens. The plan is to have all eight active during the regular season, rotate them, keep the guys fresh. This bunch is state of the art in rushing the passer. The guys that can defend the run will have to be spared a bit, four guys will be exclusive on obvious passing downs.

Linebackers
75/75 Brandon Brady (+5/+4)
55/55 Daquan Espino
45/45 Clayton Jackson
35/40 Brant Rayburn (+4/n.c.)
20/35 Van Bertolone (+3/-2)
20/35 Trenton Prescott (+4/-3)
25/25 Alex Palmer
Brady, you sneaky kid, you're better than we anticipated? Espino will be a running downs 'backer. Jackson a passing downs guy, but we might put him in the formations with 3 linebackers as well. Rayburn is improving, but reamins to be a pass rusher at best and a special teamer at worst. Palmer and Prescott are also special teamers. Bertolone won't make the pre-season roster.

Secondary
70/70 CB Kirk Hitchcock
70/70 CB Jackie Richardson
35/60 S Devon Farrell (+4/-3)
45/45 CB Ted Frias
45/45 S Alexander Marty
35/40 S Chuck Murray (+4/n.c.)
35/35 S Thomas Lucas
35/35 CB Jessie McNeil
35/35 S Salvador Harper
25/40 CB Adam Harmon (+4/n.c.)
30/30 S Riddick Newsome
25/30 S Jon Brotzman (+3/n.c.)
So much not to dislike here. First of all, Lucas and Harper won't make the pre-season roster. Farrell will be our all downs safety, Marty the running downs guy, Newsome the passing downs guy. Murray is too new to be a starter, but he'll be ready some day, as will be Brotzman, who already took over Harper's special teams slot. Hitchcock and Richardson is the clear cut CB duo. Frias and McNeil will battle for the nickelback role, Harmon is going to be a starter soon enough, but for now, it's all about gaining experience.

Special teamers
60/60 P Doug Gouynes
75/75 K Mark Giles
20/20 LS Bryce Karney
Just still healthy, guys.

Yeah, it's too early to claim this is how it will be: pre-season, oh pre-season. The starters will get action in the first two pre-season games. That will be with Brandon Bell at quarterback. Moe Sheldon will get the back end of the exhibition action. Or Martin. Or both. Pre-season's unpredictability will make the difference...

MIJB#19

07-07-2020, 10:56 AM

Merchantmen release safety Harper
The Maassluis Merchantmen announced their pre-season roster of 60 players. They made no room for safety Salvador Harper, who was released after 4 seasons with the team. The Merchantmen also released undrafted rookies fullback Tracy Rhodes and linebacker Van Bertolone, and veteran safety Thomas Lucas, a recent free agent signing.

The release of Harper wasn't a complete surprise as the Merchantmen recently selected Devon Farrell in the first round of the draft and the re-signing of second-year pro Chuck Murray. Harper was signed as an undrafted rookie in the 2087 off-season. The plan was to integrate him in the special teams unit, but as a rookie rarely played and in the following three seasons was less often used than planned. He did slowly find his way into run defense packages, but that wasn't enough to extend his stint in Maassluis. It ends after 50 regular season games.

MIJB#19

07-09-2020, 11:18 AM

General Manager Notes: Pre-Season giveth and taketh...
And per usual, it was a bit of both.

We're down a starter. Safety Alexander Marty is no longer suitable to be on our team. After our tremendous 42-6 pre-season victory over the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums, he must have done something stupid, because the staff told me he looked out of shape and has become a lost cause, pretty much. A bummer, I had hoped to have him and Riddick Newsome alternate downs, with rookie Devon Farrell playing continuously. It probably means we're going to throw Chuck Murray out there as the running downs strong safety. It would be wise to throw Ted Frias in the mix as well, to boost cohesion and keep Jackie Richardson fresher on passing downs, but Richardson and Kirk Hitchcock is the kind of duo you simply don't take apart. In theory, this is one of the best CB tandems in league history, we have to put them on the field. Hitchcock himself looks like he lost a step, but only the length of a toe or somesuch.

Regardless, the decision has already been made: Marty is out of Maassluis before the last two pre-season games. We kept him on the bench in his rookie season (2083) and off the defense in his second season, but slowly he grew into a starting role, with 2088 his peak season with 4 interceptions and 92 tackles. 106 regular season games and 4 more in the playoffs. That's his resume in Maassluis.

Wide receiver Tracy Arntt was another casualty before the final cut down moment. Still a quality special teamer and backup caliber kickoff returner, his receiving skills have diminished into near useless at the IHOF level. He was active in all 48 games in the last three season for us.

Theodore Bondy also lost some of his speed, agility and power, but he reamins to be a top10 wide receiver. Behind him, I'm really struggling to decide who our WR2, WR3 and keepable backups should be. Santiago Messenger is locked into a WR4/5 role as our premier kickoff returner. Rickey Lyle will be that at minimum as well, his return skills are sufficient to keep him active and we really want to see him develop his very good route running skills as quickly as possible. It's not unthinkable we'll throw him out there as our WR3 or even WR2. Branden Sandlin is far too obvious to not remain as our WR2 or at minimum WR3. That makes the debate between the three other youngsters: Trey Samuels, George Stuckey and Harris Wilkerson. That last guy is our second best special teamer after Bondy in this group. Stuckey has route running potential and getting downfield skills. Samuels is more of a complete good guy, albeit lacking endurance. We'll put the young guns out there in the last two pre-season games.

Bert Martin and Brandon Bell will be our quarterbacks in the last two pre-season games. Bell started the first two games, but Moe Sheldon took the lion share of snaps and did a fine job. Bell was near flawless in his limited action. I'm still stuck in the same dilemma: Bell isn't developing fast enough and his potential is below how good Sheldon is. We know Sheldon is better at avoiding interceptions, but he does take more sacks and consequently more fumbles. Martin has to impress to stick around as our QB3 or 4. Francisco Farley will go this pre-season without any action. We know what he can and can't do, kind of. He remains as a respecatabe QB3 option, but it's really all on Martin's throwing arm and shoulders to make us decide between these two.

The backfield has one more situation to settle. Asher Ford took a hit, but remains to be a solid special teamer and we'll need two from our backfield. Reggie Thongchanh is the other one and he'll be our RB2 behind Francisco Patter in our time share for now. Trey Beyer and Patrick Joseph will get the last two pre-season games to show which one of them is our potential future RB2. Joseph took a hit, while Beyer took a slightly smaller hit and remains to look slightly better all things considered. Neither will be an all downs back. If we keep one of them, it will be a future RB2 project, simple as that it is.

Our tight end project Clarence Gore made a big jump in the positive direction, meaning we've potentially got a solid receiving tight end. Top10 route running and top2 big-play ability. Endurance and pass blocking skills to boost, we need to find time for this guy to develop fast. Which is bad news for our 1st round pick in 2091 Clay Gaynor, as he looks like more of a more all around receiver and decent blocker. This might actually mean the end of one of our two run blocking tight ends (Jeffery Blake and Renaldo Crawford) as keeping mentor Sherman Bridges all of a sudden makes even more sense.

On the offensive line, we've already made the decision to release rookie Brady Burke. There's no reason to believe he'll be good enough to play ball. The sad thing is that Jared Labbe took yet another hit, which probably means we'll want our backup guard Marvin Silvan to become our backup center. The O-Line will otherwise remain unchanged.

The D-Line saw a hit to Gene Kondosvki, turning him from an exceptional pass rusher into a very solid one. We've already signed him to a new three-year deal, which he was willing to sign cheaper now. It likely means we won't have a roster spot for rookie Trent Donovan, despite his promising potential. But with all those cohesive guys in front of him, can we really use a 9th defensive linemen? I doubt it.

The linebackers unit looks set in stone now. Six guys is usually the number I prefer to have for the regular season and that's the number we have on contract. Brandon Brady is the piece of art there now, good to see him make a leap forward, especially compared to last off-season's signal into the other direction. This is the exact reason why you don't give up on young players too quickly, they can go all over the place from camp to camp and pre-season to pre-season.

Oh, we actually won both those first two pre-season games. The 42-6 victory over Brooklyn was a weird one with 7 field goals and 2 defensive touchdowns, while the 17-13 win at Capital City was a result of Moe Sheldon passing to Theodore Bondy very regularly. But field goals, we're still struggling to get into the end zone once we reach the red zone.

Two more pre-season games with mostly the youngsters in action, supported by a couple of starters on the O-Line, fullback Clay Brosseau, and several starters on the defense. And that's where we basically stand now.

MIJB#19

07-09-2020, 06:00 PM

General Manager Notes: The cohesion, it's slowly returning
Finally.

It used to be our thing: drafting players and sticking with them for a long time. We've had that season where we had to release about a third of our players, but we're a couple of seasons away from that now and I think we're back into the upper echelon of teams, if not team, in terms of cohesion. And by no surprise. Let's run the team down somewhat quickly.

Running backs and offensive line
RB1 Patter and RB2 Thong' are in their 5th and 7th seasons with us. The O-Line has LT Hadinger (9th season), LG Szott (8th), C Pearson (12th), RG Watson (6th) and RT Humphrey (7th). That should be huge.

Receivers and quarterback
WR1 Bondy (10th season with us) and WR2 Sandlin (5th) have become a loyal group. They are the rare ones on this group though. Our options at quarterback Sheldon (4th) and QB Bell (3rd) are no cohesion boosts, while Farley (5th) is barely that either, hence making him not more than a QB3.

Defensive line and linebackers
This unit is getting rock solid. We're likely to rotate all 8 guys on our D-Line and all but one of them have been around for their 4 seasons now: DE Russell (10th), DE Whiting (6th), DE Kondosvki (6th), DE Exner (5th), DT Ritt (8th), DT Ackerman (4th) and DT Mojica (4th). The best of the bunch, DT Fletcher (3rd) is the newest guy. The linebackers are a mixed bag with Brady (2nd) fresh on the team, but Jackson (5th) and Espino (6th) will be good.

The secondary is another mixed bag, which makes the loss of S Marty hurt quite a bit. CB Hitchcock (11th) and S Newsome (7th) are the clear long standing members. This is why re-signing CB McNeil (5th) could be so crucial. We also have CB Frias (4th), but the rest are very new: CB Richardson, S Murray, F Brotzman and CB Harmon are second year players on our team, rookie S Farrell is obviously brand new. It means we'll have to make room for McNeil or Frias in formation where we don't want to exhaust Newsome too much. Richardson and Farrell should be able to compensate with their skills and talent, but we'll be forced to throw Murray or Brotzman in some formation as the safety opposite Farrell, which could make Frias a not so obvious, but plausible play over even Richardson on obvious running downs.

We'll have to look at our special teams unit in this department as well for a bit. CB Hitchcock, WR Bondy and DT Ritt all have been no-brainers for years. RB Thong', DE Kondovski, but even LB Palmer and TE Blake are now becoming boosters for this unit. The O-Line has already been mentioned as being good for it here.

To be fair, it's not exactly by design, but I'm loyal to players, don't throw them away for a potential improvement of 5 or so overall skill points, which does make these players more expensive, but always hope to get return of investment through their familiarity with the team. The staff has had a season together as well now, most notably the OC now here for his second season. Let's hope that bodes well for our offense that was quite possibly bottom 5 last season. (Okay, we were probably better than bottom 5, but having such high standards here, having one of the worst seasons in team history automatically feels like it must have been terrible on a leaguewide scale, which it actually wasn't. Aside from our 5th worst giveaways and turnover margin...

I'm still a terrible game planner on offense though. We once had that Blazewicz special play that worked about half the time to take a quick 7-0 lead in many games, but Ellis McAlister actually had the arm to make it work. Our current group of quarterbacks quite simply won't be able to play that kind of trick play. But, in this fashion, it will be interesting to see what we can achieve with our guys behind Bondy as he will draw double coverage and possibly open up room for guys like TE Gore, TE Gaynor, WR Stuckey, WR Wilkerson and WR Sandlin and even KR/WR Messenger and rookie WR Lyle to make plays. And over time, maybe WR Lyle will become that diversion, without the utopian expectations of him making 10 catches for 120 yards per game.

Tomorrow we'll pull the plug on which WR will be traded, if any. We have an excess of 4 players, which with the given depth at QB (4 signed), RB (5 signed), TE (5 signed) and DE (5 signed) means we do have the roster spots available for 7 WR. In the end, that 53rd slot will most likely go to a special teamer, which would heavily favor RB Ford as our RB3, with RB Beyer or Joseph as a future RB2, which would favor keeping WR Wilkerson on the team. 4 quarterbacks does feel like overkill, Martin and Farley are the obvious candidates to decide between. And at the tight ends group, mentor Bridges could still be the odd man out, despite the desire to groom 2nd year Gaynor and especially rookie Gore quickly.

Enough for now, more tomorrow after the second couple of pre-season games...

MIJB#19

07-10-2020, 11:09 AM

Merchantmen trade Stuckey, release three others
The Maassluis Merchantmen have announced their 53-men roster for the 2091 regular season. Biggest decision is the trade of their 2090 second round pick George Stuckey to the Moontown Darksiders. But the journey also ends for quarterback Bert Martin, running back Patrick Joseph and wide receiver Trey Samuels. At the other side of the ball, Trent Donovan surprisingly did make the cut.

George Stuckey and the Merchantmen, it hasn't been a fruitful partnership. At the time of the selection of Stuckey, the Merchantmen felt it was a good move, grabbing one of the best players left in the pool of rookies at a need position. The result has been the opposite as Stuckey was kept inactive all season long. The outlook for the 2091 wasn't great for him again with the arrival of a new second round pick in rookie Rickey Lyle. The Moontown Darksiders had shown interest in Stuckey throughout the off-season and a move back to a team based in the USA seems to be the best for all involved.

Fellow wide receiver and 2090 draft pick Trey Samuels also left Maassluis, but he'll be released. The Merchantmen thought they saw upside in the former running back by moving him to a wide receiver, but despite his receiving skills and potential, he never convinced management and the staff to make the active roster. As a result, Samuels sat out the 2090 season inactive and was a prime suspect to get axed come cutdown.

Joining Samuels to the free agent market are sixth and seventh round picks running back Patrick Joseph and quarterback Bert Martin. Both had a shot at making the team as the fourth running back and third quarterback respectively, but Martin lost to fifth year veteran Francisco Farley and Joseph to fellow rookie Trey Beyer. The rookie running backs were supposed to split carries in the last two pre-season games, but the Merchantmen coaching staff decided to keep them off the field as much as possible. The same basically applied to Martin, who was on the field for just 11 pass attempts combined over 2 games.

MIJB#19

07-10-2020, 11:37 AM

General Manager Notes: Disobeying staff members

I keep forgetting my coordinator make weird decisions in the pre-season. The plan was to throw Bert Martin out there to see what he can do with 40 or so snaps and additionally put the two rookie running backs out there to see what they can do. Instead, the staff pulled Martin early twice and actually threw our pathetic special teamer Asher Ford out there to carry the ball 15 times in each game. Hairpulling stuff, I tell you!

So, we're down to 53 players. I've put the axe on offensive players, and only offensive players. Yeah, we'll actually be reverting back to the same group of players, pretty much. Rookie tight end Clarence Gore will be the only big change, while I'll also do my best to make room and snaps available for Rickey Lyle as our WR3. And Trey Beyer made the roster as our fourth RB, basically our inactive backup RB2.

Quarterback Brandon Bell stunk again in pre-season and once again made zero, I repeat, zero progress. What's up with this kid, why can't he improve? Maybe, just maybe, I should have kicked his ass off the team. But, y'know, he was actually pretty good in the majority of his rookie campaign...

So, back to Moe Sheldon one more time? Gosh, if only I hadn't pissed that #9 overall pick away and actually traded up to like the #4 or #5 slot to grab WR Bryson Zimmerman or QB Trey Hansen, or actually not get stuck and grab one of two kids we wanted to pick at the #9 slot: WR Tristan Powell or QB Terrence Joyner. Maybe next season. For now, it's back to the Bell and Sheldon flipflopping.

The defense will also feature 3 new faces. Devon Farrell will hopefully make the most impact as our new safety, playing strong safety on passing downs and free safety on running downs. Trenton Prescott has made the team as our sixth linebacker. He'll be inactive as he'll have no added value to the special teams unit with guys like Palmer and Rayburn also in front of him there. Trent Donovan is the guy I wouldn't expect to make the roster, but look who made it after all! Yes, action will be limited to non-existing for him, but he's a promising project as a defensive end and maybe we need a new kid in the rotation as early as next season. It's always a good thing to have a kid with a season on our roster on his resume.

Other role changes? With Alexander Marty's departure, it's up to second-year Chuck Murray to prove us he can step in Marty's role as a running downs strong safety. Cornerback Adam Harmon will be a bit of a casualty, as it means we'll want to see more of Jessie McNeil in the nickel or dime role to increase cohesion across the secondary. Harmon's time will come, although his superb potential has somewhat turned him from an excellent prospect into a very good one.

Defensive tackle Kurt Ackerman will also get more playing time as we'll be throwing all four defensive tackles on the field this season. I think giving Jumbo Mojica and Darien Fletcher some breathing time will be good for the entire D-Line. At linebacker will increase Clayton Jackson's role as the replacement of Moe Iveans, it will be interesting to see whether Jackson can play ball on running downs.

It's quite the contrast with last season as we'll be returning 11 players that were new to us in 2090, excluding those that have already left the facilities.

I'm still far from excited about the upcoming season. Havin so little turnover in personnel after a train wreck of a season has got to be a bad sign...

MIJB#19

07-10-2020, 11:41 AM

General Manager Notes: And then things changed
Like when a trade offer gets withdrawn at the 11th hour.

George Stuckey won't be moving to the Moontown Darksiders. What seemed to be a done deal has gone off the table as the Darksiders have diverted to the Orlando Talons and their your WR Billy Schwartz.

It leaves us with a new situation in which George Stuckey will still be a Merchantman for a day, with one big question mark hanging over the team: will this mean Stuckey stays in Maassluis and which player will be the casualty of this change of events?

MIJB#19

07-11-2020, 04:00 PM

Merchantmen release DE Donovan
The Maassluis Merchantmen have announced their 53 men roster for the 2091 season. Indeed, they announced it before a day earlier, but that was under the assumption wide receiver George Stuckey would be traded. With that trade annulled, undrafted rookie Trent Donovan became the last player released, meaning Stuckey will stay in Maassluis for another season.

Donovan made good strides, accounting for the only sack in a brutal loss against at home in pre-season week 4. But stuck behind an elite group, it wasn't meant to be for him.

Stuckey is expected to sit out the season in an inactive role again, while rookie Rickey Lyle has been penciled in as the WR2, with Branden Sandlin as the WR3. But as flipflopping as the Merchantmen have been at quarterback for the past season, they might be as unpredictable with wide receivers this season.

MIJB#19

07-13-2020, 03:00 PM

General Manager Notes: Off to a good start
Opening day victory!

2091 was here and albeit feeling shaky about our chances, we had a chance to prove that 2090 was an outlier, one season for the ages in the wrong direction. The Paris Musketeers came to town and boy were they in for a beating.

The game started terribly, as our starting quarterback Moe Sheldon was sacked on the first play from scrimmage. But on Paris' ensuing drive, a sack from Clayton Jackson was followed up with a pick by Jackie Richardson and returned from midfield to inside Paris' red zone. Moe Sheldon tossed a short pass to Reggie Thongchanh and Thong' ran it in for a 15-yard touchdown catch. The bad news came right away: center Butch Pearson left the field injured and it turned out to be a a nasty shoulder injury that likely will sindeline him for the remainder of the regular season. On Paris next drive, it was Darien Fletcher making the sack that lead to another three and out. Things went bak and forth for a bit, without much success and on our fourth possession, Thong' ran for 21 yards, later followed by Sheldon finding Branden Sandlin for 32 yards and Thong' pounding it in for 3 yards out for a 14-0 lead.

Paris struck back earlier in the second quarter through rookie running back Bob Yanez. A rookie of our own then came to the spotlight in fifth round pick Clarence Gore. Our receiving tight end made catches for 19 yards, 13 yards, 9 yards and then a 36-yarder for the touchdown and 21-7 lead. Our defense kept them short again, and on our next possession, we moved fast, but the big one came at the end as Francisco Patter ran it in from 21 yards out. At 28-7, it wasn't quite over yet in the first half as Darien Fletcher picked off a pass in Paris' half and returned it into their red zone. We settled for a 33-yard field goal and a 31-7 half time lead. Or so we thought, as suddenly the Musketeers woke up and marched down field, just quick enough to score their second touchdown of the day for a 31-14 half time score.

The third quarter turned into a defensive festivity, bend but don't break style, punting on and off, until our offense finally broke the sequence. Slowly, but smoothly we moved into Paris' territory and eventually saw Francisco Patter pound it in from 3 yards out for a 38-14 lead.

The fourth quarter was all defense again. Paris eventually reached our half of the field, but eventually they had to go for it on fourth and 10 to have a shot at it, Tony Whiting got through and sacked their quarterback to change possession. Rookie Trey Beyer was thrown on the field in place of injured Francisco Patter and by his feet and the blocking of our linemen the clock got drained efficiently enough to give Francisco Farley the opportunity to knee drop to victory.

A couple of things went wrong today though. Apparently not telling the staff who to give the punt returning duties will make them fool around with which players to activate and deactivate. At quarterback Francisco Farley all of a sudden got Brandon Bell's QB2 role, while rooke Trey Beyer took over special teamer Asher Ford's RB3 role, mentor Sherman Bridges received run blocker Renaldo Crawford's active spot, but most importantly backup center Jared Labbe was activated in favor of our starting free safety Riddick Newsome.

The damage eventually was manageable. Labbe was forced into action, replacing Butch Pearson, while second-year Jon Brotzman isn't a huge stepback from Newsome. We got the job done and then some, we clearly outmatched the Musketeers today. Elsewhere in Europe, the Gothenburg Giants beat the Bordeaux Vineyards 26-14, holding #6 overall rookie quarterback Walt Czech to 124 yards passing with 2 interceptions, but with that score meaning we jump into the early division lead once again.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 1-0
2. Gothenburg 1-0
3. Bordeaux 0-1
4. Paris 0-1

Next up we will visit the reigning IHOF champion Kansas Creationists. An all pass offense (most likely) which isn't something we like to see, but with our talent and depth on defense, something we can actually cope with. I have no idea how good we can be on offense though. Yes, I've decided this is once again Moe Sheldon's offense, but by now it should be clear that I'm not hesitant to pull him in favor of Brandon Bell, although Bell's continuous lack of improvement has been a cause for concern.

Not more to say for now, we made a good start, outgained Paris by 158 yards, won the turnover battle 2-0 and had several other bright lights. Rookie tight end Clarence Gore actually lead the offense with 90 yards from scrimmage, he's off to a great start. As are we as a team for this season. Let's keep it going, Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

07-14-2020, 05:27 PM

General Manager Notes: Facing the reigning champions
And we put up a fight in their place.

Going into today's game, the Kansas Creationists were obviously favored to beat our Merchantmen. But any given Tuesday and what not other clichés, there's always a chance. And we got some chances to make it happen.

First quarter, first possession. We got the best we have on the field on defense, but it wasn't to be, Hugh Gaines threw a short pass to his receiver Ryan Blalock, who ended up promoting the catch to a 63-yard touchdown. 35 second into the game, 7-0 down. Welcome to Kansas.

But, we had no intentions to just hand that W to them. We brought a game plan that almost worked against them in the past, plus, we should have a bunch of players that actually can play defense. Really, just look at them and tell me they aren't suitable for the job, because they are. But y'know, this is football, something silly and crazy unexpected things can happen.

Our first drive got cut short, but at least we gained enough ground to pin them at their own 1-yard line. It paid as one of their tight ends fumbled the ball after a pretty long catch and had to see our linebacker Daquan Espino run it all 45 yards back to tied the score 7-7. That guy Blalock then torches us again, this time for a 48-yard gain, but an illegal block penalty a couple of plays later takes their touchdown away and we have a moral victory by just giving up a 35-yard field goal.

Moe Sheldon is slowly growing into his role as our quarterback and found George Stuckey and Branden Sandlin for first down catches, then rookie Clarence Gore for a huge 26-yard catch to not just convert third down, but move into field goal range. Then rookie running back Trey Beyer runs for 12 yards and we're on the move. Three plays later, Moe Sheldon find Stuckey for a short touchdown pass and a 14-10 lead. On Kansas' next drive our pass rush finally woke up and apparently went back te bed right after, but at least we stalled them at midfield and we had the ball back at the end of the first quarter.

Moe Sheldon started connected passes with Theodore Bondy: 16 yards just before the second quarter and 14 yards on the second play into it. Then 12 yards to Bondy to march deeper into Kansas territory and then out of nowhere our special teamer Asher Ford gets a carry and turns it into a mindboggling 25 yard gain. Three plays later, Sheldon sees Braden Sandlin wide open in the end zone and all of a sudden we're leading 21-10 at the league champions. How about that?

On Kansas next drive, we get torched for a 30-yarder on third and long, but luckily it gets called back for holding and they fail to make much ground on third and twice as long. On their next drive, we play well on first and second downs, but two long third down conversions start to break us up. Hugh Gaines then finds the fumbling tight end for 28 yards and then another tight end for a 12-yard touchdown and a 21-17 score, still barely halfway into the second quarter.

We gain enough ground on our next possession to get more than 3 minutes off the clock and put Kansas back at their 20-yard line, Of course they throw and throw and throw and no matter what we try, we get either a penalty or see them gain 22 yards on a screen pass, or 14 yards on third and 11. And as Kansas efficiently throws their way into our red zone, what seems to become the go ahead touchdown, ends up in a fumble just 4 yards away from our end zone to stop their drive and give us a knee drop into a 21-17 half time lead.

Momentum shifted quickly though, as our first possession in the second half starts with our own shouldn't be trying to make catches tight end fumbles the ball on our very first play. 20 yards on a short pass later and we're just extremely happy to hold them to a 29-yard field goal and hold on to the lead by the slimmest of margins: 21-20. Moe Sheldon rediscovers his starting caliber throwing skills, finding George Stuckey on a crucial third down and then the rookie Clarence Gore to move past midfield. Eventually a throw to the rookie running back falls incomplete (why would you even make that throw, Moe?) and all our efferts go without results. We actually manage to stop Kansas on their next drive, but their punt pins us at our own 1-yard line. For a couple of seconds they thought they got a safety, but our rookie Trey Beyer was stuffed inches away from the end zone, but eventually we have to punt anyway. Our defense finally returns the favor with three and out, but our running game falls flat on the next possession with back to back no gainers on 1 yard to go situations. The pass machine then wakes up on a fourth and one situation, in which they manage to force our defense to play in some absurd fantasy formation and obviously torches us for 35 yards. One play later, the 6-yard pass puts Kansas 27-21 up. That too is football, apparently.

No worries, we return the favor of sort by seeing our run blocker and nothing bu a run blocker fullback make a run for it and gain 21 yards to start the fourth quarter. Moe Sheldon then finds Theo Bondy for 14 yards, but on third down we do the opposite from what Kansas would do: our screen pass ends up in a catch far behind the line of scrimmage. Two plays later Kansas' tight end makes a deep catch for a 38-yard gain and we're eventually thrilled to hold it to a 40-yard field goal, yet going down 30-21. We continue to make silly calls on offense, but the defense wakes up again and actually gives us another chance. We don't grab it, but instead pin them at their 7-yard line. Eventually we stop them, but we have to burn all our time outs and find ourselves pinned even deeper at our 5-yard line. By then, the immobile Hugh Gaines has started racking up the rushing yards as well. On our own possession, Moe Sheldon becomes unable to get the ball to Theo Bondy on four straight pass attempts. It was one of those games again, the post 2087 Bondy is curiously unable to win games for us.

So it goes, we lose 30-21 at the league champions, somewhat helped by fumbles to gain a lead and maintain it, but we return the favor with a fumble on our own and should never have happened fourth down non-sense. We lose the one game we were most likely to lose in the regular season and we actually were in the game for a majority of it. Yes, our defense got exposed, we struggled more than we should have, but maybe Kansas deserves some credit for the talent that they have been able to collect on their wide receivers group. As a GM, you wish other teams in the league would do what you've been doing: not trading your best player to them, but some owners overestimate their ability to turn picks and less talented players into a league championships winning team, while the rich get richer. But that's just one of the obstacles to overcome as well.

Speaking of obstacles, the Gothenburg Giants stumbled at the Iowa Cobbers, but instead the two French division rivals had somewhat solid victories, which gives us a near deadlock in the division:

Standings
1. Maassluis 1-1
2. Gothenburg 1-1
3. Bordeaux 1-1
4. Paris 1-1

Hilariously, the NAC Midwest, the teams we faced today, are in a similar four 1-1 teams situation. It makes for a weird who beat who carousel.

So, we gave up 575 yards of offense, but realistically that's what we were likely to do today anyway. We got quite a bit out of our own more realistic 322 yards. Should we have tried to go all guns galore deep throwing to our gazelles? Probably not, our gazelles aren't as spectacular as theirs. In return, our lions just failed to put up a consistent fight and at the end of the day, you're not supposed to win a game when you give up that much yardage.

The season is still young and we continue our back-to-back on the road at the Rochester Razorbacks. They're coming off a 27-0 clobbering, so they're probably overly motivated to play their first home game and prove they have no intentions of going winless this season. Well, we'll get there with the intentions to make it three in a row for them.

MIJB#19

07-16-2020, 04:13 PM

General Manager Notes: Four games in and we're in good shape
Now, let's see if we can not choke this season like 2 seasons ago...

Okay, two more games and two more wins! We continued in week 3 with a weird 12-7 victory at the Rochester Razorbacks and followed up with a smooth 24-17 victory over the San Antonio Tidal Force. No time to go over the full games, but a short summary per game should be doable.

So, week 3 at Rochester. They go up 7-0 on their second play from scrimmage as their quarterback T.J. Devine decides to scramble for the second play in a row and we fail to stop him from a 72-yard touchdown run. But wait, didn't we win this game 12-7? Why yes, we did. On their next drive Devine fumbled the ball and lost it on our half. Until half time it was a three and out fest for our defense. In the second half they went for it on fourth down in field goal range and failed to convert and late in the fourth quarter when they finally got past midfield, Andy Russell sacked Devine, who fumbled the ball and saw our A.J. Ritt recover it. In the final minutes they got into our turf once again, but back to back sacks from Gene Kondovski and Tony Whiting forced them into a fourth and 22 situation where they had to go for it (by then trailing 12-7).

How did we collect our 12 points then? A 20-yard field goal early in the second quarter, then a 52-yarder in the dying seconds of the first half. In the second half we fumbled our first drive that went into field goal range. Half way through the fourth quarter, we pushed them back deep inside their territory on a third down sack and after a short punt and decent return, we started our drive at their 36-yard line. So, although already in field goal range, we saw Moe Sheldon throw a short pass on third and pretty long to Theodore Bondy, who turned it into a magnificent 39-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, but with a 5-point lead, all I wrote about the defense was sufficient to post a sweet road victory.

It wasn't all pretty, as you may assume from the previous text, we were outgained 311 to 241 yards, but by winning the position battle very strongly and overcoming our 2 turnovers with pulling 2 back, it wasn't a stolen victory, we just were too strong in keeping them far away from our red zone, aside from that 72-yard run early in the game.

The home game against San Antonio started with them pushing us deep inside our own turf. After Moe Sheldon completed a 28-yard pass to rookie Clarence Gore, Sheldon fumbled after a sack on the very next play to set up San Antonio's 34-yard field goal. Reggie Thongchanh added to the fumble fest and losing possession later on in the first quarter, but the defense did just enough to maintain holding them between midfield and our 35-yard line to force them to punt after all.

And then our offense finally woke up after 7 quarters of barely doing anything. Sheldon to Theodore Bondy for 16 yards, a third down conversion to rookie Trey Beyer, a 16-yard and 11-yard run from Thongchanh and finally a smooth third down short touchdown pass from Sheldon to Beyer. After three and out, our offense continued, anchored by Bondy's 23-yard reception, the drive ended in seeing Sheldon find Gore for a short touchdown pass. San Antonio's receiver Gus Burns responded by having the key play on their drive and the touchdown catch to trim our lead to 14-10. They tried and came close to putting some more on the board, but they missed a 44-yard field goal attempt.

Gus Burns torched us a couple of times on San Antonio's first drive in the second half, to set up a short touchdown run for their 17-14 lead. Both teams followed up with decent but not close enough drives. The fourth quarter started with three and out on both ends, but we got the ball back close to midfield to have a shot at doing something about that deficit. Thongchanh ran for 11 yards and Bondy made 11-yard, 14-yard and 16-yard catches to get closer and closer and eventually Branden Sandlin caught a short pass from Sheldon in the end zone for the 21-17 lead. After forcing three and out, we had another strong drive, with a key screen pass from Sheldon to Bondy that turned into a 24-yard gain. A sack on second down pushed us back, but after scoring a 41-yard field goal, the touchdown lead of 24-17 was there. On fourth and nine they felt they had to go for it from well within their half, being down to two time outs and after Trey Beyer ran for 10 yards, victory formation was there.

With a mixed bag of results of our division rivals, we're actually at the lead after four game days. But, as the standings already show, it's a tight division so far. In fact, all four teams have a points differential of +14 or better.

Standings
1. Maassluis 3-1
2. Bordeaux 2-1
3. Gothenburg 2-2
4. Paris 2-2

Other things to mention? Center Butch Pearson is still out and unlikely to be back before the playoffs. Guard Michael Szott has been playing center for the last three games, as we gave backup left tackle Myron Hamilton the two road games with mixed results and against San Antonio young backup guard Marvin Silvan had a solid performance.

Running back Francisco Patter sat out the Kansas game with a knee injury, then returned in Rochester with 3 fumbles, which made me inactivate him again to keep him off the field until the knee injury is over. Against San Antonio, Theodore Bondy had his first 100-yard game of the season. Sheldon has taken advantage of it, despite getting sacked a bit too much, he's having a strong passing stat line with 60% completed for 215 yards per game with 8 touchdowns and 1 interception.

The defense still has room to improve, but we've actually been quite okay. A game like the one against Kansas will always throw the numbers around, but we're not getting pummeled. We're giving up 364 yards per game and gain only 338 yards, but that too is in part a result of that 574-yard game against Kansas' offense and also the effect of winning the field position battle in most games.

"Most games", yeah, we're just 4 games in. Let's not get carried away. We've got our bye upcoming and then continue with a home game against the Atlanta Vipers. After a 1-15 campaign last season, they've somehow found ways to win by 3 or less points in all three games. They host the Bordeaux Vineyards next, but that still means we'll be facing a 3-1 or better team while sporting a 3-1 record of our own. That's close to game of the week material. Not bad for two teams that will each on their own claim to have had one of their worst seasons ever in franchise history...

Yes, things can change that quickly. All the more reason to continue to be hopeful for things to get better...

MIJB#19

07-17-2020, 12:35 PM

General Manager Notes: Bye week blues
Or more like a lucky day.

While we enjoyed our usual early in the season bye, getting a chance to see RB Francisco Patter and G Michael Szott get back to 100%, the rest of the division visited the Deep South division. The Gothenburg Giants had their chances to win at the Fort Wayne Fury, but they failed to stop them on 4th and 2 when the game was up for grabs there, then gave up a touchdown to go down 17-16 and missed a 51-yard game winning field goal in the dying seconds. The Bordeaux Vineyards saw their efforts to tie up a close game at the Atlanta Vipers end in rookie Walt Czech's 6th interception of the season, making it 20-17 for Atlanta. The Paris Musketeers stood little to no chance at the San Antonio Tidal Force ni a 27-13 loss.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 3-1
2. Bordeaux 2-2
3. Gothenburg 2-3
4. Paris 2-3

What's in it for us up next? Well, the inevitable game of the week hosting the 4-0 Atlanta Vipers. Both of us gave up 68 points in 4 games, but where they outscored opponents by 10 points, we are at +27. Do we have a chance? Why yes, we do. We should be a mismatch for their quarterback Zachery Arcenaux, as we have proven 3 seasons ago when Tony Whiting had his breakout game with a 3-sack game as we sacked him 5 times, hurried him 9 times, blocked 2 more passes and all that in 46 pass plays. To be honest, anything less than that would be disappointing from our defense. There, I said it. He's all yours, D-line, go get him!

MIJB#19

07-18-2020, 11:37 AM

General Manager Notes: Game of the Week!
And boy, was it a game...

The Merchantmen fanbase was ready for it, a sold out Oranje Haven (not unusual, we did that three times last season, but it was a first this season) was exploding from joy. A 4-0 Atlanta Vipers team was visiting and people were actually thinking we were standing a chance to win and improve to the virtual #1 seed of the conference. And all that in spite of the previous century rainy weather.

Atlanta won the coin toss and elected to receive. Mark Giles kicked deep enough to make the Vipers start at their 25-yard line. First play, hand off to their running back and Darien Fletcher was all over him behind the line of scrimmage. On third down their quarterback Arcenaux completed a 14-yard pas to his tight end, but the very next play Oranje Haven screamed of joy again as Clayton Jackson sacked the quarterback. The linebackers were all over them to disrupt the next two plays as well and the following punt wasn't just short, Reggie Thongchanh returned it to our 43-yard line. But as wel got three-and-outted, the turmoil toned down a bit, although the punt from our end was downed at their 6-yard line. A quick three and out got us the ball back and this time we thought we got things going. Moe Sheldon started the drive with an 18-yard pass to Branden Sandlin, but it quickly slowed down and after he got sacked on third and long, we were pushed outside of field goal range. The punt was hardly worth noticing, but the next drive started with Gene Kondovski sacking Arcenaux. The quarterback saved face on the next play with a 20-yarder to one of his receivers, but our defense dominated, Darien Fletcher had another tackle for a loss, and we got the ball back halfway our half. And then things did get going. Moe Sheldon found Theodore Bondy for a 38-yard gain and then fullback Clay Brosseau for a 26-yarder. He then almost went the distance running, but on second and goal found Sandlin for a short touchdown pass and the 7-0 lead right at the end of the first quarter.

Atlanta ball and things went all over the place. Gene Kondovski made his second sack of the game and right after Arcenaux threw for 15 yards to his running back, Clayton Jackson made his second sack of the game. Again, Arcenaux converted with a pass on third down, but when they got just past midfield, they were forced to punt after all and Reggie Thongchanh returned it 27 yards. Moe Sheldon then found Theodore Bondy for 18 yards, but on the following play Francisco Patter was hit hard and fumbled the ball, resulting in loss of possession. Arcenaux followed up with a 31-yard pass to get into field goal range and that's what they ended up doing after Tony Whiting notched sack number five of the day: settling for a 38-yard field goal and a 7-3 score in our favor. By then it was clear this was going to be a defense dominated game and we ended up punting on our next drive, pinning them at their 5-yard line. Our defense struggled to keep them short, but shortly before the end of the half, we finally halted them to settle for a 45-yard field goal. Our former kicker Thomas Robertson made it 7-6. Our attempt to take double advantage (score right before and after half time) failed as we couldn't get in their half before the clock showed all zeroes.

Our first drive of the second half was similar to how Atlanta started in the first half: two short runs and a sacked quarterback to force a punt. The defensive dominance continued, but a special teams play then changed momentum as Jon Brotzman blocked the punt. Clay Brosseau got the ball on a trick play and ran for 12 yards, putting us 3 shy of the end zone. Their defense stood strong and we settled for an 18-yard field goal, extending the lead to just 10-6. Our defense then stood up again, as Archie Exner added to the sacks and on third and long it was Jessie McNeil (good thing we re-signed him) made the interception pretty deep inside their territory. Conservative play ended up in just a 40-yard field goal attempt, but the 13-6 lead was at least back up to a touchdown difference. Hoping to bring that lead to the end of the quarter, the defense all of a sudden crumbled. With 16-yard and 12-yard runs and 9-yard and 18-yard passes, the Vipers marched into our half of the field and as the clock started blinking all zeroes, Arcenaux found a wide open receiver for a short pass turned into a 12-yard touchdown to tie it to 13-13.

Conservative play continued against the stingy Atlanta defense, but rookie Clarence Gore made a nice 15-yard third down catch to move the chains. The Atlanta pass rush was strong and we ended up punting once again. After three and outs back and forth, we got the ball back in their half, where Sheldon brushed away a sack with a 20-yard pass to Gore. The conservative play did end up in just going for a 39-yard field goal and Mark Giles nailed it for the 16-13 lead. We forced them to punt once again and with time starting to be a thing for Atlanta, penalties became a problem for us. Unsportsmanlike conduct put us into 3rd and 22, resulting in Moe Sheldon going for a scramble, getting tackled when he was miles away from converting, fumbling the ball and all of a sudden Atlanta was in possession in our half of the field. One 10-yard pass was just enough to get into field goal range and the 44-yarder tied it up 16-16. We hardly made a real effort to get into field goal range, while Atlanta did try with half a minute remaining. Our pass rush was just good enough to disrupt their passing attempts and force overtime with the 16-16 score at the end of regulation.

And boy, did we get a change to end it right there on our first possession. Santiago Messenger made the exceptional 39-yard kickoff return into their turf and a 25-yard pass from Moe Sheldon to Theodore Bondy got us into field goal range. Mark Giles got his shot at it with a 40-yarder, but he missed wide to the left. Still 16-16 and Oranje Haven made a collective face palm. The defense then stood just strong enough to let them not get closer than our 39-yard line and force them to punt. Moe Sheldon marched us back to midfield, but we were halted there. We stopped them after 6 plays, but as we completely forgot to call for a time out, we got the ball back with just 19 seconds remaining. We didn't even try to make a throw for getting into field goal range and just like that, the clock was done, as was the game: 16-16 tie.

A missed opportunity to improve to 4-1, thankfully avoid falling to 3-2, but ties can leave behind an unsatisfactory feeling and this one was clearly a game that we should have won. Should, as Atlanta does deserve credits for disrupting our running game: Francisco Patter ran for 33 yards, Reggie Thongchanh for 22 yards, that's clearly unacceptable from this offense. Moe Sheldon threw for 246 yards, including the overtime, but did struggle a bit. Still, the Merchantmen defense gave the offense every opportunity to make the best of this game, having basically just one really weak drive which resulted in their only touchdown, and a shaky one that ended in a field goal.

Elsewhere in Europe, the Gothenburg Giants beat the Paris Musketeers 34-21, while the Bordeaux Vineyards fell 20-14 to the Fort Wayne Fury.

Standings
1. Maassluis 3-1-1
2. Gothenburg 3-3
3. Bordeaux 2-3
4. Paris 2-4

Our season continues in Fort Wayne, as we'll be facing the Fury in their playing next week. They're standing 4-2 for now, which suggests we'll be in for another close battle again. That kind of record is currently good enough for last place in the Southeast division, will this be that kind of season in the AOC where an 11-5 team misses the playoffs and the European champions stumbled in with a 10-6 kind of record? The Fury have been pretty strong against the pass, which probably means we'll have to rely on our running game, which was missing in action today. It is what it is, we'll have to play better, simple as that, and have to win against these type of opponents to realistically think about playoffs and going places. So, let's do that, Merchantmen, make it happen.

MIJB#19

07-20-2020, 01:51 PM

General Manager Notes: Don't get our hopes up...
We're only 6 games in.

But, with the solid start to this season and ditto continuation today, it's hard to not get excited. The Fort Wayne Fury were next on our schedule and with a road game, anything can happen, right? It turned out to be a very solid victory for us with a convincing 33-13 score line. So, how did we get that job done?

First quarter we followed up an impressive 3 and out with a strong drive, halted by a sack, to settle for a 42-yard field goal. We followed up with another smooth drive, anchored by Moe Sheldon finding rookie Clarence Gore's for a 27-yard gain, shortly after followed by a 1-yard touchdown pass from Sheldon to Gre for the 10-0 lead.

The second quarter was defense heavy, but our continuing improvement of field position eventually resulted in 17-yard punt return from Reggie Thongchanh to get a short field and it was Moe Sheldon finding Clay Gaynor, our other young tight end, for 18 yards and a 17-0 lead. The Fury finally found some room and their first visit to our half of the field put them in a 36-yard field goal situation to make it 17-3. Short drives followed, until the two-minute warning came and Moe Sheldon missed Theodore Bondy, instead tossing pick that got returned 60-yards for a touchdown and a 17-10 score. Anchored by a 33-yard Sheldon to Bondy pass, we eventually got into field goal range and Mark Giles kicked the 44-yarder for a 20-10 half time score as the clock ran out.

The Fury's second strong drive gave them a 41-yard field goal to bring it back to a one-score lead for us (20-13). But Sheldon kept finding his tight ends for big plays, this time Clay Gaynor for 34 yards soon after followed by Reggie Thongchanh' pounding it in for the 27-13 lead. Bend but don't break was up next for our defense and Francisco Patter responded with a 19-yard run to set up a punt that got marked out of bounds at their 2-yard line.

Our defense kept winning the field position battle for us, although Reggie Thongchanh's 16-yard punt return was crucial to start a drive in field goal range. Francisco Patter's 10-yard run was sufficient to make it a shorter kick and Mark Giles converted the 42-yarder for a 30-13 lead. With the Fury feeling the need to go for it, they turned into a very one-sided game plan, throwing every single ball to Sammy de la Rosa. It worked initially as he made 18-yard and 37-yard receptions, but once deep inside our red zone, they decided to go for it on fourth down and as Brandon Brady deflected a pass intended for De la Rosa, We got the ball back without giving up points. Moe Sheldon found Theodore Bondy for a massive third down conversion for 17 yards, then the running backs Thongchanh and Patter alternated solid runs to move the chains. After burning their time outs, we kicked a 39-yard field goal for a 33-13 lead. The Fury brushed away Tony Whiting's 15-yard sack with a bonkers 31-yard pass on third and 20, but time ran out to do anything about our 33-13 lead anymore.

All things considered, a solid victory. We outgained them 411-277, lost the turnover battle 1-0 (their only touchdown), clearly dominating them. Sheldon threw for 264 yards, having 5 receivers with 40+ yards, with Bondy leading them with 66 yards. Patter (74 yards) and Thongchanh (62 yards) were back as a decent tandem. Pass rush was decent (3 sacks, 7 hurries, 2 blocked passes), pass defense quite solid (7 defended passes).

Standings:
1. Maassluis 4-1-1
2. Gothenburg 3-3
3. Paris 2-4
4. Bordeaux 2-4

I honestly can't explain why Paris has tie-breakers over Bordeaux, I suppose it's common games one way or another. Paris will be our next opponent and it will be yet another big test to see how for real we are. We're currently sitting in the virtual #2 spot. The Southeast division has collectively improved to 5-2 or better, the Northeast division leader has dropped to 2-4. This continues to be an awkward season in the AOC.

MIJB#19

07-21-2020, 04:54 PM

General Manager Notes: Tempering expectations...
But it's hard not to get overly optimistic.

A road trip to Paris, that was the next order of business. And boy, did we manage to continue our good streak with a closer than it should have been victory.

First quarter, first drive. Paris has the ball first, small gain, no gain, sack by Tony Whiting. Haven't we seen this before this season? First play from our offense: Moe Sheldon to Theodore Bondy for 44 yards, welcome back! Three plays later, they do it again on third and long for a 15-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Defense holds them really short again and our second drive goes slower, but again smoothly. Sheldon finds George Stuckey (promoted to WR2 with Branden Sandlin out) for 17 yards, then finds Francisco Patter for 11 yards and the same Patter converts on third and one. It all ends in a 1-yard touchdown pass to rookie Clarence Gore to make it 14-0, this kid is becoming a phenomenon.

Paris scores back early in the second quarter, set up by most notably a short pass that turned into a 33-yard gain. On their next drive after we get stopped after three runs, they close in, but miss the 54-yard field goal to maintain at a 14-7 lead for is. Moe Sheldon responds with a 17-yard pass to Theodore Bondy and a face mask penalty puts us into field goal range, which we settle for after a sack: Mark Giles for 45 yards and a 17-7 lead. We then give up a couple of 11-yard passes, then a 17-yarder to their rookie running back and eventually can't avoid a short touchdown pass to make it 17-14 shortly before half time. But it isn't just yet over as Santiago Messenger returns the kickoff for 33 yards, Moe Sheldon finds George Stuckey for 13 yards, then Theodore Bondy for 18 yards and Giles converts the 51-yarder for a 20-14 half time lead in a hostile environment.

Second half, we think we continue how we ended the first half, but on the third play, Moe Sheldon's pass gets picked off and returned for 55 yards and a touchdown. Just like that, we're trailing 21-20 in a game that we thought we were dominating. Sheldon respons with a 27-yarder to Theodore Bondy, but we settle with a punt towards their 7-yard line. We can't stop their rookie for a 23-yard run, but still stop them far away from midfield and on our next drive see Sheldon connect with Bondy for 35 yards and Clarence Gore for 21 yards. We close in on retaking the lead, until Reggie Thongchanh fumbles at their 5-yard line: possession lost and momentum as well? Not quite, they go into run heavy mode and fail to get much further than just outside their own red zone. Their defense keeps it short, but then our defense steps up by stripping the ball from that rookie running back and getting possession close to field goal range.

Four quarter, first play. Moe Sheldon finds our rookie Clarence Gore for 16 yards and then George Stuckey for 18 yards. We get our chances from 2 yards away, but all three plays are stopped short and we decide to settle for a 23-21 lead through the 18-yard field goal. Their rookie then runs for 19 yards, but we stop them near midfield. Pinned deep inside our half, we see Howard Humphrey recover a crucial fumble, then see Reggie Thongchanh lift off for a 45-yard run to burst into their half. Thong' then converts on third and one, but after short sack, we decide to punt from their 32-yard line and not kick the 49-yard field goal (contrary to our game plan). Three and out runs some time off the clock and we take some more with strong runs from our running back tandem Francisco Patter and Thongchanh. Arrived at their 31-yard line, we punt with 17 seconds remaining. A dropped and a blocked pass are all that is left and we come away victorious after all: Merchantmen 23, Musketeers 21!

A fine day, as Theodore Bondy makes 7 catches for 164 yards, as Moe Sheldon completed 20 of 30 for 280 yards, with 2 touchdowns and another pick six. Clarence Gore made 6 catches for 51 yards. The running backs ran for 97 and 60 yards, this time with Thong' being the leader. Yes, we relied a bit on big plays, but were overall effective enough to actually have two turnovers in scoring position and twice punt in field goal range.

Elsewhere, the Gothenburg Giants beat San Antonio 31-24 to stay on our tail, while the Bordeaux Vineyards dropped their fourth straight: 34-31 loss at the Houston Mustangs, incidentally our next opponent.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 5-1-1
2. Gothenburg 4-3
3. Paris 2-5
4. Bordeaux 2-5

Whatever the tie-breakers may be, If all remaining game end in a 0-0 tie, the Vineyards will jump ahead of Paris. We're more solidly in the #2 slot, still 1 1/2 wins behind the Tucker Tigers (with 1 game more played) and 1 win and tie-breakers ahead of Atlanta.

Not much I'd like to add for now, it's just a good sign that we continue to win games, as our only loss so far came at the Kansas Creationists, the reigning league champions. Our schedule is slowing improving from easiest to easier than average, as we faced teams that went 20-24 against their other opponents.

But despite all that, it's technically still possible that we'll end up losing all our remaining games and finish the season with a worse record than last season's 6-10 campaign. The road game at Houston will bring us at our mid-season point though, we should have a better feel then about where we stand. So I hope...

MIJB#19

07-23-2020, 03:50 PM

General Manager Notes: Still on cloud nine...
Still going strong.

Everything that went wrong last season, well, the coin flip apparently is going the other way this season. There probably are many reasons why things are clicking this season, but the night and day difference with pretty much the same bunch of guys is unusual.

No time for long game recaps this time, but we had a strong couple in Houston and at home against Bordeaux.

In Houston we posted a 24-10 win. The defense sacked their quarterback 7 times and with 2 pick sixes to open the score, we really dominated until they finally pulled their quarterback and made a late game surge to, well, still come 2 touchdowns short.

Against Bordeaux it was a 38-10 win. Moe Sheldon and Theodore Bondy connected on a 92-yard touchdown early on and supported by a defense that silence their running game and held them to 234 total yards, it was smooth sailing. Sheldon finished the day with 319 yards and 5 touchdown passing, earning Solecismic Player of the Week honors. Bondy gained 204 yards and scored 2 touchdowns on 8 catches, as a result receiving DogBytes player of the week.

The connection between all the units of the team is working wonders. The defense and special teams unit so far are playing top of the league level. The offense is getting by, flipflopping from decent, to efficient, to more recently two big games from Theo. Old times reliving?

As a result, Moe Sheldon's position as our starting quarterback is more secure than ever. This was only his second 300-yard performance in his 3 and a half seasons with us, previous one in a losing effort even, but I'm feeling more confident that he'll keep getting the job done. And all that without our anchorman of the O-Line Butch Pearson.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 7-1-1
2. Gothenburg 5-4
3. Bordeaux 3-6
4. Paris 3-6

No looking back, the next game will be an early chance for an all or nothing. Yes, we're going to Gothenburg.

Their third year quarterback Mercury Pierce sees his team struggling with getting the wins, but his throwing numbers are hardly worse than last season, you could even say he's even improved. Their running game is struggling as Jack Crane has been held to 3.4 yards per carry, opposed to his 4.4 of last season, while running for less than 80 yards per game, whereas last season was over 100 yards per game. But, we know very well that we are perhaps Crane's favorite opponent.

So yes, we're much improved compared to last season, but it's perhaps just little things that's making it happen. First of all, by keeping the roster together for the most part, cohesion has slowly returned to the levels we've been used to. It takes quite some time to recover from mass departure like we had three seasons ago. The changes otherwise are very small.

At tight end we've made rookie Clarence Gore our second most targeted player, while George Stuckey (almost dumped on roster cut day) has grown into the WR3 spot and is basically our WR2 now ahead of Branden Sandlin. On the O-Line we're actually downgraded from Butch Pearson to Mark Silvan, with Michael Szott moved inside from guard to center.

On the D-Line we're giving Darien Fletcher and Jumbo Mojica less playing time, but apparently it's working for them and we can't say Kurt Ackerman and A.J. Ritt are horribly change of pace replacements. In the secondary it's Devon Farrell who's stepped in in place of Alexander Marty, while Chuck Murray took over from Salvador Harper.

But it's all pretty much pointless to talk about if we somehow falter in the second half of the season. We're only 9 games in, our goal is to play 19 games, with 20 being acceptable if we manage to choke the bye week slot that we currently virtually hold. Road game in Gothenburg, I'm sure the Giants are up to it and have something special planned for tomorrow's blockbuster game. I'm confident we can win this one, but realistically this is one of the games you'd pencil as a loss before the season start. But it's still a game to be played, we have what it takes, at least this season... If this reborn THeodore Bondy can keep it up, we'll have a serious shot at it.

MIJB#19

07-24-2020, 04:14 PM

General Manager Notes: Game of the season in week 11?
It sounds weird, but that's close to how it was.

Gothenburg Giants, on the road. It has become a returning matchup in our schedules to play there in week 11 of the season. Week 17 of 2087 was the last time we won in their place, while week 1 of 2089 was the last time we beat them at home. At the same time, the last time we were 7-1-1 or better going into week 11 was before we won our first IHOF Bowl: in 2065 we started the season with an 11-1 record, then chocked not just the #1 seed, but even missed a bye at 12-4 and crashed out in Houston in the conference semi finals. A season later we made it all okay with our first and so far only IHOF Bowl victory. That was in 2066, we also played in Gothenburg in week 11 and after a 28-23 victory there we were feeling quite good about our 7-2-1 record. Today, we had a chance to do even better than that.

For a game of the season, it would be neat to go over all that happened, but looking over how the game evolved, it wasn't a barnburner, it was a defensive struggle, or a festivity if you like. We held them to a 39-yard field goal on their first drive, to a 52-yard field goal on their second drive and before the first quarter was over they had driven for a touchdown and a 13-0 lead. At that point, our defense woke up and started playing like how they have all season long, matching the stingy defense that Gothenburg was putting on the field.

19 minutes into the game, we finally got on the scoreboard on a 34-yard field goal after starting the drive at the Giants' 47-yard line. They responded with a 40-yard field goal and on our next drive a 34-yard pass from Moe Sheldon to Clarence Gore (this kid deserves to be in the talks for rookie of the year) was the key play on our touchdown drive to a 16-9 deficit, the extra point was missed.

The second half was even more defense heavy. The first drive, ours', ended in a 48-yard field goal (so, we do at times follow instructions!) and made it 16-12. Shortly before the end of the third quarter, Gothenburg reached our red zone, saw Archie Exner make a crucial sack and the 29-yard field goal made it 19-12 for them.

The fourth quarter was a rough start for us as we got pinned as deep as you can be: at our own 1-yard line. Moe Sheldon used his receivers well: 13 yards to Theodore Bondy, 10 yards to Branden Sandlin (yes, back in action!), 13 yards to George Stuckey and 12 yards to Sandlin to reach midfield, at which point Bondy dropped a third down pass that forced us to punt after all. We had hoped to be winning the field position battle, but Sheldon took a sack on third down as our green left guard failed to hold ground. The Giants orchestrated a strong time and time outs draining drive, giving us little chance to do anything in the final minute to do about the unavoidable 19-12 loss. And so it went, somehow we fucked up with a 2-yard gain on what was supposed to be a long throw and when we had time left for two more plays, Moe Sheldon went for a scramble, didn't go out of bounds, leaving no time left for a hail mary.

On the day, we gave up 330 total yards, Jack Crane once again ran for 100 yards on us. In return, Moe Sheldon threw for only 147 yards, Theo Bondy gained only 48 yards, Clarence Gore 47, Branden Sandlin 38. Reggie Thongchanh lead our running game missing in action with 56 yards. The punters had a fun game though. Our pass rush was to our standards, disrupting 15 of 41 pass plays, while the secondary and Clayton Jackson defended 6 passes.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 7-2-1
2. Gothenburg 6-4
3. Paris 4-6
4. Bordeaux 3-7

Our season continues with no less than 4 straight home games, three of these opponents are currently 6-4, one of them is 2-8. If we don't do anything remotely stupid, week 15 will be a rematch with the Giants in Oranje Haven and a win should secure the division title and most likely the #2 seed. But yeah, that's getting way, way, way ahead of things. We should take it game by game. The Chicago Norsemen are up next. It seems the current management has finally fixed their former #2 overall pick quarterback Brady Ladner, while their running game is somewhat starting to look like what people were used to see from that franchise. Their defense is solid, this is no cakewalk, no matter what Vegas says: Maassluis by 8, seriously!?

Well, we'll find out this weekend whether we can rebound quickly and continue what so far has been a strong season. Keep it up, Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

07-25-2020, 06:33 AM

General Manager Notes: Not this again...
Has the choking began?

First give some credits where due. Week 12 featured a game against the Chicago Norsemen, as I mentioned before the game, a team with a talented defense and ditto quarterback. But with that out of the way, we were finally back at home after all those road games so far this season, the games where we actually should be favored to win. And then this happens, the defense plays okay, but the offense goes completely missing in action. And we actually still had chances to win this game, virtue of the defense, but a couple of missed field goals from, what so far has been a reliable kicker, made our small chances vanish. Gosh, what an awful performance.

First play of the game, for whatever dubious reasons the play collapses, Moe Sheldon goes for a run and basically goes nowhere. Two plays later, the line collapses and Sheldon looks just happy to throw it away. We get the ball back after our own defense forces three and out, but on the next drive, Sheldon doesn't throw the ball away in time and as he gets bowled over, he fumbles the ball and gives Chicago takes full advantage with a 19-yard run to set up their touchdown for a 7-0 lead. Next drive, Sheldon starts running again and on third down he throws backward to a far from open Theodore Bondy. But on the following drive, Kirk Hitchcock shifts momentum with an interception near midfield. We drive downfield, but Mark Giles shanks a 43-yard field goal, this is usually just a walk in the park for him (sigh).

Defenses continue to dominate and we get the ball at our 4-yard line to start the second quarter. We get a semi-decent drive going, but eventually it's just enough to shift field position to have Chicago pinned at their 4-yard line. Despite their efficient third down play, to get within field goal range, a holding penalty sabotages their drive and we are lucky to force them to punt. Moe Sheldon continues to be unable to connect with Theodore Bondy, as Theo drops a pass (seriously, Theo!?) and then a cornerback blitzing out of a linebacker role blocks the pass on third down. A 45-yard punt return (yay, our special teams unit has fallen apart all of a sudden as well) gives them a really short field and we're lucky to come away with allowing a 27-yard field goal for a 10-0 deficit. A nice kickoff return and a 33-yard reception then seem to get us quickly into scoring position, but the catch is called back for a holding penalty and the first half ends there, with Chicago leading 10-0.

Second half, Chicago has first possession. Despite solid play on first and second downs, we give up four straight third down conversions. Their fifth attempt finally gets halted, but a 46-yard field goal does give them a 13-0 lead after 9 minutes of play. Our offense continues to not know how to make plays, but Jackie Richardson accounts for the second interception of the game on Chicago's next offensive play, returning it all the way to their 12-yard line. Of course we continue to play hilariously bad on offense and a 21-yard field goal is all we can get. Our defense then makes a strong statement on the next drive, making back to back sacks to pin the Norsemen deep and after a smooth punt return we're already in their half.

Fourth quarter, still trailing 13-3. We're still struggling, but a face mask penalty on one of their linebackers saves the drive. Inside their red zone, Moe Sheldon actually finds Theodore Bondy for a third down conversion and two plays later, Reggie Thongchanh runs it in from 6 yards out to make it 13-10, still in Chicago's advantage. They continue their clock draining game plan, but once they get close, we actually stuff their running back on second down and as their kicker shanks a 38-yard field goal, we've got about 4 minutes left to do something to avoid back to back losses. A third down failure gets called back as the player that batted down the ball was offsides, but three plays later, we're still far from moving the chains and we punt. A third takeaway almost appears, but they recover the ball on their dropped punt return. We're forced to put all our time outs into stopping them from eating the clock, but we get the ball back at our 19-yard line. Moe Sheldon quickly finds Theodore Bondy for a long pass turning into a 38-yard gain and before he can spike the ball to set up for a (probably not even called) hail mary attempt, encroachment is called on one of their players. We end up with a 55-yard field goal opportunity, but Mark Giles' kicking leg is too wimpy, so it appears, and as the ball falls short, so do we as a team: the 13-10 loss at home becomes reality.

In a defensive slugfest, we managed to gain 162 total yards. It's actually credits to our defense and Chicago's ill timed penalties to give us a chance to even try to tie it up that late in the game. Moe Sheldon actually completed 14 of 26 passes, but for only 119 yards. As if the receivers all decided to run backwards when they were supposed to go long... Theodore Bondy's late game reception actually made him the receiving leader of the game with 68 yards. Our running game was for the second straight game missing in action. Francisco Patter gained a grand total of 7 yards, Thong' at least got 45 yards on the ground.

Mark Giles' 55-yard field goal miss is, well, we can forgive him, but that earlier miss really made things so much harder on us. We got lucky that Chicago returned the favor to even get into that 55-yard opportunity.

Looking around the league, other teams in the AOC apparently also really struggled today. Turnovers made the Tucker Tigers throw away a win that could have pretty much secured the #1 seed, falling 27-24 at home to the Williamsburg Colonials. The Houston Mustangs fell 36-21 at the Outer Banks Ospreys, as did teh Fort Wayne Fury 27-14 at the Texas Sharks. It means the deep south division leaders continue to sit 1.5 wins behind us with tie-breakers obviously in our advantage. The Gothenburg Giants fell 22-17 at the now 3-8 Arizona Miners, in a remarkable fashion as they gained 550 yards and allowed 356 yards. Yes, football can be cruel at times, today it apparently was for a lot of teams that felt like they were cruising. The Southeast teams that all started so well behind Tucker have all gone 1-2 in their last three games, meaning that sweep of the wild cards has suddenly become much less of being a given, although still likely to happen.

Division standings:
1. Maassluis 7-3-1
2. Gothenburg 6-5
3. Paris 5-6
4. Bordeaux 3-8

Our journey continues with a home game against the Snapfinger Jazz. They're sitting 7-4 and are coming off an impressive 27-10 victory at the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums to snap a two-game losing streak. They rank #1 in the league in takeaways, by a very wide margin. We'll have to return to our A or at least B game, as we've done before this current 2-game losing streak. We should be able to do that, but after these last two games, I don't think we can write in any more remaining games as a clear cut victory, especially not against a 7-4 team that's seriously fighting for their chances to make the post season as a wild card team. Their running game is below average, their passing game very efficient. Their pass defense on par with ours as being amongst the better 20%, their run defense is beatable.

One game at a time, I know that's what we should do, but I'm weak at that. Thankfully I have no influence on my players, as far as I know, they're really treating it on a one game at a time basis. So, Merchantmen, do your thing. Stop that pass and run and let the offense score just enough points to get a close win here. We got this, just do it.

MIJB#19

07-25-2020, 03:36 PM

General Manager Notes: that 2090 rookie class...
Nah, I'm not going to call them the Brady Bunch.

Yes, we've still got 9 guys on roster, with Brandon Brady the most promising of them all. It still means 6 guys haven't survived the roster cut waves that we've gone through after picking and signing them. Two of them are already out of football (pick 7.17 C Dwayne Gullett, undrafted LB Ruben Caminiti), two are backups elsewhere in the league (pick 4.20 WR Griffin Iafigliola, pick 5.17 WR Trey Samuels) and two are without a team (pick 5.19 DT Tyrone Hansen, pick 6.18 QB Carlton Mathews).

I'm going to compare the players' current scouting report with the reports that we had for the draft. This is after interviews of Gaynor (hard to read) and Brady (hard to read), as both were potential first round targets for us going into the draft.

1.17 TE Clay Gaynor
For now, Gaynor appears to be topping out slightly below the top end of what he was scouted at.rn bl XXXXX+____ 45/55 (60-70)
ps bl XXXXXXX___ 75/75 (80-90)
bl sl XXXX______ 35 (35-45)
av dr XX________ 20 (35-45)
gt dw XXXXXX____ 55/55 (65-75)
rt rn XXXXX+____ 50/60 (60-75)
3d ct XXXXXXXX__ 80 (85-100)
bg pl XXXX______ 40 (40-50)
coura XXXXXX____ 60/60 (65-80)
ad bl XXXXX_____ 50/50 (55-65)
endur XXXXXXXX__ 75 (80-90)
sp tm XXXXXXX+__ 75/80 (80-95)

1.19 SLB Brandon Brady
Brady seems to sit pretty much amidst what he was supposed to become. He's amongst the top 10 players of this class in raw talent.run d XXXXXXXXXX 95 (75-85)
pr tc XXXX______ 40 (35-45)
pr st XXX_______ 35 (20-35)
mtm d XXXXXXX___ 65 (60-70)
zon d XXXXXX____ 60 (55-65)
bnr d XXXXXXXX__ 80 (85-95)
ply d XXXXXXXXXX 95 (85-100)
p hit XXXX______ 35 (35-45)
endur XXXXXXXX__ 85 (80-95)
sp tm XXXXXXXXX_ 85 (75-90)

2.18 WR George Stuckey
Still an enigma to me, can this kid play football? Other GMs say this skill set is what a modern WR needs, I guess I'm still stuck (ha!) with grading big-play receivers ahead of those that can get downfield. Both is obviously even better, but Stuckey isn't the guy that can run the 40 under 4.50. (Actually, he clocked a 4.49 before training camp.)av dr XX+_______ 20/35 (30-60)
gt dw XXXXX+____ 55/65 (60-85)
rt rn XXXX+++___ 40/75 (65-90)
3d ct XX+_______ 25/25 (25-50)
bg pl XXX_______ 25 (15-40)
coura XXXXXXXX++ 80/100 (75-100)
ad bl XXX+______ 25/45 (30-60)
pnt r __________ 0 (0-25)
kck r __________ 0 (0-25)
endur XXXXXX++__ 65/75 (75-100)
sp tm XXXX+_____ 40/50 (35-60)

2.20 K Mark Giles
Giles seems to be less than we hoped for, despite being in the top10 in raw talent of this class.k acc XXXXXXXXX_ 85 (75-100)
k pwr XXXXXX____ 55 (50-75)
ko di XXXXXXX___ 70 (65-90)
ko ht XXXXXXXX__ 75 (70-95)

undrafted RG Marvin Silvan
Clearly was overrated, but this season he's actually starting for us with Butch Pearson out.rn bl XXX++_____ 30/45 (50-75)
ps bl XXXX+_____ 35/50 (60-85)
bl st X_________ 10 (0-25)
endur XXXXXX+___ 60/70 (60-85)

undrafted MLB Brant Rayburn
Special teamer and this season he's actually playing on that unit.run d XXX_______ 25/35 (10-35)
pr tc XXXXX+____ 55/60 (35-65)
pr st XXX_______ 30 (25-55)
mtm d XXXXX_____ 45/50 (15-40)
zon d XXXX______ 40/45 (35-65)
bnr d XXXXXX____ 55/60 (45-75)
ply d XX________ 15/15 (10-35)
p hit XXXXXXX___ 65 (55-85)
endur XXXX+_____ 45/50 (20-50)
sp tm XXXXXXXXX_ 85 (65-90)

undrafted CB Adam Harmon
Spent most of this season inactive, but lately I gave him the 46th active slot to gain some experience.run d X+________ 10/20 (5-30)
mtm d XXXXX++___ 50/65 (65-90)
zon d XXXXXXX++_ 70/85 (70-100)
bnr d __________ 0 (0-30)
ply d __________ 0 (0-30)
p hit __________ 0 (0-30)
inter XXXX______ 40/40 (55-85)
pnt r __________ 0 (0-30)
kck r XXXXX_____ 45/55 (50-80)
endur XXX_______ 25 (20-45)
sp tm XXXXXX____ 55/60 (65-95)

undrafted SS Chuck Murray
Turning out to be close to as advertised, he's replacing our starting free safety on downs where the opponent plays with few wide receivers.run d XXXXX_____ 50 (35-65)
mtm d XX+______ 25/25 (11-40)
zon d XXXXXX+___ 65/65 (40-70)
bnr d X_________ 10 (0-30)
ply d XXXX______ 40/40 (30-60)
p hit XXXXX_____ 50 (35-65)
inter XXXXXXXXX_ 85 (55-80)
pnt r __________ 0 (0-30)
kck r __________ 0 (0-30)
endur X_________ 10/10 (0-30)
sp tm XX________ 15/15 (5-30)

undrafted FS Jon Brotzman
Mostly a special teamer, but is growing into being a suitable dime or nickelback. We might need him there next season when cap hell breaks loose.run d __________ 0 (0-30)
mtm d XXXX______ 40/45 (35-60)
zon d XXXXXXX+__ 65/85 (60-85)
bnr d __________ 0 (0-30)
ply d XXXXX+____ 50/60 (55-85)
p hit XXX_______ 30 (15-45)
inter XXXXX_____ 50 (60-85)
pnt r __________ 0 (0-30)
kck r __________ 0 (0-30)
endur XXXX______ 35/40 (25-55)
sp tm XXXXXXXXX_ 95 (70-100)

A fine class, still. But the actually plan was to compare Gaynor with Clarence Gore, our 5th round rookie. So let's get onto that now:
2090 1.17 TE Gaynor vs 2091 5.23 TE Gore
rn bl XXXXX+____ 45/55 rn bl XX+_______ 20/30
ps bl XXXXXXX___ 75/75 ps bl XXXXX++___ 55/70
bl sl XXXX______ 35___ bl sl XXXXXXXX__ 75
av dr XX________ 20___ av dr __________ 5/5
gt dw XXXXXX____ 55/55 gt dw X_________ 10/10
rt rn XXXXX+____ 50/60 rt rn XXXXXX++__ 65/80
3d ct XXXXXXXX__ 80___ 3d ct XXX+______ 35/35
bg pl XXXX______ 40___ bg pl XXXXXXXX__ 80
coura XXXXXX____ 60/60 coura __________ 0/0
ad bl XXXXX_____ 50/50 ad bl XXXXXXXX++ 80/100
endur XXXXXXXX__ 75___ endur XXXXXX+___ 55/65
sp tm XXXXXXX+__ 75/80 sp tm XXX+______ 30/35Gaynor made enough progress in the blocking department to make him play on running packages with 2 tight ends. Gore looked promising enough to make him our premier receiving tight end and has very steadily improved his route running skills to already being in the 60 range. In the end, I suppose we'll have to see what we can do with playing a lot more 2TE formations and put them both on the field. It can't hurt to have two guys that can catch the ball, compared to having none since Monty Elliott retired in the 2085 off-season.

MIJB#19

07-27-2020, 05:20 PM

General Manager Notes: Sometimes the scoreboard is too flattering
And this Clarence Gore kid, I think he's pretty good.

Smooth sailing, that's what we did today in Oranje Haven. The Snapfinger Jazz were coming to Maassluis, hoping to improve to 8-5 and make the Southeast division hold the four best win-loss records in the conference. We were just hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, an unfamiliar feeling after a stretch of 8 weeks without a loss.

Snapfinger had the ball first, but our defense played it well, with Kirk Hitchcock making a crucial pass deflection on third and short to force three and out. Reggie Thongchanh made a nice 17-yard punt return and Clay Gaynor followed it up with a 31-yard catch from Moe Sheldon's first pass for the day. Three plays later, Sheldon found his other young tight end Clarence Gore for a 25-yard touchdown. Welcome back offense for the 7-0 lead. The Jazz replied with a strong drive, but as they were about to break into our red zone, Hitchcock made a well timed interception. The offense was held short, but momentum was clearly broken. Snapfinger didn't play all that bad on their next drive, but three penalties did them in. Moe Sheldon responded with a 32-yard pass to Clarence Gore, but as that was all we gained, we punted to maintain the 7-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter, the defense held the Jazz short and Reggie Thongchanh responded with a 26-yard punt return to quickly march into their half of the field. Unamused about the lack of targets, Theodore Bondy made the best of his first, making it a 28-yard gain to burst in the red zone, two plays later followed by having Moe Sheldon find George Stuckey for the 14-0 lead. The defense was supreme again, while Thongchanh added a 17-yard punt return to start yet another drive in their territory. Bondy made a third down conversion (yes, he can, he still can!), while Stuckey made a 13-yard catch to get into field goal range. Mark Giles converted the 21-yard attempt to make it a 17-0 lead. But the Jazz weren't quite there yet in terms of misfortune (or our fortune was on goinig) as Brandon Brady made in interception in our red zone and brought it back 25 yards. A penalty seemingly was going to hurt our last drive before half time, but Clarence Gore made a 13-yard catch, followed by Bondy's 14-yarder to move the chains. As time expired, Giles successfully kicked a 47-yard field goal for a 20-0 lead.

Second half, we returned it and as the kick didn't fly deep enough, Santiago Messenger got the opportunity to show his skills and moves it 58 yards to get quickly into scoring position. Clarence Gore then made a chains moving catch and followed up with a sweet 23-yarder, coming just short of his second touchdown. Due to penalty, we got no less than 5 opportunities from inside their 3-yard line and Francisco Patter converted that fifth one for a 27-0 lead. The defense then continued with a solid three and out, while Reggie Thongchanh's punt returning skills resulted in a 25-yard gain and another drive started past midfield. Clarence Gore made a 23-yard catch on third and not so easy to get into field goal range and Mark Giles eventually converted the 33-yard kick for a 30-0 lead. The Jazz had already replaced their quarterback at half time, but on their second drive they thought it was going to make a difference. It didn't and punting was their faith once again, this time saved by a touchback. Theodore Bondy made a big 18-yard catch on third and long shortly before the end of the quarter to keep the ball and the 30-0 lead.

Moe Sheldon showed a more efficient run than he did in recent games, to march into Snapfinger field on the first play of the fourth quarter. But that was just that and punting was were it ended this time around. With an on fire Jessie O'Neal at quarterback, the Jazz all of a sudden started to play better and with several chains moving passes, they reached and succeeded a 37-yard field goal. We tried to respond with a clock draining drive, but after six runs, we were forced to punt after all. With O'Neal trying to move the visitors quickly, he missed one of his tight ends and saw Kirk Hitchcock grab the ball instead, making it his second interception of the game. With the score still 30-3, we simply went into run up the middle mode, while the Jazz responded with two decente throws, but left the time outs unused o see the game come to an end.

As we outgained the Jazz by only 30 yards today, there wasn't much more the offense could have done. By starting our drives on average at our 41-yard line, we simply didn't need to gain a lot of yards to get into scoring position. In return, their five visits to our half of the field resulted in 3 interceptions, 1 scored field goal and time expiring.

Moe Sheldon received player of the game accolades with 254 yards and 2 touchdowns passing, but rookie tight end Clarence Gore was clearly his favorite target today with 7 catches for 123 yards and a score. Reggie Thongchanh's punt returning was outstanding today, while the 3 interceptions pretty much made the lack of pass rush pressure today nearly go by unnoticed. Nearly, as I certainly did see how we failed to make a single sack and had just 5 hurries on 31 pass plays.

With the Gothenburg Giants dropping 33-28 at the Tucker Tigers (they saw their first three possessions all end in interception), our division title chances moved back up. Of course, the Tigers' win also means our chances for home field advantage dropped, but with these matchups, it's always one team we hope to see stumble will have to win.

Division standings:
1. Maassluis 8-3-1
2. Gothenburg 6-6
3. Paris 6-6
4. Bordeaux 4-8

We're back into the winning ways, but we can't start thinking we're already there. We'll be facing a reborn Arizona Miners, 4-8 but on a 2-game winning streak. But as Gothenburg will be visiting the 8-4 Chicago Norsemen and Paris hosting the 6-6 Iowa Cobbers, it's technically possible we'll lock up the division in week 14.

4-8 or what not, the Miners started the season by upsetting the reigning champions, the Kansas Creationists, and two weeks ago beat the Gothenburg Giants. We can't go out there and think it's an easy victory, there's quite simply no such thing in the IHOF. We have to work hard, make plays, have our guys do their thing and that's the way to make this winning season become more than just that. This looks like it's on a mission, so keep it up guys!

MIJB#19

07-28-2020, 03:37 PM

General Manager Notes: One week closer to the division title
We can clinch in our last home game.

That's the scenario for tomorrow, but first, let's recap why we're closing in on that division title. We were playing our seventh home game of the season, facing the visiting Arizona Miners, on paper one of the least impressive opponents on our regular season schedule. The recently completely baffled all in and around the league with an unlikely win against the Gothenburg Giants. But that was in their house.

The tone of the game was set within just over three minutes. Miners had first possession, first urn stopped at the line, second run was tackle by our free safety Riddick Newsome for a 7 yard loss, with a fumble and our strong safety Devon Farrell recovered it inside their red zone. Four plays later, Reggie Thongchanh bulldozed it in from a yard out: 7-0 Maassluis. After three and out, Thongchanh tried to make it his show with a 26-yard punt return to burst inside their half and an 11-yard run to get into field goal range, but it was Francisco Patter with a 27-yard run to double the score to 14-0. Three and out by our defense helped us get into their half quickly again, but a sack on third and short held us short and forced us to punt. The Miners thought they had found life, but we returned the favor with a sack on third down to halt them near midfield and Thongchanh replied with another strong punt return.

Second play of the second quarter, Moe Sheldon finds Theodore Bondy for a 24-yard gain on a screen pass, but on his next three passes all to Clarence Gore, Sheldon goes 1 of 3 for just 4 yards But no worries, after a solid punt and an ill timed penalty, the Miners had to start at their 2-yard line. Three and out fall on a holding penalty, but another third down sack forced them to punt from their 4-yard line. The Reggie Thongchanh show continued with a 16-yard punt return and a 15-yard run, but George Stuckey got the 21-0 lead on the board with a 28-yard catch. The same story continued as our defense kept them short, Thong' had a nice punt return, alternated chains moving runs with Francisco Patter, but this time Clarence Gore made the key play with a 29-yard catch, but Thong' had the final word with hes second short touchdown run of the game: 28-0 Maassluis. And then we still got another chance to put points on the scoreboard after a quick three and out. Theodore Bondy made a 29-yard catch, but a couple of penalties hurt us just enough to stop the drive from being a success and after a punt and a short run the half time break was there, with us leading 28-0.

The Miners thought they were going to score first in the second half, Making a 31-yard pass play to set up a 23-yard field goal attempt from Emmett Wells (the kid we released in favor of our current second year kicker Mark Giles), but star cornerback Jackie Richardson blocked the kick, keeping the chances for a shutout victory going. We got stopped quickly on our next drive, but so were they on another crucial third down sack, this time a co-operation of our defensive tackles Kurt Ackerman and Darien Fletcher. A defensive battle followed and neither offense could make much, if any progress in the next bunch of drives, meaning our 28-0 lead was maintained.

The fourth quarter continued the short drives, until we pinned Arizona at their 5-yard line, only to see them make 18-yard and 27-yard pass plays to reach midfield. With a 43-yard gain on a long throw, they reached our 7-yard line and they sealed the deal with a touchdown pass on third down. Trailing 28-7, the Miners opted to go for the onside kick, but possession was ours with 8 minutes to go. Francisco Patter quickly got us into field goal range with an 18-yard run, while Moe Sheldon found Theodore Bondy for an 11-yard gain to set up their 6-yard connection for the touchdown and a 35-7 lead. In the final four minutes, neither offense could move the chains, all that was left was Reggie Thongchanh improving on his punt return production with 16-yard and 24-yard gains to make it 172 yards for the day, apparently breaking a 42-year old franchise record by 2 yards.

More importantly, the victory was there, in a very smooth fashion. Sheldon completed 19 of 32 for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns, with his top receivers Theo Bondy (7 for 81 yards and a td), George Stuckey (5 for 59 yards and a td) and Clarence Gore (3 for 50 yards). The running backs Thongchanh (81 yards, 4.1 per carry, 2 td) and Patter (65 yards, 5.4 per carry, 1 td) both had a strong game.

Elsewhere in the league, the Gohenburg Giants tied 27-27 at the Chicago Norsemen, despite basically outplaying them, but a missed field goal and a pick six turned the score somewhat around and neither team scored in overtime. The Paris Musketeers leaned heavily on turnovers to beat the Iowa Cobbers 34-17 and consequently jumped past the Giants in the division.

Division standings:
1. Maassluis 9-3-1
2. Paris 7-6
3. Gothenburg 6-6-1
4. Bordeaux 4-9

With 3 games to go, this means a win or a tie against Gothenburg in our next game, our final regular season home game, will lock up the division. A loss will keep Gothenburg alive and subsequently Paris as well. The wild card hunt is getting pretty crowded as well, as the Southeast teams continue to play .500 ball after their collective strong starts.

Conference standings:
1. Tucker 11-2
2. Maassluis 9-3-1
3. Houston 7-6
4. North Plainfield 5-8
5. Augusta 8-5
6. Orlando 8-5
7. Snapfinger 7-6
8. Fort Wayne 7-6
9. Paris 7-6
10. Gothenburg 6-6-1
11. San Antonio 6-7
12. Atlanta 5-7-1

Augusta and Orlando will play head to head in Orlando in week 15. Snapfinger will visit Orlando in week 17. Paris will host Gothenburg in week 17. Fort Wayne hosts Houston in week 15 and Houston hosts San Antonio in week 17. Atlanta is mathematically still alive, but it's an incredible longshot.

For us, this situation means that if we secure the division with 1 more win or tie in any of our last three games, the #2 seed is also locked up, as we've got tie-breakers over Houston and Fort Wayne clinch by beating both head-to-head. The #1 seed is 1.5 wins ahead of us, it's really nothing we can even hope for. But if we somehow catch up, if just by matching Tucker's record, we'll likely have the tie-breakers as well.

But uhm, let's forget about the #1 seed. Beating Gothenburg will be the thing to do in week 15. That's where the focus should be. It will be a rare matchuo between the #1 defense in total yards allowed (Gothenburg) and #1 defense in points allowed (Maassluis). The way we've been playing, I think we've been the more impressive defense, so far, but they certainly taught us a lesson in their place. Winning this game will be key.

Speaking of key, we've got a tough decision to make as center Butch Pearson has been cleared to be ready to play, albeit still listed as questionable and most likely not back to 100% until the divisional round, which is hopefully the round where we play our first playoffs game after missing it entirely the last 3 seasons. Comes to show how spoiled we've gotten. Our last 4-season drought was in the 2049-'52 period, where we actually had no losing seasons and even missed the playoffs with a 11-5 record in 2051 and followed up by missing in with a 9-6-1 record the season after. A record that we can still end up having if everything falls apart and which quite possibly will mean missing the playoffs again.

Side stories wil be fun again if we win tomorrow. Gothenburg, in our place. We know we can beat them, go out there and make it happen, Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

07-29-2020, 05:54 PM

General Manager Notes: Yes!
Back on top: division title secured!

Remember the 2078 season? You know the one, if you're a true fan, that season where we signed quarterback Bennett Morris for a season (I'm still disappointed he bailed on us after that one season) and picked Walt Blair (a running back of all positions, a kid that missed 6 games due to injuries and we let walk away after 4 seasons) in the first round. It was a fun season, because the offense was clicking (we were 2nd in scoring) and the defense was doing just enough to get us to an 11-5 record, our season ended in the conference championship game. Technically, we improved in 2079, Ellis McAlister's first season as a starter, with a 12-4 record, but it didn't feel as special.

It's early, but this season is starting to feel similar. Sure, we've got a great bunch of guys, that state of the art wide receiver in Theodore Bondy, a ditto future hall of fame cornerback in Kirk Hitchcock, perhaps our most talented offensive line ever, but more specifically a defense that's playing top of the league defense. It will take two serious beatings in the last two games to drop from the status of #1 in least points allowed.

Stop, wait, why are we looking to the big picture? Wasn't today, week 15, the game of the season? Why yes, it was supposed to be and it turned it to be the game where we secured the division title and a bye week as a bonus. The Gothenburg Giants came to Maassluis, a stingy defense, with an offense that in recent seasons somehow always plays above their standards against us, especially running back Jack Crane.

First quarter, first possession for Gothenburg. We manage to hold Jack Crane short and despite that they managed to reach midfield, we forced them to punt. Our first possession and things went, well, different from what we're used to. First, Moe Sheldon runs for 15 yards on third and long to move the chains, then he completes a 19-yard pass to run blocker Jeffery Blake and then on third and one Francisco Patter gets the ball and breaks out for 18 yards. George Stuckey then makes a 13-yard catch and although a sack forces us to kick the 31-yard field goal, the first signal was there: we were ready to beat that defense. Gothenburg reaches midfield again on their second drive, but Reggie Thongchanh does his punt return magic again with a 26-yarder to even things a bit. We're forced to punt quickly though, and then, when we least expect it, Mercury Pierece sees an opening in our defense, makes a deep throw to one of his receivers and he breaks away for a 61-yard touchdown. Gothenburg's 7-3 lead was there. Our reply? Moe Sheldon to rookie Clarence Gore for 43 yards to quickly move into their half of the field. Thongchang then runs for 16 yards, Patter for 15 yards, but a sack by Heath Oliver of all people (oh boy, was it a sad day when we had to let him go) breaks our stellar drive.

We get forced to settle for a 25-yard field goal and trailing 7-6, is this going to be another one of those games where we kick too much? The Giants first play in the second quarter: a 23-yard pass. later on in their drive, they convert on third and seven and then Jack Crane breaks away for a 31-yard reception. A tremendous goal line stand pushes them back, Gene Kondovski finally made a crucial sack, the man of $5M per sack, we're happy to see them kick the 30-yard field goal. Moe Sheldon then finds Theo Bondy on a triplet of short gains, while the Patter-Thongchanh tandem keeps the drive alive, all setting up Clarence Gore's drive anchoring 19-yard reception. Again, we settle for three points, but at 10-9 down, it's all still a game. No three and out on Gothenburg's next drive, it becomes three and picked off as free safety Riddick Newsome (so glad we kept this old guy around!) on a very deep throw. A couple of three and outs come next, but as we get one more possession before half time, our rookie revelation Clarence Gore makes a triple of big catches to reach their half and helped by a holding penalty, we get to see Mark Giles do the unthinkable: convert a 54-yard field goal to take a 12-10 lead.

The second half begins not so great for our offense as Moe Sheldon goes on a typical short scramble and Theodore Bondy let yet another third down catch slip through his fingers. But after three and out by our defense, the Clarence Gore show continues with a 14-yard catch to eventually see us punt, but at least start winning the field position battle. The start feeding it to Jack Crane more and more, but as we stuff him on second down, on third and pretty short we can afford to let him gain just half the distance to the first down. Theodore Bondy then does make a crucial third down catch and two plays later, Clarence Gore turns a screen pass into a 20-yard gain. Branden Sandlin makes a key third down catch, Bondy a 15-yard catch to reach the red zone and finally it's Sheldon to Gore for the touchdown and a 19-10 lead. The defense continues to get stronger, stuffing Crane for a 4-yard loss and then Andy Russell sacks Mercury Pierce on third and long to end the third quarter.

Our offense starts getting better and better, with Reggie Thongchanh and Francisco Patter splitting the good carries and Thongchanh also accounting for a 21-yard catch to burst into Gothenburg turf. George Stuckey then makes a nice 12-yard catch to help set up a 35-yard field goal for a 22-10 lead. Gothenburg responds with one of their stronger drives of the game, having their backup running back run for 27 yards, then seeing Mercury Pierce complete a 23-yard pass. A couple of penalties doesn't seem to hurt them, but on fourth down from our 40-yard line they go for it and Andy Russell blocks the pass to change possession. As we try to consolidate the 22-10 lead, we run on third and short, but see Patter fumble the ball and Heath Oliver recovers it at their 47-yard line. On the very next play, Archie Exner makes a strip sack, but the Giants recover the ball to avoid back to back turnovers. With a couple of 19-yard darts and an 11-yarder, they then quickly steamroll into our red zone. The touchdown becomes a reality 3 plays later, meaning we're still leading, but now 22-17 and Gothenburg will have roughly 3 minutes, which could be plenty if they can get the ball back quickly. An 8-yard pass to Stuckey to move the chains burns their second time out and around that play two runs take away the other ones. After the two-minute warning, Francisco Patter gets the ball one more time on a third and short situation and with a smooth 7-yard run he secures the 22-17 victory and the division title!

Division Standings
1. Maassluis 10-3-1
2. Paris 8-6
3. Gothenburg 6-7-1
4. Bordeaux 4-10

The Tucker Tigers secured the Southeast division, improving to 12-4, which means we're technically still in the race for the #1 seed, but will need to see them drop both of their remaining games, while we need to win both remaining road games. The other two division leaders in the AOC are more than 2 wins behind us, which means we've claimed a bye week already.

Moe Sheldon threw for 315 yards, with 1 touchdown and thankfully stayed away from the turnovers. Clarence Gore made 8 catches for 145 yards and 1 touchdown. Who would have thought we'd find our new WR2 at the tight end position with a fifth round pick? I bet nobody did, not even the miracle drafter running the Hanalei Dragons franchise.

Securing not just the division title, but also the bye week, means it's very tempting to make some changes to the starting lineups. The obvious changes will be made for sure: dinged up players like Butch Pearson, Howard Humphrey and Brandon Brady will be benched or even made inactive. These are the no-brainers.

Second in line will be a consideration to give an additional 2 weeks off (they better not get rusty!) to our old cornerback duo of Hitchcock and Richardson, our all-time receiving leader Theodore Bondy, our main ball carrier Thongchanh (sorry for then missing the chance to break the single season punt return yard record) and most notably inactivating Moe Sheldon, our breakout quarterback. In his tenth season in the league, he's finally living up to his "one of the most careful quarterbacks" reputation, with 24 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 14 games for 457 pass attempts.

A couple of guys will definitely not get benched, we're going to give our rookies all the playing time they could use and although we have no really intentions or desire to boost any individual statistics and honors, it will give Clarence Gore a chance to show all those fancy first round wide receivers from his draft class that it's not always about being a high first round pick.

#2 pick Samuel Mustard bombed for Chicago, he's been inactive all season
#3 pick Norm Clements already has 93 catches for 1,010 yards for Arizona
#4 pick Bryson Zimmerman played in only 7 games so far, gaining just 305 yards
#7 pick Julian Franklin so far has 25 catches for 216 yards for Rochester
#10 pick Alan Kingsley has 51 catches for 454 yards for Atlanta
#12 pick Tristan Powell has 64 catches for 718 yards for Hanalei
#16 pick Elijah Sabol has 59 catches for 511 yards for Orlando
#27 pick Bryant Lake has 9 catches for 79 yards for San Antonio
#31 pick Nicholas Robinson is starting for Tucker, but has 1 catch for 18 yards

Yes, our own second round wide receiver Rickey Lyle has been active in only 6 games and has gotten 0 looks so far. But fifth round pick Clarence Gore has been a surprise, being the second most productive rookie with 68 catches for 796 yards, sitting just ahead of Powell and only behind Clements. His 7 receiving touchdowns are actually the highest amongst all rookies. He does trail Paris' running back Bob Yanez in total touchdowns though.

But most of all, Gore has made tremendous progress and has proven to be the alternate to Bondy that he's been missing for so long. It hasn't just helped Bondy improve to a career high 8.75 yards per target, but at the same time has made Moe Sheldon turn from 'just a starter' to a potential pro bowler.

So, what's next? Two more games in Iowa and Paris. Surely we hope to win, we hope to see very eager youngsters gel with healthy veterans. Finishing the regular season with a 12-3-1 record would be nice, but 10-5-1 would, given the situation now, be acceptable. Once before have we finished a season 10-5-1 before. It was the season Shaun "The Behemoth" Hartman lifted our first IHOF Bowl trophy. We hope to repeat history...

MIJB#19

07-30-2020, 12:50 PM

General Manager Notes: No new injuries
One more game to hope the key players stay healthy.

Nah, we didn't go fully into pre-season mode, but I went through with the plan to rest many key players. I had hoped the defense could get by without Brady, Hitchcock and Richardson, while expecting the offense to not fall apart without Sheldon, Thongchanh, Bondy and Humphrey. So, Brandon Bell got his chance to show what he can do, while the defense (with the entire D-Line playing) had a chance to break the Iowa Cobbers' sack magnet. But hey, it's still football, sometimes freaky stuff happens. So, Brandon Bell got sacked 4 times (Francisco Farley once as well), while Iowa's sack magnet was sacked once and hurried three times. Yeah, so much for that working as one would expect.

So, we ended up losing 26-3, with two fumbles and one interception from Bell becoming crucial. Okay, I think we can now safely say he's never going to get any better than he was in his rookie season, it was all a fluke. Unless this game and all those last season were...

Standings:
1. Maassluis 10-4-1
2. Paris 8-6-1
3. Gothenburg 6-8-1
4. Bordeaux 5-10

We're now locked into the #2 seed. We still would have with a victory today as the Tucker Tigers crushed the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums 42-17. Paris somehow has made a miracle comeback in the wild card race, despite a freaky 13-13 tie today, they have jumped ahead of the third and fourth placed teams in the Southeast, it's quite possibly they get into the post-season by not losing at home against Gothenburg in week 17.

Oh yeah, we'll be visiting the Bordeaux Vineyards. I hope we win, but not picking up new injuries will be more important. And then off to week 19, to host one of the wild card round winners.

MIJB#19

07-31-2020, 11:07 AM

General Manager Notes: One minor injury
That's pretty much all we could hope for.

No, it's actually too early to start cheering, because you never know what happens to our players over the bye week, viral infections, depressions, substance abuse withdrawal, impaired vision and other out of the blue injuries can still pop up.

We lost the last regular season game 27-10 in Bordeaux. The defense was horrendous, there's simply no excuse for what they did (1 sack, 2 hurried passes, 6.15 yards per carry allowed, 428 total yards allowed). It's terrifying, because I can't believe Brady, Hitchcock and Richardson make such a great difference for that unit, those three were the only ones left off the field. The offense wasn't up to par either. With Francisco Farley under center, we threw for 151 yards, with rookie Rickey Lyle catching 7 passes for 67 yards, George Stuckey 3 for 29 yards and Clarence Gore only 3 for 23 yards. Gore still finished second in receiving yards amongst rookies and first in receiving touchdowns. The offensive line with left tackle Nathan Hadinger and right guard Andre Watson in action allowed 3 sacks and let our starting running back Francisco Patter run for 21 yards on 9 carries. Change of pace rookie Trey Beyer gained 43 yards on 8 carries.

Division standings:
1. Maassluis 10-5-1
2. Paris 9-6-1
3. Gothenburg 6-9-1
4. Bordeaux 6-10

Indeed, Paris joins us into the playoffs, while defending #1 seed Gothenburg misses the playoffs, as did last season's #2 seed San Antonio. The playoffs field in the AOC:
Paris (9-6-1) at Houston (9-7)
Orlando (11-5) at North Plainfield (6-10)

If Paris wins, they will visit Tucker (14-2) in the divisional round, if Houston wins, they will come and visit us. Where Orlando or North Plainfield will go, depends on that #3 vs #6 matchup. Yup, we have a worse record than the #5 seed. More incredibly, the #4 seed won only 6 games.

MIJB#19

07-31-2020, 03:34 PM

General Manager Notes: A couple of observation about the 2091 regular season
Cuz, you know, we're stats geeks, right?

Moe Sheldon completed 59.7% of his passes for 3,163 yards, 24 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. That's right, a 6:1 td:int ratio, best in the league. His passer rating as a result is 94.6, 3rd best in the league amongst qualifiers. Brandon Bell sucked in the 15 games he was active in (he got under center just once), Francisco Farley played, well, so-so. Farley must have been really happy to get a chance to play again after 60 games on the bench or even inactive.

Reggie Thongchanh ran for 801 yards with a 4.17 average, scoring 5 touchdowns. Francisco Patter ran for 669 yards (3.66 per carry) and 5 touchdowns. Rookie Trey Beyer ran for 202 yards (4.49 per carry) in relief when either half of the starting tandem was missing. We finished 8th in the league with 1,996 rushing yards (124.8 per game), but had no 100-yard rushers. Apparently not a first time occurrence, in 2077 our peak was 92 yards.

Theodore Bondy had 89 catches for 1,242 yards and 6 touchdowns, contrary to popular belief, he had only 6 dropped passes. Sure, that's a career low in yardage and touchdowns for Bondy, but he did have a career best 8.75 yards per target. Rookie TE Clarence Gore had 75 catches for 863 yards and 7 touchdowns. George Stuckey had 41 catches for 417 yards and 4 touchdowns, [b]Branden Sandlin[/i] had 32 catches for 356 yards and 1 touchdown.

G Michael Szott had 36 key run blocks, tying a career high, helped by playing at center in 14 games. RT Howard Humphrey had 33 key run blocks, G Andre Watson had 32 key run blocks, LT Nathan Hadinger had 21 key run blocks. Fill-in G Marvin Silvan had 21 key run blocks. C Butch Pearson was active in only two games: the first one and the division title clincher. FB Clay Brosseau had a career-high 11 key run blocks, which makes him 1st in the league amongst non-linemen.

The defensive line slowed down in the last bunch of games, combined with the team effort being key here, our team leader in sacks had a figure of 6.5. Our defensive ends were more than ever dividing it all: Tony Whiting 6.5, Gene Kondovski 6.0, Archie Exner 6.0, Andy Russell 6.0. DT Darien Fletcher had 4.5 sacks and led the linemen with 65 tackles. DT Jumbo Mojica was the other starter on the inside. We actually let Kurt Ackerman and A.J. Ritt play quite a bit on passing downs, which actually improved our pass rush threat on those down.

LB Brandon Brady will probably miss out on All-League honors due to missing the last two games, as with 104 tackles, 33 assists, 11 defended passes, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles he was on pace for it. We increased Clayton Jackson's activity this season, while Daquan Espino got slightly more action than last season, but still much less than before his endurance drastically changed.

CB Kirk Hitchcock had 4 interceptions and 11 defended passes, CB Jackie Richardson had 2 interceptions and 10 defended passes. Rookie S Devon Farrell led the team with 12 defended passes, but hasn't made an interception yet. Maybe in the playoffs? As a team, we had just 11 interceptions, tied for 4th least in the league. It's interesting as we also rank tied for 4th least fumbles recovered.

Our special teams unit was far above average: we ranked 5th in punt return yards average, 4ht in kickoff return yards average, 10th in punt return yards allowed and 1st in kickoff return yards allowed. I may have cursed at K Mark Giles at times, but he missed 5 kicks all season, being 29/33 on field goals, 36/37 on extra points.

In the end, we're going to grade this season not just based on what we did during the regular season, but a season like this one will be a complete failure if we don't make it to the conference championship game at the very least. Going all the way is the dream, obviously, but realistically we'll be losing at the Tucker Tigers in the AOC Championship game, while the NAC has a couple of tough opponents as well from Kansas and Oakland. Speaking of which, it means we traded rookie T Douglas Grosz for S Devon Farrell and likely the 1.30 pick or so. Grosz is, by our staff, considered the best player in Oakland already. Sadly for them, he's out with a knee injury for the duration of the playoffs. A major reason why we rested a bunch of key players.

I dunno what else to report on. Many numbers are somewhat skewed due to the last two games. We still outscored our opponents 351-250 over 16 games. It still makes us 2nd in least points allowed, 14th in points scored (6th in the conference). Our margin of points is 2nd in the conference and 7th in the league. Would have, could have, it is what it is, you can't claim credits for what didn't happen.

Now, a week of much needed rest and then on to the new game of the season, whomever it will be we're going to face.

MIJB#19

08-02-2020, 09:51 AM

What if Osborne was given the start?
Football journalists can sometimes get caught philosophizing about what if situations. Football fans are much less blunt, they know what would have happened. Maassluis Merchantmen fans are no different, back in the 2040 playoffs, they knew one thing for sure: their team wouldn't have crashed out in the playoffs one and done after a 13-3 regular season had the team just stuck with their winning quarterback. This is the story of Harry Osborne.

The IHOF part of the story begins in the 2033 off-season. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell "Rusty" Harrison returned to the Maassluis Merchantmen. The 2020 #1 overall pick by the Merchantmen had been traded in the 2030 off-season to the Rochester Lake Monsters over salary cap woes and team management felt that, despite Harrison's talent, his injury proneness was a major concern and his backups had somewhat proven the team could still win games without "Rusty". But in the 2033 off-season Harrison was traded by the Lake Monsters to their nemesis Syracuse Mohawks, who in turn just used him as trade ware, moving him on back to Maassluis. Back home, Harrison played 2 more seasons in the IHOF, missing 12 regular season games and more importantly failing to guide his team to the playoffs.

The Merchantmen already had their replacement in the house in quarterback Jay McGee, a trade acquisition in that 2030 off-season to replace Harrison. But in an era where quarterbacks would get hurt often, top teams in the IHOF made sure they had a reliable backup to step in. McGee had actually been a reliable starter, missing not a single game in his first three seasons in Maassluis, replacing an injured Harrison in those 12 games and during several games. The Merchantmen still had Kerry Lewis on roster, primarily the kick holder in Maassluis.

In that 2035 off-season, the Merchantmen signed a former 2030 second round pick Craig Porter, who came off missing the entire 2034 season after being released by his original team, the Iowa Cobbers, as new management had no faith in him. Still, Merchantmen management felt that the league was evolving and expecting the see running quarterbacks become a thing in the 2040s. One particular player in the draft class had, aside from scoring the mirage number 28 on the Solecismic Score, a 7.42 agility score and for a quarterback those days clocked an impressive 4.56 on the 40-yard dash. More over, he was coming from Michigan, the school of quarterback, or so was popular belief in those days. Despite that scouts saw little passing skills at the IHOF level in him, he still somehow graded 61st overall of the entire draft class. By the middle of the third round, general manager M.IJ.B. couldn't help himself and with the #84 overall pick, the Merchantmen selected the 6'4" 233 pounds 23-year old Harry Osborne.

As he arrived in Maassluis, people in and around the club were still skeptic: could this guy be a future replacement for Jay McGee, the successor of Louie Flannery and "Rusty" Harrison, or the very least a reliable backup? The Merchantmen scouting staff graded Osborne 7/17 out of 100 in current ability and future potential. But it was just training camp, there's no risk in brining a rookie into it as the fourth option, maybe he turns out to be much better than advertised? Still, spending a third round pick was probably a bit too much, but the general manager was optimistic and to his peers was clear: "Harry Osborne is a quarterback project. Looks insanly lowly rated, but had the combine scores of the best QB in the class. Solecismic score and bench press numbers were somewhat disappointing, but otherwise all the signals of being becoming a [starting caliber] quarterback." And rightfully so, back in those days, the Merchantmen had a nose for raw talent.

Osborne had a fine training camp, was amongst the five most improved players of camp, but in that area was in the shadows of fellow rookies guard Julio Ferich and defensive tackle Dwight Hutton. At the same time, the Merchantmen staff was unimpressed by the veteran signing Craig Porter. As a result, Merchantmen management decided that Osborn would be the starting quarterback in the first two pre-season games, back then used to make the younger players accustomed to the team and give them a chance to prove their skills. Osborne threw for 174 and 162 yards and didn't quite show flashes of his supposed running skills.

Although he didn't win the QB2 spot, with the division title locked up and a bye week no longer a possibility, in the last two regular season games of the 2035 season against Iowa and Paris, Osborne got to start both games. In his Oranje Haven debut, he guided the Merchantmen to a 34-17 victory, completing 16 of 25 passes for 181 yards, with 1 touchdown and no turnovers, while running just 4 times for 13 yards. In another run heavy game, he completed 9 of 19 passes for 122 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception at Paris, while also showing his legs with a 17-yard run.

2036, Training camp number two. Story of the off-season was the trade up to pick wide receiver Terry Haskell. A kid that for a long, long time was underrated by the league scouts, but the Merchantmen knew what they were doing, traded a future first round pick to pick him and make the centerpiece of the offense for the next decade and a bit. With Jay McGee just turned 31, there was no real need to think about replacing him, the cohesion boosting Kerry Lewis would be the actual QB2 and Osborne would continue to be seen as the project of the future. Craig Porter didn't make the cut, it was clear that Osborne was given confidence. He had a fine training camp. His pre-season numbers were once again underwhelming, but patience is important with projects. In the regular season, it was Jay McGee's team. Except in week 3, when Osborne was shockingly throw in front of the Tucker Tigers in a loaded Oranje Haven. Osborne completed 20 of 37 passes for 231 yards, with 1 interception, while scrambling 4 times for 26 yards, without getting any first downs.

2037, third training camp. The scouting staff was convinced that Osborne had fully developed and should be considered to be a 18 out of 100 player. Merchantmen management was unimpressed by those reports, claiming to have seen this all before with other promising young players, including the hot up and coming wide receiver Terry Haskell, that the staff had claimed to have reached his potential by then, which he may have, but his statistics were clearly telling that he was much more than a 39 out of 100 graded player. Still, Kerry Lewis was promoted to the pre-season starting role, Osborne's chances to prove himself were limited. By the end of the season, he was still on team, but it was hard to believe he would ever become even the sought after QB2. The foresight for running quarterbacks to become a thing wasn't coming to life either. Patience was crucial.

2038, fourth training camp. The Merchantmen didn't even bother to bring a fourth quarterback to training camp, they were sticking with the threesome of the previous seasons. Osborne was back in action during the first two pre-season games, but once again was held under 200 yards passing. The Merchantmen continued to be the second best team in the conference, behind Jackie Collier and the Tucker Tigers, despite seeing Jay McGee lead them to beating them in week 5 that season, later on crashing at the Tigers in the playoffs. Osborne didn't see the field.

2039, fifth training camp. The Merchantmen brought in two undrafted rookies to challenge Osborne for the third slot in the quarterback group, was this the end? Earl Gretzky was dropped before pre-season, but Marshall Terry did make the pre-season roster. But instead, Kerry Lewis was the pre-season starter. By roster cut day, it was a tough decision, but the Merchantmen went with Osborne over Terry, despite that the latter was considered even more of a possible diamond in the rough project with tremendous upside. The Merchantmen cruised that season, becoming AOC Champions, but losing 23-10 in the IHOF Bowl.

2040, off-season. For the second time in franchise history, team management was struggling with contract negotiations with the starting quarterback, this time Jay McGee. The defending conference champions decided that quarterback was a plug and play position, the management was confident any quarterback could thrive with Terry Haskell and Donald Terry as his sidekicks, leaning on a traditionally strong defense. A former sixth round pick in his 11th season in the league, Stanley Bissel, a backup in Gothenburg the 5 prior seasons, was signed. Rickey McElrath was picked in the fifth round, a quarterback battle was about to emerge. Training camp came and Osborne looked even worse than he did before. But still hoping his less could one day become a thing, he made the pre-season roster, while rookie McElrath was cut. Bissel played with the starters in the first two pre-season games, while Kerry Lewis played with the backups in the second pair of games.

2040, opening week. Stanley Bissel got announced as the new starting quarterback for the Maassluis Merchantmen. Carried by a superior defense, a 20-3 victory in Paris was a welcome confidence booster. Stanley Bissel completed 22 of 34 passes for 235 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Week two, Bissel's offense still. Or not. Bissel got hurt on the first drive and all of a sudden, Harry Osborne was back in action after almost 4 full years of not playing a single down in a real game. With the support cast being all so familiar to him from the training sessions, Osborne completed 30 of 37 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown, guiding his team to a 36-3 victory.

2040, somewhere between week 2 and week 3. The awkward part of things was elsewhere. The Merchantmen had been working on a trade to acquire quarterback Harvey Corbett from the Snapfinger Jazz, their 2037 first round pick. The plan was to make Corbett the starter for week one, but apparently faith determined that it would have to be delayed until the win in Outer Banks. Merchantmen management made no secret of the intentions to release Osborne, but he wasn't to be informed until after completing the trade. The trade was finalized after all, but instead of releasing Osborne, it was the recently injured Stanley Bissel who would go to the injured reserve list. Going with the hot hand, Osborne got the start in the first home game of the season. After a perfect game, completing 24 of 31 passes for 388 yards and 6 touchdowns, Osborne was the new lucky charm, the fans were in love, Jay McGee was already forgotten.

2040, week 9. The Maassluis Merchantmen were red hot, showing a 7-0 record with 165 points scored and just 62 allowed. It was obvious that the Merchantmen weren't exactly winning because of Osborne, though, and the 3 turnovers in the home game against Paris made management decide that despite the winning streak, it was time to bring in the trade acquisition Corbett. In a road game against the 1-6 Houston Mustangs, Corbett lead the Merchantmen to a 38-3 victory, with 5 touchdown passes in his debut game. A week later, Corbett was still the starter, this time in a road game at a struggling Bordeaux, after a 24-17 loss, despite Corbett's decent play. Osborne was brought back in though and after two close home victories, the game of the regular season was dawning.

2040, week 13. Game of the week, if not of the whole regular season was on the schedule: A clash of the titans between the 10-1 Merchantmen and 11-0 Tucker Tigers in Tucker. While Osborne was struggling to connect with Terry Haskell, the Merchantmen defense that had been so impressive so far, had no answer to Jackie Collier and his deep throws. Although he completed only 9 passes to his two main targets, Earl Howard and Wes Banks turned those 9 catches into 261 yards and 4 touchdowns. Osborne still threw for 231 yards, but a career high 3 interceptions were quite the problem. A week later, after the hot hand had finally ran into a loss, it was another switch to Harvey Corbett and this time it resulted in a 38-7 victory over Texas. After a 34-30 loss in Gothenburg, the fans expected to see Osborne return, but Corbett continued to be the starter in the last two regular season games as well. The week 17 game against Bordeaux was kind of meaningless, as the #2 seed was guaranteed behind the 15-0 Tucker Tigers and ahead of the 11-4 Atlanta Vipers, so as the backups played in that final game, seeing Corbett play was seen as a signal that Osborne would be back in action in the playoffs.

2040, divisional round. The #3 seeded Vicksburg Vipers came to Maassluis' Oranje Haven and the home team had decided to make Harvey Corbett their quarterback. It turned into a downright disaster. The Merchantmen defense felt somewhat okay by letting the league best wide receiver Rickey Summers make 6 catches for 91 yards, but the key number of the game and talking point for the fans as well was Corbett's touchdowns and interceptions: 0 versus 4.

2041, off-season. The Merchantmen signed quarterback Skip Perron, but it was actually just to make some fog. The Iowa Cobbers had decided to let Perry Coleman walk into free agency and the Merchantmen snagged him up for a flat 3-year $26M contract. Back then, that was considered a lot of money. The controversy between Corbett and Osborne was over. Although, not entirely as both made the 53-men roster for the regular season. On opening weekend, it became immediately clear that Coleman was the man the Merchantmen had been waiting for as he guided the team to a 55-7 crushing of the Gothenburg Giants. Minor victory was for Osborne as he was the guy thrown in for the fourth quarter and as he threw for 110 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, it was clear that Corbett was effectively out of the picture. In week 16, Coleman and many starters were rested as by then it was already clear that the week 17 game against the Paris Musketeers would be the division championship game. Coleman was picked off 3 times, Paris won 24-5 and ended the European domination of the Merchantmen. In the wild card round, Coleman was stuck in a barnburner and saw his defense not come through. With a 35-34 loss at the Toronto Lake Monsters, the 2041 season ended long before the conference championship game.

2042, week 1. The Merchantmen cut back from 4 to 3 quarterbacks. Despite Corbett's display of superior passing skills, on the training field and in scouting reports, he was the one released, meaning Osborne would make the regular season for the 8th season in succession. And he was needed as well as Perry Coleman got hurt against Bordeaux in the first quarter of that week 1 game. Osborne came in to complete 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns, also running for 54 yards. Despite the solid 27-6 win, Osborne's magic wasn't all that obvious anymore. With Coleman out, Osborne started the next three games and the Merchantmen lost all three.

2042, week 7. After Coleman's return, the Merchantmen tried to recover, but as he got injured again, the Merchantmen needed Osborne to close out the home game at the Toronto Lake Monsters. Both teams wasted opportunities to claim victory late in the game, but lo and behold, trailing by 4 points, a hail mary was required to save the game and Osborne completed the 32-yard pass to tight end Irving Clark to bring the Merchantmen back to 3-3. A week later, he would pull a Corbett, throwing 4 interceptions without a touchdown, but in a 20-7 win over the Harlem Apollos, Osborne played better and handed the team back to Coleman with a 4-4 record. After a 5-game winning streak, Coleman got his team to the top of the division, but a 21-15 loss at home to Gothenburg flipped things around, meaning for the second season in a row the Merchantmen lost a division championship deciding week 17 clash. A rematch in the wild card round in Gothenburg saw the Merchantmen fall 20-13.

2043, off-season. The Merchantmen realized that Perry Coleman was as brittle as Rusty Harrison once was and still thinking the '40s will become a running quarterbacks era, they made undrafted rookie Malik Weaver their 4th quarterback for the regular season. Part of it being the expectation to see Coleman get hurt again and actually needing that 4th quarterback to get through the season. Osborne held on to the QB2 role, but as Coleman for a change went through a full season without issues, nobody else threw a pass all season.

2044, training camp. Harry Osborne was reported amongst the players losing a step. But despite all that, the Merchantmen management decided to keep on to him, but also the other three quarterbacks: fragile veteran Perry Coleman, young Malik Weaver and cohesion bomb emergency quarterback Kerry Lewis.

2044, regular season. The inevitable happened: Perry Coleman got hurt in week 3 and Osborne was forced into action to salvage a victory against the Fort Wayne Fury. A week later, Osborne was the starter at home against the Tucker Tigers and as per usual struggled to get the ball into the end zone against the toughest team to beat in the league. Apparently the 38-3 manhandling was enough is enough. In week 4 against the Augusta Greenjackets, Malik Weaver got thrown out there. It wasn't all bad, but 3 interceptions and 1 fumble, while getting sacked 6 times, he wasn't able to overcome the 26-20 loss. Osborne was back in action in week 7, throwing for 219 yards and a touchdown without interception, but unable to avoid 31-27 loss in Paris. A week later, Osborne struggled, despite leading the team to a 19-3 victory at home. In week 9, Weaver was back in action, completing 18 of 25 passes for 335 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, leaning heavily on Terry Haskell's 9 catches for 238 yards in a 27-14 win at Bordeaux. Osborne was not to return to action anymore. But neither was Coleman, the Merchantmen were riding on Weaver for the rest of the season. The Merchantmen flipflopped from solid victories to close losses, resulting in a very positive points margin, but being eliminated from the playoffs before the last game of the season. Weaver got the start and Perry Coleman actually saw some garbage time action in a big loss at Paris.

2045, off-season. The Merchantmen traded up for the #1 overall pick and selected quarterback Bryson Chow. Shortly after that decision, Osborne was released, long before training camp. He did go to training camp with the Oakland Black Panthers and made the team as a mentoring veteran to the young third round project quarterback Mel Briggs. The Merchantmen decided that Perry Coleman could fill that role to Bryson Chow.

2046 and beyond. Perry Coleman retired after seeing action for the Merchantmen in 4 more games to fill-in for an injured Chow. Malik Weaver wasn't re-signed in the 2046 off-season and out of football by the 2047 off-season. As was Kerry Lewis, he retired in the 2047 off-season after 18 seasons and 287 games played. Osborne retired in the 2048 off-season. Bryson Chow ended up being the best running quarterback in Merchantmen history, going into the Hall of Fame, like his mentor Coleman and the only other Merchantmen #1 overall pick Russell Harrison, but not becoming the phenomenal records breaking passer everybody expected him to become based on his rookie profile. Chow would live up to the expectations that the 2040s would see the rise of a running quarterback in Maassluis. Although, Chow turned out to be ahead of his time, as the real rise in the IHOF for running quarterbacks wouldn't really come until the 2060s. Chow ran for 4,872 yards and 25 touchdowns, with 5.6 yards per carry. Osborne ran for 413 yards and 5 touchdowns, with 3.8 yards per carry.

So, back to the original question: what would have happened had Harry Osborne given the start in week 19 of the 2040 season? It's impossible to tell. In the end he never even went on the field for the Merchantmen during a playoffs game to prove what he can do under that kind of pressure. But popular belief is still that he would have done a better job than Harvey Corbett and had given the Vipers a run for their money. But if somehow he would have guided the Merchantmen to victory, they would have still been second-best of the Jackie Collier era, having ran into his Tucker Tigers. In 2040 Collier and his team were on a mission, losing only their week 17 game when backups filled in after having already secured home field advantage. The Tigers crushed the Vipers 36-10 in the 2040 AOC Championship game and went on to a classic bowl game, as the Tigers won IHOF Bowl XXXVII against the Chicago Norsemen in overtime: 43-37.

MIJB#19

08-06-2020, 05:05 PM

Sheldon joins ranks of division winning Merchantmen quarterbacks
In the recently finished 2091 regular season, Moe Sheldon posted better passing numbers than many of his predecessors. It was back in 2078 when a previous Merchantmen starting quarterback had a better passer rating than Sheldon's 94.6 figure. With a 10-3-1 record as a starter this season, improving it to 22-19-1 in four seasons for the Merchantmen, Sheldon can claim to be the division winning quarterback this season. With that, he joins an illustrious list, lead by Lester Lowe, the winningest quarterback in Merchantmen history.

<table border=1><tr><td>titles<td>name<td>div title years<td>W-L record<td>other
<tr><td>5<td>Lester Lowe<td>2057-'61<td>89-40 (6-5)<td>Bowl loser '57, '60
<tr><td>5<td>Alfred Hickman<td>2065-'68, '71<td>83-41-1 (7-6)<td>Bowl winner '66
<tr><td>4<td>Russell "Rusty" Harrison<td>2023*, '25, '27-'28<td>85-71-1 (3-5)<td>
<tr><td>4<td>Jay McGee<td>2035, '37-'39<td>91-54 (5-5)<td>Bowl loser '39
<tr><td>4<td>Bryson Chow<td>2046-'48, '53<td>116-86-1 (6-5)<td>
<tr><td>4<td>Ellis McAlister<td>2079, '85-87<td>86-67 (4-6)<td>
<tr><td>3<td>Louie Flannery<td>2007-'08, '11<td>115-102 (2-4)<td>
<tr><td>1<td>Patrick McDonnell<td>2024*<td>14-6 (0-1)<td>
<tr><td>1<td>Harry Osborne<td>2040*<td>10-10 (n/a)<td>
<tr><td>1<td>Robbie Rhoades<td>2070<td>11-6 (0-1)<td>
<tr><td>1<td>Bennett Morris<td>2078<td>13-6 (2-1)<td>
<tr><td>1<td>Moe Sheldon<td>2091<td>22-19-1 (n/a)<td>still active</table>Win-loss records including playoffs, in brackets record just in the playoffs.
* Harrison started 9 games in 2023, McDonnell 7.
McDonnell started 8 games in 2024, Guthrie 5, South 2, Harrison 1.
Osborne started 8 games in 2040, Corbett 6, Bissel 2.

Quarterbacks with 8 or more starts without division titles.
<table border=1><tr><td>titles<td>names<td>W-L record<td>other
<tr><td>0<td>Perry Coleman<td>35-18 (1-3)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>Erick Loera<td>17-16 (0-1)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>Winston Buckner<td>10-6 (n/a)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>Brandon Bell<td>9-9 (n/a)<td>still active
<tr><td>0<td>Robbie Howe<td>8-8 (n/a)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>Harvey Corbett<td>4-3 (0-1)<td>*
<tr><td>0<td>Sammy Erickson<td>7-9 (n/a)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>Malik Weaver<td>4-6 (n/a)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>Leonard Lyon<td>3-6 (n/a)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>Everett "Going" South<td>2-7 (n/a)<td>
<tr><td>0<td>"Fumblin'" Justin McDavid<td>6-18 (n/a)<td></table>Win-loss records including playoffs games, in brackets record just in the playoffs.
* Harrison started 9 games in 2023, McDonnell 7.
McDonnell started 8 games in 2024, Guthrie 5, South 2, Harrison 1.
Osborne started 8 games in 2040, Corbett 6, Bissel 2.

Records for quarterbacks with less than 8 starts: Stanley Bissel 2-0, Marc Sherman 3-2, Jermaine Guthrie 3-2, Kerry Lewis 1-0, Hardy Banks 1-0, Brett Robins 1-0, Ernest Andrews 1-0, Richard Bell 1-2, Craig Porter 0-1, Calvin Snider 0-1, Donovan Johnstone 0-2, Thad Pilkington 0-3, Francisco Farley (still active) 0-4.

MIJB#19

08-10-2020, 05:12 PM

General Manager Notes: Tomorrow...
Tomorrow...

We'll continue, tomorrow. And we'll be facing the Orlando Talons. Unsurprisingly, it would have been unrewarding had they lost at the North Plainfield Plague though. Elsewhere in the conference, the Paris Musketeers also made the best of their wild card and as a result we'll see crossed matchups between the European and Southeast division champions and runners up. In the other conference, the four remaining teams are the four division champions.

Orlando lost in Gothenburg last season in the conference semi finals, in 2089 they won the IHOF Bowl out of the #2 seed, in 2088 they lost in Gothenburg and in 2087 they lost the conference final after beating us in our most recent playoffs game. We also met them in 2085, that time we upset #1 seeded Orlando in their place in the conference semifinals.

Other things that sports journalists love to dig up, but that have basically zero effect on tomorrow's game? We won the last three home games in the playoffs, our last loss at home was in 2079, then we we're the #2 seeds and lost against the #3 seeded Toronto Lake Monsters. All-time we're 19-17 in playoffs games in Oranje Haven, but we're actually 3-6 as #2 seeds in the conference semifinals, we've got quite the reputation of going one and done out of this slot.

Yeah, we've had plenty of that kind of bad luck in the past. Let's go out there and make things happen, team. Clarence Gore for team MVP? You can do this, kid!

MIJB#19

08-11-2020, 12:18 PM

Merchantmen reach Conference Final
The Maassluis Merchantmen have reached the AOC Championship game. The #2 seeded Merchantmen beat the wild card Orlando Talons 27-20 in Oranje Haven to set up for a classic matchup with the Tucker Tigers.

The Maassluis Merchantmen have regrouped well. After losing their week 16 and 17 regular season games, fear was they had fallen into a losing streak. But with the return of many key starters, including quarterback Moe Sheldon, the team was clicking again. With the Orlando Talons being a tough wild card opponent with their 11-5 regular season record, the Merchantmen knew this could be a coin flip game. And it turned out to be as such.

The first quarter saw Orlando kick field goals twice, while the Merchantmen did finish their best drive with a touchdown from Francisco Patter for a 7-6 lead. After Maassluis had taken a 10-6 lead through, Orlando finally got the ball in the end zone. But the Merchantmen responded with an efficiently timed drive, scoring the go ahead touchdown with 11 seconds to go as Moe Sheldon found George Stuckey for the 17-13 half time lead.

The third quarter saw Maassluis increase their lead to 20-13, then both defense pull of three and out, then Orlando tying the score after a 66-yard drive. Leaning heavily on rookie tight end Clarence Gore as the top receiver and the sublime running tandem Patter and Thongchanh, the Merchantmen drove downfield late in the third quarter and took a 27-20 lead on another Moe Sheldon to George Stuckey pass. Orlando was stopped quickly, Maassluis near midfield and Orlando then pinned deep. With a strong drive, the Talons drove into the Merchantmen red zone, but a touchdown got called back for holding and two plays later, Brandon Brady made a key pass defense action to turn the ball over after a fourth down attempt. With less than 3 minutes to go, the Merchantmen offense went into clock draining mode and gave Orlando the ball back with 65 seconds to go and no more time outs. The Merchantmen pass rush then finally woke up and with three straight hurried passes, it was up to Moe Sheldon to knee drop to the 27-20 victory.

A quality game of football, where both offenses had the edge on their opponents, but the Merchantmen made the key stops when it really counted. But perhaps more crucial was Maassluis' much more efficient running game, as Francisco Patter and Reggie Thongchanh combined for 156 yards with a 5.4 average per carry. Moe Sheldon completed 19 of 27 passes for 195 yards, with 2 touchdown passes to George Stuckey. Rookie Clarence Gore had a team high 6 catches for 67 yards.

Next stop for the Merchantmen: Venable Stadium, home of the Tucker Tigers. Albeit a classic matchup, it was back in 2057 these two teams met in the AOC Championship game. Back then, the Merchantmen upset the #1 seeded Tigers. Back in 2039, the previous conference final before that, the #2 seeded Merchantmen also won on the road. Both times, the Merchantmen eventually lost in the IHOF Bowl. Back in 2068 was the last time these two met in the playoffs, the Tigers then won in the wild card round in Oranje Haven. The Tigers also won in Maassluis in 2061 in the conference semifinals, while the Merchantmen won in Tucker in 2060. The last time the home team in this matchup won in the playoffs was all the way back in 2038, when the #2 seeded Merchantmen visited the #1 seeded Tigers in the AOC Championship game. All in all, one way or another, history will have to repeat.

MIJB#19

08-12-2020, 11:32 AM

General Manager Notes: It wasn't meant to be
Unfortunately.

The choice of word is peculiar here. My grandfather's last name translates to "fortune", but literally translating "unfortunately" back from English to Dutch, it doesn't feel like the words are the same. Despite that, I feel like today I didn't have the fortune my grandmother ones told me he had. To win her over, he had to try really hard, she turned him down, but he didn't give up. She told me about that during a period of heartbrokenness, it was more than a decade after he died, and about decade before they were reunited. She then was the one person in the world most strongly believing in me to be able to get things right, just like she had done before during my darkest years. Grandmothers can be like that, give their grandchildren a feeling they are special, in this case it helped me restore faith, or the very least, in rough times I think of her wise words. Was I really special to her? I bet all nine of her children, kids-in-law, dozens of grandchildren and significant others and their children, all had a special place in her hart.

Surely, this doesn't mean anything about today's AOC Championship game, because in the end, I'm not the one on the field, it's the 46 players that were drafted or signed as a free agent. Freaky enough, there are no players on roster that were technically acquired through trade, although several of those taken in the draft were the actual outcome of a trade. It does matter for what happened a couple hours after the game, but sometimes you have to realize that although the universe keeps giving signals that are too absurd to not have an underlying meaning, they can turn out to not mean fortune is written in the stars.

Back to the game, perhaps not an instaclassic, but at the same time the Merchantmen today put up a fight at the Tucker Tigers and showed the resilience to not give up when trailing 27-3 shortly before half time. But, the 30-23 final score wasn't going to be changed in the last drive that could have given us, the Merchantmen, a chance to ty it up and force overtime. We only have ourselves to blame for throwing short when we need 65 yards to go from the end zone. We didn't show the courage for a hail mary pass. Our fourth down attempt with 12 seconds to go was half-assed, too wimpy to get anything achieved.

So, after a strong season, with the discovery of a fifth round rookie tight end, the reward for keeping faith in a veteran quarterback that just needed a couple of seasons to get accustomed to the environment (4 interceptions in 16 games remains to be impressive). It also made clear that after three years of hope, it was time to give up on Brandon Bell and move on. Sure, we won't show him the door right away next off-season, we still need a kick holder, preferable one that knows the franchise inside out, but franchise quarterback, apparently he's not. At least Bell has that. And we'll have a chance to build on this better than expected comeback to the elite season, hope to find the cap space to keep this core together for another season and see where a cohesive team can go.

Heartbroken? I think I am, but not willing to admit yet. I've played this part in this kind of movie before, except this wasn't a movie, it was real life, no nightmare to wake up from, just "it's not going to happen". Time to get this ship back on the ocean and set sail for new opportunities, learn from the experiences, or try to make note of what may have gone differently. But sometimes the stars appear to be aligning, but the most important one appears to be slightly off, but far enough to have things fail.

Some day, or more, in the future I'll look back on this day and remember that sometimes taking the efforts isn't enough, but I can't say there was no attempt to go for it. The other side of the story remains true: after bad luck in the past, it's good to come close and feel alive, knowing dreams can almost happen. Apparently not today. But tomorrow it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life, for me, and I'm feeling good.

MIJB#19

08-14-2020, 10:42 AM

General Manager Notes: 2092, a new beginning?
Continuation is the goal.

Yes, 2091 was a fine season. "Good" would also qualify. It wasn't great, for that more would have had to happen. But overall, I think we played 12-4 kind of football. The results in the playoffs were a reason to think the regular season wasn't a complete fluke.

But, as usual with good seasons, the follow up season will start with a for us usual cap hell situation. Of the 32 teams in the league, 28 are neatly $22M or more under the cap. Houston is $16M over, North Plainfield $33M, Fort Wayne $40M over and we are once again the masterpiece at $110M over the cap. That figure includes draft picks, technically we're $84M over the cap, but with 43 players signed, our draft situation with an additional 1st and 2nd round pick make our incoming picks count up to $26M.

A result of trade, we're holding both the 1.29 and 1.30 picks. We 'earned' that #29 overall by making it to the AOC Championship game, the #30 overall obviously comes from the NAC runners up, the Oakland Black Panthers, who came of a league best 14-2 regular season, tied with the eventual IHOF Bowl winning Tucker Tigers. We're drafting at the #29 spot in every round because of that, but result of another trade, we're also holding the Moontown Darksiders 1.27 pick.

But back to the cap situation, how dire is it? We'll find out after having spoken with all the key players. It's reasonable to think we won't get by without making a tough decision or two, but for now I'm still optimistic we'll be able to salvage this group of players.

One player that won't be returning is defensive end Andy Russell. After 10 seasons of service he decided to step away from football. Quite a bummer, he's been healthy throughout his career, never missed a game since we picked him in the 2082 draft in the fifth round. Yeah, he's one of our many fifth round projects that worked out. In those 160 regular season and 11 playoffs games, we've mostly made him part of the rotation. With 53.5 sacks, 127 hurries, 31 blocked passes, he ranks 11th, 14th and 14th all-time for our franchise.

Other former Merchantmen retiring are kicker Chance Arnold (3rd round pick in 2080, we let him walk as a free agent after 4 seasons), tight end Miles Barker (undrafted rookie in 2084, 4 years of service with us, being a starter in 2085, a season where we lost in the conference final) and wide receiver Tracy Arntt (7th round pick in 2088, with 3 seasons on roster as a special teamer and backup kickoff returner).

On the opposite of things, sort of, by virtue of not participating in the IHOF Bowl, we were allowed to sign a bunch of free agents, making them technically part of our end of season roster. Six of seven were rookies that we released in pre-season, the seventh a quarterback named Nate Marek, that went undrafted in 2091 and didn't make his way to a pre-season roster. He had a decent Solecismic Score (35), very high scramble frequency, excellent timing and apparently is an elite kick holder (Brandon Bell, watch out!). Which six players returned to the Merchantmen roster? Seventh round quarterback Bert Martin, sixth round running back Patrick Joseph, fullback Tracy Rhodes, center Brady Burke, defensive end Trent Donovan and linebacker Van Bertolone.

With those 7 guys added, that means we go into the off-season with no less than 10 restricted free agents. That means 3 guys were on roster, being now second year pro special teamer/linebacker Trenton Prescott, special teamer/safety Jon Brotzman and guard Marvin Silvan, who became a starter for us last season due to injuries. If their demands are right, we'll certainly want to bring them back. Brotzman is a starting caliber free safety, if we can limit his action to formations with 3 or more receivers. Silvan had impressive numbers for a replacement guy with 15 key run blocks and 3 sacks allowed in 12 starts. Prescott might be expendable, he was active in just 1 game.

Six players are true free agents this off-season. Tight end Sherman Bridges is unlikely to return, we signed him primarily to mentor Clay Gaynor and hung around for a second season to also mentor Clarence Gore: a job well done! Running back Asher Ford s worth re-signing for that special teams role, as is linebacker Alec Palmer. Backup left tackle Myron Hamilton fell flat when he got a chance to fill in, we can say he's not the kind of left tackle we're used to have. Center Jared Labbe wants to leave the team badly, demanding a trade after not getting a chance to fill injured Butch Pearson's spot on the line; his stint in Maassluis wil end after 6 seasons of exceeding expectations of an undrafted rookie. Last, but not least, defensive tackle A.J. Ritt has 8 seasons of service and last season I decided it was a good idea to increase the roles of our backup defensive tackles to keep the two starters from getting exhausted.

But for now it's waiting to see what we can do with our cap situation. After having explored that, we'll take a look at the for now unknown draft class. And after that, well, the circle of life in football continues with a look at players that might hold out (I'm afraid quarterback Moe Sheldon wants a raise), etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

2091 was good, let's make 2092 even better.

MIJB#19

08-15-2020, 05:30 PM

General Manager Notes: Quarterback money...
You guessed it: Moe Sheldon wants to get paid.

Okay, we have early free agency to make him an offer and lock him up, or hope for the best to not see him go into holdout mode in late free agency. Regardless, Moe Sheldon is on the last year of contract, is probably seen as useless by about 31 of the other 31 franchises, but Sheldon has decided that now he's worth $35M. That would be fine, had we had cap room. But we don't. We're projected at $108M over the cap.

We've talked with all the players and the early estimation is that we'll be $15M short after renegotiations with everybody on roster. That would leave no cap space for the restricted free agents and too little to afford the 8 of 9 draft picks that will count towards the cap for roughly $25M. So yes, we can get under, but will still be projected to be over after filling the roster.

Thing is, we've been here before, over and over and over and over again. Russell Harrison, Jay McGee, Alfred Hickman and Ellis McAlister all were fine quarterbacks, 'franchise quarterbacks' in the eyes of most. But we cut or traded all these names at some point during their careers because I chose to go with the other positions and not that particular QB. I think it backfired in most of those situations, except maybe Harrison's, as we traded for McGee that time.

Thankfully we renegotiated with Sheldon before he had his career year, meaning we have him under contract, but a hold out is too likely to happen, that we have to realize we'll have to find an additional $25M if we want to keep our quarterback. And that will most likely mean sacrificing the surplus of draft picks (our first and second round duos are already on the block), but we'll have to make some tough decisions with veteran backups that are much more expensive than second year minimum salary.

So... Another interesting off-season. Stay tuned...

MIJB#19

08-17-2020, 02:02 PM

General Manager Notes: The Bell experiment is over
He was released today.

We're working our way to getting under the salary cap. 15 players signed a new contract, at the end of the day, we improved our cap situation by about $66M. About $7.5M of that was opened up after we released our backup quarterback Brandon Bell. Yup, he's out of here with a 9-9 record, 3,632 yards, 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions.

Was Bell's release result of our craptastic play in his seasons as our starter? Not really, things went downhill in his second season, in which he was the premier backup. But, my faith in him becoming a starting caliber quarterback ran out. Well, not for the full 100%, but time was running out. We do need to find a way to get Moe Sheldon happy and to sign a new deal, or we'll be all the way back to Francisco Farley...

On a long term scale, we're talking about a quarterback that came out of his rookie training camp scouted as a 50 out of 100, which in the IHOF is a starting caliber quarterback. But rather quickly, the staff felt that he was more of a "37" and that quite simply didn't change, at all. But Ellis McAlister? No comparison. McAlister came out of rookie camp as a "35" and improved season after season, peaking at "60" in his 11th(!) season. It didn't mean McAlister sucked all that time, we just hadn't figured out that he was starting caliber.

Which given Bell's statistics should make you think we could have given him the benefit of doubt after what has been an acceptable sample size. Bell also showed he can run, when needed. And fumble after getting sacked, which accumulated to the number of turnovers. Yes, it's safe to say I was done with his fumbling, pretending to be (or more correctly, to me looking like he was any good), but I was looking though the rosy glasses, a tainted look. And now, there's no return, he's out.

It also means we'll soon be offering a contract to our two restricted free agent quarterbacks. One of them should be a decent kick holder to replace Bell, no?

Elsewhere, we're trying to trade away our first and second round draft picks. Is the draft class void of talent? Not quite, I think I've seen about 10 or so really good players that would be in our team's top 3 in raw talent, but maintaining the guys we have is the way to go. I have one particular player that we interviewed and is a guy that should last way beyond the first round, providing no other GM is seeing what I'm seeing. Or better yet, my coordinator is seeing, he's convinced the kid is very underrated.

So much for that now. Tomorrow we hope to be under the cap and get stuff going.

MIJB#19

08-18-2020, 03:12 PM

Merchantmen pick CB Matthews, TE Velazquez in first round
The Maassluis Merchantmen have selected cornerback Aidan Matthews and tight end Derrick Velazquez with their pair of first round picks in the 2092 IHOF draft. The Merchantmen had tried to move these picks, but eventually decided to hold on to them and pick what they felt were the two best players left from the player pool. Immediately after, they traded their pair of second round picks, as well as their third, fourth and fifth round picks for a second and fifth round pick next draft from Moontown and that team's sixth and seventh rounders this draft.

Aidan Matthews ranked third in this class amongst cornerbacks, with a stellar 6.5 grade and had respectable combine scores. The West Virginia graduate wasn't interviewed by the Merchantmen, but their staff report that Matthews was considered the best man to man and bump and run defender of this class, with decent zone defense, interceptions skills and endurance. It comes as a surprise as the Merchantmen are trying hard to extend the contracts of their outstanding cornerback duo of Kirk Hitchcock and Jackie Richardson. Combined with last season's first round rookie Devon Farrell, this should be a superb secondary.

Tight end Derrick Velazquez was an even bigger surprise as the 5.9 graded Oklahoma State alumni joins a crowded tight end group in Maassluis. Possibly undersized with his 6'1" height, the Merchantmen staff found him an underrated player and are confident he'll be a very good blocker with decent receiving skills. It remains to be seen how he can be used with the likes of Clay Gaynor and Clarence Gore already on roster, while run blockers Jeffery Blake and Renaldo Crawford are highly respected by the staff.

Merchantmen management has openly advertised the two players' availability for trade, as the Merchantmen are in their usual cap troubles and have been open about trying to maintain their roster as closely to last season's as possible. Neither of these rookies would fit into a starting role right away, unless the team plans on trading players at their position, or just picking these rookies as placeholding merchandise.

MIJB#19

08-20-2020, 10:47 AM

General Manager Notes: Cap space!
We did it!

Okay, we're not quite there yet, there's still a mountain to climb, I suspect, but getting under the cap is a key step to make. The cap calculation Solecismic software doesn't really help us, it miscalculates the effect that incoming draft picks have on the actual situation, but I think I'm in control. As of today, we've got 47 players under contract and 6 incoming draft picks, which means we'd be at the 53 players signed and with cap actually calculated at the top 51 salaries. It also means we have a bit of leeway to throw some minimum contract offers to free agents in the last free agency stage.

And then there's the Moe Sheldon situation. After years of backup role and money, he's expecting us to give him starter money. Frankly, he's a starting quarterback in talent (roughly 25th best or so in the league), but last season he played at pro bowl level, had there actually been such a thing. The situation is simply: he's signed for a $9.02M salary with a $4.04M prorated signing bonus. His demands are a new deal with a $19.54M salary this season, and a $20.4M signing bonus for a 2-year deal, which adds up to a cap figure of $33.78M this season. Our cap situation? Technically $11.35M under the cap, but after draft picks have been added we'll be $3.84M over the cap, so that's something we still need to find. And there's only 6 players left where we can find cap space with a restructured deal or downright release, one of those six being Sheldon. Two more if you include the possibility of trading either of our first round picks.

A hold out from Sheldon would be a worst case situation.

Other than that, it's been somewhat of a dull off-season. A lot of players signed new contracts. We had one release (Brandon Bell) and today signed 5 restricted free agents, safety Jon Bozeman the most important one, but we also signed linebacker/special teamer Trenton Prescott and three of the late season signings in quarterbacks Bert Martin and Nate Marek, and defensive end Trent Donovan.

Conclusion of the day remains: we're coming close, but are not quite there yet.

MIJB#19

08-21-2020, 07:38 AM

Merchantmen trade rights to TE Velazquez
Rookie tight end Derrick Velazquez won't be joining the Maassluis Merchantmen, the 1.30 pick in the 2092 has been traded to the Bordeaux Vineyards. Moving the other way is left tackle Chase Springer, a fifth year veteran, a backup for four seasons in Bordeaux. The Merchantmen claim that the cap situation are part of the decision, Velazquez' contract was due to count $5.79M against the cap. Springer is on a one-year contract with a $3.05M salary. The Merchantmen also receive Bordeaux' second round pick in the 2093 draft, while a fifth round pick from Moontown goes the other way.

The Merchantmen are still open about their intentions to trade the rights to the 1.29 pick (cornerback Aidan Matthews) as well. Reports are that several teams showed interest, but none are willing to pay the increased demands of the Merchantmen management to receive a first round pick in return.

MIJB#19

08-21-2020, 06:38 PM

General Manager Notes: What a draft!
Two sixth round picks, yay.

Wait, what happened to the two first and two second round picks? There were nine picks in total. Didn't you pick a cornerback and a tight end late in the first round. Yes, we did. And both got traded, the #29 overall pick (CB Aidan Matthews) at about the last second before the draft finished and the signing bonus would have been on us, making a trade no longer worth the troubles. And yes, I gave away the pair of seventh round picks that we still had as well.

A bizar change of events took place, as far as I'm concerned. Three teams showed interest in Aidan Matthews. The first was Bordeaux, we traded tight end Derrick Velazquez to them and received their backup left tackle in return. The second was the team we ended up exchanging the seventh round picks to (North Plainfield). The third team I'll leave anonymus, but that's the team where we actually had back and forth offers that by (bad) luck of timing eventually didn't go through. I lined up the addition of a backup center and guard, already having the deal for the seventh round picks in place, but as I missed the message from the other team about trading Matthews and the clock ran out on us for the sixth round picks, by the time I saw the counter offer, we had two rookie offensive linemen eager to join us. End of the day, Matthews went to Bordeaux rather than to the other conference for a pair of quality backup veteran linemen.

So it goes.

The best news of the day? Moe Sheldon is loyal, he won't hold out. Good for you! it means we'll get around the table after the first pre-season series to see if we can find a new contract for him to assure his services for the 2093 season as well as the upcoming 2092 season.

Our cap situation is still very tight. We're $2.08M under the cap, with 53 players signed. It means we have some room to make bids to free agents, especially some undrafted rookies, but it's likely that the other vulturing teams out there will scoop our targets up.

Moe Sheldon isn't the only player in his contract year. We'll have a bunch of important guys due to become a free agent in the 2093 off-season: backup quarterback Francisco Farley, running back tandem Francisco Patter and Reggie Thongchanh, tight end Jeffery Blake, wide receiver Harris Wilkerson, center Butch Pearson, recently acquired tackle Chase Springer, punter Doug Guynes, defensive tackler Darien Fletcher and cornerback Jessie McNeil. Less of an issue are the potential restricted free agents.

Oh, rookies? We picked guard Hayden Gaylor and center Lewis Azzolini in the sixth round. Gaylor is the type of linemen that in the late 40s, and the 50s and 60s would be considered a 'creeper': strong with stamina, but seemingly with little upside in blocking technique. Azzolini is primarily a run blocker, in potential and as the staff assesses now, no upgrade over trade demanding Jared Labbe. Bringing back Brady Burke might have been a good decision here.

Speaking of bringing back, aside from Burke, we also re-signed special teams running back Asher Ford and special teams linebacker Alec Palmer.

So, what's next? The same old:
* sign undrafted rookies
* training camp
* trim down to 60-men pre-season roster
* await the flabbergasting reassessments of players between our pre-season games
* make contract extensions to potential free agents, unless I feel we can run the risk of letting become that and feel good about winning a bidding war
* trim down to 53-men
* have a great regular season
* surprise the league in the playoffs
* be amazed about how quickly we've arrived at the new off-season

But once more and quickly back to the two main events, how do I feel about those? I feel okay about trading the first round picks for a triplet of future second round picks. Was I convinced these two rookies would be any good or would suck? You can never know. Our staff was positive about the tight end, we didn't interview the cornerback, but he looked like a real shut-down corner to be. Sending them to a division rival is very tricky. But the best news is Sheldon not holding out, which means we've got his services for the 2092 season, bar injury. The cap situation means we probably can't afford a contract extension for him, but you never know what creative offers and unexpected cap space moves will be made.

For now, I'm cautiously optimistic about bringing back an overwhelmingly high majority of the players that made it to the AOC Championship game last season. Best case scenario, Andy Russell and Brandon Bell will turn out to be the only departing players, but realistically we'll be down about 5 players.

And one potentially departure could be last season's high second round pick wide receiver Rickey Lyle, as trade talks for him have been on hiatus, but very serious. It might be a good idea to put him on the block and see what the best offer is we can get. Or determine whether the best deal is "no deal" and we should keep him to become our new WR2 or WR3, ahead of the likes of Sandlin, Wilkerson and Stuckey.

So, plenty of decisions to make in the next couple of days, that's for sure!

MIJB#19

08-22-2020, 05:41 AM

General Manager Notes: Not much of a draft, 'ey?
That's what you get for dealing picks.

Okay, that's easy to say and all, but what value did I get out of this 2092 draft by pretty much trading out?
<table border =1><tr><td>pick<td>received<td>notes
<tr><td>1.29<td><table border=0><tr><td>2094 2nd BOR<tr><td>trade up from 2093 4th to 2nd TUC</table><td>
<tr><td>1.30<td>2093 2nd BOR<td>bonus pick from 2091 trade
<tr><td>2.27<td>LT Chase Springer<td>part of trade 2.29 for 2093 2nd MOO, turned into 5th MOO, which was traded for Springer
<tr><td>2.29<td>2093 2nd MOO<td>bonus pick from 2091 trade
<tr><td>3.29<td>G Hayden Gaylor<td>part of trade 2.29 for 2093 2nd MOO, turned into 6.27 that was used on Gaylor
<tr><td>4.29<td>2093 6th NPL<td>part of trade 2.29 for 2093 2nd MOO, turned into 7.28, then traded 2093 6th NPL
<tr><td>5.29<td>nothing<td>part of trade 2.29 for 2093 2nd MOO
<tr><td>6.29<td>C Lewis Azzolini<td>
<tr><td>7.29<td>nothing<td>part of trade 7.28 for 2093 6th NPL
</table>
So, at the end of the draft week, we:
* turned the bonus 1st into a 2nd next draft
* turned the bonus 2nd into a 2nd next draft
* turned our 1st into Bordeaux' 2nd two drafts away, traded up from 4th to (late) 2nd in the next draft
* turned our 2nd into a 2nd next draft
* turned our 3rd-7th into a veteran backup LT, rookie G, rookie C and 6th next draft

And if you still lost track on that second attempt, here's attempt #3: our 2092 draft resulted in three backup linemen and four extra 2nd round picks in the next drafts (3x 2093, 1x 2094).

It may sound like we lost here or there, but this off-season getting under the cap was more vital than replacing the less than a dozen players that we'll be losing.

* So far we lost our QB2 Brandon Bell, but I feel safe to replace him with Francisco Farley and give kick holding duties to one of the 2nd year guys Bert Martin or Nate Marek.

* We lost rotation DE Andy Russell (we can either yank up playing time for the other 3 guys, or squeeze in the new guy Trent Donovan. DT A.J. Ritt is out of contract, I'd like to bring him back, but cap space is a real issue here, we'll try to bring in a young free agent or two as an insurance. All in all, last season we rotated 8 guys on the OL, maintaining enough depth to keep them fresh is a goal for late free agency and pre-season.

* Our backups on the O-line are all likely to depart. C Jared Labbe won't come back, hence we drafted Azzolini, but may go with 2nd year Brady Burke. LT Myron Hamilton will be replaced with LT Chase Springer. And G Marvin Silvan will be attempted to bring back, but probably will be replaced by drafted Haden Gaylor. In case of injuries, keeping Silvan would be crucial, if we go free of that, it'll be a non-issue.

* TE5/mentor Sherman Bridges won't re-sign with us, which opens up the 53rd roster spot. For now have no idea how to use it. I was ready to give it to CB Matthews (pick 1.29) or TE Velazquez (pick 1.30), but since we traded both to Bordeaux, I hope to be able to be flexible with our last roster spot. Most likely it'll be a project player, yet to be discovered in the undrafted rookies player pool with as much upside as the 16 guys on roster that we picked up as undrafted rookies after the previous 6 drafts. Maybe one of the guys that I was eyeing with the late 7th round picks...

So, all in all, that sounds like we'll be replacing 7 players this off-season. That's almost like what a true Merchantmen off-season would look like: keep all the guys on roster and replace the retired and guys with the least upside with 7 rookies. Cohesion should be moving up again, close to, if not back to being top of the league in that area. In that regard, it's going to be crucial to see what happens with Moe Sheldon, 5th year on team now. I'd like to squeeze in more playing time for 2nd year WR Rickey Lyle, but between 3rd year George Stuckey, 2nd year TE Clarence Gore and 3rd year Clay Gaynor, the true cohesion relies on 11th year WR Theodore Bondy, our 5th year backup tight ends Jeffery Blake and Renaldo Crawford, and 6th year WR Branden Sandlin.

Speaking Sandlin, he signed a pretty expensive new 5-year contract in Maassluis, which in the short terms (say, next 3 seasons), means we can't cut him without a dead cap hit that will nullify of the base salary. We'll have to consider whether 2 catches per game really is worth a $10M cap hit, the option of releasing him, that ship has sailed already. He'll be a prime cap out candidate for the next 3 off-seasons.

It's maybe a case of thinking past the retirement of Theo Bondy. I hope he sticks around as long as the guys ahead of him on the all-time league receiving tables, most of them played for 13 or 14 seasons. Bondy is 8th all-time in receptions, 374 behind the #1 spot. That's probably out of reach, but moving into the top5 all-time this season isn't unreasonable as he's 68 catches away from it. The yardage numbers are much heftier, but he's basically a 1,000-yard season away from breaking into the top10. Although, with Frederick's Christian James also lurking at jumping in, top 10 status means he'll have to gain 1,400 yards. With the emergence of Clarence Gore, it will be really interesting to see where the catches will go, and where the double coverage will go. The staff expects Gore to exceed Bondy's reputation of drawing the double coverage, as is the case for the underdeveloped Rickey Lyle, who, as Theo Bondy has discovered that he can be a mentor now, should start to benefit from playing on the same team...

Oh yeah, all that on a run first offense, but I think we're in good shape to build on last season's success and not drop back to how horrible we've been. If we can survive pre-season without having guys running into brick walls...

MIJB#19

08-22-2020, 08:00 PM

Merchantmen expand training camp roster to 64
The Maassluis Merchantmen signed 11 players to a one-year contract, increasing their roster for training camp to 64 players. Most prominent was the re-signing of defensive tackle A.J. Ritt, bringing him back for a 9th season in Maassluis. Fullback Tracy Rhodes and running back Patrick Joseph also return, having been part of the 2091 training camp and pre-season roster, signing a late season contract and now at least getting a spot for camp. Seven undrafted rookies were signed: quarterback Donald Bauer, quarterback Nathaniel Ellison, running back Seth Moore, wide receiver/punt returner Mark Perkins, defensive end Lewis Shanks, defensive tackle Cole Gunn and long snapper Johnny Terrell. Odds are most of these undrafted rookies won't make the final 53-men roster and some will be released before pre-season action ensues.

The 11th signing was veteran tight end Jessie Taylor, who previously wore the orange-white-and-blue between 2085 and 2087, playing his second through fourth seasons in his career in Maassluis, the last two as a full time starter, playing in 7 playoffs games in that tenure. Taylor has been a career backup ever since, playing in the IHOF Bowl with the Gothenburg Giants in the 2088 season, then spending two seasons on the bench of the Colorado Cutthroats and spending the entire 2091 season on his own couch, but apparently expecting a return to the IHOF somewhere in the 2092 off-season.

The Merchantmen didn't re-sign guard Marvin Silvan, which seems to be the biggest surprise this off-season as he stepped in last season and played admirably well amidst the talented offensive line. Silvan remains to be a free agent. The same applies to tight end Sherman Bridges and center Jared Labbe (both unwilling to re-sign in Maassluis), left tackle Myron Hamilton and linebacker Van Bertolone. Silvan appears to be the most likely candidate to end up on a training camp roster somewhere in the league.

MIJB#19

08-23-2020, 06:09 AM

Merchantmen retirement tribute: Craig McCorkle
The Maassluis Merchantmen today learned that former linebacker Craig McCorkle retired from football after 13 seasons in the IHOF. A first round pick for the Merchantmen in the 2079 draft, McCorkle jumped in with the third linebacker role as a rookie and became the full time starting middle linebacker from his second season and onwards, teaming up with 2077 first round pick Glenn Brewer and for his first three season also with 2073 first round pick Antonio Battle. After the departure of Battle in the 2081 off-season, McCorkle grew into being the top linebacker on the team, in 2081 and 2085 resulting in All-IHOF First Team honors from Solecismic. After an All-IHOF Second team season in 2087, the 2088 saw McCorkle's (and Brewer's) departure from Maassluis as the Merchantmen were stuck in salary cap troubles. McCorkle was traded to the Arizona Miners for a future fourth round draft pick after 143 regular season and 9 playoffs games of service. McCorkle spent 3 seasons in Arizona, having a leading role on their defense in 2089 when a 12-season drought ended as they went into the playoffs as a 9-7 wild card team. In 2091 he signed with the Fairbanks Northstars for one final season, where he made exactly 100 tackles in the regular season, marking his 8th season accomplishing that. For the orange-white-and-blue he made 940 tackles (10th all-time), 25.0 sacks, 16 interceptions, 99 passes defended (9th all-time) and forced 21 fumbles (tied 9th all-time).

MIJB#19

08-24-2020, 02:50 PM

General Manager Notes: Tension is rising...
Pre-season is here!

It's been a weird week, with a busy draft, trading our first round picks at the last possible moment for future picks. We signed a bunch of guys to join us for training camp, which means we'll have some decision to make even before the pre-season action starts. I made it even harder on me by signing three more undrafted rookies for the pre-season roster: defensive end Wally Carter, kicker Zachery Gardner and fullback Kelly Sinclair. Carter has special teams skills, Gardner could be an elite kickoff guy and Sinclair, well, he's an uncharacteristic fullback, with hole recognition, route running, special teams skills and a far too low run blocking ability to my liking.

So, they joined the training camp roster, which means we had 67 guys walking around: 6 quarterbacks, 6 running backs, 3 fullbacks, 5 tight ends, 7 wide receivers, 3 centers, 3 guards, 3 offensive tackles, 2 kickers, 1 punter, 5 defensive ends, 5 defensive tackles, 6 linebackers, 9 defensive backs and 2 long snappers. And next would traditionally be my breakdown of the roster and how all these kids did in camp. Why yes, I would and shall.

Quarterbacks first, as always. A big bunch and boy, the young kids are probably all mostly worthless. We're going to wish we didn't release Brandon Bell at some point this season. Moe Sheldon (45/45) went through camp without progress, backup Francisco Farley (+1/+1 to 35/35) did make some progress. Nate Marek (+1/0 to 15/25) will be our new kick holder. The other three kids won't even make the pre-season roster. Bert Martin (+2/0 to 15/30), Donald Bauer (+2/-1 to 10/25) and Nathaniel Ellison (+1/0 to 5/25) are just not worth hoping they'll make an unexpected splash in pre-season. Or maybe they are, but I've decided to not wait for it to see them become legendary. They won't.

Running backs then. Francisco Patter (55/55) continues to be the main guy, Reggie Thongchanh (35/35) our change of pace guy. For now, as there's some reason to think about their roles. Trey Beyer (+2/0 to 40/45) was good in limited action last season. Seth Moore (+1/0 to 35/35) had an underwhelming camp, I was hoping for him to be a realistic RB2, which based on his breakaway speed he sure is. A season to learn the system and jump into action next season? Asher Ford (20/20) might make the roster again as a special teamer. Patrick Joseph (+2/0 to 35/35) still looks similar to Beyer, but it's unlikely we will bring more than four of them into the regular season.

Fullback Clay Brosseau (40/40) will continue to be the man. Tracy Rhodes (+3/0 to 20/40) had a fine camp, but I don't see us keeping more than one guy at this position. Kelly Sinclair (unknown progress to 15/35) will get a look in pre-season, but I doubt we'll give this guy a roster spot for the regular season.

Tight end Clarence Gore (+3/-1 to 50/50) quickly became one of my favorite tight ends last season and I suspect he's got more upside that what the scouts tell us now. Clay Gaynor (55/55) will continue to be the second receiving option and a blocking alternate. Jeffery Blake (40/40) should continue to be our run blocker, with Renaldo Crawford (30/30) the second option. Jessie Taylor (30/30) had his chance, but I've already made up my mind: he won't be on our pre-season roster.

Wide receivers Theodore Bondy (70/70) became a mentor and the kids took some advantage of it. Rickey Lyle (+3/0 to 30/50) and George Stuckey (+4/0 to 40/45) continue to be promising. Branden Sandlin (40/40) should be on thin ice, but given his cap hit for 2093, he's virtually immune to release and given his cohesion value a fair option for our WR2 role. Harris Wilkerson (40/40) is the special teamer, Santiago Messenger (30/30) our kickoff returner and rookie Mark Perkins (+2/+1 to 20/25) will likely become our punt returner. Which doesn't mean this is a done deal, 7 receivers is a little bit much for a 53-men roster...

Center Butch Pearson (65/65) is welcome back after an injury plagued season, Brady Burke (+4/0 to 25/35) and Lewis Azzolini (+4/+1 to 25/30) will get pre-season to fight for the backup role. Michael Szott (70/70) and Andre Watson (45/45) are our guards, Hayden Gaylor (+2/-1 to 35/45) will be their backup, it'll be interesting to see where his ceiling will be. Nathan Hadinger (60/60) and Howard Humphrey (70/70) will continue to be quite possibly the best tackle duo we ever saw, Chase Springer (40/40) will have to settle for a backup role with us as well.

The defensive line saw Gene Kondovski (55/55), Archie Exner (45/45) and Tony Whiting (30/30) look over their shoulders to see youngsters Lewis Shanks (+4/0 to 25/35) and Trent Donovan (+3/0 to 25/30) make good progress. One of those two will make the team, that's for sure, and I'll have to consider about giving him playing time, or flipping around the rotation to make this a seven-men rotation. Defensive tackles Darien Fletcher (65/65) and Jumbo Mojica (55/55) are the primary duo, but A.J. Ritt (35/35) and Kurt Ackerman (30/30) have the pass rush technique to toss them in there on passing downs. Rookie Cole Gunn (+5/0 to 30/40) made exception progress, which could actually threat the young ends Shanks and Donovan for the eight spot on the line, or even one of the veterans...

The linebackers sextet is still Brandon Brady (75/75), Clayton Jackson (50/50) and Daquan Espino (55/55) on the defense, Brant Rayburn (40/40), Alec Palmer (25/25) and Trenton Prescott (+3/0 to 20/30) the special teams guys.

The secondary is unchanged and I hope it will remain that way, hoping pre-season won't be unkind. Kirk Hitchcock (65/65) and Jackie Richardson (70/70) are our elite cornerback duo, Ted Frias (45/45) our main backup, Jessie McNeil (35/35) might lose the nickelback role to Adam Harmon (+3/0 to 35/40) this season. Devon Farrell (+6/0 to 55/65) should continue to grow into an elite safety, with Chuck Murray (40/40) as his running downs side kick and either Riddick Newsome (25/25) or Jon Brotzman (+3/0 to 30/30) the passing downs free safety and the other possibly the dimeback.

Doug Guynes (55/55) will continue to be our punter, Mark Giles (75/75) our kicker, Zachery Gardner (unknown progress to 25/30) was neat to look at, but won't make the team. I suspect Bryce Kerney (20/20) will continue to be our long snapper, Johnny Terrell (20/20) will get pre-season to show he's better than the veteran.

Two days of waiting to see what these guys will really look like for the 2092 season, two more days...

MIJB#19

08-27-2020, 11:32 AM

General Manager Notes: The cruelness of pre-season
Or: When all-time greats return to human life forms.

As I'm writing this, I'm struggling with how the immersify what the randomness of the day between the second and third pre-season games does to the players in the IHOF. It's quite simply impossible. It's just a known fact: random things happen, players will be redefined, change night and deal. Deal with it.

Well, pre-season wasn't kind to our star players, that's a fact. Kirk Hitchcock and Butch Pearson got it really bad, but Theodore Bondy, Jackie Richardson, Michael Szott, Gene Kondovski and A.J. Ritt all had their worst day of their careers. It hasn't resulted in a departure from Oranje Haven for them, they're still better than the guys behind them on the depth chart, although Hitchcock's position as the CB2 is very iffy.

Six players have been shown the door after the first couple of pre-season games: long snapper Johnny Terrell, center Brady Burke, running back Patrick Joseph, defensive end Lewis Shanks, defensive tackle Cole Gunn and fullback Kelly Sinclair. We'll have to make one more cut to get to the 53-men opening day roster, it will most likely be a running back (we're still carrying 5 on roster).

Our roster situation now:
QB: Sheldon (40/40), Farley (35/35), kick holder Marek (15/25)
RB: Patter (55/55), Thongchanh (35/35), Beyer (40/45), Moore (30/35), special teamer Ford (15/15)
FB: Brosseau (40/40)
TE: Gore (50/50), Gaynor (55/55), Blake (35/35), Crawford (30/30)
WR: Bondy (60/60), Lyle (30/50), Stuckey (40/45), Sandlin (40/40), Wilkerson (40/40), kick off returner Messenger (30/30), punt returner Mark Perkins (20/25)
C: Pearson (50/50), Azzolini (25/40)
G: Szott (65/65), Watson (45/45), Gaylor (35/45)
OT: RT Humphrey (70/70), LT Hadinger (60/60), LT Springer (40/40)
P: Guynes (50/50)
K: Giles (75/75)
DE: Kondovski (50/50), Exner (45/45), Whiting (30/30), Donovan (25/35)
DT: Fletcher (60/60), Mojica (55/55), Ackermann (30/30), Ritt (25/25)
LB: Brady (75/75), Espino (55/55), Jackson (50/50), special teamer Rayborn (40/40), special teamer Prescott (20/30), special teamer Palmer (20/20)
CB: Richardson (65/65), Hitchcock (50/50), Frias (45/45), Harmon (35/40), McNeil (35/35)
S: Farrell (55/65), Murray (40/40), Brotzman (30/30), Newsome (25/25)
LS: Karney (20/20)

Yeah, not sure what to make of this situation.

What we have done is signing Butch Pearson to a new two-year contract, despite his drop in skills, giving us the little bit of cap space required to lock up Darien Fletcher. And what's left after that could be used to try to extend other contracts, if I feel the need to. It won't be sufficient to extend Moe Sheldon's contract. Our quarterback is going to be exposed to free agency next off-season, it looks inevitable.

But that's 2093, let's feel ready for the 2092 season. Two more pre-season games and then it'll be the real action. My expectations have been tempered, but maybe, just maybe, these guys are still very much worth their hefty paychecks.

MIJB#19

08-29-2020, 09:11 AM

Patter and Thong' extend with Merchantmen
Running back duo Francisco Patter and Reggie Thongchanh both signed a new 3-year contract with the Maassluis Merchantmen. Both were in the last year of contract, but with these new deals the Merchantmen made clear that Patter and Thongchanh would be their duo for the 2092 season. Undrafted rookie Seth Moore underwhelmed in pre-season action and was the last release to trim down from 54 to 53 men. Trey Beyer is expected to be the inactive fourth running back, Asher Ford the special teamer out of the backfield.

With these renewed contracts, the Merchantmen go into opening week with a 0 on their cap space figure. Which means quarterback Moe Sheldon will become a free agent in the 2093 off-season. Backup Francisco Farley is still in negotiations for a new deal, as he's also scheduled to become a free agent. Farley is expected to be promoted to the QB2 role, with Brandon Bell released in the off-season and Nate Marek looking far from ready to be more than a kick holder, as shown in limited pre-season action.

These moves also have implications on the wide receiver situation as it means the Merchantmen will take 7 wide receivers into the 2092 season. Rookie Mark Perkins is expected to take over the punt return duties from Thong', while Santiago Messenger remains to be the primary kickoff returner. Theodore Bondy is the undisputed WR1, while George Stuckey looks to have locked up the WR2 role. Harris Wilkerson will be the WR4 with special teams duties, which leaves the team in a decision to make about the WR3 role between second year second round pick Rickey Lyle and veteran Branden Sandlin.

The release of Seth Moore means the Merchantmen go into the 2092 season with only four players that are officially new: rookies wide receiver Mark Perkins, center Lewis Azzolini, guard Hayden Gaylor and trade acquisition veteran left tackle Chase Springer. Kick holder Nate Marek and defensive end Trent Donovan are practically new as well, as they were signed after the lost 2091 AOC Championship game.

MIJB#19

08-31-2020, 02:49 PM

General Manager Notes: Another season, another solid start
So, yay?

Apparently we've won four straight season openers, including today's beating of the Gothenburg Giants. But unlike the smoort sailing in the previous two seasons against the French teams, the Giants came to our place with more ammo. The final score of 34-13 sounds much more like a trashing than it actually was, aside from their time running out final drive that boosted their overall numbers.

The first quarter was clearly the Giants'. they scored first with a 45-yard field goal and their next drive ended wit a 47-yard touchdown run. Yeah, defense, not so impressive on that play. But before the first quarter was over, our shiny pieces f our offense had woken up: Clarence Gore with a 19-yard reception, Theo with a 12-yard catch and Thong' with a 12-yard run.

We started the second quarter with a 28-yard field goal to make it 10-3 Giants, then needed unsportsmanlike conduct to have a goal line stand to force a 21-yard field goal. Down 13-3, and after back and forth three and outs, Branden Sandlin paid back the confidence I have in him with a 61-yard catch for a touchdown. The Giants missed a 50-yard field goal, which Moe Sheldon rubbed them in with a 34-yard pass to Thong', followed by a 22-yard touchdown to George Stuckey, another kid that got my blessing. Just like that, we were leading 17-13 just at half time.

Third quarter, they quickly got into out half, but the run defense and a Tony Whiting hurry force them to punt from our 36-yard line. Sheldon to Gore for 22 yards, Francisco Patter for 15 yards, Sheldon to Branden Sandlin for 11 yards, that was our way to set up a 33-yard field goal for a 20-13 lead. The run defense continued to stuff Jason Crane and just as we thought we were driving to make it a two score game, Sheldon got picked off. The run defense was huge again and a defended pass is sufficient to make them punt and the turnover just keep us from scoring, not set them up to do so.

Fourth quarter and Moe Sheldon actually connected with Theo for a third down conversion! An offside penalty then made it easier on the next third down play, which Sheldon followed up with short passes to Theo to march into field goal range. Until Francisco Patter got tackled for an unprecedented 7-yard loss on a run that forced us to punt. The defense continued to be a force and only a penalty could give the Giants a first down. Pinned at our own 5-yard line, Moe Sheldon and the crew were unmoved. Sheldon found Theo for another third down conversion, saw Patter run for a 15-yard gain to make our punt count. A sack from Darien Fletcher in their own red zone then helped force them to punt and help get us the ball back inside their turf. Our offense was ruthless: 15-yard pass from Sheldon to Sandlin, handoff to Thong' for 16 yards and another for 15 yards and a touchdown. The Giants then turned into all or nothing, driving downfield, but Jessie McNeil (once again pleased I didn't cut him seasons ago) makes the tremendous game winning 70-yard pick six. Maassluis 34, Gothenburg 13. Welcome to '92.

Sheldon completed 20 of 31 for 276 yards, 2 scores, 1 interception. Theo had 7 catches for 53 yards, Gore 5 catches for 61 yards. Sandlin and Stuckey had the crucial touchdown catches. Thong' ran for 84 yards on 10 carries, Patter for just 54 yards.

Division standings:
1. Paris 1-0
2. Maassluis 1-0
3. Gothenburg 0-1
4. Bordeaux 0-1

That's one game in the books, but there's 18 or 19 more to go. Second one will be a game of the week at the Outer Banks Ospreys. They saw quarterback Will Philips return home after 10 seasons in the Deep South with Houston and Fort Wayne. He's got a 7-2 record against us, but his main job will be handing off to Aston Moore, the best running back in the league right now. Their defense looks good, but with our cohesive bunches on all ends, we stand a chance in against any team. Confidence is something we need to keep showing. '91 was a good to great season, let's make '92 the best!

MIJB#19

09-02-2020, 07:40 AM

General Manager Notes: 2 out of 3, sort of
Still undefeated, but not 100%.

We're two games further into the season than the previous time I wrote. Expect me to be irregular with writing for the next 20 or so days. Despite that I have some extra time on my hands, it doesn't mean it'll be in my system. I've got some time off from work, hope to recharge the battery. At the same time, my inspiration to write has somewhat taken a hit. Not because I don't care for this team, but I've more than before realized having a muse (or opposite of, I suppose) can do wonders for having a desire to escape the every day stuff to change gears.

That said, two games in the books, both on the road, both statistically even games, neither turned into a loss. A 13-13 tie at Outer Banks and a 30-13 victory at North Plainfield bring us to a 2-0-1 record, sitting second in the conference, behind the 3-0 Tucker Tigers, how familiar. To make things more interesting, we're on our usual way too early bye week and will play our next game, at home, against the Tigers. An early chance to claim head-to-head tie-breakers for both teams.

The tie didn't come easy as we needed a field goal in the dying second of the second quarter and a late fourth quarter field goal to tie the score. In overtime, Moe Sheldon threw his second pick of the season, then got bailed out by a missed field goal, but then we came time and progress short of doing anything about the 13-13 tied score.

The win at the Plague was established early on, as we scored on our first four drives, without giving any up. With a 23-0 lead, it was smooth sailing. Sheldon's third pick of the season and a missed field goal were way too little to hurt us. Linebacker Brandon Brady sealed the deal with a late pick six.

Standings:
1. Maassluis 2-0-1
2. Paris 2-1
3. Gothenburg 2-1
4. Bordeaux 1-2

Yeah, the division is looking traditionally strong, 0.5 and 1.5 wins behind the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic divisions.

There's this saying about things coming in three, no? We've given up 13 points in back-to-back-to-back games now, very unusual. The team ranks second in the league in least points allowed, despite that we outgain our opponents by just 10 yards per game. But, we all know football can't be measured that way, we took a big lead twice and saw the majority of yardage allowed in failed catch up attempts.

Moreover, I think our run defense has been pretty stellar, but one 47-yard touchdown run against Gothenburg completely wiped away the yards per carry figure that game. We're 6th in yards per pass attempt, 7th in pass rush percentage, I think those figures are much more accurate representation of what's going on.

Moe Sheldon's 3 interceptions in as many games has him on pace to do worse than last season's spectacular 4 picks over the entire season, including playoffs. Theo Bondy continues to be his main target, especially on third downs. Clarence Gore is struggling a bit, perhaps because of how he's now regarded as our top receiver by most opponents. George Stuckey has turned into a bit of a scoring machine with 4 touchdowns in 3 games and Branden Sandlin has become our yards per catch guy. Nothing really shocking, but sometimes don't play out as you'd expect them to, this season somehow they do?

Reggie Thongchanh is running wild, a bit more than before, with 5.6 yards per carry on a tiny sample size of 34 carries. Francisco Patter was underwhelming in the first two games and I replaced him with second year pro Trey Beyer. We'll think about this for the next game, but this may be more permanent and completely baffling after we re-signed Patter to an expensive three-year deal on opening day.

Another decision has been to deactivate Asher Ford, one of our elite special teamers, as my staff decided in the first two games he's no longer useful on special teams (what gives, staff!?). Probably a result of making our fullback Clay Brosseau active for special teams duties... (Hint: of you want your second best RB in special teams to play there, discourage your fullbacks). Side effect is having an active roster spot available for Rickey Lyle, so he can be mentored by Theodore Bondy.

Yeah, that too is football in the International House Of Football.

Not much to add to all of this for now. Week 5 the big test, at Tucker. But their journey continues at Augusta first. With some luck, we'll be the only undefeated team in the conference by then. Probably not in the league though as all four NAC divisions are lead by a 3-0 team. But should we really care about those before the IHOF Bowl, unless we actually play one of them in the interconference games? Exactly, not worth getting bothered by that. Believe in ourselves and take it a game at a time. 19-0 is no longer possible, but 18-0-1 wouldn't look bad either.

MIJB#19

09-04-2020, 01:16 PM

General Manager Notes: Back to the drawing board
We played, we lost.

Okay, the core number suggest we actually played along with the Tucker Tigers. But in reality, we gave up touchdowns way too early in the game and our answers were two field goals and a blocked one. I sat it out, almost, as I stopped watching te game when the coaching staff decided to pull Moe Sheldon in the middle of our now or never drive. Inexcusable decision, regardless of Francisco Farley guiding the team into the end zone for a touchdown. End result a 28-13 deficit in our own place.

I'm not really sure what to make from this game. Our defense was depressingly bad, we allowed 255 yards passing before the third quarter was over and had no answer to the Tigers' running game either. Pass defense: terrible. Run defense, horrible. Passing game: underwhelming. Running game: Thong' did well, but we didn't convert the crucial downs when we needed to. Special teams: "meh".

Standings within the division:
1. Gothenburg 4-1
2. Paris 3-1
3. Maassluis 2-1-1
4. Bordeaux 1-4

Yeah, just like that, we dropped from undefeated division leaders to virtually outside the playoffs, providing we'll finish this season with 12 teams in the playoffs.

In an attempt to fix our game plan, several attempts even, I hope to see some result of those tweaks in our next game on the road at the 2-3 Augusta Greenjackets. Mind you, their record isn't representative of how good they are. Neither does the fact that they've allowed the most points per game so far, we're perfectly capable of making a joke of ourselves and return home with only 10 points scored. I mean, I don't hope we do, shouldn't expect us to do even, but optimism has dropped hard after today's loss.

But it was only just one game, we actually didn't completely suck. And we've got some reasons to think twice about some of our play calling decisions. I still feel like a dimwit, almost as terrible as an AI that randomly draws up a game plan, but I think I'm going to want to spend some time on taking a deep look at our offensive game plan in the upcoming days. We should be able to get more out of this team, which last season was our most talented roster ever assembled and despite the decline of Bondy and Hitchcock, I still feel confident we can beat everybody. Yes, on a luckier day (or a day where the dice roll slightly less lucky for the opponent), we can even avenge the Tigers come playoffs time. If we get there...

MIJB#19

09-05-2020, 08:44 AM

General Manager Notes: We won. Yay?
But it wasn't easy nor pretty.

Up by 10, third and five. The opponent comes out in a formation with 3 tight ends, which clearly calls for bringing our linebackers. The staff looks at the game plan: yes, we want to call a cover-1 here. But for whatever reason, the people on the sideline call Daquan Espino back and send in 5 defensive backs, then tell our shutdown corner Jackie Robinson to move into playing Espino's role. Wait, what?

17 seconds later, we have given up a 72 yard touchdown pass. After two-point conversion, it's only 24-21 now.

Thankfully we hold on to the win, but these are the moments in a football game where a general manager can feel like thing are completely out of your control. You've been over this with your staff again and again, but sometimes they will just revert from the plan and come up with something creative. With things blowing up in our face as a result.

Luck was on our side elsewhere in the league as Gothenburg and Paris both were a bit of a mismatch to the Southeast's elite teams from Orlando and Tucker, bringing us back into the division lead. We're going to need all the breaks we can for now, as we'll be playing four games on the road in the next five, starting with a game in Paris, then after home game against the Snapfinger Jazz, we'll be visiting Bordeaux, Orlando and Gothenburg. Going 3-2 in this stretch would suggest we're bowl game material.

Division
1. Maassluis 3-1-1
2. Gothenburg 4-2
3. Paris 3-2
4. Bordeaux 1-4

The offensive game plan was enriched with a revival of the Blazewicz special, although George Stuckey appeared to struggle with it. I hope to make more drastic changes, but apparently we'll need the league commissioner to verify our changes by giving us a copy of our own playbook. Welcome to football?

So be it. I'm going to spend time on making playbook and corresponding game plan tweaks in an attempt to work with the strength or against the weaknesses of our talented receivers. Of course, it won't help us from not giving up 400 yards on defense, but one can only hope that one day, maybe, the staff and players will actually comply and play by the game plan.

We've got to stay positive.

MIJB#19

09-07-2020, 01:58 PM

General Manager Notes: We lost...
Again allowing an ill timed big passing play.

I'm so disappointed in how this team played, so unMerchantmen worthy, I'm going to stick with that. I can only hope we don't fuck up in our next game, but I see ourselves perfectly capable of making more obnoxious decisions like blitzing our shutdown corner to gift the Musketeers a 80-yard pass play, or see our quarterback throw 1 pick less than he did in all of last season, because he decided to throw 25 times to our over the hill future HOF WR and throw it to our new rising star TE just 1 time all game. Good riddance, we know the football gods will punish us for that, but I wasn't pessimistic enough, thinking my staff would deserve one last chance to fabricate a game plan. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever again. My staff will stay the hell away from the game plan.

End rant? We'll see about that after the next game.

MIJB#19

09-08-2020, 06:08 AM

General Manager Notes: The flipflopping continues
We haven't won or lost back-to-back, yet.

At home against the Snapfinger Jazz, we recovered (not referring to Daquan Espino's fumble recovery for a touchdown) with a 36-17 victory. We made some minor tweaks to our game plan, but I can't really tell whether it made a differnece. At least we didn't do the stupid stuff from the game at Paris of throwing 25 times to Theodore Bondy (despite being a living legend, it's never a good idea to have 2/3 of the passes go to the same player). We brought back Francisco Patter in the running back tandem, benching Trey Beyer after 42 carries for a 3.14 average, despite still leading the team with 2 running touchdowns. Moe Sheldon threw 3 interceptions, but his position will remain undisputed, for this season...

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 5-2
2. Maassluis 4-2-1
3. Paris 4-3
4. Bordeaux 1-6

Bordeaux will be our next stop, then followed by visits to 5-2 Orlando and 5-2 Gothenburg.

Frustration about the team's inability to obey orders remains extremely high. It will likely fade away once I stop paying attention to the details and stick with the grand scheme of things, but lack of control over the stupidity that sometimes takes place is, well, leading to that frustration. But, y'know, in the end, it's just a game of football.

MIJB#19

09-09-2020, 07:13 AM

General Manager Notes: back to back!
Wins that is.

The Bordeaux Vineyards have struggled for years now, coping with three franchises that are quite regularly playing winning football and as a result struggle to get ahead of their rivals. Today we were visiting them and posted in what turned out to be a mood swing of games, the kind you shouldn't watch with a weak heart.

Our first drive was inspired with a 25-yard run from Francisco Patter (welcome back?), but on 4th and 7 we went for it on their 33-yard line and there called a play that 9 out of 10 times won't move the chains in that situation (did we really leave that in our game plan?). Bordeaux punished us with a drive for a 52-yard field goal. Our next drive ended up in Moe Sheldon running for 14 yards and a touchdown, again being anchored by a long run from Patter. Bordeaux responded with a solid drive, but had to settle for a 24-yard field goal and trailing 7-6 to us by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter started with us getting into Bordeaux turf and pinning them at their own 1-yard line after the punt. Initially our defensive domination was brushed away by a roughing the kicker penalty on the punt attempt, but in their second attempt a sack and a pick six by Kirk Hitchcock gave us the 14-6 lead. We gave up two long third down conversions on the Vineyards' next drive, but eventually they missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. Bordeaux' passing game (or our lack of pass defense?) gave them one more chance before half time, but they missed a 53-yard field goal in the final seconds, giving us the 14-6 lead at half time.

They started the second half with a strong drive, seeing promising Walt Czech complete passes for 38 and 31 yards to Russell Mitchell and on the next play a short throw into the end zone for a 14-13 score. Momentum had clearly shifted as they picked off Moe Sheldon two plays later for a 27-yard touchdown and a 20-14 lead. Santiago Messenger replied with a neat kickoff return for 32 yards, Reggie Thongchanh added a 17-yard run and Moe Sheldon connected with Theo Bondy for 15 yards, noticing defense are these days double covering George Stuckey. Sheldon himself ran the ball in from 12 yards out on a third down, making it 21-20 Maassluis. We followed up by stopping them at our 38-yard line, bun on the ensuing possession we saw Reggie Thongchanh (why was Patter not on the field, coach?) not convert on third and 1 and fourth and 1. It didn't backfire though, Clayton Jackson picked off Walt Czech's long pass two plays later and brought the ball back to where our drive had ended.

With a short field, Moe Sheldon got a chance to make tosses to his tight ends Clarence Gore and Clay Gaynor, then handing off to Reggie Thongchanh on third and 1 (again no Patter!?) who somehow got all the room to not just get the chains moved but actually going the full 10 yards for a 28-20 lead. It was trimmed down to 28-26 on the kickoff as Bordeaux scored a 9-3yard touchdown, but their two-point attempt failed. The next drive took out Theodore Bondy with a calf injury after he converted on third and long with a 18-yard catch. We failed to take more time off the clock and 10 minutes remained, which can feel like hours in a closely contested game of football. Our run defense stuffed them and as field position tilted heavily into our favor, Clarence Gore proved his value with two useful third down catches to set up a 35-yard field goal for the 31-26 lead. We then stopped Bordeaux with about 3 minutes to go, but in return we took just 1 minute off the clock and 1 of their time outs. On third and second Walt Czech connected with his fullback on a 29-yard pass. Then, with about a minute to go, an illegal block penalty pushed them back to midfield into second and 25. After a Jumbo Mojica sack it became third and 28, but on third and so much to gain, they went for a short pass that was dropped and on fourth down Devon Farrell knocked the ball away from Derrick Velazquez to keep him from making the deep catch. Two knee drops later, the 31-26 score was final.

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 6-2
2. Maassluis 5-2-1
3. Paris 5-3
4. Bordeaux 1-7

Yeah, that tied game is turning into a true tie-breaker, or tie-avoider if you will. I'm still far from convinced we're still playing to the levers we reached last season. Losing Theodore Bondy for 3 games (presumably) will be a big deal, as we had just reached the point where George Stuckey was becoming our WR1 (by the measures of most scouts), making Bondy a more dangerous threat as a WR2. But it is what it is, injuries are part of football.

Next up are the tough challenges in Orlando (5-3) and then the even more crucial one in Gothenburg (6-2). Both will have implications on our playoffs chances and more so on the seeding order if we manage to stay in the mix with these two teams and Paris (5-3). Houston (5-4) or their division leading San Antonio (6-2) are also in the mix for the wild cards and the second and third seeds. Tucker (8-0) is quickly building an unsurmountable lead, while Toronto (5-4) looks destined to win the Northeast division and the #4 seed.

But enough about the playoffs, as I said there, we'll have to win in Orlando if we're really serious about being the second best team in the AOC. We beat them 27-20 in our house last season in the playoffs, they'll be very motivated to avenge that, as far as that's possible in a following season with a lot, but no season end on the line.

MIJB#19

09-13-2020, 02:37 PM

General Manager Notes: The rollercoaster continues
We're still in the mix, with 5 games to go.

Division standings:
1. Paris 7-4
2. Gothenburg 7-4
3. Maassluis 6-4-1
4. Bordeaux 2-9

How did we get here from my previous update? We played atrocious football in Orlando (28-6 loss) with our worst running performance since the Patter-Thong' tandem was installed, saw our defense pretend like they missed the plane to Gothenburg (35-28 loss), but Rickey Lyle played his best Theo Bondy impersonation to save our face, followed up with a 30-3 victory at home against the Capital City Blues.

Bondy has been upgraded to 'probable', but the injury is severe enough to not going to risk playing him, it screams for tearing his calf muscle and being out for the rest of the season and then some. We'll wait until he's back to 100%, as great and important as he is. Our passing game is falling apart when Bondy is on the field equally well. Moe Sheldon has gone from one end to the other on his performance scale, with 2091 apparently being the best he can do and 2092 turning into the worst he can do. Well, there's no Brandon Bell anymore to threaten him with, maybe that's what's been motivating him? Francisco Farley won't get the keys, that's for sure.

More worrisome is the defense not living up to their form of last season. It could be the same thing as with Sheldon, but I'm unwilling to believe that. This group of players is highly skilled, they are quite simply not living up to their ability. I'm seriously considering to break up the offense and go even heavier on brining an elite defense together in the next off-season or two. But cap management, you know? Even a half-decent wide receiver or running back will demand a lot of money after one season of system based good fortune.

Still, we're 5 games away from the end of the regular season, with 4 of them to be played at home and two of them against rivals for the playoffs (7-4 Houston in week 13 and 7-4 Paris in week 17), with week 16 also a big test against the Atlantic Coast division leading 7-4 Moontown. In between we'll visit 3-8 Texas and host 2-9 Bordeaux. I'm not counting on it, but a 10-5-1 record like last season should be the goal, nothing less, anything below that would be a disgrace to what we've accomplished last season with this same bunch of players.

So, show it to me, team. Play like you did last season, prove y'all are worth that crazy truckload of money the fans are coughing up for y'all. Not next season, this season.

MIJB#19

09-14-2020, 06:37 AM

General Manager Notes: How to dominate and still win by 3
It's tough, but it's possible.

Imagine playing against a strong 7-4 division leading Houston Mustangs. Imagine them visiting Oranje Haven to face our Merchantmen. Imagine them scoring a field goal on the first possession of the game. Then imagine them getting past midfield only twice in the remainder of that game: once after an interception that gets brushed away with a fumble, and then once more in the final minute as they turn the ball over on downs being too far away from field goal range to tie the score.

So yes, we actually won, but the score (6-3) says quite a bit already. The defense was impressive: 4 turnovers, 109 yards passing allowed (including the 11 yards lost on a sack), 108 yards rushing. The offense? We actually gained 330 total yards, but we failed to do anything good inside the red zone. Four visits, four field goal attempts, twice blocked. Our fifth goal attempt was a 46-yarder, which is slightly more forgivable as a miss. Hideous play isn't completely vanished yet, it just happens to come with a bit of positivity today as well.

But, despite that all, the key number is the +1 in the W-column. The Paris Musketeers had a late game pick six that turned their seemingly secured win at the Toronto Lake Monsters into a 24-23 loss, helping us into second place in the division and virtual wild card team. Gothenburg crushed the Deep South leading San Antonio Tidal Force 30-12 to jump into the division lead. Bordeaux won 24-0 at Rochester, but it's too little too late, they are now locked in fourth place in the division.

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 8-4
2. Maassluis 7-4-1
3. Paris 7-5
4. Bordeaux 3-9

Our season continues with a visits to the Texas Sharks, 4-8, recently playing spoiler in and for Paris with a 27-12 win in week 12, but shortly before that having a 4-game stretch in which they were outscored 160-22, all losing by at least 31 points. But, they are never to be underestimated, no team in the IHOF is. If there's one team the Sharks' fanbase truly dislike in the league, it must be us, as we viciously crushed their hopes of winning the IHOF Bowl in their only visit, marking our sole bowl victory with an overwhelming 30-3 victory. Shaun Hartman and the class of 64 (Edward Ross, Peter Tucker, Daquan 'Da Machine' Strugielski, Gabe Hamilton) certainly knew their way with that offense. Now that was a defense. It might be a good idea to bring game film to the training facilities in preparation and show the current team how football was played back in '66. Good times...

And good times will be here again, if we build on this victory and actually play better football next game. We'll have to work on our third down offense and do better than 7 conversions on 21 attempts, with 12 pass attempts including 6 catches that didn't move the chains. Maybe it's a quick fix, that would be swell if we can do that and not need the defense to keep the opponent to a single field goal to be able to win a game.

MIJB#19

09-17-2020, 10:06 AM

General Manager Notes: Playoffs?
Indeed, we're in, with week 17 still to go.

Five straight wins and we've secured our spot, in part result of other teams dropping a game here or there, but we can't take away from our own performance here. We won 33-21 at Texas (where the score should have been much higher), then 31-17 at home against Bordeaux and today 30-3 at home against Moontown. The latter a team I feared the most, but they've fallen apart after their 37-10 crushing of Gothenburg. All of this means we've got a 1.5 win lead over Paris both in the division and the wild card race.

Division:
1. Gothenburg 11-4
2. Maassluis 10-4-1
3. Paris 9-6
4. Bordeaux 4-11

Wild card race:
5. Maassluis 10-4-1
6. Orlando 10-5
7. Paris 9-6
8. San Antonio 8-5-2

Week 17: Paris at Maassluis, Bordeaux at Gothenburg.

It'll be too much wishful thinking to hope for seeing Bordeaux at Gothenburg, I think the odds of us losing at home against Paris are even higher. If that miracle happens, we'll leapfrog not just to the division title, but also to the second sees far behind the 14-1 Tucker Tigers. But never say never.

Moe Sheldon threw for 377 yards today, which was the third highest in his career and most in the orange-white-and-blue jersey and earned him offensive player of the week honors. Is the slightly reconstructed game plan starting to help his case? Although, having a defense that allows 185 total yards, 8 yards rushing on 8 attempts, that also helps. Theodore Bondy was old school with an 80-yard touchdown, but he still needs 72 yards to have a 1,000-yard season. His luck in that regard is that the #2 seed is on the line, otherwise he'd be sitting out week 17. In return, maybe this motivates him to play one more good game to close out the regular season?

Anyway, one more game before the playoffs. Let's get through that one first.

MIJB#19

09-18-2020, 07:44 AM

General Manager Notes: fifth best means a wild card
Yup, we won, but so did Gothenburg.

Division:
1. Gothenburg 12-4
2. Maassluis 11-4-1
3. Paris 9-7
4. Bordeaux 4-12

Playoffs order/wild card race:
1. Tucker 14-2
2. Gothenburg 12-4
3. Houston 10-6
4. Toronto 9-7
5. Maassluis 11-4-1
6. Orlando 11-5
7. Paris 9-7
8. Ft Wayne 9-7
9. San Antonio 8-6-2

So yes, we did beat Paris and it wasn't a close one either. We had a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter (twice Moe Sheldon to Theodore Bondy for a touchdown), and by the end of that, our lead was 20-0, with Paris missing a field goal after Moe Sheldon's only interception of the game. In fact, they needed a fumble from our side to set up for their second field goal attempt of the game, which resulted in their only 3 points for the day. Sheldon to Clarence Gore and a Reggie Thongchanh run yanked it up to 34-3.

I'm flabbergasted, we've held 4 of our last 6 opponents to a single field goal. Sure, playing those all at home helps, but the opposition wasn't cupcakes. All 4 teams went into week 17 fighting for a ticket to the playoffs (Houston got theirs, Paris wouldn't have made it with a win either, Moontown and Capital City both fell to Outer Banks' last second 55-yard field goal against Capital City).

Okay, let's do that small bit of individual glamour, I suspect some of the readers like it and many think it's part of football (news flash: this is a team sport, any yard gained or touchdown scored is the result of what the 11 players on the field did and what those 11 on the previous pay on the field did, and the 11 on the play before that, etc).

Moe Sheldon finished the season completing 58% of his passes for 3,839 yards (6.93 per attempt), 23 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. It was the first time he played (and started) in all 16 games for us. Francisco Farley completed 5 of 6 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in garbage time (okay, Sheldon was actually driving for a one score behind touchdown, but he got pulled mid-drive) and finished the season with the highest passer rating in the league. Sample size, you know.

Reggie Thongchanh ran for 1,068 yards with a 4.6 average and 6 touchdowns, while Francisco Patter ran for 795 yards with a 4.91 average and 5 touchdowns. Patter recovered well after I benched him for a couple of games, but Trey Beyer showed he wasn't quite ready yet. So it goes. Patter exceeded his previous best yards per carry figure (it was 4.04), while Thong' was slightly below his best (4.67).

The receivers saw Theodore Bondy miss 4 games, but he still had 90 catches for 1,070 yards and 5 touchdowns. Tight end Clarence Gore had a slow start but finished the season with 70 catches for 857 yards and 6 touchdowns, which is basically on par with his rookie campaign. George Stuckey had just 45 catches for 590 yards and 6 touchdowns in his first season as the true WR2, which in fact is no longer true as from about midway through other teams were starting to consider him as our WR1 [FOF technically, you got to love a WR2 with higher route running than the WR1]. Branden Sandlin had 42 catches for 510 yards and 2 touchdowns, Rickey Lyle had 28 catches for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns (this kid did better than expected when he filled in for Bondy) and TE2 Clay Gaynor had 24 catches for 255 yards and 1 touchdown.

The offensive line struggled a bit with Moe Sheldon's troubles under pressure. RT Howard Humphrey got 'credit' for 11 sacks, but in return he excelled as our main run blocker with 53 key run blocks (second best in the league). An extraordinary figure for a tackle as (50+ is rare, since '71 he was the only OT to achieve it. This season he was bested by Douglas Grosz. Yes, that Douglas Grosz, that kid that we accidentally drafted instead of wide receiver Tristan Powell, traded to Oakland, where he had a sensational season with 54 key run blocks and just 2 sacks allowed. The rest of the line was above average in their stats. Clay Brosseau was obviously far and beyond the most prominent run blocking fullback.

Kicker Mark Giles missed a lot of kicks. I'm afraid switching to a new kick holder has had a negative impact, but we really couldn't afford Brandon Bell at his salary demands for just that role (despite that he can claim he was a serviceable QB2). Punter Doug Guynes might be on the decline, but we'll worry about that in the off-season. Our return specialists score no touchdowns. Rookie Mark Perkins' 15.4 yards per punt return were pretty good, with 3 fumbles, which is scary, but we know by now that fumbles on punt returns aren't rare. Santiago Messenger continues to be a decent kickoff returner (26.3 yards per return), but it was a bit of a down year for him.

The defense? What about the defense? I really struggle to see individual stats as a result of individual excellence, a lot of it is a result of playing a good system, manouvering players into a role that suits their skills. Our number of sacks was unacceptably low for the kind of talent that we have on the D-Line, we finished 26th in the league in sack percentage and 14th in overall pass rush pressure. DT Darien Fletcher lead the bunch with 5.0 sacks, good old A.J. Ritt lead the team in most total pass rush credits, tied with Fletcher for 22 sacks, blocks and hurries combined. Was Andy Russell that crucial to this unit? No player had more than 2 interceptions, we had 6 guys make that many. Four players had 10 or more passes defended, but our shutdown corner Jackie Richardson wasn't one of them, neither was elite zone defender Adam Harmon or our free safety Jon Brotzman. Linebacker Clayton Jackson was arguably the best asset in our pass defense, but as I mentioned before, defense is much more of a team effort than the stats on the offense for the skill players, who can still be a product of the system.

Enough glorification. The real season starts now. We'll be visiting the Toronto Lake Monsters. Their offense is lead by 7th season former #1 overall pick Shane Shelton, a kid that has struggled to live up to his potential, perhaps by a lack of sidekicks (the Lake Monsters traded away their one chance to make it happen in Bryson Zimmerman, a player that we missed out on a good trade offer back in his draft). Shelton does have a 2-1 record against us, let's not underestimate him. Their running game is above average, their run defense rock solid, their pass defense decent. We'll be down one player: TE2 Clay Gaynor, he's out for the duration of the playoffs with a concussion.

Not to be underestimated, but going one and done here would be a downright disappointment and in no way fit with the kind of season we've had, at least not the recent stretch of 6 games. Last season, Moe Sheldon and his gang showed they can up their game come playoffs time. Well, here's your chance to prove it wasn't a fluke, guys!

MIJB#19

09-21-2020, 04:34 PM

General Manager Notes: The twist of turns
When things seem they can't get worse.

It wasn't even halfway through the second quarter and the game looked over. The hosting Toronto Monsters had just taken a 24-7 lead over us on a short dump pass for a touchdown. Much deserved as one of their safeties had just returned a picked off pass for 30 yards deep into the Merchantmen red zone. Moe Sheldon looked disoriented. On the previous drive he was sacked for the fifth time already, the drive prior to that one being the worst with back to back to back sacks. It was basically a miracle he was still able to stand.

A 20-yard pass to Branden Sandlin somewhat restored confidence in the passing game, while Francisco Patter and Reggie Thongchanh contributed with their typical useful runs. A 42-yard field goal wasn't all that great, but at least the deficit was back to within two touchdowns and a fine addition to the 53-yard pass from Sheldon to Theodore Bondy in the first quarter.

Then, after the defense made a good stand on the first drive of the second half, Moe Sheldon doubled his turnover figure with another interception. Toronto got the ball back at midfield, but couldn't turn it into points. Fair or not, the Merchantmen got break after break as penalties moved the ball upfield 28 yards after pass interference for 16 more yards, Sheldon had to throw for just 13 yards into the endzone to make it 24-17, and he did it into the hands of George Stuckey.

After another defensive stand, rookie Mark Perkins returned a punt for 19 yards and belief in a comeback was completely back. Sheldon found Theo for 20 yards on third and long and the football fans had to realize something unlikely was unfolding. Another third down conversion to the fourth string tight end Renaldo Crawford, a solid third down run by Francisco Patter and then a 6-yarder around the line to make it 24-24. And all that before the fourth quarter had begun.

Sheldon to Sandlin for 23 yards, Sheldon to Stuckey for 13 yards, Sheldon to Bondy for 7 yards on third and three, Sheldon to Bondy for 15 yards. Quarterback on a mission? Two plays later: blocking tight end Jeffery Blake was open in the end zone, Sheldon found him and after the extra point, the 31-24 lead was Maassluis'.

The Lake Monsters regrouped and drove down field, but having reached the red zone, the pressure was finally on, while running back Jon Bates dropped passes on third and fourth down. The Merchantmen scraped a bare minute off the clock, Toronto was pinned back at their own 17-yard line. A 36-yard pass sparkled hope for the fans, but more pass rush pressure from the Merchantmen defensive line disrupted the Lake Monsters' efforts. Time outs ran out, as did downs. Victory formation for the Merchantmen. The comeback was complete: from 24-7 down to a 31-24 victory!

What a jackle and hyde game. Sheldon was pressured in the first half, the defense had no answer. One drive (perhaps rightfully) was boosted by pass interference calls, Sheldon got hot, the pass rush pressure was up to our standards. And voila, we're winners?!

Sheldon completed 18 of 35 passes for 230 yards for 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He was sacked 5 times, all leading up to that 24-7 deficit. Theo was the leading receiver with just 5 catches for 113 yards, most prominently the 53-yard touchdown early in the game. Thong' ran wild again with 73 yards on 15 carries.

So, the season continues and it's brining us back to Gothenburg, home of the European division champions. Wait, we're not going to Tucker, the top seeds? Nope, the Orlando Talons, not so shockingly, won at the Houston Mustangs. Hence, the Southeast teams play head to head and the European teams play head to head. Unlike last season, when Orlando came to our house and Paris went to Tucker.

I want us to get back to where we were last season: in the conference final, but losing to any of the other teams remaining in the conference wouldn't be face losing, these are the four best teams in the AOC, I think it's fair to say the seven best teams all made it to the conference semi finals. Houston was probably eighth best and stuck in the strong conference, it happens.

Again, Gothenburg, on the road. We lost there 35-28 earlier this season, a weird game, without Theodore Bondy and with the replacement Rickey Lyle by far the most productive receiver of the day with 147 yards, still mind blowing stuff. Lyle will be active and with the kind of game the other receivers had today, well, it might be worthwhile to think again what the right group of the day should be. The Giants always have some trick, something up their sleeve to disrupt our offense. We have to do something to fend it off.

We're riding a hot hand though, we've won 7 straight. Second hottest team in the conference? Gothenburg with 5 straight wins. Their only loss at home this season, just like how it has been for us, was against the Tucker Tigers. Confidence should be sky high on both ends, perhaps recipe for another shootout? No idea, we'll find out tomorrow...

MIJB#19

09-23-2020, 11:05 AM

Editor's note: it's an unusually busy week. I'll post an update, but probably no earlier than Friday. Those just interested in the scores will probably visit the IHOF site anyway, but I fully understand people come here specifically for the articles, not for the scoreboard journalism. ;)

MIJB#19

09-24-2020, 04:42 PM

General Manager Notes: It wasn't meant to be
And that's okay...

It doesn't mean I'm not disappointed. Things didn't quite fall our way in Gothenburg. Some did, the defense picked off their quarterback Mercury Pierce's passes 3 times. Moe Sheldon didn't share in that kind of misery, but still completed only 12 of 35 passes for 141 yards. Our main receivers all shared in the misery: Bondy 5 catches on 13 targets, Gore 3 catches on 7 targets, Stuckey 1 catch on 5 targets. Giving up a 91-yard punt return surely didn't help either, because without a play like that, we might have played them closer than the 27-17 loss that we encountered.

But would have, could have and should have are only useful if you take the time to analyze what could be done to do better if you're in the same situation in the future. So, on to 2093. With one big hole on the roster: Moe Sheldon is out of contract. It's unlikely another team will want him, but Sheldon is going to demand starter money (rightfully so) and it's spotty if we can find that early enough in the off-season to make him an offer he can't refuse. Retirements might have a crucial part in this. We'll see what happens.

MIJB#19

09-24-2020, 05:19 PM

General Manager Notes: Tomorrow? Tomorrow begins now.
With a familiar sight: a big over the cap figure.

2093, the off-season has begun and we're $56.45M over the cap. Projected we'll be $84.33M over the cap, but that's only logical. We're holding a quadruple of second round picks, which is a big factor in our $27.88M draft cost projection. It's actually not absurd, it's just barely over the league median of $21.62M. Where were the times a rookie wasn't getting a million on his first contract?

We're down one player: center Butch Pearson.
After 13 seasons of service, our 2080 first round pick has said goodbye to the IHOF. A backup as a rookie, then the starter for 10 seasons, then an injury plagued '91 season and finally last season fully back in action, after 177 regular season games and 13 playoffs games, most notably the 2085 and '91 AOC Championship games. As of today, he ranks 4th all-time amongst Merchantmen players in key run blocks. One active player (Howard Humphrey) is realistically on his tail, but it's safe to assume that a decade from now, he'll still be in the top6.

Not retired: Theodore Bondy and Kirk Hitchcock!
Bondy would have been a big hit to our offense, we're not quite ready for his replacement yet, as close as Rickey Lyle may try to think he is. We've got plenty of WR2 options, but nobody on our roster can replace Bondy, our all-time receiver by 2,998 yards now (although, I'm not sure I can rank him as our best receiver ever: J.R. Mills' 17.8 yards per catch are still third best all-time in 89 seasons of IHOF football, while Terry Haskell still has 4 touchdowns more than Theo). Still, he needs 304 receiving yards to jump into the all-time top10, while having improved to sixth in most receptions. Of course, we've thrown at him an absurd 44.1% of the time. Second highest for a player with, say, 50 or more games is 37.9% and that's for a couple of guys that are known for being thrown the ball all day long.

Hitchcock tied Peter Tucker in most interceptions for a Merchantmen player and was already far and beyond leading in passes defended (46 ahead of Tai Wayne, his 181 figure has brought him into the league's all-time top 10). But... We know Hitchcock's declining, even faster than Bondy is. He was still starting last season, but more decline would make it seriously a bad business decision to have him around at a $39.72M cap hit. Even $10M would be kind of insane, given what we're paying other players, but with a signing bonus hit of $18.63M, that's not quite possible). Bondy's cap figure is $79.68M, as special as he is, we really need to trim that by at least $30M to make it more up to his currently level (he's already accounting for $41.43M in signing bonus). Both are in the final year of contract, there's no room for creative contracts. They will each demand an unaffordable signing bonus. But these guys are legends, clear cut hall of famers. Do we have the guts to release them if we need to?

Cornerback Jackie Richardson will have to be willing to trim down on his cap figure as well. On the decline and now our second highest paid player. Can we still call this guy our shutdown corner, or has he turned into a CB2? And then there's our left tackle Nathan Hadinger, like Bondy and Hitchcock in the final year of contract, with a big cap hit in signing boni. Cap hell might be bigger than anticipated, but compared to the 2092 off-season mark being near $110M, this should be easy, right?

MIJB#19

10-01-2020, 05:10 PM

General Manager Notes: It's quiet in Maassluis
Calm before the storm?

Doubtful. Cap space is lacking, free agency is limited to a couple of restricted free agent signings. Cornerback Ted Frias found a new home. We made a triplet of trades with draft picks. Tomorrow we'll see which ten players will be our class of 2093.

And then the tough moment comes: how will we find the cap room to hire a quarterback? Moe Sheldon isn't getting any offers elsewhere, heck, it's unlikely any other team in the league will even come close to feeling like the man is worth the $111M over 3 years with a $34M bonus that he's demanding. Player agents simply have no frickin' clue what players actually are worth. Do we want him back? Sure. Do we have the cap space? Nothing remotely close to what his agent is demanding. Do we have a plan B? We have plan F: Francisco Farley.

The roster situation is 41 players signed, with 1 quarterback. But with 10 draft picks incoming, quarterback is quite simply the only position where we have a hole to fill.

It's not all there is to do, we've got a linebacker to re-sign as he's in his fourth year of the rookie contract. Brandon Brady, elite linebacker, asking for $63M/year over 5 years. Yes, I kid you not, this man wants about twice what our quarterback is demanding. You'd almost think he has the same insane player agent. The answer: he actually does.

Is there any cap room remaining? Well, theoretically there is. Our running backs and our fossil cornerback Kirk Hitchcock are still giving us some room to work with. Releasing Hitchcock would free up about $19M, which might be the money we'll need to bring back Sheldon or sign Brady longterm. But by the time we know Hitchcock is worth keeping, we'll be way past training camp and Sheldon will have forgotten all he ever learned in Maassluis, because that's what we do in the IHOF: a player that doesn't go to camp, is obliged to visit the league mandated brainwash studio and is forced to forgot he ever set foot in the training facilities of his latest team. I still remember the day our IHOF Bowl winning quarterback Alfred Hickman returned after just a year of absence and started reintroducing himself to all the defensive star players that made him an IHOF Bowl winner and spent 5 full seasons in the locker room with. The look on Shaun Hartman's face was telling: how can this guy have forgotten who we are?

Back to today. Is my spirit broken? Not quite, but the fire to go all out, it had to witstand an unexpected wave of emotions. Sometimes things that happen away from the turf make you pause and wonder: "how did that go so horribly bad, so completely opposite from what the intentions were?". As a result, I'm kind of going through the motions of the off-season, doing the same old: scraping for cap space and hoping to have a quarterback before training camp begins.

Or Plan F.
Brandon Bell retired at the start of this off-season, but Francisco Farley is a lock to make the team for the seventh straight season. Sometimes undrafted rookies last longer than first round picks that get the keys handed to them as a rookie. Farley's too young to know the song, but it makes you wonder, does he barely know the song and just have the chorus stuck in his head? "I gotta have faith, faith, faith..."

MIJB#19

10-02-2020, 10:28 AM

General Manager Notes: Class of '93, first look
WR, check! QB, check?

Going into the draft, we had a truckload of draft picks, with 4 picks in the second round. After some wheeling and dealing, we moved up in the first round, turned two second round picks into next season's draft second rounders and tripled up on sixth and seventh round picks. It's simply: it's the top three and then the other 7 guys. The score:
1.16 WR Ed Schulz
2.02 C Robbie Zinn
2.27 P Doug James
5.27 LT Byron Irvin
6.07 CB Bob Reese
6.22 TE Pat Kipps
6.27 DT Caleb Domis
7.16 QB Lorenzo Emerson
7.23 RB Benjamin Kapp
7.27 S Gabriel Cromer

Did we really need a new wide receiver? What about Rickey Lyle, George Stuckey, Branden Sandlin? Well, I think we do. Schulz looks like he could be the WR1 successor to Theodore Bondy. The staff was ecstatic, claiming Schulz to be very underrated. It was pointless to wait at the #27 overall and expect a kid like this to drop much further, once we got offered the #16, it was a trade I had to take. Harris Wilkerson has left the team as a free agent. He was a crucial member to our special teams unit, but it is what it is.

Robbie Zinn will step into the big hole on our offensive line, left behind by the retired Butch Pearson. Doug James will take over from Doug Guynes.

The other seven kids? It's up to them to prove they deserve a roster spot. With 51 players signed, they all have a shot at making the 53-roster, but it's not unusual for us to bring in a bunch of undrafted rookies that end up making that final list. There are some free agents that are still technically on roster until training camp begins, some are worth considering to re-sign. But, cap space is an issue, we're $5.9M over the cap right now, we need to clear that up before the camp, that's mandatory.

Moe Sheldon? Let's wait and see. His demands have somewhat gone down, but his agent still has an absurd number in his head. And we still are without any cap room to make him an even remotely fair offer...

MIJB#19

10-02-2020, 01:54 PM

General Manager Notes: How about those rookies?
Yeah, point taken.

My previous writing was kind of short. What makes this draft actually look so good? Well, first of all, it's just the day after the draft, it's obviously way too early to judge the se kids. But, our first and second round picks, I think they really count.

First, a punter, in the second round?
Yes. The 2.27 pick. I was willing to use the 2.2 pick on it. Is Doug James that good? I felt that his scouting report (without further interviewing) and combine numbers were very promising. Upon arrival, my staff is claiming this kid is the real deal, potentially the best punter in the league, already to be considered amongst the top five at his position. There really is only one downer: he's no excellent kick holder, he's only very good, we may need to keep a roster spot for that available.

What about that center?
Again, the staff is optimistic. Robbie Zinn didn't jump out as the next coming of Tom Anaya and Butch Pearson, but overall it was clear that he was the best prospect at his position and after extensive interviewing, the staff told me he's underrated. That sealed the deal, he was going to be our target for the 1.27 pick. Well, we moved up from that spot and had that 2.2 pick as a backup plan and Zinn fell just far enough to land in that spot. Upon arrival, the staff upheld it: Zinn in the bottom half of the top 10 centers. I'm not sure he's going to be the next coming of Anaya, but really, hall of famers don't come around every draft.

Enough about those support cast guys. Schulz, the new WR1?
Let's go back to the revelation of the draft class. After plugging all the assessments of all the rookies into a spreadsheet, a foursome of wide receivers jumped out. With one of them looking like the clear cut #1 overall pick, I sent my staff to interview the next three players. Ed Schulz ranked 133th by the league scout grades, but in our rating system he scored a 69 out of 100, second best behind that kid that indeed went #1 overall. The staff returned with positive news: Schulz is very underrated, reason enough to think this kid was by no means the 11th best wide receiver of this class, but truly top three. Then, as we had reached the middle of the first round, it wasn't me who made an offer to trade up, the Moontown Darksiders rang me, having shown interest in our surplus in second round picks and it was the call we were waiting for. We gave up the 2.15 pick and we'll never know what would have happened between picks #16 and #27 overall, but there's no point in second guessing this: we got him!

Some might say: Schulz, that kid resembles Stuckey. Well, if he does, it won't hurt us at all, would it? Stuckey is worthy being called a WR2. Stuckey has the route running skills to not just make the catch, but also draw the double coverage away from a kid like Schulz. And come to think Theodore Bondy will be on the team for another season to mentor Schulz. If the kid doesn't do anything crazy between the first two pre-season games, this kid could be the successor to the quartet of hall of famers and Theo.

Now, if only Moe Sheldon comes to his senses, realizing that he's been blessed with good receivers and cohesion in the past two seasons, maybe we'll allow him to tote it to Schulz. If not: well, Moe, there's always Plan F.

Wait, wait, what about the other rookies?
* QB Lorenzo Emerson can sense the rush, scored the mystery Solecismic Score of 28 (we now know his intelligence is slightly below average for a quarterback), has a strong arm and a good pair of legs.
* RB Benjamin Kapp has the hole recognition and breakaway speed combo we like and lacks elusiveness (which some claim to be positive), but albeit those being his strong points, it looks unlikely he'll break into the rotation, beating Trey Beyer for the third slot on the team looks unlikely. But maybe he's better than he looks now (he scored a 46% in our spreadsheet).
* TE Pat Kipps was the best at his position left on board based on our spreadsheet, scoring a 56%. Let's hope he's actually even better, because right now he's a kid that can't play special teams (d'oh, this is crucial for a TE3 on our team), but he's okay.
* LT Byron Irvin might be an okay pass blocker, some day. Maybe.
* DT Celeb Domis has a lot of potential (says the staff), but he's extremely green right now (also says the staff). Making the team only makes sense if we also re-sign A.J. Ritt to mentor him and which in effect would mean there's no roster spot available, unless we keep 9 defensive linemen, or have that 53rd roster spot available.
* CB Bob Reese was the best CB left and we'll likely need somebody to fill the vacancy of Ted Frias or Jessie McNeil.
* S Gabriel Cromer was on my radar already in the late second round as the 7th best safety in this class, but somehow he dropped all the way to the late seventh round. Do we need a new safety? Not really, but if this kid can bulk up, he'll have the potential to step in at some point, he's similar to Chuck Murray, with much better endurance. Well worth picking there.

MIJB#19

10-05-2020, 02:36 PM

General Manager Notes: Moe Sheldon stays!
Well how about that!

So, playing game of chicken with a quarterback that no other team has any reasonable interest in can work? Maybe, maybe not. What was he asking again, $111M with a $34M bonus? His agent turns out to be not so stubborn at all [game technically, his agent scores 4/100 in stubbornness, are we onto something here?] and right before training camp, we offered him a $38M deal with a $16M bonus.

The signing of Sheldon has come with a price: the departure of two long-time secondary players.

I decided to release safety Riddick Newsome after 8 seasons worth of 100 regular season and 9 games in the playoffs. We signed him during the 2084 post-season and then he grew into his 4th year in IHOF into a starting role with us. Last side he spent entirely on inactive, such can be the life of a veteran long timer. I doubt he'll find a new home elsewhere, his special teams skills are pedestrian and the main reason why he lost the battle with the youngsters on the team.

Cornerback Jessie McNeil turned down serval lowball offers. Our 5th round pick in 2087 played in 92 games for us (5 of those in the playoffs) and with 3 pick sixes actually had quite the contribution last season, in limited action as our dimeback. We gambled on him to sign, but he didn't. He's good enough to play dimeback in this league, but somehow I suspect other teams will ignore him and force him into retirement after just 6 seasons, excluding this 7th season.

We did add up to exactly 60 players for training camp and pre-season. Six undrafted rookies and a veteran special teamer/wide receiver in Lamont Ramirez. The undrafted rookies are kick holder/emergency quarterback Jon Giles, special teamer/running back Darien Bettencourt, tight end/special teamer Ike Nixon and special teamers/linebackers Archie Pizir and Jose Meadows. Yeah, special teamers was the trend here.

Training camp results were a mixed bag, sort of. Rookie C Robbie Zinn stood out the most by making the most progress, shortly behind him rookie DT Caleb Domis. Also making good progress were rookie S Gabriel Cromer, third year LB Trenton Prescott and third year WR Rickey Lyle. Behind them were rookies WR Ed Schulz and DE Donald Wolfe, third year DE Trent Donovan and second year G Heath Gaylor.

Despite Schulz' unimpressive progress, we have every reason to think he's going to be our new star WR. If he survives the curiosity of pre-season partying...

MIJB#19

10-07-2020, 05:32 PM

General Manager Notes: That Anticipated Day You Know Every Pre-Season Comes
And it's usually a mixed bag.

Well, was it a mixed bag? Is Ed Schulz who we hope he is? Is Doug James the best punter in the league? Is Kirk Hitchcock still playable? Theodore Bondy? Moe Sheldon? The running backers Patter and Thong'? Who's the Clarence Gore of '93?

Let's go through this by position groups.

Quarterbacks
35/35 (-6) Moe Sheldon
25/25 (-8) Francisco Farley
10/25 (+3) Lorenzo Emerson (r)
10/30 (-2) Jon Giles (r)
Bad news as Sheldon made a step back. Plan F was looking over his shoulder, but took an even larger step back. Scrambling rookie Emerson was a bright spot, but kick holder Jon Giles is the sure thing to make the team. So, that raises the question: Plan F or the scrambler as our QB2? Emerson will be our second half of pre-season starter, this is his chance to unseat Plan F. (Spoiler: Plan F's cohesion and experience will mist likely beat Emerson for the QB2 role, but maybe, just maybe, we find room for 4 quarterbacks this season?)

Backfield
35/35 (-5) FB Clay Brosseau
45/45 (-10) Francisco Patter
40/40 (+1) Reggie Thongchanh
40/45 (+3) Trey Beyer
30/40 (+1) Benjamin Kapp (r)
20/25 (-2) Darien Bettencourt (r)
Thongchanh returns in shape. Patter looks regressed, but curiously his elusiveness was hit harder than his hole recognition, which hints to him becoming a more effective ball carrier. Beyer will continue to be the alternative for Thong' and Patter. Kapp looks decent, but with less speed and hole recognition, consequently means he won't make the team. Special teamer Bettencourt has a decent chance to make the 53-men list.

Tight ends
50/50 (n.c.) Clarence Gore
55/55 (n.c.) Clay Gaynor
20/20 (-7) Renaldo Crawford
25/35 (-3) Pat Kipps (r)
20/30 (n.c.) Ike Nixon (r)
Gaynor and Gore continue to be the passing downs guys, Gore the main receiver. Crawford regressed, but is still our best run blocker. Although my philosophy is to try to give youngsters 3 seasons to prove their value, Kipps is not going to beat Nixon for the fourth tight end spot, with special teams skills making the difference.

Wide receivers
60/60 (-2) Theodore Bondy
45/70 (+6) Ed Schulz (r)
45/45 (-1) George Stuckey
40/50 (n.c.) Rickey Lyle
40/40 (-1) Branden Sandlin
30/30 (-1) Santiago Messenger
25/25 (n.c.) Mark Perkins
25/25 (-5) Lamont Ramirez
A large group, lead by Bondy, soon to be lead by Schulz and with Stuckey troubled to hold onto that WR2 slot. It's going to be quite the decision here as we're clearly not going to play a lot of 3 WR, let alone 4 WR sets. Lyle and Sandlin continue to be useful players, with Lyle also our alternative to Messenger as the kickoff returner. Perkins is our punt returner. Ramirez was signed to be our new WR5 special teamer. But can we afford to bring 8 wide receivers into the new season?

Offensive line
50/50 (-7) LT Nathan Hadinger
60/60 (-3) LG Michael Scott
45/75 (+1) C Robbie Zinn (r)
40/40 (-4) RG Andre Watson
60/60 (-7) RT Howard Humphrey
40/45 (+1) G Hayden Gaylor
25/35 (-5) C Lewis Azzolini
20/30 (-3) Byron Irvin (r)
The starters are set in stone, no doubt. Zinn continues to look better and better, albeit endurance being a bit of a concern. The guys around him are getting older and older. Gaylor is our OL6, Azzolini and Irvin may seem safe, but I won't guarantee them a 53-men roster spot just yet.

Defensive Line
60/60 (+2) DT Darien Fletcher
55/55 (n.c.) DT Jumbo Mojica
50/50 (n.c.) DE Gen Kondovski
45/45 (+1) DE Archie Exner
30/30 (n.c.) DE Tony Whiting
30/30 (+1) DT A.J. Ritt
30/30 (n.c.) DT Kurt Ackerman
25/40 (n.c.) DT Caleb Domis (r)
35/35 (n.c.) DE Trent Donovan
20/30 (-1) DE Donald Wolfe (r)
Changes will likely be marginal. Fletcher and Mojica will be our inside guys, playing roughly 75% to 80% of the downs. Kondovski, Exner and Whiting will be in the rotation on the outside. Ritt and Ackerman on the rotation as the tackle alternates and possibly as the fourth outside rusher. We will bring at least 8 guys into the regular season, Domis looks like a safe bet, but Donovan has been patient and looks ready to shine. Wolfe is promising, he really is, but the math of roster spots doesn't add up.

Linebackers
70/70 (-1) Brandon Brady
55/55 (n.c.) Daquan Espino
50/50 (n.c.) Clayton Jackson
30/30 (-10) Brant Rayburn
25/30 (+2) Jose Meadows (r)
25/30 (n.c.) Trenton Prescott
20/35 (-3) Archie Pizir (r)
10/10 (-7) Alexc Palmer
Three legitimate linebackers and five special teamers, that's what we have here. Three of those last five will make our roster, but it's almost like flipping a coin or playing bingo. Brady is out of contract after this upcoming season and it starts to look like the cap space to make him a half-decent offer this pre-season to lock him up, it looks impossible. We'll have to get our pocket ready for the next off-season... Jackson is the pass defender, Espino the third linebacker in 7 or 8 up front formations.

Secondary
65/65 (n.c.) S Devon Farrell
55/55 (-10) CB Jackie Richardson
40/40 (-10) CB Kirk Hitchcock
40/40 (+1) CB Adam Harmon
40/40 (n.c.) S Chuck Murray
30/30 (n.c) S Jon Brotzman
20/40 (-1) S Gabriel Cromer (r)
20/25 (-5) CB Bob Reese (r)
This unit is fading away. Clearly no longer the cream of the crop in the league that it was just 2 seasons ago. We lost Frias (traded), McNeil (didn't re-sign) and Newsome (who spent all of '92 on inactive), all three would have upgraded this unit. This group is good, but just that: good. We'll keep our eyes open for new guys, keeping in mind that cap space isn't available to bring in an expensive veteran. Hitchcock can't play man-to-man anymore, it's a pain to the eye to see how only rookie Cromer is worse in that area. He's not useless, but it's surely silly to have this guy signed for $33.8M of cap space. Of course, he's on a minimum salary, which means releasing him won't make the cap hit go away. The players on the open market won't be a better fit on the team than Hitchcock, despite all that we can say about him. Richardson's decline is troublesome as well. Still a starter, no doubts about that, but not an elite shutdown corner anymore. Farrell will have to step it up and carry this team, with Harmon our new CB2, Murray and Brotzman the alternative side kicks to Farrell and Cromer looking promising. Reese is not good enough, regardless of the need to bring 8 guys into the season.

Special Teamers
75/90 (+3) P Doug James (r)
70/70 (-2) K Mark Giles
20/20 (n.c.) LS Bryce Karney
Giles is ok, in the final year of contract and I'm expecting to not offer him a new deal, making him a free agent next off-season. James looks to be the real deal, looking more promising by the day. Karney is getting older, but continues to be a top5 long snapper in the league.

In short:
Offense, mixed bag
defense, not so great
special teams, one of the best out there

That's all there is to say, for now.

Well, almost. We won our first two pre-season games: 22-7 at Hanalei and 23-10 against Arizona in Oranje Haven. In both games we won the turnover battle, dominated field position and had a dreadful passing game with okay running game in support. George Stuckey had 1 catch on 11 targets, while Ed Schulz lead the team with 9 catches (on 14 targets) for 90 yards.

Some bright spots, but such a mixed bag that it could be a long season, but that can be taken both ways: we'll get deep into the playoffs or meaning that we'll be struggling very hard. I can only hope our superior cohesion and special teams unit can make a difference.

MIJB#19

10-09-2020, 02:14 PM

General Manager Notes: The jinx is on
And the roster is almost set.

An urban myth in IHOF is the idea that winning all four pre-season games is the ultimate jinx to have an unsuccessful regular season. Well, bring it, because we went through the pre-season with the perfect record.

Rookie seventh round pick Lorenzo Emerson guided us to a 41-3 victory over the Colorado Cutthroats and a 30-17 victory at the Iowa Cobbers. The kid completed 29 of 46 passes for 348 yards, 5 touchdowns and went through it without interception. Can we really cut his ass to trim down to the 53-men roster? Plan F completed 7 of 19 for 69 yards and 1 touchdown. Maybe Francisco Farley finally made a strong case for not making the team?

An undrafted rookie cornerback named Britt Hudson has joined our team and got his first action on special teams in the last two pre-season games. He looks more promising than 6th round pick Bob Reese, who left the building before Hudson joined it. With Reese, fellow rookies RB Kapp, TE Kipps, DE Wolfe and LB Pizir didn't make it to the second couple of pre-season games. The same applies to Trenton Prescott, after spending 2 seasons on our roster as an inactive backup (aside from 1 game in 2091 where he was on the field for 1 special teams play).

So, if you did the math right, you've noticed we're two cuts short of announcing our 53-men roster. Position groups with more bodies than needed: we have 4 quarterback, 8 wide receivers and 9 defensive linemen.

One more puzzle: I still want to lock up Brandon Brady, our star linebacker. He wants quarterback money, I think he's worth it, but the puzzle part is finding the right combination of bonus money and salaries that would please him and fit under our current cap situation. The alternative thing to do is hope we can win the bidding war next off-season and instead lock up some other defensive starters (DT Ackerman, S Murray, S Brotzman). I'm going to make up my mind on this and see where it'll bring us. Achieving both looks utopian, locking up Brady looks like that either way though. And after those contract talks, it's on to preparation for week 1 of 2093, which we'll kick off in Bordeaux.

Pre-season means nothing. Usually, most of the time. We outscored our opponents 116-37, scoring at least 22 each game and allowing 17 at most. About that 4-0 jinx, it's on. Well, is it really? Last time we went 4-0 in pre-season was in 2085, eventually we lost in the conference championship game. Before that? Conference championship loss in 2078. Before that? Conference semifinals in 2065. Before that? 15-1 regular season, but followed by the most shocking one-and-done in league history in 2059. But good seasons they all were. Let's build on that.

MIJB#19

10-10-2020, 07:20 PM

General Manager Notes: Plan F, no more..
Two players didn't make the cut: Ramirez and Farley.

Wide receiver Lamont Ramirez' release should have been unsurprising. Despite that he was our second best special teamer in the wide receivers group, even after showing up horribly out of shape after our first pre-season game, it was pointless to hold on to him. It means he leaves us after one training camp and two pre-season games.

Quarterback Francisco Farley's departure is a much bigger story. An undrafted rookie signing in 2087, he rode the bench behind Ellis McAlister. After we separated ways with McAlister, Moe Sheldon was signed in the 2088 off-season and Farley become our opening day starter. It didn't last long, we gave him just 3 starts and then Sheldon took over. In 2089 Brandon Bell was our first round pick and Farley dropped to third in line. In 2091, Farley got to start in week 17 as we had locked up the #2 seed in the playoffs. Last season he returned to second string after the release of Bell, but sitting behind the undisputed Sheldon. This off-season, contract talks with Sheldon went through to the 11th hour, as he was signed just before training camp, with Farley until then penciled in as the 2093 starter. But after the first pre-season game, Farley seemingly turned from questionable QB2 material into a barely useful QB3. With the emergence of rookie seventh round pick Lorenzo Emerson, Farley's horrible pre-season stats were reason enough to release him. It ends Farley's stint with the Merchantmen after 6 seasons, 18 games played, 4 starts, completing 50% of his passes for 594 yards, 4 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, with an 0-4 record as a starter. That's how quickly life can change: from starter just before camp to probably not making an IHOF roster for opening day 2093.

A positive effect of these releases was opening up about $1.6M of cape space, but it proved to be way short of what the crazy player agent of Brandon Brady is demanding. He wants quarterback money, we offered it to him: $210M over 5 years, with a $48M signing bonus. Maybe his agent is still pissed about the offer we gave to his other client Moe Sheldon, but we have a track record of loyalty to star players. Well, at least those that are exceptionally talented (Theodore Bondy, Kirk Hitchcock), we try really hard to keep them.

Although, especially at linebacker, we've sacrificed several all-IHOF caliber stars in the past decade or two (Gabe Hamilton, Antonio Battle, Glenn Brewer, Craig McCorkle). Maybe they do have an argument. But a signing bonus of $48M over 5 years means cutting him next off-season will put us at a dead cap hit of roughly $39M, which would be almost pointless when a cap out offer will be better for the cap situation and will result in another $37M signing bonus for Brady. And that should escalade into another $37M signing bonus in 2095, when another cap out is a likely possibility. It's reasonable to assume that Brady hereby has turned down $130M of guaranteed money.

But it is what it is, Brady's agent wants him to go to the open market. We have about 28 hours to make him one final offer he can't refuse, but it may be wiser to use the $6M unused cap space on three other starters soon to become a free agent. Or maybe that underperforming kicker Mark Giles' agent will get a phone call. For now, I'll sleep on that decision.

Will we make any other changes to the 53-men roster before opening day? There's at least one quarterback out there who should be an upgrade over Sheldon. There's a running back that we cut after camp 2092, was a starter elsewhere in the league and is still a kid we could use in a rotation. And there are some guys out there who would be an upgrade to our special teams unit. So, never say never, despite that it's extremely unlikely...

MIJB#19

10-13-2020, 05:00 PM

General Manager Notes: Calm before the storm?
It's oh so quiet, it's oh so still...

Well, is it, really? Away from the football field, it's hectic, but on the field, it's not silent as well. The Maassluis Merchantmen are 2 games into the 2093 season and, lo and behold, we're undefeated untied division leaders. on the other hand, it's just 2 games, what's that really worth?

We kicked off at and kicked a lot against Bordeaux. Mark Giles converted 4 field goals, scoring the lionshare of points in our 19-10 victory at the Vineyards. Moe Sheldon struggled (16/33 for 142 yards, 2 interceptions), but the running tandem Patter (93 yards, 1 td) and Thong' (102 yards) made the offense look much less pale. We lost rookie wideout Ed Schulz to a concussion during the game. But the cream of the team was our pass defense, holding the Vineyards' wonderkid Walt Czech to 95 yards passing on 28 attempts. How about that?

Our home game against the Frederick Red Menace was quite the opposite in production. Previous time we played a then rookie 1.1 pick Angel Henson, our 1.13 rookie Brandon Bell came out of that game victorious. Today, Bell has retired from football, while Henson is still throwing the ball 60 times per game. This time in Oranje Have it was 66 attempts, completing half of them for 422 yards and a score. Our response was to lean heavily on 4 big plays for a touchdown. Moe Sheldon found Theo for 44 yards and Clarence Gore for 46 yards, while Francisco Patter broke out for 64-yard and 52-yard touchdown runs. All that en route to a 31-16 victory.

Division:
1. Maassluis 2-0
2. Gothenburg 1-1
3. Paris 1-1
4. Bordeaux 0-2

Yeah, all's right with the world when you see the standings like this. Albeit, Bordeaux looks ready to break out sooner or later.

Our star linebacker Brandon Brady is going to be a free agent next off-season. I went against a final bid for him and instead decided to lock up our free safety tandem Jon Brotzman and Chuck Murray, and change of pace defensive tackle Kurt Ackerman. Brady's contract will be of the $250M over 5 years kind, that looks like it's unavoidable. The good news: we might actually have the cap space for him at that point in time.

Otherwise, it's becoming survival of the fittest. These are weird times away from the football field, we'll move on and hope for the best. I'll try to find the energy to share the stories, perhaps can continue to make telling about the Merchantmen a way to forget about it. But when the wrong distractions keep coming back and the good ones are locked out, it won't just be a physical battle, it will also become a mental survival of the fittest. And that's what we're good at here in Oranje Haven. Keep on dreaming and believing that "good things will come" indeed.

MIJB#19

10-15-2020, 04:04 PM

General Manager Notes: 3 and O after 4
Yup, early bye week, again.

It's a tradition for us to have our bye week early. Twice per three seasons, we have our bye in week 4, once we have it in week 5. That's the faith of a generic schedule.

Week 3 was a pleasant surprise with a hard fought 20-17 victory over the Fort Wayne Fury. We struggled at times (Moe Sheldon threw for 209 yards, 1 score, 1 pick, 1 lost fumble), broke out sporadically (Francisco Patter ran for 61 yards and a score on just 10 carries) and had one defensive player peak above the rest of his unit (Devon Farrell made a pick, recovered a fumble and defended 3 passes). A quick 17-3 lead eventually was crucial to fend them off, although not giving up a touchdown in the 58th minute of regulation surely also lead to that.

Division:
1. Maassluis 3-0
2. Paris 2-2
3. Gothenburg 1-3
4. Bordeaux 1-3

We're one of five remaining unbeaten teams, with three of them a game ahead us with a 4-0 record (Chesapeake and Hanalei in the NAC, Tucker in the AOC). That fifth team is the 3-0 North Plainfield Plague, our next opponents at their place. It will feature the #1 running game (ours) against the 27th best run defense (theirs), their 26th ranked running game against our #5 ranked run defense, with mediocre passing games and defenses. An area of improvement for us is our red zone offense, with 12 points out of 5 visits. Reason enough to look a bit at our game plan for this game.

All that aside, 3 games is just such a small sample size. Francisco Patter has an obnoxious yards per carry figure of 8.97, that's just text book example of an outlier. Although we hope he can keep it up, finish top 3 in rushing yards with just 11 carries for 99 yards per game. Combined with Thongchanh getting 18 carries for 74 yards per game. Yeah, that's just silliness.

But beating the Plague wouldn't be silly, we know we can do it. Make it happen, team. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

10-16-2020, 06:46 PM

General Manager Notes: Battle of the unbeatens
And we won!

In what turned out to be a turnover fest, gracefully won by our defense, we posted a sound 24-10 victory at the North Plainfield Plague. Moe Sheldon had another so-so game, completing 17 of 36 passes for 246 yards, 2 scores, 1 pick and another fumble (where Howard Humphrey came to the rescue). Theo caught just 4 of 13 targets for 70 yards, while rookie Ed Schulz had 5 catches for 75 yards, his first productive game in his 3-game career so far. Our running backs combined for 106 yards on 26 carries. Francisco Patter saw his ypc drop to 8.02.

But 3 interceptions and 2 recovered fumbles by the defense made quite the difference. Jackie Richardson lead the way with 2 picks. Awkwardly, we've won four and in one of them an offensive player from our team won player of the game. Kicker Mark Giles was first, Frederick's quarterback Angel Henson got it in week 2, despite getting beaten hard, safety Devon Farrell was on the job in week 3 and today defensive end Tony Whiting made 2.0 sacks to earn the honors.

Division:
1. Maassluis 4-0
2. Paris 2-2
3. Bordeaux 1-3
4. Gothenburg 1-4

Wait, what? Yup, the Giants have dropped to 1-4. Let's be fair, they played 4 games on the road to start the season, won in Paris and then lost at 5-0 Chesapeake, 4-1 Tucker, helped Harlem to their only victory so far and last at home against 4-1 Toronto. Their schedule has been brutal, aside from that trap game in Harlem.

All of the results so far put us at the top of the conference as the only unbeaten team, but we did play one game less than the other division leaders. In the other conference, aforementioned Chitterlings are still without a loss, but a battle of last man standing sounds extremely unlikely as we face them in week 14 in Oranje Haven. We'd have to combine for 15-0 in the next 8 weeks to make it a battle of two 12-0 teams. Let's be realistic, that won't happen, right?

Let's get back to one game at a time. Our next stop will be a home game, hosting the Razorbacks from Rochester. After two close losses, they've won the last three straight, also with one score difference. So far their pass defense has been their asset, as has been a strong point of our team. Their red zone defense has been second best to ours, so brace yourself for another defensive battle. Our superior special teams unit might be key to win the field position battle in what could turn out to be a kicking fest. Mark Giles is in a contract year, free agent next off-season, that should motivate him to wow the league and prove that not locking him up was a mistake. Well, if it comes to it, do it, although I'm obviously hoping we can post a 34-10 or so victory. But in this day and age, with this quarterback, we have to take any win we can get. It might be a good idea to look over our game plan another time or two to tailor it a bit more towards Sheldon's non-weaknesses. Or just run the ball a little bit more even. We are the #1 running team still...

MIJB#19

10-20-2020, 01:13 PM

General Manager Notes: And then the wheels start falling off
One win, two losses.
And a potential career destroying injury.

That's what we had to face in the last three weeks. RT Howard Humphrey will, most likely, be out for the remainder of this season. That's a monumental blow to our running game, and to his knee. Get well soon.

We lost 27-20 at home against Rochester, beat Toronto 20-13 in our place and today had a 31-9 meltdown in Paris. The latter also meant we lost the division lead on head-to-head tie-breakers.

Division:
1. Paris 5-2
2. Maassluis 5-2
3. Gothenburg 3-5
4. Bordeaux 2-5

I'm puzzled about our sudden meltdown. It wasn't just in Paris today, but our running game was missing in action against Toronto as well. Before these three games, I was hopeful we'd finally put down a longer stretch, but Moe Sheldon throwing 4 picks, it just didn't make sense. It is what it is. Maybe it's better to see him throw them all in one single game? We'll continue our season with a typical trap game at the Harlem Apollos (1-6), hopefully we can regroup, but losing our main run blocker is going to be a huge problem in our smashmouth offense. At the same time, we basically have the personnel to throw it a lot, why not try that approach?

We'll see. One game at a time. Harlem up next. Please team, don't do what we've done before: piss away our season against a team that is struggling.

MIJB#19

10-25-2020, 01:18 PM

General Manager Notes: We're falling...
And rising.

2093 is a weid season. At least for the Maassluis Merchantmen. We had a dreadful series of games that saw us trip 14-13 over the Harlem Apollos, fall for the silliness of a 17-17 tie at home against Bordeaux and then a hard fought, yet season determining 26-20 loss at home against Gothenburg. A defense and special teams supported 16-7 win in Brooklyn turned the tide and against all odds, we're back where we belong: at the top of the division.

Europe:
1. Maassluis 6-4-1
2. Gothenburg 6-5
3. Paris 6-5
4. Bordeaux 3-7-1

The division lead is as slim as can be, if not for a tied situation with better tie-breakers, but as Gothenburg has already claimed tie-breakers long before the week 17 clash in their place, we'll have to maintain that 1/2 win lead.

Despite the disappoint results, it wasn't all the struggling Moe Sheldon. He threw for 813 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception in the last 4 games, but also doubled his fumbles from 4 to 8 in that span.

Theodore Bondy had two 100-yard, 2-touchdown games, neither resulting in a win. Rookie Ed Schulz got shut out in Brooklyn with 0 catches on 3 targets, George Stuckey wasn't even targeted in that game. Yeah, I have no idea how and why, Stuckey had 11 targets against Bordeaux in basically the same game plan on offense. Tight end Clarence Gore is struggling a bit, with 27 catches and 332 yards he's by no means in a position to get to 800 yards and 6 touchdowns for the third year in his career.

Our running game has been undefinable. It's either hot or cold, nothing in between. Francisco Patter is still averaging 5.0 per carry, but Reggie Thongchanh's season is turning into a career low with 3.29 yards per carry. Losing Howard Humphrey for the rest of the regular season and most likely the entire playoffs, that's a serious blow to the running game. Guard Andre Watson is a fine run blocker, but he's no Humphrey. And second-year pro Hayden Gaylor is doing the best he can, but he's clearly the weak spot on our line now.

Rookie punter Doug James is ripe for a jinx. The kid is leading the league with most inside 20's, despite that we're in the middle of the pack un number of punts. Mark Giles appears to have a breakout season as our kicker, currently leading with the longest converted kick for 56 yards.

Individual numbers on defense are pretty much silly to point out. We all know that defense is more team effort than anything else. But let's at least mention that Kirk Hitchcock has yet to make that 46th interception to separate himself from Peter Tucker as the all-time franchise leader. He's still 3 defended passes away from tying Ben Greer at 6th place in league history and will need another 4 to catch the fourth and fifth place guys.

All in all, overall we're just playing like one of the hardest to pinpoint teams. We're third in least points allowed, firmly in the top4 in that statistic. Yards per game allowed is always much higher, as our special teams unit is fully capable of making opponents need to gain 5 to 10 yards more per drive, which actually should result in about 40 yards more allowed in even games. We're gaining 323 yards per game versus allowing 344 yards, so despite the -21, it's a good example why we're actually better than the opponents.

For now, as the last 5 regular season games are brutal. We face 8-3 Orlando in their place first, then host 8-3 Chesapeake and 6-5 Paris. The last two games we'll visit 4-7 Williamsburg (they're better than their record!) and finish the regular season at 6-5 Gothenburg.

Well, we're up to the challenge. If we think we're playoffs material, we'll have to come out of that stretch with a 3-2 record. That might not be enough even, unless we sweep Paris and Gothenburg, but that's where we stand. Solecismic's playoffs probabilities even has us at 1 in 500 odds to become the #1 seeds and about 16 in 25 to miss the playoffs. Let's defy the odds, beginning with an upset victory in Orlando. We can do this, team!

MIJB#19

10-31-2020, 12:44 PM

General Manager Notes: How the tides can change
From a 4-0 start to third place with a losing record.

Let's start with the key numbers first:
2093 final division standings:
1. Gothenburg 10-6
2. Paris 8-8
3. Maassluis 7-8-1
4. Bordeaux 4-11-1

Granted, the back end of the season was slightly harder, but I think the loss of our All-IHOF caliber right tackle Howard Humphrey was an underestimated big hit to our offense. It appears to have decimated our running game from being top5 caliber to finishing the season with a middle of the pack 119 yards per game and 4 yards per carry. Given the good start, it means we were below average in that area in the second half of the season. That's bad news for an offense that relies on the running game being solid enough to keep the opponent guessing.

At the same time, it forced the passing game to up their production and it showed in the yards per catch department. It forced the living legend Theodore Bondy into a productive season with 100 catches for 1,474 yards and 10 touchdowns. His yardage figure was better than any of the previous 5 seasons. This man isn't ready for retirement at all, is he? Bondy's presence also meant rookie Ed Schulz didn't have a breakout season like many of his predecessors did, finishing the season with 56 catches for 772 yards and 5 touchdowns. Not bad, but not quite the 1,000-yard season we're used to see from promising rookie wide receivers.

Moe Sheldon finished the season with 16 starts, I saw no reason to demote him, but, frankly, we had no real backup to begin with. I considered the signing of the top free agent, but never made a contract offer. Sheldon finishes the season with a career low 52.8 completion percentage, throwing for 3,601 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His 12 fumbles were a career worst, another reason to seriously look into replacing him next season.

On the other end of the ball, our defense was underwhelming. Expecting this unit to be above average, our performance was below average. We gave up 250 yards passing with a 6.4 yards per attempt, both middle of the pack numbers, 117 yards rushing and 4.4 yards per carry, both slightly worse than average. Our should be very solid pass rush was downright disappointing, finishing at a mediocre 21.8 pass rush percentage with a far below average 4.5 sack percentage. Unacceptable from these players. Unacceptable.

Our elite special teams unit was good, but not outstanding and eventually didn't make enough of a difference to have a winning season. That doesn't apply to rookie punter Doug James, who lead the league with 50 inside 20's. That number should be put into the perspective of other numbers, as it meant 50 of 105 punts landed there, the third highest average in the league. Chances are he'll get the honors for it. But is it really a surprise when the most talented punter in the league plays like the best punter in the league?

We finished the season with a -26 points margin, that makes this rank as our 12th worst season all-time. It makes you wonder why we even thought for a little bit that we were playoffs material. That differential was boosted by 3 big losses: the 31-9 non-sense in Paris, a much deserved 45-14 beatdown in Orlando and a 41-23 loss in Gothenburg, a game that really didn't matter much anymore.

And that loss wrapped up the 2093 season for us, the 90th season in the IHOF. On to the off-season of 2094 and the near future.

I see three areas of attention: the quarterback situation, the aging offensive line and the cornerback situation. Realistically, all those areas can be addressed in one off-season and if successful, we'll be back in action, right? Our cap situation is healthy, our draft picks situation shows two additional second round picks in the top half of that round. But that also implies that we'll find a way to keep Brandon Brady, the star linebacker that will be a free agent in the next off-season. That will be the biggest obstacle to take, because if he leaves us, we'll have another big hole to fill.

And hopefully I'll be able to write a bit more next season as it's been quite quiet.

2094, here we come!

QuikSand

10-31-2020, 02:25 PM

disappointing back half of the season... it happens, for sure

you'll be back in it!

MIJB#19

11-01-2020, 12:46 PM

General Manager Notes: The living legends Bondy and Hitchcock
So, hoping these guy will determine that 2093 wasn't a farewell song but a reason to continue playing this game, let's take a look at where the living legends Theodore Bondy and Kirk Hitchcock sit now on the all-time lists.

This season, Theodore Bondy joined the 1,500-catches club (he's up to 1,558 now), becoming the 5th member in IHOF history to get there. He ranks 4th and if he sticks around for one more season, will need 26 catches to tie for 3rd place. The top2 are out of reach, unless Bondy plays for two more 100-catch seasons. Bondy jumped up to 7th in all-time receiving yards, reaching 19,473 yards. Another season for 527 yards would make him the 7th member of the league's 20K club.

Bondy ranks 3rd all-time in most targets (he has 2,758 so far). Playing in the era of several highly targeted players (the top 4 all played the majority of their career in the '80s), it's somewhat remarkable that Bondy has achieved this on an offense that hasn't been all-pass, unlike his competition. The all-time leader is also still active, Frederick Red Menace's Christian James is seasons ahead of second place with 3,169 targets. A big reason for Bondy's figures is that when we're passing, 43.5 percent of the time the ball has been thrown into Bondy's direction. A figure that has been unprecedented, aforementioned James is on pace with the current retired record holder at 37.9.percent.

All in all, Bondy is 34 years old. Of those guys ahead of him, all retired after their 34th birthday, in ancient times Kenny Delgado retired after 17 seasons at the age of 39. With 12 seasons under his belt, Surely he has more gas left in the tank, no?

For the franchise records, it's all Bondy now. His 10 touchdowns this season made him reach 133 (both receiving and total) and jump ahead of Terry Haskell's figures of 127 receiving and 128 total.

Kirk Hitchcock became the all-time Merchantmen leader in interceptions, making his 46th in week 16 at the Williamsburg Colonials, and also returning it for his 9th touchdown, which ties the class of '64 legend Peter Tucker's record. With 4 defended passes this season, he didn't have much to show for his action this season, but it improved his already legendary figures in Maassluis, improving to 50 ahead of the ancient record holder Taj Wayne. His 185 defended passes make him improve from 10th to 7th all-time, still a threesome behind Ben Greer.

The change of guard though, it's coming. Bondy knows Ed Schulz and George Stuckey are ready to be the new WR duo, with tight end Clarence Gore the leader of the gang. Rickey Lyle and tight end Clay Gaynor make this a talented group. Hitchcock's position was already questionable, but Adam Harmon realistically is a nickelback, one of the best in the game maybe, but he's no shutdown corner. And Jackie Richardson no longer is that either. Bondy has a future, Hitchcock though, he might be nothing more than a special teamer next season. If they stick around, because retirement is quite possible for the second and third oldest players.

The oldest guy? Moe Sheldon. Yes. The change of guard isn't far away.

MIJB#19

11-05-2020, 01:50 PM

General Manager Notes: Hadinger, Hitchcock and Ritt retire...
But Theo returns. How about that!

Nathan Hadinger, left tackle
back in 2083, Hadinger was our second round pick in the draft. After sitting out the rookie season, the 6'5" 319 pounds pass blocker became our anchorman left tackle in 2084. In 10 seasons as a starter, he played (and started) in 153 regular season games, made 156 key run blocks (three times 20+) and allowed 37 sacks in 5,389 pass plays, a very good number for a left tackle. He played in 8 playoffs games, including the lost 2091 AOC Championship games, but sadly missed the 2085 AOC Championship game with injury. A lingering what if forever remains...

Kirk Hitchcock, cornerback
Our #11 overall pick in the 2081 draft looks like he's a lock to become a Hall of Fame member. As a rookie, we already threw him out there as a starter and he maintained a starting role for his entire 13-season career. In 204 regular season games, he became the all-time Merchantmen leader with 46 interceptions and tied for first in most returned for a touchdown. He played in 13 playoffs games, most notable the 2085 and 2091 AOC Championship games.

A.J. Ritt, defensive tackle
A slow starter, this 6th round pick from the 2084 draft didn't play in the first half of his rookie season and sat out the entire 2085 season. But from 2086 and on wards, the pass rush specialist was thrown into the rotation. His overall activity fluctuated, but he didn't miss a game until his final season. Ritt was mostly a change of pace tackle, jumping in on mostly passing downs. His activity ended after 136 regular season and 8 playoffs games.

The result of these retirements is that we're going into the off-season with 43 players signed and an overwhelming cap space of $51 million.

A grand majority of that will have to be reserved for Brandon Brady, if we play to retain him, because his initial demands are the largest in the league by a wide margin: $204 million over 5 years. Next highest? $146 million over 5 for a left tackle. Highest per season? A quarterback asking for a one-year $44 million contract. Indeed, Brady's lunatic of a player agent wants quarterback money for his client.

The retirement of Hadinger creates a new issue for the off-season, we'll need to find a new left tackle. No easy task, really. Our livid 5th round pick from last season, Byron Irvin probably thinks he's the guy to throw in the starting line up. Yeah, I think not letting you take on Howard Humphrey's role for injury replacement should be a sign we're not so confident. But Irvin could be an okay backup left tackle. Some day. Maybe.

The departure of Hitchcock was expected. The snowballing of signing boni had been a cap problem for us, he wasn't releasable, but at the same time a so-so option in his last two seasons. Don't get me wrong, the only cornerback we ever had that can claim he's on par or better was Peter Tucker, one the class of '64 guys. Good times...

Ritt's departure was no surprise either and we already have his replacement on roster in Caleb Domis. Ritt mentored him last season.

Last, but not least, although I feared for him, Theodore Bondy apparently has no intentions to quit the game just yet. The quest for 20K triggered him? It will become tricky to keep on throwing him the ball all game long though, Ed Schulz is ready to take over. And we still need to find a guy to thrown them the four letter word ball. 537 yards receiving, it's no piece of cake, but this is Theo. He'll manage.

And so will we. We drop hard, then regroup and come back stronger than ever. Merchantmen, let's make this 91st season if the IHOF one of our best!

MIJB#19

11-05-2020, 03:21 PM

General Manager notes: and also leaving the game...
You know me, sentimental about backups and journeymen like...

Jessie McNeil, cornerback
In the encyclopedia under the term nickelback, there's a picture of a 5'10" cornerback from Collierville, Tennessee. Prior to the 2092 versions that is, the picture was replaced by one of Adam Harmon. McNeil joined in the fine tradition of 5th round picks selected by the Merchantmen in 2087 and immediately burst into the scene as a dime back. In 2088 the promotion to nickel back was made. But then 2092 rolled around and the kid that McNeil had been teaching to play ball, took over his role. Come training camp 2093 wasn't even a roster spot made available after McNeil upped his demands. No other team called, free agency for a full season was his step up to retirement. McNeil did kind of leave on a high note, making a 75-yard pick six in his last game at the Gothenburg Giants in the 2092 playoffs. He had a couple of those in the regular season as well, making it 3 on 73 pass plays in action all season.

Francisco "Plan F" Farley, quarterback
Once there was the 2087 draft and a guy with double F's didn't get selected. Bur shortly after the draft, team with an alliterative name as well decided to give the kid a chance. After season on the bench, the 2088 season came and out of the blue, the undrafted free agent from a season earlier was thrown into the starting lineup. After three lost games, twice held under 100 yards and the third game tossing 4 interceptions, the dream was over. Some garbage time came later on, but the return to action was in 2091. With a bye locked up, Plan F got a game against Bordeaux to prove he can play ball. 151 yards later, nobody was convinced. 2093 came and Plan F was out of shape and no longer part of the plans in Maassluis. After a season of watching the IHOF on tv as a free agent, Farley retired.

MIJB#19

11-09-2020, 04:59 PM

General Manager Notes: Brady Returns!
But we didn't win get a new LT yet.

First the bad news. We attempted to win the services of left tackle Alfredo Dwyer, 27-year old and formerly Rochester Razorbacks second round pick, but he took a $165M offer from the Arizona Miners over our $180M offer, both for 5 seasons. A bummer, as it would have filled the gap left open after Nathan Hadinger retired. We'll continue our search for a new left tackle.

The good news. We just announced our selection in the first round at #14 overall: left tackle Isaac Delgado, a 23-year old graduate from Virginia. A top 10 prospect in this class, technically a complete lineman, his weakness his endurance. Our staff was mildly optimistic, expecting him to be a very good run block, pass blocker and very strong.

The greater news has been the continuation of the services of linebacker Brandon Brady. We agreed terms with Brady's agent on a new 5-year deal, worth $230M.

We agreed terms for a new contract with 18 players that were already on roster, all in an attempt to find the cap space to extend Brady's contract and initially in an attempt to sign Dwyer. Our cap situation is currently projected to be at about $39M under the cap after the signing of the 7 most expensive draft picks as our 5th through 7th round picks will be our 52nd through 54th player on team. It gives us some room to work with, specifically to look at our options at quarterback and cornerback, quite clearly our two need positions. Draft or free agency, or... Who knows. Could this be the off-season where we make a blockbuster trade?

MIJB#19

11-11-2020, 12:08 PM

General Manager Notes: Beginning of the Ashley era?
Indeed, we've got a quarterback.

The second round of the 2094 draft is ongoing and with the trio of second round picks lumped closely together, we've address three of our needs, at least in quantity. Quarterback Earnest Ashley, cornerback Bryson Swafford and left tackle Johnnie Houston were our selections.

The selection of quarterback Earnest Ashley should make some eyebrows raise. He's graded amongst the 4th through 6th best passers in this class. We didn't interview him, which is the questionable part. The Solecismic Test score was solid (40), his sense rush ability looks good. But this is the second round, the place to make this kind of decisions. Will he be our future starter? Time will tell. We're still looking at other options, Moe Sheldon's best before date is expiring, if not already expired. Don't count out that we'll continue our search.

The selection of cornerback Bryson Swafford brings our group back to four on roster, once he arrives of course. He ranks 10th in this class and with our brand new defensive coordinator, it's quite the risk to trust his scouting ability. In contrast, that DC has an excellent interviewing reputation and that's where Swafford jumped up on our board: very underrated. We'll try to ignore his overall grades and scouting ability and see what he can do. At least, I hope to keep that discipline.

Right tackle Johnnie Houston may look like one tackle too many after our first round pick Isaac Delgado. Well, I beg to differ as Howard Humphrey is the last man standing, we needed a new couple of tackles. Humphrey can mentor them. Delgado might be good enough to play on either end, Houston to me looks like a guy that should play left tackle, not right tackle, so, we'll move him over. Probably. At least my staff told me he's going to be as good as advertised. He'd better!

Not much else to report on for now. No free agent signings. One non-signing player on roster. We failed to lock up our restricted free agents, but we will tomorrow.

MIJB#19

11-12-2020, 01:41 PM

General Manager Notes: the story continues...
With two new rookies.

As the 2094 draft continues, we've arrived in the third round and with a couple of picks to spend, we added a defensive tackle and a cornerback to our collection. Fastest defensive tackle of the class Harold Gough is a bit undersized, but I think he'll be fine. We didn't interview Gough, so he's going to prove us he's good enough to unseat one of the eight returning D-Linemen. Cornerback Zachery Weisz scored a phenomenal 59 on the position score. He should be a serviceable special team, with the zone defense and intercepting skills to be a fine nickel or dime back.

In other news, we re-signed second-year special teamer/running back Darien Bettencourt and special teamer/tight end Ike Nixon.

We tried to sign quarterback Kai Silvanic, former Fairbanks Northstars third round pick and starter for a season in 2090. But he took the slightly better offer from Gothenburg. We lowballed too much. So it goes. We'll continue our search, or it's Ashley vs Sheldon for the starting role.

QuikSand

11-12-2020, 08:28 PM

MIJB#19

11-13-2020, 09:25 AM

No insight here on QB Ashley, but I'm in a similar situation in another league - pretty good veteran team flailing around in search of a QB, so why not throw a 2nd round dart at a guy and see what we come up with?Exactly. I have to conclude I've been spoiled. Although not all of my starting QBs have been good enough to lead us to at least the final four, from the 3rd season and onwards Louie Flannery, mocked for his interception antics, has been the standard for the Merchantmen, that turned out to be what the game actually believes to be HOF material. Over time I've been capable of finding the new starter by drafting him (Flannery, Harrison part 1, Chow, McAlister), trading for him (McGee, Harrison part 2, Lowe, Hickman part 1) or signing a free agent (Coleman, Hickman part 2, Loera). Most of the short-term solutions were good enough to reach the playoffs (Corbett/Osborne, Rhoades, Buckner, Bennett) as well. And even Sheldon, clearly below the Flannery standards, has gotten us to the conference championship game once, before he went over the hill...

MIJB#19

11-14-2020, 09:59 AM

Merchantmen complete 2094 draft with RB Cote, CB Cosby
The Maassluis Merchantmen have finished their 2094 draft with seventh round picks Philip Cote and Keegan Cosby. Cote is a 22 years old running back out of Kentucky. The Merchantmen see him as a do it all, with special teams experience, potentially a backup kickoff returner, a back that can protect the quarterback against blitzes and with decent speed and hole recognition. Cosby is 21 years old cornerback from Wake Forest. He's primarily a top prospect in a kickoff return role, but is said to have enough experience in a zone defense role to jump in as a nickel or dime back, if need be.

MIJB#19

11-14-2020, 03:55 PM

Merchantmen sign kicker McMullen
Accoladed kicker Dylan McMullen continues his IHOF career with the Maassluis Merchantmen. The 34-year old three time All IHOF first team selection agreed to a 3-year contract worth $52 million. Widely considered the most talented kicker in the league, McMullen is mostly known for missing two field goals and an extra point in the 2084 IHOF Bowl, which the Williamsburg Colonials still won 20-17. After his rookie contract expired, with two All-IHOF first team selections on his resume, McMullen moved to the Paris Musketeers in 2087 on a 3-year $46M contract. In 2089 McMullen and the Musketeers agreed a new 5-year deal, but in that final season of that deal he was released in pre-season. The Fairbanks Northstars offered McMullen a one-year contract for the 2093 season. And now in 2094, McMullen returns to the European division, with the Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

11-15-2020, 02:35 PM

General Manager Notes: undrafted rookies day!
We got 10 new players out of the post draft free agents pool.

Linebacker Les Flowers was the only non-rookie. We signed the 29-year old to a two-year deal. Flowers is a pass rush specialist, should fit well on the D-Line, if he actually had the framework to play there. Which he doesn't have. We'll evaluate the situation after training camp.

Quarterback Herb Benson could be our new kick holder, quarterback Marshall Ellard could be lightning in a bottle and a potential backup passer, fullback Owen Johnston can play special teams, as can tight ends James Finley and Norman Blades, wide receiver Sergio Bishop, linebackers Andrew Cochrane and Kirk Barber, and last but not least defensive end Reggie Bundy.

Will these undrafted rookies make the final 53-men roster? Most of them won't even make the pre-season roster, but that's something the decide on after training camp.

MIJB#19

11-17-2020, 12:21 PM

General Manager Notes: Training Camp 2094!
Some good news, some dreadful news.

Okay, let's start with a roster breakdown, post camp, as I haven't made a list of our team yet. We're out of camp with 68 signed, 8 players won't make the pre-season roster, obviously. As per usual, I'll round the scouted 0-100 scale grades to the nearest 5's. Training camp 'results' are the actual numbers.

Quarterbacks
35/35 (no ch.) Moe Sheldon
20/50 (+5/+1) Earnest Ashley (R)
15/35 (+2/-1) Marshall Ellard (R)
15/30 (+2/nc) Jon Giles (KH)
15/25 (+2/nc) Lorenzo Emerson
05/25 (+1/-2) Herb Bensen (R) (KH)
Ashley's progress is very promising. Lack of progress for the other youngsters reason to be underwhelmed about them.
cut: Ellard, Emerson
bubble: Giles or Bensen

Running backs
45/45 (+2/nc) Trey Beyer
45/45 (no ch.) Francisco Patter
40/40 (no ch.) Reggie Thongchanh
35/35 (no ch.) FB Clay Brosseau
25/35 (+3/-1) FB Owen Johnston (R)
25/25 (no ch.) Darien Bettencourt
20/25 (+1/-2) Philip Cote (R)
Beyer is comin' Patter and Thong' have to look over their shoulders. Johnston is promising, but special teams skills only can give him a chance.
cut: Cote
bubble: Johnston or Bettencourt

Tight Ends
55/55 (no ch.) Clay Gaynor
50/50 (no ch.) Clarence Gore
25/30 (+3/nc) Ike Nixon
20/30 (+2/nc) James Finley (R)
20/25 (+2/-2) Norman Blades (R)
20/20 (no ch.) Renaldo Crawford
Not much going on here. Gaynor and Gore are the guys, Crawford our run blocker.
cut: Finley
bubble: Nixon or Blades

Wide Receivers
55/70 (no ch.) Ed Schulz
60/60 (no ch.) Theodore Bondy
45/50 (+4/nc) Rickey Lyle (KR)
45/45 (no ch.) George Stuckey
40/40 (no ch.) Branden Sandlin
30/30 (no ch.) Santiago Messenger (KR)
20/35 (+2/-1) Sergio Bishop (R)
25/25 (+2/nc) Mark Perkins (PR)
Wait, what? Indeed, Schulz saw no progress at all. That's one of the most worrying things I've seen in years. This kid is supposed to be the next WR1.
cut: Bishop
bubble: maybe Sandlin, maybe Perkins

Offensive Linemen
65/75 (+7/nc) C Robbie Zinn
60/60 (no ch.) RT Howard Humphrey
60/60 (no ch.) G Michael Szott
40/70 (+7/-1) LT Isaac Delgado (R)
30/55 (+6/-2) LT Johnnie Houston (R)
45/45 (+2/+1) G Hayden Gaylor
40/40 (no ch.) G Andre Watson
30/35 (+4/nc) C Lewis Azzolini
25/30 (no ch.) LT Byron Irvin
Rookies Delgado and Houston both look good. One of them will be our LT, Houston appears to have made the swap with no problem, the other might be our OL6 or might push Watson out of the lineup.
cut: Irvin
bubble: nobody

Defensive Linemen
65/65 (no ch.) DT Darien Fletcher
55/55 (no ch.) DT Jumbo Mojica
50/50 (no ch.) DE Gene Kondovski
45/45 (no ch.) DE Archie Exner
35/45 (+5/nc) DT Caleb Domis
35/45 (+5/-11) DT Harold Gough (R)
35/35 (no ch.) DE Trent Donovan
30/30 (no ch.) DT Kurt Ackerman
30/30 (no ch.) DE Tony Whiting
15/25 (+4/-2) DE Reggie Bundy (R)
Gough is enigmatic. Progress is a good sign, regression a horrible sign. More after pre-season. The rest of the unit is the same as last season.
cut: Bundy
bubble: Gough, Domis or Donovan

Linebackers
70/70 (no ch.) Brandon Brady
50/50 (no ch.) Daquan Espino
45/45 (no ch.) Clayton Jackson
30/35 (+6/-3) Andrew Cochrane (R)
30/30 (no ch.) Jose Meadows
20/40 (+2/-4) Kirk Barber (R)
30/30 (no ch.) Les Flowers (new)
30/30 (no ch.) Brant Rayburn
10/10 (no ch.) Alec Palmer
The Brady bunch? Flowers is a pass rusher, but I doubt he'll stick around as a LB playing at DE. A lot of guys are purely special teamers, they will play there ahead of Brady or Espino.
cut: Barber
bubble: Cochrane, Meadows and Flowers

Secondary
65/65 (no ch.) S Devon Farrell
50/50 (no ch.) CB Jackie Richardson
40/45 (+2/-1) CB Zachery Weisz (R)
40/40 (no ch.) CB Adam Harmon
40/40 (no ch.) S Chuck Murray
35/35 (no ch.) S Jon Bozeman
30/35 (+3/nc) CB Britt Hudson
25/35 (+2/-3) CB Bryson Swafford (R)
25/35 (+4/nc) S Gabriel Cromer
20/35 (+1/-4) CB Keegan Cosby (R) (KR)
Swafford is very disappointing, but he'll hang around for at least 2 seasons and 3 training camps, promise. Ditto on Weisz, who does ready to jump in as a nickel or dime already.
bubble: Cosby, Cromer

Punter
85/85 (+4/-2) Doug James
Best in business

Kicker
80/80 (no ch.) Dylan McMullen
Second best in business

Long snapper
20/20 (no ch.) Bryce Karney
Third best in business

So yeah, Ashley is good news, Schulz was disturbing, Gough puzzling, Swafford disappointing. The tackles Delgado and Houston are both considered to be underrated (my staff had them both as 'as scouted').

More on this in two days, when everything we saw now, might be completely different.

MIJB#19

11-17-2020, 02:04 PM

General Manager Notes: some player profiles, 2094 pre-pre-season

Our quarterback of the past and of the future. Ashley looks promising, but not a world beater. One of those things nearly impossible to see is that he seems to have a keen eye for avoiding interceptions, just like Sheldon used to have.
vet QB Moe Sheldon vs. rookie QB Earnest Ashley
sc ps XXXXX_____ 50 . . sc ps X++_______ 10/25
sh ps XXX_______ 35 . . sh ps XX++______ 15/45
md ps __________ _5 . . md ps XXX++++___ 25/75
lg ps XXXX______ 40 . . lg ps +_________ _5/10
dp ps XX________ 20 . . dp ps X+++______ 10/40
3d ps XXXX______ 35 . . 3d ps XXXX+_____ 45/55
accur __________ _0 . . accur X++_______ 10/30
timin XXXXX_____ 50 . . timin XXXX+_____ 40/50
s rsh XX________ 15 . . s rsh XXXXXX____ 60
rd df XXXX______ 35 . . rd df X++_______ 10/35
2m of XXXXXX____ 60 . . 2m of XX+++++___ 25/65
scr f XXXX______ 40 . . scr f XXX_______ 30
kck h XX________ 15 . . kck h __________ _0

Our tight end duo. Gore is the route runner with the big play ability, Gaynor the third down guy with courage and speed. Both can pass block, neither is exceptional in run blocking. Nothing new here, but just to reiterate why they could be, but necessarily will be a key factor in our passing game.
2090 1.17 TE Gaynor vs. 2091 5.23 TE Gore
rn bl XXXXX_____ 50 . . rn bl XXX_______ 30
ps bl XXXXXXXX__ 80 . . ps bl XXXXXXX___ 65
bl sl XXXX______ 35 . . bl sl XXXXXXX___ 70
av dr XX________ 20 . . av dr __________ _5
gt dw XXXXXX____ 55 . . gt dw X_________ 10
route XXXXXX____ 55 . . route XXXXXXXX__ 80
3d ct XXXXXXXX__ 85 . . 3d ct XXXX______ 35
bg pl XXXX______ 40 . . bg pl XXXXXXXX__ 80
coura XXXXXX____ 60 . . coura __________ _0
ad bl XXXXX_____ 50 . . ad bl XXXXXXXXXX 95
endur XXXXXXXX__ 75 . . endur XXXXXX____ 60
sp tm XXXXXXXX__ 75 . . sp tm XXX_______ 30

And then our top three wide receivers. Bondy the future Hall of Famer, Schulz the future WR1 to be and then there's Stuckey who can distract the opposing secondary with ability to get open and draw double coverage with it. Pass happy football teams should love a trio like this, no?
Legendary Theo Bondy vs 5th yr George Stuckey vs the future Ed Schulz
av dr XXXX______ 40 . . av dr XXX_______ 30 . . av dr XXX++_____ 30/50
gt dw XXXXXX____ 60 . . gt dw XXXXXX____ 60 . . gt dw XXXXXXX+__ 70/85
route XXXXXX____ 65 . . route XXXXXXX___ 70 . . route XXXXX+++__ 45/80
3d ct XXXXXX____ 55 . . 3d ct XXX_______ 30 . . 3d ct XXXXX+____ 55/60
bg pl XXXXXXX___ 70 . . bg pl XXX_______ 25 . . bg pl XXXXXXXXX_ 90
coura XXXXXXX___ 70 . . coura XXXXXXXXXX 95 . . coura XXXXXXXXX+ 85/99
ad bl XXXXXXXXX_ 90 . . ad bl XXXX______ 45 . . ad bl XXX++_____ 25/50
pnt r __________ _0 . . pnt r __________ _0 . . pnt r __________ _0
kck r __________ _0 . . kck r __________ _0 . . kck r __________ _0
endur XXXXXXXX__ 75 . . endur XXXXXXX___ 70 . . endur XXXXXXXX+_ 80/90
sp tm XXXXXXXXXX 98 . . sp tm XXXXX_____ 50 . . sp tm XXXXX+____ 50/60

MIJB#19

11-19-2020, 01:27 PM

General Manager Notes: the day everything can change...
It came, 2094 brought little noteworthiness.

Okay, we're two games into the four game pre-season. We crushed the Hanalei Dragons 42-7, then get crushed 34-7 at the Kansas Creationists. But that's not what the general managers in the IHOF are worried about. We don't mind if we see our kick holder get player of the game honors after he tossed 1 touchdown pass on 16 attempts. We don't feel pride when a top-notch receiver is held to 6 catches for 45 yards. We're not worried when our future face of the franchise completes 7 of 11 passes when the plan was to have him throw the ball 30 times, or see that kid run for 15 and 10 yards. No, as soon as these games are played, we rush to our staff members and ask them one simple question: give me a new scouting report!

The crucial part is to have made notes on what the 60 or so players on roster were evaluated at right after training camp. And that we did in Maassluis as well. So, what's the verdict? We'll once again go by the 0-100 scale of the staff members, round down to the nearest 5's to keep some guesswork for the other teams alive and make no secret about the changes.

Quarterbacks
20/50 (+1/+1) Earnest Ashley (R)
30/30 (-4/-4) Moe Sheldon
15/30 (nc/+1) Jon Giles (KH)
05/25 (nc/-1) Herb Bensen (R) (KH)
Whew, Ashley held ground. That's good news. Sheldon will be the mentor. Giles the kick holder.
cut: Bensen

Running backs
45/45 (+1/-2) Trey Beyer
45/45 (-1/-1) Francisco Patter
35/35 (-5/-5) Reggie Thongchanh
35/35 (-4/-4) FB Clay Brosseau
25/35 (-2/-1) FB Owen Johnston (R)
20/20 (-1/-1) Darien Bettencourt
Okay, is this the year we'll promote Beyer into Thong' role? If so, Thong' will still stick as a special teamer, together with Johnston.
cut: Bettencourt

Tight Ends
55/55 (no ch.) Clay Gaynor
50/50 (no ch.) Clarence Gore
20/30 (-1/-1) Ike Nixon
20/25 (nc/-2) Norman Blades (R)
20/20 (-4/-4) Renaldo Crawford
Nothing new here, it's all about finding ways to get the ball thrown to the guys with the initials C.G.. I'm undecided about Nixon and Blades, knowing the last two pre-season games will do exactly nothing to the decision making process.
cut: Blades

Wide Receivers
55/70 (nc/-2) Ed Schulz
55/55 (-4/-4) Theodore Bondy
45/45 (+1/+1) George Stuckey
40/40 (-6/-7) Rickey Lyle (KR)
40/40 (+1/+1) Branden Sandlin
20/20 (-8/-8) Santiago Messenger (KR)
25/25 (-3/-3) Mark Perkins (PR)
Not one but two guys regressed. And I'm not talking about Theo here, he's still WR2 material behind Schulz. And in pre-season Bondy already showed a connection with Ashley, so: yay? Lyle's regression makes him expendable, well, close to. Messenger's drop is more problematic, he went from a great kickoff returner to a very good one. Perkins continues to grow, is he top3 in the league now? Sandlin will make the team, way to go! So, after pre-season it's a decision about 5, 6 or 7 wide outs, with Lyle and Messenger at risk.
bubble: Lyle or Messenger

Offensive Linemen
70/75 (+2/+1) C Robbie Zinn
60/60 (-4/-4) RT Howard Humphrey
40/75 (-1/+1) LT Isaac Delgado (R)
50/50 (-11/-11) G Michael Szott
30/60 (+1/+2) LT Johnnie Houston (R)
45/45 (-2/-2) G Hayden Gaylor
40/40 (no ch.) G Andre Watson
20/25 (-10/-12) C Lewis Azzolini
Azzolini dropped hard. It's time to shop for a new backup center. The rest? Szott is getting older, but is still useful. The real questions are: Houston or Delgado at left tackle? The 'loser' plays at guard or Watson will?
bubble: Azzolini (if we find a replacement)

Defensive Linemen
60/60 (-7/-7) DT Darien Fletcher
55/55 (-3/-3) DT Jumbo Mojica
50/50 (no ch.) DE Gene Kondovski
45/45 (-4/-4) DE Archie Exner
35/45 (-3/+4) DT Harold Gough (R)
30/40 (-2/-4) DT Caleb Domis
30/30 (-1/-1) DE Trent Donovan
30/30 (-3/-3) DT Kurt Ackerman
25/25 (-4/-4) DE Tony Whiting
These guys all continue to look good and now that enigmatic Gough guy becomes even more puzzling. I really have no idea where we go here, will we keep 9 guys for the second straight season?
bubble: Gough, Domis or Donovan

Linebackers
75/75 (+2/+2) Brandon Brady
45/45 (-6/-6) Daquan Espino
45/45 (-3/-3) Clayton Jackson
35/35 (+6/+6) Jose Meadows
30/35 (nc/+1) Andrew Cochrane (R)
25/25 (-5/-5) Brant Rayburn
20/20 (-12/-12) Les Flowers (new)
10/10 (-2/-2) Alec Palmer
The verdict on Flowers is out: out. He looked nice, but is worse than all the nine d-linemen. That still leaves us with too many linebackers than we could use. It's a decision for the top3 (Brady, Jackson, Espino) and behind them 2 or 3 special teamers. Meadows looks safe, the staff says he's so good, he can't even be ranked amongst his peers in the league.
bubble: Palmer
cut: Cochrane and Flowers

Secondary
65/65 (no ch.) S Devon Farrell
45/45 (-7/-7) CB Jackie Richardson
40/45 (no ch.) CB Zachery Weisz (R)
40/40 (-1/-1) CB Adam Harmon
35/35 (-3/-3) S Chuck Murray
30/30 (-4/-4) S Jon Bozeman
35/35 (+1/-1) CB Britt Hudson
35/55 (+9/+19) CB Bryson Swafford (R)
25/35 (-1/-1) S Gabriel Cromer
20/25 (nc/-7) CB Keegan Cosby (R) (KR)
It's tricky yo judge rookies so early, but Cosby looks like he's on the way out. Cromer can become a useful backup, one that can jump into action if injuries force us to activate him. Swafford may look like a hidden gem that wasn't to be discovered, but he was very underrated by my staff's assesments. Richardson is declining, but should still be the starter ahead of the rest. Farrell is still Farrell.
bubble: Cosby, Cromer

Punter
90/90 (+2/+2) Doug James
Best in business

Kicker
75/75 (-2/-2) Dylan McMullen
Second best in business

Long snapper
20/20 (no ch.) Bryce Karney
Third best in business

That's where we stand now. We'll be 5 players lighter in the last two pre-season games. And after those, 2 more to let go. And not to forget: renegotiate with upcoming free agents. We've got about $26M of cap space to work with and at least one key player to talk with: Devon Farrell. (Actually, I should have talked with him now, but sometimes you make all the instructions that need to be made and afterwards remind yourself you forgot something. New chance tomorrow.)

MIJB#19

11-19-2020, 05:42 PM

General Manager Notes: the rare times you can reverse things...
If only in real life...

The nice thing about cumulating orders and sending them in a way that it can be reversed and re-done, it can do wonders every now or then. Such is the case here, as I decided to revert two decision that I made earlier. Let's take a look at them.

General Manager Notes: the day everything can change...Linebackers
75/75 (+2/+2) Brandon Brady
45/45 (-6/-6) Daquan Espino
45/45 (-3/-3) Clayton Jackson
35/35 (+6/+6) Jose Meadows
30/35 (nc/+1) Andrew Cochrane (R)
25/25 (-5/-5) Brant Rayburn
20/20 (-12/-12) Les Flowers (new)
10/10 (-2/-2) Alec Palmer
The verdict on Flowers is out: out. He looked nice, but is worse than all the nine d-linemen. That still leaves us with too many linebackers than we could use. It's a decision for the top3 (Brady, Jackson, Espino) and behind them 2 or 3 special teamers. Meadows looks safe, the staff says he's so good, he can't even be ranked amongst his peers in the league.
bubble: Palmer
cut: Cochrane and FlowersAndrew Cochrane, buddy, I've changed my mind. At least for another day or two, you'll be part of the team and we'll actually throw you out there to see some action! Why? Well, I looked at the training camp results and Cochrane was the 3rd most improved player. In my experience, that's a sign for good things to come, which makes it a waste to throw him away just already. We'll determine at a later moment whether Cochrane, Palmer or Rayburn won't make the final 53 men roster, but for the last two pre-season games, we'll stick at 56.

General Manager Notes: the day everything can change...
That's where we stand now. We'll be 5 players lighter in the last two pre-season games. And after those, 2 more to let go. And not to forget: renegotiate with upcoming free agents. We've got about $26M of cap space to work with and at least one key player to talk with: Devon Farrell. (Actually, I should have talked with him now, but sometimes you make all the instructions that need to be made and afterwards remind yourself you forgot something. New chance tomorrow.)And here's an even bigger no-brainer, this is a time to lock up potential free agents, so do it! This season we're getting one attempt less to extend contracts after pre-season 2, so we have to make them count. So, aside from Devon Farrell, everybody with an expiring contract will get a contract offered that will make them more expensive this season, but should keep them from running off as a free agent.

MIJB#19

11-19-2020, 06:18 PM

General Manager Notes: Speaking of updating...
What about those player profiles?

True. Let's do that quickly.

The quarterbacks
Sheldon declined a bit, Ashley held ground. This kid will play a lot this season and Sheldon will tell him what to do. We're going to commit to this kid, it seems unlikely that I'll change my mind in favor of the sack magnet that Sheldon has become.
vet QB Moe Sheldon vs. rookie QB Earnest Ashley
sc ps XXXX______ 45 . . sc ps X+++______ 10/35
sh ps XXX_______ 35 . . sh ps XX++++____ 20/55
md ps __________ _0 . . md ps XXX+++++__ 25/75
lg ps XXX_______ 35 . . lg ps +_________ _5/10
dp ps XX________ 20 . . dp ps X+++______ 10/35
3d ps XXX_______ 30 . . 3d ps XXXX+_____ 45/55
accur __________ _0 . . accur X+++______ 10/40
timin XXXX______ 40 . . timin XXXX+_____ 35/50
s rsh X_________ 10 . . s rsh XXXXXX____ 60
rd df XXX_______ 30 . . rd df X++_______ 10/30
2m of XXXXXX____ 55 . . 2m of XXX+++++__ 25/75
scr f XXX_______ 30 . . scr f XXX_______ 25
kck h XX________ 15 . . kck h __________ _0

The tight ends
Very little has changed here. Both have been slightly gone up and done here or there, but nothing noteworthy. Factoring them into the passing game, I've said it quite a bit now, that'll be a challenge, but probably worth our while. At least I've upped our multiple TE formation in our play book last training camp.
2090 1.17 TE Gaynor vs. 2091 5.23 TE Gore
rn bl XXXXX_____ 50 . . rn bl XXX_______ 25
ps bl XXXXXXXX__ 80 . . ps bl XXXXXXX___ 65
bl sl XXXX______ 40 . . bl sl XXXXXXX___ 70
av dr XX________ 20 . . av dr __________ _5
gt dw XXXXXX____ 55 . . gt dw X_________ 10
route XXXXXX____ 55 . . route XXXXXXXX__ 80
3d ct XXXXXXXX__ 85 . . 3d ct XXXX______ 40
bg pl XXXX______ 40 . . bg pl XXXXXXXX__ 80
coura XXXXXX____ 65 . . coura __________ _0
ad bl XXXXX_____ 50 . . ad bl XXXXXXXXXX 99
endur XXXXXXXX__ 75 . . endur XXXXXX____ 65
sp tm XXXXXXXX__ 75 . . sp tm XXX_______ 35

The main wide receivers
The guys that have to make the big catches, providing the tight ends won't do it already. Theo returns and although losing a bit more of his route running and endurance, he's still an above average WR2. Schulz should continue to improve into the top 10 WR we hope he is. And Stuckey would be a WR2 on most other teams, aside maybe a handful that also have good looking threesome like we do.
Legendary Theo Bondy vs 5th yr George Stuckey vs the future Ed Schulz
av dr XXXX______ 40 . . av dr XXXX______ 35 . . av dr XXX+______ 25/45
gt dw XXXXXX____ 55 . . gt dw XXXXXXX___ 65 . . gt dw XXXXXXX+__ 75/80
route XXXXX_____ 55 . . route XXXXXXX___ 70 . . route XXXX++++__ 45/80
3d ct XXXXX_____ 45 . . 3d ct XXX_______ 30 . . 3d ct XXXXX+____ 50/65
bg pl XXXXXXX___ 70 . . bg pl XXX_______ 25 . . bg pl XXXXXXXXX_ 90
coura XXXXXXX___ 65 . . coura XXXXXXXXXX 99 . . coura XXXXXXXX++ 80/95
ad bl XXXXXXXXX_ 90 . . ad bl XXXX______ 40 . . ad bl XXX++_____ 25/45
pnt r __________ _0 . . pnt r __________ _0 . . pnt r __________ _0
kck r __________ _0 . . kck r __________ _0 . . kck r __________ _0
endur XXXXXXX___ 65 . . endur XXXXXXXX__ 75 . . endur XXXXXXX++_ 75/85
sp tm XXXXXXXXXX 98 . . sp tm XXXXX_____ 45 . . sp tm XXXXX+____ 50/55

So, yeah, I hope we have a passing game this upcoming season. Ashley over Sheldon will hurt our cohesion, as will the move from Hadinger to a rookie at LT (Delgado or Houston), but I think we'll manage. Ashley being a rookie might steer us into starting just one rookie LT and not both guys, but that's something to save for opening day. Just like the decision on who to give the ball to. We have three RB2 guys and Thong' and Patter have been both hot and cold over the years. Beyer is in his 4th season on team, that can't hurt, can it?

MIJB#19

11-20-2020, 11:30 AM

General Manager Notes: Bring on the regular season!
Yes, it's time.

We finished the pre-season with a 2-2 record, winning the final home game 40-3 over the Fairbanks Northstars and losing 34-9 at the Arizona Miners. Ernest Ashley finished it with a 9/12 for 86 yards and a 13/23 for 161 yards with 1 interception. Yes, these last two games the young guns played as much as my staff thought they should play (they're always, always, always pulling the rookies that need that time to play and keep the veterans that need the time off to not get tired on the field; why would we want our backup guard and center to play at offensive tackle when they are much better suited to play their own position!?).

Our running game was dramatic, IHOF unworthy in Arizona, while it was pedestrian against Fairbanks. So much for letting our staff handle the game planning, I suppose? Moe Sheldon took the cake for cheesiest performance, completing 2 of 3 passes for 1 yard.

More important was the contract extension for no less than 16 players. The most important one, Devon Farrell, had to be rejected due to lack of cap room. Say what now? Apparently I miscalculated by about $5M and now we don't have the cap room to make him even a half decent offer. So, one of those 16 will walk away with a new signing bonus and not see the 3 additional seasons on contract come true: defensive end Trenton Donovan will be sacrificed to salvage Farrell. A stupid mistake, completely unnecessary. At the same time, one D-Lineman had to be cut anyway, 8 is plenty enough and Donovan was the worst pass rusher last season anyway. It does mean the enigmatic rookie Harold Gough will make the team.

The other two cuts have also been finalized. Kickoff returner Santiago Messenger won't make the team. For whatever reason, he showed up out of shape after pre-season game 2 and went from an elite kickoff returner to a very good one. We have Rickey Lyle to step into that role now, with rookie Keegan Cosby getting a chance to prove he's the right guy for the backup role. Veteran special teams linebacker Alec Palmer was also released. Second-year Jose Meadows will be moved to WLB to keep the number of OLB players on roster at 3. It might come back to bite us in our special teams' cohesion...

Speaking of cohesion, apparently we're once again sky high at the top of the league in that area. Players on roster are roughly 1 1/2 years longer on team than the median in the league, or somewhere along that line. With Palmer cut, 19 players have been us since the '80s. Only Chesapeake and Oakland are in the same realm, while Kansas is nearby, the rest of the league has a much fresher roster. It does show that we're in good company, they were the top3 in the NAC last season, with Chesapeake winning the bowl game, eventually.

Now, what to expect of the upcoming 2094 season? My guess is just as good as yours, we're switching to a rookie quarterback, with a second-year wide receiver and a rookie left tackle. That reeks of beginner mistakes, with lots of ups and downs. The defense has lost Kirk Hitchcock, it's all up to an over the hill Jackie Richardson, Devon Farrell and the emerging zone defenders Harmon, Brotzman and rookie Weisz to save the day. Brandon Brady is clearly the leader of this gang, despite that Farrell might think he's main figure.

Is the 53 men list final? Never say never...

MIJB#19

11-21-2020, 06:14 AM

Merchantmen cut Messenger, Donovan, Palmer
Today the Maassluis Merchantmen released wide receiver Santiago Messenger, defensive end Trent Donovan and linebacker Alec Palmer. Contrary to earlier releases in pre-season, all three had been with the time much longer and last season each had their specific roles on the team. The moves opened the door for the Merchantmen to agree terms with All IHOF safety Devon Farrell on a contract extension through the 2098 season.

30-year old Santiago Messenger is listed as a wide receiver, but his last reception was in 2091. Instead, Messenger was the Merchantmen's kickoff returner for six straight seasons. He was discovered as an undrafted rookie in 2088 and until he showed up from practice out of shape in the middle of pre-season, the team decided to move on and hand the duties to fourth year former second round pick Rickey Lyle and rookie Keegan Cosby.

30-year old Alec Palmer is listed as an outside linebacker, but in reality wasn't used on defense. Palmer was the Merchantmen's gunner for the past 5 seasons. He was picked up in 2088 as an undrafted rookie and saw some action that rookie season due to injuries of other linebackers. In his second season he was promoted to the gunner role.

26-year old Trent Donovan leaves the Merchantmen for the second time in his career. In 2091 the linebacker was signed as an undrafted rookie and moved to defensive end, but failed to make the opening day 53-men roster. Late in the season, he was signed again, making him a restricted free agent for the 2092 off-season. The Merchantmen signed him to a two-year deal, but Donovan spent the entire 2092 season inactive behind the 4 returning defensive ends. In 2093 his contract was extended with another year and that season was was put into the rotation after retirement of Andy Russell. This off-season Donovan got his payday, getting a contract fitting with his rol: $30M over 4 years. But a cap mishap turned things around, bringing back Devon Farrell was more important and with the talented D-Line group, Donovan was the was logical sacrifice. Donovan walks away with a $4M signing bonus, but misses out on the $6.38M base salary for those four seasons.

MIJB#19

11-24-2020, 12:19 PM

General Manager Notes: welcome to the Ashley Era
Let's hope this will turn out to be an era, not jus a year...

Let's start with the bad news. And there's more bad news than just one little snippet. Let's go in this order: division standings, injuries report, quick recap of the first two games and then some further musing about the Merchantmen.

European Division
1. Bordeaux 2-0
2. Paris 1-1
3. Gothenburg 1-1
4. Maassluis 0-2

Yeah, we're not off to a great start, more on that later.

Our punter Doug James came out of the first game at the Paris Musketeers with a very serious knee injury. The verdict was horrible: out for a year, not just a season, but we should expect him to possibly not even be ready for action in week 3 of the 2095 season. We're now looking ahead to week3 of the 2094 season. To cover the gap, an old face returned home: Doug Guynes. The 32-year old, our 3rd round pick in 2085, was sitting in the free agent pool after a stint in Arizona last season.

Short term injuries might also have their effect. Reggie Thongchanh missed the week 2 game at home against the Hanalei Dragons. He'll be kept inactive in a new instalment of Futility Bowl, in Oranje Haven (where else), between two 0-2 teams. Thong' will be joined by Jackie Richardson. The veteran cornerback is out with a shoulder injury.

Center Lewis Azzolini was released just before opening day and replaced with veteran Aidan Doyle. Azzolini was a pain to watch in pre-season, he's just not that good anymore. Usually one would say that about an over the hill veteran, but this was an over the hill third-year pro. Doyle is 33 years old and most likely wals away as a disgruntled free agent next off-season, but we need some insurance on the line in case of injuries and he can mentor Robbie Zinn while doing that.

Okay, that's a lot of blabla, but what you're all really interested to hear and read about is how the rookie Earnest Ashley has done in his first two games as our starting quarterback? Let's start with the bad news first, again: 5 interceptions in 75 attempts. Yeah... In return, he did throw for 200+ yards in both games, twice found Theodore Bondy for a touchdown, so the chemistry with the all-time great is there. With Ed Schulz the connection is still developing (what would you expect with two green players?), 9 catches in 18 targets for 133 yards.

Is going back to Moe Sheldon an option at some point during the season? Well, quite simply, only injury could force us into that direction. Seriously, Sheldon has become too slow to be able to see the rush coming, he'd get sacked 4 times per game, in spite of, no, especially behind this young developing line. Which at the same time as a reason to give Ashley more credits and time to get used to playing in this game. Well kid, get ready for a sold out Oranje Haven that will be much less forgivable after a loss. The Dragons aren't a team to lose to, but the Lake Monsters are a team you're not allowed to lose to.

So yes, we lost the first two games: 14-10 in Paris and 23-13 at home against Hanalei. In both games we gained over 300 yards and in both games we allowed roughly 320 yards.

One thing that hasn't worked out as planed yet: throwing the ball more often. I constructed a new game plan, tried to throw plays in there that will be more favorable to our Smashmouth approach and find plays that won't play into the weaknesses of our skill position players. Well, we rank 14th in most rushing attempts and 16th in pass attempts. Sounds like our old school 50-50 approach no? Well, we ran the ball 51 times and threw it 76 times.

Our defense? Once again the bad news: the pass rush is unacceptably bad. These guys are scouted to be an elite unit in pass rushing, not just above average our some such, these guys should run havoc. Well, they're not doing that: they made 1 sack in 71 pass plays. Sample size or lack of something else?

Sample size should be at hand for almost everything, of course. Two games is so little. But we have only 16 games in a season (thankfully), one eighth already in the books and we've got to understand that since our 4-0 start last season we've been not just below .500.

Earnest Ashley has the keys, he's got the receivers, and we'll give him the time to grow. All three of the next games will be at home, all with a reasonable chance to win. But I'm willing to be patient with this kid. Not too much, I still want him to see 10 wins at the end of the season, or whatever number is required to make the post-season. Because we don't tank, we reload and keep on trying until we're officially eliminated, and then still keep on trying to win. Because that's how we roll, or sail, whichever makes more sense. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

11-25-2020, 12:05 PM

General Manager Notes: Ashley joins the win column
Futility Bowl is ours!

This game went well, no doubt. The Toronto Lake Monsters visited Oranje Haven and after shortly into the second quarter they already knew today wasn't going to be for them. In contrast with our rookie quarterback Earnest Ashley, he guided the Merchantmen to a 34-14 victory. Ashley completed 23 of 36 passes for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns, without turnovers. He spread the ball around well, Theo Bondy and Clay Gaynor each lead the team with just 6 catches, while speedy Ed Schulz gained the most ground with 86 yards on 3 catches. The tight ends Gaynor (twice) and Gore (once) made the catches in the end zone on the first three drives to get to the smooth 32-7 lead.

Division standings
1. Bordeaux 3-0
2. Gothenburg 2-1
3. Paris 1-2
4. Maassluis 1-2

Yeah, despite today's win, this was one of two games that will be meaningless for the tie-breakers inside the division. It will be much more important if we somehow get into the wild card race, but that's too much to ask for at the moment, this was just the first win of the season after three attempts.

After all, we've played well, but this is just 1 win for now. It's far too early to get overly enthusiastic.

Next up a home game against the San Antonio Tidal Force. A matchup between two rookie quarterbacks, as San Antonio picked Johnathan Freeman #1 overall this past draft. Freeman is already tagged a bust, despite being so young and with plenty of potential still. They are the only two rookie quarterbacks with a starting role, Brooklyn's #8 overall Ramon Patterson is backing up Brooklyn's own Jekyll and Hyde, Ross Grinnell, while second round picks Evan Drake (Arizona) and Grayson Devine (Outer Banks) underwhelmed in pre-season and might already be written off by their respective team owners. With no emerging rookie running backs and wide receivers, they're currently the front runners in the offensive rookie of the year race, by lack of better other candidates.

Again, we're only in week 3. 13 regular season games still to come and hopefully 3 or 4 in the post-season. But the latter is nothing to start thinking about, we'll have to focus on the next home game first.

Kodos

11-25-2020, 02:08 PM

Beating my Lake Monsters is a minor accomplishment at the moment. We are terrible. I think I've severely mucked up our cohesion.

MIJB#19

11-26-2020, 02:35 PM

General Manager Notes: Deja vu?
Haven't we been here before?

My memory wandered off, back to week 2 of the 2089 season. The Maassluis Merchantmen were visiting the Frederick Red Menace. The home team was proudly showing their rookie quarterback, Angel Henson, the #1 overall pick of that 2089 draft, coming off victory in his debut. In the (orange-white-and) blue corner, Brandon Bell was the rookie quarterback in charge, coming off a marvelous first career victory. The player of the game that day was the quarterback of the home team, despite throwing a pick six, but it was the Merchantmen that won, despite that the home team gained of 500 yards of offense.

Week 4 of the 2094 season, the Maassluis Merchantmen playing at home, hosting the San Antonio Tidal Force. In the yellow and black corner, the recent #1 overall pick Johnathan Freeman, confident after his first career victory last week. In the orange-white-and-blue corner, a fellow rookie quarterback, Earnest Ashley, coming of his first career victory as well. Today, the home team's quarterback earned the player of the game honors, despite throwing a pick six, as the Merchantmen won, gaining over 500 yards in the process.

Angel Henson is still in the league, quarterbacking the Frederick Red Menace and currently in the race for the offensive player of the game honors. Brandon Bell, the Merchantmen starter that day, he's already retired from football. Merchantmen fans will hope that Earnest Ashley will prove he isn't the next Bell. Today, he made a statement, overcoming an early long pick six, throwing for 276 yards and running for 67 yards. The latter to everybody's surprise, wasn't this kid supposed to be a pocket passer?

Johnathan Freeman had high hopes to be the rookie of the year candidate that every 1.1 pick believes he can be, but after a 1-3 start to his career, people will overlook the tough competition he had to face so far (we're the only opponent that isn't leading a division) and already wonder when this kid will ever deliver. But really, a couple of weeks before his 22nd birthday, can you expect much more from him?

Ashley is two and a half years older than Freeman and showed his maturity. On pace for 4,000 yards (wait, hold on, sample size, remember?) and hinting at that he might be for real. But Brandon Bell looked good in 13 games in his rookie season, 86.8 passer rating, 18 touchdowns vs 9 interceptions, 204 yards per game. Ashley has already thrown 6 interceptions in 4 games, a passer rating of 74.4 is mediocre in the IHOF of 2094.

Division Standings
1. Bordeaux 3-0
2. Gothenburg 3-1
3. Maassluis 2-2
4. Paris 1-3

It's still so early to draw any conclusions. I'm repeating this every time, but it holds up almost every other season. Even the reigning champions thought they were starting with 4 straight losses. Speaking of whom, it's almost impossible to deny that we've made notes from their game plan in recent seasons, kept our ears open and have tried to adopt throwing the ball to the tight end more often. Clay Gaynor is fourth amongst tight ends in most targets per game. Additionally, Ashley could be be described as a a bit of a younger version of Corwin Blanchett. Although I'm going to say that's much more coincidental than the ball tossing to the tight ends.

And now, after three straight home games, the teams stays home even longer, as we'll be having our way too early bye week once again and in week 6 will host the Atlanta Vipers. A team currently on pace to get the #1 overall draft pick, but not by their own record, by landing it through trade from the team they will face in week 13. We'll take a look at how things fare in the rest of the league next round of games and hope to see LT Houston and CB Richardson back in our starting lineups.

MIJB#19

11-27-2020, 09:24 AM

General Manager Notes: Bye bye bye

Yup, it's our bye week. And tomorrow we'll pick it back up with our 5th regular season game of the season. We're all but one player back to healthy. We're still without Doug James, as will be the case throughout the season.

MIJB#19

11-30-2020, 01:43 PM

General Manager Notes: Fee Fi Fo, Four in a Row
No, not losses, four victories.

Growing pains? Earnest Ashley had to endure two losses in the first two games, but our rookie quarterback as taking the IHOF by storm now. Today was a 37-23 victory at the Fort Wayne Fury, an not to be underestimated opponent starring the infamous quarterback Blaine "Broomcorn" Hawkins. Sure, Ashley struggled for a bit, but for him that's 243 passing yards and a running touchdown to open the score. From behind him, our duo Francisco Patter (106 yards, 2 scores) and Trey Beyer (98 yards, he's firmly ahead of Reggie Thong' now) shined. Although, for Patter the lion share came on a 85-yard run early in the fourth quarter, he was floating at 2 yards per carry the rest of the game. Thong' might return soon, but ahead of Patter...

The previous 37-21 victory at home was probably the league wide revelation as Ashley as he threw for 432 yards and 3 touchdowns and he got seriously snubbed for player of the week. No less than 4 missed kicks kept this from being a true blowout.

Division standings:
1. Bordeaux 5-1
2. Gothenburg 4-2
3. Maassluis 4-2
4. Paris 2-4

Indeed, Bordeaux - it's still early, mind you - is at the top with a very promising 5-1 record. We're currently projected to miss the playoffs even, as above Gothenburg there's the Orlando Talons and their 6-1 record that is only second to the Tucker Tigers' 6-0-1.

Still, we're in week 7, most teams have played just 6 games. I said it before, it's way too early to draw conclusions about where we are and can be. Let's make a screenshot that shows us at gaining over 400 yards on offense and giving up less than 300 yards, on a per game average. We had 4 seasons before of over 400 yards and 4 seasons below 300 yards allowed, none of those combined in the same season (we did gain 424 per game in 2059 and allowed 289 in 2060, but that doesn't count as a single season). So really, we might not see such a performance ever again, it might all be over after the next game already. Have I said sample size yet? No? There, you have it.

Next game? At home against the Paris Musketeers. Tight end Clay Gaynor is still out with a concussion, as still is our young punter Doug James, but otherwise we're very healthy. Which actually creates a dilemma on the offensive line, as rookie left tackle Johnnie Houston has sat out two of the last three games and veteran guard Andre Watson looked good while playing. Granted, with Watson back, all the other guys player their normal position, which may have helped, but Houston was on the line (no pun intended) in the second 500-yard game (yeah, we had back to back 500-yard games on offense, I'm not sure we done that before, actually). First world problems, no?

First world though? We're still only third in the division, on pace for being the seventh seeds (which means missing the playoffs). Paris has been struggling lately, but they're not a team we can beat easily. After all, we've lost in their place in week one. But I should feel confidence in that we can win this game, we're in good shape. Ashley is doing better than I could have hoped for. Yeah, sure, the jinx is on now, but he's doing basically all we can ask for from a rookie quarterback.

MIJB#19

12-01-2020, 01:55 PM

General Manager Notes: Way to jinx it..
You invest so much and then this happens...

"1-10-PAR31 (4Q: 00:08) Dylan McMullen attempted a 48 yard field goal and missed wide to the left. A bad snap from center appeared to cause the miscue."

It was a little bit of a shootout, this game against the Paris Musketeers, at home, in our own Oranje Haven. But at the same time, it wasn't. We took the lead on the Ashley to Schulz special (similar to the Blazewicz special), went down 10-7, saw Rickey Lyle immediately turn the tide with a kickoff return touchdown and long before the first quarter was over, we had a firm 21-10 lead. By half time it was 31-19. Indeed, half time.

Early in the fourth we improved to a 38-26 lead, this game was in the pocket, right? Not quite, a short pick six (rookie mistakes, Earnest Ashley?) brought Paris back in striking distance, but it wasn't until Paris ran out of time outs, forcing us to punt with a minute to go. The special night wasn't over yet, Marshall Aleman returned it for Paris the full 84 yards into our end zone, the extra point made it 39-38 for Paris. A phenomenal third and 15 pass from Ashley to Theodore Bondy kept the chains moving, while Ashley himself ran for 16 yards on the next play to get within field goal range. We declined a holding penalty on that same play and with 8 seconds left, our expensive kicker, with top notch long snapper and holder just had to convert it. Aforementioned happened: wide left and the 39-38 score held up in Paris favor.

Quite the bummer, as you can imagine. Sure, Paris was in ball control in time and won the turnover battle, but we nearly over came those with efficient run and pass offenses. Ashley completed 17 of 34 passes for 274 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, ran 3 times for 52 yards and fumbled once. This kid doesn't like to scramble, but when he does, he makes things happen.

But, how much can we really expect here? Yes, I want, demand, our team to win 10 games, at minimum, every season. But the other day I glanced over our roster and then to the draft class we had. It's a good group of rookies, and almost everyone of them is on the field quite often. QB Earnest Ashley goes without saying by now, but the offense also features our duo LT Johnnie Houston and LT Isaac Delgado playing quite a bit at left tackle and left guard respectively. DT Harold Gough sees quite the action on our pass defense unit in a end rusher role, while CB Zachary Weisz and CB Bryson Swafford kind off split time. Kickoff returner CB Keegan Cosby hasn't played yet. Undrafted rookies FB Owen Johnston and LB Andrew Cochrane have joined the core of our special teams unit.

Division
1. Bordeaux 6-1
2. Gothenburg 5-2
3. Maassluis 4-3
4. Paris 3-4

Yes, it's still tight. If, big if, we regroup and start a 9-game winning spree, we'll be division champions anyway. Point being, we still play Bordeaux and Gothenburg twice each. It's really still all in our own hands and feet.

One week at a time, that's today's reminder. Next up is a visit to Houston, a place where we've played quite a lot in recent seasons. Our last win there in 2091 snapped a 7-game losing streak in their place, with the previous last win before that in 2076.

Clay Gaynor will be back in action, that will give a boost to our passing game, reuniting our fabulous five of Theodore Bondy, Clay Gaynor, Clarence Gore, Ed Schulz and George Stuckey. Okay, let's not get overexcited here, it's a nice group, but "fabulous" is kind of a stretch for now. But giving all of them 5+ targets every game, that's part of the plan now: keep them guessing, not just whether we'll run or pass, but also where the ball will been thrown. There are no guarantees in football, but if we try and work hard, we can accomplish things. We lost two close games, then posted four strong victories, so bouncing back after today's unneeded loss will show how resilient we really are.

MIJB#19

12-03-2020, 01:28 PM

General Manager Notes: Not one of those season...
Up, down, left, right, back to .500 land?

Frustration isn't the right word, because I'm trying to not get too worked up about this young and promising team. But the way things are going, I've seen this before: when we win, we win big, but when we lose, it was a choke job.

So, how about that Houston game? We went up 17-0 in the first half, saw Houston make it 17-7 just before the break, went into the 4th quarter leading 20-14, saw them kick the 20-17 shortly after the side switch and with a minute to go they kicked a game tying field goal. That after both kickers had already missed a kick in the fourth quarter. Then in overtime we crumbled and saw Mark Giles (yes, that Mark Giles, the guy we didn't want to give 10M per year and now sees us pay 17M per year to a much older and much less accurate kicker) kick the game winner: Houston 23, Maassluis 20. Better team lost, but that too is football. "Better" can be relative, of course. So it goes, it happens.

It brought us back to .500 land, but only for a short time. The home game against the Bordeaux Vineyards would be an even bigger test. And boy did they fail this test. Not the Merchantmen, we steamrolled to a 31-0 lead and went into halftime leading 34-3. Then, a couple minutes into the third quarter, the brain fart of the Bordeaux' offensive coordinator was there, pulling their star quarterback Walt Czech in the middle of their best drive of the game. We responded with an equally puzzling quarterback replacement about 7 minutes of game time later, also in the middle of a drive: kick holder Jon Giles was allowed to play out the snooze fest of a second half. Filed goals and a pick six yanked up the score: Maassluis 41, Bordeaux 9.

Division:
1. Gothenburg 7-2
2. Bordeaux 6-3
3. Maassluis 5-4
4. Paris 3-6

So, the first big test for us was a good result, but we haven't even reached midterm yet, that comes in our next game in Gothenburg. If you think we're playing well, well, so are the Giants. The one chance we might have is their run defense that will be basically the only "stat group" in this matchup that isn't top10 in the league right now.

It's also a matchup between the #5 ("Merc" Pierce) and #6 (Earnest Ashley) quarterbacks in the virtual offensive player of the year race. A race that's pretty much already settled: Tucker's QB Donovan Muth could get hurt now, miss the last 7 games of the season and could still win it. He's that much ahead of the field. But that's something we're really not going to worry about, we're going to want to go to Gothenburg, play a good game and hopefully pull the upset: Solecismic has us as 7-point underdogs, DogBytes as 9.5-point underdogs.

Temper expectations and work hard to beat the spread and then see where we can get.

MIJB#19

12-04-2020, 01:37 PM

General Manager Notes: Earth to Merchantmen
Welcome back.

Flat on our collective faces. Goodness, were the Gothenburg Giants to impressive or did we play so terribly bad? For 2 and 1/3rd quarters, we got steamrolled, at which point we waived the white flag and the 42-10 score at that point rolled on into a 56-13 clobbering. A franchise record number of points allowed, while giving up 570 yards. So much for ending the season below 300 per game, huh?

Division:
1. Gothenburg 8-2
2. Bordeaux 7-3
3. Maassluis 5-5
4. Paris 3-7

Yeah, division title, better luck next season? Mathematically we're still in the race, with games against Gothenburg in week 15 and at Bordeaux in week 17, but can we really expect the Giants to lose lose 2 (3 if Bordeaux completely falls apart) more games than we do and Bordeaux at least one more. Even a wild card is far away, the field ahead of us is a triplet of 7-3 hopefuls. Anything to cheer us up after a beatdown like that?

Theodore Bondy had 2 catches on 7 target for 22 yards. I hadn't even tracked it, y'all know that individual accolades are a by product of overall success in Oranje Have, but apparently he became the 7th member of the 20K club in receiving yards. Yay, good for you, Theo! Moving up to 6th or even 5th in all-time receiving yards is still within reach for him this season, if he steps it up after his recent tenure of 4 straight below 50 yards. I'm fully expecting him to not be our leading receiver of this season when week 17 is in the books, Ed Schulz has basically a full game of yardage ahead of him, despite making 2 catches per game less. Still, let's not poop on Theo's impressive numbers, but that's for season's end to look back on.

Trey Beyer is perhaps the discovery of the season (ignoring that QB of ours for a second). Fourth year on team, first with a premier role. 640 yards on 104 carries for a 6.15 average. He was one of few showing good numbers in Gothenburg today. Which presumably means the O-Line held well as well.

So, kudos to the Gothenburg Giants management, players and staff for pulling of their sensational victory. We had our overwhelming fun against the Vineyards in the previous game, but that feeling that we were actually coming along well, well, we still are, but we're not quite the team that can do it week in, week out. One game at a time, back to that attitude. We'll be visiting the Oakland Black Panthers next game. They're leading the AOC West with an 8-2 record, ranking 3rd in least points allowed.

Player to watch there? Right tackle Douglas Grosz. Once the #9 overall pick, selected by the Maassluis Merchantmen and traded after the fact to Oakland. He's turning into a one-man offensive line. Last season he had 75 key run blocks, a sensational league record in the era of all passing offenses. The Panthers could be a mismatch for us, as they sports very similar cohesion, which makes it more about raw talent and, well, they trump us in a couple of positions, but I think we could hold up well. On paper that is. But this game isn't played on paper. Oakland runs the ball. A lot. I mean, a grand lot. Something to think about in our game plan...

MIJB#19

12-05-2020, 11:22 AM

General Manager Notes: Rock bottom had not been reached yet
Not quite, at least.

The staff is, against me orders and desire, already giving up on Earnest Ashley. For the third game in a row he was pulled, for the second time in a game where we played so dreadful that aside from the most optimistic people, a comeback was impossible. But my staff clearly wasn't around when the Merchantmen once choking a 21-point lead at the Gothenburg Giants in the final 9 minutes of a game, old timers like me know better: "never say never". Or at least not before there's roughly 1 minute per 8 points remaining.

I was hoping to sit here today, pretending to grab my cigar (I don't smoke), smirk, proud of my team and tell them "I love it when a plan comes together". As you can imagine, "hoping to" means there's no reason to do so. offensively, our game plan was ready for the trash can three plays into the game as Ed Schulz walked off, team doctors immediately ruled him out for the rest of the game and he's very likely to sit out the remainder of the regular season. Which with how things are going now, would mean the entire season.

Wait, what about that plan not coming together part?

Oh yeah, I was going to construct a specific game plan to try to stop the Oakland running game. Well, we slowed them down, a little bit. They ran the ball 50 times (yes, I kid you not, 50 times) for 205 yards (slightly above their season average), which means a 4.1 average, which is below their 11-game average of 4.78. So, we made them slightly less effective. Yay for that?

Well, as to be expected, we were more vulnerable to their passing game, but as they run specific formations that they run out of, it shouldn't have mattered. Well, we saw their former 1.1 quarterback Marty Forland tear our pass defense apart: 21 of 25 passes completed for 273 yards. Goodness, are we that bad when we're down one starter on defense (free safety Jon Brotzman)? Forland is exceptionally talented, clearly, but this was his most productive game of the season. Last time he threw for more than that was in week 4 of the 2093 regular season.

Okay, looking back, I made a bit of a blunder, I forgot to think about a couple of specific situations that I considered to not focus on run stopping, but I did and we got punished several times on 3rd and long with a medium pass that turned into a big gain. I mean, when you stuff their running back on 1st and 2nd down, be prepared to see a pass on 3rd and 12 and don't have your defenders exposed into running a coverage they are dreadful in. It would have stopped them early on their 14-10 lead taking drive. It would also have stopped them early in the third quarter from gaining 43 yards on 3rd and 10 as we exposed ourselves. Albeit, with their talented quarterback and the receiver on that 43-yard play being the exceptionally talented wide receiver Winston Alexander, they might have made that play anyway. All that said, our run defense was actually sort of effective on first and second down, we lost this game on third downs, letting them convert to extend the drive and eventually they had the ball 2/3rd of the time in this game.

That ball control imbalance was also a result of our own abysmal play on offense, obviously, as we couldn't keep them from getting the ball back. Their defense pummeled our main ball carrier Trey Beyer into 14 yards on 9 carries and in total we ran the ball just 15 times, while Ashley threw the ball 23 times and Moe Sheldon (we activated him for today's game) threw the ball 10 times. yes, Ashley was bad, but Sheldon was horrible, downright no longer IHOF worthy, it's a serious mistake from our staff to pull our promising superior quarterback and throw either his mentor or our kick holder out there. Please, staff, stop doing that! (If only I knew how to make them come to their senses...)

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 8-3
2. Bordeaux 8-3
3. Maassluis 5-6
4. Paris 4-7

Yeah, the Giants lost, that makes it even more of a missed opportunity on our end. But in reality, today's game was going to be a loss anyway, the way this game played out. Our season has been shanked in the home game against Paris and the road game in Houston, both games were obnoxious choke jobs. We should have been 7-4 and still in the mix with games remaining against both teams ahead of us.

With Ed Schulz out, we'll have to rely on the return of (very rusty due to lack of action) Brian Sandlin as our WR3, with George Stuckey stepping into Schulz' role and Theo Bondy remaining in the WR2 role that he's had all season, despite that he's making more catches than Schulz.

We might still bounce back, in our last five games we'll meat two 3-8 teams (not to be underestimated, one of them beat Gothenburg today) and our three rivals for the playoffs spots: Gothenburg, Bordeaux and Augusta. Beginning with that last team. They're coming off their own unexpected drubbing after a sensational big victory over fellow wild card hopeful Orlando. Augusta and Orlando are 7-4 now, so we'll still need quite the help to catch and pass them. Beating Augusta will be crucial though, losing at their place will be their next to last nail in the coffin. Mathematically we can't get eliminated yet, but practically we would be.

So, Merchantmen, regroup, bounce back. Losing at Gothenburg and Oakland was all within expectations at season's start. Forget about how big the losses were, think back of the overwhelmingly positive vibes that we got and showed in the wins against Bordeaux, Fort Wayne, Atlanta, San Antonio and Toronto. Heck, all of our wins were impressive. We can do this. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

12-08-2020, 12:58 PM

General Manager Notes: It's not for this season
Did we really win 4 straight?

Division:
1. Gothenburg 10-3
2. Bordeaux 10-3
3. Paris 6-7
4. Maassluis 5-8

Yup, let's start with that, why not? Our season continued with a couple of 9-point losses: 19-10 at Augusta and 30-21 at Fairbanks. Both were bizarre games. In Augusta our rookie of the year candidate threw 6 interceptions. For a change he wasn't taken off the field. As a result, he threw the 6th pick when we were still within a single score, which implies our defense held the Greenjackets in check. The game in Fairbanks was enriched with 2 missed field goals and 2 missed extra points. Seriously, Dylan McMullen, did you really want to prove the Northstars right for letting you walk? Do you really not belong on what was supposed to become the best special teams unit in the league (which actually allowed another punt return touchdown)?

So, from 4-2 to 5-8. It feels better than going from 1-7 to 5-8, but it's still a depressing idea that we went from being top 10 in all team stats, to now have the second most turnovers and, well, season over, even mathematically. What's left is playing spoiler for Gothenburg and Bordeaux, starting in Oranje Haven against the Giants. Which is actually the good news of playing division rivals late in the season, it's easier to motivate ourselves. The tanking crowd would applaud losing those games, as it would actually be bad for their rivals' draft position.

But not in Maassluis. We'll keep on trying. We can still finish the season with a positive points differential (we're at a tied 314-314 score now) and with an 8-8 record. It's a long shot, but we have to try. No, not try. We have to go for it. Go for it!

MIJB#19

12-09-2020, 12:28 PM

General Manager Notes: Cruising along
Bouncing back is more accurate though.

Wait, what, are you saying we beat the Giants? Yes, we did, we did beat the Giants.

First quarter, the tone was set. Three and out by our defense, Earnest Ashley to George Stuckey for 32 yards to start our first drive to set up a 48-yard field goal. back to back sacks stalled Gothenburg's second drive, Ashley responded with a typical chains moving drive, eventually ending with Trey Beyer's 23-yard touchdown run. Early in the second quarter, up 10-0, Chuck Murray made a momentum flipping interception just outside our end zone. Penalty on a punt play extended our drive but we had to punt later on anyway. Another sack on third down stopped the Giants, while our offense quickly went into their half with Ashley's 29-yard dart to Stuckey. Eventually Francisco Patter ran the ball in from 4 yards out. Darien Fletcher made Oranje Haven explode three plays later, after the defensive tackle signed for the second pick of the game deep inside Giants' turf. Ashley returned the favor with a pick of his own. Neither side gained much ground on their last drive of the first half, we went into the break leading 17-0.

Second half had barely started and we pulled of a bit of a hail mary with four receivers going deep, Stuckey made the 44-yard catch and two plays later Beyer ran it in for a 24-0 lead. Gothenburg's first drive of the second half was hijacked by a holding penalty. We responded with a silly 28-yard run on 3rd and 20 (say what now?) by Patter, eventually the key play to set up Patter's 8-yard touchdown run. At that point Gothenburg checked out, replaced Mercury Pierce and free agency signing Kai Silvanic took over. Three and out followed and our offense responded with another short gains drive to eventually kick a 24-yard field goal. Gothenburg was once again stuffed into punting and our lead was now 34-0 going into the fourth quarter.

Our offense was stalled, but as Gothenburg continued their last chance efforts to safe face, pick number three came on the box score as Devon Farrell jumped in. The Gothenburg defense stopped us quickly, but we returned the favor and on our next drive (with the offensive line in a bull-shit lineup; this ain't pre-season, staff!) we kept winning the field position battle. Then Gothenburg finally caught some fire, starting with a 16-yard run, then a 31-yard pass on third and long, a 14-yarder on 3rd and very long and a face saving touchdown right after the two-minute warning. We ran out the clock, punted one more time and that was that.

So, victory, strong running game, a so-so Ashley (completed 18 of 44 for 239 yards), good Stuckey, solid defense. And too little too late.

1. Bordeaux 11-3
2. Gothenburg 10-4
3. Paris 6-8
4. Maassluis 6-8

Bordeaux has qualified for the playoffs. How about that, congratulations! Gothenburg is pretty close as well. They can still miss out if Augusta catches up from 8-6 to 10-6 each. Solecismic playoff probabilities give Augusta a 2% chance to catch up with either Gothenburg or fellow 10-4 Orlando.

Our season will continue with our final home game of the season, we will host the 5-9 Colorado Cutthroats. Which will be our preparation for playing spoilers in Bordeaux in week 17. Ed Schulz has been cleared to play, he may or may not be back into the lineup...

One player will be missing in our lineup: linebacker Daquan Espino. Already upset over not being a starter, despite being a starter (he's just unlucky to face a lot of teams that field more than two wide receivers on their first play, if only these players understood these things), Espino apparently took some trips to Amsterdam despite team policy being strictly against it and, well, he's been admitted into a clinic to work on his addiction. His player agent has urged us to call it "tobacco withdrawal", so... He's going to be inactive for an undisclosed period of time. Maybe he'll be back in time to welcome back Doug James, recovered from his ACL knee surgery, somewhere in pre-season 2095?

Adam Harmon and Clayton Jackson won't sit those games out, despite that we have no idea when their hamstring issues will be resolved.

Yeah, it's really time for new turf, the players have been dropping like flies this season. Good to know that will arrive in time for pre-season 2097.

MIJB#19

12-11-2020, 01:59 PM

General Manager Notes: Tic-tac-toe
We finish 2094 with three wins in a row!

So, what happened? Well, we played out the regular season with a 17-10 victory at home over the Colorado Cutthroats and a convincing 31-17 win in Bordeaux. A painful loss for the Vineyards: they fell from #2 to #6 seeds, even a tie would have saved that bye for them. Let's skip the game by game dissecting for a little bit.

Division standings:
1. Gothenburg 12-4
2. Bordeaux 12-4
3. Maassluis 8-8
4. Paris 6-10

AOC
1. Tucker 13-1-2 (yeah, imagine that, not 14-2, but 13-1-2, will we ever see this record again?)
2. Fort Wayne 12-4
3. Gothenburg 12-4
4. North Plainfield 6-10
5. Orlando 12-4
6. Bordeaux 12-4
7. Augusta 9-7
8. Maassluis 8-8
9. Houston 7-9
10. Atlanta 6-10
11. Paris 6-10
12. Rochester 5-10-1
13. Harlem 5-11
14. Snapfinger 3-13
15. Toronto 3-13
16. San Antonio 2-14

(And for those wondering, the NAC:
1. Texas 15-1
2. Oakland 12-4
3. Kansas 12-4
4. Chesapeake 12-4
5. Capital City 10-6
6. Williamsburg 9-7
7. Frederick 8-7-1
8. Brooklyn 8-8
9. Outer Banks 8-8
10. Moontown 7-9
11. Hanalei 7-9
12. Arizona 6-10
13. Iowa 5-9-2
14. Colorado 5-11
15. Fairbanks 4-12
16. Chicago 4-12

So, with that, our season has ended.

Earnest Ashley finished the season with 4,009 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. Was that good, was that bad? A little bit of both, actually. Last time we had a quarterback throwing for 4K was in 2086 Ellis McAlister, a season after his 30-touchdown figure. Last time we had our quarterback throw 27 or more interceptions? That was all the way back in 2068, Alfred Hickman then had 28 touchdowns and 27 interceptions, two seasons after he quarterbacked us to a bowl victory with 27 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Let's call it a good sign of things yet to come. I've got to end on a positive note here.

Trey Beyer ended up as our leading rusher with 903 yards (5.47 per carry), despite getting 35 carries less than Francisco Patter, who ran for 682 yards (3.41 per carry). They ran for 8 and 6 touchdowns respectively. Reggie Thongchanh's stint as our RB1 ended this season, he was promoted from rotation guy to a full time special teamer. Our quarterback Ashley ran for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns with a 8.13 per carry averages. Yeah, our quarterback knows how to tote the ball.

The receiving end of things saw the season end without a 1,000-yard receiver for the first time since, well, let's look it up... 2073. Theodore Bondy had a career low 76 catches for 883 yards and 7 touchdowns. Bondy was targeted 24% of the time, a career low as well. But that was all by design, it was the plan to spread it around. Ed Schulz had 42 catches for 834 yards and 4 touchdowns, George Stuckey had 53 catches for 750 yards and 6 touchdowns, Clarence Gore 61 catches for 617 yards and 3 touchdowns, Clay Gaynor 46 catches for 498 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Other individual stuff to let the guys know they did better than so-so?

Mark Perkins lead the league with 912 punt return yards. This should be considered to be a team effort thing, as getting a chance to return a punt means the defense forced the opponent to punt and means the offense was deep enough in the opposing territory before that defensive stop to actually make the punt returnable. Which is basically general football statistical explanation, which might be more obvious than I made it seem. He returned that ball for 6th best 16.0 per return, scoring 1 touchdown and finishing the season with just 1 fumble on 59 touches (2 receptions on top of the 57 punt returns). Now that's reliable and responsible punt returning!

Our kicker Dylan McMullen was a disaster. Okay, that's a bit harsh, but this fresh guy had 9 missed field goals and 3 missed extra points. Not quite numbers to be proud about, but we gave him a fat contract, there's reason to be not so happy here. Too much pressure? Counting his money at night?
Our emergency signing punter Doug Guynes, returning back home because Doug James will be out for another week or 37.

The team pass rush was unacceptably bad. 4.4% of pass plays ended in a sack, 24% in a pass rush based negative play. The latter is kind of okay, being tied 8th in the league. Our pass defense percentage was 6th best, the run defense about average. I'm not going to single out any defensive players. Well, except for the monster linebacker Brandon Brady and the All-IHOF bound safety Devon Farrell. And maybe nickelback Adam Harmon and defensive tackle Darien Fletcher, also All-IHOF bound.

Let's move on to the offensive line, where the two rookies Isaac Delgado and Johnnie Houston didn't contribute much to the running game, but were kind of reliable in the pass protection. Center Robbie Zinn lead the team in key run blocks, while Howard Humphrey wasn't back to his all-star leven after missing half of last season. Guard Michael Szott was rock solid.

So, what's next? After the playoffs, we'll have the 2095 off-season. We'll go into that about $26M under the cap, providing no retirements make the situation better or worse. We'll have an additional 4th round pick that will be the 9th pick in that round.

First those playoffs. Bordeaux and Gothenburg will face off in the wild card round. Two 12-4 teams, separated by the tie-breaker of which one of them actually beat us. Gothenburg it was and as such this game will be played up North in Sweden.

So... Let's end it here for today's rambling.

We improved by half a win compared to last season and actually outscored our opponents by 48 points. We deserved a bit more, I think, but with how strong the elite in both conferences have been this season, even with 3 wins out of the chokes, we would have still missed the playoffs at 11-5.

Next season, we'll improve and be back in the mix. I think that's where we could be then: in full sail.

MIJB#19

12-16-2020, 04:42 PM

Season in a nutshell? Perhaps. It was for the most part a frustrating season. I think we pissed away (excuse my language, okay, not really, otherwise I would have written something else here) at least 3 games that were lining up to be smooth victories. Combine that with two of the biggest blowouts in 87 seasons of team history, it makes clear that we were very capable of making things go from bad to worse unnecessarily on a very consistent level.I think that was what I wrote about 2090 already. ;)
Season in a nutshell? Perhaps. It was for the most part a frustrating season. I think we pissed away (excuse my language, okay, not really, otherwise I would have written something else here) at least 3 games that were lining up to be smooth victories. Combine that with two of the biggest blowouts in 87 seasons of team history, it makes clear that we were very capable of making things go from bad to worse unnecessarily on a very consistent level.

MIJB#19

12-17-2020, 04:46 PM

General Manager Notes: Start of 2095, The returns!
But Thong', Szott and Whiting retire.

Usually the retirement of a football player is news worthy, but in some rare cases, sticking along can be seen as such a big surprise that it's worth mentioning. Well, we've been on the retirement watch on many occasions before, but the retirement watch with Theodore Bondy has been on for serval off-seasons. And this off-season isn't the one he turns in the #80 jersey either. A huge opportunity for Ed Schulz to learn even more from his mentor and our promising quarterback Earnest Ashley.

RB Reggie Thongchanh called it a career after 10 seasons, 155 regular season and 11 playoffs games. Thong' was a 4th round pick in the 2085 draft and as a rookie already got a lot of carriers, ending up with 989 yards and 9 touchdowns. From there on it was a wild ride, usually stuck in a timeshare with Francisco Patter, still managing to get to 3 1,000-yard seasons, finishing his career with 8,353 yards and 50 touchdowns in regular season play. With those numbers he ranks 4th and 3rd in franchise history. He was also a tremendous punt returner and on the field on most special teams plays.

LG Michael Szott retired after 11 seasons with us, being active in 169 regular season and 11 playoffs games. As a second round pick in 2084, expectations were for him to become a starter. He saw some action in his rookie season and became a full time starter at the start of his second season on the team. A complete lineman, being a good pass protector and run blocker, he made 30+ key run blocks in 4 different seasons. He jumped into the top10 in franchise history in key run blocks last season, retiring at the #10 spot.

DE Tony Whiting retired after 9 seasons on team. An undrafted rookie that barely made the 53-men roster in 2086, he spent two seasons on the side lines and inactive, learning the tricks from the veterans. In 2088 he was added to the rotation of defensive ends and broke out with 10.0 sacks. It turned out to be his most productive season, while his role maintained to be in rotation, he finished his career with 36.5 sacks in 112 regular season games. Whiting also played in 4 playoffs games.

Down these three guys, we're going into the off-season with 47 players on board, with 8 draft picks, situated in the middle of the round (17th in the first round) with an additional medium high 4th round pick. Two players are unrestricted free agents: punter Doug Guynes and center Aidan Doyle. Both were late signings last season, with Doyle jumping in as our new backup interior lineman and with Guynes taking over for Doug James after his devastating knee injury. James will miss the pre-season and as of now the expactations are he'll be out for 2/3rd of the regular season as well, roughly. Fullback Owen Johnston and linebacker Andrew Cochrane are restricted free agents, but both look worth re-signing for a second season on team.

Our cap situation? We're $45.7M under the cap. Yes, not over, but under the cap. Solecismic's cap calculations estimate us at $22.8M of cap space to work with after signing draft picks, but we all know it will be slightly higher due to the double counting of the 52nd through 55th players.

How to react on these retirements? Well, quite simply, we picked those two rookie offensive tackles last season and at meant that guard Andre Watson was demoted to a backup role. If he doesn't regress, he's a perfectly fine player to put back into the lineup, whilst we'll also look for a new backup. Hayden Gaylor is a fine guard as well, but we can use the luxury of three starting caliber tackles and position on of them on the inside, next to the outstanding center Robbie Zinn.

The loss of Whiting means that we'll open our eyes for young pass rushing defensive linemen once again. I would have liked to bring back Trent Donovan, we released him late in the 2094 pre-season for cap reasons, but he decided to retire and not wait for a new team this off-season. Too bad, we could have used him now.

Last but not least, a couple of other players that have retired this off-season (or may have already last off-season and I failed to notice):
* Wide receiver Artie Blazewicz, we actually named a play after him and run a play inspired by him in our current game plan. Played 127 regular season games and 9 playoffs games with us, had one 1,000-yard season, scored 24 touchdowns, including 2 kickoff returns.
* Safety Riddick Newsome. Played eaxctly 100 regular season games with us, 9 more games in the playoffs. Made 10 interceptions, defended 44 passes.
* Running back Asher Ford. Mostly a special teamer, but we did let him carry the ball 24 times in the 65 regular season games he was active in. Was also active in 4 playoffs games.
* Defensive end Trent Donovan. We picked him up as an undrafted rookie linebacker, moved him to defensive end, released him on opening day 2091, brought him back in the playoffs, kept him inactive in 2092 after signing a 2-year contract, then gave him a lot of playing time in 2093, offered him rotation starter money in the 2094 pre-season and subsequently released him again on opening day to make cap space to lock up safety Devon Farrell. A pity that he retired after just 16 games in the league.

Speaking of Devon Farrell, he received All-IHOF honors for his performance in 2094. Defensive tackle Darien Fletcher was honored as an All-IHOF second teamer. Quarterback Earnest Ashely missed out on offensive rookie honors to Bordeaux' guard Floyd Kennedy, who was an All-IHOF second teamer. We can and will respect that, that kid played well and may turn out to be an all-time great at his position.

So, on to the staff reshuffling and then it's time to prepare for the draft. And free agency, we have cap space now and might be able to not spend it all on contract extentions. But we'll have to wait and see for a bit...

Oh, and Douglas Grosz won his first IHOF Bowl ring. Kudos, kid, well played.

MIJB#19

12-19-2020, 08:21 AM

General Manager Notes: Changes are coming in 2095
But that wasn't planned...

Every off-season in the IHOF starts with the day where the teams decide on how to shape their coaching staff. The plan and hope was to find a different kind of defensive coordinator, but the actual change came unexpectedly. The Harlem Apollos were looking for a new head coach after theirs retired and they decided to sign our offensive coordinator Willie Behrendt. Quite a pity, it would have been nice to keep building on his smashmouth approach to football. Alas, it wasn't to be.

To fill the void at offensive coordinator, we hired Alexander Petty, a West Coast fan. Quite the disaster is his complete inability to scout players, his strengths are player development (especially with running backs), interviewing and play calling. Okay, so there's that. More over, we didn't hire a new defensive coordinator, which means we're going to be one of the worst teams in terms of scouting players. This lack of scouting skills is unprecedented in Merchantmen team history. Safe to say: we're in for a challenge this off-season.

Part of it how we got here is that we fell to 10th place in the Blackadar Cup, and subsequently in the draft order. Yes, we're still financially a playoff caliber team. Main cause for the drop is our stadium renovation. We'll have to live with that for another off-season or two.

First order of business from this new offensive coordinator: he's telling us Earnest Ashley is a 30/30ish quarterback. That's right, Behrendt had him as a 35/50ish quarterback at the end of last season, but our new OC thinks he's backup material, not starting material. It's going to be quite the challenge to actually ignore our OC on his evaluation of the ability of our players. He's also much less optimistic about our three young offensive linemen C Robbie Zinn (-10ish), LT Isaac Delgado (-15ish) and LT Johnnie Houston (-15ish). Ouch. Not on the players, but on landing this guy that has no clue about how good young players actually are.

So yeah, I'll have to recover a bit from that, I just didn't see that kind of mess coming at all. It's going to drastically change my staff draft preferences in the future, a coordinator like this should have never ever been the best possible candidate for us. That's all besides the point of this OC preferring a different style of football, because that's something we can work around.

Bottom line: the MalcPow challenge, let's call it that. We'll have to go into the draft leaning heavily on combine scores and trends of a player's skills compared to one another, we can by no means rely on our OC, except his excellent interviewing ability...

MIJB#19

12-23-2020, 03:45 PM

General Manager Notes: Yo, where are the updates?
Well, here's one.

The draft has started and it's been an interesting first couple of rounds. With the lack of scouting ability, I'm leaning heavily on the combine scores and such to determine where to go here.

At the 1.17 pick, an attempt to trade up failed due to timing, but we ended up landing the player we would have traded up for. That player? The top graded safety Ernie Grant. A top10 player by grade in this class. Ran a fast 40-yard dash, had a tremendous position drill score, strength is a plus, agility a plus, size is good. Any red flags? Why yes, he's considered a red flag. We will consider moving him to cornerback? Yes we will, it might not be worth starting him next to Devon Farrell in the inside of the secondary.

At pick 2.16, the last player of our first round list apparently lasted. Top graded outside linebacker Richie Piotte. Ran a fast 40-yard dash, with a good broad jump score and Solecismic Test score. We'll move him to defensive end, no question about it. He has the weight (269 lbs) for it and could get the job done at 6'3".

Otherwise it's been a silent off-season, obviously.

Or not!

We signed running back Jack Crane from the Gothenburg Giants and traded for running back Benjamin Kapp from the Paris Musketeers. Yeah, there's competition coming for Trey Beyer and his 5.47 yards per carry and Francisco Patter. Crane was signed for $10M/year to a 3-year deal. He's already 30 years old, in his 8th season and coming off a down season (first one below 1,000 yards, lowest yard per carry), is he over the hill? In Gothenburg known as Sticky Fingaz, Crane has 8 fumbles in his career in 2,163 touches. Kapp was acquired for our 6th round pick, we know he's good though, he was our 7th round pick only 2 draft ago.

In the bidding wars elsewhere, we're quite active. Defensive end Caiden Croyle is our main target, but after drafting Piotte, there's much less need to sign him as our third defensive end. We're also in the market to bring back backup center Aiden Doyle and are the only team bidding on former Bordeaux left tackle Marc Wilkerson. Do we need a new tackle? Not quite, but we do need 8 linemen and Wilkerson is more promising than all the guard prospects. Although signing a guard is a better decision to keep a legal roster [ugh, these game technicalities are such a spoil sport for the immersionists amongst us...]. Anyway, we're busy on the open market.

Enough for now, more tomorrow, or so.

MIJB#19

12-24-2020, 08:21 AM

General Manager Notes: Old Doug returns
But we lose out on a promising wide receiver.

Oh and we traded draft picks.

First things first. With Doug James still recovering from ACL knee surgery, we needed to sign a punter to cover for him for the first half to two third of the season. Old Doug Guynes returns for another season, we'll figure out the roster space technicalities later on.

We lost out on wide receiver Malachi Pierson. It turns out Malachi has become a very popular first name with football players, back in the day we had Malachi Pennell, the best punter ever to wear the orange-white-and-blue, until we selected Doug James, but we have no idea whether James will reach the heights Pennell. Did.
Pierson is a 32-year old wide receiver, promising kickoff returner. And he is one of several players that we found in the recycle bin of the IHOF. Several teams have been cutting off old but still good to consume meat, probably because they've got salary cap troubles. Yes, my staff members can't scout properly, so we can't rely on their player assessments, but with players this age, it's much less of an issue, it seems. Anyway, he took Colorado's 22.35M over our $15.5M offer, both over 2 years, rightfully so.

And then the trading part. We shipped our third round pick to the Gothenburg Giants and the pair of fourth round picks to the Atlanta Vipers. My list of suitable players ran out at the 2.16 pick. I do have an ace or two up my sleeve, I hope, but we'll gamble on landing them in the middle of the 5th and 7th rounds. There are currently 5 names on my list of players that we might like to see join us from training camp and could have a reasonable shot at making the 60 men pre-season roster. One of them specifically a player that my coordinator graded very lowly, while said player had a very strong combine showing. But let's stick to: we still have a consolation prizes list.

Returning to that recycle bin, we've found out that another team is also in the market for defensive end Caiden Croyle, quite possibly the top dog in the current free agent pool. We'll certainly try to outbid those Toronto Lake Monsters, albeit not at all cost. We do need a mentor for rookie Piotte, so that would be an added bonus.

We're also in the market for guard Desmond Pritchett, but he hasn't taken the bait yet. Neither has our backup center from last season, Aidan Doyle.

So much for now, more later. As always.

MIJB#19

12-24-2020, 10:59 AM

General Manager Notes: The challenges of a terrible scouting staff
Warning: this might get unimmersive.

Alright fans and readers, we go back to this ongoing off-season in memory, as we were forced to pick a new offensive coordinator and ended up with Alexander Petty. I've been on and off about his (in)ability to scout players, most prominently resulting in the downgrading of three key members of the offense, all of them entering just their second season in the league.

With the draft going on, we're slowly, but steadily finding out what this actually means for a team, specifically to the general manager - you know, the one in charge with actually signing players. Below are two player profiles, fora change I haven't rounded up or down to the nearest 5's or 10's, but will share the actual numbers provided by the OC (after all, if he sucks, what does it hurt to share, right?)

WR Desmond Houston (no interview), pick 1.13 by Houston (ha!)
My terrible scouting OC vs league average kind of
av dr -------??? 71-98 . . av dr ------???_ 64-94 (-7/-4)
gt dw -------??? 73-100. . gt dw -------??? 67-98 (-6/-2)
route --??______ 16-43 . . route ----???___ 44-74 (+28/+31)
3d ct -------??? 73-100. . 3d ct -------??? 68-98 (-5/-2)
bg pl ------??__ 55-82 . . bg pl ------???_ 56-86 (+1/+4)
coura -------??? 73-100. . coura -------??? 70-100 (-3/same)
ad bl ------??__ 57-84 . . ad bl ----???___ 37-67 (-20/-17)
pnt r -??_______ _7-34 . . pnt r ---???____ 25-55 (+18/+21)
kck r ???_______ _0-27 . . kck r ???_______ _0-30 (same/+3)
endur ----???___ 43-70 . . endur ---???____ 27-57 (-16/-13)
sp tm ------???_ 58-85 . . sp tm -----???__ 50-80 (-8/-5)
Okay, overall, this seems to be a WR that a lot of OC's liked as a WR1 prospect. Route running is up in the air (44 would be bad, 74 would be great), endurance could be an issue (27 would be a problem, 57 acceptable for a WR1).
Well, my OC has surely helped tone down the average numbers, in particular in some key skills. My OC thinks that Houston doesn't have the route running to be a WR1 type, but does have the endurance and is convinced that adjust to ball is a strength rather than a weakness (let's ignore the punt returning for a second).
What this tells me is that my scout is very much in the same uncertainty as other OC's, however, given his terribleness, it seems likely that he's misjudging route running and endurance. As it looks now, he might not be off by just 30 points in route running, he could be off by close to 60. Yikes! He could also be 43 points off in endurance, both are monumental shifts in a player being effective or not.
Yet at the same time, my OC doesn't sit far away from the rest of the field at all. Could it be that he's completely misjudging on just a handful of skills and is spot on with the rest, possibly being as clueless as every coordinator can be on a player's ability and potential.

RB Howard Durrough (w/ interview = overrated), pick 1.32 by Oakland
My terrible scouting OC vs league average kind of
break -------?__ 69-82 . . break -------??? 65-95 (-4/+13)
power ----?_____ 37-50 . . power ----???___ 37-67 (same/+17)
3d rn ---?______ 27-40 . . 3d rn ----???___ 43-73 (+16/+23)
hol r -------?__ 70-84 . . hol r ------???_ 60-90 (-10/+6)
elusv ??________ _0-16 . . elusv ???_______ _0-30 (same/+14)
outsi -----??___ 52-65 . . outsi -----???__ 48-78 (-4/+13)
blitz ------?___ 55-68 . . blitz ------???_ 63-92 (+8/+24)
av dr -----??___ 54-67 . . av dr ------???_ 63-93 (+9/+26)
gt dw ??________ _0-16 . . gt dw ???_______ _0-30 (same/+14)
route ------?___ 57-70 . . route -----???__ 51-81 (-6/+11)
3d ct --------?? 84-97 . . 3d ct -------??? 69-99 (-15/+2)
pnt r ??________ _0-16 . . pnt r ???_______ _0-30 (same/+14)
kck r ??________ _0-16 . . kck r ???_______ _0-30 (same/+14)
endur --------?? 84-100. . endur -------??? 70-100 (-14/same)
sp tm --------?? 84-100. . sp tm -------??? 70-100 (-14/same)
Durrough was one of 3 RBs that I interviewed, obviously before knowing we would sign Crane and trade for Kapp. I anticipated on drafting a RB at 1.17 or maybe at 2.16. Still, he was interviewed and my OC arrowed the uncertainty to 16 or 17 points for each skill, compared to the league's average that's at roughly 30 points.
The overall picture in both situations is kind of similar: a RB with breakaway speed, hole recognition, very low elusiveness, some receiving skills and endurance to be able to carry all day long. Yes, the differences are there, but it's basically just in two skills: third down running and avoiding drops. That's almost neglectable if you already have a short yardage back and don't throw to the RB a lot.
My OC interviews well, it's a main reason why I actually trusted that "overrated" and decided to let Durrough fly at 1.17. Well, not entirely, he was still #2 on my list, but it was just enough to give S Ernie Grant the edge. A decision made before we even offered a contract to veteran RB Jack Crane.

Okay, so, what have we learned so far? I think it tells me that there are two things at hand in the scouting of players: players will be masked, underrated if you wish, not just in one skill but all around. But, they will also be misjudged on single skills, where a terrible OC might potentially be off as much as 50 out of 100 points, that's huge if you're a GM like me who focusses on one- or two-bar players a lot.

Conclusions? Nothing particular, other than: scouting can seriously push you into a different direction on a player. I'm most certainly not going to give up on our should have been rookie of the year quarterback. I'll just have to find a way to figure out which kind of changes we'll see in pre-season: randomness or unmasking.

It has become a challenge and I'm already convinced it will be a one-year solution at OC. It also makes me more aware that having a good staff isn't just an advantage, but keeping the finances healthy is key to draft well (in our case kind of by lucky to start with a top-notch situation all the way back in 2004, but later on being very quick in building a maxed out stadium, which is a must-have). And this season we made a horrible pick, at least concerning scouting. This staff member might be good elsewhere and just have trouble with young players and maybe just a random skill or two, or three.

MIJB#19

12-25-2020, 10:00 AM

General Manager Notes: FA signings and late round picks
A handful of new faces to report on!

We completed the draft with the selection of a green wide receiver and even greener quarterback. Nicolas Coady is a wide receiver who had a stellar combine and purely based on that won a pre-season roster spot on our team. Okay, maybe just a training camp roster spot, but pre-season isn't out of the question yet. Yes, it was a precious 5th round pick that we spent on him, but that late in the draft you just try to claim guys that you otherwise might end up overpaying for in the undrafted rookie bidding wars. Same applied to quarterback Colton Cote, our 7th round pick. I think I'm going to call him Coco from here on. His sense rush ability and Solecismic Test score were good enough to make me think: why not? We've thrown out contract offers to 6 undrafted rookies, we'll see which of them will report for training camp.

Other rookie news has been the position change for both Ernie Grant and Richie Piotte. A little bit premature, as we're still going to have to see if they can do something about their weight, but Grant should feel comfortable playing cornerback and Piotte playing defensive end. Grant should lose a bit of weight, Piotte will need to gain a bit.

Our roster was boosted by three veteran free agent signings. Center Aidan Doyle was our backup already last season, we're going to pay him more than minsal to do that one more season, before he finds out sitting on the bench isn't his kind of football. Guard Desmond Pritchett was signed to a heavy 1-year $15M contract, certainly not to rot on the bench. This 34-year old has been All-IHOF material early in his career playing in Houston, we hope he still has a lot of gas left in the tank.

That gas left in the tank is something we'll really have to hope for with 31-year old Caiden Croyle. We didn't hire him to a 2-year $39M contract just to mentor rookie Piotte, we do want to see him play a lot in our rotation. With his endurance, that is the best we can ask for anyway though. Still, with Croyle and Piotte added, we're back up to four suitable defensive ends. But you never know what will happen in pre-season...

So, that means all in all that we're currently at 59 players signed, with 8 of them new faces: 4 rookies (2 starters, 2 longshot projects), 3 starting caliber veteran free agents and 1 promising young trade acquisition. Some roster spot battles will be intense and hard to justify with our crappy scouting OC, but that's what we'll have to work with. Yes, I had to mention my OC's inability to judge player potential one more time. Get used to it, it will come up more often in the lead up to the regular season.

The cap situation has drained us down to just under $10M in cap space. No less than 18 players will be out of contract after 2095, one of them being the newly signed Pritchett, which means 17 of them are potential extensions. You know our drill: we'll get on to it after pre-season week 3. Most prominent names: backup QB Moe Sheldon, breakout RB Trey Beyer, FB Clay Brosseau, TE Clay Gaynor, WR Theodore Bondy, RT Howard Humphrey, OLB Clayton Jackson, CB Jackie Richardson and S Jon Brotzman.

It's getting repetitive perhaps, but this will be yet another update to end with: more to come later. The off-season is far from over, training camp and especially pre-season will give us a whole new look on our roster anyway.

MIJB#19

12-26-2020, 08:58 AM

General Manager Notes: Training Camp 2095 is coming

Okay, usually the post-draft pre-training camp free agency is the phase where we pick up a couple of undrafted rookie free agents that eventually make the 53-men roster. We picked up 5 training camp bodies, but I'm very cautious, I suspect some won't even make our pre-season roster and none make the regular season roster. QB Shaquille Trenery might have the best odds as a potential new kick holder. RB Edwin Harlow is a breakaway speed guy, with some [apparently hidden] special teams ability. RB Derek Finch has hole recognition. G Vince Henselman was on our shortlist in the draft for the late rond picks, he's a strong run blocker. K Tracy O'Neal was signed to challenge McMullen, he'll make the pre-season roster just in case McMullen is indeed over the hill.

Other news? The defensive coordinator is optimistic about our top two rookies. CB Ernie Grant is considered top5 in the league in potential. He'll be asked to trim down in weight a bit to fit with the new position. DE Richie Piotte will be asked to gain weight. Both players are on our staff's green page, that list of the top20 most promising youngsters. How about that for a mid-round first and second round pick.

I was very worried about our playbook, but after looking at it, there's little reason to make changes. Apparently we were unintentionally prepared to a switch to a West Coast offense. We'll see how that goes in pre-season.

That all said, training camp will see us go in there with 64 players signed, including injured Doug James. We have 5 QB, 6 RB, 2 FB, 4 TE, 7 WR, 9 OL, 2 P, 2 K, 9 DL, 6 LB, 7 CB, 4 S and 1 LS. I think it's safe to say we'll be trimming down at QB and RB right after camp and the final cut before pre-season will be based on which other youngster will make no progress.

Stay tuned, to be continued?

MIJB#19

12-27-2020, 12:15 PM

Nostalgia
It's 2095, the 92nd season of IHOF. Christmas tree on my left, nothing but darkness on my right, in that direction is where we'd find Oranje Haven, the North Sea and behind the biggest island of the United Kingdom, the Atlantic Ocean between the homeland of most of our players. Back in 2003 we thought it would be a good idea to bring a football team (back) to the Netherlands, we were warmed up to it, weren't we?

Our home games are still played in Oranje Haven, although it needed some renovations over time, most importantly an expansion early on to make it available for 100,000 visitors. In the heart of the most densely populated part of the country, that should be easy to fill, no? It has been ever since, generations of football fans have come and gone, as have the players. A grand total of 1605 players have signed a contract in Maassluis, not double or triple counting those that returned for second or even third stints. That grand total excludes one player that was drafted twice, but never signed a contract, because back in 2028 and 2029, rookies weren't automatically signed to their contracts.

Of those 1605, 1070 made a regular season roster, not counting dozens of players that tried out between games to fill an injury initiated vacancy, not double counting the 25 players that had two on roster stints with us. And that 1070 doesn't include our recent acquisitions. That's a whole lot, but at the same time it makes you realize that in 91 seasons, we've on average added just over 11 new players to our team every new season, just under 11 if you exclude the first season and the 53 players from that 2004 season.

Okay, those are all fancy numbers, neither meaningful or meaningless if there's no point to my rambling. Is there a point? Well, it's nostalgia season, so I felt like looking back a little bit and dig up some old memories. Remember when I made a list of 50 legends (https://forums.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=3227044&postcount=54)? Well, that was way back shortly after the 2078 season. We're a whole retired, just short of Hall of Fame worthiness, franchise quarterback further away from the inaugural 2004 season. How about increasing that with as many players that should have been added after the 16 seasons that came after 2078? Well, let's do that. Let's kickoff with an update on those that weren't retired yet, then add 10 new names to the list of all-time greats and finish it with a bunch of of also-rans, including the replacement of three players that were promoted to the legends list.

Update on the class of 2064 era players that were still active after the 2078 season

WR #82 J.R. Mills 2069-2079
Wide receiver J.R. Mills cost the Merchantmen a truckload of picks, but the #9 overall selection was high enough to get him. And boy was he worthy it. Not from the beginning though. Despite a 1,000-yard campaign as a rookie and making it a four-season streak, Mills' stamina appeared to be an issue. Injury sidelined him for the majority of the 2073 season. Upon his return in 2074, he upped his game and kept improving, becoming a 1,500-yard receiver and peaking with 111 catches for 2,228 yards in the 2077 season. Coming in at the second most productive season by any receiver in IHOF history. The Merchantmen hope to build on him for another handful of seasons. Mills had another All-IHOF second team season in 2078 with 1,756 yards receiving. His 17 receiving touchdown were a personal record and second best in Merchantmen history in a season that saw the Merchantmen reach the AOC Championship game. After a bit of a down season in 2079, he retired, just 56 yards short of the 15K mark, with 839 receptions for 14,944 yards and 85 touchdowns in 162 regular season games. Currently ranks 3rd in Merchantmen history in receiving yards, 6th in receptions and receiving touchdowns. Unsurprisingly was inducted into the Soleciscmic Hall of Fame.

OT #65 Oscar Meadows 2071-2085
Offensive tackle Oscar Meadows was a surprise first round pick in the 2071 draft for the Merchantmen. Right tackle isn't traditionally a position the Merchantmen invest in, but Meadows had the size and talent to be worthy of that. In his first seven seasons in Maassluis, Meadows proved to be the stud of the line. He allowed 33 sacks and made 198 key run blocks so far. In 2078 Meadows earned his first All-IHOF honors, being a second-teamer with 33 key run blocks and only 4 sacks allowed. His peak season cam in 2081 with 37 ket run blocks and just 2 sacks allowed, earning All-IHOF first team honors, despite missing a game. In 2084 his role demised and in 2085 his activity was limited to a tiny bit of special teams play. Meadows retired after 224 regular season games, he tied Tom Anaya in most regular season games started (213). His career was highlighted by the 2078 AOC Championship game and after his active career with enshrinement in the Solecismic Hall of Fame.

LB #52 Antonio Battle 2073-2080
Linebacker Antonio Battle joined a rich history of first round picks at his position. He had the honor to join the Merchantmen shortly before the big names retired. The veterans imediately recognized Battle's talent and he became a full-time starter as a rookie. With four 100-tackle seasons, 11 interceptions, 50 defended passes, 8 forced fumbles and 12.0 sacks in 5 seasons, his two All-IHOF team selections aren't surprising. He's a premier linebacker, a worthy succesor to Edward Ross and preceding names. In 2078 Battle earned his second All-IHOF first team selection in a season that ended in an AOC Championship game loss. In the 2081 off-season, Battle became a cap casualty and continued his career in Gothenburg (2081), Hanalei (2082-2084) and Kansas (2085), where his career ended in an IHOF Bowl loss.

The Ellis McAlister era players

QB #9 Ellis McAlister 2074-2087
An unheralded afterthought, just a sixth round pick of the Merchantmen in the 2074 draft, McAlister's career didn't start like a fairy tale. He made the 2074 roster as the fourth quarterback and for 5 full seasons was kept on the sidelines. But in 2079 out of the blue, McAlister was promoted into the starting role and continued to be the undisputed starter through the 2087 season. With McAlister under center, the Merchantmen made the playoffs 6 times, peaking with the 2085 AOC Chapionship game. McAlister had 3 4,000-yard seasons, 20+ touchdown passes in each season as a starter and aside from his last season in Maassluis threw for less than 20 interceptions. In 2088 a dire cap situation prompted the Merchantmen to say good bye to their franchise quarterback. McAlister played a season in Arizona, which turned out to be the third losing season in his career. McAlister retired after the 2089 season, in which he failed to find a new home, the Merchantmen lacked the cap space to sign him during the playoffs that season. McAlister retired after 157 regular season games, 144 for the Merchantmen in which he threw for exactly 35,000 yards, 218 touchdowns and 152 interceptions. Currently he ranks 3rd in passing yards in franchise history, 6th in touchdown passes.

DT #96 Glen Stiegler 2075-2085
The arrival of Glen Stiegler came after a strange incident in which the North Plainfield Plague accidentally selected him in the 2075 draft. The Merchantmen were quick to open negotiations as Stiegler was their player to get that draft and the #16 overall pick went into the books as a Merchantmen pick. His arrival made sense, so shortly after the retirement of Shaun Hartman and his sidekick Preston Urquiola. Stiegler didn't reach the levels of play of Hartman, but was a worthy Merchantmen nose tackle, earning All-IHOF first team honors in 2078 and 2080. Like many players from this era, his peak moments came in the 2078 and 2085 AOC Championship games, the latter turned out to be his last game for the Merchantmen as he failed to make the 2086 opening day roster and Stiegler retired the next off-season. In 174 regular season games he made 439 tackles and 56.5 sacks.

G #74 Carlos Webb 2075-2085
Carlos Webb continued a trend of the Merchantmen finding their offensive linemen in the draft in the middle rounds as he was a third round pick in 2075. Against all odds, he became an opening day starter and for 10 straight seasons was undisputed as the team's second best run blocker. In 2077 he recorded 47 key run blocks and in 2083 reached the magical 50 figure. In 2085 he lost his starting job, but due to injuries played in both playoff game victories, yet was benched for the AOC Championship game, which the Merchantmen subsequently lost. Webb retired soon after, meaning the lost 2078 AOC Championship game was the highlight of his career. In 156 regular season games he made 359 key run blocks, making him rank 6th all-time for the Merchantmen and highest amongst guards.

RB #26 Walt Blair 2078-2081
Rarely does a player much such a strong impression in just 4 injury plagued seasons. The Merchantmen picked Walt Blair #13 overall in the 2078 draft and as a rookie he made an impact running for 1,213 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 10 games as his season was cut short. Blair was missed during the playoffs run, fans still wonder whether the Merchantmen would have actually won the AOC Championship game with him. Blair bounced back in 2079 with 1,609 yards and 11 touchdowns, but 2080 was another injury plagued season. In 2081 Blair held out in the off-season, but changed his mind in pre-season, before he signed a contract extension. He left Maassluis after a tremendous season with 1,779 yards and 17 touchdowns, the latter was by far the best in the league that season. Blair played 2 more seasons with the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums and retired after just 6 seasons in football on doctor's advice, but fear for repetitive concussion syndrome was never officially confirmed.

CB #32 Kirk Hitchcock 2081-2093
The standards for a shutdown cornerback were set high after Peter Tucker retired, but in 2081 a new shutdown corner was selected at the #11 overall pick by the Merchantmen. Kirk Hitchcock delivered as a rookie with 5 interceptions and 11 defended passes. He continued to improve his standards and in 2084 earned the first of three All-IHOF first team honors. Hitchcock continued to produce and in 2089 became Defensive Player of the Year after a season with 8 interceptions (2 touchdowns), 20 defended passes and 115 tackles. The Merchantmen failed to make the playoffs that season. The decline started soon after, but unlikely so many veterans in Maassluis, Hitchcock continued to be a starter through his final season in 2093. One of his best games came in the 2085 AOC Championship game, but it wasn't enough to make his team win. With 46 interceptions and 185 defended passes in 204 regular season games, he ranks #1 in Merchantmen history.

CB #37 Gabe Broady 2081-2087
The Merchantmen have a good tradition of finding hidden gems in the undrafted rookie free agent pool and Gabe Broady is certainly one of those. A rookie in 2081, Broady got his chance midway into the season as the punt returner and did well enough to win the job. From 2082 onwards, Broady was the best punt returner in the league, scoring 8 touchdowns between 2082 and '86. Already in decline in 2086, he lost his role in 2087 to Clarence Blackwell. A clearly past his peak Broady failed to make the 2088 roster in Maassluis and retired in the 2089 off-season. 8 punt return touchdowns makes him rank 3rdd already, but his 17.0 yards per return makes him the best punt returner in IHOF history [he ranks second in the Solecismic record books behind a player with 20 career punt returns, we're not going to credit him the best ever, right?].

WR #80 Theodore Bondy 2082-now
Back in 2082 when the Merchantmen picked Theodore Bondy 8th overall, they felt like it was the steal of the draft. To get the pick, the Merchantmen gave up the #20 overall and the 2083 1st round pick. It was all worth it. "Theo" already delivered as a rookie with 95 catches for 1,469 yards and 8 touchdowns, which was just the start of a career as the clear top target of the quarterbacks that he played with, getting targeted an insane 42% of all passing plays. Bondy didn't crack under that pressure or the seeming over usage. 150+ receptions became his norm, as was 2,000 receiving yards, a figure that he reached 4 times. In 2088 times changed, defenses adapted to the throw it to one guy approach, but Bondy continued to be a lock for 1,000 yards. He reached the 20K mark during the 2094 season and going into the 2095 pre-season he's still going strong...

LT #66 Nathan Hadinger 2083-2093
In the 2083 draft, early in the second round, the Merchantmen couldn't believe that left tackle Nathan Hadinger was still available. The decision to pick him was a good one. Although riding the bench as a rookie, from his second season and onwards, it was clear that Hadinger was the pass protecting left tackle the Merchantmen love to provide their quarterback. He was a lock for 10 straight seasons, bar injuries. Which actually came when it was time to shine, Hadinger missed the 2085 playoffs and the trip to the AOC Championship game. With Hadinger in action, the Merchantmen never went one and done in the post-season. A lack of key run blocks will keep Hadinger from Hall of Fame status, but Merchantmen fans know better. With 37 sacks allowed in 153 games, Hadinger did his job and did it very well.

G #72 Michael Szott 2084-2094
Result of a trade one pre-season earlier with Bordeaux, the Merchantmen held the top pick of the second round in the 2084 draft. Guard Michael Szott was an easy pick there, one of the most talented players of his class. Never the best in the league, but all round enough to be the perfect left guard, supporting the left tackle and contributing to the running game. Szott was in and out of the lineup in his rookie season as injuries haunted the line, but from the second season he was a 10-year starter. Szott was pretty much a guarantee for 25 key run blocks and rock solid, never missing a game. He retired in the 2095 off-season after 169 regular season games with the Merchantmen and ranked 10th in franchise history in key run blocks.

OT #61 Howard Humphrey 2085-now
Not quite as planned, the Merchantmen picked right tackle Howard Humphrey at #9 overall in the 2085 draft. Unlike in future off-season, the Merchantmen decided to stick with what looked like maybe the best player of the class. As a rookie he was already in the starting lineup and made a key blocker for the running game, delivering with 44 key run blocks. Howard peaked in 2087 (52 key run blocks) and 2092 (53 key run blocks), marking the best showings of no less than 6 ALL-IHOF first team selections. The 2085 and 2091 AOC Championship games are the most important game in his career to date. To date, as Humphrey is still on team going into the 2095 pre-season and has a shot at improving from 4th to 2nd in Merchantmen history in key run blocks. Without a doubt he's Hall of Fame bound...

So close, the also rans of the last 15 or so seasons:
LT #69 Louie Murray 2074-2086
Ellis McAlister's first left tackle. Quite the achievement for a 6th round pick.

C #75 Butch Pearson 2080-2092
Late first round pick, elite run blocker. Second best center in Merchantmen history after Tom Anaya.

DT #91 Heath Oliver 2083-2087
More of a tackler than a pass rusher. Cap casualty in 2088 off-season. Ran havoc with the Gothenburg Giants.

RB #24 Reggie Thongchanh 2085-2094
Fourth round pick turned into fourth most rushing yards in Merchantmen history, despite being part of a tandem with Francisco Patter.

RB #26 Francisco Patter 2087-now
Seventh round pick turned into 9th most rushing yards, despite being part of a tandem with Thong'. Still on team, might still improve.

Legends of the future:
DT #73 Darien Fletcher 2089-2094
Pass rusher, at least All-IHOF second team in 4 of 6 seasons.

LB #53 Brandon Brady 2090-now
Another instalment of the fine tradition of top-notch LB in Maassluis.

S #40 Devon Farrell 2091-now
Turning into a monster safety. Best safety in the league in 2094.

The buble boys, bound to be also-rans:
TE #46 Clay Gaynor 2090-now
Talented 1st round tight end, but is he suited for the Merchantmen style?

TE #44 Clarence Gore 2091-now
5th round breakout, but already on the decline?

MIJB#19

12-28-2020, 08:14 AM

General Manager Notes: Training Camp 2095 report is here
What's going on with Ed Schulz?

With the Merchantmen we went into training camp 2095 with 64 players, including the still injured punter Doug James. Was it a good camp? For some players we saw a lot of progress, some where we were banking on it. Others seriously disappointed. Let's run it down position group by position group, untraditionally from the bottom up. but traditionally rounded to the nearest '5s as per our staff members, which all but our assistent coach suck in judging player talent.

Special Teamers
20/20 (nc/nc) LS Bryce Karney
90/90 (nc/nc) P Doug James (injured)
50/50 (nc/nc) P Doug Guynes
80/80 (nc/nc) K Dylan McMullen
40/55 (+4/nc) K Tracy O'Neal (rookie)
Yup, promising kicker this O'Neal kid is, but McMullen is technically better. O'Neal won't make our pre-season squad.

Secondary
65/65 (nc/nc) S Devon Farrell
50/70 (+9/-5) CB Ernie Grant (rookie)
50/55 (+6/nc) CB Bryson Swafford
45/45 (nc/nc) CB Zachery Weisz
45/45 (nc/nc) CB Jackie Richardson
40/40 (nc/nc) CB Adam Harmon
35/35 (nc/nc) S Chuck Murray
35/35 (nc/nc) CB Britt Hudson
30/35 (+4/nc) S Gabriel Cromer
30/30 (nc/nc) S Jon Brotzman
20/25 (+2/nc) CB Keegan Cosby
Grant is for real, we're going to have a great secondary with Grant and Farrell. Swafford is continuing to give signs that he's better than he's scouted at. Weisz and Harmon continue to be excellent zone defenders, Brotzman a very good one. Murray a serviceable running downs safety, Richardson a decent man-to-man corner and mentor. Cosby looks to be headed for the door out, to join Cromer, who won't even make our pre-season roster. Cosby's kickoff return skills could save him.

Linebackers
75/75 (nc/nc) OLB Brandon Brady
45/45 (nc/nc) ILB Daquan Espino
45/45 (nc/nc) OLB Clayton Jackson
40/40 (+4/+4) ILB Andrew Cochrane
35/35 (nc/nc) OLB Jose Meadows
20/20 (nc/nc) ILB Brant Rayburn
Brady is the man, Jackson and Espino the sidekicks. Meadows and Rayburn are special teamers. Cochrane is the rough diamond that continues to improve, but he might end up just the second special teamer ahead of Rayburn.

Defensive Line
65/65 (nc/nc) DE Caiden Croyle (vet fa)
60/60 (nc/nc) DT Darien Fletcher
45/65 (+7/+3) DE Richie Piotte (rookie)
55/55 (nc/nc) DT Jumbo Mojica
50/50 (nc/nc) DE Gene Kondovski
45/45 (nc/nc) DE Archie Exner
40/40 (nc/nc) DT Harold Gough
40/40 (nc/nc) DT Caleb Domis
30/30 (nc/nc) DT Kurt Ackerman
Let's wait until pre-season changes to get overexcited, this crew is getting older. Piotte is the obvious star to be, we have potentially a great bunch, once again the best in the league purely based on pass rush technique.

Offensive Line
65/65 (nc/nc) G Desmond Pritchett (vet fa)
65/65 (nc/nc) C Robbie Zinn
55/60 (+5/nc) LT Isaac Delgado
55/55 (nc/nc) RT Howard Humphrey
45/45 (+5/+2) LT Johnnie Houston
45/45 (nc/nc) G Hayden Gaylor
40/40 (nc/nc) C Aidan Doyle
40/40 (nc/nc) G Andre Watson
25/50 (+4/nc) G Vince Henselman (rookie)
Quite the decisions to make in mid-pre-season. The top 5 names are most likely starters, but we know Gaylor is a suitable backup, while Watson has been reliable for so long, Doyle is good enough and Henselman had a decent camp.

Wide receivers and tight ends
55/70 (nc/nc) WR Ed Schulz
55/55 (nc/nc) TE Clay Gaynor
55/55 (nc/nc) WR Theodore Bondy
50/50 (nc/nc) TE Clarence Gore
50/50 (nc/nc) WR George Stuckey
40/40 (nc/nc) WR Rickey Lyle
40/40 (nc/nc) WR Branden Sandlin
25/40 (+2/nc) TE Ike Nixon
25/25 (nc/nc) WR Mark Perkins
20/20 (nc/nc) TE Renaldo Crawford
15/15 (+3/+3) WR Nicolas Coady (rookie)
Same bunch as last season, unless Coady makes a splash in pre-season and if one of the other receivers falls apart. Perkins and Lyle are our return specialist.

That said... What's up with Schulz? This is the puzzle I have no idea how to solve. For the second straight training camp, this "58% developed" super star makes no progress. Remember that he also made no progress throughout the entire '94 season. What's up with that, seriously, what's up with that? What's going wrong here? Is there reason to be worried? Not even, the kid had 19.86 yards per catch, this kid can play.

Backfield
60/60 (nc/nc) RB Jack Crane (vet fa)
50/50 (+3/+3) RB Trey Beyer
45/45 (nc/nc) RB Francisco Patter
35/45 (+2/+8) RB Edwin Harlow (rookie)
40/40 (+1/+1) RB Derek Finch (rookie)
40/40 (nc/nc) RB Benjamin Kapp (trade acq)
35/35 (nc/nc) FB Clay Brosseau
30/35 (+2/nc) FB Owen Johnston
Beyer might have locked himself into retaining half of the carries, but will the second one be Crane or will Patter retain his part? Is the Crane signing already one of our worst ever free agent signings? Harlow looks promising, so does Finch. Caveat, our OC can't judge young players, they might actually really suck. Kapp is still very talented, but it's unlikely he'll make the team. Finch and Harlow are also on the bubble.

Quarterbacks
35/35 (+3/+3) QB Earnest Ashley
30/30 (nc/nc) QB Moe Sheldon
15/30 (+2/nc) KH Jon Giles
10/25 (+2/nc) KH Shaquille Trenery (rookie)
5/25 (+2/-4) QB Colton Cote (rookie)
We know Ashley is much better than this and we'll continue to believe that and ignore our OC's assessment. Ashley is our starter, no questions asked. Cote and Trenery, won't make the pre-season squad.

That's it for now, more after our first couple of pre-season games.

MIJB#19

12-30-2020, 10:57 AM

General Manager Notes: Pre-season action...
and how a crappy OC can make everything look hazy.

Anticipation is high when pre-season action is about halfway. Offensive and defensive coordinators will take a second stab at scouting the roster of their team. But when they're not all that great, it becomes even more of s crapshoot to figure out which 7 players of the 60-men pre-season roster shouldn't make the final list of 53 players for the regular season.

Special Teamers
90/90 (-1/-1) P Doug James (injured)
50/50 (nc/nc) P Doug Guynes
70/70 (-8/-8) K Dylan McMullen
20/20 (nc/nc) LS Bryce Karney
A decision to be made: James will miss the first 11 (or so) games of the regular season. Keeping him from injured reserve means that we can bring only 50 non-kickers into the regular season. But realistically he'll return during the season and should be better than Guynes. It should be worth it.

Secondary
65/65 (-1/-1) S Devon Farrell
50/70 (nc/-2) CB Ernie Grant (rookie)
40/45 (-8/-8) CB Bryson Swafford
45/45 (nc/nc) CB Zachery Weisz
35/35 (-9/-9) CB Jackie Richardson
35/35 (-3/-3) CB Adam Harmon
35/35 (+1/+1) S Chuck Murray
35/35 (+1/+1) CB Britt Hudson
35/35 (+4/+4) S Jon Brotzman
20/25 (nc/-1) CB Keegan Cosby
So, Richardson on the decline, Swafford got re-rescouted, Grant and Farrell still look good. Harmon took a bigger hit than it appears, but it might just be the rescouting going into the other direction (from overrated to underrated), he's still a starter. Weisz continues to be an elite zone defender. Cosby could be done as a Merchantmen player.

Linebackers
75/75 (+1/+1) OLB Brandon Brady
45/45 (+1/+1) ILB Daquan Espino
45/45 (+1/+1) OLB Clayton Jackson
35/35 (-7/-7) ILB Andrew Cochrane
35/35 (nc/nc) OLB Jose Meadows
15/15 (-4/-4) ILB Brant Rayburn
This is the group. Cochrane makes another swing, this time into the wrong direction. Puzzling stuff, I know. He's actually a worse special teamer than Rayburn and Meadows now, which is bad for his role.

Defensive Line
60/60 (-4/-4) DE Caiden Croyle (vet fa)
60/60 (nc/nc) DT Darien Fletcher
50/55 (+2/-8) DE Richie Piotte (rookie)
45/45 (-8/-8) DT Jumbo Mojica
45/45 (-5/-5) DE Gene Kondovski
45/45 (+1/+1) DT Harold Gough
40/40 (-2/-2) DE Archie Exner
40/40 (+1/+1) DT Caleb Domis
20/20 (-9/-9) DT Kurt Ackerman
Ackerman is still incredibly fast, but he's the odd man out. Mojica took a severe hit, but he's the second best run defending tackle if we keep cohesion in mind, otherwise Domis would be that, it's pretty close though. Croyle took the anticipated hit, Piotte is young and will go all over the place for the next season or two anyway.

Offensive Line
85/85 (+20/+20) C Robbie Zinn
60/60 (-6/-6) G Desmond Pritchett (vet fa)
55/65 (+8/+19 LT Johnnie Houston
55/55 (-1/-4) LT Isaac Delgado
50/50 (-3/-3) RT Howard Humphrey
35/35 (-4/-4) G Andre Watson
35/35 (-10/-10) G Hayden Gaylor
35/35 (-8/-8) C Aidan Doyle
25/50 (nc/+4) G Vince Henselman (rookie)
Okay, one has to go, but who? The starting 5 are set: Houston, Delgado, Zinn, Pritchett and Humphrey. Watson should be the main backup. Doyle is serviceable. Gaylor or Henselman is almost a coin flip.

Wide receivers and tight ends
55/70 (-1/-2) WR Ed Schulz
55/55 (nc/nc) TE Clay Gaynor
50/50 (-4/-4) WR Theodore Bondy
50/50 (-3/-3) TE Clarence Gore
45/45 (-3/-3) WR George Stuckey
40/40 (nc/nc) WR Rickey Lyle
40/40 (+1/+1) WR Branden Sandlin
25/35 (nc/-6) TE Ike Nixon
15/40 (nc/+22) WR Nicolas Coady (rookie)
25/25 (nc/nc) WR Mark Perkins
20/20 (-1/-1) TE Renaldo Crawford
Schulz, oh Schulz. The good thing is that we know he's good, but it's such an enigma. Bondy may sound like he's almost unchanged, but our OC thinks he's a very different kind of player now, he lost a lot of big-play speed. Rookie Coady is a big puzzle as well, I doubt he'll make the team, but he's just so interesting...

Backfield
45/45 (-12/-12) RB Jack Crane (vet fa)
40/40 (-9/-9) RB Trey Beyer
35/35 (-12/-12) RB Francisco Patter
40/45 (+4/-2) RB Edwin Harlow (rookie)
30/45 (-8/+8) RB Derek Finch (rookie)
30/45 (-7/+5) RB Benjamin Kapp (trade acq)
25/25 (-7/-7) FB Clay Brosseau
25/25 (-6/-8) FB Owen Johnston
Three guys will have to go, but who? Our OC is throwing these guys all over the place, especially the two rookies are going from 90's hol recognition, to something like 50/80, or vice versa. Brosseau might be on a fast decline. Too bad, I really like him. He's still a very good run blocker, don't misread me there, but he's re-scouted as no longer clearly top3 to second tier (3rd through 6th). Crane had the typical veteran signing decline. Kapp won't make the team, bummer about that late round pick that would otherwise likely missed the team as well. Will mull over the others.

Quarterbacks
35/35 (+2/+2) QB Earnest Ashley
20/35 (+3/+6) KH Jon Giles
25/25 (-4/-4) QB Moe Sheldon
So, Giles is now a good kick holder again and Ashley made progress? Sheldon turned into even more of a sack magnet than he already was. He's purely a mentor now, Giles purely a kick holder, Ashley our only serious option. But that was something we knew going into the pre-season already.

So, yeah, these coordinators, they're messing with everything and make it both harder and easier to make decision. Some players are obvious over the hill veterans ripe to get released, but you know me, I'm a bit more loyal than the average GM, especially if I think their cohesion can help overcome things.

Contract renegotiations will start too now, with those guys that will make the team and are worth it getting locked up. Fun times.

MIJB#19

12-31-2020, 11:10 AM

General Manager Notes: 5 out, 2 more to go
And renegotiations to lock players up.

Last part first, we extended contracts to a good bunch of players, meaning 9 players won't be locked up for next season: QB Moe Sheldon, QB/KH Jon Giles, RB Edwin Harlow, TE/ST Ike Nixon, G Desmond Pritchett, G Hayden Gaylor, G Vince Henselman, LB/ST Jose Meadows and CB/ST Britt Hudson. Six of them will be restricted free agents, which means they'll be protected in the pre-draft free agency. Pritchett signed a 1-year deal this off-season. Sheldon is too expensive to give a new deal. We'll see where we stand next off-season, but I think he'll retire, otherwise he's nothing more than a mentor with cohesion value. Gaylor has been in trade feelers mentioned, which is the only reason why we haven't given him an extension, if he doesn't move away, it depends on the decision whether Gaylor or Henselman will not make the 53-men roster.

Concerning the latter, it's obvious to me that 1 guard and 1 running back will not make the team, which means we go into 2095 with two punters, as Doug James will be inactive, but not put on injured reserve.

Players that were released: undrafted rookie RB Derek Finch, 5th round WR Nicolas Coady (despite his big boost in pre-season), trade acquisition RB Benjamin Kapp, DT Kurt Ackerman and CB/KR Keegan Cosby.

CB Keegan Cosby had been scouted by my staff as our best kickoff returner on roster, but I'm going to stick with Rickey Lyle, or try to find an eleventh hour replacement. It clashes with my belief that you shouldn't give up on young players too early, but the numbers game in the secondary was not good to him. We're probably still overcrowded at CB, but so it goes. He saw no action in his rookie season with us, after we picked him in the 7th round of the 2094 draft.

DT Kurt Ackerman was the casualty in a very crowded defensive line unit. We really have no room for 9 guys, 8 of them will be on the active roster. It was either Ackerman or Jumbo Mojica. The latter can stop the run, while Ackerman is basically just another pass rusher. In 7 seasons with us, his production is only 8.5 sacks, 31 hurries and 7 blocked passes, despite activity in 84 regular season games. He was a 5th round pick find in the 2088 draft.

Last but not least, we're going to try to make our young players get additional action in the last two pre-season games. Which will probably fail, as my staff has been known to be very disobedient and prefers to sub out the young players that need the development time and wear out the low endurance veterans. So it goes, I guess...

Oh, yeah, we played two pre-season games. We won in Outer Banks and earlier lost at home against the Frederick Red Menace. It wasn't worth mentioning as Earnest Ashley was traditionally subbed out for our kick holder way too much and that kick holder tossed for 3 touchdown passes in these games, while Ashley was limited to 1 touchdown. Ashley did win player of the game honors for his 186 yards passing in Outer Banks.

Final decisions after these last two pre-season games.

MIJB#19

01-02-2021, 05:23 AM

Merchantmen 53-men set: G Gaylor and RB Harlow released
The Maassluis Merchantmen have announced their 53-men roster for the upcoming 2095 regular season. Guard Hayden Gaylor and running back Edwin Harlow were released. Harlow had been an undrafted rookie free agent signing this off-season and underwhelmed in 2 pre-season games. Gaylor was out of shape after having been a reliable backup for 3 seasons, including starting in the second half of the 2093 season after Howard Humphrey went out for the season with a knee injury. These moves also mean the Merchantmen go into the 2095 season with both punters Doug Guynes and Doug James, the latter expected to be inactive until he's fully recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2094 season and made him already miss training camp and pre-season action.

MIJB#19

01-05-2021, 02:19 PM

General Manager Notes: False start or sign of things to come?
So did we start last season. Well, kind of...

Two games in and we're already clearly in for a challenge and quite possibly not the contender I expected us to be. Gothenburg on the road: 41-20 loss. Kansas at home: 29-3 loss. Indeed, the least points we scored in a home game since week 8 of the 2070 season, when the Musketeers from Paris beat us 31-3. 41 points allowed isn't all that usual either, although we did have that 56-13 drubbing in Gothenburg last season, so basically we made 22 points progress. Yay?

European division
1. Bordeaux 1-1
2. Gothenburg 1-1
3. Paris 1-1
4. Maassluis 0-2

Wait, hold on, two terrible showings and I'm not even going to pinpoint what exactly went wrong? Earnest Ashley was dreadful, completing just 10 of 31 passes for 93 yards against the Creationists from Kansas. obviously pulling him didn't make things better, our kick kolder and nothing but a kick holder completed 0 of 4 passes, not counting his interception towards those 'completions'. Do I wish we actually ran the ball a bit more? Of course I do, but what can you do when the situation calls for other calls. We ran the ball 20 times per game, not counting Ashley's scrambles, while we tried to complete a pass 36 times per game, not counting the 2 sacks per game allowed.

Was the defense bad? Yes, yes it was. 6.29 and 5.55 yards per play allowed may not sound like a couple of disasters, but we gave up a league second worst 177 yards rushing per game (yeah, the caretakers in Kansas actually made that offense run the ball 31 times) and a league second worst passer rating of 112.8. Who cares about that passer rating? Not me, but it's mostly a result of allowing a second worst pass completion percentage.

Anything to be proud of right now? No, not really. Glass half full? There's room for improvement, quite a bit of that even! But to see that happen, we do need to see Ashley improve on his (in)ability to connect with the receivers that we got for him. For now, I give him the benefit of the doubt, because our OC really has no freakin' clue how good a young quarterback can become, plus, neither mentor Moe Sheldon or kick holder, kick holder and nothing else but a kick holder Jon Giles will be able to improve on this, unless they catch lightning in a bottle Harry Osborne style. Which isn't going to happen.

Our season will continue with a home game against the equally underwhelming Harlem Apollos, followed by the inevitable way too early bye week and a home game against the Tucker Tigers. Always fun to play them, but preferably with a team that can actually put up a fight. But that's week 5, week 3 will come first. A chance to redeem ourselves, let's take that opportunity, team.

MIJB#19

01-09-2021, 11:25 AM

General Manager Notes: Win some, lose some
But we are slowly improving.

Three more games played since my last report and we're coming off a series that has confirmed my confidence in the current group of players.

The worst first: Doug James. Our all-time great in the making has returned to practice, has been reported as 'probable' for a couple of game days now but once in the practice field, it became apparent: he's lost most of the power in his kicking leg. Other elements of his game appear to be still very good, aside from the kick holding that he wasn't going to do with Jon Giles (a kickholder and nothing but; remember that, staff!) on roster. Once he back to 100% we can make a new judgement on where we go between Doug James and Old Doug Guynes, until then we're not allowed to release him and switching back to James earlier would be a recipe for disaster, the kid deserves to not get rushed into action.

Second thing, the second game of the three we played. A home game against the Tucker Tigers, the team we love to hate and a team we're quite often throwing new stuff in our game plan to try and see what works and doesn't work against a team we're most likely going to lose to anyway. Except that we didn't this time and the result was an exciting game in Oranje Haven. In the end one big 73-yard catch and run made the difference, although Tucker's game winning drive to improve to 38-31 from a tied score was more impressive and didn't lean on a lucky play. So, we put up a fight, came back from 2 scores down, but at the end of the day we failed on fourth and one near midfield in the last chance drive and that was the end of it as the defense couldn't force one more change of possession in the last two minutes plus time outs.

So, where are the wins then? Well, before the Tucker home game, we rolled up the Harlem Apollos 24-6 in a near shutout in our place. The defense gave up only 182 total yards, including their final 78-yard drive that put them on the scoreboard.

The other win came at the Augusta Greenjackets, as we brought them back to earth (they had started 4-1 and are leading the AOC Southeast ahead of Tucker) with an overwhelming 44-23 defeat. Two missed field goals hardly mattered as we kept picking off their quarterback, combined with a fumble, for 6 turnovers in the second half alone. We took advantage of all those changes of possession, but aside from those were also quite impressive with 438 yards of total offense and an impressive kickoff returner to win the field position otherwise anyway.

European division:
1. Gothenburg 5-1
2. Bordeaux 3-2
3. Maassluis 2-3
4. Paris 2-3

Familiar sight? This is how it was last season. Complete with Bordeaux sitting as the virtual #6 seeds, except that Gothenburg is currently the virtual #1 seed after winning 30-26 at Tucker, seeing Augusta fall to us and the last undefeated AOC team, the Toronto Lake Monsters fall 29-7 in Atlanta, the surprise Deep South division leaders.

So, 2-3, with already 3 home games in the bag, that's not a good sign. On the other hand, we've played a tough schedule. Yes, they combined for only 16-13, but trust me, aside from the (no offense) unimpressive Harlem Apollos, we played strong opponents.

Earnest Ashley's sample size of 5 games has him on pace for another 4,000-yard season, with a 2:1 td:int ratio. Yes, his completion percentage is low, but we're forcing him to try and he does sport a 7.2 yards per attempt for it.

Our running back tandem Trey Beyer and Francisco Patter from last season has turned into a tricycle with the involvement of Jack Crane. Beyer gets roughly half the carries, with Patter and Crane about 25% each. That last guy's 5.11 yards per carry is quite good, although his third down tiny sample size, that don' impress me much.

The receiving side of the ball is once again the share of five guys. Theodore Bondy gets the most looks, Clay Gaynor makes the most catches, Ed Schulz has the awesome 10.8 yards per target, Clarence Gore the highest target percentage and catch percentage and George Stuckey has scored 50% of our receiving touchdowns. This is a great group, no doubt.

For the offensive line and defensive line the numbers of individuals are even more situation specific than those of the aforementioned guys, whom all are already also heavily influenced by situation, support cast, etc, etc.

Silly stat of the day, or perhaps the whole season so far: we had 6 interceptions against the Augusta Greenjackets, while we had none in the previous 4 games. Try to understand that. I won't, but that's how it goes at times.

Next up? Paris, at home. Week 7 and we're already starting to get a series of do or die games. Although quite frankly: if we want to go places, and actually think we're so good, we'll need to win at least 8 of the remaining 11 games. That's a lot to ask, but these last three games are a boost to the team confidence. Slow start, but things are improving and if we keep working hard, hopefully we get the reward we're seeking.

MIJB#19

01-13-2021, 03:54 PM

General Manager Notes: Hot or cold?
We've been both this season, a lot.

We've rebounded, and then some. A tremendous 27-3 root over the Paris Musketeers, which was our second near shutout of the season, brought us into .500 land and we followed up by winning a 35-23 fumblefest against the winless Snapfinger Jazz, despite that they actually dominated the game, if you ignore our pass rush and their 7 sacks for a second. But just as we managed to finally get a winning record again, we dropped hard in Bordeaux, losing 27-7 to the Vineyards.

European division
1. Gothenburg 7-1
2. Bordeaux 5-3
3. Maassluis 4-4
4. Paris 3-5

Back to .500 land, that's where we are. It makes me think we're destined for a series of seasons of floating around that 8-8 record. I certainly hope not, but the way we're winning games and losing games, we deserve nothing better or worse than 8-8.

50% is also almost part of Earnest Ashley's faith, as he's currently near the bottom in the league in completion percentage. With a dropped to mediocre yards per attempt figure, we can't claim that he's getting the most he can out of the passes he does complete, although he does rank 3rd in yards per completion, so maybe he does?

The living legend Theodore Bondy is the main culprit, struggling to make the catches, despite being heavily targetted. Not the 42% of the time he used to be, but 30% does have him far ahead of Ed Schulz (only 21% targeted) and Clay Gaynor (23%). Maybe we have some game plan fixing to do? Schulz and George Stuckey can fairly claim that they've surpassed Bondy in skill and efficiency, while Clarence Gore needs to be worked more into the game plan as he continues to be a dangerous receiving tight end.

Our running game continues to be up and down like our results are. The loss of Michael Szott may have been filled by Desmond Pritchett on paper, but he's lacking the endurance to play well all day long and has lost a step or two already from the elite guard that he used to be. Good old Howard Humphrey is actually leading the team in key run blocks again.

On the defense a couple of youngsters is getting the best out of their playing time. Rookie Richie Piotte is in the running for the defensive rookie honors, although I doubt he's got a serious shot at it, with 5.0 sacks and an interception he's in the mix after 8 games played. Second year defensive tackle Harold Gough leads the team with 7.0 sacks and is clearly one of the best at his position this season, especially as a pass rusher. Rookie cornerback Ernie Grant has a broken clavicle and has been rules out for one and a half months. He might be back in time for the last 2 or 3 regular season games. Second year players Zachery Weisz and Bryson Swafford once again get a chance to play, while it also prompted the return of veteran Jackie Richardson into the rotation.

At 4-3, the Solecismic playoffs probabilities calculator had us at roughly 50% to make the playoffs, despite sitting in the 7th seed slot at that point. After the loss in Bordeaux we dropped to roughly 25% and rightfully so, given that we have 3 home games remaining against the last remaining undefeated team (Iowa Cobbers), the AOC leading Gothenburg team and the team we got clobbered by in week 9 (Bordeaux). The other 5 games are all on the road, with trips to Paris (week 17), and in last to first order also to Arizona, Atlanta, Chicago and Orlando, our next stop in this up and down season. Any other season, we'd already pencil it in as a loss, and I think we'll still have to, despite the Orlando Talons' current 2-6 record.

So yes, we're back in the mix after a tough start, but just barely. I have my hopes up, or had before we came home from the drubbing in Bordeaux. Regroup and go back to one game at a time. Orlando it is. They've been pretty one-dimensional on offense, which sounds good initially, but given their overall talent, we have no reason to think we're the favorite, no matter what the odds makers say. Jerald Harrison is an elite quarterback, he can tear apart any defense. Which means the guys have to bring their A game once again. So, Merchantmen, do it, make it happen!

MIJB#19

01-15-2021, 12:43 PM

General Manager Notes: Cold as Ice
We're still alive, but a longshot...

Two more games, against the fifth and sixth best franchises of the 2090's. (We barely make the top10 of that metric, or all things considered it's a miracle we're top10 material?) We visited the Orlando Talons and came close to tying the score in the final 15 seconds, but we came a couple of plays short. Or 8 yards, whichever way you see it. And would have still had to make the two-point conversion. In which case we would have tied up a game that we deserved to lose. Orlando beat us 21-13, a fitting final score. The 34-10 final score at home against the Gothenburg Giants was much more of a disappointment. Yes, Orlando (like us) is only 4-6, while Gothenburg has reached 9-1, but at home against the Giants is a must win game, but certainly not a game where we should get crushed the way we did today. Merchantmen unworthy. I spoke of hot and cold before, the game against Orlando was chilly, the one against Gothenburg was as cold as their old stadium used to be (the Palace of Ice and Frost).

European Division:
1. Gothenburg 9-1
2. Bordeaux 6-4
3. Maassluis 4-6
4. Paris 3-7

So, scoreboard journalism, or whatever, we're still alive, but barely. Really, just barely. With 4 road games still to go, the odds are not in our favor. Neither does our divisional record help to even think about getting past Bordeaux. The final wild card will be tough as well, as we're unlikely to catch up in conference record with the Northeast second place finisher. At least we have that win in Augusta to give us tie-breakers over some of the competition...

Doug James returned to action against the Giants (yay!), but was underwhelming. But really, what can a punter do to make a difference? Well, do what James was capable of before the knee injury. But that's the past, we have to live by the kind of player he has become. Earnest Ashley is struggling, not doing better than his rookie season, which is kind of bad. Theodore Bondy is, well, he doesn't feel like "Theo" anymore. Don't be surprised if he ends the season only 5th on the team in receiving yards. It might be tricky to get much more than 500 yards receiving. Imagine that, a four-time 2,000-yard receiver...

Rookie cornerback Ernie Grant is still out with a broken clavicle, he might not be able to return in time for the crucial week 15 clash with the Bordeaux Vineyards. More certain will be the absence of Isaac Delgado, our guard playing left tackle. A concussion rules out Delgado for the remainder of the regular season, and then some. He might only be able to play if we make it to the bowl game...

Lastly, for now, the complete lack of progress by Ed Schulz continues to disappoint me. Our staff still thinks he's roughly 58% developed, but he has been since our last game of the 2093 season. You read that right: not last season, but the one before that. At least his performance continues to improve, which is still something. But this third year pro with Theo as his mentor, he should show progress, I think. It's almost as if becoming the leader of the receivers group is holding him back...

On to week 12, a visit to the Chicago Norsemen. Last time we visited them was a 30-13 victory in the 2037 season. Ellis McAlister was still our quarterback, Francisco Patter a backup to Reggie Thongchanh and Theodore Bondy already was our offensive star. That day he caught 10 passes for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns. It would be nice to see him do something like that again, but odds of that are slim. Theo is about to find out that he'll be demoted to the WR3 role behind George Stuckey. Yes, even when the season is only mathematically still salvageable, we're not shy of making an all-time great lose his starting role. That too is part of what can happen with the Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

01-19-2021, 04:03 PM

General Manager Notes: Stayin' Alive mode!
Although we probably wasted it by now...

So, three more games played and we're finding ourselves still alive. After a hard fought comeback from behind, yet much deserved 31-24 victory at the Chicago Norsemen, we had a bit of a no-show in Atlanta, where we lost 15-10 to the Vipers, and continued with a convincing 37-10 victory at the Arizona Miners. So yeah, a 2-1 stretch in a series of three road games, how about that.

European Division:
1. Gothenburg 11-2
2. Bordeaux 6-7
3. Maassluis 6-7
4. Paris 3-10

Next up is a home game against Bordeaux (up next), which will the kind of game that will surely eliminate the loser from the wild card race. We're both a long shot already, as the wild cards are currently virtually in possession of the Augusta Greenjackets (8-5) and the Rochester Razorbacks (7-5-1). I could start talking about the last two games for us, but losing in Bordeaux will eliminate us as Rochester will face the 7-6 North Plainfield Plague, which means the Northeast second place team will finish 8-8 at worst this season. Right now our best bet is catching up with Augusta, or surpass both Rochester and North Plainfield, both very big question marks in being feasible, but not impossible.

Safety Devon Farrell saved the day in Chicago with 2 crucial interceptions, as Earnest Ashley threw a couple on his own including one that got returned 94 yards for a touchdown. We clearly outplayed the Norsemen, but our 2 giveaways hurt much more than the 3 takeaways. The game winning touchdown came with 26 seconds to go, although a short field goal would have also been sufficient.

In Atlanta our running game was completely nullified. For dubious reasons we ended up with just 17 carries for our running back, while Ashley dropped back to pass 46 times (including that 1 sack). Brandon Brady's pair of interceptions was too little to make up for it, meaning a no-name quarterback with a 17 for 39 with 167 yards, 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions stat line beat us. These are the kind of games you must win to convincingly claim that your team is playoffs caliber.

In Arizona Ashley bounced back (even recovered a fumble), he got replaced after his 4th touchdown pass halfway through the 3rd quarter, while the running game was surprisingly good all of a sudden. Kickoff returner Mark Perkins' rare couple of fumbles lead to a missed field goal and a real field goal. Our kick holder seriously sucked at quarterback. It's a disgrace that we humiliated the Miners by throwing him on the field. Seriously, staff, that gives us a bad image in this league!

We have to understand that despite that I feel like we have all the tools on offense to do well, this offense is performing at a below league average level. Ashley's completion percentage has dropped to below 50%, Trey Beyer is averaging 3.9 yards per carry and none of our 5 receivers really stands out. Okay, maybe Ed Schulz is actually doing quite well with his 9.41 yards per target. But as long as his development continues to be on a stand still, I weep for thinking he's never going to develop into being the successor to Springer, Haskell, Stanley, Mills and Bondy, but instead join the ranks of the second tier guys like Alfredo Bass, Vince McAlister, Terry Thomason, J.T. Pritt, Marvin Badger, Kai Oburn, Bubba Ellard, Brody Stevens and Dennis Nadell, multiple 1,000-yard receivers, but no Hall of Famer.

Back to the next game: Bordeaux, in our place. Revenge can be on our side, we lost in their place earlier on and it wasn't a good performance either. Last season we pulled them from 2nd to 6th seed with a week 17 win in their place, they haven't forgotten still and want nothing less than a head-to-head sweep. Bordeaux is one of three teams that crushed us this season, it could happen again. We hope not, the thought of sneaking into the playoffs is still on my mind.

So, Merchantmen, no looking back, let's do this, make the miracle happen!

MIJB#19

01-21-2021, 04:13 PM

General Manager Notes: One to go, but our season is done
And it's turning out to be one of our worst ever...

We had our chances, we had the Bordeaux Vineyards defense in check, were one of the toughest opponents for the Iowa Cobbers all season, but for those teams the dream is still alive: Bordeaux won at our place 23-13, Iowa won in our place 41-20. Wait, what? Yeah, that's the kind of season we're having. For the fifth time in 15 games we lost by 21 or more points. That's just bizarre to think about, I really think it's unprecedented in team history. I should check the numbers on it, but we're used to losing by a score, maybe two, not three touchdowns and then some...

European Division
1. Gothenburg 12-3
2. Bordeaux 8-7
3. Maassluis 6-9
4. Paris 3-12

Last game to go will be in Paris. Yes, we'll try to win this one too, there's no tanking in Maassluis.

Not much else to share for now though. Earnest Ashley arrived at a phenomenal 300 of 600 pass attempts completed after 15 games. He needs 148 yards to get to his second 4,000-yard season. His 24 touchdowns versus 19 interceptions means he's not flawless at all, but he is in the positive, bar a complete meltdown in Paris.

Theodore Bondy has dropped to fourth most receiving yards on team. Other teams might try to yank it up by overplaying their aged veteran, but we're not one of those, we love our stars, but let them play to their ability. He needs one more catch to hit 50, 4 more yards to reach 600, he needs 17 catches to hit 1700 for his career (not gonna happen) and 48 yards to hit 21,000 for his career. Now there's a nice goal for what once again could be his last game... 5 more touchdowns to reach 150, not gonna happen, right?

I've clearly been lacking in paying attention to the right things though, only now do I find out that our star defensive tackle Darien Fletcher has been on the field much less than his side kicks Harold Gough and Caleb Domis, a duo that's actually still in the race for one of them to be the second All-IHOF second teamer. I hope they both fail as this dreadful team does not deserve to get All-IHOF honors. Which Devon Farrell will undoubtfully get as a clear cut 1st teamer.

Which all sounds the season is over already, but it really isn't we get a chance to beat Paris in their place, always nice to do something like that. The way we've been playing lately? No way, The way we played in the last three road games? Well, we might even blow them away and brush away the -33 in points differential. That should be our goal, to at least even that out. A loss would put us in the worst 7 seasons (8th if we lose by a single point, 6th if we lose by 3 scores one more time, 5th place would require losing by 37 points) all time in that metric, I really hope to not see us fall that hard and deep.

We're better than that, team. Much better. So show it to the world. Y'all can do it, go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

01-29-2021, 08:18 AM

General Manager Notes: How 2095 ended...
Like, good, yet not great at all.

The last game of the 2095 regular season, with basically nothing to play for (yeah, other general managers would say: draft position!, in my opinion, we always play to have a worse draft position, always). We visited the Paris Musketeers and it turned out to be far from a close contest between two losing teams. While the Musketeers embarrassed themselves, continuing to think they can throw the ball on every down, the Merchantmen tired to prove they were worthy of at least ending the season close to 'in balance' in points differential. After a 34-3 demonstration, the team came a field goal short of turning the season into a positive, making it our 19th all time in the negative.

European Division
1. Gothenburg 13-3 (#1 seed)
2. Bordeaux 8-8
3. Maassluis 7-9
4. Paris 3-13

The Vineyards had a chance to make the playoffs, but lost 45-38 at home against the Gothenburg Giants in a game that couldn't jeopardize that #1 seed in the playoffs. The Giants made the best of their top seed, steamrolled through their two AOC playoffs games, only to fall behind 27-3 in the IHOF Bowl and despite dominating the second half, falling 27-19 to the Texas Sharks.

Earnest Ashley finished the season completing 320 of 641 passes (as close as one can be to 50% with an odd number of attempts) for 4,117 yards (13nd in the league), 27 touchdowns (tied 10th in the league) and 21 interceptions (tied 5th most in the league). He ran for 6.56 yards per carry, which hints at giving him a bit more freedom in that area, maybe, but he did fumble 5 times (he got sacked 27 times).

Trey Beyer ran for 691 yards (3.99 per carry), Jack Crane for 413 yards (4.35) and Francisco Patter for 267 yards (3.42), with Beyer scoring 7 touchdowns, Patter 3 touchdowns. Not a threeheaded monkey per se, Beyer took roughly half the carries, while Crane and Patter shared the change of pace carries about 50-50, with Crane also taking the third down stuff, converting a depressing low 6 of 23 attempts, that's Merchantmen unworthy, Jack.

Clay Gaynor had 83 catches for 899 yards and 6 touchdowns
Ed Schulz had 67 catches for 1,161 yards and 4 touchdowns
George Stuckey had 62 catches for 819 yards and 9 touchdowns
Theodore Bondy had 53 catches for 626 yards and 6 touchdowns
Clarence Gore had 39 catches for 431 yards and 2 touchdowns
Gaynor was 3rd in catches amongst tight ends, 5th in yardage amongst his peers, 29th amongst all positions, while Schulz was 18th in the league in yardage (one of 24 to get to 1,000 yards), but really excelled in length being 7th in yards per target and 3rd per catch. Stuckey was tied 9th in most touchdowns, result of being heavily used in the red zone by us.

Howard Humphrey once again lead the line with the most key run blocks (29), clearly ahead of Desmond Pritchett (22), Robbie Zinn (20) and Johnnie Houston (17). Andre Watson had 11 in 7 starts, Isaac Delgado only 6 in 9 starts. Delgado was clearly the weakest link on our pass protection as well, which doesn't bode well for him. Fullback Clay Brosseau finished the season with 0 key run blocks. Yes, you read that right: 0 key run blocks in 188 running plays.

On the defense, it's not really worth listing every single starter. Brandon Brady lead the team in tackles, as to be expected, 132 pieces ranking him 3rd in the league. Devon Farrell had exactly 100 tackles, but also 6 interceptions and 10 defended passes. Adam Harmon lead the team with 15 defended passes, Clayton Jackson had 13 of those. Zachery Weisz had 5 interceptions. Gene Kondovski and rookie Richie Piotte shared the team lead with 8.5 sacks, with defensive tackles Harold Gough (7.0) and Caleb Domis (6.5) not far behind.

Our superstar punter Doug James played in the last 7 games and was clearly not the kind of player he was as a rookie. We'll have a tough decision to make, having to opt for another season of Old Doug Gouynes, or looking further at this position altogether...

And let's wrap the 2095 season up at that. We played several good games, but also ended up getting a freaking high 5 games where we lost by 21+ points, which is an insane number. I haven't checked the numbers, it feels too discouraging to find out it really was our worst season ever in that regard, which I fully expect it to be.

Goodbye 2095, bring on 2096!

MIJB#19

01-29-2021, 09:00 AM

General Manager Notes: ... and how 2096 started
Like with a big surprise.

Theodore Bondy decided to return for another season! Even playing a WR3 role for the later part of the season wasn't a reason to think he's lost the love of the game. Theo will join us for an 15th straight season, providing he makes the regular season roster, obviously.

Our former Linebacker Craig McCorkle was to my own surprise inducted into the Solecismic Hall of Fame. Our 18th overall pick in the 2079 draft, he played 9 seasons with us, all but the rookie campaign as a full time starter. He played out his career after we traded him in 2088 over cap woes for 3 seasons with the Arizona Miners and a final season with the Fairbanks Northstars. Yes, he was great, one of the 10 best linebackers in team history, but only the 3rd to deserve HOF honors? He played in 143 regular season and 9 playoffs games for us. A complete linebacker, no doubt. Those final four season on a league wide scale did make him jump into a realm of good enough, it seems.

Sticking with the retired players theme, our former standout defensive tackle Heath Oliver, a cap casualty as well in 2088, apparently retired following the 2094 season. Initially a Merchantmen great (he ended up playing 5 seasons with us, 79 games in total), his stint with the Gothenburg Giants will become his true home with 7 seasons and over 100 games played for them. A one-time All-IHOF team selection, it remains to be seen whether the HOF selection committee deems him worthy. I suspect he'll fall short, despite how massive a player he was.

We also learned about the retirement of our one-season defensive end project Jorge Marone. Despite being a third round pick, we gave up on him after just one season and eventually he proved us wrong. He bounced around a bit, almost retiring in 2086, but the Chesapeake Chitterlings gave him a future contract. He failed to make their 2086 team, then bounced around from Rochester to Paris and by trade ended up in Chesapeake again, playing for 7 seasons there, without missing a game. He finished his career with 60.0 sacks and most importantly: an IHOF Bowl victory at the end of the 2093 season.

Four of our own players on roster decided to not return for the 2096 season.

Quarterback Moe Sheldon joined us in 2088 after the cap woes decimated our team, stepping in after we release Ellis McAlister. Sheldon had to fend off several young projects to still end up starting in 74 regular season games for us in 8 seasons on roster. 2091 was clearly his best season, when he threw for 24 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions in 14 games guiding us to a bye week and a close loss in the AOC Championship game. Lately he mentored Earnest Ashley.

Cornerback Jackie Richardson's role had gotten smaller here, slowly falling from a highly touted shutdown cornerback signed as a free agent in 2090 to our fourth corner last season, mentoring the youngsters. He played for 6 seasons in San Antonio prior to joining us and spent 6 seasons with us as well. He ended up played in 96 games, including 4 in the playoffs.

Guard Desmond Pritchett leaves us after just one season. We felt he was still good enough for another season or two as a starter, but he decided otherwise, making 2095 his only season in Maassluis.

Long snapper Bryce Karney joined us late in his career, after 4 seasons in Moontown and 4 seasons in Gothenburg. He topped those figures with 6 seasons in Maassluis, playing in 96 total games for us. He lost the 2083 bowl game with Moontown against Gothenburg, then lost the 2088 bowl game with Gothenburg against Oakland, meaning he went to two bowl games without victory.

Last but certainly not least, wide receiver Nicolas Coady retired. We picked him in the 5th round of the 2095 draft and it had been my plan to bring him back during the season if the opportunity would arise after we solved the punter puzzle, an injured reserve would make room for him, or maybe in the post-season after us getting eliminated. I forgot about it and as such, the kid decided to retire. Quite the bummer, I really wanted to see what he could show us in his second training camp and pre-season, this kid was one of the most enigmatic players we ever drafted in terms of how good or bad he might be. We'll never know, forever he'll fail to go into the history books to have ever played a down in the IHOF...

With all that said, we're entering the 2096 off-season with 44 players on roster and 9 draft picks as we have two additional 3rd rounders, which adds up to 53 players already. We have 5 restricted free agents that I will probably attempt to re-sign in kick holder Jon Giles, tight end Ike Nixon, guard Vince Henselman, special teams linebacker Jose Meadows and interceptions specialist cornerback Britt Hudson.

Okay, full roster, but we actually have $85 million in cap space. Yes, you're reading that correctly. Obviously some of that is reserved for the draft picks, including an expensive #12 overall pick, which together add up to roughly $28 million, giving us about $57 million to play around with. How about that!

And trust me, we're going to invest that money. Some of it will go to underpaid last year of contract players like Ed Schulz and Robbie Zinn, maybe Clayton Jackson, Darien Fletcher and George Stuckey will convince me. Theodore Bondy is also up for renewal. At the same time, our most expensive wide receiver is Branden Sandlin. Indeed, the backup that played in only 2 games last season, he's currently 4th highest paid on team...

So, we're onto a new off-season with cap space to work with, a young quarterback that I still have faith in, a future hall of fame wide receiver that might hang around for another season and lots of plans to improve our defense to bring us really back to Merchantmen worthy levels. The Gothenburg Giants have dominated this division long enough now, it's time to end their streak of AOC Championship game clashes with the Tucker Tigers. Let's do this, Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

02-02-2021, 04:39 PM

General Manager Notes: It's all so quiet...
Yeah, the off-season isn't flashy so far.

First things first.
I made a blunder. A big one.
Okay, not really, I completely misunderstood how player agents work in this world. The plan was to make a big offer to the free agent quarterback Angel Henson, the guy that went #1 overall in the Brandon Bell draft. Bell won the head-to-head game, but currently is enjoying (is he, really?) his retirement. Henson mistakenly ended up in the free agents pool and at to be expected from quite possibly the best quarterback in the league, he wanted big money. In an attempt to make him an offer worth considering, I calculated what we could get available and made him a very serious offer: $205M signing bonus and a $44M salary for each of the next four seasons. The bonus is the highest I could offer, the salary was based on the calculation that we'd have about $127M available and need to reserve about $10M to be able to extend Robbie Zinn and Ed Schulz, our most prominent in their prime offensive players. We agreed terms with six expensive players to save cap space this season and even released angry defensive tackle Jumbo Mojica.

All for nothing, as it turned out we offered Henson the contract before we made the other moves. Apparently player agents will turn down 'over the cap' offers before it's time to make a decision. All the moves we made gone to waste, meaning we'll likely end up with a truckload of cap space going to waste, which we could have used to pull forward future contracts into flat ones. Henson ended up signing with his own team Frederick Red Menace for $146M/year over 3 years. No, we could not have made that work under the $524M salary cap.

We also missed out on the phenomenal wide receiver Tevin Lester, whom we figured we could still offer about $30M a year to play together with Henson. Yes. he's 34 years old, but he can still play ball. Alas, no team up of these two future Hall of Famers. Kid signed with the Chesapeake Chitterlings. A team that may have their window of opportunity to close for a season or two after their quarterback retired, but given the team's tradition and skilled general manager, I'm sure they'll surprise the league and post a 12-4 campaign anyway.

Instead we re-hired five restricted free agents: kick holder and nothing but a kick holder Jon Giles, special teamer and nothing but a special teamer Jose Meadows, fourth string tight end Ike Nixon, because we need a backup cornerback Britt Hudson and we have no idea how good this guard Vince Henselman can be.

Oh yeah, the draft kicked off and instead of trading out of the first round, we grabbed the highest graded guard of the class Nickolas Toler. Undersized, not one of the 10 best graded players in this class, but we have a looming hole at on our offensive line and he might be good enough to fill it. But the #12 overall pick on a guard, he'd better be as good as Ricky Castillo was in the 2030's, the best guard to ever play for the Merchantmen, in my opinion, and quite possibly the one player I think was snubbed for Hall of Fame honors, this kid carried the running game back in the day, even more than left tackle Kerry Zumdahl did, who did get enshrined. It was truly a tough decision to trade Castillo and Zumdahl to our biggest rival back in the day and to see them collect 3 IHOF Bowl rings each as body guards of the greatest of all: Jackie Collier. Our tiny little victory was in 2039 when we actually beat them en route to our first and lost IHOF Bowl.

Okay, so, what now? We have $132M in cap space. Yes, you're reading that correctly: $132M in cap space. Even after the consideration of draft picks, we'll still have $100M of unused cap space. Which means we'll get a chance to spend about $50M on the players that need a new deal to avoid seeing them run off as free agents. And still leaving us with $50M to spend on free agents. Which we direly need, because we have 48 players signed and 9 incoming draft picks. So we have $50M to spend on 3 free agents to add up to the 60 men pre-season roster.

We've currently got offers out on two long snappers, a guard who can mentor Toler and Henselman and a punter. Yes, we're trying to bring 3 punters into training camp. But I can assure you, I will offer some serious contracts to a handful of interesting players that currently have no idea they're on our radar. We hope to hear good news soon about some of them signing with us.

And from there on, it's back to draft goggles, a triplet of third round picks, and a bunch of later rounders to round out the roster, or to jump ahead of the undrafted rookie free agent pool. Which we have no business looking at with our crappy defensive coordinator and disastrous offensive coordinator. In terms of scouting, that is.

Enough rambling, chin up, glace ahead to what the future will bring us. No wait, what we will get ourselves in that future. It takes effort to make things happen, so let's make that effort. 2095 was just a setback, 2096 will be better, a new chance to tighten the gap to the Gothenburg Giants and reclaim what once was ours: the top spot in the European Division.

MIJB#19

02-06-2021, 05:08 PM

General Manager Notes: The luxury of having cap space...
...and finding nobody to spend it on.

Pre-draft free agency didn't go by unnoticed in Maassluis. A sensational number of 6 veteran players signed a contract with the Merchantmen to spend, at least, training camp in and around the Oranje Haven facilities.

Quarterback Efrain Batcheck, 29 years old, 7th season in the league. Was the Outer Banks Ospreys' starter for the last two seasons after riding the Harlem Apollos' bench for four seasons. A former fifth round pick, what not to love about that aspect? We signed him to a two year deal with a $5M bonus and salaries of $7M, which we all know are much less guaranteed. Will battle with Ernest Ashley for the starter role, or otherwise will be forced to mentor him.

Punter Shaun Barlow, 31 years old, 10th season in IHOF. Signed with the Rochester Razorbacks as an undrafted rookie in 2087 and after 6 seasons there was signed by the Williamsburg Colonials. Was twice an All IHOF first teamer. We offered him a 3-year contract, worth $10M/year, including the $10M bonus. This likely leads to the departure of both Doug James (oh, what could have been) and Old Doug Guynes.

Defensive tackle Jerome Shumate, 28 years old, 5th season in the league. A fifth round pick for the Chicago Norsemen back in 2092. He's a bit on the light side to play on the inside, but lacks the height to play outside, so we'll likely put him on the inside anyway, focusing on running downs. We gave him a 3-year deal worth $28M, only the $7M bonus truly guaranteed.

Linebacker Evan Hicks, 33 years old, 12th season in the IHOF. A third rounder midway the '80s, played out his rookie contract with the Chicago Norsemen and after contract disputes in the 2088 off-season decided he wanted to play elsewhere and was signed by the Augusta Greenjackets, who released them this off-season. Should bolster our run defense, if he holds up in camp. Otherwise will walk away with just the $1M bonus on the 1-year deal he signed with us.

Linebacker Hayden McNeil, 31 years old, 11th season in the league. Discovered by the Hanalei Dragons back in 2086 at the end of the fourth round, played out his rookie contract there and then hopped around from the Snapfinger Jazz (4 seasons) to the Houston Mustangs (1 season) and the Arizona Miners (1 season), that last one in a backup role. We see him as an improvement of our running downs unit, or he will walk away with a $2M signing bonus from the 1-year contract we agreed on.

Long snapper Travis Hampton, 30 years old, spent 7 seasons with the Harlem Apollos after being hired as an undrafted rookie. We decided to spend pretty heavy for the position he plays (a $3.5M bonus on a $12.5M 2-year deal), as our staff thinks he's the best guy in business.

And then the draft came, or continued, however you see it. Following the selection of guard Nickolas Toler in the first round, we dealt away a lot of picks, received others as compensation, even traded back into the late fifth round and finished the draft with 8 rookies. After Toler we picked quarterback Kelvin Everett and safety Omar Leszynski in the third round, running back Ronnie Vanden Bosch late in the fifth round (I'm going to regret picking a guy from Den Bosch, it could be a recipe for heartbreak), safety Paul Figures in the sixth round, then we rounded out with three seventh round picks kickoff returning wide receiver Darien Thompson, wide receiver Sebastian Hamilton (our OC is high on high, the rest of the league's OC's thinks much less of him) and long snapper Shawn Goldberg (he was an insurance pick in case Hampton wouldn't sign with us, turns out our staff currently thinks Goldberg is a top8 long snapper in the league, how about that.)

Given the overall ineptitude of our coordinators in judging young players' skills, it was a tough, expensive, but responsible decision to invest in veterans. It will result in an unusual low number of undrafted rookies to join us for training camp.

Which leaves us sitting at $86M under the cap, with 62 players signed. I'm fully expecting to spend a good chunk of that money on players that will be out of contract after this season, to begin with wide receiver George Stuckey, as he decided to tell us he deserves to get a new 4-year deal for roughly $15M/year, which is actually just a small raise over his current $12.75M final season. He's going to get it, although not as backloaded as he's requesting. We'll do the same thing with several other players, but not until mid pre-season, as we all know that football players can do crazy stuff after pre-season week 2 that can make them look completely different.

Training camp will be important too, we'll find out a bit more about our younger players' development. I think that's the next thing we'll report on. Or maybe I'll get into the post-draft, pre-training camp signings before that, we'll see how it goes.

MIJB#19

02-07-2021, 09:03 AM

General Manager Notes: No undrafted rookie free agent signings
But we did sign two veterans.

Kurt Ackerman is back in Maassluis. We signed the 33-year old veteran defensive tackle to a two-year minimum salary, minimum bonus contract, to spend at least training camp at Oranje Haven. He'll get a chance to show us he can still play ball, despite that we released him last pre-season, which meant he spent all of the 2095 season in the free agents pool.

Guard Todd Springer was our second veteran signing. We have two young guards on roster who could use some mentoring and why not from an IHOF Bowl winner with 9 seasons of experience as a starter for the Houston Mustangs. He was recently released there and we decided to pick him up on a one-year $15M contract, with a $5M bonus. He should be sketched in as a potential starter, but with our surplus on the offensive line, don't be shocked if he ends up being a backup after pre-season is over.

More amazing has been the complete void of signing undrafted rookie free agents. We're usually a team that heavily scouts that player pile to pick up a diamond in the rough or two, but this off-season we sent contract offers to only two such players and both decided to take an even higher offer from another team, even though we're traditionally offering quite a bit more than rookie minimum salary. I don't see us making any last minute signings for training camp, meaning the seven players selected in the recently finished 2096 draft will be our rookie class.

One of our rookies will make a position switch in training camp: Omar Leszynski will be flipped from safety to cornerback, a position that better suits his body and skills.

We're entering training camp with 64 players signed, which means 4 of them will not even make the pre-season roster. Most likely I'll make a decision in the punters group (3 on roster), maybe at quarterback (4 signed), perhaps at long snapper (2 signed). Rookie wide receiver Sebastian Hamilton is an obvious suspect as well, despite that my OC thinks he's our second best wide receiver on roster, potentially. But we'll have to see how that goes in the next couple of days. Overall we've got: 4 QB, 4 RB, 2 FB, 4 TE, 8 WR, 2 C, 4 G, 3 OT, 3 P, 1 K, 5 DE, 5 DT, 8 LB, 6 CB, 4 S and 2 LS.

For now, it's training camp preparation.

MIJB#19

02-09-2021, 11:40 AM

General Manager Notes: No more room for Doug and Doug
It is what it is...

We finished training camp with 64 players on roster. A simple conclusion to make there: 4 players had to be released before pre-season. The decisions were somewhat easy to make. With 3 punters on roster, I decided to release both Doug James and Doug Guynes. Center Aidan Doyle and longsnapper Shawn Goldberg were also released.

Doug James was supposed to become our all-time great punter, we picked him in the second round of the 2093 draft and he proved it with an impressive rookie campaign. Then he blew out his knee in week 1 of the 2094 season. We waited for his recovery, which came midway through the 2095 season, let him take punt for the final 7 games, but it was quite clear that he was no longer the player we drafted. A sad, but easy decision to release him now.

We also released Doug Guynes, the punter that preceded James and jumped in as a repaclement, dubbing him 'Old Doug'. It was nice to have him back, but I decided to stick with our new signing Shaun Barlow.

Center Aidan Doyle wasn't initially on my chop block list, but with the signing of Todd Springer and draft selection of Nickolas Toler made our interior linemen group quite large. We trimmed down to 8 offensive linemen by this move and will keep second year pro Vince Henselman and veteran Andre Watson in mind of for some reason we need to miss Robbie Zinn as our lone center.

Longsnapper Shawn Goldberg was our late seventh round pick, taken as an insurance in case veteran Travis Hamilton wouldn't sign with us. But Hamilton did sign with us, which means we really don't need two longsnappers.

Wait, hold on, MIJB, what happened in training camp!?

Alright, let's take a quick look at the young players that made a good impression in cap and those that made a bad impression. We're going with the traditional scale of 0-100 for pro football players.

+7/+6 G Nickolas Toler
Our first round pick made good progress, our staff (hahaha!) now thinks he's our second best player in potential.

+8/n.c. CB Ernie Grant
Our first round pick last season is making good progress. His endurance continues to be his weakness, but this kid is the real deal.

+4/+4 QB Earnest Ashley
We remember the words from our previous OC, a guy that was very high on Ashley. We've kept believing in Ashley and he made more progress.

+1/+4 QB Kelvin Everett
Let's call this a mixed bag. Pre-season will be interesting.

+4/n.c. G Vince Henselman
Undrafted rookie last season, way too early to be able to judge him, given our OC et al.

+3/+1 CB Omar Leszynski
The move from safety to cornerback sounds nice for him. But it's tough to think this third round pick will actually make our regular season roster...

+2/+2 DE Richie Piotte
Our second round pick last season continues to grow into an elite defensive end.

+2/+1 CB Bryson Swafford
Still growing, but in his third year now, he'll have to prove he's starting material.

+2/n.c. KH Jon Giles
Best kick holder in the game, according to my OC (not this guy again!?), but I'm seriously considering to cut him in favor of the older but slightly less impressive backup Efrain Batcheck.

+2/n.c. TE Ike Nixon
Fourth season on team, if he survives the cuts wave, but he's still green. It's likely he'll be our TE4 once again.

no change WR Ed Schulz
Yeah, just mentioning him because of the "no change". It's becoming more clear that his potential of 70ish will never be reached and he'll be stuck at 55ish.

+1/-2 WR/KR Darien Thompson
Underwhelming receiver, okay kickoff returner. If he holds up, he might win that role. Might.

+1/-4 WR Sebastian Hamilton
This guy will drop, drop hard. But for now we tell our OC: good choice, getting a 50ish wide receiver in the seventh round!

-1/-6 RB Ronnie Vanden Bosch
Have I mentioned that our OC can't judge young offensive players, making it pretty much pointless to draw conclusions? I will try to make this fifth round pick still, unless his last name continues to annoy me.

+3/-14 S Paul Figures
Yeah, figures... He is only a sixth round pick and might still be pretty okay.

Enough about training camp, pre-season week 2 is upcoming and might completely change everything I just thought about these young players. Stay tuned...

MIJB#19

02-10-2021, 01:57 PM

General Manager Notes: Bye bye Francisco Patter
And six other players, our tentative 53 men list is set.

This is part of the business: making tough decision on players that have been reliable and loyal for so many seasons. Today we trimmed down our roster to 53 players, following the first two games of pre-season action. Who did we release?

Running back Francisco Patter, 9 seasons on team, 137 regular season games, 6 playoffs games. A 7th round pick in the 2087 draft, was an active member of the team since day one. From season two and onwards was part of the tandem with Reggie Thongchan'. Ran for 1,000 yards in '89 and '90. Saw his role get smaller lasgt season in a three-headed rotation, most notably losing third down duties to Jack Crane. Patter is top10 all-time for us with 5,754 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns.

Defensive tackle Kurt Ackerman leaves us for the second time in his career. We rehired him prior to training camp, after we had already released him in the 2095 pre-season roster cut waves. I fully expect him to retire after this season, despite that he's still one a fine pass rushers at his position.

Seventh round rookie wide receiver Sebastian Hamilton was an easy release. Our offensive coordinator was all over this kid, claiming he would be a potential WR2. Guess again, he won't make the team.

Wide receiver Rickey Lyle had been on the chopping block before, but this time he wasn't going to make our team as the kickoff returner. He was okay at that, got that role the plast two seasons. Initially a high second round pick in 2091, picked in hopes of turning him into value again as we tried to trade that pick without success. Lyle leaves with just 46 receptions for 461 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns in 46 games for us.

Safety Paul Figures was our medium high sixth round pick. The way he looks now to our defensive coordinator, there's no reason to keep him, even knowing he was our fourth safety on roster.

Linebacker Evan Hicks leaves us after training camp and 2 pre-season games. It's not like he didn't look like the kind of player we thought he can be, he held up quite well despite his age, but we still have Daquan Espino and especially have the emerging Andrew Cochrane.

Cornerback Britt Hudson leaves us after 3 seasons. Discovered as an undrafted rookie, initially signed and released by the Chesapeake Chitterlings. Decent special teamer, nose for interceptions. But in 35 games played for us, 2 interceptions wasn't enough to convince me.

Otherwise, pre-season was a mixed bag, as to be expected with a dreadful scouting coordinator duo as we have. The key results from the re-scouting of players:

QB Earnest Ashley +8/+8, an increase that we expected to see. He's still signed cheap to his rookie contract, but next off-season we'll have a decision to make. Ashley's demands have increased to somewhere around $55M per season. Well, you can prove yourself this season, kid.

WR/KR Darien Thompson +2/+8, our original seventh round pick in the recent draft. No, he won't play on our offense, but his kickoff return skills and special teams skill make him an easy addition to the 46-men active roster. Fans love him too, let's just hope he doesn't fumble...

WR Theodore Bondy -12/-12, the legend, the future Hall of Famer, the 37-year old that returns for his 15th season and will make the team. Has little gas in the tank left as a true receiver though, I might have to think twice about what his role will and can be behind Ed Schulz and George Stuckey. He will be a no-brainer on the special teams unit though.

C Robbie Zinn -18/-18. Yeah, this looks bad, but at least he was considered to be so good that it means he's still an above average starting center in the league.

LT Isaac Delgado +15/+15. No surprise here, we knew he was better than our OC had him at. Our previous superior scout was convinced about this kid. It's quite the decision to make here as Johnnie Houston to me feels like he's still the better pass protecting left tackle, while Howard Humphrey remains to be a solid run blocking right tackle. But I guess it's really between Humphrey and rookie Nickolas Toler to be the right guard, with veteran free agent Todd Springer jumping into the left guard spot. Luxury decision to make here.

DE Gene Kondovski -12/-12. This means he'll be demoted to less action, but still on the rotation.
DE Richie Piotte +5/+5. This kid is so great, he's going to be the complete end that we need. This unit will be quite good this season, with the addition of veteran DT Jerome Shumate.

LB Andrew Cochrane +7/+7. This has been one of those players that made progress before, dropped last season, but now he regains the trust from our defensive coordinator. I think he improved just enough to over take Daquan Espino as one of our running downs linebackers. Add in his special teams skills and this guy is a lock for the 46-men active roster.

LB Brandon Brady -9/-9. The decline has kicked in. He's still impressive, but not extraordinary.

CB Ernie Grant +1/+8. Yeah, I trusted in this guy, and it continues to look like a good decision. Goes into his second season as our clear shutdown corner. His endurance is starting to catch up with his pass defending skills as well now. Peter Tucker, Kirk Hitchcock, watch out: this kid has what it takes to challenge you for best cornerback in Merchantmen history.

S Chuck Murray +7/+7. A welcome improvement from the 7th year veteran. Unhappy about playing time, but this is reason enough to bring him back into the running downs rotation and consider him again for the dime formation.

LS Travis Hampton -2/-2. This sounds like a small decline, but fact is that Hampton went from best longsnapper by my scout to like 6th best. Still excellent, but just not the best and as such worth the cap space we invested in him.

So, that's where we are now.

Pre-season action?
We lost 16-13 at home against the Chesapeake Chitterlings and followed up with a 31-10 loss at the reigning IHOF champions Texas Sharks. To be fair, on paper the toughest competition we could face, aside maybe the Oakland Black Panthers. Earnest Ashley was dreadful in both games, didn't even sniff at his 50% completed passes from last season, threw 3 interceptions and didn't even scramble in either game. Backup Efrain Batcheck played on the same level as Ashley, making this look like a no-brainer. We're going to let rookie Kelvin Everett play a bit in the last two pre-season games. Yes, Everett will make the team as our fourth quarterback. Rookie Ronnie Vanden Bosch ran okay enough to make the 53-men roster, for now. Theodore Bondy had 1 reception on 10 targets, ouch. The defense had 9.0 sacks in the two games combined. And as per usual, the staff annoyed me quite a bit by replacing rookie guard Nickolas Toler in both games, while endurance lacking veterans were kept on the field for the full game. Stop doing that. Seriously! It's annoying!

So, what's next? Renegotiations with the players that are still on roster and will be out of contract after this season. Because that's what the second half of pre-season is for, and is the only stage of the season where it actually makes sense to extend contracts. We have close to 20 players to talk with, but I seriously doubt that the flat contracts that we'll give them will take away all of the $76M of cap space that we still have. We have the 5th most cap space in the league. Insanity.

So, that's where we're at. We finish the pre-season with games against the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums and at the Capital City Blues.

MIJB#19

02-12-2021, 01:21 PM

General Manager Notes: Pre-season in the books...
We suck. In pre-season. But will we when it counts?

Our 53-men roster is set. Really. I'm not going scavenger hunting through the free agents pile and the trade block. Let's take a look at the players that are supposed to make the 2096 season a success for the Maassluis Merchantmen! (As per usual, I'll round overall ratings down to the 5's and 10's.)
<table border=1><tr><td>player<td>cur/fut<td>how acquired<td>notes
<tr><td>QB Earnest Ashley<td>55/55<td>'94 pick #39<td>our starting QB
<tr><td>QB Efrain Batcheck<td>45/45<td>'96 FA<td>our backup, mentor QB
<tr><td>QB Kelvin Everett<td>10/40<td>'96 pick #77<td>our project?
<tr><td>QB Jon Giles<td>25/35<td>'93 URFA<td>just a kick holder
<tr><td>RB Trey Beyer<td>35/35<td>'91 pick #137<td>RB rotation
<tr><td>RB Jack Crane<td>40/40<td>'95 FA<td>RB rotation
<tr><td>RB Ronnie Vanden Bosch<td>30/35<td><td>RB rotation
<tr><td>FB Clay Brosseau<td>20/20<td>'86 URFA<td>lead FB
<tr><td>FB Owen Johnston<td>25/25<td>'94 URFA<td>backup FB
<tr><td>TE Renaldo Crawford<td>15/15<td>'88 FA<td>run blocking TE
<tr><td>TE Clay Gaynor<td>55/55<td>'90 pick #17<td>starting TE
<tr><td>TE Clarence Gore<td>40/40<td>'91 pick #151<td>receiving TE2
<tr><td>TE Ike Nixon<td>25/25<td>'93 URFA<td>backup TE
<tr><td>FL Mark Perkins<td>20/20<td>'92 URFA<td>our PR guy
<tr><td>FL Branden Sandlin<td>35/35<td>'87 pick #186<td>gold old WR4
<tr><td>FL Ed Schulz<td>55/70<td>'93 pick #16<td>our fast WR1
<tr><td>FL George Stuckey<td>50/50<td>'90 pick #50<td>our decent WR2
<tr><td>FL Darien Thompson<td>15/25<td>'96 pick #206<td>our KR guy
<tr><td>SE Theodore Bondy<td>35/35<td>'82 pick #8<td>our legend WR3
<tr><td>C Robbie Zinn<td>65/65<td>'93 pick #34<td>starting C
<tr><td>LG Nickolas Toler<td>45/75<td>'96 pick #12<td>our OL6 project
<tr><td>RG Vince Henselman<td>30/50<td>'95 URFA<td>reserve run blocking G
<tr><td>RG Todd Springer<td>60/60<td>'96 FA<td>our starting LG
<tr><td>RG Andre Watson<td>30/30<td>'86 pick #125<td>veteran backup G
<tr><td>LT Isaac Delgado<td>75/75<td>'94 pick #14<td>complete OT
<tr><td>LT Johnnie Houston<td>60/60<td>'94 pick #46<td>pass protection LT
<tr><td>RT Howard Humphrey<td>45/45<td>'85 pick #9<td>our starting RG
<tr><td>P Shaun Barlow<td>60/60<td>'96 FA<td>our punter
<tr><td>K Dylan McMullen<td>70/70<td>'94 FA<td>our kicker
<tr><td>LDE Archie Exner<td>45/45<td>'87 URFA<td>pass rusher
<tr><td>LDE Gene Kondovski<td>35/35<td>'86 pick #90<td>another pass rusher
<tr><td>LDE Richie Piotte<td>70/70<td>'95 pick #48<td>our star DE
<tr><td>RDE Caiden Croyle<td>55/55<td>'95 FA<td>Piotte's side kick
<tr><td>RDT Caleb Domis<td>45/45<td>'93 pick #187<td>pass rusher
<tr><td>RDT Harold Gough<td>45/45<td>'94 pick #78<td>pass rusher
<tr><td>RDT Jerome Shumate<td>55/55<td>'96 FA<td>complete DT
<tr><td>NT Darien Fletcher<td>55/55<td>'89 pick #9<td>stud DT
<tr><td>WILB Andrew Cochrane<td>40/40<td>'94 URFA<td>run defender, special teamer
<tr><td>MLB Daquan Espino<td>50/50<td>'86 pick #29<td>unhappy backup
<tr><td>MLB Hayden McNeil<td>55/55<td>'96 FA<td>run defender
<tr><td>MLB Brant Rayburn<td>10/10<td>'90 URFA<td>special teamer
<tr><td>SLB Brandon Brady<td>65/65<td>'90 pick #19<td>our star LB
<tr><td>SLB Clayton Jackson<td>40/40<td>'87 pick #89<td>pass defending LB
<tr><td>WLB Jose Meadows<td>25/25<td>'93 URFA<td>special teamer
<tr><td>LCB Ernie Grant<td>65/80<td>'95 pick #17<td>our shutdown CB
<tr><td>LCB Adam Harmon<td>40/40<td>'90 URFA<td>zone defender
<tr><td>LCB Omar Leszynski<td>20/50<td>'96 pick #78<td>reserve
<tr><td>LCB Bryson Swafford<td>50/50<td>'94 pick #43<td>running downs CB
<tr><td>LCB Zachery Weisz<td>45/45<td>'94 pick #81<td>zone defender
<tr><td>SS Devon Farrell<td>65/65<td>'91 pick #28<td>our star S
<tr><td>SS Chuck Murray<td>45/45<td>'90 URFA<td>running downs S
<tr><td>FS Jon Brotzman<td>35/35<td>'90 URFA<td>passing downs S
<tr><td>LS Travis Hamilton<td>20/20<td>'96 FA<td>long snapper
</table>
Question marks remaining?

Jon Giles is our kick holder, but Efrain Batcheck is decent enough to actually consider dropping Giles and actually do that scavenger hunting. Kelvin Everett looks too promising to give up on him now.

The wide receiver situation is good, but not great. Schulz and Stuckey have proven they can play ball, while Bondy and Sandlin will be cohesion rising WR3 and WR4 options. Yes, Sandlin will be back to the active roster.

I'm flipping coins between Toler, Springer and Humphrey for 2 OL starting roles. Zinn is our center, Houston the LT, Douglas the RT or LG. Toler is our future stud, he needs playing time, but Springer is currently much better. Humphrey is a running game cohesion bomb for the OL, but he's also a pass protection liability. Maybe we're going to take a game by game kind of approach...

On the D-Line I'm thinking it might be better to split up Piotte and Croyle and team them up with the long timers Exner and Kondovski to spread the talent and cohesion around. At the DT spot that's less of an issue as Fletcher is the only cohesion bomb.

At the linebacker group, It's worth considering to push Rayburn aside and add Brady to the special teams unit as our third linebacker.

I think that gets you up to date with where we stand.

MIJB#19

02-15-2021, 02:55 PM

General Manager Notes: New Season, new opportunities!
And we kick it off with a loss... Again.

After three seasons of starting it on the road, finally, we got a season opener in Oranje Haven. As per usual, one of our division rivals came to town and the Bordeaux Vineyards were the lucky ones. After a 6-1-1 series in the first four seasons against quarterback Walter Czech, last season he turned the tide and lead the Vineyards to victories against us. Given that, he has grown into the kind of player maker that we have to fear.

First quarter, Merchantmen draw first blood with a field goal after Earnest Ashley had found Clay Gaynor for 27 yards and Ed Schulz for 35 yards. Bordeaux tied it up 3-3 after Czech found Reggie Springer for 32 yards and Rusti Siavii ran for 28 yards. With a steady drive, Ashley drove us down field, saw rookie Ronnie Vanden Bosch run for 22 yards, inches short of a touchdown, but two plays later Ashley found touchdown machine George Stuckey for the 10-3 lead. A team effort strip sack by the defensive tackles gave us a chance to rack it up, but Ashley immediately followed up with an interception on a short pass.

Bordeaux got their engines running in the second quarter and leaning heavily on their running game eventually saw one of their backs pound it in for the 10-10 tied score. After three and out and a quick stop after four plays, We were at bat next and this time Earnest Ashley found Ed Schulz on a 44-yarder to set up Jack Crane's touchdown run for the 17-10 lead. On second and very long our defense chocked and long before the big break, Walt Czech connected to Derrick Velazquaz (yes, that kid that we once drafted and traded as a rookie to Bordeaux) to tie it 17-17. We choked our chance to take the lead before half time, even gave Bordeaux the ball back, but the half time score was 17-17 after all.

Second half, Bordeaux drove deep, but we avoided a field goal attempt and saw Ronnie Vanden Bosch run for 33 yards on our first play from scrimmage, followed by Earnest Ashley's passes for 15 yards to Theodore Bondy and then a 19-yarder for the touchdown to George Stuckey and a 24-17 lead. The ball went back and forth on medium drives, but neither team got a shot to even kick in the remainder of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter pretty much started with a blocked punt from our punter Shaun Barlow, which two plays later resulted in a quick touchdown pass by Walt Czech. After a missed extra point, we were still leading 24-23, thankfully. After three and down with two dropped passes by Theodore Bondy (oh, boy), we lost our run blocking tight end Renaldo Crawford for the rest of the season with a severe achilles injury. Otherwise bad was our defense on a third and five pass from Walt Czech to his tight end Reggie Springer for a 59 yards touchdown, putting us down 30-24, our first time trailing all game long. After three and out and a defensive meltdown, we were ripe for the picking, but Zachery Weisz blocked a short field goal to keep us alive. We drove downfield, anchored by Earnest Ashley's 22-yarder to Theodore Bondy, but our first play inside their red zone ended up in an interception. Our defense held ground to force one more chance for us, but a coaching blunder to punt on fourth down with less than a minute to go and only 1 time out remaining, ended the game for us after Bordeaux went into victory formation three times.

Ashley completed just 19 of 42 passes for 277 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions. Yes, he's still in that 50% zone. Maybe we need to give him more easy short throws in our game plan? Clay Gaynor made 6 catches on 16 targets (are we overusing him?) for 80 yards. Ed Schulz had 93 yards on 3 catches (are we underusing him?) George Stuckey had 2 touchdowns, Theo Bondy had 3 catches on 8 targets. Rookie Ronnie Vanden Bosch ran for 62 yards on 5 carries, while veterans Beyer and Crane combined for 76 yards on 20 carries. The defense? They gave up 445 total yards. Still, we had chances, but we didn't take advantage of them and eventually lost this coin flip game.

Division
1. Paris 1-0
2. Bordeaux 1-0
3. Maassluis 0-1
4. Gothenburg 0-1

Yup, the reigning division and conference champions Gothenburg Giants lost 28-6 at home against the Paris Musketeers. Paris had quarterback Cary Bradford starting for the first time in 7 seasons in the league, completed 17 of 25 passes for 212 yards. He once was the Orlando Talons' mr. Irrelevant.

No time to keep sogging about our performance today, we have a new game upcoming, at the Outer Banks Ospreys, the only team to start the season with a shutout, handed to them by the Moontown Illuminati. Yes, based on our player collective, we have every reason to think we can't just win there, but do it by a good margin. Which usually is the kind of game we end up losing.

But not this time, team. Don't be like that. We've had our brain fart decision in week 1, a monumental one, from here on it can't get worse, can it? Go make us proud, go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

02-17-2021, 02:43 PM

General Manager Notes: Another whirlwind?
Or was week 1 the anomaly?

Two games further into the season and we're suddenly a winning team, at least for now. We came back from 14-0 down in Outer Banks to beat the Ospreys 23-17, while we kicked a lot of field goals while beating the Orlando Talons 26-6 in Oranje Haven. So yes, we're 2-1 and back in the mix.

Division:
1. Bordeaux 2-1
2. Paris 2-1
3. Maassluis 2-1
4. Gothenburg 1-2

Ok, hold on, let's get back to those games and how we won them.

In Outer Banks, we got ran over (26 carries for 152 yards), failed to put down a running game in return (52 yards on 26 carries? seriously, OL, you're a lot better than that!), but in a 50-50 passing game game, Earnest Ashley was mistake free, while our cornerbacks combined for 3 interceptions to help set up a field goal, nullify a punt return fumble and to secure the win.

Against Orlando, we got outgained in total yards again, but penalties and solid return yardage added up to winning the turnover battle. Our running game was reborn (140 yards on 25 carries), while Earnest Ashley struggled, yet got the job down with a rare under 200 yards showing. Ronnie Vanden Bosch ran for 62 yards on 10 carries, too bad the rookie lacks the stamina to tote the rock more than that. Richie Piotte had 3.0 sacks and also lead the defense with 6 tackles.

Overall, our investment in run stoppers isn't getting any results at all. We're giving up 5.13 yards per carry, 147 per game. Our pass defense is giving up a second worst 13.3 yards per catch. Overall we're allowing 391 yards per game, 4th most in the league. Imagine what our statistics would be like had we not had a roster loaded with topnotch defenders (Piotte, Fletcher, Brady, Grant, Farrell)... Oh, right: 3 games, small sample size.

So, next up, we're going to get a real test. Or not really, as per usual, week 4 is once again our bye week.

Last and almost ignorable: we placed tight end Renaldo Crawford on injured reserve and signed Jeffery Blake as his replacement as our run blocking TE3. He's returning to Maassluis after three seasons of floating around for one-season stints in Augusta, Gothenburg and Harlem. He returned in the road game at Outer Banks. His previous game with us? Our last playoffs game in the 2092 season after an 11-5 campaign and as a wild card reaching the conference semi finals. With Blake back on board, we've won back-to-back games. Let's hope he'll turn out to be our lucky charm, an unjinxable one.

MIJB#19

02-21-2021, 12:28 PM

General Manager Notes: We're winning games
But so is the rest of the division.

Once again, I'm going to start with the division standings, because after 6 weeks of small sample size football, this division is as tight and competitive as one can be.

1. Gothenburg 4-2
2. Bordeaux 3-2
3. Paris 3-2
4. Maassluis 3-2

Yup, that's right: we're in last place, despite a winning record. Not unique, but rare enough to wonder what more we can do, other than make sure we stopping losing games.

Because "losing" is how we continued the season. In a back and forth game against the North Plainfield Plague, defenses weren't just impressive, they kind of dominated. We were held to 267 total yards, while we allowed only 253 total yards. With 4 turnovers on each end, you'd think we'd probably won this one? To the contrary though, our special teams unit allowed 148 punt return yards, but in return we blocked a punt and scored a touchdown on that play. In the end, it wasn't sufficient at all. The Plague scored their 31-23 lead taking touchdown with less than 5 minutes to go and in the final two minutes a pick six was the final nail in the coffin for a 38-23 deficit on the road. Earnest Ashley in particular must not have slept well after this game: 3 interceptions, 7 times sacked and 3 fumbles on those plays.

Week 6, at home against the Rochester Razorbacks. The Merchantmen defense was once again impressive, but this time around Earnest Ashley displayed another side of him, earning Solecismic Offense Player of the Week honors as he completed 24 of 40 passes for 318 yards, 3 touchdowns, no turnovers and a running touchdown to boost. The defense allowed only 155 total yards, anchored by second-year professionals defensive end Richie Piotte (2 sacks) and cornerback Ernie Grant.

Next up a new chapter in the Futility Bowl rivalry against the Toronto Lake Monsters. The current Northeast division leaders as per usual will be visiting Oranje Haven for this clash. An opponent that will give Earnest Ashley favorable flashbacks as he posted his first career victory in a 34-14 victory in the 2094 season, the then rookie threw for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns. More of that tomorrow would be very welcome, we need everybody to up their game or continue playing like they did in week 6 to stand a chance in this strong division. Keep this up, Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

02-23-2021, 03:32 PM

General Manager Notes: Too early to throw the towel...
... but I can't deny I'm reaching for it.

Goodness, can football be a weird ball game. We gain 176 total yards, give up 330, don't win the turnover battle, have more penalties and we lose just 23-17 to the Toronto Lake Monsters. Then we gain 391 yards, give up 224 yards. don't lose the turnover battle, but 127 yards in penalties hurt us and we lose 17-13 against the Paris Musketeers at home.

Fair to say, I think our season is in ruins, impossible to fix. We've played 7 games, 5 of those at home and we've already lost 3 of those in our place. That's a recipe for a 6-10 season. Sure, we're still outscoring opponents, but these last two games were a confidence breaker followed up by a game of whatever we do right, we'll find a way to lose anyway.

Is there reason to lose confidence in our quarterback? I don't think so. Despite completing 47 percent of his passes, he's moving the ball 241 yards forward. I don't think he's a pick machine, despite 8 in 7 games and 56 in 39 career games. I'm skeptic that our game plan is terrible, although I must admit I made some chances for the game against the Musketeers. His receivers are far from replacement level players, I truly believe that a trio like Ed Schulz, George Stuckey and Clay Gaynor should be able to combine for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns every single game, no exceptions allowed.

Should we give the ball to Ronnie Vanden Bosch more often? He's our leading rusher with 236 yards, despite the third most carries of the running back trio. But his elusiveness isn't just his problem, unexplainably it's catching on to the guys that don't have that disease, even Jack Crane.

Division:
1. Gothenburg 6-2
2. Paris 5-2
3. Bordeaux 3-4
4. Maassluis 3-4

Are we still alive? Of course we are! Win the next 9 and there's quite simply no way we'll miss the playoffs. And if Richie Piotte keeps this up (he's leading the league with 9.5 sacks), we should be able to run havoc on every offensive line and quarterback we'll face in the last 9 regular season games.

Merchantmen, this season isn't over. It's far from, we're not even half way there yet! Chin up, don't be afraid to catch the wind in your face, it's part of life. This too is football. Stand firm, don't give up, we've got what it takes, just start acting like we do!

MIJB#19

02-25-2021, 04:24 PM

General Manager Notes: When it rains, it pours...
No wait, the sun is shining!

Two more games in the bag and we've returned to winning football in them. We bounced back with a 36-23 victory at the Harlem Apollos, scoring touchdowns while they settled for field goals. It was a breakthrough game of sorts for Ed Schulz. So far, our lighting speed quick wide receiver had struggled to even top the 100 yards mark, doing it 5 times in 52 games, but at Harlem he made the most of his 7 catches with 202 yards. Earnest Ashley spread around the touchdown slings to his three tight ends and the legend Theodore Bondy.

We followed up with a solid, yet scoreboard technically underwhelming 3-0 victory at the Bordeaux Vineyards. Holding them to 220 total yards with Walt Czech completing just 18 of 36 passes for 111 yards was the most impressive statline from our defense. Earnest Ashley posted his second straight 300-yard game, but as we were consistently pushed back deep inside our own half to start drives and struggled to reach midfield as well, it remained to be a game where Bordeaux just needed one big play to bounce back and in the final two minutes, they came one or two plays time short of field goal range.

European Division:
1. Paris 6-3
2. Gothenburg 6-3
3. Maassluis 5-4
4. Bordeaux 3-6

Wait, what? Indeed, the Paris Musketeers have managed to sweep the Gothenburg Giants and are the shocking division leaders. Yes, we found a curious way to lose to them as well, in week 9 they saw the Giants' kicker miss a potential game winning field goal in their 30-29 victory. Is Bordeaux done? Never say never, but this appears to have turned into a lost season for them. Unless they bounce back tomorrow in Paris.

Our next stop is Gothenburg. Sure, there's reason to be optimistic, but I'm skeptic nevertheless. They're not the best in the league this season, but are third in the league in points scored. A big test for our defense that all of a sudden ranks second in least points allowed. It won't last much longer for one of those units. Heck, if we somehow come away with a 50-49 victory in Gothenburg, I'd still be happy. We'll see what happens, the Giants usually have a trick up their sleeves. I doubt we have one this time around, but never say never. Feel free to bring out the clichés on how every game is a new game, and so on...

MIJB#19

02-26-2021, 08:42 AM

General Manager Notes: Nope
I give up, 2096 won't be our season.

Today we didn't just lose, we laid down a Merchantmen unworthy result. Losing is one thing, getting crushed is bad enough, but getting shutout 38-0 makes zero sense. This team isn't crappy enough to score just a single field goal in 2 full games. I don't have the motivation to make drastic changes right now, but status quo means regression. It's time for change.

Kodos

02-26-2021, 02:28 PM

Time to root for your pals over in the Northeast Division! :)

MIJB#19

02-26-2021, 04:09 PM

Time to root for your pals over in the Northeast Division! :)If y'all were helping, sure, but the Northeast went 0-4 against Gothenburg. :rant:

MIJB#19

02-27-2021, 07:58 AM

General Manager Notes: Stayin' Alive mode
5 games to go and we're not out of the picture yet.

Granted, unless we start getting more efficient in our red zone offense, we'll be a long shot. But today's 23-13 win over the Capital City Blues at least keeps us in pursuit of both the division title and the wild cards. We gave up an 82-yard pass play in the first quarter to fall behind 10-0, but from there on we regrouped and the defense was strong enough to allow for two more visits to our half of the field and a failed and succeeded field goal on their end was enough to give us a chance. And the offense did just enough to get there. Earnest Ashley struggled once again, 17 of 39 completed passes, but gaining 251 yards with 123 of those by Ed Schulz was just enough to get the job done. Defensively, our should be state of the art pass rush actually lived up to our potential and broke up 15 of 48 passing plays. Richie Piotte was once again the big man, leading the unit with 3.0 sacks. In the secondary, Ernie Grant continues to improve and is turning into the shutdown corner that we thought we selected in the 2095 draft a full round ahead of Piotte.

We lost one of our running backs for the remainder of the season. Jack Crane dropped out with a severe hamstring pull. On the offensive line I made one major change: benching free agency signing Todd Springer. Rookie Nickolas Toler will step in at left guard and get a chance to prove he's a top10 guy from his class. Good old Howard Humphrey will continue to play at right guard, we need him to maintain cohesion on the line. Youngsters Johnnie Houston and Isaac Delgado are undisputed at the tackle slots, Robbie Zinn at center. The only alternative is Delgado at left guard, Toler at right guard and Humphrey at right tackle, but that would put our best run blocker on the left side of the line, while we're running slightly more often to the right.

European Division:
1. Gothenburg 8-3
2. Paris 7-4
3. Maassluis 6-5
4. Bordeaux 3-8

Yup, Bordeaux is done, they lost 6 in a row now. That team is too good for such a record, but there they are, the strongest roster in this division. Gothenburg has 4 road games remaining, but the only way we can catch up with them is not just beating them in our place in week 17, but to get tie-breakers we need to beat Paris in week 15 and hope for the strong Bordeaux team to beat the Giants in that same week.

But that's getting ahead of ourselves, to even be in the mix by then, we'll have to put down a good display at the Fort Wayne Fury in next week's game. Despite their 4-7 record, we know their quarterback Max Dillon too well, he used to be Paris' guy in previous seasons. Sure, we crushed Paris and Dillon twice last season and we beat the Fury in the last three clashes with them, but results in the past are no guarantee on the day after tomorrow. We'll have to stick to the plan, yet find a way to improve it at the same time. The season is far from over, but one game at a time might be the only way to approach it and have a chance come week 17.

MIJB#19

03-02-2021, 01:44 PM

General Manager Notes: I don't get this team
One day we suck, the next we beat the champions. Huh?

The rollercoaster that the 2096 season so far has been reached a new low and high. A visit to the Fort Wayne Fury turned from quick 7-0 lead into a 30-7 pummeling, we had no answer at all to quarterback Max Dillon, but in particular were really dreadful offensively. Earnest Ashley was heled to below 200 yards passing, with Ed Schulz making just 2 catches for 16 yards. Meh...

Much less meh-worthy was the home game against the reigning IHOF champions the Texas Sharks. It wasn't like we really outplayed them, I think we didn't, but we got the job done just enough, both in forcing them to kick, while we saw a defense heavy second half result in our go ahead touchdown with just under 3 minutes remaining, while we somehow held them to just a missed field goal to give us an 18-15 victory.

Defensive end Richie Piotte has continued his quest for leading the league in sacks. He reached the 16.0 mark after 13 games, he's second half a sack behind. With that number he's already the second best Merchantmen player in this category, ever, with only Hall of Famer Daquan "Da Machine" Strugielski three times capable to do better than 15.5 in a season. Da Machine's record is 19.5, so if Piotte keeps this pace, he'll get there. The sad part is that his productivity isn't resulting in the whole team racking up the numbers, the guys around him are mindboggling disappointing. I mean, second best is Darien Fletcher with 4.0 sacks. That's unacceptable bad. 29 sacks as a team is below the ability of our defensive line, no, this entire defense. Sure, it's not league worst by all means, but I have greater expectations from a unit like this one.

European Division:
1. Gothenburg 10-3
2. Paris 8-5
3. Maassluis 7-6
4. Bordeaux 4-9

Our next stop? Paris. Yup. The team that we dominated earlier this season but an unprecedented distribution of penalties between the teams handed us a loss. Served us right for our discipline that day, I suppose? I can only hope we avenge that stupidity, as it has made a difference in being in the middle of the playoffs race and hanging on by a last thread.

So, Paris next. We're going to play spoiler from here on. If we luck into the playoffs? So be it, but at this point I just want to regain our pride with a winning record, preferably with wins over Paris and Gothenburg. Paris first. Do it, Merchantmen.

Kodos

03-02-2021, 03:07 PM

If y'all were helping, sure, but the Northeast went 0-4 against Gothenburg. :rant:

Yeah, they kicked our butts.

MIJB#19

03-04-2021, 01:47 PM

General Manager Notes: no winning season, again...
But if we pull the upset, we can end up at 8-8. Yay?

A dreadful season has not quite come to an end yet, we added a couple of losses to the results. The Paris Musketeers didn't play all that well on their own place, but we failed to take advantage, outgaining them by 80 yards, posting 5.7 yards per play versus 3.5 yards per play, it all was not enough to avoid a 20-17 loss. And at that end our last chances for a trip to the playoffs.

You'd think we'd bounce back in a road game at a team fighting for the #1 spot in the draft. Yeah, think again, nothing in this season makes sense. The Moontown Darksiders made the best of all 4 of our giveaways (we had no takeaways) and 2 missed field goals, beating us 26-3. That's right: the fourth game in seven where we were held to 7 or less points. Wow.

At Moontown, Earnest Ashley completed 15 of 48 pass attempts, with 3 interceptions, for 192 yards. A passer rating of 18.7 was his reward. I had no idea he was capable of such a low point in his career, despite thinking he's the kind of player that deserves $40M per season. In 15 games he completed 46% of his passes for 3,609 yards, 18 touchdowns, 20 interceptions. His worst season to date, without a doubt. Even as a green rookie he played better, much better.

Division standings:
1. Paris 10-5
2. Gothenburg 10-5
3. Maassluis 7-8
4. Bordeaux 6-9

Yeah, Gothenburg has been freefalling and we're here to make it worse for them, there's no way we'll roll over for them. Last game of the season is in our house. They have their playoffs ticket booked, contrary to the division leading Musketeers, who can still miss out on tie-breakers if all the other hopefuls from Harlem, Toronto and Augusta all win their last game, as well as the Giants. Which of course is what we will try to not make happen. Our points differential is atrocious at -35. If we tie the last game, it will still go down as the 7th worst season ever. Thankfully a worst ever would require losing by 46 points, I don't see that happening tomorrow. Right? Right!? I mean, you never know with this team, not the way our offense has been playing this season. Goodness, have we completely lost the ability to play football. The offensive coordinator will no longer hear he's the worst in the league in terms of judging player talent, he's clearly unable to get results out of the players at all.

MIJB#19

03-05-2021, 12:32 PM

General Manager Notes: .500 land it is
And the unlucky loss of a game report makes me keep this short.

I was working on a big report on how we played the Gothenburg Giants today, had our spoiler role in the playoffs race in the Atlantic Ocean Conference. Then in the middle of my writing, I hit the wrong combination of keys on the keyboard. Gone all my work.

What happened on the field? We beat the Giants 21-6, a quick pick six put us 7-0 up and before the second half was over, the final score was already on the score board. Both teams had a couple of okay drives in the second half, but none came close enough to put points on the board. Earnest Ashley threw for 301 yards, Ed Schulz was his main receiver with 6 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown.

European Division
1. Paris 10-6
2. Gothenburg 10-6
3. Maassluis 8-8
4. Bordeaux 7-9

The season ended here for us, while Gothenburg will have to continue their season in the wild card round at the Harlem Apollos, while a win would have made them the #2 seeds. Paris lost in Bordeaux, also missing out on the #2 seed, as a result hosting the Augusta Greenjackets. The #2 seed went to the Atlanta Vipers, who lost in San Antonio, extending their streak to 3 losses, but with Gothenburg on their 3-loss streak and Paris flipflopping their way into a 10-6 record, it seemed like nobody was capable of holding onto that #2 seed. Atlanta got it in the end after all. I'll spare you the drama in the other conference, it got even crazier there in the race for the last two tickets.

And with that, our season came to an end.

Earnest Ashley had his worst season so far, and I'm afraid the kid and his agent will completely lose sight of what makes sense when you're unable to complete even half of your passes, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, so I'm sure they'll come up with a completely unrealistic $250M over 5 years kind of contract demands. Yeah... About that... I'm not sure we're going to do that.

Our running game was very "meh". Not just the lack of touchdowns, lack of yards per carry, lack of key run blocks from our linemen, but also the lack of actually carrying the ball. We actually had 1 carry more than last season, which comes to show we've had this problem a season ago as well. We also threw the ball 1 time more than last season. How about that...

Our run defense was improved. Our pass defense even more improved than the run defense. Which makes me draw a simple conclusion: our offensive system is broken. The offensive coordinator can't just not judge player ability, he's not making us play well when we have the ball either. Oh yeah, our special teams unit took a step back as well, which is not something to ignore either.

The outlook for the off-season? We'll be going into it with 51 players signed and roughly $50M in cap space. We'll have our draft picks, with a bonus second round pick from the 4-12 Houston Mustangs, which will be the #36 overall pick. Nice on top of the #15 and #46 picks that we 'earned' with our 8-8 campaign. But the loyal reader knows darn well that I take too much pride to ever consider throwing a game away. Unlike Earnest Ashley has been doing for us this season...

MIJB#19

03-06-2021, 09:10 AM

Six new members for the Merchantmen Club of 100
As the 2096 regular season came to an end for the Maassluis Merchantmen in the home game against the Gothenburg Giants, on the field safety Devon Farrell started in his 100th straight game for the Merchantmen. As he's been a day one starter and is yet to miss a game due to injury, with 4 playoffs games in that timespan, he reached the number in his sixth season. Most players need 7 seasons to get to 100, the quickest route would be 5 seasons of 16 regular season games each with 4 playoffs games in each of those 5 seasons. Wide receiver George Stuckey wasn't a day one starter, but he too played his 100th game for the Merchantmen in the final game of the 2096 season.

Farrell and Stuckey join a long list of players, several that are Hall of Famers, while others were long time support cast players. All of them get their name and picture on the walls in Oranje Haven for this achievement in loyalty and longevity. They were two of six players to join the Club of 100 during the 2096 season, as they were preceded by linebacker Brandon Brady, tight end Clay Gaynor, safety Chuck Murray and cornerback Adam Harmon. The walls have gotten pretty full, as with the addition of Farrell and Stuckey there are now 287 players to make it.

Five players are within a football season of joining the club. Safety Jon Brotzman is just 1 game short, as is tight end Jeffery Blake, who returned to Maassluis during the regular season for a second stint. Tight end Clarence Gore is 2 games short. Free agent defensive tackle Kurt Ackermann will have to return for a third stint in Maassluis to join the club, being 12 games played short. Current punt return specialist Mark Perkins is 18 games away, which means he'll need more than just a regular season to jump in.

Where membership of the Club of 100 is achieved during their active careers, so far 83 players have had their name and fame enshrined into the Ring of Honor of the Merchantmen, for which one player is selected and announced at the first exhibition home game of each season. Linebacker Craig McCorkle got his name called this off-season, shortly after being inducted into the leaguewide Solecismic Hall of Fame. McCorkle already was a member of the Club of 100.

Notoriously missing from the Club of 100 are wide receiver Alfredo Bass, running back Stanley Givens and cornerback Randall Allen. The three of them do have their name and fame in the Ring of Honor, where they were added when no candidates were available with 100 games played. All three joined the Merchantmen later on in their careers, retiring shortly before their 100th game played in orange-white-and-blue.

Alfredo Bass played only 48 games for the Merchantmen, but he was a phenomenal wide receiver back in the early years of the IHOF and in only 3 seasons with the Merchantmen, bowing out with a then very respectable 82 catches for 1,229 yards and 9 touchdowns. one might that the Solecismic Hall of Fame restrictions were too harsh back in his day to give Bass a chance to get in.

Randall Allen played 5 seasons for the Merchantmen, was an outstanding shutdown corner back in the '10 and '20s and he too is notoriously missing in the Solecismic Hall of Fame. Allen's 49 career interceptions, 173 defended passes, 13 forced fumbles and 607 tackles in 166 regular season games would in today's era be good enough to make it.

Stanley Givens played only 60 games in 4 seasons for the Merchantmen in his Hall of Fame worthy career. He put his name in the football history books as one of few running backs to truly improve the running game from above average to very hard to stop. Although, his 4.40 yards per carry is deceivingly low, he was part of a phenomenal offensive unit, including fellow Hall of Famers quarterback "Rusty" Harrison and wide receiver Gabe Springer.

MIJB#19

03-11-2021, 05:37 PM

General Manager Notes: 2097 begins with end for Theo and Humphrey
Is this the start of a new era?

The off-season in the International House Of Football traditionally starts with a wave of retirements. The wave in Maassluis was sky high, the Merchantmen and Oranje Haven were overwhelmed, can we withstand it? At the same time, we were prepared we knew this day was coming.

Theodore Bondy, wide receiver
8th overall pick in the 2082 draft. Last player standing of his draft class, and we still hoped he wouldn't quit the game at the age of 37. As a rookie impressed with 95 catches for 1,469 yards. In his second year broke out with 153 catches for 2,030 yards and 13 touchdowns and All-IHOF First team honors. 2084 was an off-year, but he bounced back with three sensational seasons. In 2085-2087 "Theo" was a phenomenon, racking up 39 100-yard games, nearly 170 catches per season, 17, 19 and 16 touchdowns, 2,100+ yards with the extreme in 2086 with 2,449 yards. Those seasons Bondy was an undisputed All-IHOF First Team selection and guided the Merchantmen into the playoffs, shined with two 200-yard playoffs games, but the ultimate reward didn't come, the team didn't get past the conference finals. Bondy and the Merchantmen got back to the conference final in 2091, but by then Bondy had turned from phenomenal to extremely good. After 15 seasons, 233 regular season games (Bondy misses 7 games), 13 playoffs games, 1,728 catches (3rd most in league history) for 21,524 yards (also 3rd most in league history) and 150 receiving touchdowns, the journey is over. The #80 jersey will forever be tied to Theo, to never be used again by the orange-white-and-blue.

Howard Humphrey, offensive tackle
#9 overall pick in the 2085 draft. Humphrey was a rare offensive lineman to start as a rookie for the Merchantmen. He delivered immediately with 44 key run blocks in that rookie season. As the starting right tackle, Humphrey was the key run blocker for the Merchantmen for nearly a decade, being a six time All-IHOF First Team selection. After a nasty injury mid-way through the 2093 season, he continued to be a good player, but never returned to be a dominant force. With Humphrey on the team, the Merchantmen got into the playoffs 5 times, never went one-and-done with him as a starter, but the conference championship game was their best performance, achieved in 2085 and 2091. With 178 regular season games played (177 started) and 11 playoffs games in 12 seasons, racking up 422 key run blocks (2nd most in Merchantmen history) in those regular seasons, Humphrey proved to be an unprecedented run blocking right tackle. No doubt Merchantmen fans and historians see him as the best at his position to ever put on the orange-white-and-blue jersey.

Aside from these obvious hall of fame candidates, the Merchantmen lose 5 more players:
Clay Brosseau, fullback
undrafted rookie signing in 2086. Spent two seasons watching from the stands, but eventually became the fullback of the team, playing in 145 regular season and 4 playoffs games. Meant to become a premier run blocker, Brosseau ended up making 56 key run blocks in 9 seasons in an active role. Unimpressive from a distance, but the most by any fullback in his time of action in the IHOF.

Andre Watson, guard
late 4th round pick in 2086. Had to wait two seasons in the wings, but then became the starting right guard. Held on to his starting role for 6 seasons, but the last 3 seasons saw his role diminsih to 6th and 7th lineman. Had 4 seasons with 30+ key run blocks, playing in 129 regular season and 6 playoffs games.

Renaldo Crawford, tight end
Originally a third round pick with the Toronto Lake Monsters in 2087, release in pre-season of his rookie season, picked up by the Frederick Red Menace late in that season. The Merchantmen signed him as a free agent in his second season in the post-draft free agency period. His role flipflopped from starter to fourth (inactive) choice, but the faith in his ability to be a suitable run blocker and special teamer never vanished. Last season was a disaster with a season ending injury in the first game of the season, which turned out to be the last as well, his 100th regular season game played for the Merchantmen. He didn't need the 2 playoffs games to join the Club of 100.

Jeffery Blake, tight end
Undrafted rookie signing in 2088. As a rookie was forced into action as the TE2. Held on to an active role for 5 seasons in Maassluis, then bounced around in the conference from Augusta through Gothenburg and Harlem back to Maassluis last season to fill in for Renaldo Crawford, as Blake too was known as primarily a run blocker and special teamer. Blake comes 1 game short of joining the Merchantmen Club of 100.

Todd Springer, guard
One-season rental for the 2096 season. Originally signed to mentor first round pick Nickolas Toler, but ended up starting in 11 regular season games after all. Was benched after the 38-0 drubbing in Gothenburg, but got has vengeances in week 17 in the 21-6 payback game in Oranje Haven. Before his one season in Maassluis was a respectable run blocker for the Houston Mustangs.

God speed guys.

And with that, it's time to move on. An off-season to figure out whether we want to spend all of our post draft cap space (roughly $62M) on quarterback Earnest Ashley, or want to look elsewhere. Our offensive line is depleted, we're down to 4 starters all 27 years or younger and what looks to be a career backup.

The defense is completely unchanged, only run stuffing linebacker Hayden McNeil isn't locked up. Second-year stars sack machine Richie Piotte and shutdown cornerback Ernie Grant are coming off All-IHOF worthy breakout seasons.

The off-season focus will go to the offense, exclusively, I suspect. A new offensive coordinator, a new look at the QB situation, the RB situation, the WR situation, the look for a fifth lineman and perhaps the biggest challenge: constructing a game plan that fits the players we have. Oh yes, new era, it is. Let's do this!

MIJB#19

03-13-2021, 12:57 PM

General Manager Notes: How little things can cheer you up
Or how little things might mean a lot more than we perceive.

The Maassluis Merchantmen have a new offensive coordinator! Alexander Petty has been replaced after two seasons of not getting our offense anywhere. Coming in is Clarence Byrd, a smashmouth adept, previous the San Antonio Tidal Force head coach. It wasn't much of a success, they won 12 games. Not, not in a single season, in those 4 seasons. Byrd is returning to his old profession, he used to be an offensive coordinator, a job he held for 15 seasons with four difference franchises. Initially with the Kansas Creationists for 4 seasons, then 2 seasons with the Capital City Blues, 7 with the Chesapeake Chitterlings and 2 seasons with the Tucker Tigers, with whom he won an IHOF Bowl in his first season. The 'promotion' to head coach in San Antonio was clearly not much of a success and as the Tidal Force hired a new head coach, Byrd got his chance to return to what he does best. Alexander Petty didn't have to wait long to get his name called, he ended up with his dream job: he was hired by the Hanalei Dragons as their new offensive coordinator.

Next order of business: investigating which players will be out of contract after the season, to get a sense of which will require an investment in cap space and which will be somewhat easy to hold on to. Early outlook of players that want to get paid: LT/RT Isaac Delgado (+$11M), LT Johnnie Houston (+$15M), TE Clay Gaynor (+$22M) and most prominently QB Earnest Ashley (+$42M). All four are a risk for going into hold out.

Bad news of the day? Quarterback Marty Forland was traded to the Paris Musketeers. Not only does that bring one of the best passers in the league into the division, it also means I got outbid by the Musketeers. They paid two future first round picks for a 33-year old 13th year veteran. I was willing to pay a couple of second round picks, but a couple of first rounders felt too much. Don't tell Earnest Ashley though, despite his absurd $55M/year request, I do feel like we're in the business again to invest in a QB. A guy like Forland would cost something like $75M/year, even as a short term solution.

The situation reminded me once again of the 2078 off-season, when I signed free agent QB Bennett Morris and drafted RB Walt Blair. Those two guys turned a decent offense into one of my favorite offenses ever. J.R Mills regressed from 2,228 receiving yards to 1,756, but also improved to 17 touchdowns. We reached the AOC Championship game that season. Blair's season was cut short after 10 games, but boy was that a fun RB to watch. So much different from the two Hall of Famers Norbert Talley and Stanley Givens. A bit more of Donald Terry, but with the endurance to actually carry the ball 25 times.

So yeah, I can sometimes daydream of good decision made in the past and hope I can recreate them.

We're coming off two seasons with a negative point differential. Last time we went through that back-to-back was back in 2022... Back then we were very bad, we were outscored 8 straight seasons. Then came the 2023 off-season. We traded for RB Stanley Givens, drafted WR Terry Thomason to give the legendary Gabe Springer a sidekick. Even the injury to Russell Harrison wasn't enough to have him and Patrick McDonnell become the best QB (duo) in the league that season.

Sure, sure, 2078 was kind of an era ago, 2023 was like 3 or 4 eras ago. Still, turnaround is possible, both times it did require some investment in players and that's where I should go this off-season. No tipping of my hand, but I think this is where we are this off-season and what has to be done. The defense is ready, the offense needs a new starter or four to get into a truly good shape. With or without Earnest Ashley? We'll see about that after pre-season...

MIJB#19

03-14-2021, 07:37 AM

General Manager Notes: The quarterback crossroad
Give it to him or start all over?

For decades Merchantmen fans have been spoiled. We may not have had the best quarterbacks in football suiting up for us, but it's undeniable that I've done a good enough job as the general manager of this team to almost consistently make sure we had a quarterback that could legitimately be called playoff caliber. From Louie Flannery, to Rusty Harrison, to Jay McGee, Perry Coleman, Bryson Chow, the underrated Lester Lowe, Alfred Hickman, the one- or two-year rentals until we switched to Ellis McAlister, McAlister himself and most recently Moe Sheldon and now Earnest Ashley.

Hold on, I have to admit that Ashley has far form convinced me as of yet. Yes, he's got the looks of a capable quarterback, our new offensive coordinator (and the one we fired two days ago) both confirm what our staff saw in Ashley as a draft prospect. He's considered to be slightly better than expected back then, so, based on that certainly worthy of a second round pick.
rookie QB E.Ashley vs 4th year QB E.Ashley
sc ps X++_______ 10/25 . sc ps XXX_______ 35
sh ps XX++______ 15/45 . sh ps XXXXXX____ 60
md ps XXX++++___ 25/75 . md ps XXXXXXXX__ 80
lg ps +_________ _5/10 . lg ps X_________ 15
dp ps X+++______ 10/40 . dp ps XXXX______ 35
3d ps XXXX+_____ 45/55 . 3d ps XXXXXX____ 60
accur X++_______ 10/30 . accur XXXX______ 40
timin XXXX+_____ 40/50 . timin XXXXX_____ 50
s rsh XXXXXX____ 60/60 . s rsh XXXXXX____ 65
rd df X++_______ 10/35 . rd df XXXX______ 35
2m of XX+++++___ 25/65 . 2m of XXXXXXXX__ 75
scr f XXX_______ 30/30 . scr f XXX_______ 25
kck h __________ _0/_0 . kck h __________ _0But after 3 seasons of .500 land football and completing roughly 50% of his passes, we have to wonder where we've gone wrong. Are we too high on Ashley or are we asking things from him he can't do? Some numbers:
year att/cmp c.pct yards y/cmp y/att td/int
'94 312/596 52.3 4,009 12.85 6.73 25/27
'95 320/641 49.9 4,117 12.87 6.42 27/21
'96 302/640 47.2 3,910 12.95 6.11 19/21Missing from the equation: we've got reason to believe that Ashley, contrary to some of his predecessors, doesn't have pick machine written in his DNA. His 18 fumbles in 48 games aren't a serious concern either, it's very moderate for a starting quarterback. Which suggests that the game plan is forcing him too much into making bad throws. Perhaps it's time to look one more time at what he can do. With a new Smashmouth coordinator, providing we find some improvement in our running backs group and a suitable fifth offensive lineman, we might be able to support the pass with the run again. Our running game has fallen apart recently:
year att yards y/att td
'93 475 1,901 4.00 _7
'94 418 1,965 4.70 16
'95 376 1,551 4.13 10
'96 377 1,482 3.93 10Simultaneously, the number of sacks allowed by the line has gone from 33 in Moe Sheldon's last season to 26, 29 and 36. Sample size issues come around here, but Sheldon was a notorious sack magnet, while Ashley shouldn't be. Is it the young incoherent line? Who knows.

Game plan changes or not, the decision here isn't just whether we like Ashley, it's also a $50M decision. We've reached the crossroad of whether we want to spend 10% of our salary cap on a quarterback. Ashley's current cap figure is $6.31, the 26th highest figure on our team. His agent is requesting a $238M deal over 4 years, a $41M bonus and increasing cap figures, from $48M this season to $70M in the 2100 season. Preferably I'll give him a flat contract, which should end up close to $60M per year. This would make him jump into the top10 of highest paid quarterbacks in the league.

Strategic decision: can I stick with his current $6.3M figure and wait for free agency next off-season? Perhaps, but of the other 31 teams in the league, I'm sure at least 2 or 3 others would be interested in Ashley. If he remains healthy throughout the 2097 season, his demands will only rise, $75M/year won't be an absurd estimation for what he might get.

The good news? We actually have the cap space available, this season. Next season will be a new test, as Ernie Grant and Richie Piotte will start asking for the moon and the stars as most elite cornerbacks and defensive ends do. But that's the day after tomorrow's concern, we haven't even made it to tomorrow yet.

Which brings me back to the original question to be answered: are we willing to commit to Earnest Ashley? Giving him the money means he'll have to be our quarterback for 3 more seasons, probably the 2100 season as well if we go bonus heavy and decide to cap him out once or twice in the next off-seasons.

The other options? The draft, we're going to interview a couple of quarterbacks, including some that are likely to drop past the first round. Trading for a veteran that looks good enough to me, that ship has probably sailed. Several have been put on the trading block, but aside from Marty Forland, who went from Oakland to Paris, they aren't an upgrade over Ashley. Which basically comes down to this: will I make an offer to Ashley now, or wait until we've seen the results of the first two or three rounds in the draft?

I think I have my plan ready, but not ready to share it with y'all just yet. After all, the competition in this league is also reading along...

MIJB#19

03-15-2021, 05:07 PM

General Manager Notes: We have a new quarterback!
Nah, fooled ya.

Trade talks came and went by. We made a sound offer for a veteran quarterback, we stood a good chance to land him. But the other party reevaluated their situation and (rightfully) decided to stick with their man. Too bad for us, I think we would have made a great improvement. It would have ended Earnest Ashley's chances to get that $240M contract he's seeking for here. He would have been stuck in a hold out or play out the rookie contract situation.

The other option, the draft? The top two prospects were out of reach. As in, I could have tried to make a worthy offer for the 1.2 pick perhaps, something like three first round picks, it could have landed us a Michigan quarterback. We didn't make an offer for the pick, unlike another team in our conference. Will I completely ignore the draft from here on? Never say never...

However, we've started the negotiations with Earnest Ashley. We know his opening bid, our counter offer is, may I say so, a very generous $220 over 4 years offer, with basically $100M guaranteed. If he takes it, we're tied together for the next 3 seasons at minimum. If he turns it down, well... Let's not go ahead of that.

For a while I hoped that at the 1.15 slot we would easily land one of the two top prospects at guard. Well, so much for that, before the top10 was over, both were gone. Even the top rated wide receiver was taken after them. Imagine that! I didn't just leave it at that, I reached out to a team that picked ahead of us in the first round, in an attempt to get their rookie. No such luck either. I'm not going to tell which player just yet, maybe after the off-season is over, but fair to say, I think that player would have fit on our team. One of those guards? All in due time.

And that's not where the impasse ended. Once the #15 overall pick went on the clock, I glanced over the list of prospects that we interviewed and I saw three things: the first round prospects were already gone, or I came to the conclusion that he's undersized. The second and third round prospects felt like too much of a reach. It didn't take long to get an inquire from an interested team: the Arizona Miners offered their 1st round pick in the next draft. I got a bit cocky, asked for a bit more, but it's realistically a pick worth settling for, even though I'm not convinced it will be a lock to be a top10 pick. The alternative was a very interesting looking linebacker. It was very tempting, but took the trade out. And Arizona grabbed said linebacker.

So, so far, the off-season isn't getting us places, it's status quo at best. Still a couple of top half second round picks remaining of course. And another inquire or two out there to fill a couple of holes on our team. I've got to keep believing we can turn things around this off-season. It's certainly possible.

MIJB#19

03-16-2021, 02:22 PM

General Manager Notes: We have a new running back!
And I'm not kidding, like I did yesterday.

First things first: Earnest Ashley took our lowball offer. One could say "four more years of Ashley", which means we're tied to him for at least 3 seasons at $55M per season, roughly 11% of our overall cap figure. But to be fair, I think he can play ball, otherwise I wouldn't get into the troubles of offering him the money.

To support him, we've made a big trade. Minutes after I decided to make a bid for the Forth Wayne's running back, the said player, Bert Ta'Amu went onto the trade block. We jumped in offering the 2.14 overall draft pick and a swap of future picks to seal the deal. Our staff is convinced this is the best running back in football, what's not to like here? The only minor issue could be his age (he turned 30 in the off-season) and will enter his 9th season in the league. I'm fully aware this might be just a one-year rental.

We followed up our restocking of the offense with the selection of rookie guard Ronald Staigvil. The 23-year old 6'3" 321 pounds Minnesota graduate looks like a promising run blocking prospect. To help him develop (and to have a worthy backup on the team), we quickly acquired veteran Caleb Turnbull from the Fort Wayne Fury.

This basically means we're a backup center, backup tackle and maybe a sixth wide receiver away from a filled up roster. Well, maybe a backup tight end as well and figuring out which running back to ditch. And we might want to re-sign veteran linebacker Hayden McNeil or a similar run stopper to plug the one real hole on the defense.

Which is an optimistic way to say that I think we're much better than the 8-8 campaign we had last season. Well Ta'Amu make the difference? Hard to tell now, we'll still have to survive pre-season. We haven't even finished the draft yet, let's do that first.

I sent most of our remaining picks to the aforementioned Fury and all that we have left is a couple of mid-seventh rounders. Just in case I get goggles and think there's somebody I might want to sign after the draft, making sure I won't have to go into a bidding war. Don't count out the possibility that I'll trade back in somewhere in the fourth or fifth round as I have a couple of players on 'sleeper pick' list.

Because, never say never?

MIJB#19

03-18-2021, 02:51 PM

General Manager Notes: We have a new fullback!
Yeah, we're working down by position.

Where did we find this new fullback? We made a draft day trade, acquired the 4.13 pick from the Fort Wayne Fury (yes, them again) and gave them our third round pick next draft in return. Damien Wanamaker is a 21-year old, 5'10" 233 pounds run blocker with stamina. Nothing spectacular, but if he works out, he might fit in our Smashmouth offense. He was one of 12 players that we interviewed, the only one that got past the middle of the second round.

The two incoming rookies and two to be use seventh round picks excluded, we increased our roster to 51 players. Two of them were our free agent linebacker Hayden McNeil and running back/special teamer Harris Gerhardt. The third is fourth year right tackle Dusty Webster. Because, you know, we're going to need a third tackle on roster to get through the season. But it's fair to assume he's by no means a guarantee to make the final 53-men roster.

Our cap situation had gotten tight after the Ta'Amu acquisition and expensive extension for Ashley, but a restructuring of Ta'Amu's deal and our center Robbie Zinn's had gotten us back into a healthy situation. We might do some more of this to make room for extensions for our offensive tackles Johnny Houston and Isaac Delgado. But preferably that will have to wait until pre-season is ongoing, because, you know, strange things can happen after the second pre-season game.

Anything else to add for now? Not really. The Ashley and Ta'Amu moves have been the clear cut highlights of the off-season, with our fingers crossed nothing crazy happens in terms of holdouts and aforementioned pre-season partying. For now, it's waiting for the draft to wind down to the middle of the third round, see us grab a couple of guys to keep them out of the undrafted rookie free agents pool.

MIJB#19

03-19-2021, 10:43 AM

General Manager Notes: We've got a new Tight end!
And a center.

Seventh round of the draft rolled around and in that round we grabbed two more players. Tight end Myron Lofton is the second highest player at his position this draft. He's supposed to be a decent run blocker, able to get open, actually not drop the ball too often and good on third downs. Two picks later we selected center Rickey Mason, a center, second fastest in this class, speed is an important measure for a center. Mason is big with his 6'7" and 304 pounds, while Lofton is kind of the opposite at 5'11" and 243 pounds. Both stand a decent chance to make the final 53 men roster, as we were short a player at both positions to get a healthy number of minimum required plus one.

MIJB#19

03-19-2021, 12:18 PM

General Manager Notes: We don't have our tight end?
Clay Gaynor has decided to hold out.

Well how about that. We make our tight end the most targetted player on the team and he starts making exorbitant demands. $105M over 4 years is what mister Gaynor is asking for. Do we have an alternative? Sure, run the ball 40 times per game, but we're still going to need Gaynor in the passing game. We're likely going to pay the man, after I figured out where to get the cap space. Which actually isn't a problem as of now, we actually have the space available to re-sign him before training camp. But who's going to tell our offensive tackles that Gaynor is taking the money reserved for them?

MIJB#19

03-20-2021, 02:21 PM

General Manager Notes: We have a new wide receiver!
He's also a kickoff returner, yay!

Another veteran has joined the Merchantmen this off-season. Wide receiver Malachi Pierson joined us after we agreed terms to a two-year deal. A key factor for wanting to sign him is his kickoff return ability. Long ago he was a touchdown machine for the Outer Banks Ospreys, over here he'll be an option as our WR3 or WR4, depending on where Branden Sandlin (yes, he's still on the team) stands after pre-season.

We missed out on a bunch of undrafted rookies, but two of them did join us. Safety Artie Hall will get a shot to prove us he's good enough to join our secondary. Odds are slim, but never say never for a zone defender. Bruce Nekolny is an interesting defensive end. Very green, but if he develops, he could be the kind of pass rusher we like to have in our rotation. At the very least, the kid has a good motor.

We're going into training camp with 58 players signed.

Hold on, 58, does that mean Clay Gaynor is going to report for camp? Why yes, he is indeed, after signing an improved and extended contract. To make the cap room available, we gave wide receiver George Stuckey a contract cap out. We're going into training camp with $5.6M cap space. Of course, things will be completely different once we're in the middle of pre-season. Which is still far away.

For now, we're going to take it as it is. We have a surplus at all the non-special teamer positions. We haven't even tried to sign a second long snapper, Travis Hamilton should be the best in the game, according to our new offensive coordinator.

MIJB#19

03-21-2021, 06:41 PM

General Manager Notes: We have a new play book!
It was about time.

Time for change. I said this before, several times. Many times? At least more often than just now. We took some advice from other owners/general managers across the league and after a couple of training camps of stalemate, this became the one to make a difference. It's tricky, because before training camp it's hard to see what offensive personnel you'll have heading into the new season, but it's the uncertainty we have to live with.

Things I took into consideration? First of all, our return to a Smashmouth offensive coordinator. Things hopefully fall into place with Bert Ta'Amu as our running back. Ta'Amu will likely lose some of his skills, but for now, we'll have to consider this is the best running back in the league. Hole recognition, third down skills, decent breakaway speed, little elusiveness, can protect the blitz, has receiving skills and the endurance to be an all downs back. This is a player to build an offense around.

Our fullback situation is simple: we have a gun that can run block. Owen Johnston is a 4th season Merchantman, rookie Damien Wanamaker is most likely too green to jump in right away, but I hope he'll be indeed an excellent run blocker. Our tight ends aren't much of run blockers, those guys retired. Clay Gaynor is actually half decent at it, but Clarence Gore isn't. 7th round rookie Myron Lofton is just as green as Wanamaker, while 5th year backup Ike Nixon is a probably the better option than Gore. Gore and Gaynor do have something in common: we can use them as additional pass blockers when we don't target them, which is seemingly something our offensive coordinator likes to do. Directional running won't be too complicated, we'll go all over the place, slightly more to the middle over Robbie Zinn and over the right side, where right tackle Isaac Delgado will step into the role Howard Humphrey used to have.

Our passing game? Earnest Ashley likes to throw it deep, but he's supposedly at his best when he's going to to throw for 0 to 20 yards. How convenient, no? We'll still let him try the occasional long bomb, like we used to do, but this is where we'll be focusing on.

Ed Schulz is our big play guy, he can get downfield and when he gets there, he's one of the best to break away for a big gain, fastest player in the league they say. First and second down material. George Stuckey is better at getting open, can get downfield too, but lacks that big play ability to be as special as Schulz. Both have the courage to run all kinds of routes. Ta'Amu will get looks too, stepping into the WR3 role in a way. Kind of, because we also have Malachi Pierson now, a third down receiver, this man might have to sub in for Schulz on third downs. Rookie tight end Myron Lofton could grow into that kind of receiver that can only get you a third and less than 10 catch. But so can Clay Gaynor, our TE1, who might be overall our only guy that can play well in all kinds of situations. WR4 Branden Sandlin is still a guy that can get open and make a big play. So yeah, in theory we have something nice here.

What to expect from here on? Tomorrow we'll be getting training camp results, primarily reports on the progress of the youngsters and a second assessment on the rookies. Later on pre-season action, with a complete new scouting report of the roster. Followed by renegotiations, 25 of 58 players are in the final year of contract. We can get about $50M available in cap space after cap outs, so we're in a flexible position, but we'll see where we stand after we've made our 5 final cuts to trim down to our 53 men regular season roster.

MIJB#19

03-22-2021, 06:32 PM

General Manager Notes: Training Camp results
Little surprises.

My staff made an assessment of our players before and after training camp and on a 1-100 scale, below is what our youngsters look like, with the progress in actual numbers and as always the overall numbers rounded to the nearest 5s.

The rookies:
+6/-2 to 35/65 G Ronald Staigvil
+5/nc to 20/55 C Rickey Mason
+4/+1 to 30/50 TE Myron Lofton
+4/+1 to 25/50 FB Damien Wanamaker
+4/+1 to 20/35 S Artie Hall
+3/nc to 15/40 DE Bruce Nekolny

A lot to like here. These numbers make me believe that Staigvil is the real deal, roughly a 60s rated guard, with 80s potential in run blocking and the endurance to still be good in the 4th quarter. Mason doesn't have endurance at all, but his run blocking potential might be closer to the 80s potential than I could have hoped for. Lofton, Wanamaker and Hall made the kind of progress that on par for a guy that floats between an active backup and a guy that starts because there's no clear cut starter. Which isn't fair, because Lofton already looks like a decent third down receiver and potentially a viable run blocker. Wanamaker will possibly be our new fullback, depending on where he stands compared to veteran Owen Johnston after pre-season, but I really like his 90s potential in run blocking. Hall looks okay, but a longshot to survive the final cuts. Ditto for Nekolny, despite his endurance and 70s potential in pass rush technique and play diagnosis.

The 2nd year players:
+7/nc to 65/70 G Nickolas Toler
+5/nc to 25/50 CB Omar Leszynski
+2/nc to 15/30 QB Kelvin Everett
+1/nc to 35/35 RB Ronnie Vanden Bosch
+1/nc to 15/15 WR/KR Darien Thompson

Toler is a true starter, very good run blocker, solid pass protection, a bit on the low side in endurance. Leszynski was +3/+1 previous camp, so another sign that he might be the run stopping, man-to-man, interceptions making defender. A very useful player on likely running downs. The Everett project might end a pre-season earlier than I'd like to, but other than his sense rush ability, scrambling and presumably a decent ability to avoid interceptions, can we really give him the active roster slot a project quarterback needs to develop? Vanden Bosch has another bad camp, we'll have to trust him by his over 4.0 yards per carry to be a worthy RB2. Thompson should hang around as the kickoff return alternative to veteran signing Malachi Pierson.

others?
+3/nc to 30/40 RT Dusty Webster
+2/nc to 30/40 G Vince Henselman
+2/nc to 30/30 TE Ike Nixon
+2/nc to 25/30 KH/QB Jon Giles

The fourth-year right tackle Webster made some progress, but is still a liability in the running game, if we'll ever field him it can only be in a game where we won't run much over his side of the line. Third-year guard Henselman looks like the prime suspect to not make our 8-men offensive line group. Fifth-year tight end Nixon may not sound like he improved a lot, but he's making a very solid case for being a suitable special teamer and a receiver that can get downfield and make a play. Kick holder Jon Giles actually sat out 2096 as we went with Efrain Batcheck in that slot, there's still no reason to think we'll ever want Giles throwing the football for us, but he's worth something as a mentoring kick holder, if we find an active roster spot for his this season.

The lineups have been set for the first two pre-season games, with a random game plan, which is usually asking for silliness. But we'll see what will happen. We'll be playing with the projected starters, hoping to give the 53-men roster making youngsters additional playing time (if the staff doesn't substitute them!) in the last two pre-season games.

Two more days and we'll know where to go with the remainder of pre-season. Can't wait to see what we'll have by then.

MIJB#19

03-24-2021, 06:36 PM

General Manager Notes: When Father Time comes around
Or how pre-season can end a player's career.

Pre-season action has started and boy were we in for a mixed bag. As I mentioned before the action, the plan was to throw the starters out there. The defense kept up their side of the deal, giving up 503 total yards, combined. That's encouraging, isn't it? Well, except that we gave up a lot of rushing yards, usually a bad omen for things to come. The pass defense was at their A game, seemingly, yanking up 8 sacks in 60 pass plays, none of the four quarterbacks that we faced completed 10 or more passes or reached 100 yards.

But really, what's it worth when the starting quarterback is pulled from the game at half time? We let Earnest Ashley throw the ball 25 times in total spread over the two games, completing 16 of those for 161 yards. Sure, this wasn't my game plan, just the staff randomly throwing around some plays from our play book, there was no general idea behind the play calls.

What about Bart Ta'Amu? Well, he fumbled the ball in both games, which is exceptional for a running back that had 10 fumbles in the last 4 seasons combined. He fumbles about once ever 100 touches, that's very good in my opinion. With 5 catches for 33 yards, he didn't excel there, but we don't really want him to, he'll be there as an additional receiver, not the primary target.

Elsewhere on the offense, Ed Schulz and George Stuckey both had a decent and a horrible game. Good old Branden Sandlin was our top receiver so far: 9 catches, 124 yards. Clay Gaynor scored the only touchdown. Yes, we lost 14-3 in Chicago and won 19-13 against Oakland with 4 field goals.

But after all that jibber dabber, we all know that pre-season is the moment in the season where the staff completely re-evaluates the team. And for some players the re-evaluation will result in an unexpected departure from the Merchantmen. Let's go over the team position group by group, as usual with players graded 1-100, rounded to the nearest 5's, while I'll add what my staff thought compared to right after training camp.

Quarterbacks
55/55 nc/nc QB Earnest Ashley
35/35 -8/-8 QB Efrain Batcheck
25/30 nc/+2 KH Jon Giles
15/30 nc/nc QB Kelvin Everett
Batcheck played well in pre-season, before he fell apart. Ashley is the starter, which is no surprise, we're tied to him for $55M/season for 4 seasons. Giles might make the active roster as the kick holder, if we find a roster spot. Everett still puzzles me, but this second-year 3rd round pick is no Ellis McAllister, we have to admit that. Still, too early to give up on him, no? But do we really, really, really need to go into the regular season with 4 quarterbacks?

Backfield
60/60 -9/-9 RB Bert Ta'Amu
35/35 nc/-1 RB Ronnie Vanden Bosch
25/45 +1/-2 FB Damien Wanamaker
30/30 -7/-7 RB Trey Beyer
30/30 -8/-8 RB/ST Jack Crane
25/25 -5/-5 ST Harris Gerhardt
20/20 -3/-3 FB/ST Owen Johnston
Ouch. Seriously. This is the end for Jack Crane, mister sure hands, former Giants legend. Beyer isn't likely to make the team either, we could keep him for cohesion, but with Ta'Amu, he won't get any carries anyway. And next season will be a no go either, I suspect. Wanamaker will be our fullback. If he makes a bit more progress, because Johnston is the better run blocker for now and a special teamer too.

Tight Ends and Wide Receivers
55/55 nc/nc TE/ST Clay Gaynor
55/55 nc/nc WR Ed Schulz
50/50 +6/+6 TE Clarence Gore
50/50 nc/nc WR George Stuckey
40/40 -3/-3 WR/KR Malachi Pierson
30/45 nc/-2 TE Myron Lofton
30/30 nc/-3 TE/ST Ike Nixon
25/25 -9/-9 WR Branden Sandlin
20/20 nc/nc PR Mark Perkins
15/15 nc/nc KR Darien Thompson
The bad news? Sandlin's decline. The so-so news? Schulz' lack of progress since pre-season of his second season has our fear become reality: he's a phenomenal player, but not in every aspect. He's basically a WR2. And so is Stuckey. And so is Gaynor. Which means we're not in a bad shape, just not as great as I hoped we could be. None of these guys will be cut. Or maybe Thompson as he's about 50-50 being our second or third best kick off returner.

Offensive Linemen
80/80 +2/+2 C Robbie Zinn
70/70 +1/+1 LT Isaac Delgado
65/70 -1/nc G Nickolas Toler
60/60 +1/+1 LT Johnnie Houston
35/60 nc/-4 G Ronald Staigvil
40/40 nc/nc G Caleb Turnbull
20/55 nc/-1 C Rickey Mason
30/35 -3/-5 G Vince Henselman
25/35 -4/-6 T Dusty Webster
Who said Zinn isn't top-notch? Yeah, our previous offensive coordinator. Shame on you! I like this group. Cohesion will be lower due to the departure of Howard Humphrey, but I think we'll okay. Staigvil is green, but with Turnbull to mentor, or even to jump in if he doesn't develop, we have a little bit of depth here. Henselman or Webster won't make the final 53-men list. If we have cap space after renegotiations, don't be shocked if both are out of here.

Defensive Linemen
70/70 nc/nc DE Richie Piotte
55/55 +1/+1 DT Darien Fletcher
55/55 nc/nc DT/ST Jerome Shumate
50/50 -3/-3 DE Caiden Croyle
45/45 +1/+1 DT Harold Gough
40/40 -1/-1 DT/ST Caleb Domis
35/35 -7/-7 DE/ST Archie Exner
25/25 -6/-6 DE/ST Gene Kondovski
15/35 nc/-4 DE Bruce Nekolny
Nekolny won't make the team, the rest will. Eight pass rushers, with Piotte, Fletcher, Shumate and Croyle also capable of supporting the run defense. It means this is a great unit.

Linebackers
50/50 -12/-12 LB/ST Brandon Brady
50/50 -4/-4 LB Hayden McNeil
40/40 -1/-1 LB/ST Andrew Cochrane
40/40 -9/-9 LB Daquan Espino
35/35 -6/-6 LB Clayton Jackson
25/25 -2/-2 ST Jose Meadows
_5/_5 -3/-3 ST Brant Rayburn
The decline is here, big time. Both Brady and Jackson are no longer the elite players that they used to be. Brady is now a serviceable starter, Jackson by no means a guarantee to be the second passing down linebacker, he's got to fear for Cochrane. The only player that might fail to make the final 53-men list is Espino. He's been unhappy for a very long time and also on the decline. We might want to check our cap situation before the season starts and think about acquiring a viable starter here...

Secondary
75/75 -1/-1 CB Ernie Grant
65/65 +1/+1 S Devon Farrell
50/50 nc/nc CB/ST Bryson Swafford
45/45 nc/nc CB/ST Zachery Weisz
45/45 nc/nc S Chuck Murray
25/50 nc/nc CB Omar Leszynski
35/35 -3/-3 CB/KR Adam Harmon
25/25 -6/-6 S/ST Jon Brotzman
15/25 -3/-5 S? Artie Hall
Yeah, that wasn't going to happen for Hall. The returning group will stick. Brotzman regressed just a little bit, but was on a time-share with Murray already, which will hardly change. The tricky part is to phase in Leszynski, as he's potentially a running downs cornerback, but is stuck behind Grant and Swafford.

Kicker, Punter and Long Snapper
70/70 -1/-1 K Dylan McMullen
60/60 +2/+2 P Shaun Barlow
20/20 nc/nc LS Travis Hamilton
Yeah, sure, why not. Hamilton is the best in the business and we're paying him for it. McMullen still has to prove he's worth it being a top3 paid kicker. Barlow is barely top10 in the game.

Tomorrow, 5 of the 58 players above will have been told they are no longer part of the Maassluis Merchantmen team. A bunch that are to make the team will be offered a restructured and in some cases an extended contract. All with the intent to later on lock up the two offensive tackles Delgado and Houston so they won't walk away after their rookie contract runs out. And then we'll see about further cap outs or other cuts to potentially look at one or two holes on the team. Finding a team to part ways with a suitable WR1 is too much to ask for, but I think we might have a shot at finding a linebacker that could improve our already very fine defense. So, yes, the 53-men on team tomorrow are not set in stone to be the opening day 53-men...

MIJB#19

03-27-2021, 01:30 PM

General Manager Notes: Time to make a plan
And to hand out a bunch of signing boni.

Pre-season action finished. We have to admit that the bad news was our overall inability to score points. In 4 games we scored 42 points en route to 1 victory, ouch. To be fair, we explicitly didn't make a true effort to set a game plan, but bad news it was regardless. One thing was clear though: quarterback Kelvin Everett isn't IHOF material. As proved our kick holder Jon Giles, he will never be more than just that: a kick holder. But more shocking was Bert Ta'Amu's inability to gain ground, a very worrying trend.

The defense held a third opponent below 300 yards, but in Colorado the defense wasn't really there. We got run all over (193 rushing yards) and let their starting quarterback complete 8 of 10 passes for 128 yards. Ouch.

We went into the last two pre-season games with 53 men on roster. These will also be the guys that go into opening weekend as our guys, but I'm not at all convinced all these guys will make it throughout the regular season, the bye week might see us make some moves. The five players that failed to make the cut?

Running back Trey Beyer had been on the team for 6 seasons since being a 5th round selection in the 2091 draft. After 3 season in a backup role, we made him our top ball carrier in 2094, by far his best season with 5.47 yards per carry and 8 touchdowns. But the decline set in and was very noticeable by our staff.

Running back Jack Crane leaves Maassluis after 2 seasons. Signed as a sure hands ball carrier from Gothenburg, where he was a 6-time 1,000-yard rusher, for us his production was just 661 yards and 3 touchdowns in 27 regular season games.

Guard Vince Henselman leaves us after 2 seasons of inactivity after being a 2095 undrafted rookie free agent signing. A couple of undrafted rookies from this season's class, safety Artie Hall and defensive end Bruce Nekolny, failed to take the job of any of the returning defenders, nor convinced enough to stick around as a project.

So, quarterback kelvin Everett did make the 53-men list, but I'm definitely keeping my eyes open for an upgrade at other positions. Last season's third round pick is already on my not-gonna-happen list. I made a serious effort to acquire a player at a position of need, but both trade attempts failed, both teams decided to give the player I inquired for a bigger role on their team in the upcoming regular season. Too bad, but it won't stop me from trying...

MIJB#19

03-29-2021, 04:53 PM

General Manager Notes: ... when a plan comes together?
Or how two big plays made a difference?

New season, new opportunities. In the last three season our season started with a loss, forcing us to try and play catchup. Time to end the trend, but the challenge was hard, hosting the defending European champion Paris Musketeers and their brand new quarterback Marty Forland.

Our off-season was busy, yet little really changed. The worst thing that happened was not re-signing offensive tackle Isaac Delgado, because I miscalculated our cap situation by about $300K. End result? Delgado is a free agent next off-season, while we created about $17M of cap space that now remains unused this season and will aggravate our cap situation next season by that figure. Face, palm: d'oh!

But today, was about the game against Paris with a brand new game plan on offense and not so much on defense. And here or there things seemed to work out yet others, well, not so much, I guess?

Paris got the ball first, but after a smooth 8-yard run the first pass thrown by Marty Forland was picked off by veteran Hayden McNeil near midfield. After a couple of incomplete passes, Earnest Ashley decide to change the plan as the designated target missed his route and the kid went on a scramble, proving why he became the player in the IHOF with the second highest base salary, with a magnificent 46-yard run for a touchdown. A sold out revamped Oranje Haven exploded. Less than a minute off the clock and the Merchantmen were already leading: 7-0.
Paris gained enough ground on their second drive to pin us inside our own 1-yard line, but with a tricky run from Ashley for 15 yards, the chains were moved and turned out to be the start of an 8-minute dominant drive for the full 99 yards. Ashley to Gaynor for 15 yards on third and long, an Ashley scramble for a first down, a 14-yard toss to Ed Schulz, a bunch of strong runs from Bert Ta'Amu and eventually a 24-yard touchdown pass on third and long to a wide open Malachi Pierson. A three-and-out later, we were back in Paris territory before the first quarter was over.

The Merchantmen offense then finally ran into the Paris defense for a bit, but Dylan McMullen didn't make a mistake on his 30-yard attempt to put us 17-0 up. Paris finally woke up and Marty Forland lead the offense of his new team with a lot of tricky plays (wide receiver run, fullback catch, and so on) and eventually scrambled from 2 yards out for making it a 17-7 score. A holding penalty haunted our next drive, but our defense stepped it up again and stopped Paris near midfield after 4 plays.
Earnest Ashley was sacked just before the two-minute warning, giving Paris a short field to attempt to do something about the 10-point deficit before the break. Forland continued to complete passes to his alternate targets, but as the time ran out, Paris was forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal, giving us a 17-10 lead at half time.

The second half began with a similar bang as the first half did. On the second play of our first drive of the half, Earnest Ashley found a wide open Clarence Gore at our 44-yard line, only to see Gore turn it into more than just a 12-yard gain, eventually outrunning all the remaining defenders and notching a 68-yard touchdown! Yowza! How about that for taking a 24-10 lead? The star players of the Merchantmen defense stepped it up on the next drive, with a beautiful team sack from Darien Fletcher and last season's sack machine Richie Piotte. Ashley quickly turned to spotlights back to his offense with an 18-yarder to Gore and and a 20-yarder to Clay Gaynor, but after running the same play twice, both times resulting an an incomplete pass to Malachi Pierson, we settled for a 21-yard field goal for a 27-10 lead.
Paris replied with a shift from throwing the rock to running with it. Chandler Ferguson's 34-yard run was the highlight of the drive that eventually was stopped in our red zone to force a 36-yard field goal for keeping us 27-13 up. A quick three-and-out was on our offense and two plays later Paris saw Ferguson have his big play of the day, bursting through our defense for a 58-yard touchdown run and becoming the league leading rusher after week 1. After the missed extra point, it was a one score game nevertheless: 27-19, Maassluis.

A quarterback sneak on third and short failed at the start of the fourth quarter, but our punter Shaun Barlow managed to pin Paris at their own 6-yard line. Marty Forland tried to get his offense forward, but on their sixth play, who else than Richie Piotte penetrated the Paris defense and sacked the quarterback. Earnest Ashley followed it up with a magnificent 29-yard throw to Clay Gaynor on third and long, an 11-yarder to George Stuckey, but as we were closing in on field goal range, the whole offense collapsed on third down, Ashley was strip-sacked and Paris' Bert Wescott recovered the loose ball. The Merchantmen defense immediately stepped up and after two short runs and a hurried pass, the ball was back in Ashley's hands at our own 19-yard line with 6 minutes to go and still leading by 8 points.
After Bert Ta'Amu ran for 8 yards, Earnest Ashley found Clay Gaynor for a 30-yard gain on third and one, then Ed Schulz for a 32-yard gain on the ensuing play to burst into the red zone. We tried to have Ta'Amu pound it in, but we had to settle for eating Paris' time outs and a 19-yard field goal for a 30-19 lead. Paris had no choice but to go into throw deep mode and our defense was well prepared. Adam Harmon deflected a pass, Jon Brotzman and Zachery Weisz tackled a wide receiver for a short gain, Harold Gough hurried Marty Forland into a bad throw and on fourth down Archie Exner did the same thing. We could have gone into victory formation right there, but we decided to let our rookie guard Roger Staigvil make a false start penalty and give Ta'Amu one more carry before Ashley made the game ending knee drop. Maassluis 30, Paris 19. Yay!

A round of applaus from the loaded Oranje Haven fell over the Merchantmen players, our fans were visibly enlightened with such a strong start to the season. Sure, Chandler Ferguson's couple of big runs in the third quarter made it a close game again, but overall we outgained Paris 468 yards to 324 yards, a tremendous performance.

Earnest Ashley took the most of the accolades, completing 19 of 35 passes for 304 yards, 2 touchdowns and also running for 78 yards and a score. Is the beast unleashed, or will sample size turn out to not be in his favor? Fair to say, his two big plays, one in part result of Clarence Gore's big-play ability, made a difference, but that sometimes that's what's needed to make a difference.

Elsewhere in Europe, the Gothenburg Giants beat the Bordeaux Vineyards 34-27 after almost, but not quite, choking a 21-point lead. Surprisingly lead by Mercury Pierce, as the Giants' seem to not yet be sold on first round pick Deon Sheldon nor the experienced veteran Cary Bradford they signed from the Musketeers after he quarterbacked them to the AOC Championship game.

Division:
1. Maassluis 1-0
2. Gothenburg 1-0
3. Bordeaux 0-1
4. Paris 0-1

Our journey continues with one of many trips to the USA, facing the Frederick Red Menace after tying the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums 20-20, dodging a loss by seeing them miss two field goals in overtime. A new encounter with the highest paid player in the league, who signed a new 5-year deal giving him a cap figure of nearly $106M this season and earning him another $100M signing bonus on top of previous off-season's $198M bonus. In comparison, Earnest Ashley's cap figure of $57M is modest, isn't it?

MIJB#19

03-30-2021, 05:34 PM

General Manager Notes: Let's not get too excited
Earnest Ashley's back to earth

Rendez-vous with Angel Henson, quite possibly the most talented quarterback in the league right now. We had the pleasure to face him in his own Frederick as our Merchantmen clashed with the Red Menace.

A couple of defended passes and an ineffective short pass on third and twenty gave us the ball quickly, although deep inside our own red zone after a holding penalty. The first attempt of the Earnest Ashley to find Ed Schulz deep down field, but after finding George Stuckey for 17 yards, the next toss was a 53-yarder to Schulz. A 16-yarder to Stuckey set us up for a goal line offense and on the third try, Ashley himself tricked the defense and ran it in for the 7-0 lead. After another three and out by our defense, we got the ball back near midfield, but solid pass defense from the home team forced us to punt it back. A tackle for a loss, a sack shared with Darien Fletcher and a blocked pass on consecutive plays by Richie Piotte gave us the ball back after the punt. We converted on third and 7, but were pushed back by a chop block penalty and eventually were to punt as well. The defenses had taken firm control of the game, making it more of a field position battle than an offensive fire power game that was perhaps to be expected.

The second quarter saw the Red Menace revert to a lot of runs to the left side of their line, but an illegal substitution penalty did them in and as Devon Farrell defended a pass on third and long, we quickly got possession. Earnest Ashley found Ed Schulz for 18 yards on the first play to break into Frederick territory and a neat third down toss to Clay Gaynor for 12 yards moved us into field goal range. A 14-yarder and a 10-yarder to George Stuckey then got us inside their 5-yard line. Bert Ta'Amu was held short on first down, but on second down we surprised their defense with a quick toss from Ashley to Schulz for the 14-0 lead.
All of a sudden, Angel Henson's arm looked all warmed up and he started finding his receivers for 11 yards here, 12 yards there, until the pass rush took over, with Richie Piotte making his first solo sack of the game, while Caiden Croyle repeated Henson's to the ground tossing on third down. Earnest Ashley then saw a 28-yard run called back due to a holding penalty and after the punt found ourselves setting up defense near midfield. Angel Henson found Luther Ruhl for 15 and 12 yards to get his team in field goal range just before the two-minute warning. The Merchantmen defense eventually stepped it up as Ernie Grant deflected a pass and the running attempt on third and long was quickly halted. After a 26-yard field goal, Frederick was still trailing 14-3. Bert Ta'Amu had the longest run so far with a 15-yarder, but we decided not to use any time outs to try to extend the lead before half time.

The second half basically started with Earnest Ashley finding Ed Schulz for a 25-yard gain, but from midfield Ashley failed to find Schulz on three straight plays and we ended up punting the ball. Frederick's Angel Henson looked ready to get his team back in into the game, finding a receiver for 21 yards, whilst his running back gained 12 yards to burst into our half of the field. Our defensive linemen crushed Henson's line when he tried to run on second down and a dropped pass on third down forced them to punt from our 36-yard line after all. But a quick three and out forced by the Frederick's stellar run defense, resulted in our defense being back on the field with the ball at midfield after their 20-yard punt return. Richie Piotte rushed Henson into a throwing the ball away on third and short, bringing the ball back to us. Earnest Ashley found Clay Gaynor on third and one as we tricked them to think we'd run the ball, but even the 14-yarder and 10-yarder to George Stuckey, followed by a 13-yarder to Clay Gaynor still kept us out of field goal range and after a touchback and a tremendous three and out, the third quarter was almost over, with no scores added, maintaining our 14-3 lead.

Fourth quarter then started with one of the biggest plays of the day as our punt returned Mark Perkins found plenty of room and gained 63 yards, getting tackled at the opposing 10-yard line. The opportunity to extend the lead was vanished when Earnest Ashley's third and goal toss into the end zone to Ed Schulz was picked off. The momentum shift was there as Angel Henson found his running back for a 30-yard gain to reach midfield. A 16-yard run in the next play then proved to be insufficient to get points on the scoreboard as we managed to force them to punt once again from our 36-yard line. Amidst Bert Ta'Amu's unsuccessful runs, Earnest Ashley showed the way with a 13-yard run. A 15-yard toss to Clay Gaynor on third and long, soon after followed by a 15-yarder to Ed Schulz were enough to set up a 44-yard field goal for a 17-3 lead. And things got even better for us on the kickoff return as Adam Harmon tackled forced the returner to fumble and his fellow cornerback Bryson Swafford recovered the ball. Four plays later, Dylan McMullen converted a 32-yarder to extend the lead to 20-3.
Frederick's other kickoff returner then got his team back into thinking the game wasn't over, bringing the ball the full 93 yards back for a touchdown and trimming their deficit to 20-10. After a quick three and out, Frederick got the ball back near midfield with just under 5 minutes to play. Angel Henson found a couple of his receivers for decent gains and after settling for a nice 51-yard field goal, we knew that a 20-13 lead wasn't easy to bring to the finish line. Earnest Ashley found Ed Schulz for 16 yards on third and long, helping the clock tick down to the last two minutes. But as we thought we were about to secure the victory, Ashley's throw to Schulz was picked off and returned to midfield. Angel Henson found a receiver for 22 yards, scrambled for 3 yards and at our 25-yard line, they looked ready to tie it up. Our pass rushers looked still fresh and Archie Exner broke up their second down play. On third down, our shutdown corner Ernie Grant got the better of their tight end, batting the ball away. On fourth down Jerome Shumway got through the line and as Henson tossed the ball away, we had it back with 48 seconds remaining. The Red Menace had to spend their time outs to stop our unsuccessful running plays, but a solid punt pinned them just outside their own red zone with 12 seconds remaining. A short toss to the tight end sealed the deal, he got tackled quickly and the game was over: Merchantmen win, 20-13!

Earnest Ashley crashed back to earth, completing just 22 of 49 passes for 284 yards (still a great figure, obviously), with 2 interceptions. He did throw and run for a score, which turned out to be the only two offensive touchdowns of the game. Ed Schulz had 8 receptions for 142 yards, while George Stuckey had 7 catches for 88 yards. Bert Ta'Amu was held to just 58 yards on 28 carries, oof.

Elsewhere across the league, the Gothenburg Giants beat the Chesapeake Chitterlings 27-14 and will play their third straight home game next. The Paris Musketeers were crushed 30-7 at the reigning NAC champions Williamsburg Colonials, while the Bordeaux Vineyards lost 20-16 at home against the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums.

European Division
1. Gothenburg 2-0
2. Maassluis 2-0
3. Bordeaux 0-2
4. Paris 0-2

Our next stop will be at the Rochester Razorbacks, who started the season with two closes losses.

Joining us there will be linebacker Preston Bradford, whom we acquired for a fourth round pick next draft from the Outer Banks Ospreys. The second year defender didn't seem to get a lot of playing time there and I see him as a suitable addition to our pass defense and good enough to play on running downs as well. With the decline and age of our linebackers group, some fresh blood is very welcome. I don't expect to see him play much in this game, but after our bye week we'll see how to get him involved.

To make a roster spot available, second-year quarterback Kelvin Everett will be released. Our third round project from last season will leave us barely into his second season with us. Our previous offensive coordinator wasn't to be taken serious on his assessment of Everett, but our current coordinator has no praise about him. He can sense the rush and scramble, he's smart, but he doesn't have the arm to succeed at this level of football. We never worried about his size, although he might have been better suited as a running back?

And that's it for today.
Two wins in a row to start the season. Last time we did that, we were 4-0 after week 5 of the 2093 season and still 5-1 after week 7. We won only 2 more games down the stretch and finished the season with a 7-8-1 record. And eventually it marked the end of Moe Sheldon's period as our starting quarterback. Sheldon hung around for two more seasons, but only in a backup role, mentoring our current quarterback Earnest Ashley. A player that so far this season gives us hope that we're finally back in to the race for the division title, but today his old turnover habits and struggles with completing passes returned. New game plan, old habits, or was today just an anomality? We're about to find out in the next game, or the 13 to 17 remaining this season...

MIJB#19

03-31-2021, 02:36 PM

General Manager Notes: three down, sixteen to go?
No, no, no, don't get over excited now...

The Merchantmen were back in business. Third game in as many game day weeks and this time facing the winless Rochester Razorbacks, in their place.

First quarter, first possession. Malachi Pierson finally showed why we signed him, bringing the opening kickoff to our 48-yard line. Earnest Ashley's first deep throw to Ed Schulz got defended, but after finding Clay Gaynor for 13 yards, it was Schulz on the 35-yard reception. And then Schulz again from 4 yards out to take a 7-0 lead after just 2 minutes. We stuffed their running backs on their first two plays, but after Clayton Jackson allowed an 18-yard catch, we needed two more runs for no gain to make their next pass completion come short for the first down. Mark Perkins returned the punt 16 yards and after Ashley found Schulz on third and four, the big one became Ashley's 40-yard throw to Pierson to reach their red zone. George Stuckey came 2 yards short on second down, but on third down Clay Gaynor made the scoring catch. 14-0 Merchantmen, yay. Our defense continued to dominate, but the Razorbacks took the gutsy move on fourth and second near midfield and kept the drive alive on a run up the middle. Eventually quarterback Kai Silvanic found Gus Perez for a 7-yard touchdown, making it 14-7.

The second quarter saw us start with getting stopped after three plays, but not for the first time this season the defensive line dominated and forced three and out in return. Only to see our offense get stopped short for the second time. But just as the fans though their home team was about to drive downfield, Jerome Shumate was on duty to strip sack Kai Silvanic and also recovered the losse ball. Defensive domination continued, until we surprised them on third and short with letting Earnest Ashley run, seeing him gain 17 yards. It was short lived, three plays later he was rushed into throwing the ball away and all we could do is pin them at their 6-yard line. More domination from our defensive line and for a second we thought Richie Piotte sacked their quarterback in the end zone, but it was eventually called a sack at the 1-yard line. The punt return was moved up field 16 yards by Mark Perkins and on third and long, Ashley connected to Malachi Pierson for 17 yards to move the chains again. Their pass defense showed up on the next three plays and we settled for a 38-yard field goal to increase the lead to 17-7, the half time score.

The second half began with our defense forcing another quick stop and although we were pinned deep inside our own territory, we managed to gain enough ground to push them back to within their own half. This time the pulled the throw on a likely running down trick on us, their wide receiver turn a screen pass on fourth and one into a 27-yard reception. Four plays later, they did run it on another fourth and one. But that's where it ended, the next fourth down turned into a 34-yard field goal to make it 17-10, still in our favor. Our our next possession it was Earnest Ashley to Ed Schulz again for the chains moving plays, leading up to our own fourth down moment, where Ashley failed to connected with any of his receivers, where a 51-yard field goal could have made it a two-score lead again. The defense stood strong on the next drive and Mark Perkins returned the punt 18 yards, while George Stuckey made a 13-yard catch to have the third quarter end with that 17-10 lead for us.

Sitting at midfield, you'd think this was a spot to work on our lead, but as we tried to make a bit of a hail mary pass on the first play in the fourth quarter, it ended up getting intercepted in the end zone. Three plays by Richie Piotte halted the Razorbacks quickly and after another neat punt return from Mark Perkins, we were inside their half to start our drive. Earnest Ashley found Clay Gaynor on third and short and then on the next play saved the drive with a fumble recovery after his running back had dropped it. Bert Ta'Amu is still struggling on our offense, got stopped short on third and short, making us settle for a 38-yard field goal for a 20-10 lead.
Our defense was once again dominant on their possession, but after a 24-yard punt return, Mark Perkins lost the ball and the Razorbacks got it back at their own 34-yard line. This time around they didn't go for it on fourth and one, punting the ball back to us. We failed to gain any ground or waste much time on our possession, seemingly giving them the opportunity to get their drive going for what could be their next to last chance to save the game. Quarterback Kai Silvanic kept the drive going and the chains moving several times, but just past midfield our fast defensive tackles infiltraded their backfield and after Harold Gough sacked the quarterback, Caleb Domis picked up the fumbled ball. Bert Ta'Amu finally woke up with a nice 8 yard run on third and 6, soon after followed by a 13-yard run. Dylan McMullen was given the opportunity to extend the lead to two touchdowns, but his 44-yarder went wide left. Rochester needed Silvanic to run for it on fourth and one to save their drive, but with time running out, he ended up finding our linebacker Brandon Brady to seal the deal. With 1 second remaining, victory formation was called. Maassluis 20, Rochester 10. Another win!

The rest of the division got swept by their Northeast division foes, helping us into the division lead:
1. Maassluis 3-0
2. Gothenburg 2-1
3. Paris 0-3
4. Bordeaux 0-3

For week 4 we'll return home to face the San Antonio Tidal Force, a rematch of the two 2094 drafted quarterbacks Jonathan Freeman, taken #1 overall, and Earnest Ashley, by now the highest paid player of their class.

Earnest Ashley comes off another typical game as he completed only 18 of 38 passes, but still threw for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns. 10 more incomplete passes went to Ed Schulz, which is quickly turning into a trend. It's time to make some adjustment to the game plan to help them both into not getting overused. Bert Ta'Amu continues to struggle and not help Ashley out here, despite that Ta'Amu gained 92 yards today. The defense was tremendous once again.

And now, we're getting to the spot where we're going to expect too much from this team. I can vaguely remember the last time we started the season 3-0, I may have mentioned it the other day already - yes, I did. With this team, you can never know what happens next. Three good showings from a team that I know that can play this well, but we're not sky high talented all around enough to proclaim we're 12-4 bye week material. I mean, some of our players are, but we can't expect Richie Piotte to also play on our offensive line. He'd probably be considered too short and underweight to succeed at it. So, let's keep him on the defensive line, which is actually just barely above average in the pass rush categories, go figure if they'd start playing up to their potential even more... But combined with the secondary and linebackers, they're currently making the case of being a top-notch pass defense.

Reason for optimism is there, now let's not spoil it and continue playing well. Some tweaks to the offensive game plan will be made, as will we make some defensive personnel changes after the arrival of Preston Bradford as our new elite zone defending linebacker. Keep this going, Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

04-01-2021, 02:43 PM

General Manager Notes: Been here, done that...
But can we keep it going this time around?

Location: Oranje Haven. Opponent: the San Antonio Tidal Force. Week four of the 2097 season, our Merchantmen are playing above expectations, being on a 3-game winning streak to start the season. The visitors are coming off their first victory of the season, wanting more of that.

The Merchantmen defense was on the job on the first San Antonio possession, forcing three and out, after standing firm on a third and two run. After Mark Perkins' 25-yard punt return, Earnest Ashley found George Stuckey for 25 yards, then brushed away a sack and a third and very long situation with a 21-yard toss to Clay Gaynor. After a 15-yarder to Clarence Gore, the touchdown pass from Ashley went to Malachi Pierson for the 7-0 lead. The San Antonio offense responded well, anchored by a 29-yard pass by Johnathan Freeman, they needed less than 3 minutes to level the score 7-7. Bert Ta'Amu apparently liked the new game plan for this game, starting the second Merchantmen drive with 8-yard and 10-yard runs. Ashley found Ed Schulz for a 23-yard gain and with slow but steady play, the 13-yard touchdown pass to Stuckey was set up for the 14-7 Merchantmen lead. The Tidal Force looked unimpressed and quickly brought the ball to into our territory before the end of the quarter.

And then the show really started. Archie Exner ran around the left tackle and floored quarterback Freeman. It didn't keep them from kicking a 31-yard field goal, but the tone of the game was set. Although, other kinds of drama came first as we got stopped quickly on our third possession, followed by back-to-back interceptions by the two quarterbacks. The Tidal Force marched downfield on their next drive, but their kicker missed a 42-ard field goal to maitina our 14-10 lead. Three and out was our offense's faith again, giving San Antonio rookie running back Junior Gregson (boy, did I want that kid, I tried to trade for him) another chance to run through our defense. Not big gains, but short ones that were good enough to move the chains. Caleb Donis made sack number two, but the bigger one was the team effort with Archie Exner on third down to push them out of field goal range. Not much happened in the remainder of the second quarter, ended it with us still leading 14-10.

Bert Ta'Amu got things moving in the third quarter, not a big gain, but short ones to keep possession, until Earnest Ashley got sacked on third and very long. San Antonio got the ball back, but the pass rush from our defensive line had only gotten warmed up and Darien Fletcher and Archie Exner (again) brought quarterback Freeman down to force a punt. The Ashley to Ed Schulz magic quickly returned and a 20-yarder and a 38-yarder were all we needed to jump to a 21-10 lead. San Antonio's next drive was disrupted by Richie Piotte's sack, giving us the opportunity to take full advantage of Mark Perkins' 23-yard punt return. Ashley connected with Schulz for 9 yards and George Stuckey for 11 yards to set up Dylan McMullen's 45-yard field goal. Three and out on both ends followed, seeing a third one by our defense's hands with two stuffed runs and another sack by Archie Exner. The special teams unit, improved with Brandon Brady, then blocked the punt and Brady himself recovered it in the end zone to extend our lead to 31-10.

The fourth quarter started with some hope restoration for San Antonio with a 20-yard run from Junior Gregson followed by bad boy Ernie Grant's unnecessary roughness penalty. The Tidal Force came close, but not quite enough to settle for a 40-yard field goal. Our next drive was extended by Earnest Ashley's 11-yard toss to Clay Gaynor and a couple of completions to Bert Ta'Amu, showing his added value to our passing game. Settling for a field goal wasn't bad, the 36-yarder increased our lead to 34-13 with just over 6 minutes to go.
Down so big, San Antonio had no choice but to go into pass heavy mode and after a pass interference call and 27-yard and 11-yard gains, they thought they would make it work. But no, our defensive ends Richie Piotte and Archie Exner each added another sack to their tallies, the second one making it turn into a turnover by recovering the fumble. Our offense took some time off the clock and then from the side lines saw Darien Fletcher and Gene Kondovski join the sack party with a solo sack each. On fourth and 24 at their own 6-yard line, their offense still tried and failed. Two plays later Bert Ta'Amu ran it in for a 41-13 lead. San Antonio's final drive didn't saw an addition to the 11 sacks, but after their punt, backup quarterback Efrain Batcheck took the honors of the victory knee. 41-13, Merchantmen. Sweet.

A quarterback slaughtering performance, one rarely seen. The closest memory I have is the one we put on Gene Ballard of the Miami Sharks in our 33-3 IHOF Bowl victory. Sure, this wasn't the biggest stage in the league, but a daunting performance still. A showing like this seriously boosts the confidence in our defense.

The struggles elsewhere in the division somewhat continued and now we're even stronger in the lead:
1. Maassluis 4-0
2. Gothenburg 2-2
3. Paris 1-3
4. Bordeaux 0-3

It's way too early to think much of it. We could still end up dead last with a 4-12 record far behind a triplet of 11-5 teams. The four teams we beat have combined for 2 wins in 16 games played. That said, as of now, we're the division leaders and will continue to be so when we face the Atlanta Viper after our bye week. That should be a tremendous clash of defenses, theirs is on paper even more daunting that ours has been so far. It may come as no surprise that for that game, more tweaks to the offensive game plan will be made, we need to focus on not getting too predictable for the opponents...

MIJB#19

04-02-2021, 07:57 PM

General Manager Notes: The bye week blues
We're orange-white and blue

Yo, listen up: here's a story
About the little guys that live in an orange-white-and-blue world.
And all day and all night,
And everything they see is just orange-white-and-blue like them, inside and outside.
Orange-white-and-blue: their house, with an orange-white-and-blue little window,
Their own Oranje Haven.
And everything is orange-white-and-blue for them,
And themselves, and everybody around,
'cause they ain't got nobody to play ball, to play ball.

We're orange-white-and-blue
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di

We're orange-white-and-blue
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di

We have Oranje Haven with an orange-white-and-blue window.
Orange-white-and-blue is the colour of all that we wear.
Orange-white-and-blue are the streets and all the trees are too.
We have a girlfriend and she is so orange-white-and-blue.
Orange-white-and-blue are the people here that walk around,
Orange-white-and-blue like Oranje Haven's in and outside.
Orange-white-and-blue are the words we say and what we think.
Orange-white-and-blue are the feelings that live inside us.

We're orange-white-and-blue
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di

We're orange-white-and-blue
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di

We have Oranje Haven with an orange-white-and-blue window.
Orange-white-and-blue is the colour of all that we wear.
Orange-white-and-blue are the streets and all the trees are too.
We have a girlfriend and she is so orange-white-and-blue.
Orange-white-and-blue are the people here that walk around,
Orange-white-and-blue like Oranje Haven's in and outside.
Orange-white-and-blue are the words we say and what we think.
Orange-white-and-blue are the feelings that live inside us.

We're orange-white-and-blue
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di

We're orange-white-and-blue
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di
Da ba dee da ba di, da ba dee da ba di

MIJB#19

04-03-2021, 04:58 PM

General Manager Notes: For the 6th time in team history?
Who cares about sample size and the perceived easy schedule?

Five times in Merchantmen history did we start the regular season with 5 victories. Today was our chance to achieve it for the 6th time. Let's dig into the history books first and then find out whether we lived up to the hype and did it again.

2012
It was in the middle of the Louie Flannery era, a Merchantmen offense with nearly two 1,000-yard rushers (Courtney Osgood 1,037 yards, Quentin Hatchette 960 yards), the first season of wide receiver Alfredo Bass on our offense. The defense had the same backbone as it had been since the inaugural 2004 season with defensive tackle Charles Gomez, middle linebacker Cody Cluff and strong safety Lincoln Gilmore. It was a weird season as we started the season with 5 wins, then dropped to 5-5, improved to 10-5 and then chocked the division title in week 17 at home against the fourth place Gothenburg Giants. We avenged it with a win at the Bordeaux Vineyards in the wild card round, then got crushed by R.J. Ellard's 214 yards rushing for the Tucker Tigers en route to their 37-12 victory.

2040
The season after our first IHOF Bowl participation, where we lost and eventually released quarterback Jay McGee in the off-season. As a result it became the infamous quarterback controversy season: Harry Osborne versus Harvey Corbett. I've written a chapter about Osborne before, do look it up. The crux of things, we started the season 8-0, dropped a game, continued winning, then had the chance in week 13 to grab the virtual #1 seed at the Tucker Tigers, but lost there and eventually settled for #2 with a 13-3 record, only to get crushed 24-0 after the bye by the hands of the Atlanta Vipers.

2058
The season after our second IHOF Bowl loss in our second bowl game. 2057 was the season after Lester Lowe had taken over for Bryson Chow, still sitting around as the backup quarterback, this was Lowe's first season starting from opening weekend. We were hard to stop, starting the season 8-0, albeit helped by a lot of home games early on. We then lost big at home against Paris and then close ones at Tucker and Fairbanks to eventually finish 13-3 and #2 in the conference. This time no humiliation, but we did go one-and-done losing 17-14 in a snow game at home against the San Antonio Tidal Force.

2059
Yes, the season after, we outdid ourselves, winning the first 10 regular season games, including a 38-14 pounding of the Tucker Tigers. We then lost at the Chicago Norsemen 29-24, but finished the season with five more wins, highlighted with a 63-3 demolition of the Bordeaux Vineyards. 15-1, #1 seeds, #1 offense with 562 points scored (second best was 468), #1 defense with 254 points allowed (second best was 268). And then the Atlanta Vipers came and popped our bubble. 31-17, it wasn't even really close. Most unsatisfying season in team history.

2071
The comeback season of Alfred Hickman, our IHOF Bowl winning quarterback (or as some fans keep claiming: in spite of Hickman's interceptions; hold that thought) returned after spending a season with the North Plainfield Plague. We won the first 6 regular season games, then barely won one in five and finished the regular season with 5 more wins to close it out at 12-4 and losing the #2 seed on conference record tie-breakers. Hosting the #6 seeded Houston Mustangs, we felt we should win here. But then Alfred Hickman three 6 interceptions, paving the way for Houston's 23-7 victory. Our last four drives of the game all ended in a pick. We were trailing 13-7, so basically still in the race, before that stretch.

In Summary
All that said, it must come as no surprise that starting the season 5-0 sounds awesome, the Merchantmen have a distinct way of disappointing their fans (and in particular their owner) by hinting that good things are to come, only to see it all fall apart come playoffs time.

2097, week 6
So back to today's game, a much anticipated defensive clash with the Atlanta Vipers. They had a strong 2096 campaign, falling apart late in the season, falling from 11-2 to 11-5 and one-and-done as #2 seeds, losing all of the last four games by huge margins. Their 2097 campaign has started tough with a 38-17 trouncing of Houston, followed by close losses at Oakland (currently 6-0) and Tucker (currently 5-1) and after their bye a 30-3 loss at home against the Bordeaux Vineyards, a complete deception.

Well, the first quarter was a confidence booster for Atlanta, coming out of it leading 14-7 and in possession. Their first touchdown drive was a screen pas turning into a 26-yard gain and on their second possession short tosses turned into 32-yard and 24-yard gains, the later for the touchdown and a 14-7 lead. In between, we had scored after Earnest Ashley had found Ed Schulz for 48 yards on our first play from scrimmage to set up the eventual dump pass to Clay Gaynor for a touchdown.

The second quarter was highlighted by Earnest Ashley finding Ed Schulz wide open for an 80-yard touchdown pass, soon after replied by Atlanta's 45-yard field goal, which we eventually responded to with Adam Harmon's interception near their red zone that set up a the first half ending 30-yard field goal for a 17-17 tied score.

The third quarter the balance tilted into Merchantmen favor, as Jon Brotzman accounted for pick number two, which ended up in Earnest Ashley running for a short gain to take a 24-17 lead. On the very next play, ignoring the kicking stuff, Adam Harmon made his second pick of the day to set up a 33-yard field goal for the 27-17 lead. Defenses dominated for the remainder of that quarter.

Then in the fourth quarter things went from bad to worse for Atlanta. On their drive that looked to at least give them 3 points, Caleb Domis pulled off a rare strip sack followed by returning the fumble the full 71 yards for a touchdown and the 34-17 lead. On Atlanta's next drive we stripped their running back from the ball and recovered the fumble near midfield. After converting on fourth and one, Earnest Ashley used his legs to get into the red zone and his arm to find Ed Schulz in the end zone for the 41-17 lead. The drama continued for Atlanta, as penalties pushed them into a 4th and 27 situation and as their decided to go for it with, Richie Piotte floored their quarterback at their own 4-yard line. Ashley's attempt to run for the touchdown failed, but the 21-yard field goal increased the lead to 44-17. A missed 49-yard field goal attempt from the Vipers added even more to the drama, finishing the game as we ran out the clock.

Gothenburg beat Paris 23-19, while Bordeaux fell 31-26 to Fort Wayne, our next opponent.

European Division
1. Maassluis 5-0
2. Gothenburg 4-2
3. Bordeaux 1-4
4. Paris 1-5

So, there, we're still in the lead, having faced the easiest schedule (our opponents combine for 6-21-2). And now have a monkey on our back the size of a silverback gorilla, because if history repeats itself, we're in for a heartbreaking end of this season after the team has teased us all to think we're actually good. Well, let's keep that hope and fantasy alive for now! We'll be visiting the Fort Wayne Fury next and although I'm fully expecting it to be a trap game, we do have to believe that we can pull of a victory at this 2-4 team in their third home game of the season. But it really depends on whether the team shows up that crushed Toronto 52-20, or the one that was clobbered 44-9 by Gothenburg and Mercury Pierce's third 6-touchdown game. I hope the latter, but fear the former. We'll have to wait and see what happens...

MIJB#19

04-04-2021, 04:46 PM

General Manager Notes: When you stand corrected
Or how you sometimes find a horrible typo.

Let's refresh our memory on an article about the fifth round pick tradition in Maassluis.
General Manager Notes: Fifth round magic!
Myth or reality?Okay, let's skip past the introduction and the list of cool names.
But back to today, we had two 5th round picks in this ongoing 2091 draft and we made our selections. RB Trey Beyer was our pick at 5.9, TE Clarence Gore our 5.23 pick. Beyer has the hole recognition and breakaway speed combination that we like for our running backs. Gore has route running, endurance and some blocking skills. I mean, if they live up to potential, obviously.

We'll see what happens this time around. In all those years, 23 of 354 fifth round picks didn't make the regular season roster. There's no guarantee for these picks to make the team. Just ask our 5th round pick from last season DT Tyrone Hanson, who is smart enough to not have retired just yet, that kid does have the potential to be a solid pass rusher somewhere, someday...First of all, as likely as 354 fifth round picks sound, that would assume we went through the first 88 drafts using 4 picks per draft. That's obviously not true. The actual figure through the 2091 draft was 89.

And now that we're on that topic, after Beyer and Gore in that 2091 draft, we used only 3 more fifth round picks. 2096 pick Ronnie Vanden Bosch is currently our backup running back to Bert Ta'Amu, waiting on the sidelines in case Ta'Amu gets hurt. Last season Vanden Bosch 'started' all 16 regular season games, but was actually our RB2 behind Trey Beyer, a fellow fifth round pick.

Trey Beyer is currently unemployed, hoping to get a call from any IHOF team to step in for an injured starter of backup. Beyer was our main ball carrier last season and the two seasons before that. I wrote a snippet about him after we released, but I didn't mention that he eventually ran for 2,621 yards and 21 touchdowns for us, with an additional receiving touchdown and a very respectable 3 fumbles in 617 ball touches. I don't expect him to return to us, unless an injury does roll around, as Beyer is the most suitable candidate on the open market. Maybe we should have kept him over the headcase linebacker Daquan Espino that's getting $7.5M for watching every game from the stands.

Clarence Gore was our other 2091 pick and he's still standing strong, recently joining the Club of 100 and despite being #5 in line in targets, he made a big 68-yarder in week 1 to prove his worthiness. He's already 7th in Merchantmen history amongst receiving tight ends in yardage, 6th in receptions and tied 8th in touchdowns. Not bad when you're stuck behind Clay Gaynor, who might catch him in all three categories by the end of the season, if he steps it up a bit after a relative slow start to this season; Gaynor had 80+ catches the last two seasons for 900ish yards.

We kept one fifth round pick each in the drafts of 2093 and 2095. The latter was spent on smart, fast receiver from Virginia Tech names Nicolas Coady, but his combine scores didn't translate into football skills and he didn't even survive the pre-season cuts that off-season and gave up on his professional football dream in the ensuing off-season. The 2093 pick we spent on left tackle Byron Irvin. We actually let him play on special teams in 9 games and he saw the field in two blowout losses in his rookie season. We gave up on him after his second training camp, not making our 60-men pre-season roster in 2094, he retired from football in the following off-season. So it goes...

2088 pick defensive tackle Kurt Ackerman retired this off-season. He deserves being mentioned on the list of successful fifth rounders as he played 88 games for us in a support pass rush role.

Elsewhere in the league, a couple of our fifth round picks are actually still standing strong. 2090 pick Trey Samuels is still playing for the Paris Musketeers, after we moved him from running back to wide receiver in his rookie training camp, released him after his second training camp with us and then Paris picked him up. He's currently on their roster for a $14.5M cap figure and listed as a starter, despite not getting a lot of targets.

Tight end Randy Holliday was one of our 2087 picks, in 2088 he was actually listed as our starter, then in 2089 moved to our special teams unit and in the 2090 pre-season was cut right after training camp. He didn't give up and in the 2091 off-season was hired by the Tucker Tigers with the intention to move him to center and become their offensive line leader. He was twice released before the season start, but both times re-hired on the day of the bowl game. And today, that's what he is: the unit leader of the offensive line.

Our 2085 pick Tucker Gaylor was a promising wide receiver, broke out in his third season in Maassluis with 51 catches for 720 yards, playing in 7 playoffs games during his tenure. Then we traded him in the 2088 off-season to Paris, which is where he played throughout the 2094 season, with 2092 being his only season in a major role with 49 catches for 568 yards and 6 touchdowns. He signed with the Atlanta Vipers in the 2095 off-season, spending all season inactive there. After sitting out 2096 without a contract, he retired the past off-season. In retrospect, a missed opportunity, I think he was 1,000-yard material.

So, Gore and Vanden Bosch are keeping up appearances in Maassluis this season. And to be fair, they are a fair representation of our tradition. 68 of 92 fifth round picks made the regular season roster as a rookie. Including this season, they tally up to 377 seasons on roster (maybe that's what the aforementioned 354 had to be linked with?), roughly 4 seasons on team per pick. 25 of them are members of the Club of 100. I'm going to pad my own shoulder here, we're having good results with these kind of picks.

MIJB#19

04-06-2021, 02:15 PM

General Manager Notes: Win some, lose some
Or the other way around?

We played two more games since my last report and the results were almost night and day different. Our road game at the Fort Wayne Fury was one to forget quickly, which will be very hard actually. And the road game at the Paris Musketeers one to cherish, but we'll know to not take things for granted and understand that we need to keep this level of play up to withstand the Gothenburg Giants that are on our tail.

So, Fort Wayne on the road. We allowed only one touchdown on the Fury's opening drive, which started after Earnest Ashley was picked off on a long bomb at their 1-yard line on our first play from scrimmage. But where the Fury slow but steadily kept turning screen passes into 25-yard gains, we struggled to get even 10 yards out of 3 plays. The end result was that they scored 6 field goals en route to a 25-13 victory. Our first touchdown was Richie Piotte's 44-yard strip sack recovery for 44 yards, while Ashley ran for the second one with 4 minutes to go, when the game was pretty much over. Actually, a blocked punt with 2 minutes to go gave us one more chance, but we ran out of downs before we ran out of time outs. Ashley threw for 86 yards, Ed Schulz had 0 catches on 8 targets. Yes, you read that right: 0 catches on 8 targets. Bert Ta'Amu ran for 38 yards against his old time on just 11 carries. We had possession of the ball less than 17 minutes. We gave up 480 total yards, we gained 115 total yards.

So, how do you respond to that? Earnest Ashley responded with 466 yards and 3 touchdowns, completing 11 passes to George Stuckey for 205 yards and 5 passes to Ed Schulz for 134 yards, both scoring one touchdown. The defense still got run all over just like in week 1 against Paris, but our pass defense kept them in check enough to make our 526 total yards really count.

Gothenburg keeps on winning, beating the San Antonio Tidal Force 38-24, while Bordeaux lost at them and followed by by losing 28-3 at home against the Houston Mustangs.

Division
1. Maassluis 6-1
2. Gothenburg 5-2
3. Paris 1-6
4. Bordeaux 1-6

I mentioned the Houston Mustangs, they will be our next opponents. They're sitting a top their division as well, with a 5-2 record. This could be a pass heavy game, in a sense that Houston and Maassluis rank as the top two in the league in yards per completion. Our pass defense is slightly more scarier, while the running games (offense and defense) are somewhat on par. Even their special teams play isn't far off from ours. So yeah, this could be a close one, it shall be no surprise that the home playing Mustangs are slightly favored.

So, back to today's game, we'll have to understand that George Stuckey's performance was far from unique, yet it was the 30th time a Merchantmen player gained 200+ yards receiving. (Sadly the Solecismic record books are broken for the time period 2079 through 2085, which meant I had to track some of the numbers by hand). Stuckey is the 12th player to achieve this, the full list (with season achieved for the first time and total 200+ games):
2012 Alfredo Bass
2016 Gabe Springer (4x)
2017 Vince McAlister
2030 Terry Thomason
2044 Terry Haskell (2x)
2055 Kai Oburn (2x)
2057 Riddick Stanley
2066 Gerald Cook
2077 J.R. Mills (4x)
2085 Theodore Bondy (11x, including 2x playoffs)
2096 Ed Schulz
2097 George Stuckey

It may come as no surprise that Theo has the single-game franchise record with 285 yards in week 17 of the 2086 season, that season where he had 167 catches for 2,449 yards and 19 touchdowns.

On this list, the one player that really feels like an oddity is Gerald Cook, despite that he had excellent route running ability, we tried to use him as a double coverage magnet and get Bubba Ellard, Riddick Stanley, J.T Rivera or tight end Michael Tenbroeke open. Given that it was the 2066 season, it was easy to forget any offensive accolades though, our defense carried us through the season and specifically in the playoffs. Go ask the Texas Sharks quarterback...

Still, it's kind of surprising that Stuckey broke out today, he jumped up from 22 to 33 receptions and 246 yards to 451 yards. He's always had to fight for his roster spot, was actually traded during one pre-season, until the acquiring team backed out of the deal. He had two 100-yard games until today, both 117-yard showings, but in divisional demolitions. Well, today sticking with Stuckey paid off.

Anyway, we're firmly back on earth with at least one foot. Should have been two feet, but the win today makes the offday in Fort Wayne feel like that: an offday. But there's really no reason to think we can't run in a similar stinker in the remaining 13 weeks of the season. Yes, I'm going to remain optimistic, we're still in the race, firmly, and should strive for getting to week 21. But to get there, we'll have to play well in week 9 first.

MIJB#19

04-07-2021, 01:22 PM

General Manager Notes: Big test passed?
We won on the road, again, that's big.

over the years, I mean decades, we've come to dislike playing at the Mustangs. We won there in 2091, but back then we snapped a 7-game losing streak in Houston. And with them leading their division with a 5-2 record, there was every reason to believe Vegas about us being 4-point underdogs.

Malachi Pierson made our first drive count, returning the kickoff 31 yards and four plays later turning third and ten into a 50-yard receiving touchdown, of course coming from the hand of Earnest Ashley. Houston replied with a 45-yard field goal, which we replied with a 36-yarder to make it 10-3 after two possessions. On our third drive Ashley found George Stuckey for 56 yards and a touchdown and before the first quarter was over, we forced a fumble to retain possession, marching into Houston territory before the change of ends.

Earnest Ashley completed a 26-yarder to Ed Schulz to get into the red zone and eventually connected on an 8-yarder to Clay Gaynor for a 23-3 lead. We managed a decent bend but don't break defensive drive, while the offense responded with another solid drive, leaning heavily on Bert Ta'Amu's legs and in the last two plays on Ashley's ability to find George Stuckey in traffic. It wasn't over yet for the Mustangs fans, Bryson Swafford intercepted Eddie Wright's pass in Houston territory. Ed Schulz caught the touchdown pass, making it 38-3 shortly after the two-minute warning. Houston pulled their quarterback before half time and saw Bradley Hansen drive his team downfield for a 36-yard field goal.

Leading 38-6 going into the second half, there wasn't much more to ask than brining him the victory. A Bert Ta'Amu fumble helped Houston into field goal range and they got the full 8 a couple of plays later. Slowly, but steadily, Houston drove downfield on their next drive, eventually seeing them throw it into the end zone twice to make it 38-22. A woken up Merchantmen offense then saw Earnest Ashley find Ed Schulz for 23 yards to push Houston back to their own 1-yard line to start the fourth quarter.

After two runs for no gain, Devon Farrell made his biggest play of the season so far, picking off a potential deep pass and returning it for a touchdown. Houston regrouped quickly, scoring another touchdown soon after, making it 45-28, and brining more life back into their crowd after our backup kickoff returner Adam Harmon fumbled the ball. Hayden McNeil picked off a screen pass two plays later. After quick three and out, Houston had the ball soon again, in our half, but this time Hayden McNeil made an interception in the end zone. It wasn't quite over yet, Earnest Ashley got picked off, but the resulting Houston possession ended on fourth and long as their quarterback scrambled for just a yard too few. A recovered fumbled on our end from their punt returner set up our 32-yard field goal, while another fourth down failure ended the game in our favor: 48-28.

Gothenburg win 21-3 at Bordeaux, while Paris won 31-23 at the falling apart Atlanta Vipers. At the mid-season point for the entire division, we're the somewhat unexpected, yet deserved division leaders.

Division
1. Maassluis 7-1
2. Gothenburg 6-2
3. Paris 2-6
4. Bordeaux 1-7

Earnest Ashley received more praise, throwing for 296 yards and 5 touchdowns, finding Ed Schulz and George Stuckey for 101 yards each. Bert Ta'Amu had his most productive game for us so far, running for 144 yards and receiving for 22 more. At the same time, with 3 turnovers, we gave Houston a shot, which they really blew with their 6 giveaways. Or shall we be proud about our defense forcing all those turnovers?

Our season continues with a home game against the Bordeaux Vineyards. Despite their record, an opponent not to underestimate. Stay focused and we'll get a big opportunity to improve to 8-1.

MIJB#19

04-08-2021, 04:28 PM

General Manager Notes: Big test upcoming
Unless you think today was a test?

The Bordeaux Vineyards came to town and lucky for us, quarterback Walt Czech was inactivated for this game. That should pave the way for defensive dominance and getting the job done quickly, if the effective offense shows up.

First drive first, Bordeaux had the ball and quickly drove downfield, only to see Derrick Velazquez (who else?) fumble a 24-yard reception, seeing Devon Farrell recover the losse ball. Three and out was our offense's faith and immediately after, Velazquez made up for the booboo, making a 29-yard catch to setup the 24-yard touchdown pass to Bordeaux' fullback for a 7-0 visitors lead. Following another three and out, our special teamer Ike Nixon forced and recovered a fumble on the punt return. After a couple of strong runs from Bert Ta'Amu, Earnest Ashley found Ed Schulz for a dump pass in the end zone to tie it up 7-7. Bordeaux went run heavy and pinned us at our own 6-yard line after a punt, but Ashley quickly responded with a 22-yard toss to Schulz, while Ta'Amu used his legs to move the chains a couple of times to reach Bordeaux territory.

A couple of plays into the second quarter, Earnest Ashley found George Stuckey for 29 yards then two plays later Clay Gaynor for 10 yards and a touchdown to turn the score into a 14-7 lead. On Bordeaux' next drive, another tight end fumbled the ball as Hayden McNeil pried the ball loose and Andrew Cochrane recovered it in field goal range. Ashley found Ed Schulz on third and longish, twice, and Clay Gaynor on third and goal to make it 21-7. A 30-yard pass and a 26-yard run brought Bordeaux into our red zone, but after Caiden Croyle made a 16-yard sack, Bordeaux was pushed back and saw their kicker miss the 42-yard field goal attempt. Our next drive didn't see much special, but neither did Bordeaux', making Mark Perkins punt return for 23 yards a bit of a highlight. Right after the two-minute warning, Ashley found Clay Gaynor on third and long for 16 yards. A face mask penalty moved us into the red zone and Ashley then found George Stuckey for the 28-7 lead. We actually tried to get the ball back for the break, but had just enough time left to run one more play.

The second half started with an old fashioned smashmouth offense, seeing Bert Ta'Amu run for 14 yards and 8 yards. Helped by penalties and Erneast Ashley once again finding Clay Gaynor on third down, we marched into field goal range. Ashley was sacked on second down, but after Isaac Delgado (boy, will we pay for our miscalculation that makes him a free agent) recovered the fumbled ball, Dylan McMullen nailed a 45-yard field goal for a 31-7 lead. Bordeaux did just enough to pin us at our own 6-yard line and on their punt return gained 21 yards to break into our territory, only to see a bunch of penalties push them back into third and 27. Momentum did appear to flip after their punt, as Ashley's toss to George Stuckey got picked off and returned deep inside our red zone. A 5-yard pass into the end zone trimmed Bordeaux' deficit to 31-13 after a missed two-point attempt. Bordeaux was reborn, forcing three and out and seeing their fill in quarterback find Leonard Gagliardi for 16-yard and 15-yard gains shortly before the end of the third quarter.

Momentum flipped back to Maassluis on the first play of the fourth quarter as Hayden McNeil accounted for his second takeaway of the day by picking off a short pass. A Bordeaux penalty on third down saved our possession, then seeing Earnest Ashley find Bert Ta'Amu for 24 yards to get us into field goal range, only to see Ashley picked off for the second time a couple of plays later. Bordeaux then was stalled by our defense, which then turned into a punt return into Mark Perkins, which he then turned into a 92-yard touchdown. 38-13, Maassluis. Game over? Bordeaux was unwilling to give up just yet, they marched downfield with 22-yard and 24-yard passes, until Devon Farrell picked off a pass and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown. 45-13, with two phenomenal returns, how about that? Bordeaux then turned to their third string quarterback, actually got into the end zone on that drive, but with the scoreboard showing 45-19, neither team felt the need to stop our final drive with a time out, so that was it.

A dominating first half, followed by a second half where Bordeaux tried and got outscored by two 90+ returns. That too is football. Gothenburg crushed Atlanta 49-17, while Paris lost 28-20 at home against Houston.

European Division
1. Maassluis 8-1
2. Gothenburg 7-2
3. Paris 2-7
4. Bordeaux 1-8

Next up: Gothenburg at Maassluis and Paris at Bordeaux. While the French teams are probably seeing their season as a lost cause by now, 6-2-1 right now isn't sufficient to reach the playoffs, the clash in Oranje Haven will be for the division lead. It's one of those games where we always struggle, somehow we're not so good at seizing the opportunity when we can create a cushion between ourselves and the second placed team.

Let's see if we can pull a trick on the Giants in this game, we know they're going to try something, but we're not shy of trying that as well in this particular matchup. Although given our recent success, it doesn't feel opportune to throw everything around here, so there's that to consider... Big game tomorrow, I hope we'll play well, in which case we have a reasonable chance to win. Prove we can, Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

04-09-2021, 01:39 PM

General Manager Notes: When the big test turns into a bigger challenge
Or: what to expect when a key player goes down with an injury?

Lunch in hand, screen all ready to watch our game of the season, a clash at home against the Gothenburg Giants, one game behind our unexpected strong 8-1 start of the season. The first quarter went from a tremendous 45-yard deep pass from Earnest Ashley to Ed Schulz to a 83-yard pick six to put us 7-0 down, then this happened on the third play of our second possession:3-4-MAA31 (1Q: 12:34) Earnest Ashley pass completed to WR Ed Schulz for 32 yards. Tackled by CB Rodolfo Torres. Schulz gained 23 yards after the catch. Maassluis's Earnest Ashley was hurt on the play.*sigh*

I forgot about the game, our franchise quarterback was injured and ruled out for the rest of the day, I had to know how bad it is first. The verdict a calf injury, expected to miss 4 more games after today. We might as well be 8-6 by then and eliminated from the playoffs. Goodness, what a sad moment for this season.

The game actually continued, obviously, but more turnovers hurt our chances: a rare occurance of a lost fumble from both our kickoff returner and punt returner, followed by a strip sack of QB2 Efrain Batcheck and a silly late game interception in our last huzzah opportunity. We outgained Gothenburg, but losing the turnover battle 5-1 is almost always a one way ticket to the L-column.

European Division:
1. Gothenburg 8-2
2. Maassluis 8-2
3. Bordeaux 2-8
4. Paris 2-8

Tie-breakers already make it that so the two French teams will finish 3rd and 4th, the division title is officially a two-horse race now.

No time to cry over the Ashley injury though, we signed Batcheck last season for the moment this would or could happen. The big test turned into a test of what we'll look like without our franchise quarterback and we know now: we can still gain yardage, Batcheck completed 19 of 34 passes for 290 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. The bad news is that our next two home games will see us host two 7-2-1 teams. Our Asstoria Heroes like cupcake schedule ended with today's game.

Time to take a deep breath, regroup and move on. We're still in a good position to go places. We'll have to find ways to win without Ashley, maybe the solid defense can return to their solid play of the first 5 games, that would help tremendously. So, Merchantmen, go to the film room, what how the 2023 regular season went as Rusty Harrison got hurt and backup Patrick McDonnell played to to par in his place, which to this day is still a disappointment that there are no co-MVP titles as they combined for 4,555 yards, 46 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. We'll have to rely on Batcheck to be the 2097 version of Patrick McDonnell. Back then we also had just traded for the best running back in the league in HOF'er Stanley Givens, who played well, but struggled to get to 4.0 yards per carry. And we all know the Merchantmen were also about defense back in the '20s, although that 2023 team lead the league with 507 points scored. That 500-point barrier is still attainable this season. So, Merchantmen of 2097: repeat history, at least for the regular season. Bar the week 17 choke and similar wild card round loss. That team was #1 seed material and so has this team been. Get it together and make it happen!

MIJB#19

04-10-2021, 05:46 PM

General Manager Notes: Don't give up just yet
Two losses in a row, that doesn't mean the season is over!

With Earnest Ashley in the sidelines wearing his casual suit, the keys to the offense were handed to veteran Efrain Batcheck. I remember signing him, in hopes to not really need him, just to be there to step in, in case an injury to Ashley would happen last season. I also considered him as a relatively cheap insurance policy in case we would have to part ways with Ashley. This past off-season we signed Ashley for franchise quarterback money, which sealed the faith for Effin' Efrain: the backup role. Against the Gothenburg Giants he was rushed onto the field, played well, but ill timed turnovers limited the chances to beat them. Today another big test against the division title bound Brooklyn Fightin' Bums.

Those Bums got the ball first and leaning heavily on two big runs from their running back, they took a 7-0 lead. Batcheck looked under pressure, but delivered on a crucial third and long with a 19-yard toss to Clay Gayner to get into field goal range. Smooth tosses to Clarence Gore and Malachi Pierson made it 7-7 as the latter leaped into the end zone. A 45-yard run for a touchdown quickly put Brooklyn back in the lead at 14-7. The pressure was on Batcheck again, this time we had to settle for pinning them deep on the punt. The defense forced three and out and field position seemed to go in our favor.

In the second quarter the Brooklyn quarterback saw his tight end turn a short pass into a 27-yarder and then a screen pass to his fullback became a 37-yarder. They key stop there was insufficient to avoid the 21-7 lead taking touchdown on the next play. We tried to respond on our next possession, Efrain Batcheck found Clarence Gore for 27 yards, but Bert Ta'Amu was struggling and we were forced to punt. The Brooklyn quarterback responded with 21-yard and 16-yard throws, followed by unneccessary roughness called against us and the next play turned into a 24-yard touchdown pass for Brooklyn, seeing them take a 28-7 lead halfway thought the second quarter. Goodness, where has that Merchantmen defense gone from the month and a half of the season? We failed to get deep enough to get into scoring position on our next drive, but pinning them at their own 3-yard line might help, no? The defense stepped it up and after a typical Mark Perkins punt return, we might have something. Batcheck found Clay Gaynor for 12 yards, but his next throw was picked off in their red zone. We needed a penalty and a sack to make their completed pass on third and 19 come short of a first down, but they took enough time off the clock, while our staff completely failed to see that calling a time out or two could have given us a scoring opportunity here. So, we went into the big break trailing 28-7, with the crowd clearly showing their disapproval of our lack of courage.

On the third play from scrimmage of the second half, Efrain Batcheck saw Ed Schulz open deep and the receiver turns it into a 44-yard gain. Bert Ta'Amu and Ed Schulz moved the chains, but deep inside their red zone we got stopped and settled for a 22-yard field goal: 28-10. The next three drives were defense heavy, with Brooklyn pinning us at our own two-yard line. After they stopped us quickly, we finally saw change as Ernie Grant promoted his interception into a 42-yard touchdown. With Bert Ta'Amu running the two-pointer in, it got us back to a more respectable 28-18 deficit. But just as we thought we had them, they complete a deep throw for 33 yards to end the third quarter.

We started the fourth quarter with stout enough defense to force them to punt again, this time getting pinned at our 3-yard line. Efrain Batcheck took the challenge, completing a 15-yarder to George Stuckey, running for 8 yards and a couple of plays finding Ed Schulz for 18 yards on third and long. A sack on third down at midfield then stopped our drive, meaning all the effort just turned into a bit of field position improvement. Our run defense was abysmal on the next drive, giving up 9-yard, 17-yard and 13-yard runs, eventually leading up to a 53-yard field goal that their kicker (lucky for us) missed.

So, with 3 minutes to go, 10 points down, we might still have a chance. But that chance ended pretty quickly. Despite a 13-yard toss to George Stuckey and a 13-yader to Bert Ta'Amu, a sack and false start penalty in between lead up to a fourth and seven situation. Instead of going for a short throw to move the chains (we still have time outs as well), Batcheck is asked to go for it and his deep throw to Malachi Pierson got defended. Brooklyn runs our or time outs and they need just one more 13-yard run to make that worthless. Brooklyn 28, Maassluis 18.

Such a let down. The first half was a disaster, we failed to take some risks when it was warranted and we took a bigger risk than needed when we didn't have to. A bigger let down is seeing us lose two big tests at home, after we went 4-1 on the road to get to that 8-1 record. At 8-3, we're still in a very good spot to go place, but, with 3 of those 5 games on the road, I can't feel confident at all. Our next home game will be against the 8-2-1 Orlando Talons, I feel like we really have to lock somebody in the film room to work out a game plan to stop the #2 offense in the league. They have scored 20+ in every single game so far, no other team has achieved that.

European Divsion
1. Gothenburg 9-2
2. Maassluis 8-3
3. Bordeaux 3-8
4. Paris 3-8

Yeah, the eliminated French teams all of a sudden start winning games, albeit against NAC Mid-Atlantic teams that are 3-win teams as well.

So, Orlando next. Earnest Ashley is still out, and in all honestly, we can't even blame Batcheck as he's been playing up to par with Ashley. It's really all up to the defense to step it up in the big games. Sure, Houston and San Antonio were big tests, which they passed, but we're going to need them to show up every game, not just every other week. I know this team can do it, dropping to 10-6 and first team outside the playoffs would be anticlimactic after such a tremendous start. Game by game, drive by drive, play by play. Reset the focus, we can do this, Merchantmen!

MIJB#19

04-13-2021, 11:29 AM

General Manager Notes: 50-50 for the home stretch?
At least for this home game streak.

It was a bit early to give up faith in the team when Earnest Ashley dropped out injured. After all, he was completing only barely over 50% of his passes, surely Efrain Batcheck should be able to copy that, no? But facing the Orlando Talons, half a win ahead of us in the wild card race, this wasn't going to be a game where we'd be the favorites, or were we by a point or so?

It doesn't start well when your kickoff returner muffs the ball and the opponents recover it. All you can hope for then is your defensive stars to step up (and they did) to hold them to a 36-yard field goal. We responded with a decent drive, but closing in on field goal range, we chickened out. Orlando responded, but a couple of sacks eventually stalled their drive just enough to force them to punt to maintain their 3-0 lead. We failed to gain too much ground in return and Orlando woke up on their next drive.

But barely into the second quarter, our defense stepped up again, forcing them to punt. Bert Ta'Amu woke up, big time, with runs for 11, 8, 9 and a catch for 6 yards to move past midfield. We went for it on fourth and one, but our trick play failed. Virtue of our defense, three and out was there to give it back to us. Ta'Amu continued his good day with runs for 6, 7 and 26 yards, but we ended up punting yet again, to pin them deep. Randal Solomon lead an impressive drive from Orlando's 6-yard line and finished it off with a 22-yard touchdown pass to his running back for a 10-0 lead. Our offense was stopped quickly, but just as you'd expected Orlando to run out the clock, they decided to go for it, finding Devon Farrell on their way, picking off Solomon's pass and returning it the full 60 yards for a touchdown! Going into half time trailing 10-7 felt much better.

Orlando had the ball first in the third quarter and moved the ball quickly to end up with a converted 49-yard field goal for their 13-7 lead. Our offense couldn't do much, but neither did they, although they pinned us at our own 1-yard line. Efrain Batcheck finally got his groove going, finding Malachi Pierson for 13 yards and Ed Schulz for 20 yards on the next play. Bert Ta'Amu moved the chains and so did George Stuckey on a 10-yard catch and soon after Ed Schulz on an 18-yard catch converting third and very long. Pierson made another crucial third and long reception to keep the drive going, inside the Orlando red zone.

The drive continued in the fourth quarter as Clay Gaynor made a 22-uard reception on Efrain Batcheck's pass to brush away another third and fifteen play, coming a yard or so short to make the touchdown. It followed two plays later as Bert Ta'Amu bulldozed it in, making the 14-13 lead complete. Orlando fought back, saw Randal Salomon complete a 30-yard pass to one of his receivers and a pair of sacks by the hands of Caiden Croyle and Archie Exner were required to push them out of field goal range. From our 5-yard line, we started another strong drive. A pass interference call on third down moved the chains, but the equally important play became George Stuckey's 44-yard catch. It all stopped there though, as we failed to gain any yards on the next bunch of plays to make a field goal attempt impossible. Our defense forced three and out, which was strengthened by Mark Perkins punt return to midfield. Batcheck found Ta'Amu for 29 yards and another score was inevitible, right? It turned out to be a 33-yard field goal, sufficient to extent our lead to 17-13. Momentum was on us though, Ernie Grant intercepted a screen pass on the first play of the next drive. Slowly, but steadily did we move the ball and take out Orlando's time outs leading up to our 26-yard field goal to jump to a 20-13 lead with under a minute to go. Their kickoff return got the Talons somewhat of a good field position, but their second play turned out to be their last: Preston Bradford intercepted the ball in Orlando territory. Victory formation followed: Merchantmen win 20-13!

Elsewhere, the Gothenburg Giants crushed the Toronto Lake Monsters 37-3, while the Paris Musketeers upset the Tucker Tigers 45-27, meaning the European division leader is now #1 seed bound. Bordeaux extended their winning streak to 3 games.

Division standings
1. Gothenburg 10-2
2. Maassluis 9-3
3. Paris 4-8
4. Bordeaux 4-8

Despite that Orlando played quite solidly in the first half, we somehow took control with that pick six just before half time and turned it all around. We actually outgained them 375 yards to 319 yards, so we can honestly say we were the better team. Turnovers were in our favor, but I think our running game finally made a difference as Bert Ta'Amu had his best game in orange-white-and-blue so far: 137 yards rushing, 35 yards receiving, 1 touchdown, 5.7 yards per carry.

Next up, a road game, at the Chesapeake Chitterlings. Almost any other season a sure loss. This season? They're floating around .250 land, they're on a 6-game losing streak. BUt 5 of those came on the road and today they got unlucky at the 11-1 Oakland Black Panthers, losing 23-20 in overtime after choking a 13-point lead in the last 2 minutes and a half. There are no easy wins in IHOF, especially not against traditionally the league's second best franchise: they're still 126 regular season wins (minus 3 ties) ahead of us. They missed their chances to record win 1000 this season, they'll get their somewhere during next season anyway (only 9 more needed). We're coming off win #903 overall (including playoffs games) and hope to yank it up to 910 this season.

But, one win at a time, drive by drive, play by play. Yet another big test, with Earnest Ashley still out. Keep course, Merchantmen, something like today would be nice.