Part 3 - TE & WR Hits, Misses, and Projections

The Green God

The stir of infected winds howled as the Space Marine labored through the trenches. Once a place of deafening destruction and incessant frenzy was now hollow with mumbled groans and subdued anguish. The marine’s armor sunk deep into the blackened mud as he kneeled beside one of his comrades. The stricken soldier was immobile, albeit the frequent shudders of mind-numbing pain, often progressing into convulsions of indescribable agony. The fallen soldier’s skin was translucent and pale, as fragile as dead, soiled leaves. His body was covered with pockets of sunken yellowed sores. His milk-white eyes rolled restlessly as he clung to life until his labored breath came to an abrupt standstill.

Every marine that lived through the initial onslaught and saw the Virus Bomb fall was now at various stages of the same affliction. Their forces overrun by Tyranids, the Imperium saw no alternative than to unleash their bioweapon upon the planet’s surface as the final solution. The bomb was dropped with one legion holding out as the final remnant of defense. No order of retreat was given to the soldiers. The weapon was designed to wipe out all non-human combatants instantly, which it did to great effect. Unfortunately, any member of the Imperium caught in the winds of its fallout suffered a maligned and drawn-out death.

“There is no honor in this,” the marine said as he stared at his dead comrade. “The Imperium has abandoned us. Forgotten by the Emperor Himself. What is left other than for us to vanish completely out of memory and into death?”

“Do not lose heart brother, all must come to rot and ruin before they can be reborn,” the dead soldier muttered with cold breath.

The Space Marine recoiled in horror, “What DEVILRY is this!?”

“Devilry? Ha!” the corpse laughed, its throat choking with phlegm. “My embrace is the most natural phenomenon in all of Creation. I welcome everyone into my home and to eat from my garden,” the dead soldier smiled.

“Who are you?”

“I am the caretaker of castaways, Lord of Decay, shepherd of the dead, and father of the TE.”

“HERESY! TEs are a pestilent position!” the Space Marine said spitefully. “A plague upon the Tournament of Mania!”

They are the first to suffer from any poor offense

(2024 = Sanders, Theo, Chig, Dissly)

So many are overshadowed by the other weapons on offense

(2024 = Jonnu, Goedert, Colby, Otton, Fant, Kmet, Gesiki, Schultz, Musgrave)

It’s only when the #1 receiver is hurt that they rise to championship-level production

(2024 = Bowers, Ferguson, Taysom, Freirmuth, Engram)

So often are they overlooked and misused by their coaches

2023 = Pitts, Dulcich, Chig, Gesicki, Fant (2024 = Freirmuth, Jonnu, Dulcich, Fant, Gesicki)

They can be overtaken by younger, more explosive backups

2023 = Ertz (2024 = Ertz)

Rarely do they become the top redzone option on offenses

2023 = Hunter, Musgrave (2024 = Ertz, Conklin, Bowers)

“And where do you find yourself, servant of the Imperium? Mere weeks ago, you were a proud Legion of the Emperor, feeding off of destruction. But now, as your body swells with foul disease and your wounds rip open to welcome new infections, you have become so much more glorious! You have found a greater purpose in your darkest hour.”

“Greater purpose?” the marine inquired.

“The Imperium may have dropped the bomb on this planet, but by whose power were your allies and enemies brought to putrescence? With every tragedy, you have fought against me, and with every hardship, I have been by your side. I have reached from the muck and mire to increase the weight of your burden, so that day by day you would grow stronger. This testing is the only way to become what all mankind fears most: death.”

“You are a daemon! Here to torture me in my final moments with your poisoned words!”

“I take no pleasure in such things son. I am a god of joy and laughter, not of doom or despair. My children know that each moment is a gift. That is why I have come. To show you.”

“Show me what?”

The dead soldier’s necrotic hand slowly reached toward the Space Marine’s face. The transition was instant. The marine was standing over his own dead body. “I am the Lord of Life and Rot,” said the voice in the soldier’s head. Time passed quickly in the vision. His once lustrous armor quickly browned with rust. “You wave my color green proudly in your banners. But the moment I bloom beneath your skin, you bleed me out.” His skin was alive with flesh-eating bacteria. “Red is the color of your wrath, but green is what your wrath leaves behind.” All that remained was a skeleton, worn down by time. “My decay shall strip your flesh. My verdigris in all of its shades and hues shall cover your skull. Everything you hold dear eventually comes back to me. In the end, I am an inevitability that all must face. All I need is time.”

Image created by T-Rock using Midjourney

“What do you want from me?” the marine asked.

“I want you to forget no insult or forgive any slight. Let your bitterness fester and your blood boil. Champion what they hate most. Become a steward of the TE and let your fury spread as a virulent plague across the galaxy. Or, you can spend what little time you have left, wallowing in pain and sorrow.”

The marine peeled his glare away from the Lord of Pestilence and stared down the entrenchment. He was the last living member of his legion. “What must I do?” he finally responded.

“You must:

Recognize the teams that funnel their offenses through their TE

(2024 = Andrews, Kincaid)

Foresee the offenses that are an RB injury away from a pass-heavy offense

(2024 = Ferguson, Kittle, Kincaid, Conklin, Bowers, Njoku, Musgrave, Conklin)

Not fear the aging veteran, but expect a steady volume

(2024 = Kelce, Andrews)

Count on steady volume from solid offenses

(2024 = Kelce, Andrews, LaPorta, McBride, Kincaid, Ferguson, Kittle, Pitts, Ferguson, Conklin, Freirmuth)

“Finally, you must entrust your spirit to me,” the Plaguefather continued. “I will take away all misery and all despair. I will raise your brothers from the dead and give them a new life, free of suffering.”

“Our enemies shall wither and die. The Imperium shall wither and die. The universe shall fall into corruption and from the rot and ruin the Lord of All shall rise,” replied the Plague Marine.

Weaknesses of the Flesh

A man can have anything if he is willing to sacrifice. No other place in the universe tests this principle greater than the Dark Prince’s Realm. Those who enter will not encounter grotesque adversaries of mammoth strength guarding its borders. Nor will they be forced to brave treacherous environments. Such overt obstacles of rebuff serve no purpose here. Instead, the God of Pleasure treats all visitors as honored guests, inviting them to indulge every hunger, gratify every lust, and pursue every whim of desire. A domain of excess and splendor, it draws in all those who wish to experience the spectacular heights of the WR position, and ensnares everyone who falls prey to its many pitfalls. To prove mastery over his flesh, the Primarch approached the first circle of corruption.

Trees of silver and tall fields of gold shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight as the Primarch walked by. Their metallic exteriors sang hypnotically as they swayed back and forth in the cool afternoon breeze. The precious flora grew from a soil of ruby that stretched for miles toward a horizon of sapphire peaks. Just as beautiful as this merchant’s paradise was the gentle voice in the wind that welcomed the Primarch.

“Ahh, a son of the Emperor. No one of your stature has ever graced my realm before,” she said elegantly. “Come with me and explore the treasure of my fields, Primarch. Store up for yourself riches beyond measure. With this wealth, one can truly pave their way in the Tournament with the backing of the WR.”

Spend up for the top options in high-performing offenses

(2024 = Lamb, Tyreek, Amon-Ra, Chase, AJ, Aiyuk, Nico, MHJ, Garrett, Pittman)

Do not worry about any offseason changes. You will have security in these elite options.

(2024 = Olave, Adams, Evans, McLaurin, DK, Amari)

Seek the WRs that can operate at all levels of the field as the major receiving option

(2024 = McLaurin, Olave)

“For many men, fortune is a sea that keeps them afloat during uncertainty. A tide that brings them to new ventures. But more often, it is treacherous swell, tossing them back and forth with its waves of worry, and seeking to pull men down under its crushing pressure,” replied the Primarch. His armored boots constantly kicked loose gemstones that lined the flawless diamond pathway.

Do not overlook age as a significant factor

(2024 = Keenan, Diggs, Ridley, Hopkins, Lockett, Cooks)

Do not discount high-passing offenses with funneled targets

(2024 = Lamb, Amon-Ra, Chase, MHJ)

Do not underestimate line issues or quarterback injuries

(2024 = Nabers, McLaurin, Olave, Kirk, Chase, Amari, Palmer)

Do not overlook the unique and explosive players on amazing offenses

(2024 = Waddle, Worthy, Flowers)

It wasn’t long until the narrow road was littered with the remains of past visitors, who refused to let go of their prized possessions, and were crushed under the weight of their material greed.

The Primarch continued into the second circle, led by the heavenly aroma of smoked meat that wafted through the air. He entered a great hall, dimly lit by candlelight, where a solitary chair was seated at the head of a vast banquet table. Each plate of food was decadently presented, each dish masterfully executed, and each morsel perfectly balanced.

“Come and dine with me, son of the Imperium,” the voice invited. “Take your ease and eat from my table. Drink and bring gladness to your heart. You will need your strength in the Tournament.”

Enjoy these alpha receivers who excelled on less impressive offenses

(2024 = Jefferson, Adams, Nabers, DK, McLaurin, Amari, Pickens, Diontae, Sutton)

Delight in those who benefited from injuries to their WR teammates

(2024 = Aiyuk, Olave, Flowers, Pittman, Moore/Rome, Rice/Worthy, BTJ, Polk)

Look forward to offenses that will perform exceptionally well under new QBs

(2024 = DJ/Rome/Keenan, McLaurin, Pickens, London, Garrett)

“What are these foods compared to the dish served after a hard-fought battle? The meal enjoyed with comrades? The feast you prepare for your son on his name day?” he replied.

Anticipate WRs who emerge as focal points despite various challenges

(2024 = MHJ, Rome, Nabers, BTJ)

Avoid WRs with nagging injuries and fade on explosive offenses

(2024 = Waddle, Tank, Downs)

Prepare for some offenses to dip from the previous year and become less consistent

(2024 = Cooks, Curtis/Shakir, Amari, Evans/Godwin)

Some WRs will feast as the only weapon on struggling offenses

(2024 = Jefferson, Nabers, Diontae, Palmer, Polk)

The plating became increasingly chaotic and haphazardly prepared as the Primarch continued past the foul buffet. At the end of the long table, flickers of suspended chandeliers revealed flayed and charred flesh of an all-too-familiar form. Yesterday’s guest had become today’s meal for the next trencherman to gorge their voracious appetites.

Exiting the great dining hall, moonlight shined on the Primarch as he entered the grounds of a serene palace garden that stretched into the night sky. The royal garden was tremendous in scope, filled with an endless labyrinth of exotic greenery, tranquil pools, and discreet paths fit for a king to seclude themselves in meditation. The Primarch came to the edge of a grand staircase, overlooking the palatial backyard. At the foot of its steps was gathered a large host of the Imperium. Dressed in ceremonial uniform, his comrades and kin honored the Primarch’s triumphant entry with reverent applause. Descending the marble steps, he entered the massed throng of rank and nobility. Hidden amongst the faces of the crowd, the Lord of Excess whispered, “Well done, faithful son of the Imperium. You have brought great honor to your father, the Emperor. Your achievements will be immortalized forever through monuments and songs. Write your name in the stars and take your rightful place as the WR champion.”

Rely upon these secondary options in elite offenses

(2024 = Waddle, Deebo, DeVonta, Kupp, Diggs, Higgins, Cooks)

Be satisfied with these tertiary options

(2024 = Tolbert, Shakir, Robinson, Iosivas, Dortch, Gipson)

Celebrate these consistent receivers and their solidified roles

(2024 = DeVonta, DJ, Deebo, Keenan, Kupp, Godwin, Reed, Cooks, Downs, Curtis, DeMario, Wan’Dale, Boyd, Dortch, Gipson)

The Primarch replied, “These monuments are dust and these songs are merely words, soon forgotten. The calibre of a man runs reverse to their need to make their worth known. The strong are strongest alone!”

Their QB’s poor play will cap their potential

(2024 = Jefferson, Malik, Diontae, Ridley, Amari)

These WRs will struggle under the spotlight of the WR1 role

(2024 = Flowers, Keon, Pickens, Polk)

Inconsistency will hamper their 2024 campaign

(2024 = Waddle, Watson/Doubs/Reed, London, Sutton)

Disappointing offenses will unfairly label these WRs as busts

(2024 = Ladd, Keon, Legette, Franklin)

In an instant, the once lively party fell deathly silent. Each member of the multitude had become a statue of ash that soon collapsed under their weight, creating a vast plain of black soot. The pure white sculptures that once adorned the maze of vegetation had lost all luster. Their dignified poses twisted into horrifying expressions. The peaceful flow of fountains ceased. The venerable garden was now an unnerving graveyard.

The Primarch continued his journey and entered the dark woods at the edge of the decadent estate. With no glow from the moon filtering through the dense tree canopy, the path was lost in the pitch-black forest.

After hours of walking, the Primarch emerged from the cursed grove and gazed upon a magnificent ocean, caught in the solemnity of a twilight sky. The Primarch had reached the presumed last circle of the Dark Prince’s Realm. He wandered through the soft sands of its heavenly shores until he finally stopped to admire the sunrise in all of its glory as night departed. Caught in its rapture, the final temptation could be heard in between the crashing of the waves.

“Oh, devoted son of the Imperium. You have known nothing but war and sacrifice,” she said warmly. “Your body is spent and your soul is weary. You have nothing left to give. Come to me and I will take away all of your pain. Struggle will be but a distant memory. Unburden yourself of your heavy armor. Retire your arms from service. Your fight is over. Peace and rest is yours at last.”

Rest assured, these options will have little competition

(2024 = Olave, Nabers, McLaurin, Ladd/Palmer)

Look forward to these offenses taking a big leap forward with their receivers

(2024 = Colts, Bears, Cardinals, Falcons, Seahawks, Chiefs)

“Rest? We were not made to rest. I have no concern for home or hearth, such things are vanity. My privilege is the dirt, my birthright is suffering, and my freedom is war. Peace? There is no such thing amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter. Find someone else to enslave!” the Primarch laughed at the Thirsting God.

Expect these WRs to develop into excellent route runners on great offenses

(2024 = Amon-Ra, Puka, London, Pittman, Nico, DJ, Waddle)

Have confidence the head coach will transform these receivers into #1’s

(2024 = Pittman, Rice)

Their skillsets pair uniquely well with their upgraded QBs

(2024 = Garrett, London, McLaurin, Pickens)

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Image created by T-Rock using Midjourney. Perfected by ATM

This series is dedicated to my brother Malik, the Hellhound Primarch

Underdog 40,000

Part 3 - TE & WR Hits, Misses, and Projections

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