Hello TNSML users,

The TNSML is currently experiencing a time period where multiple users are scoring 80+ points a game, and after a closed investigation, the main reasons gathered are users are either running up the score or the losing user is allowing them to score because they "give up."

So, to combat this issue, here is the new TNSML rule which takes effect week 9 of this season.

TNSML MERCY RULE

If a user is up by 30 or more points in a game, the losing user MUST choose between one of the following two options:

A) Concede the game

OR

B) Chew clock along with opponent.

The losing user MUST choose one. If they refuse to choose one, winning user must notify commissioner and begin chewing clock. 

Here is the protocol that must be followed: 

1. Once a user is up 30+, winning user must DM losing user OR add the losing user to a chat with a commissioner.

2. Losing user must choose an option: Concede or Chew Clock

3. Both users must abide by the option chosen. 

4. If commissioner wasn't involved in the chat, winning user must notify commissioner that one of the options were used in the game.

EXCEPTION: IF WINNING USER CAN PROVE THAT THEY HAVE A DEV GAME, COMMISSIONER CAN FORCE OPTION B. WHEN YOU HAVE A DEV GAME, MAKE SURE TO TAKE A PIC OR SCREENSHOT IT BEFORE STARTING YOUR GAME.

IF: If losing user isn't responding to winning user's DM, winning user must notify commissioner and begin chewing clock.

MUST READ:

- Each TNSML user is allowed only TWO concedes per season. Once you've exhausteed all your concedes, you can only choose the option to chew clock.

- If a losing user is constantly involved in games that must chew clock or concede, the commissioners will consider removing that user from the league. 

- If either user begins to run field goal formation, punt formation, or anything that allows the other user to score, that user will be removed from the league.

- If either user refuses to abide by option chosen, a commissioner must be notified and the user who refused will be given a forced loss even if they are winning. 

- If the winning user fails to abide by the protocol above, that user will be given a forced loss in their next game.

- If the winning user attempts to fight against the chew clock rule by running out of bounds to stop the clock OR call multiple timeouts, the user will be given a force loss unless it is in the first half of the game.

TIPS:

LOSING USER: Most of these issues stem from poor decisions. If you find yourself getting blown out, don't continue to do some of the same stupid things that is causing you to lose (throwing it up to double coverage, running the same play over and over defensively or offensively, etc.) Be smart, and find a way to get back in the game.

WINNING USER: Be courteous and have some sportsmanship. 

Good afternoon, TNSML. I hope you are having a fantastic day.Here is what is happening around your league.

HEADLINERS

RAIDERS WIN SUPER BOWL, SENDS MESSAGE TO CHARGERS, BRONCOS, AND TEXANS.

The Las Vegas Raiders won the Super Bowl over the Dallas Cowboys, and the matchup didn't come without some drama. Users Noah and Kareem were going back and forth in the group chat after the big game. 

Noah then sent this message to his opponents: "I want to congratulate all the guys on their regular season wins against me. I'm glad they won their championships. Signed, Super Bowl Champion Raiders."

The Raiders went 13-4 last season, losing to the Chargers, Broncos twice, and the Texans. All teams won 12 or more games last season.

Meanwhile, Kareem is focusing on bouncing back. "We are taking it day by day, but Dak Prescott has a chip on his shoulder and sas "We all know we should have won but we let everyone down. This year is the revenge tour."

Cowboys finished the season 11-6, defeating the Jets, Broncos, and Texans on their way to the Bowl. The Super Bowl finished with a final score of 33-29, with Derek Carr throwing four touchdowns and Dak throwing two. 

JUSTIN HERBERT TO MIAMI

Early last season, the Dolphins expressed commitment to QB Tua Tagovailoa. However, as the season progressed, it became evident that they weren't all in on him. They ended up trading for Kirk Cousins, and benched Tua a couple of times during the season. When the offseason began, they expressed interest in trading for a QB, and parting with their draft capital. 

Now, they've found their guy. The strong-armed Superstar Justin Herbert will join speedy WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in Miami. This should bolster that already-dangerous Miami offense. 

"We needed someone who could get the ball to our playmakers," Dolphins user says, "Herbert is a big acquisition. We are glad we made this offer."

The Dolphins reportedly reached out to Buffalo and Kansas City in hopes of landing Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, respectively.

The Panthers, who had just acquired Herbert, provided some clarity to their fans, who were wondering why they would trade for a franchise QB just to trade him away again.

"The plan is to retool our roster around the picks gathered in the Justin Herbert trade. Similar to what the Seahawks did in the Russell Wilson deal. Our roster needs to be roundeed out more."

OTHER NEWS AROUND THE LEAGUE

JETS RECONSTRUCTION

Although they went 12-5 and won the AFC East, the Jets are still looking to retool their roster. They are looking to deal guys like Ashton Davis and Elijah Moore to help bolster their roster in other areas.

"We are going to look like a very different team next year."

SEAHAWKS READY TO COMPETE

Lookout, TNSML. The Seahawks are coming. They have a record-number of picks in the first round, and are looking to build a dynasty with youth. 

"We are very confident that we will come out on top in the NFC West and potentially a Super Bowl appearance."

NEW-LOOK CHARGERS

Chargers have traded away key pieces, such as Herbert and Keenan Allen, in hopes of beefing up their offensive line and adding depth at DB and wide receiver. 

This is the third edition of the TNSML Weekly Newsletter. Here are some of the league's biggest stories.

SAINTS ON THE BUBBLE

The Saints are 6-5, and the leaders of their division, the Buccaneers, just went through an ownership change. The Saints are not too far behind the 9-1 Bucs, so what are their plans on ensuring a playoff spot and possibly locking up the division? It appears to be to lean on that defense.

"My plan is just to keep playing great defense," Saints owner said, "Keep my momentum from the win over the Rams."

The Saints doesn't appear to be concerned about their divisional rivals. 

"I'm not worried about the Bucs. I believe they aren't as good as the Saints."

The Saints will just continue to do what they do best, and see how the chips fall.

TIGHT END ONE

The NFL has had its fair share of tight ends dominating the game. Denver Broncos' Albert O appears to be adding himself to that list this year. He has 108 receptions for 1,773 yards this season. The Broncos are happy with his performance, as he is a big reason why the team is 9-1 and in firm control of their own destiny.

HOUSTON READY TO FEAST ON THE CONTROVERSY IN MIAMI

The Dolphins, 2-3 since their 5-0 start, got off to a rough start in their last game with Tua throwing five interceptions before halftime. Those turnovers led to a 21-0 lead for the Browns. Tua was eventually benched in favor of Kirk Cousins, who came in and launched two TDs to put the Dolphins back in it. Now, the question is has Kirk earned at least some consideration for starter?

"Yes," Dolphins team owner says, "We will make a game time decision on who starts at QB versus a Texans team who are very, very good."

The Texans are no joke. They are hot, led by a very smart team owner in Landon. The Texans, regardless of who plays QB for Miami, are ready for the Dolphins.

"We're Texans and our mascot is a [expletive] bull. What are you taking a Dolphin or a Bull? Give me the bull."

PLAYOFF PICTURE

AFC:

The AFC is a close race. The top three seeds are all 9-1, and one mistake could end up being fatal. The fourth seeded Dolphins, despite their struggles, have full control of that 4th seed. They will need to avoid a collapse in order to lock it up. Meanwhile, the Chargers are hanging on to that 7th seed, with the Colts, Bills, and Jets right behind them.

NFC:

The NFC is a bit more clear-cut, with the one-seeded Buccaneers at 9-1, the Eagles at 8-1, then the Rams at 7-3. It's still close though, virtually every divisional leader is still in contention for the number one seed. With the recent ownership change in Tampa, the one seed is as wide open as ever. Who will snatch it?

Another week has passed in the TNSML, and we are in week 8. That means things are heating up, pretenders are dropping, and contenders are RISING.

DOLPHINS SLIDING

After a ferocious 5-0 start, the Dolphins have lost two straight to the Vikings and Steelers. The Dolphins' offense, which was once ranked top 15, has dropped to 21st in the league despite having one of the scariest offenses in the league with Tua, Waddle, and Hill. Is there concern in Miami?

"Not at all," Dolphins' team owner says. "We are fine. We faced two great opponents. We are set up to bounce back and learn from those losses." 

VIKINGS (quietly) BECOMING SCARY

Brandon is no stranger to success in the league. His most recent run has him atop his division and headed in the right direction. After a 1-2 start, with losses to the Eagles and Lions, the team has won three straight included a win over the once-undefeated Dolphins. 

It has been a run led by RB Dalvin Cook, who has been almost impossible to stop.

"It starts with Dalvin Cook," Brandon said, "Dude has been unstoppable the last few weeks. Once we get him going, it's easy to gain control of the game." 

Brandon also applauded his defense in this run as well. 

"Defense has done a great job forcing turnovers and letting the offense control the tempo. All of that was on full display when we took down a good Dolphins team."

SUB-STORY: Is Tua the guy? - The Dolphins and Vikings have agreed on a trade to send Kirk Cousins to Miami. With Miami's recent slide, one has to wonder if Miami is considering moving on from the Hawaiian QB. Miami has told multiple teams they plan to stick with Tua, but sometimes things change. 

STEELERS IN CONTROL OF THE AFC

The Steelers have been unbeatable. Their triumphant 7-0 start to the season has them currently atop the AFC and one of the remaining two undefeated teams left in the AFC. 

Steelers team owner, Tyler, credits his defense.

"Defense has done extremely well," he said. "We are just simplifying things on offense. I know my pass rush will get through. TJ, Heyward, and now superstar Highsmith have done amazing. I don't expect to win every game. I'm just working out the kinks and preparing for the playoffs."

SEAHAWKS LOOKING TO START A NEW DYNASTY

After losing Russell Wilson, team owner Brice Murphy has reconstructed his roster and accumulated a load of draft picks to do so. Brice has traded D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jamal Adams, and has reached out to Miami on possibly trading them MLB Jordyn Brooks for a couple draft picks, reportedly. 

Brice has accumulated eight firsts for the next two drafts and a handful of seconds, and he's not done yet.

"We've been very active in the trade market," Brice said, "We have made picks a top priority for the rebuild. We plan on making a huge splash this offseason with six firsts and 3 seconds."

Brice didn't waste this opportunity to warn his divisional rivals, however.

"All we can say is the NFC West better strap in and be prepared for a hell of a ride. The Seahawks are coming!" 

OTHER QUICK HITS

- Tony Pollard has made it HIS team since the Cowboys traded Zeke. Accumulating 500 scrimmage yards and five TDs. 

- Panthers acquire Justin Herbert from the Chargers in exchange for TE Mark Andrews, LE Trevon Walker, QB Desmond Ridder, a 2024 1st and a 2023 2nd.  Panthers also acquired Jonathan Taylor from the Colts in exchange for a host of players including Ikem Ekwonu and Kenneth Walker. 

- Saints sends a message to the Bucs, calling them "trash" and saying they will not be first in the NFC South for much longer. Also, Saints are considering benching Jameis Winston and making Taysom Hill the fulltime starter.

We have concluded one week of TNSML Madden 23! As commish, I will try my best moving forward to give a weekly update on league news and happenings.

TEXANS, BUCCANEERS ON FIRE

The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are atop their respective conferences undefeated and 3-0. The more surprising of the two would be the Houston Texans, led by Landon. Houston's being ignited by QB Trey Lance and their emerging WR duo of Nico Collins and Brevin Jordan. Landon is not looking to stop anytime soon, as he has four undefeated teams, Miami, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, and New York, are right behind him. However, he is excited about what he's seeing so far.

"Trey Lance is a DAWG," Landon said, "Nico Collins is a dawg, Mike Williams is a dawg, Dameon Pierce is a dawg. We just gotta develop all the young ones so they become dawgs."

NICK CHUBB MARCHING FOR HISTORY

Nick Chubb has been a force for Sweezer. After acquiring his new RB from the Browns, he has not hesitated to give him the carries he needs. Chubb has over 60 carries and 500 yards in just the last two weeks! Don't expect that to slow down anytime soon. 

"People always say he's not top three, he's injury prone, and gets carried by his offensive line," Sweezer says, "Just a lot of disrespect toward him so he's trying to create one of the best seasons in NFL history and on pace to do so." 

COWBOYS MOVING ON

The Cowboys traded away their superstar RB Ezekiel Elliot in a big move, and according to Cowboys' team owner Kareem, it was a move for cap space.

"Zeke is really good," Kareem says, "But I free'd a lot of cap ... Zeke had like 7 touchdowns in three games for me, near 400 yards." 

The Cowboys are happy with Pollard, both performance and financial-wise. "I just don't like forcing the run game, and with a player like Zeke I feel like I had to."

BROWNS REBUILD RUMORS TRUE?

There were whispers that the Browns were in full rebuild mode, which angered fans as they felt the Browns were ready for contention. According to team owner Austin, they are "not at all" in rebuild mode.

Well, what's the answer for the long on the block list and the riddance of Chubb? It seems to be to beef up the defense.

"My secondary consists of Jalen Ramsey, Tredavious White, and Denzel Ward," Austin said, "Team will be incredible once our WRs develop." 

DADDYLEAGUES TOP 5

Daddyleague's top 5 is a good one. It's early, but could be an early look at who's here to dominate the season!

1. Buccaneers

The Bucs have been fueled by their electric offense, dominating opponents and scoring in the 100s twice. OUCH! Their 1st ranked offense and 5th ranked defense has made them tough to handle.

2. Houston Texans

The Texans have been amazing on offense, posting top 5 numbers in all but one category: Yards (3rd), P. Yards (8th), and R. Yards (2nd). Overall, their offense is 4th.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have been jumpstarted by their QB Jalen Hurts who's formed a solid connection with his WRs. Hurts' defense has been supportive of him as well, ranking 6th in the TNSML.

4. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' defense has been wreaking havoc on opposing teams. A unit led by Xavien Howard's six interceptions is ranked 3rd overall in the TNSML.

5. New York Jets

The Jets are turning into an all-around solid unit. Ranked top-10 on both sides of the ball, you can never catch a break facing gang green. A balanced attack is a good attack, and the Jets have mastered that. 

Below are some of your options to choose during the TNSML Free Agency draft. 

TOP FREE AGENTS (OVR)

WR | ODELL BECKHAM JR. | 88 OVR

CB | CHRIS HARRIS JR | 84 OVR

DT | LINVAL JOSEPH | 83 OVR

C | JC TRETTER | 83 OVR

RT. | BRYAN BULAGA | 82 OVR

MLB | ALEXANDER JOHNSON | 82 OVR

WR | T.Y. HILTON | 81 OVR

RE | NDAMUKONG SUH | 81 OVR

TE | JARED COOK | 81 OVR

MLB | DONT’A HIGHTOWER | 81 OVR

WR | COLE BEASLEY | 81 OVR

CB | A.J. BOUYE | 81 OVR

CB | XAVIER RHODES | 80 OVR

WR | WILL FULLER | 80 OVR

WR | EMMANUEL SANDERS | 79 OVR

RE | EVERSON GRIFFEN | 79 OVR

LT | DUANE BROWN | 79 OVR

DT | BRANDON WILLIAMS | 79 OVR

SS | LANDON COLLINS | 78 OVR

CB | JANORIS JENKINS | 78 OVR 

CB | JOE HADEN | 78 OVR

MLB | JAMIE COLLINS SR. | 78 OVR 

LE | DEE FORD | 78 OVR

MLB | ANTHONY HITCHENS | 77 OVR

WR | DESEAN JACKSON | 77 OVR

TOP 5 FREE AGENTS (SPEED)

WR | JOHN ROSS | 95 SPEED

WR | WILL FULLER | 94 SPEED

WR | DESEAN JACKSON | 94 SPEED

WR | ODELL BECKHAM JR. | 92 SPEED

WR | T.Y. HILTON | 91 SPEED

TOP KICKERS AND PUNTERS

K | JOSH LAMBO | 73 OVR

K | CODY PARKEY | 71 OVR

K MICHAEL BADGLEY | 70 OVR

P | MICHAEL PALARDY | 73 OVR

P | LACHLAN EDWARDS | 69 OVR

P | DUSTIN COLQUITT | 69 OVR

TOP YOUTH, HIGHEST NECESSARY ATTRIBUTE

SS | ANDREW WINGARD | 87 SPEED

RE | TAKKARIST MCKINLEY | 84 AGILITY

DT | MALIK MCDOWELL | 85 STRENGTH

WR | JOHN ROSS III | 95 SPEED AND ACCEL

MLB | JAYLAN SMITH | 91 HIT POWER