January 17, 2001
The workday started with the hotel fire alarm blaring a warning
15 minutes before the Birmingham Thunderbolts were set to
board the bus to the Citrus Bowl, and according to coach Gerry
DiNardo, Birminghams XFL entry should have heeded that warning.
We got our butts kicked today, basically stunk the place
up, DiNardo said following a joint workout with the Orlando
Rage. We are going back to work Thursday and bring our lunch
buckets.
There were probably some good things, but we will have to
look at the film and find them, DiNardo said. Its still
preseason, though. Thankfully we dont have to play until
Feb. 4.
XFL policy implemented following last weeks scrimmages doesnt
allow teams to report stats and scores from workouts with
other teams, but Birmingham players admitted they probably
could have used some help from Orlando Fire Engine 101 that
responded to the false alarm at the hotel.
They were moving faster than we were and we didnt play good
technique, linebacker James Willis said. Every player will
look at himself on the film and we will learn from it.
After Wednesdays session, the Bolts medical staff could be
easily convinced that the sirens sounding at the hotel were
injury warnings. At least eight Birmingham players required
attention from the training staff during the drill.
Three tight ends were hobbled during the workout, with Nicky
Savoie suffering a concussion, Scott Thompson a knee injury
and Ed Smith a hip pointer. Alex Hass was the only tight end
left standing for the major portion of the practice.
Defensive back Fred White also suffered a knee injury. Both
White and Thompson were scheduled for MRI testing and more
details on their injuries should come Thursday.
Defensive backs Calvin Jackson and Chris Shelling both suffered
neck strains, while running back James Bostic came away with
a forearm contusion and receiver Damon Gourdine bruised ribs.
Quarterback Casey Weldon said Birminghams work against the
Rage was not all bad, noting a successful two-minute drill
while lamenting the Bolts inability to take care of the football.
We had a turnover on a 13-play drive, but we played well
in our two-minute drill, Weldon said. Most of the rough
edges were little things that wont happen when the season
starts. We will be better because of today.
The Bolts return to work Thursday with a 3:15 p.m. practice
before resuming two-a-days Friday.
|
