XFL Memphis Maniax Press Release 12


 
Maniax Press Release 12
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Maniax concentrate on special teams
Coach Brown Devotes Full Afternoon Practice to Kicking Game

Memphis Maniax Head Coach Kippy Brown doesn’t have to be convinced how important special teams play is in the game of football. “It’s one-third of the game, and in the fourth quarter it may even be higher,” said Brown who enthusiastically ran the sidelines as he followed his kickoff and punt coverage teams down the field during Tuesday’s practice.

“Field position will be extremely critical in this league,” continued Brown. “And a big special teams play can set the tone for a whole game. Look at what the Giants did Sunday against Philadelphia. They ran back the opening kickoff and were in control the rest of the way.”

A light rain and a damp field from overnight showers convinced Brown to shorten the normal two-hour workout to just a little over an hour Tuesday morning. Then the first-year head coach told the team that the afternoon practice would also be shortened to one hour, but that the full hour would be dedicated to special teams play.

“There are a lot of guys in camp right now who will make this team based on their effort on special teams,” said Brown. “Just about every one of them will be asked to do something on a punt, kickoff or field goal. I wanted them to know just how important we as a coaching staff view the performance of our special teams.

“We had a great workout this afternoon and had a chance to work on the new wrinkles of the punting game that the XFL rules have changed,” continued Brown. “The players have to get used to punts being live after 25 yards and coverage guys waiting until the ball is kicked before going downfield. It takes discipline and concentration and if we succeed on special teams, then we have a great chance of succeeding on the scoreboard.”

The Maniax will work out just once on Wednesday, with a morning practice scheduled at Foothill High School. The club is gearing up for its first look at XFL competition when it travels to Sam Boyd Stadium on Thursday for a 5 p.m. scrimmage against the Las Vegas Outlaws. “We’re getting tired of looking at each other twice a day,” said Brown. “It will be fun to line up against a few strangers on Thursday.”

 
 






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