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Game 2: February 11, 2001
Las Vegas Outlaws at Memphis Maniax |
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Game
Stats | Game
Boxscore
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SUMMARY
 The
Outlaws won big in Memphis, defeating the Memphis Maniax 25-3.
The Outlaws defense scored two touchdowns and set up a field goal
off of three Memphis turnovers. However, all was not well
in the Outlaws' huddle, as Ryan Clement was knocked out of the game
with a shoulder injury, and it is unknown when he will be able to
return.
The Outlaws were held to only 97 total yards rushing, and 159 yards
for total offense, so they definitely have some improvements to
make on offense. However, this was all overshadowed by another
magnificent performance by the defense, which held Memphis to 259
total offensive yards and stopped the Maniax on a fourth-down attempt.
The opportunistic Outlaws defense was able to recover 3 Maniax fumbles
and an interception, two of those for touchdowns, while the Outlaws
offense again had no turnovers.
On the opening scramble to decide possession, Jamel Williams again
recovered the ball and the Outlaws chose to receive. The opening
drive saw the Outlaws get close to the end zone, but then driven
back by penalties. The Outlaws drew first blood with a 47-yard
field goal by Paul McCallum. The Maniax took their first possession
and drove down into Outlaws territory, but were held to a field
goal to tie the game.
In the second quarter, the Outlaws offense continued to struggle.
Memphis drove the ball deep into Outlaws territory, only to have
QB Marcus Crandell fumble it; the loose ball was picked up by Safety
Jason Kaiser and returned 80 yards for an Outlaws touchdown.
The PAT failed, however, so the score was 9-3 going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Memphis drove deep into Outlaws territory,
only to have Rashaan Salaam fumble the ball on the goal line.
Linebacker Kurt Gouviea picked up the fumble and ran it back 100
yards for another Outlaws touchdown; the PAT failed and the Outlaws
increased their lead to 15-3. The bad news, however, was that
QB Ryan Clement suffered a shoulder injury during an offensive series
and had to leave the game; he was replaced with backup Mike Cawley.
Cawley led the Outlaws downfield, helped by a 26-yard pass to WR
Nakia Jenkins, and RB Chris Chukwuma rumbled 9 yards into the end
zone for another Outlaws touchdown. After Cawley ran a naked
bootleg and scored the PAT, the score was now 22-3.
The fourth quarter saw Maniax QB Marcus Crandell replaced by Craig
Whelihan, who was picked off by Cornerback Chris Bayne; Bayne ran
this back 77 yards and was tackled just shy of the goal line.
The Outlaws were unable to drive the ball into the end zone, and
settled for another Paul McCallum field goal. More frustration
ensued for the Maniax, as Defensive Tackle Adriano Belli forced
and recovered another Memphis fumble, and the Outlaws defense stopped
the Maniax offense on a fourth-down conversion attempt. The
Outlaws rounded out the win by having QB Jim Ballard enter the game
and take a few snaps.
Improvements were evident on the Outlaws' punt return coverage,
limiting the Maniax returns to 30 total yards, but the Outlaws still
need to improve the kick return coverage; Memphis kick returns totaled
92 yards. The Outlaws offense reverted back to pre-season
form by trying to beat themselves; penalties again plagued offensive
performance. The Outlaws were penalized a total of 14 times
for 147 yards, but much of that came from a questionable pass interference
call against Cornerback Kory Blackwell. The Outlaws also nullified
a great 20+ yard scramble by Ryan Clement with a holding call, and
the total passing performance for the Outlaws was 5-18 for 62 total
yards. |
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