|
| |
 |
|
|
|
| Thursday, February 1, 2001 |
>>
Practice
Notes Index | Game
Notes
|
| |
No pads today in practice for the Outlaws.
Their mood was much lighter and there was a lot of bantering on
the practice field, but serious business was conducted for much
of the practice. The players appear to be well-disciplined,
motivated, focused, and eagerly anticipating their inaugural game
on Saturday.
 The
newly-acquired QB Jim Ballard (released by Orlando Rage) is wearing
#13, he and took several snaps in practice. His release in
practice appeared to be fairly quick and he was making good reads,
so if this continues it will help add some much-needed qualified
depth to the Outlaws' QB position. Chuck Clements still anticipates
to be back in action soon, so this does not bode
well for Mike Cawley. Ryan Clement looked much better today,
and the Outlaws offense finally appears to be gelling into a formidable
unit.
The defense still looks good, and Mike Crawford is back in practice.
Ty Parten has yet to make an appearance, as he still has not received
a medical clearance to play.
There was a lot of special teams practice as well, and many first-teamers
were taking active roles. Ryan Clement even launched a couple
of punts downfield, but hopefully he won't have to do this too often
come gametime. The Outlaws' field goal unit is another strong
point, and if they get within range, Paul McCallum will put it through
the uprights; he is VERY consistent.
The only serious question mark to this point for the Outlaws has
been the offensive unit's lack of performance. Several players
assured me after last week's scrimmage against the San Francisco
Demons that the Outlaws offense would come together before gametime,
and that prediction seems to be coming true. The level of
professionalism is rising, and the offensive line seems to be much
more disciplined. Ryan Clement (and Tim Ballard) is making
better reads and throws; the receivers are doing a great job of
not only catching the balls thrown to them but are running crisp
routes and finding ways to get open. There is always room
for improvement, but so far there appears to be a large gap between
last week's performance and this week's. |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
