Dallas Deserves a Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Scott Smithey
Wednesday March 12, 2003
Where are the Desperados?
There is an Arena Football team down in Dallas, and this team is currently tied for the second best record in Arena Football. As a matter of fact, a missed field goal is the only thing that separates this team from the best record in the league. The Desperados are quietly climbing the standings. So quiet that accolades are hard to find with the major medias.
Let me help you guys out (or “y`all” as we say in Texas). Dallas has built a team that can compete with anyone. Yes, it is only their second year in the league and the Desperado logo has not yet become a staple.
Let`s look at Big "D`s" very brief history then. Dallas was a playoff team in its inaugural season last year. They are consistently a weekly leader in the attendance statistic. They are second in total offense after the first six weeks of the season. Most significantly, the Desperados sit tied for first place in their division and could hold that spot by themselves with a win over Grand Rapids this week.
I guess this team was supposed to struggle this year. Respected offensive coordinator Tom Luginbill defected to Detroit and took pro football`s leading passer and fan favorite Andy Kelly with him. Would head coach Joe Avezzano remain after losing his job with that other team in Dallas? Will the Desperados as a team suffer from one of sports` most hated labels... the Sophomore Jinks?
Answers to these questions are still yet to come. Coach Joe is doing a tremendous job with this football team. Maybe focusing on one job is better than splitting his interest between two.
Oh, and Andy who? If you haven`t checked the stats leader boards, you will find that Dallas has a QB hotter than Hooter`s Hotwings. Jim Kubiak is currently second in the passer ratings and plays the game with passion. By the way, there aren`t many signs of a sophomore jinks either.
What does Dallas need to do to gain respect? That`s simple. Win the ArenaBowl. But don`t start looking at jewelers who make championship rings yet. Like all teams, Dallas has weaknesses to battle. Kareem Larrimore`s placement on the injured reserve list leaves a hole in an inconsistent secondary. Offensively, an inability to score from Arena Football`s red zone needs to be corrected. Long kickoff returns have been a thorn in the special teams` side as well.
If the Desperados can continue at their current pace and improve on the above, a ring may be in their future. Then the press will have to take notice and give them some due RESPECT. However, Dallas deserves just a little bit... right now.
Scott Smithey is a high school teacher and coach (23 years). He has a degree in Journalism and has pioneered high school student newspapers. He is also a high school coach with seven years experience as a head coach and has coached soccer, track, baseball and powerlifting. Scott is married to a high school teacher and coach, and has three sons active in football at the high school and collegiate levels. He is pationate about sports, family and photography.
