New York Not Ready to Panic... Yet
David Holusha
Tuesday February 24, 2004
After opening the season with high-powered road victory, the Dragons have now dropped two straight at home, the latest a 56-44 loss to the Dallas Desperados.
For the second consecutive week the Dragons were locked in a tightly contested see-saw battle that saw the lead move back and forth between both teams for most of the game. However, it has been the crucial moments of the game, lately, where the Dragons have yet to come up big.
It appeared the Dragons had made one of those “crucial” plays, when late in the third quarter, linebacker Joey Dozier made a spectacular around-the-ankles sack of Dallas quarterback Glenn Gauntt. This not only stopped the Desperados progress, but ultimately led to a failed field goal attempt. That the Dragons only got a field goal themselves as a result of that turnover didn’t sit well with head coach Todd Shell.
“We had the turnover, but them making us kick a field goal was as good as making a stop,” said Shell.
For the most part, though, it is not the Dragons offense that is the reason for their recent struggles. In fact, quarterback Aaron Garcia and his receivers had yet another productive day. It is on the other side of the ball that has the team most concerned.
“We blew a coverage early in the game,” said Shell. “We had the first stop, which was important, but we could just never capitalize on it. We turn around and go back down and should have been up 14-0, but instead we’re off the field.
“Right now we just continue to make mistakes. We took ourselves out of field position down there on an offsides penalty. When you go from third and goal to third and six it changes the whole outcome of your opportunity to run the play.”
“We’re a long way from being able to compete for a championship,” said the head man, as if for punctuation.
Despite the loss, the Dragons have some positives to build on, as they head into a crucial road game against Arizona next week. One is the emergence of rookie wide receiver Richmond Flowers. Playing in his first game for the Dragons, Flowers was involved in many of the key drives downfield, as the Dragons continued it’s aerial assault.
Asked how he felt about playing his first game for the Dragons, the rookie wideout was forthcoming and honest. “It felt good. It always feels good to get out there and start to compete. Get those competitive juices flowing. Unfortunately we lost, and the games about winning. So we have to reevaluate to get better and compete and win. Not to lose,” said Flowers. “From a personal standpoint I have to continue to get better each week. I had some mistakes, and I have to go and correct them and come out ready to play against Arizona.”
With Dallas leading 35-31, Flowers made yet another clutch catch, putting the ball on the Dallas 14. Defensive Safety Derrick Stingley made the tackle, as well as appearing to wrap a choke hold around Flowers next. Flowers came up and got into it with the opposing safety –causing the other safety Jermaine Jones to come across and get into it with Flowers as well.
“Yeah, I get a little fired up. That’s the only way I’ve ever played. But I know you’ve got to keep a cool head because when the game is on the line you can’t afford to give up stupid penalties. Fortunately, there was offsetting penalties there,” said Flowers.
Flowers also admits there is much work to be done as far as he is concerned. Especially on his defensive play.
“It’s the first time I’ve played defense since high school. I’m going to do whatever Coach Shell asks me to do, whatever I can do to help this team win. If it’s defense then I’m going to go out there and give it everything I got. There’s a learning curve there, but that no excuse, I’ve got to learn and learn fast. We don’t have the time or luxury to put people out there and let them grow into a role. We’ve got to get out there and be balls to the wall. Go after it each time and hit somebody in the mouth. That’s what Arena Football is all about,” said Flowers.
“I like to bring an intensity to the game. An aggressive passion to come out here to play,” the rookie wideout continued. “I’ll do whatever I can to help the Dragons get to the championship. That’s why we play this game; to go out and get a ring on our finger.”
The Dragons have long way to go before even thinking about a ring. As the old expression goes, however, the season is still young.
David Holusha was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2003 to 2004.
