New Start For 2005 Destroyers
David Grimes
Friday January 28, 2005
New quarterback?
After shuffling starting quarterbacks early last season, the Columbus Destroyers decided to mix the QB picture up again and waive rookie record-setter Ryan Vena two weeks before the first game of the season. The move shocked many fans, especially since then head coach Earl Bruce had high praise on Ryan Vena after the 2004 season. But curiosity had to peak for many fans when the Destroyers picked up Chad Salisbury in the free agent market. Was this the right move for the Destroyers? Even before the first snap of the season, I would have to agree with head coach Chris Spielman and the coaches of the Destroyers and say that Salisbury is the right guy for the job.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Vena had the determination and drive to lead the team to victories. He was exciting to watch because he was two dimensional with his passing and running attack. But in the end, the Destroyers were only 6-10 and Vena had to fight for a starting position during the first part of the season. And then there is Vena’s height at 6’0, which is on the small side for a quarterback.
Size is one attribute that Salisbury does not lack. When he takes his first snap for the Destroyers Friday night at Nationwide Arena, his 6’6 frame will be beneficial for Columbus’ passing game. In fact, Salisbury will be tallest player in the game. And throughout the entire Arena Football League, only three players are listed taller than Salisbury, according to the official online team roster pages. Salisbury’s added height will help him find WR Sedrick Robinson, Cornelius White and OS Damien Groce.
The skill that impressed me about Vena was his scrambling ability. But after comparing him to the top passers, a common thread was discovered with the quarterbacks that lead the league. A majority of them are not rushers. Of the top 2004 passers, only Orlando Predator Joe Hamilton and Indiana Firebird Adrian McPherson had similar rushing stats as Vena. With our receiving corps this year, the Destroyers need a quarterback who can toss the ball to them to make the big plays.
The last important factor that Salisbury brings to the Destroyers is his experience. He has four years in the AFL under his belt and also has playoff experience. In 2001, Salisbury led his New England Sea Wolves into the playoffs with five straight wins at the end of the regular season. After his season ending elbow injury in 2002, Salisbury went to the Chicago Rush. In the following two years, the Rush made it to the playoffs with Salisbury contributing in both seasons. And in the 2004 season, Salisbury fell just short of the ArenaBowl when he went in to relieve injured Raymond Philyaw in the Semifinal Round.
Salisbury is a better fit for this year’s team. The Destroyers need an experienced, tall quarterback to throw passes to win games. Salisbury is the guy. Spielman and the coaches have no doubt he’s the guy. That is why they went out and picked up the top free agent back in October. Salisbury was given a chance to start for a team and he took that opportunity to beat out three quarterbacks, including Vena. He proved his worth in training camp. The coaches and team believe in Salisbury. Now he has to go out this Friday against the Nashville Kats and make the fans believers as well.
David Grimes has worked as a sports reporter for the Viking Views (North Canton), an editor for The Lantern (The Ohio State University) and was a columnist for the Destroyers here at ArenaFan. After he moved to Columbus to attend college, the Destroyers became an expansion team. Now, after moving to Salem, OH, the Mahoning Valley Thunder became an arenafootball2 expansion team. It seems like Arena Football follows David throughout the Buckeye State.
