The Cobras at the Half-Way Point
Darryl Hammill
Thursday June 21, 2001
Quarterback – Grade: A
Fred McNair – Steve’s big brother – is the “field general” for the Cobras. The confidence that Coach Kay and offensive coordinator Neu have in his leadership and playing ability is self-evident. During the last game against New Jersey, McNair tossed five touchdowns on 16 of 24 completions for 187 yards, giving him 15,153 career passing yards. He became just the ninth quarterback in AFL history to reach the milestone. McNair has yet to throw an interception on 263 passing attempts during the 2001 season. He has 167 completions for 1826 yards and 38 touchdowns. When asked about the goose egg in the interception column Fred said, “That’s one question I am going to avoid because it’s affected me in the past. Every time you go through a game without a pick, it’s good.” From the fan’s perspective – all levels of Fred’s game has been really good. In a game not known for high percentage passing and ball control, McNair has proven otherwise.
Running Game – Grade: C
This is a deceiving area for the Cobras at mid-season. It would seem we are doing well controlling the ball using high percentage swing passes and outs – not rushing. But actually, the facts show a different aspect of the running game for the Cobras. With the exception of the Average per Rush (1.4 (Cobras) vs. 2.0) we are actually leading the opposing teams in this area from week to week. However – we are still ranked near the bottom (14th) in rushing offense.
Receivers – Grade: A
As referenced above - we are doing a tremendous job of controlling the ball using high percentage swing passes and outs. There was a memorable set of plays at the end of the home game against Buffalo when the Cobras ate up over 4:00 minutes and sealed the win against their conference opponent. Key catches over the last few games on screens were made by former AFL2 player Silas Demary and by Tyrant Marion. McNair consistently uses high percentage passes to pick the opposing teams apart – keeping the defenders on their heels. Perhaps this is why our rushing seems anemic compared to last year’s performance. These short passes, screens and outs are possible more effective than a rushing play. Another premier player in the receiving corps is the Cobra’s 2000 Season Ironman – Corney White. Coach Kay said of White’s playing style, “We knew he was a skilled player, but we never realized he would do the number of things he does with the intensity he does them with." Another hot receiver is a relative newcomer to the Cobras and the AFL – Aaron Bailey. Have the Cobras finally found the offensive specialist that will help take them into the playoffs? Said Coach Kay of his new OS: “Bailey’s a pretty good player. I think he is going to develop in that position.”
Offensive/Defensive Line – Grade: B+ (but these guys are really improving fast!)
Kay and the rest of the coaching staff nicknamed the OL/DL “The Who’s” earlier this season. And, for a good reason – they are often overlooked in the mainstream press. But there is little doubt that as the play of the OL/DL goes, so goes the game and the season. “We are a blue collar football team” were the words used by Coach Kay to describe the make of this year’s ball club.
Defensive Backs – Grade: B+ (and improving quickly)
Kay claims to rely mostly on man-to-man coverage in his team`s improved pass defense, but he remains a believer in the man defense that might be expected in eight-man football. Coach Kay estimates that 75 percent of the league plays zone. "Simply what you`d like to do is say we`re going to play man coverage and try to rush the passer, but doing that is easier said than done.”
The Impact of “New” Players
It is hard to determine over the long run how the new faces the Cobras have brought in will fair during the second half of the season. But this much is for sure – they are making an early impact on the Cobras and (fortunately) the other teams.
Bottom Line
With the benefit of a full season with McNair, the Cobras think they will be in the AFL playoffs in August. "There`s an opportunity for this team to be a playoff team depending on what Freddie does," Coach Kay said. There is little doubt that if everyone stays healthy that McNair will have a bunch of targets and the opposing teams’ D will be scrambling to keep up. After the first home game I said to the coach, “One helluva’ comeback Coach!” To which Coach Kay replied, “Thank You! Those young men played hard!” That very well may end up being the final word on this 2001 season when compared to the 2000 season.
Darryl Hammill was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2001 season.
