Quarterback Controversy in Grand Rapids?
Mark Hodges
Thursday April 11, 2002
A quarterback controversy has developed in the camp of the Grand Rapids Rampage in the competition for the back-up signal caller. It is common knowledge in the Arena Football League that Clint Dolezel will be the starter for the Rampage, but who will win the competition for Dolezel’s back-up is one for discussion.
On the side of youth, the Rampage has Nick Browder vying for the position. Browder has more or less been a back-up throughout his AFL career, being Dolezel’s relief yet never throwing a pass last season and having a limited roll with the Buffalo Destroyers in 2000. Browder did lead the Green Bay Bombers of the defunct Indoor Football League to that league’s championship in 1999, so Browder does have a history of knowing how to win. “Our staff thinks a great deal of Nick and his ability to lead the team if called upon,” said head coach Michael Trigg.
On the side of experience, the Rampage have future AFL Hall Of Famer Todd Hammel. Hammel is trying out for QB on his sixth team in an eleven-year career, playing in Dallas, Fort Worth, Milwaukee, Florida, and Houston. Hammel is the AFL’s leading passer in league history in total yardage and has a vast knowledge of the unique game of Arenaball. “Without question, Todd Hammel was a perfect choice for us having been a part of the two offensive schemes we use in Grand Rapids,” said Trigg.
Neither player has made Trigg’s choice simple. Browder and Hammel both played very well in the exhibition game against Toronto, throwing two touchdowns each and leading the charge in the Rampage’s come from behind victory. Both were quite sharp and accurate as well. Hammel was five for eight for 61 yards; Browder was 6-9 for 86 yards and rushed for four. Both players have risen to the occasion, as they both realize they are fighting for a job with a championship team and their adversary is quite worthy. “It’s great to have options with player personnel,” said Trigg, “but it doesn’t make the decision any easier and a quality QB will be released.”
The exhibition game this Thursday in Buffalo will be huge for both players, as it is their last chance to make an impression in a game setting. One player will be allowed to be a part of the Rampage’s defense of their AFL championship; the other will be delegated to the waiver wire in hopes some other program will be in need of a quarterback in a time when experienced players are common due to contraction. One thing is for sure in this battle of youthful enthusiasm versus experience, and it is that Trigg has a difficult decision ahead of him. “I’d hate to be me (this) weekend,” Trigg said, as he has until tax day to make his decision.
Mark Hodges was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2001 to 2002.
