Wranglers Mid Season Report Card

Mick Cornett
Wednesday June 6, 2001

Quarterback Oklahoma’s offense has developed into a slow, methodical machine which occasionally breaks down. Quarterback Ron Lopez is throwing for far fewer touchdowns (23) and interceptions (6) then at any point in his career. Lopez has turned into a thinking man’s quarterback, constantly tricking defenses into thinking he’s going to throw in one direction when actually the play is going somewhere else. He’s also consistently drawing defenses off-sides in critical situations. Problems erupt because the longer the drive, the more opportunity for mistakes. Oklahoma is illustrating a ball-control, time-consuming offense in a league full of quick-striking attacks. Largely, because of the long drives, they are a low scoring team.

Lamont Cooper returns one against the Sabercats Image courtesy of Jeff Marshall

Offensive Specialist Don’t blink. Lamont Cooper is leading the league in total offense and has returned three kicks for touchdowns. He leads the team in receptions. His speed is a major reason the defenses lay back and allow the Wranglers to pick their way down field.

Wide Receivers As deep as the Pacific Ocean. Besides Cooper, Lopez is learning to use Bobby McGowens’s ability to run through tackles. Shawn Foreman has great hands and it’s interesting to note that the 3-5 Wranglers are 3-2 in games that Foreman has played. So far, the team has yet to find a prominent role for Carlos Johnson who is still capable of producing in a big way during the second half of the season. An impending trade may make this problem go away.

Fullbacks Among the league’s best. The combination of Brian Goolsby and Travis McDonald, plus great run-blocking up front, make Oklahoma one of the best rushing teams in the league.

Linemen This is a strength despite some injury problems. Chuck Reed and Tom Briggs are veteran gamers who make enough big plays to overshadow some rookie-like mistakes. Eric Miller is a fine player but has missed the last two games with a spider-bite. Newcomer Tim Martin is a great pass-rusher. The Wranglers desperately need to get their top two centers, Josh Heskew and Mike Mari, off the injured list and back in the lineup.

Defensive Backs A critical weakness that the league’s top quarterbacks can exploit. Injuries have disintegrated the coaching staff’s preseason depth chart. However, there are signs that this unit is starting to play better. We’ll know for sure this week when Oklahoma takes on Arizona and star quarterback Sherdrick Bonner.

Kicker Preseason starter Jeremy Alexander still isn’t over his groin injury and the Wranglers were fortunate to find and sign Chris Sailer. Sailer is a solid kicker. The team has had some problems with holders and, now with the injury-problems at center, deep snappers.

 

The opinions expressed in the article above are only those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, opinions, or official stance of ArenaFan Online or its staff, or the Arena Football League, or any AFL or af2 teams.

Mick Cornett Articles
ArenaBowl Recap and Rumor Mill 8/21/2001
Loots More than He Appears 7/26/2001
Lead Changes 17 Times and Wranglers Lose 7/16/2001
Tough Run to Playoffs for Wranglers 7/11/2001
Wranglers Can`t Start Winning Streak 6/26/2001
Lopez Ties TD Record 6/19/2001
Wranglers Losing Style is Baffling 6/11/2001
Wranglers Mid Season Report Card 6/6/2001
A Perfect Game Makes for Wranglers Win 6/3/2001
Phantoms Demolish Wranglers 5/21/2001
View all articles