Leons to Start for Los Angeles
Steve Jacobson
Thursday July 12, 2001
Early last week, the Avengers got news they didn’t want to hear. Starting quarterback Todd Marinovich (elbow, wrist, knee), reserve quarterback Tony Graziani (knee) and wide receiver/linebacker Chris Jackson (foot) were placed on the injured reserve list, meaning they will all miss the final two regular season games.
With its playoff hopes on the line, Los Angeles (5-7) will turn to Harry Leons to make his first start at quarterback. Leons, who attended Eastern Washington University, was a 12th-round expansion selection by the Avengers prior to the 2000 season.
“I think Harry will bring the know how to the lineup,” Los Angeles interim head coach Robert Lyles said. “He knows the game. He will bring competitiveness and coolness. Plus, he knows the receivers and he knows their abilities.
Because Leons will be making his first start, Lyles said the team will be more conservative with the play calling, especially early on.
“I think we have to be more careful that we protect the quarterback,” he said. “We don’t want to be in the situation where we are on the edge more than we want to be. We want to control the ball and eat up the clock. Give him a chance to settle in. When we do that, I think he will be fine.”
Los Angeles has brought in quarterbacks Wally Richardson and Jim Druckenmiller to fight for the backup role.
In addition to the roster moves, the Avengers have also been scrambling as a coaching staff. Earlier in the week, the Avengers relieved offensive coordinator Terry Karg of his duties. Lyles, who is also the defensive coordinator, will step in and call plays on the offensive side of the ball.
“It’s tough whenever you lose someone like Coach Karg, especially at this time in the season,” Lyles said. “Everybody has to pitch in. All the coaches have been asked to do more than what they have been doing. Everyone understands the need and the urgency (regarding the final two games).”
Defensive backs coach Derrick Burroughs will be called upon to help Lyles call the plays for the defense. Lyles said he will need the help on the defense so he can make adjustments to offense.
“It’s been busy,” said Lyles, who admitted to being short of sleep. “When we travel, this is my time to rest on the plane. It’s definitely been challenging, trying at times. But that’s part of what were doing and part of the business.”
Offensive specialist Travis Hannah is one leader the team will be looking to. Hannah leads the team in receptions (65), yards (842) and touchdown receptions (15). He will need to carry a bigger load with Jackson’s 62 catches and 13 touchdowns missing from the lineup.
On the defensive side of the ball the Avengers need to continue doing what it’s been doing during the past seven weeks, a span where the team has a 5-2 record.
Heading into the game with Carolina, the Los Angeles defense is ranked first in total yards allowed (248.3) and passing yards allowed (229.8). The Avenger defense is also coming off a franchise best 151 total yards they allowed to the Nashville Kats.
Lyles understands the importance of special teams for this week’s game, with Carolina boasting the No. 2 kickoff returner in the league in Corey Johnson. Johnson has returned 42 kickoffs for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns. He returned a pair of kicks for touchdowns in last weekend’s loss to New York.
“We need to contain their kickoff return team,” Lyles said. “They have a guy that can take the ball and return it for a touchdown from anywhere on the field. We need to win the special teams battle.”
If Los Angeles hopes to win, it also must contain Carolina quarterback Fred McNair. In 12 games this season, McNair has completed 243 of his 382 pass attempts for 2,743 yards and 55 touchdowns against six interceptions.
“We just have to keep him from getting into a comfort zone, keep him from getting into his groove,” Lyles said. “We will try to force him to do things that he’s not too good at and things he’s not comfortable doing.”
The Los Angeles-Carolina game will be seen delayed on KCAL 9 in the Los Angeles area at 7 p.m.
Steve Jacobson was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2001 season.