Pre Season Win over the Titans

T.O.F.N. · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

*** General Manager Lael walks to the podium. He takes a few moments to take in the amount of peoeple at the Press Conference. ***

Lael: Ladies and Gentlemen, you witnessed again today another win, but it wasn't a win we really earned. The Titans are a great team. But we didn't play the Titans. We played people who aren't playing for the Titans full time. It's great to know we can dominate when we play backups, but we aren't gonna let the stats sheet fool us into thinking this is how we are gonna play EVERY SINGLE GAME.

First, Injuries. Josh Bullocks had a minor injury that took him out for the game, we're gonna see how he does during practice, but he is expected to play next week. Vincent made a tackle, and hurt his arm. He was back in two plays later. We are very fortunate to be so lucky in to have this little amount of injuries. Our hopes are that all teams stay injury free.

Even though we were playing against a bunch of backups, I'm proud of what my team accomplished today. Erik Pears made his first start today as the full time Left Tackle. We are taking a big risk in putting him at left tackle, but I think Cutler has shown that he making him look good. Cutler kept getting outside of the pocket and continued to make plays all game long. We are very pleased in the way Cutler has been playing in the 1st two weeks. We are looking for him to be a major candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Michael Turner ran all over the Titans. the Titans had no problem getting to Turner, but more of wrapping him up and taking him down. Turner would not be denied a great game today. Randy Moss took some pressure off of Walker as he record a TD in only 2 receptions. Moss is still getting used to the system we are using, and while he hasn't put up big time numbers Moss is known for, he is still being productive in not only the pass game, but he playing some parts in the run game.

Stephen Davis came in and showed us that even if Turner out, he'll be able to take the game with almost the same intensity he used to show a few years ago in Carolina. Rod Gardner had a good game as well, 3 completions and 2 touchdown. There is a close battle between Morgan, Marshall and Gardner for the #3 spot in the depth chart. Last week, Morgan shined, Gardner did okay. This week Gardner did good, Morgan just had 1 receptions. Marshall is showing good signs though, learning from the vets.

On Defense, we did about average. Ayodele played tremendous and gave it his all each and every play. That's what we like about this kid. He never ceases to not satisfy us. Him and Wilson are getting to know each and making sure one or the other is there to make the play. He had 9 Tackles, 3 of them were for loses, He deflected 2 passes and had 1 interception, broke a few tackles on it too. On David Givens only reception of the day, Champ Bailey showed us his speed, chasing him down 30 yards to about the 12 yard line to make a stop from allowing a big play. It's good to have someone of Champ Bailey's caliber on our team.

Rossum and Smart both had 1 kick return for 20 yards. At this time, Rossum is expected to do Kick Returns and Smart is expected to do Punt Returns. But this all could very much change. Saurbrun had 2 punts today, one that landed out of bounds at the 4 yards line. We like the field position he brings to us.

Overall all, still not satisfied with beating up a bunch of backups, we look as this win as another stepping stone towards The Big One.

Any Questions?

cashpath · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

Since you obviously feel teams should start thier starters in pre-season does this mean tha Champ Bailey has been demoted to the 2nd CB position with the 2nd team?

T.O.F.N. · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

Actually yes and no. We decided that we wanted let Champ sit this game, but I made an error when setting my depth chart and put Champ in. But, since it still lets Champ get some playing time, but not the whole game, that's pretty much what we are going to do.

cashpath · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

So you admit that sometimes it is good to not start starters in the Pre-Season?

T.O.F.N. · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

I have admitted that not starting one or two players during Pre Season is understandable. Not starting your whole team is another thing.

cashpath · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

Do you think it helps your team to complain about what OTHER teams do in your press conferences? Some people like to just focus on their team and what their team does, do you think any good can come from your appraoch which is to 'complain' about what other teams are or are not doing?

Second question... Would you talk to other teams before the next pre-season schedule is made and try to schedule games against teams that plan on playing all but their best and most valuable CB's?

Esimorp · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

Since you don't feel this is an earned win what do you pull from it? are you planning to rest any of your starters in the last two preseason games?

T.O.F.N. · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashpath

Do you think it helps your team to complain about what OTHER teams do in your press conferences? Some people like to just focus on their team and what their team does, do you think any good can come from your appraoch which is to 'complain' about what other teams are or are not doing?

If me stating how I feel about playing backups during Pre Season is complaining, then yeah, I'm complaining. Some people like to do things there way. It may not do any good to do what I do, but I don't know, and for that I do it. If complaining about how another team runs there organization makes my team look better or worse and make people want to play me more, I guess then it works. It also attracts more attention knowing people will come in here just to tell me that my way makes no sense, but it makes sense to me.
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Madden 2008
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Quote:

Originally Posted by cashpath

Second question... Would you talk to other teams before the next pre-season schedule is made and try to schedule games against teams that plan on playing all but their best and most valuable CB's?

People can come here and listen in that Champ Bailey is #4 on my depth chart and plan accordingly. If someone wants to make sure there number 1 palys my number 1, then that's good. If they want to make sure that thier number one plays against my number 5, then they are being an opportunist, and I praise them for it. If someone knows that I plan on putting my starters then they plan accordingly.
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Madden 2008
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Esimorp

Since you don't feel this is an earned win what do you pull from it? are you planning to rest any of your starters in the last two preseason games?

Just because we didn't earn the win to a full extent doesn't mean we won't take it. Champ is the only person that this time that will not be starting, but he will be seeing time as he will be playing the second half.