Talk us through this weeks game. What went wrong? What went right?
We had a good game. The guys went out, they looked relaxed, poised. Seems like the getaway came at a good time. So I would like to send a thank you to everyone at the Hunter Army Airfield Army Base who made us feel so welcome. Everyone there was so great. Just being there, seeing how all the soldiers train and live in order to be ready to defend our country and our freedoms was very humbling. It was food for thought as I watched how our Warriors, both from Atlanta and in our military worked together. Watching them work with this team and how this team responded, listened and really took to heart the importance of being one unit really showed on the field this week and I hope it continues. So, beyond controlling the time of possession, holding the Barons and not letting them convert one third down and watching our defense step up like they did was beyond awesome, but I think what went right was this experience we shared with one another. Not much went wrong but we still have a lot of work to do. The Barons are struggling and they have this cockiness about them which is in direct correlation with their GM. It showed right before the half when they had a chance to make a mark, and Jackson decided he was gonna high step, a move that could have changed the momentum but we made a great stop and that's how it goes. Like us, they also have a lot of work to do but I like where we are much better.
With the All-Star Rosters being announced this week, what is your take on the composition, any snubs or surprises from your own team?
Well the both sides are very talented. The west seems to have a great offense and at first while watching the selection show I thought, It's fine. The east has a great defense, then it happened. GM Kirk had the hiccup of a lifetime. He left Hagan off our roster and now he is on the opposing team looking to bring us down. That was a mistake, the only silver lining if I can be honest is that if he is angry enough, he'll punish some of the great talent we have to face as the season winds down which can only help us. But seriously, I never want to see anyone get hurt but it was a dumb move not to put a destructive force like Hagan on our squad. I was about 90 percent about our chances now it's right on 50/50. Now, as far as who I think could have made it, well so much talent was left off but to be a homer I would give the nod to Atlanta's very own James Brown. He has been a force of his own since joining this team. I also think leaving off Erik Pitts was a mistake. He has been amazing for us. You know,this being the first year I know it was exciting so maybe that excitement got in the way of rationale thinking, I mean look at GM Jon, has he finished choosing Lumberjacks yet? Maybe next year the guys who choose can be the two who were in the impact bowl. Maybe, the actual top stat guys in every position can be selected and the GM's choose the benches. Maybe let the GM's all vote. Well see, Let's enjoy this all star week before we start taking it apart. I love the all star game and hope every year the format changes to keep it fresh and safe.
What news stories stood out to you this week?
Well hearing the rumors that GM Pancho might already be on his way out is a bit surprising from the stand point of that, that is a good team out there in Alabama. They are having a tough year. I think where GM"s Pancho's arrogance got the best of him was allowing us here in Atlanta to acquire such talented coaches in Munoz and Bowman. They had that team rolling, I didn't understand how they were blamed. Well I'm glad they were because now they get to create something special here.
Talk about your game this upcoming week, what do you need to focus on most?
Well it hurts when you lose your new captain and first time all star CB Eric Evans. He and Cavanaugh are an amazing tandem that has really propelled this teams pass defense. We are going to need guys to step it up this week. I think we did a good job filling in the holes in the front seven. We played a lot better in the front seven and our defensive backfield stepped up once again. Our offense did well and it helped we always had a short field due to timely interceptions. If we once again control time of possession and limit turn overs I think we should fair well once again. Portland's record is not where they thought they would be I'm sure but we have to prepare l for them like if one of these great all star teams were suiting up against us. No one gets a pass, every man wants to win. They are a much better team than Milwaukee so I expect a much harder game ahead of us.
