Tweet
HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Grizzlies did something Monday that they have not done since 2003. They won their season opener. Their 27-17 win over Boston is hoped to be the harbinger of a better season than last year's 6-10 campaign.
There was one good thing to come out of last season however, the draft pick that turned into SLB Courtney Cleeland. In his first game, Cleeland had 8 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. After the game, Cleeland was "just happy he was able to help the team."
For most fans, what is even better was the appearance of an offense in Hartford. For the past three years, QBs have come and gone. Nelson, Moss, Nelson again, and Mueller. Yes, they won games, but it was more because of a stingy defense than a potent offense. That began to change last year with the emergence of Jim Hickman. Although defenses stacked 8 in the box to stop the Grizzlies running game, Hickman was able to move the team through the air. After 11 starts, Hickman holds 7 of the top 12 Grizzly game passing yardage totals.
Last year, a crucial turnover often cost the Grizzlies. Hickman would be pressured to lead the team back, and either a fumble, or an interception seemed to doom the team. This year, he calmly led the team downfield time after time, for a score. Four times the Grizzlies were inside the 20, and that led to 20 points as the Grizzlies scored each time they entered the red zone. Something that was nearly unheard of a year ago. Even better, he helped the Grizzlies convert on 8 of 14 third downs, one was a critical 10 yard scamper that set up the Grizzlies first TD of the season.
Could this be the renaissance of the Grizzlies franchise? This reporter doubts it. There are too many holes on the defense, but if the rookies develop and make some plays, this team could surprise. One question was answered, it appears that there is no QB controversy in Hartford, Jim Hickman is the man, for now.
There was one good thing to come out of last season however, the draft pick that turned into SLB Courtney Cleeland. In his first game, Cleeland had 8 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. After the game, Cleeland was "just happy he was able to help the team."
For most fans, what is even better was the appearance of an offense in Hartford. For the past three years, QBs have come and gone. Nelson, Moss, Nelson again, and Mueller. Yes, they won games, but it was more because of a stingy defense than a potent offense. That began to change last year with the emergence of Jim Hickman. Although defenses stacked 8 in the box to stop the Grizzlies running game, Hickman was able to move the team through the air. After 11 starts, Hickman holds 7 of the top 12 Grizzly game passing yardage totals.
Last year, a crucial turnover often cost the Grizzlies. Hickman would be pressured to lead the team back, and either a fumble, or an interception seemed to doom the team. This year, he calmly led the team downfield time after time, for a score. Four times the Grizzlies were inside the 20, and that led to 20 points as the Grizzlies scored each time they entered the red zone. Something that was nearly unheard of a year ago. Even better, he helped the Grizzlies convert on 8 of 14 third downs, one was a critical 10 yard scamper that set up the Grizzlies first TD of the season.
Could this be the renaissance of the Grizzlies franchise? This reporter doubts it. There are too many holes on the defense, but if the rookies develop and make some plays, this team could surprise. One question was answered, it appears that there is no QB controversy in Hartford, Jim Hickman is the man, for now.
