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New Jersey Star Ledger
Dave Hutchinson
The Bulldogs are off to a great start this year, considering their midseason collapses have usually started by this time in previous years. Every game into the season seems bigger in scope than the last. This week is no exception. However, amidst all the hoopla of the game lies some feel good side plots. This game marks the 1st time a Bulldogs team will face off against the man that was the face of the organization for the first part of his career. Not only is it QB Chris Chaplin's first time against the Bulldogs, but it's his first time to play in Newark since the trade that sent him and Justin Jones off to Iowa City. There is a special buzz in the community for his return. Collegiate and professional teammate WR Andrew Robey is excited to see his old friend.
"When you've spent as much time as I have with Chris, both as kids and maturing into adults, it's not very often that we get to see eachother through the season. Our kids have grown up together and Chris spends a lot of time here in the offseason, which is nice. We still work out together a lot in the offseason. You learn to appreciate these types of relationships when you're at my age, in the twilight of your career. We did a lot of special things here in NJ. I know Chris is excited about the opportunity to play atleast 1 more game here before he hangs it up."
Chaplin is the all time leader in most of the Bulldogs passing records. He was a model citizen, and did a lot for the community. At the time, the trade was given much skepticism. Trading away two stars, with the promise of only potential value.
Also making returns to the NJ area are WR Ellis Leatherman (who spent 3 seasons with the Dogs) and LB Jake Legg (an emotional leader who spent 2 years with the Dogs).
The stage is set for Sunday where 2 of the top teams in the NFC will face off. Both teams enter the game with identical 4-1 records and appear to be similar in many areas as far as talent is concerned. Newark has the Vegas advantage heading into the game.
Dave Hutchinson
The Bulldogs are off to a great start this year, considering their midseason collapses have usually started by this time in previous years. Every game into the season seems bigger in scope than the last. This week is no exception. However, amidst all the hoopla of the game lies some feel good side plots. This game marks the 1st time a Bulldogs team will face off against the man that was the face of the organization for the first part of his career. Not only is it QB Chris Chaplin's first time against the Bulldogs, but it's his first time to play in Newark since the trade that sent him and Justin Jones off to Iowa City. There is a special buzz in the community for his return. Collegiate and professional teammate WR Andrew Robey is excited to see his old friend.
"When you've spent as much time as I have with Chris, both as kids and maturing into adults, it's not very often that we get to see eachother through the season. Our kids have grown up together and Chris spends a lot of time here in the offseason, which is nice. We still work out together a lot in the offseason. You learn to appreciate these types of relationships when you're at my age, in the twilight of your career. We did a lot of special things here in NJ. I know Chris is excited about the opportunity to play atleast 1 more game here before he hangs it up."
Chaplin is the all time leader in most of the Bulldogs passing records. He was a model citizen, and did a lot for the community. At the time, the trade was given much skepticism. Trading away two stars, with the promise of only potential value.
Also making returns to the NJ area are WR Ellis Leatherman (who spent 3 seasons with the Dogs) and LB Jake Legg (an emotional leader who spent 2 years with the Dogs).
The stage is set for Sunday where 2 of the top teams in the NFC will face off. Both teams enter the game with identical 4-1 records and appear to be similar in many areas as far as talent is concerned. Newark has the Vegas advantage heading into the game.