Rookie receiver torches Devils

[Jave]

Oakland Press Oakland, Ca

In another frustrating afternoon against the Stallions, the Oakland Devils dropped another close game allowing rookie receiver Don Gomez to catch 9 passes for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tart was his usual self running all over the Devils for 93 yards and another score averaging almost 4 yards a rush.
One of these years Oakland will actually be able to stop the run, but until then the fans will have to sit and watch SLC run over and now pass their way to victory time and time again. We had a chance to speak with Jave this morning regarding the game;
"Well, yes I am disappointed but not really surprised. We replaced nearly the entire offensive line from last season. I really felt like it was necessary if we were to be competitive over the next decade. If you look, Chisholm is the only returning starter on that line. Hanks is starting his first game for us at quarterback as Donovan did not sign until last week so it may be next year before he is ready to take over.
We lost Bice at receiver and our defensive backfield really is struggling talent wise. We have done our best to stockpile future draft picks, but rebuilding doesn't happen overnight. I believe we have fielded a competitive team this year and it will take some time for everyone to gel. I am still confident in the direction this team is heading."

Regardless, there were some positives. After being injured nearly half the season last year, Bailey came on strong with 86 yards and a score on 23 carries. The offensive line held up pretty well considering it's starting 3 rookies and second year Alston. Quarterback Hanks played fairly well in his first start throwing for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns not throwing a single interception.

It's obvious the Devils will not be a playoff contender this year but should win 6-8 games. The future looks bright for this young squad and the coaches and GM Jave have this team heading in the right direction.

[Hell Atlantic]

there is no way in which the Devils will get anywhere close to 8 wins.

[Jave]

there is no way in which the Devils will get anywhere close to 8 wins.

You scored a whopping 10 points last week in beating LA by 3 points, who went 7-9 last year. So lets not come off like you are Norfolk or something. Try earning the respect of the league before you come off trash talking cause your only making yourself look stupid.

[sovstar]

there is no way in which the Devils will get anywhere close to 8 wins.

""

[VitoStallion]

LMAO

[Hell Atlantic]

You scored a whopping 10 points last week in beating LA by 3 points, who went 7-9 last year. So lets not come off like you are Norfolk or something. Try earning the respect of the league before you come off trash talking cause your only making yourself look stupid.

outside of QB, yes, we're not looking too good. but let's not forget the other 21 starters. what, all of a sudden Nathan Mullin is gonna give up? my awesome secondary is just gonna stop playing pass defense? yeah, we're not winning any championships this year, and we most likely will suck badly. i'm prepared for a very bad season. but i'm not throwing out silly projections like 8-8. that's not possible this season without a solid QB. i either want to suck, or compete for the playoffs. i'm not the kind of guy who'll say optimistically "hey, if we play our balls off we just may be able to be 8-8!!!". you're rebuilding your team (your words), it's ok to suck and say "it's gonna be a long season, i hope we don't get dominated too badly this year". what rebuilding team "hopes" for 8-8? what would that accomplish? a bad pick and no playoffs? nice.

[JesterBlaze]

what rebuilding team "hopes" for 8-8?

One that's not into tanking, which is against league rules.

Vermont was 9-7 last season and did pretty well. Vancouver was 8-8 and made the playoffs.

There is all the reason in the world for a rebuilding team to want to go 8-8.

[Jave]

The only reason I don't win 8 games this season is because at some point I have to start getting Donovan some playing time. However if I continued to start Hanks, then 8 wins is totally realistic. I have solid linebackers, a great receiver, fullback and 2 good tight ends. This team is not that far from a possible wild card berth.

I don't throw games to improve my draft standing. We don't play for the draft, we play to win in Oakland.

[sovstar]

A solid fullback and two tight ends? WHOA!1!

[Hell Atlantic]

The only reason I don't win 8 games this season is because at some point I have to start getting Donovan some playing time. However if I continued to start Hanks, then 8 wins is totally realistic. I have solid linebackers, a great receiver, fullback and 2 good tight ends. This team is not that far from a possible wild card berth.

I don't throw games to improve my draft standing. We don't play for the draft, we play to win in Oakland.

no one is saying you should tank. i'm just saying you're rebuilding, you're suppsed to be giving valuable playing time to your young studs. you can't rebuild and try to win at the same time. so while you're aiming for your "wild card berth", your rookie QB is sitting on the bench and not gaining any development. i have crap as my QBs and i still won the game - at least if you play your crap rookie he'll be more likely to fully reach his development potentional. your rookie QB has nowhere to go but up, win or lose.

but the idea behind rebuilding is you reload your team with young talent, and you play that young talent. young talent won't win games, but eventually, when they develop - the hope is they'll be able to help you win a lot of games. i'm fine with whatever happens this season with the Heroes. if we lose a lot of games its cuz of the unexpected Collela Condundrum. if we win a lot of games its cuz of sheer luck and balls.

fortunately we have ample quantities of both.

[JesterBlaze]

you can't rebuild and try to win at the same time.

That's a historical trend and nothing more. As was "you can't go 16-0" until a certain shady team from New England proved "cheat, cheat, we're never beat" overruled that.


One thing about winning teams is they don't give anything away on the field. A rebuilding team, or any team for that matter, has too much on their plate already to start believing all the "you can't" that comes their way. Focus 100% on gameplanning to win and let the "you can'ts" prove themselves. Losing isn't a predefined result however believing it is can make it so.


I thought I couldn't be beat at home last season. I also thought Vermont had the worst chance of any NFC playoff team to beat me last season. I ran into Beans' room when I found out Little Rock lost to Vermont thinking the NFC Champioinship was already handed to me. My biggest problem: Unfortunately Coder didn't believe all the "you can't" he was hearing.