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Coach's Corner with the Baltimore Mariners' Chris Simpson: Week 7

March 24, 2010 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Mariners News Release


BALTIMORE, MD (March 24, 2010) - My first thought was "Wow!" after holding the Fayetteville Guard scoreless for an entire game. A couple of hours later, when everyone had left the arena, spent some time down at The Nest on Pratt Street and I was on my way back to the hotel, my thoughts were already fixed on preparing for the Richmond Raiders.

My defensive players, Defensive Coordinator Steve Gaunt and DB coach Jason Blackman did an outstanding job in making that historical moment happen. I am very proud of that group. That is something that no one will ever be able to take away from them and this team. But, so is winning a championship and we are not there yet. Not even close.

There have been three questions posed to me over the past couple of weeks. The first has been about going undefeated. It is way too early in the season and there are too many good teams that we must face to even consider going without a loss at this time. Our goal is to win the AIFA Championship. I believe that everyone in this organization will trade records and an undefeated season for that one goal of winning it all.

The second has been about us being in the uncharted territory of having a record of 3 - 0 to start the season. We go into every contest with the mindset that we can, and will, win. Our preparation has not changed nor will it. We treat each opponent as if we are facing the defending champion. To win, we must continue to improve each week as a team and as a staff.

The last has been about the pulse of the team. Are they cocky, and overconfident, or do they continue to stay grounded? As a staff, we won't allow for overconfidence or complacency. Ask the players about practice last week. They'll tell you. What we did the previous game does not automatically translate into a win in the next game. There are no "easy" opponents. We must continue to work hard, stay focused and earn each victory.

Richmond has a solid football team. They are quick and they are physical. If we are to go into our first bye week 4 - 0, we must come out and execute in every facet of the game. The target is now on our backs. We are the hunted. However, sometimes, the hunted becomes the hunters. That's the mentality we'll take going into Sunday's game. We still have some unfinished business to tend to. It's time to get ready for the chase. See you at 1st Mariner Arena.

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American Indoor Football Association Stories from March 24, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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