Coming Together as a Unit

Published on July 17, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Before the game against Wichita, it seemed that many people were hesitant to give Bakersfield the credit they deserved after turning the season around and going 5-1 in their last six games. But I think emerging victorious last Saturday at the Centennial Garden against a tough Stealth team really validated what they are doing.

The Blitz are now only two games out of the division lead in the National Conference West, which is incredible considering they began the season 1-6. It is very difficult to turn things around and keep guys playing hard when a team is on a losing streak, so I think it speaks volumes about James Fuller, the coaching staff and the players.

Bakersfield's confidence has been growing each week and they're certainly one of the hottest teams in the league right now. If you talk to players they definitely don't think it's a fluke. They feel like they're a talented football team and possess the personnel to win. Expectations were high coming into this year but people have to remember they're a relatively young team with a lot of new faces, and it takes time to gel.

It seems like the team is really starting to settle in and understand what's being asked of it. The defense has been doing a great job stopping the pass, applying pressure on the quarterback and they haven't given up a lot of big plays. Offensively, the passing game is showing improvement and they're getting some stability at the wide receiver position with Eric Mahanke. He's really coming along and beginning to comprehend the offense more.

Teddy Wilson has shown tremendous growth in his second season. Last year, he was learning the position and adjusting to being in the league. He may have thought he could come in and get away with a lot of things based on pure talent, but he realized you can't do that in the af2. This year, he has worked on his footwork and technique ... he's lighter and is moving better. He has admitted that he's much more comfortable within the scheme, with what he's being asked to do and playing at this level. It's not unusual -- most players experience a tremendous jump between their first and second years in the league.

I don't think it's premature to say the Blitz are a playoff contender. Regardless of how they got there, the reality is that they're in the hunt. The final two are within the National Conference West so they have very little room for error, but that's what happens when you start out 1-6.

I think there is sometimes a tendency to dwell on numbers too much. A year ago, the Blitz started out 6-2, but then fizzled out in the second half going 3-9 including a first round loss to the San Diego Riptide. It's tough not to pay a lot of attention to those types of statistics, but the fact of the matter is there is just too much parity in today's game. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if the Blitz went on to make the post-season. They have showed a lot of heart throughout the year and have come together as a unit.

NOTES

- The Blitz can clinch a playoff spot this weekend with a win against the Stealth and a Cincinnati loss.

- Wide Receiver Eric Mahanke only needs 15 more receiving yards to reach the 1,000-yard milestone. He currently averages 75.8 yards per game.

- The Blitz defense is currently ranked number one against the pass. They are only allowing 183.9 yards through the air

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