Destroyers and Rush practice together

Published on January 13, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers continued with Day 7 of Training Camp on Thursday and held two practices with the Chicago Rush. The Rush are in Columbus for a scrimmage set for Saturday. Practicing against the Rush was welcomed by all players.

"It gave us a good look as far as game time situations," offensive/defensive lineman Ken Jones said. "We were going against someone new instead of our same old players that we see everyday. It gave us a different feel."

The practice schedule was similar to recent days as players went through one-on-one's, three-on-three's, special teams work and full team work. The difference was that instead of going against each other, the players were going against an opponent.

"Seeing something different is always beneficial when it comes to preparing for the season," Jones said. "You only get so many looks in practice from your teammates, so to see something different was helpful."

It was a nice change of pace, as the players got a different look and different style from the Rush, which helped the players get better and better.

"It helped us out more, too, because they have fast pass rushers, whereas on our side we are more power," Jones added.

The day also brought a boost of confidence and the enthusiasm was higher as well.

"There was a lot of enthusiasm," Jones said. "I feel like this is a winning team. Guys were enthusiastic and worked real hard today."

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

Kicker Miro Kesic went 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-3 on extra points during special teams work in the afternoon session The linemen had one of their best days yet, looking great in one-on-one's, three-on-three's and in team work The defensive secondary had another good day of work and didn't give up many big plays, while breaking up numerous passes

Offensive Coordinator Ken Matous' comments on the day...

On the practices against the Rush...

"It was good because you get used to practicing against yourself all the time and you get tired of seeing each other and seeing the same old thing...you know how to beat a guy. Now you get a whole set of fresh defensive backs or receivers, and all of the sudden, it's a whole new game. It's competitive, fun, exciting and it gets the adrenaline going. You also get more looks that are more game like than practice like."

On the players getting to see a different look in practice...

"When these guys get to playing against each other every day, you find out ways and know how to beat a guy. When you don't play against a guy week in and week out, it's not as easy to beat him. That's what makes it fun for the game, it makes it a chess match."

Wide Receiver/Defensive Back Hugh Smith's comments on the day...

On how camp is going after the first week...

"It's going good. The offensive part comes to me easy because I have been doing it all of my life. It comes down to making plays. Coming from the big field in Canada (Canadian Football League), I have had to adjust the way I run my routes a little bit."

On adjusting to the different schemes and plays...

"I like coach Kay a lot. He is a guy you want to work for. He is going to praise you when you do good, and he is going to let you know when you are doing bad. Every time I am on the field, I am going to work hard for him. On defense, I am not going to say it's hard, but for an offensive guy, I am going to have to work on it. I have to quit looking at the quarterback. As a receiver, my first instinct is to look at the quarterback for the ball. On defense, that is a habit that I have to break."

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 13, 2006


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