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Murray: We have to be patient

April 20, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


Editor's Note: One of the most significant moves the Coyotes made during the 2004 off-season was acquiring Doug Murray as defensive coordinator. Murray spent the pas two seasons at UC Davis as the secondary coach.

In Central Valley, Murray inherits a defense that finished 3rd in the af2 last season. The team also acquired talented players in the off-season, including linebacker Kevin Nelson, defensive specialists Kalangi Muatututia, and Jermaine Smith to add to the veteran leadership of defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai, defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer and linebacker Howard Maxwell.

As the Coyotes prepare for their first road game of the 2004 season Centtralvalleycoyotes.com editor, Anthony Martinez was able to sit down with Murray to talk about the upcoming game. Murray's comments will appear regularly on Centralvalleycoyotes.com throughout the 2004 season.

How is the moral on the defensive side of the ball?

"I think it's pretty good, obviously we were a little down after our second loss in a row, but we were able to see improvement on the game film. Having the bye week allowed us to get refocused and I think we're getting back to a real good mindset."

With the return of defensive specialist Jermaine Smith, what does he now add to the secondary?

"I'm happy and excited about his return. He is an experienced player, who is an extremely talented athlete on the football field. He is a very mature person who can add some extra leadership on the team that will help us. We have been doing really well in the secondary and this will just add to the mix. I doubt if there is another team in this league that has the kind of quality defensive specialist's that we have."

Turnovers are hard to create in this league, you have tallied two interceptions in two games, how does that help out the defense?

"We've had many more opportunities then just the two interceptions. We've had a lot of knock downs and dropped balls, so I think we're getting closer. When you play a lot of man-to-man coverage your opportunities to have interceptions are reduced versus zone coverage. I think we are still going to stick with man coverage and mix in a little zone and maybe give ourselves a few more opportunities to create some turnovers."

Head coach Cree Morris makes his return back to San Diego, is the hype affecting the players or coaching staff in any way?

"I don't think so, obviously we are all aware of it, but I think Coach Morris has done a tremendous job of reducing any stress or anxiety we may have over the game. As long as we work hard and focus on the task at hand, then I think all the outside hype will not affect us."

Each team is in search of their first win, do you feel a sense of urgency to win this game?

"Obviously the goal is to win and to come out on top. The methodology that we are using is to improve each day and get better physically and mentally. I believe that this game along with every game will be a matter of who makes the least amount of mistakes. We have to be able to put ourselves in a situation to win. I know that everybody is urgent to get a win, but we have to be patient in the game, otherwise we will make to many mistakes. I feel confident in our defense, we know our capabilities and now we must translate that on the playing field."

Veteran quarterback Kane Claunch is expected to be under center this week, how do you prepare for him?

"With the quality receivers that they have and his [Claunch] experience, if we don't get a lot of pressure on him it's going to be a long night. The key is to put pressure on him and make him as uncomfortable as possible in order to give us a chance to succeed."

Dwight Clark is San Diego's leading receiver. He is big and physical, how do you game plan for him?

"He is a big strong player and I'm not sure how well we match-up with him. Obviously he has the advantage in size, but athletically we match-up pretty well. We have to be very cognizant of him at all times, but we also have to prepare for the other three receivers who have the capability of having an explosive game. We may be forced to play a little more zone coverage to protect the top against this team, and then be more selective when we play man-to man. We're going to have to put pressure on the quarterback to take the ball out of the receiver's hands."



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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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