Phantoms line to set the tone
AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Phantoms line to set the tone

by Campbell Blake
April 1, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)


In the eyes of Toronto Phantoms new line coach Bob Landsee, winning the battle on the line is one of the most important aspects of being a successful football team regardless of the league or level. The Phantoms corps of linemen could very well be considered one of the league's best heading into the 2002 season. They have the nucleus of last year's line returning including John Summerday, Connell Spain and Steve Konopka along with a few key additions such as Doug Lytle and Kelvin Ingram.

"At any level, any type of football whether it's eleven or eight man, it is the most important thing there is," said Landsee. "If you control the line of scrimmage, you give your quarterback more time, you can have a running game. They will not know whether it is a pass or run. The line is the most important part of this game"

Landsee is considered by many to be one of the most intense coaches in football. He is a throw back to the old days dating back to his time patrolling the line as a guard for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, where he earned All American and All Big Ten honors. Upon graduation, he went on to play three seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles (1986-88), protecting such stars as Randall Cunningham. His coaching resume includes stops at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the AFL's Milwaukee Mustangs, all while running the highly successful All Pro Lineman Football Camp, which has seen many of its graduates go on to play in the NFL. He is someone who gets very involved during practice, and the intensity he brings to the table is unquestionable.

"I would not call me a laid back style. I am more of an intense kind of guy, who believes how we practice is how we play," said Landsee. "The more I am around these guys, the more I push them to bust their butts, the better we will be come game time."

Landsee will have a good returning group that should be greatly improved with a few newcomers. Along with Spain, Konopka and Summerday, returnees to the Phantoms offensive line this season are Jason Walters, Chris Bell and Frank Moore.

The Phantoms made some careful acquisitions during the off-season to add depth to the line. They selected lineman Doug Lytle in the dispersal draft last November. Lytle, who spent his first two seasons in the league with Milwaukee, started all 14 games for the Mustangs last year. In the signing of former Predator and Rattler lineman Kelvin Ingram, the Phantoms gained a player who brings five years of AFL experience. He knows what it takes to win, having made trips to the Arena Bowl during his tenure with both Orlando and Arizona.

"So far what has really impressed me has been the work habit of these guys," noted Landsee. "They got good work habits, they are busting their butts, they are not being lazy. We got guys who want to work hard and be on this team."

This season the team is looking to build on what they started during their last five regular season games. During that stretch, the Phantoms offensive line gave up only one sack. On the other side of the ball, Toronto's dominant pass rush produced nine sacks. Under the guidance of Coach Landsee they are looking to continue with their winning ways to stay on top in what will be a very competitive Eastern Division. Every team in the division has made additions in hopes of improving. One important key to the Phantoms staying on top is having a strong presence on the line of scrimmage, which on paper they certainly do. It is nice to be the best on paper, but it is much better to be the best on the field. That is what the Phantoms are hoping will happen and Landsee's troops are the only ones who will try to make it so.

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 1, 2002


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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