LONG BEACH MERMEN [GM RIZZ]

[Talon]

WEEK 1 PRESS QUESTIONS

1. Discuss your performance and result for week 1. What were some sustains, and what were some improvements going into week 2?

2. Kennith Diamond set a franchise record for TFL's this week, despite it being over shadowed by the massive sack parties around the league, how big was his effort for you this week?

3. Coming out of training camp and now seeing the team in week 1, what should fans expect to see this year from your club?

4. Did any news catch your eye this week?

5. Discuss your next opponent and game.

[GM Yount]

WEEK 1 PRESS QUESTIONS

1. Discuss your performance and result for week 1. What were some sustains, and what were some improvements going into week 2?

"HI ITS THE BIG DOG

GOOD TO GET OUT TO A STRONG START WITH A GOOD WIN OVER A REALLY TOUGH TEAM

I THOUGHT OUR DEFENSE WAS AGGRESSIVE FLYING AROUND AND EXECUTED A GOOD GAMEPLAN WELL DESPITE HAVING TO FACE A COUPLE OF SHORTER FIELDS OFF TURNOVERS AGAINST A REALLY UNIQUELY CHALLENGING MATCHUP OBVIOUSLY KENNY DIAMOND IS THE STANDOUT BUT THE UNIT AS A WHOLE DID WELL BALLHAWKING AND IT WAS GREAT TO SEE OLD FRIEND CASEY THORPE GET A TOUCHDOWN

OUR SPECIAL TEAMS SPECIFICALLY THE RETURN UNIT WAS HUGE IN A CLOSE GAME LIKE THIS MAKING SURE WE HAD ADVANTAGEOUS FIELD POSITION

SOME OF OUR YOUNG GUYS DID HAVE A BIT OF A ROUGH WEEK BUT BETWEEN THE RETURNS AND THAT FOURTH DOWN RUN TO SEAL THE GAME OBI MADE A HUGE IMPACT IN HIS FIRST GAME IN OUR LEAGUE

THE RUN GAME OVERALL WAS STRONG LIKE I EXPECTED IT TO BE THE PASS PRO COULD USE SOME CLEANING UP BUT WE STILL GOT SOME EXCITING PLAYS THERE LIKE JUSTYN ROSS GETTING A COUPLE TOUCHDOWNS AGAINST A TOP CORNERBACK AND T LAW GOING THROUGH HIS PROGRESSIONS TO FIND THE VET ODELL CROCKER FOR ONE

WE OBVIOUSLY WILL WANT TO GET CALEB PHILLIPS AND JOSEPH RUIZ MORE INVOLVED IN THE PASSING GAME GOING FORWARD BUT IF THE IDEA WAS TO STAY AWAY FROM AN INTERCEPTION MACHINE LIKE WOODROW BRITT THAT MAKES SENSE

OVERALL HAPPY WE EXECUTED IN SOME OF THE PHASES I LOOKED TO IMPROVE IN THE OFFSEASON HAPPY WE GOT A TOUGH WIN TO START THE YEAR BUT THERES A LOT OF WORK AHEAD"

2. Kennith Diamond set a franchise record for TFL's this week, despite it being over shadowed by the massive sack parties around the league, how big was his effort for you this week?

"MASSIVE EFFORT BY KENNY THERE

HE WAS REALLY THE LYNCHPIN TO OUR DEFENSIVE EFFORT THIS WEEK WITH HIS ABILITY TO STOP A LOT OF THOSE DESIGNED QB RUNS BY FIELDS

OBVIOUSLY FIELDS GOT A FEW DECENT RUNS IN BUT THATS EXPECTED

DIAMOND REALLY HELPED STOP CLEVELAND FROM GETTING CONSISTENT MOMENTUM ON THAT SIDE OF THE BALL

AND THE GREAT THING IS IVE KNOWN HIM A LONG TIME THIS UPCOMING SEASON IS GONNA BE OUR THIRD AND A HALF WORKING TOGETHER AND THE BIG DOG KNOWS HES NOT GONNA BE SATISFIED WITH SUCH A GREAT NIGHT

HES SUCH A HUNGRY PLAYER TO BOTH BE THE BEST HE CAN BE TO WIN GAMES AND TO GET THE BEST OUT OF HIS TEAMMATES HES GONNA KEEP HIS FOOT ON THE GAS"

3. Coming out of training camp and now seeing the team in week 1, what should fans expect to see this year from your club?

"A TEAM THAT MIXES IN A STRONG RUN GAME WITH BIG PLAYS IN THE PASS GAME A TEAM THATS AGGRESSIVE ON DEFENSE AND A TEAM THATS HUNGRY TO TAKE THAT NEXT STEP TOWARDS GREATNESS"

4. Did any news catch your eye this week?

"THE AMOUNT OF SACKS AROUND THE LEAGUE WAS REALLY WEIRDLY HIGH THIS WEEK

DONT KNOW IF THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE WATER OR WHAT

NOT TO TAKE AWAY ANYTHING FROM HOW EXCITING THE LEAGUES ELITE PASS RUSHERS ARE BUT I IMAGINE A FEW PEOPLE AT THE LEAGUE OFFICE ARE SWEATING THAT THE PASS BLOCKING IMPROVES TO THE POINT WHERE ITS NOT JUST TARGET PRACTICE ON THE SKILL POSITION GUYS WHO GET PUT ON THE MARKETING MATERIALS

THANKFULLY FOR ANY PROBLEMS WE HAD LAST WEEK BLOCKING WE WERENT IN THE SAME BOAT AS SOME OF THESE OTHER TEAMS THAT WERE GIVING UP LIKE EIGHT HUNDRED SACKS A PIECE"

5. Discuss your next opponent and game.

"GOING TO PORTLAND

WE HAD A CLOSE CHIPPY GAME THERE LAST YEAR SO WE KNOW ITS A TOUGH PLACE TO PLAY

THEYVE GOT A YOUNG GUNSLINGER AT QB A GREAT TOP TWO WIDE RECEIVERS AND A GREAT O LINE WITH A STAFF THAT LIKES TO SPREAD IT OUT

DEFENSIVELY ITS DEFINITELY THEIR DEFENSIVE TACKLES AND THEIR SAFETIES THAT STAND OUT

I THINK ITS GONNA BE PRETTY CLEAR TO OUR COACHES WHAT THE AREAS WE NEED TO TRY AND EXPLOIT ARE BUT ITS UP TO THE LADS TO GO OUT AND EXECUTE TO MAKE SURE WE IMPROVE AND BUILD ON THE MOMENTUM FROM LAST WEEK"

[Talon]

3 touchdowns from Trevor and 139 on the ground from Encarnacion, that's a nice combination. I'd like to see us get to the quarterback more in the pass game, but Justin is hyper evasive, so we'll get a better feel this week in Portland.

[GM Yount]

"TOUGH O LINE BUT HOPEFULLY COACH KNOTTS WILL DIAL UP SOME GOOD BLITZES

I THINK ILL ASSIGN ROUSE TO COACH MCFADDEN TO HELP HIS ADJUSTMENT TO THE LEAGUE AND NEELEY TO COACH KNOTTS ON THE PASS RUSH SIDE OF THINGS

NOT EXPECTING MIRACLES BUT WANT TO MAKE SURE TO FOCUS ON THE TRENCHES

GONNA GIVE YOU ONE OF THE DBS STILL FIGURING OUT WHICH ONE"

[Talon]

 

Alright.

[GM Yount]

"LETS GET IT

HASHTAG MERMEN COUNTRY LETS SWIM"



Individual Training Focus

Head Coach: CB Paul Hussey
Offensive Coordinator: OT Richard Rouse
Defensive Coordinator: DT Trinidad Boles

Lock In

[GM Yount]

1. What stood out to you about your team this week, any surprise performances good or bad?

"NOT HAPPY WITH HOW WE PLAYED

I THINK OUR DEFENSE DID FAIRLY WELL OVERALL OUR SECONDARY ESPECIALLY WAS REALLY GOOD BUT WE HAD A HARD TIME WINNING AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE AND DIDNT GET ANY SACKS AGAIN ALTHOUGH NEELEY GOT SOME GOOD PRESSURES

REALLY DISAPPOINTING FLAT PERFORMANCE BY OUR OFFENSE LARGELY ALL AROUND

NOT SINGLING ANYONE OUT I JUST THINK WE CAME OUT FLAT AND DIDNT GET OUR GAME GOING"

2. Discuss any news that interested you. (Cover your news first; then move on)

"SAW THE NEWS ABOUT KITCHENS NEW NICKNAME

THE BIG DOGS OBVIOUSLY ALWAYS HAD A BITTER RIVALRY WITH REALITY KINGS SINCE THEYRE A DIRECT COMPETITOR TO MY OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS"

3. Talk about your next match up, how do you win this game?

"LISTEN LETS BE HONEST FOR WHATEVER REASON EVERY TEAM IVE HAD AT ANY STOP HAS CRAPPED THE BED WHENEVER IVE PLAYED MILWAUKEE NO MATTER WHAT THE REGIME THERE SO IM KIND OF NUMB TO THE DETAILS ILL LET THE COACHES HANDLE THAT

REALISTICALLY THOUGH WE JUST NEED TO REMEMBER WHAT OUR MISSION IS HERE PREPARE WITH DEDICATION AND EXECUTE WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY"



"SO YEAH COACH

I MEAN I THINK WE MOSTLY JUST CRAPPED THE BED AND GOT BEAT UP THAT GAME AND COULDNT MAKE PLAYS

OBVIOUSLY THE CALEB START TO THE SEASON IS PRETTY DAMN CONCERNING BUT I DIDNT THINK ITD DO A HELL OF A LOT OF GOOD CALLING HIM OUT FOR SOMETHING WHEN WE KNOW HE ALSO EXPECTS TO BE PRODUCING AT A HIGHER LEVEL"

[Talon]

 

The biggest concern I have with Caleb's start is that he only has the three targets, I'm not sure why he's not getting open or not getting throw to but we obviously need more looks his way, Ill try to play with our strategy to figure out how to get him the ball.

[GM Yount]

"THANKS

YEAH I THINK WE NEED HIS YAC ABILITY TO MAKE SURE OUR OFFENSE CLICKS ESPECIALLY IF T LAW HAS TO THROW SHORT IF HES UNDER PRESSURE

ANYTHING YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET HIM MORE INVOLVED EVEN IF THAT MESSES WITH MY SPECIAL LITTLE ALIGNMENTS OR WHATEVER DO IT I KNOW WEVE HAD STRETCHES WHERE MAC RICHARD OR OTHER GUYS LIKE THAT WERENT GETTING THE BALL AND A TWEAK FIXED IT

I DID TALK TO CALEB AND IT SEEMED LIKE HIS HEAD WAS IN A DECENT PLACE AFTER CAMP SO DESPITE ANY UNSETTLEMENT OR WHATEVER IN CAMP HE SEEMED READY TO BUST OUT ESPECIALLY WITH THE GAINS HE MADE

AS FAR AS OUR LACK OF SACKS AGAIN DO YOU THINK WE GIVE IT ANOTHER WEEK BEFORE PANICKING OR IS IT TIME TO BE CONCERNED

NEELEY SEEMED LIKE HES BEEN GETTING PRESSURES AND KNOCKDOWNS JUST NOT COMPLETING THEM"

[Talon]

 

I'm very concerned. I'm not seeing enough pressure period.

[GM Yount]

"ILL TAKE SOME BLAME FOR BRINGING IN OLDER GUYS FOR THE INTERIOR D LINE THAT ARE SLOWING DOWN BUT AS FAR AS OUR EDGE GUYS I STILL THOUGHT THEYD BE GETTING TO THE QUARTERBACK AND LAST YEAR WE WERE GETTING A GOOD AMOUNT OF SACKS OFF THE BLITZ

I KNOW COACH KNOTTS CALLS THE PLAYS ON THAT SIDE OF THE BALL BUT DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON ANY FIXES OR TWEAKS WE COULD TRY INTERNALLY BEFORE I START LOOKING OUTSIDE

IM DOING MY BEST TO GET BOLES UP TO SPEED AND IMPROVE HIS TACKLING BUT I DONT KNOW HOW LONG A PROCESS THAT WILL BE"

[Talon]

I can try to adjust our blitzing some, but overall it could come down to a lack of chemistry on the front line.

[GM Yount]

"GUESS THEY NEED MORE REPS TOGETHER

OR MAYBE I CAN THROW TOGETHER SOME PR FOR SOME KIND OF BIG MEATY MEN SLAPPING MEAT SUMMIT FOR THEM TO BOND"

[Talon]

I think they spend enough time together as it is, might not be good to force them together more than they already are.

[GM Yount]

"ALRIGHT

JUST TRYING TO EXPLORE THE OPTIONS

LETS GET BACK ON TRACK"



- Coach Woods to make discussed tweaks re: Trying to find Caleb Phillips targets & dialing up a bit more pressure

LOCK IN

[GM Yount]

"HI ITS THE BIG DOG

REALLY STRONG ROAD WIN FOR THE TEAM TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS AGAINST A SQUAD WITH ITS BACKUP QUARTERBACK IN

OBVIOUSLY FOR THE BIG DOG IT WAS NICE TO FINALLY BEAT MILWAUKEE 

NOT MANY DOWN SIDES OBVIOUSLY ARTHUR MISSED A COUPLE KICKS BUT IM NOT WORRIED ABOUT THAT SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS AND THE BIG DOG KNOWS HES A HELL OF A KICKER THATLL BOUNCE BACK STRONG

THEY DID BUST A COUPLE BIG PLAYS ON US ESPECIALLY THAT RAMSEY LONG RUN ON THE GROUND AND OBVIOUSLY IT WOULDVE BEEN NICE TO GET A FEW MORE SACKS BUT I WAS HAPPY WITH THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WE GENERATED

OBVIOUSLY WE DEFENDED THE PASS REALLY WELL OVERALL BESIDES ONE CHUNK PLAY MADE THEM GO TO THEIR SECONDARY TARGETS BECAUSE OF HOW STRONG IZZY WAS AND HUSSEY MADE ALL SORTS OF PLAYS

ON OFFENSE I THOUGHT OUR O LINE HAD ITS BEST WEEK SO FAR THIS SEASON AND WE WERE MUCH BETTER WITH OUR PASS DISTRIBUTION WHICH LET T LAW COOK AND CALEB PHILLIPS SHOWED HOW DANGEROUS HE IS

AND OBVIOUSLY JOHN ENCARNACION IS A FRICKIN STUD HE WAS REALLY DAMN GOOD LAST YEAR AND IS CONSTANTLY GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO IMPROVE AND YOURE SEEING THE RESULTS OF THAT

A COUPLE INJURIES COMING OUT OF IT THE KID STUCKEYS SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULDNT BE LONG TERM WHICH IS GOOD TO KEEP OUR LINEBACKER DEPTH

AND OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE CASEY WHERE HOPEFULLY THAT HAND HEALS ASAP

IM GUESSING ILL PROBABLY BE ASKED FOR THOUGHTS ON IT SO HERES THE DEAL THE BIG DOG GETS CASEYS FRUSTRATIONS EVEN THOUGH HE OBVIOUSLY HAD A HELL OF A GAME

DO I WISH HE HADNT PUNCHED A WALL AND POTENTIALLY LEFT US SHORT HANDED YES OF COURSE

BUT AT THE SAME TIME I LOVE THAT GUY AND THE FIRE AND HUNGER HE HAS SO IM NEVER GOING TO TRY TO REIN IN SOMEONES PASSION FOR THE GAME OR DRIVE TO PERFORM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL BECAUSE QUITE FRANKLY YOU NEED A TEAM FULL OF GUYS WITH PASSION

HOSTING SALT LAKE UP NEXT WE OBVIOUSLY HAVE A TOUGH TEST WITH THEM THEYRE VERY TALENTED AND WELL COACHED BUT IF WERE GONNA GET WHERE WE NEED TO WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PASS ANY TEST PUT IN FRONT OF US

I KNOW THERES SOME RUMORS SWIRLING AROUND THEM AND THE FUTURE OF THEIR SUPERSTAR QUARTERBACK BUT WE NEED TO BLOCK THOSE OUT

GOTTA JUST PREPARE LIKE WERE GONNA GET THEIR BEST FOCUS ON WHAT THEY DO FOOTBALL WISE AND HOW WE CAN DICTATE THE TEMPO OF THE GAME AND MAKE PLAYS"

[Talon]

 

This is a good week for us to get the offense right and get on a win streak, this week and next are must wins before a tough slate of games, lets finish Q1 strong.

[GM Yount]

"DEFINITELY

I FEEL LIKE WE GOT OUR TARGET DISTRIBUTION MORE ON POINT LAST WEEK SO THATS A GOOD BUILDING BLOCK

OBVIOUSLY IT WASNT JUSTYNS BIGGEST GAME BUT IF WERE GETTING ENCAR COOKING AS WELL AS THE BALL TO PHILLIPS IN SPACE AND RUIZ I THINK WELL HAVE A GOOD THING GOING

JUST HAVE TO BUILD ON IT"

[Talon]

 

That's the plan.

[GM Yount]

"IF THORPE CANT GO IS MARCUS OUR BEST BET TO PLUG IN AT THE OTHER DT SPOT FOR THOSE NICKEL AND DIME PASSING DOWN PACKAGES OR SHOULD WE LOAD MANAGE HIM TO JUST USE HIM FOR MORE RUN DEFENSE SITUATIONS AND PUT ONE OF OUR YOUNGER SETS OF LEGS OUT THERE"

[Talon]

 

  I definitely think we have to go with someone else, Marcus' stamina isn't what it once was.

[GM Yount]

"THANKS FOR THE INPUT WILL DO

LETS KEEP THE MOMENTUM UP"



If Casey Thorpe Can Play
No Lineup Changes

If Casey Thorpe Is Out
- Albert Neeley takes his spot at DE in the 5-2 Package
- Trinidad Boles takes his spot at DT in all the Nickel & Dime packages

LOCK IN

[GM Yount]

1. Talk about the results of your game this week. (if you were on bye, talk about your bye week)

"GOOD TO GET ANOTHER WIN UNDER OUR BELTS AND THE LADS SHOWED SOME SOLID FORTITUDE COMING BACK

PRINGLE MADE SOME HUGE KICKS WHICH ENDED UP PUSHING US THROUGH

THOUGHT WE ALSO SHOWED OUR VERSATILITY WITH HOW EVEN THOUGH WE HAD A BIT OF A SLOG AT TIMES WE HAD A GUY LIKE OBI THAT CAN STEP UP AND MAKE A COUPLE HUGE RUNS FOR A PAIR OF TOUCHDOWNS

DEFENSIVELY IT WAS LARGELY THE SAME STORY FOR US WE GOT PRESSURE BUT WERENT GETTING HOME ON THE SACKS FOR THE MOST PART

WE ABSOLUTELY MADE IT A NIGHTMARE FOR THEM TO MOVE THE BALL THROUGH THE AIR WHICH HAS BEEN A CONSTANT FOR US

WE STRUGGLED TO STOP THE RUN HERE ESPECIALLY WITH A FEW LONG ONES BUT OVERALL OUR DEFENSE DID DAMN GOOD"

2. After 4 weeks, is the team performing as expected, and where do you feel you need to improve most?

"I MEAN I EXPECTED US TO BE WINNING GAMES SO IN A SENSE YES IN ANOTHER SENSE THE BIG DOG WAS OPEN TO SEE HOW THINGS WOULD PLAY OUT

WE HAD A COUPLE HICCUPS WE NEEDED TO IRON OUT STRATEGY WISE WHICH WE DID A GOOD JOB WITH

ID SAY GENERALLY WE WANT TO DO A BETTER JOB WINNING IN THE FRONT SEVEN RIGHT NOW

I DONT KNOW IF THE RUN DEFENSE HAS BEEN BECAUSE WERE MORE FOCUSED ON THE PASS BUT OBVIOUSLY WE SHOWED WE COULD KEEP A GREAT RUNNER LIKE FIELDS IN CHECK IN WEEK ONE

AND YOU KNOW JUST CONVERTING PRESSURES INTO SACKS IN GENERAL BUT I BELIEVE IF WE HAVE GOOD PROCESS WELL GET RESULTS"

3. We are getting into trade season, are you one who would like to get a deal done before the flurry at the deadline, or do you prefer to wait?   ...Also do you see yourself as a buyer or seller this season?

"IF THERES A MOVE TO BE MADE THE BIG DOG HAS HISTORICALLY PREFERRED TO MAKE IT WHEN THERES STILL TIME TO FIND THE BEST WAY TO ACCLIMATE THEM

WE EXPECT TO WIN SO IF ANYTHING ID EXPECT TO BE BUYERS BUT WELL SEE WHATS OUT THERE THAT MAKES SENSE OR IF WERE BETTER JUST FIGURING OUT HOW TO BEST USE WHAT WE HAVE"

4. Rumor has it the HIFL and PFL have quietly discussed a trade window, what is your opinion on that possibility?

"OBVIOUSLY A LOADED SCENARIO IT SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD MAYBE BE A WAY TO TRY TO EASE SOME TENSIONS BETWEEN LEAGUES

OF COURSE I DONT KNOW HOW MUCH OUR TEAM OWNERS WOULD STILL WANT US DOING THAT EVEN IF WERE TECHNICALLY ALLOWED

ITD BE INTERESTING TO SEE IN PRACTICE JUST BECAUSE THERES SO MUCH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT THE TWO LEAGUES ARE ABLE TO OFFER PLAYERS CAP WISE SO THE SALARIES MIGHT BE A BIT UNBALANCED IF IT GOT TO THAT POINT"

5. How much stock do you put into International Football, is the IFAF something you pay much attention to?

"THE BIG DOG TRIES TO PAY ATTENTION TO ANYWHERE THERES FOOTBALL BEING PLAYED

THE MERMEN ARE MY PRIORITY BUT IM OBVIOUSLY LOOKING FOR TALENT AND GOOD PLAYERS ANYWHERE WE CAN FIND IT ON PLANET EARTH WITH THE DIFFERENT LEAGUES IVE BROUGHT SOME PRETTY DAMN GOOD PLAYERS INTO THE HIFL FROM IN THE PAST

TALENT IS TALENT AND IVE TRIED TO PAY ATTENTION TO IFAF TO SEE WHAT THAT TALENT IS SO I CAN BRING IN GUYS LIKE IZZY AND OBI "

6. Talk about this week (your upcoming game or bye week plans)

"WEVE GOT A HOME GAME AGAINST SEATTLE

ITS IMPORTANT TO KEEP IMPROVING AND PLAYING BETTER

OBVIOUSLY SEATTLE HAD AN AWFUL START TO THE YEAR BUT THEYVE BEEN IMPROVING AND GOT THEIR FIRST WIN LAST WEEK SO THEYLL COME IN WITH CONFIDENCE I THINK AND IM SURE TARR JUNIOR WILL WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT FOR ME TRADING HIM

END OF THE DAY THOUGH ITS ABOUT WHAT WE NEED TO DO AND EXECUTE AND WHAT OUR GOALS AND DREAMS ARE NOT THEIRS SO ID LIKE TO SEE US PUT OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD"

7. Talk about any other news if you would like (optional)

"AS FAR AS THE SOUTH PACIFIC GOES ID SAY JUST LOOK AT THIS YEAR LOOK AT THE AMOUNT OF DOUBLE DIGIT WIN TEAMS THE YEAR BEFORE I CAME AND LOOK AT THREE TEAMS MAKING THE PLAYOFFS FROM OUR DIVISION LAST YEAR

ITS A DAMN ROCK FIGHT WITH THE TEAMS IN THIS DIVISION SO WE NEED TO SHOW WHAT WERE MADE OF"

[Talon]

 

  Lets make it 3 in a row.

[GM Yount]

"FOR SURE

SO

OBVIOUSLY ILL BE EXPLORING OPTIONS TO SHORE UP UP FRONT ON DEFENSE BUT IN THE MEAN TIME DO YOU THINK MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE OUR LINEBACKERS FOCUS ON STOPPING THE RUN

PART OF ME THINKS YES BUT I ALSO DONT WANT TO TAKE AWAY FROM OUR AREA OF STRENGTH IN THE PASS COVERAGE GAME TO JUST HOPEFULLY GET A LITTLE BETTER AGAINST THE RUN"

[Talon]

 

  Our pass defense has been so strong, I don't want to play with it at all.

[GM Yount]

"OKAY COOL WELL KEEP ROLLING WITH WHAT WE HAVE THEN

THIS MIGHT SEEM LIKE KIND OF AN OFF TOPIC QUESTION BUT IM JUST TRYING TO KEEP TRACK OF ALL OUR ASSETS BEFORE I MAKE ANY DECISIONS

OUR BACKUP STRONG SAFETY MORGAN SMITH WAS A GUY I REMEMBER WAS REALLY RAW WHEN WE DRAFTED HIM BUT WHO HAD GOOD SIZE AND INTANGIBLES

HOWS HIS PROGRESSION COME AND DOES HE STILL LOOK LIKE ONE POTENTIALLY FOR THE FUTURE"

[Talon]

 

  He is a very similar player to Calabrese, and I think both will continue to grow, I don't know that Morgan will pass Philip up, but he's already capable of playing if called upon.

[GM Yount]

"COOL GLAD TO HEAR BOTH GUYS HAVE FURTHER POTENTIAL

I PICKED UP THE FOURTH YEAR OPTIONS FOR ALL THREE OF OUR GUYS FROM THE SEASON FOURTEEN DRAFT SO HOPEFULLY WE CAN KEEP DEVELOPING PHILIP IN OUR SYSTEM

MAYBE EARLY IN THE YEAR TO DO IT BUT I DONT WANT THOSE DISTRACTIONS AND WHATNOT LINGERING I WANT THE TEAM TO BE ABLE TO BUY IN AND FOCUS

IN THE MEANTIME ILL LET YOU GET TO START PREPARING OUR GAMEPLAN I WANNA TALK TO A COUPLE OF OUR PLAYERS THIS WEEK"



"ARIEL CAN YOU BRING UP RONNIE PAIGE PLEASE"



"HI RONNIE ITS THE BIG DOG GOOD TO MEET YOU

WANTED TO GET TO MEET YOU FACE TO FACE SINCE YOU WERE ONE OF MY TOP OF THE PRIORITY LIST GUYS TO BRING IN THIS OFFSEASON

AND SO FAR YOUVE BEEN DOING EXACTLY WHAT I HOPED IN HELPING OUR PASS DEFENSE WITH YOUR ABILITY TO COVER THE SLOT 

JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I APPRECIATE THAT AND YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WINNING PLAYER FACE TO FACE AND IM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL IN THE SECONDARY CONTINUING TO GEL SO WE CAN MAKE A DEEP ASS PLAYOFF RUN
"

[Talon]

 

  Thanks BIG DOG, I want to make that deep run too, felt so close in St. Paul but those freaking losses took us down at the wrong time, I hope to change that here.

[GM Yount]

"DAMN RIGHT

GETTING A BIT OF SUCCESS BUT GETTING CUT OFF AT THE PASS HURTS MORE AND MAKES THAT DESIRE TO WIN EVEN GREATER

ITS LIKE IM JUST GETTING A TASTE I WANT THE WHOLE LOAD

HOPEFULLY HAVING A BIT OF CONNECTION VIA CLEMSON WITH ROSS AND T LAW HAS HELPED MAKE THE TRANSITION SMOOTHER

EITHER WAY ILL LET YOU GET BACK TO IT LETS KEEP PUSHING FORWARD"

[Talon]

 

Yeah boss, thanks. Lets get another win.

[GM Yount]

"ARIEL LOCK IN COMING"



- COACHES DO GOOD COACHINF STUFF

LOCK IN

[GM Yount]

1. Talk about the results of your game this week. (if you were on bye, talk about your bye week)

"WELL I MEAN IT WAS A DOMINANT RECORD SETTING WIN

THE SCARY THING IS WE COULD HAVE PUT EVEN MORE UP IF WE WERE MORE EFFICIENT ON THIRD DOWN AND INSIDE THE RED ZONE

I KNOW THAT SOUNDS LIKE A NITPICK BUT ITS MY JOB TO SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE

OTHERWISE OUR DEFENSE WAS FANTASTIC FORCING TURNOVERS AND GETTING TO THE QUARTERBACK

HUGE GAMES FROM ALBERT SMITH HUSSEY CHOI AND REALLY PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE ON THAT SIDE OF THE BALL

ENCAR RAN ALL OVER THEM AND T LAW WAS SLANGIN IT WHEN WE ASKED HIM TO

IF EVERY GAME WAS LIKE THAT THE JOB WOULD BE A LOT LESS STRESSFUL SO IM LOOKING FOR THE TEAM TO CARRY SOME OF THE GOOD HABITS WE STARTED BUILDING IN THAT GAME GOING FORWARD"

2. Talk about any news that involves your team.

"IS THIS REALLY NEWS

WHAT THE HELL DOES HALF NAKED EVEN MEAN AND WOULD IT EVEN MATTER IF SHE WAS A MALE COACH

SORRY TO PLAY THAT CARD BUT LETS BE REAL HERE SINCE HER BEING THE FIRST FEMALE HEAD COACH WAS LITERALLY INCLUDED IN THE HEADLINE

THE BIG DOG WAS A PRO WRESTLER AS WELL AS SOME OF MY FELLOW GENERAL MANAGERS WE WERE HALF NAKED ON CAMERA FOR A LIVING

WE GET LOCKER ROOM INTERVIEWS IN SPORTS WITH PLAYERS AFTER THE GAME WHEN THEYRE NOTHING BUT THEIR TOWELS BUT APPARENTLY THATS ALL GOOD

BREAKING NEWS INDIVIDUAL REMOVES SOME OF THEIR WORK CLOTHING AND THROWS A FEW BACK AFTER A LONG SHIFT AT WORK

SORRY I KNOW I SHOULDNT EVEN BE GIVING THESE QUOTE STORIES UNQUOTE ATTENTION BUT DAMN MAN

IT WAS A DAMN COOL ACHIEVEMENT TO SET THAT RECORD FOR A STORIED FRANCHISE

OBVIOUSLY WEVE GOT BIGGER GOALS IN MIND BUT THATS WHAT ILL BE FOCUSED ON"

3. Talk about any other news if you would like (optional).

"I DONT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN ST PAUL BUT IT SOUNDS MESSY AS HELL

OBVIOUSLY BIG ACQUISITIONS BY BAMA AND CLEVELAND"

4. Talk about this week (your upcoming game or bye week plans)

"THE OTHER HALF OF THAT SAINT PAUL DEAL IS IF THE REPORTING IS RIGHT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXPERIENCE GALVANIZED THAT TEAM AND IM GUESSING THEYRE GOING TO COME OUT SWINGING WITH A POINT TO PROVE IN A NEW ERA

WE KNOW THEYRE A TOUGH ROSTER FROM WHAT THEY DID TO US LAST YEAR AND LOST IN ALL THAT DRAMA IS THEY ADDED A REALLY GOOD WIDE RECEIVER THAT WILL HELP TEST WHATS BEEN AN ELITE PASS DEFENSE BY US SO FAR

BUT I ALSO TRULY BELIEVE WERE BETTER THAN LAST YEAR

I COULD PSYCHO ANALYZE AND BE LIKE TURN AWAY THE INITIAL SURGE PUNCH THEM IN THE MOUTH MAKE THAT NEWFOUND RESOLVE START TO FRAY AND THE SNIPING TO START BACK UP BUT IM NOT A PSYCHO BRAIN DOCTOR IM THE BIG DOG

DOCTOR BIG DOG WAS MY FATHER

ALL I KNOW IS WE NEED TO GAMEPLAN EXECUTE PLAY SMART FAST AND WITH INTENSITY"

5. Anything else you'd like to discuss?

"IM THE BIG DOG"

[Talon]

 

First let me apologize for my actions.  I shouldn't be putting myself in that position to make headlines and I'm not proud of it.  Thank you for defending me, but I shouldn't be putting you in that sort of situation.

[GM Yount]

"UNFORTUNATELY THERES A LOT OF VULTURES WITH CAMERAS OUT THERE

IF I CAN THINK OF SOMETHING TO GET US MORE PRIVACY I WILL IN TIME BUT YEAH I GUESS WE JUST NEED TO BE DILIGENT WITH THE EXTRA SPOTLIGHT ON US

I APPRECIATE THE APOLOGY BUT HAVING YOUR BACK WAS A GIVEN WERE IN THIS FOXHOLE TOGETHER

ILL DEF TALK TO YOU SOME MORE IN A MINUTE COACH BUT I HAVE A BIT OF A HAIL MARY IDEA THAT ID LIKE TO TEST OUT TO ADD TO OUR ROSTER

ALL DUE DILIGENCE"



"ARIEL CAN YOU GET ME ELI HARRIS PLEASE"



"HI ELI ITS THE BIG DOG ID LIKE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR CLIENT DANIEL COOLEY IF MY NOTES ARE RIGHT THAT HES STILL AVAILABLE

I REALIZE WERE PRETTY TIGHT UP AGAINST IT BUT ID LIKE TO COME WITH A PROPOSAL TO JOIN US WITH THE SPACE I CAN OPEN UP

I THINK WEVE GOT A GOOD TEAM HERE THAT MADE THE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR AND IS OFF TO ANOTHER STRONG START WITH A GOOD QUARTERBACK SO IT WOULD BE AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION HOPEFULLY

WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF ROOM FOR SOME EXTRA REPS AT TIGHT END WITH THE AMOUNT OF JUMBO WE USE AND RUIZ SPLITTING OUT TO WIDE RECEIVER A BIT

SO HERES THE PROPOSAL ID LIKE TO OFFER:

Year 1 $1MM (Split as $750K/$250K BP) + $500K (to be paid in offseason BP) in incentives for reaching 30 catches this season

Mutual Option for a 2 year extension at $7MM ($5.5MM/$1.5MMBP)

SINCE HES ALREADY GETTING PAID HIS FULL SALARY THIS YEAR FROM THE AMNESTY IN MUSIC CITY THE MONEY AMOUNT FOR THIS YEAR ISNT MEANT TO BE AN INSULT JUST A WAY TO GET HIM IN AND THE 30 CATCH TARGET FOR THE INCENTIVE IS BASICALLY THE RATE DACEY CAUGHT PASSES AT IN THE SAME ROLE LAST YEAR AT TWENTY TWO CATCHES IN EIGHT GAMES WITH LONG BEACH IF MY MATH IS RIGHT SO ITS A REALISTIC TARGET

THE MUTUAL OPTION FOR THE SEVEN MILLION  AT TWO YEARS IS BASICALLY A CASE WHERE IF COOLEY IS LIKING IT HERE AND WE HAVE A DEAL WHERE WE MAYBE RUIZ WANTED TO OPT OUT OR RETIRE WE COULD CONTINUE OUR RELATIONSHIP

OBVIOUSLY IF HE WANTS TO TEST THE MARKET WITH THE EXPECTED CAP INCREASE OR IT DOESNT LOOK LIKE HED START WED BE ABLE TO LET HIM EXPLORE THE MARKET AND GIVEN THE CONTRACT OUR GUY IN THE SAME ROLE GOT LAST OFFSEASON I THINK COMING HERE WOULD STILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR HIS FREE AGENT STOCK IF HE WANTS TO EXPLORE AGAIN

SORRY FOR THE RAMBLE I WANTED TO EXPLAIN MYSELF FULLY"

[Talon]

You know, we've had 6 weeks to get a deal done somewhere and nothing has come.   We'll take this.

[GM Yount]

"EXCELLENT GLAD TO HAVE HIM ON BOARD"



"ARIEL CAN YOU GET ME THE AGENT FOR UDFA WR ESTEBAN SHELTON"



"HI ITS THE BIG DOG IN LONG BEACH WED LIKE TO SIGN WR ESTEBAN SHELTON TO A ONE YEAR STANDARD UDFA DEAL AT $350K TO FILL AN UPCOMING ROSTER SPOT"

[Talon]

AMBER MOLINA ACCEPTS YOUR OFFER

[GM Yount]

"THANKS AMBER TAKE CARE"



"ARIEL IM READY TO SEE COACH AGAIN"



"HEY COACH SORRY TO INTERRUPT OUR FLOW THERE BUT I WANTED TO TRY TO GET THIS BUSINESS DONE EARLY IN THE WEEK TO GET THE NEW WEAPON IN THE FACILITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE "

[Talon]

I love the move. Gives us a great two-way tight end who can help the run game as well.

[GM Yount]

"THANKS I FIGURED WITH US HISTORICALLY USING A DECENT AMOUNT OF HEAVY PERSONNEL AND RUN GAME US NOT HAVING THE DEEPEST CREW OF PASS CATCHERS BEYOND OUR BIG ONES RUIZ BEING A DUAL POSITION GUY THAT HAS A HEAVY WORKLOAD AND OUR RED ZONE OFFENSE NOT BEING GREAT IT JUST MADE SENSE TO SEE IF I COULD BRING HIM IN

GLAD I COULD

DO YOU THINK HELL GET A DECENT AMOUNT OF USAGE IF WE KEEP THINGS AS IS AND JUST SLOT HIM INTO THE TIGHT END TWO SPOT

I WANT TO UTILIZE A WEAPON LIKE HIM BUT I ALSO DONT WANT TO MESS WITH OUR PERCENTAGES OR WHATEVER AFTER WE SEEMED TO FIND A GOOD BALANCE TARGETS WISE AFTER THE CHANGES WE MADE IN WEEK THREE"

[Talon]

 

Having not played all season, its a good way to ease him in while we decided if we need to make other changes.

[GM Yount]

"COOL IM GONNA TALK TO A COUPLE PLAYERS THEN ILL TRUST YOU AND THE STAFF TO DO YOUR THING"



"ARIEL CAN I SEE PAUL HUSSEY PLEASE"



"HI PAUL ITS THE BIG DOG

FIRST THINGS FIRST I JUST WANTED TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE ROLE I PLAYED IN YOU BOUNCING AROUND A BIT EARLY IN YOUR CAREER ACQUIRING YOU FROM LONG BEACH AND THEN TRADING YOU IN THE ERIC EVANS DEAL

I DONT NEED WHATEVER FROM THAT I JUST FELT LIKE I SHOULD GET THAT OFF MY CHEST FACE TO FACE

MORE IMPORTANTLY THOUGH I WANTED TO COMMEND YOU FOR THE JOB YOUVE DONE SO FAR THIS SEASON TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTRA TRAINING WE HAD YOU PUT IN BUSTING YOUR ASS IN THE POSITION BATTLE EARNING YOUR SPOT AS A STARTING A CORNER AND THEN DELIVERING ON THE FIELD

OUR PASS DEFENSE HAS OBVIOUSLY BEEN CLICKING TO A HIGH DEGREE SO FAR AND I WANTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR PART IN IT FACE TO FACE AND OBVIOUSLY SAY THAT OTHER PART

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK MAN THIS SECONDARY HAS THE CHANCE TO GO DOWN AS SOMETHING SPECIAL IF YOU KEEP IT UP AND GET MORE TIME TO GEL TOGETHER"

[Talon]

 

Aye, I appreciate the work you put in for me, giving me a chance to show my worth. Lets GO!

[GM Yount]

"HELL YEAH BROTHER

THE BIG DOG STILL REMEMBERS BACK AT MY FIRST COMBINE I ATTENDED WE COULD SEE THOSE FLASHES OF YOUR TALENT

YOU SHOWED OUT WITH THE BEST VERT OF THE WHOLE DRAFT CLASS FOURTY SOMETHING INCHES

LOVE SEEING IT ALL COME TO FRUITION AND I LOVE THE HUNGER AND ATTITUDE

ILL LET YOU GET BACK TO IT BUT DAMN RIGHT LETS GET IT THIS IS JUST THE START"



"ARIEL CAN YOU GET ME THE BIG GUY MATT NEILL NEXT THANK YOU"



"HI MATTHEW ITS THE BIG DOG

JUST WANTED TO CHECK IN WITH YOU ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE TALKED LAST YEAR

WE DID MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS LIKE I THOUGHT BUT OBVIOUSLY A DISAPPOINTING EXIT

OBVIOUSLY WERE OFF TO A REALLY GOOD START THIS YEAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THAT FLAT PERFORMANCE AGAINST PORTLAND SO HOPEFULLY THE VIBE AND HUNGER IS THERE FOR EVERYONE IN THE LOCKER ROOM TO KNOW THAT WEVE GOT TO KEEP HITTING A NEW LEVEL TO GET WHERE WE WANT"

[Talon]

 

I'm feeling better about things. Obviously the next step is getting a playoff win, but I thrive in that environment.

[GM Yount]

"GOOD GOOD GLAD TO HEAR

I GET WHERE YOU WERE COMING FROM COMING UP SHORT BURNS THE BIG DOG UP TOO AND OBVIOUSLY YOUVE BEEN HERE A LOT LONGER THAN ME

CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU SHOW OUT AND PANCAKE SOME FUCKERS IN THE PLAYOFFS

HOWS OUR ROOKIE ROUSE LEARNING AND GELLING WITH YOU GUYS ON THE O LINE SINCE HES OUR ONLY NEW STARTER THERE

YOUVE SEEN A LOT OF GUYS COME AND GO IN THAT GROUP OVER THE YEARS OBVIOUSLY

MY SCOUTS TOLD ME HE HAD A MEAN STREAK TO HIM SO IM HOPING WEVE GOT A UNIT OUT THERE THATS READY TO SET THE TONE AND KNOCK EVERYONE IN THE TEETH

HUGE PART OF US WINNING THOSE PLAYOFF GAMES IS GONNA BE HAVING A UNIT THAT CAN KICK ASS IN THE TRENCHES LIKE YOU DO"

[Talon]

 

I like how he plays.  He's not a big team-guy but he's here to do a job and kick ass, and I am good with it.

[GM Yount]

"GOOD GOOD

ILL LET YOU GET BACK TO WORK GOOD TALKING TO YOU MAN

BIG GAME WITH ST PAUL TO PREPARE FOR HERE LETS SHOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS YEAR AND THE SQUAD THAT WENT UP THERE LAST SEASON

THEYRE REALLY DAMN TALENTED AND WILL PROBABLY HAVE A NEW SPARK HERE BUT WERE HERE TO BE GREAT"