From the Coach... 05/01/06

D.C. Divas v. Tidewater Floods, 04/29/06

When you go on the road to play games you have to expect the unexpected. Murphy's Law certainly applies. From leaving late from Northern Virginia, to players forgetting equipment, to others forgetting parts of their uniforms - you have to be prepared for anything and everything. Luckily we have a GREAT front office that keeps these distractions to a minimum and helps maintain focus for game time. The weather was gorgeous. It actually felt like fall for most of the first half. The wind caused some problems with the passing game but overall it was a clear and cool night. From the first kickoff I sensed we were ready to play. The hitting was intense and I knew that our team was not willing to start slow… not tonight.

It has been a long time since I have seen such a dominant performance by a defense. Leaving a team with -33 total yards on their home field isn't something that happens every day. It is remarkable what happens when the right scheme is available for players to make plays. Play after play they certainly made the defensive staff look good. The defensive line really played well. We challenged them all week and they responded with a suffocating performance. Tessa Nelson earned her MVP performance with tackles for negative yards, several QB hurries, and a sack. Stacey Micheals (DE) ended the game with 2 sacks, and Trigger McNair scored the first defensive TD of the season. On offense, the offensive line and the ground force continued their punishing ways. With every RB scoring at least once, they pummeled the Tidewater defense time and time again. Although we are consistently getting total offense at or around 250 yards a game, it is disappointing that our passing game hasn't solidified. If we are going to be serious contenders this has to change and change immediately.

Practice this week will consist of lots and lots of running. After having a chance to see the Harrisburg Angels on film, I know that their best athlete #24 can really run. The situation gets even more complicated when athletes of her caliber play running back. We are going to have to contain her if we have a shot at slowing down their offense. Their defense has some holes. They are stingy but the opportunities are there. Both the running game and the passing game should be successful if we execute. This week I am challenging the offense - our passing game in particular. I am looking for better protection, better decisions, and cleaner routes. We are not a new team. As veterans we understand that without a significant passing game it is going to be difficult to go deep in the playoffs. Can we turn it around and make our passing game as productive as our running game? I believe so. How hard we work in practice this week will tell the story. See you all on May 6th. It's another CANT MISS.

Sincerely,

Ezra M. Cooper Jr., Head Coach