Defense turns up the intensity
By Ryan MooreTAMPA - March 3 - THE Claymores defense has arrived ... and according to former Cleveland Browns head coach SAM RUTIGLIANO they have already made their mark lighting up the Scots pre-season training camp like "Times Square on New Year's Eve".
The level of excitement intensified at Dunedin High School Wednesday as the Claymores' defensive unit joined the rest of the squad for the first full-team practice.
More action, more contact and a lot more chattering manifested as the players pushed one another to the next level.
Offensive Assistant Rutigliano compared the spectacle to a mix between a New Year's party and Christmas Day.
"I was really happy the first two days of passing camp when everybody was here except for the defense," Rutigliano explained. "The players were enthusiastic and focused throughout their meetings.
"Now, we're in the real world. When you look over there at the 11 defensive guys trying to stop you, it now looks like Times Square on New Year's Eve. So, it's a little different. We kind of opened the package today, like it was Christmas Day, and it looks like things are going pretty good so far."
The real world indeed. No longer are the receivers just working against the air. Over-excited cornerbacks and linebackers have been waiting for months to return to the field and lay a lick on unsuspecting receivers.
"When you get the defense out here, you have to react to them," said two-year NFL veteran wide out NICK DAVIS. "The defensive backs are really good out here and I think they came to camp ready. Some of them are more physical, while others are more finesse. I'm looking forward to competing against them over the next couple of weeks. From what I can tell so far, receivers from competing teams are going to have their hands full."
From a defensive perspective, no one was as excited to return to the field as former Barcelona Dragon, JAMES LEWIS, who hopes to continue his stellar play from last season.
"It's a blessing to be back out here," said Lewis. "I've been out of football since I left NFL Europe last year and I have definitely missed it. We really have a good defensive back corps and a great coach in Coach Daniel.
"Everybody is a winner out here and everyone knows what it will take to make it to the World Bowl. We definitely want to be the best secondary in the league this season. We also have some fast playmakers as receivers to help out our offense, as well ourselves to improve."
The team will work on building chemistry with one another throughout the week before they join up with the Rhein Fire in a combined practice on Saturday, March 6.
04 Mar, 04 | 11:22 am