Post by MGB01 on May 25, 2005 12:21:26 GMT -5
Makeover.
It's one of the tried-and-true axioms of football - defense wins championships.
One season ago,......the Monarchs first took the field against the Pittsburgh Ironmen for what was the game of the year, falling in 4OT's, 70 - 68. Unfortunately, that and Mike Williams winning rookie of the year were the only highlights of 2004. Kansas City went into this offseason determined to upgrade their bottom ranked defense which led them to a 1-11 season. Much has changed as far as personel - take a look at both opening day starters: 2004 and 2005.
OFFENSE
2004 2005
QB Anthony Calvillo Anthony Calvillo
HB Arlen Harris Rashaan Shehee
FB Robert Thomas Richie Anderson
SE Darrin Chiaverini Darrin Chiaverini
FL Mike Williams Mike Williams
TE Tyrone Davis Ken Dilger
LT Tim Stuber Damion Cook
LG Jim Wilson Evan Mathis
C Ray Redziniak Ray Redziniak
RG Zach Wilson Tupe Peko
RT Gary Hobbs Adrian Jones
DEFENSE
DE Reggie Hayward Reggie Hayward
DT Chester McGlockton Rodney Leisle
DT Joe Salave'a Adalius Thomas
DE Kenny Holmes Uyi Osunde
LB Darren Hambrick Jeremiah Trotter
LB Bernardo Harris Jamar Enzor
LB Adalius Thomas Peter Boulware
CB Alex Molden Nathan Vasher
CB Fred Vinson Clifford Ivory
FS Mitch Friedman Dameon Porter
SS Victor Green Tyrone Carter
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Nick Calaycay Cary Blanchard
P Brent Bartholomew David Leaverton
As you can see, it was the defense who was massively overhauled, with only one starter from 2004 remaining. It's nice to note that the draft played big into this year's line-up - with 2 starters coming from last year's draft and one from this year's. Now the question remains.... how well and how soon will this unit gel?
"I'm overjoyed by what has happened in the offseason," says Monarchs head coach Ted Cottrell. "I like to think that we have had two drafts -- the free-agency draft and the college draft. I'm just so excited about getting this thing started - the season can't come soon enough for me."
Added D-Coordinator Eric Mangini, "It's been a complete makeover on defense for us. We have quite a few new starters and new names being inputted into our defensive roster. We're a lot quicker than we were last year and we've added some great veterans and great leaders," he explains. Peter Bouleware has a Super Bowl ring and has been All-Pro 4 times. Rodney Leisle is an up-and coming defensive tackle in the game, we are counting on him and Attiyah Ellison to really shore up the middle. By adding Clifford Ivory, along with Nathan Vasher on the opposite corner, we feel like we have one of the better cornerback combinations in the league. Tyrone Carter is another great addition to the team and his enthusiasm is contagious. We will be turning some heads this season."
Cottrell is eager for that time to begin. Come Saturday, it will....
It's one of the tried-and-true axioms of football - defense wins championships.
One season ago,......the Monarchs first took the field against the Pittsburgh Ironmen for what was the game of the year, falling in 4OT's, 70 - 68. Unfortunately, that and Mike Williams winning rookie of the year were the only highlights of 2004. Kansas City went into this offseason determined to upgrade their bottom ranked defense which led them to a 1-11 season. Much has changed as far as personel - take a look at both opening day starters: 2004 and 2005.
OFFENSE
2004 2005
QB Anthony Calvillo Anthony Calvillo
HB Arlen Harris Rashaan Shehee
FB Robert Thomas Richie Anderson
SE Darrin Chiaverini Darrin Chiaverini
FL Mike Williams Mike Williams
TE Tyrone Davis Ken Dilger
LT Tim Stuber Damion Cook
LG Jim Wilson Evan Mathis
C Ray Redziniak Ray Redziniak
RG Zach Wilson Tupe Peko
RT Gary Hobbs Adrian Jones
DEFENSE
DE Reggie Hayward Reggie Hayward
DT Chester McGlockton Rodney Leisle
DT Joe Salave'a Adalius Thomas
DE Kenny Holmes Uyi Osunde
LB Darren Hambrick Jeremiah Trotter
LB Bernardo Harris Jamar Enzor
LB Adalius Thomas Peter Boulware
CB Alex Molden Nathan Vasher
CB Fred Vinson Clifford Ivory
FS Mitch Friedman Dameon Porter
SS Victor Green Tyrone Carter
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Nick Calaycay Cary Blanchard
P Brent Bartholomew David Leaverton
As you can see, it was the defense who was massively overhauled, with only one starter from 2004 remaining. It's nice to note that the draft played big into this year's line-up - with 2 starters coming from last year's draft and one from this year's. Now the question remains.... how well and how soon will this unit gel?
"I'm overjoyed by what has happened in the offseason," says Monarchs head coach Ted Cottrell. "I like to think that we have had two drafts -- the free-agency draft and the college draft. I'm just so excited about getting this thing started - the season can't come soon enough for me."
Added D-Coordinator Eric Mangini, "It's been a complete makeover on defense for us. We have quite a few new starters and new names being inputted into our defensive roster. We're a lot quicker than we were last year and we've added some great veterans and great leaders," he explains. Peter Bouleware has a Super Bowl ring and has been All-Pro 4 times. Rodney Leisle is an up-and coming defensive tackle in the game, we are counting on him and Attiyah Ellison to really shore up the middle. By adding Clifford Ivory, along with Nathan Vasher on the opposite corner, we feel like we have one of the better cornerback combinations in the league. Tyrone Carter is another great addition to the team and his enthusiasm is contagious. We will be turning some heads this season."
Cottrell is eager for that time to begin. Come Saturday, it will....