Outlaws Steal a Win in Philadelphia
By Phil E. Chezestake
Coming off a harrowing loss against the Orange County Otters in week one, the Philadelphia Liberty were hoping to redeem themselves in week two with their first home game. Unfortunately, week two’s game happened to be against the perennial champions from Arizona. The Liberty made several major adjustments on defense; switching to a 4-3 scheme with almost the entire defense shifting positions. Surprisingly, the offense remained the same to allow starting rookie quarterback Clifford Rove the opportunity to acclimate with the offensive scheme. The Outlaws prevailed in the end, stealing a victory with a fourth quarter touchdown to clinch the game 22-17.
What Went Well?
In a dramatic move, the head office decided to switch defensive schemes and positions overall and it paid off tremendously. The Outlaws weren’t able to score a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. The Liberty defense stifled much of the Outlaws’ runs, forcing them to kick field goals for small points over the first three quarters. There were many standouts in this defense from Lincoln Jefferson getting 10 tackles to AC Hackett getting 9 tackles and 1 sack. Luke Washington was in prime form again netting 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss of yardage, and 1 sack. We should expect the Liberty coaching staff to maintain the current scheme going forward with minor alterations as players continue to get more comfortable in their new roles.
Keeping the offensive scheme the same against the Outlaws gave Clifford Rove the opportunity to develop his connection to the wide receivers on the team. Rove was able find his receivers much better in this game, compared to week one, with 19/36 completion/attempts and a total of 222 yards. Rove found Fox North early on for a touchdown in the first quarter and this got Liberty fans hopes up that they just might have had a chance to defeat the Outlaws.
Speaking of North, he had 4 receptions for a total of 91 yards. North continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the top receivers in the league. He averaged an impressive 22.8 yards per reception with a longest gain of 38 yards. As Rove continues to improve, we should see North’s stats steadily rise.
What Didn’t Go Well?
Rove will need to continue to develop into the quarterback that the Liberty are hoping for. This game was a good indication of his potential, but most of the Liberty points scored were from an interception, by Vikian Marmeladov, and a 31 yard field goal by Stephen Harris. Rove needs to complete passes at a higher percentage if the Liberty have any hope of making the playoffs. He’s currently rated second to last in passing stats compared to other quarterbacks in the league so far.
Omar Wright showcased the Liberty run game with 88 yards rushing, but the running back had 2 critical fumbles that gave the Outlaws the chance to score in the second and third quarters. Both times Wright was taken down by Luke Luechly and the Outlaws were able to capitalize on these opportunities to make a comeback. Was it unforced errors on Wright’s part for not protecting the ball better or Luechly’s staunch defense that prevailed? It’s tough to say…
Penalties also played an immense part in the Liberty’s loss this game. In total, the Liberty were stricken with 9 penalties for 80 yards. Both sides of the field were guilty of numerous offenses and the Liberty coaching staff will need to rein them in early before the rest of the season is lost.
Liberty Impact Player of the Game
This week’s Liberty Impact Player of the Game goes to Lincoln Jefferson for his outstanding defensive performance. He earned 10 tackles and returned 2 kicks for 33 yards. Jefferson was relentless on the defensive end and continues to show why he’s one of the top safeties in the league.
Next Game
On the road against San Jose SaberCats at the HP Pavilion Center
GRADED
By Phil E. Chezestake
Coming off a harrowing loss against the Orange County Otters in week one, the Philadelphia Liberty were hoping to redeem themselves in week two with their first home game. Unfortunately, week two’s game happened to be against the perennial champions from Arizona. The Liberty made several major adjustments on defense; switching to a 4-3 scheme with almost the entire defense shifting positions. Surprisingly, the offense remained the same to allow starting rookie quarterback Clifford Rove the opportunity to acclimate with the offensive scheme. The Outlaws prevailed in the end, stealing a victory with a fourth quarter touchdown to clinch the game 22-17.
What Went Well?
In a dramatic move, the head office decided to switch defensive schemes and positions overall and it paid off tremendously. The Outlaws weren’t able to score a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. The Liberty defense stifled much of the Outlaws’ runs, forcing them to kick field goals for small points over the first three quarters. There were many standouts in this defense from Lincoln Jefferson getting 10 tackles to AC Hackett getting 9 tackles and 1 sack. Luke Washington was in prime form again netting 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss of yardage, and 1 sack. We should expect the Liberty coaching staff to maintain the current scheme going forward with minor alterations as players continue to get more comfortable in their new roles.
Keeping the offensive scheme the same against the Outlaws gave Clifford Rove the opportunity to develop his connection to the wide receivers on the team. Rove was able find his receivers much better in this game, compared to week one, with 19/36 completion/attempts and a total of 222 yards. Rove found Fox North early on for a touchdown in the first quarter and this got Liberty fans hopes up that they just might have had a chance to defeat the Outlaws.
Speaking of North, he had 4 receptions for a total of 91 yards. North continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the top receivers in the league. He averaged an impressive 22.8 yards per reception with a longest gain of 38 yards. As Rove continues to improve, we should see North’s stats steadily rise.
What Didn’t Go Well?
Rove will need to continue to develop into the quarterback that the Liberty are hoping for. This game was a good indication of his potential, but most of the Liberty points scored were from an interception, by Vikian Marmeladov, and a 31 yard field goal by Stephen Harris. Rove needs to complete passes at a higher percentage if the Liberty have any hope of making the playoffs. He’s currently rated second to last in passing stats compared to other quarterbacks in the league so far.
Omar Wright showcased the Liberty run game with 88 yards rushing, but the running back had 2 critical fumbles that gave the Outlaws the chance to score in the second and third quarters. Both times Wright was taken down by Luke Luechly and the Outlaws were able to capitalize on these opportunities to make a comeback. Was it unforced errors on Wright’s part for not protecting the ball better or Luechly’s staunch defense that prevailed? It’s tough to say…
Penalties also played an immense part in the Liberty’s loss this game. In total, the Liberty were stricken with 9 penalties for 80 yards. Both sides of the field were guilty of numerous offenses and the Liberty coaching staff will need to rein them in early before the rest of the season is lost.
Liberty Impact Player of the Game This week’s Liberty Impact Player of the Game goes to Lincoln Jefferson for his outstanding defensive performance. He earned 10 tackles and returned 2 kicks for 33 yards. Jefferson was relentless on the defensive end and continues to show why he’s one of the top safeties in the league.
Next Game
On the road against San Jose SaberCats at the HP Pavilion Center
Quote:670 words
GRADED
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