Six games into the 1999 campaign I notice players arguing with coaches, coaches arguing with other coaches, and a team that has no confidence in their level of talent. I convinced my co-worker to see his first Red Dog game June 25 against the Buffalo Destroyers. Hopefully the team will have regained their composure.
An example of how the Red Dogs are out of sync and disorganized was late in the 4th quarter against Milwaukee. With approximately 1:30 left in the game Offensive Coordinator Frank Haege and QB Rickey Foggie call for the offense to line up so, the ball can be snapped and spiked to kill the clock. Now in Arena Football the clock does not stop for an incomplete pass until there is 1 minute left in the first half or game. They snap the ball, spiked it, and argued with the official why wasn't the clocked stopped. The game was well decided by that point, but that shows the missing composure that was present in the first Albany game. Every Red Dog player and coach on the field should of known the rule.
Jim Hague of Star Ledger the next day (5/29) reported on the game: "There is something about the Milwaukee Mustangs that brings out the worst in the Red Dogs. Disregard records and past performances. Forget the fact Milwaukee had not won any of its five games this season. When the Mustangs come calling, the Red Dogs turn into meek puppies. The Mustangs' 53-40 victory last night at the Continental Airlines Arena showed just how low the Red Dogs can go. Offensively, the Red Dogs were totally out of sync and managed to score just one touchdown after halftime, in a league where teams generally score at will".
The game was also televised on Fox Sports New York. People seeing the game on television with the mistakes and penalties or reading the newspaper are not going to be interested in seeing a Red Dog game live. Winning and dominating the opposition puts people in the seats.
Let’s start with the defensive side of the ball. Head Coach Frank Mattiace, being a former defensive lineman himself has greatly improved the defensive line and linebacker’s level of play and impact. They’re a more aggressive, attacking unit. Playing with great tenacity, and a smash mouth attitude if you will. The defensive backs appear to be the opposite. Playing on their heals, out of position, and confused on coverage schemes. Thinking and not attacking. Without the fierce pass rush up front it could be even worse.
Offensively, Offensive Coordinator Frank Haege has achieved a more ball control offense. A short passing game, long snap counts has certainly put pressure on the opposing offense to produce with less opportunities and time to work with. It also appears to this fan that the short pass is used to set up the medium range pass. Big plays come from receivers breaking tackles rather than the deep pass. To put teams away emotionally the Red Dogs don’t appear able to score quickly when they have the upper hand. Has the trade of Larry Ray Willis to the Milwaukee Mustangs handicapped the big play capability of the Offense? I don’t believe it should, because players like WR/DBs Marvin Bailey and Manny Pina have the talent to excel in this league. Twice they were able to connect deep for touchdowns against Milwaukee. Hopefully, they'll continue to "swing for the fences' once in a while to keep the opposing defense off balance. With the retirement of Brian Smith the tight end position has not really been a contributing factor, but with the quick passing game and better pass protection QB Rickie Foggie should be able to stay healthier.
With my season tickets the last one is reserved for a home playoff game. I hope the bye week and a big win against Albany can turn the season around, so I get to use that ticket.