Game Notebook :: Week 1, Tuskers v. NY Sentinels

The Florida Tuskers started off the short UFL season on the right foot by defeating the visiting New York Sentinels 35-13.  11,203 showed up to the Citrus Bowl to see the game.  18,903 tickets were distributed for the game, a 59 percent attendance rate.  The attendance looked worse than it actually was due to the expansive dimensions of the Citrus Bowl and the way the crowd was dispersed throughout the stadium.

Robinson sits

Koren Robinson did not play tonight.  No reason was given, but injury is the suspected cause.  T.J. Cottrell, son of the Sentinels head coach, was also inactive for the game.  The Tuskers sat TE Keith Heinrich and DT Demetrin Veal.

Brooks Bollinger impresses 

Tuskers QB Brooks Bollinger proved tonight that despite his late signing, he is the right man for the job. In the first half, Bollinger threw 17 times, completing 13 passes.  He also threw one interception, but the blame goes to WR Chas Gessner.  Gessner had a decent shot at the ball, but tipped it into the air, giving the Sentinels’ Paul Pratt an easy opportunity for the UFL’s first interception.  Bollinger took credit for the interception after the game, calling the pass a bad throw.

Bollinger redeemed himself on the next two drives completing seven of eight passes for two touchdowns, including a 35-yard strike to a wide open Taye Biddle.  Bollinger continued his strong performance as the second half began, driving down the field with three completions for 26 yards and a touchdown pass to Chas Gessner.  He finished 19 for 25 with 4 TDs, 1 INT, and a 141.8 QB rating.

Lines struggle early

Both the offensive and defensive lines struggled early on. On run after run, the Sentinels burst right through the line, despite contact near the line of scrimmage. The defense redeemed themselves by making two straight stops on at the 1-yard line, and then forcing a fumble on the third attempt. Still, the line play overall was poor and needs to improve if the Tuskers plan on making it to Las Vegas for the UFL Championship Game Thanksgiving weekend.

The offensive line also struggled in the first half, killing drives with sacks or forced quarterback scrambles.  The group flipped a switch during halftime, allowing both Michael Pittman and Tatum Bell to break through for big runs.  The line’s improvements also allowed Bollinger ample time to throw the ball, making it much easier for him to throw for four touchdowns through three quarters.

The Bell rings loud and clear in second half

After being stopped for several short gains the first half, RB Tatum Bell exploded in the second half. Early into the fourth quarter, Bell averaged 4.93 yards per carry on 13 attempts and a touchdown.  Bell carried the Tuskers on the fourth touchdown drive with long gains of 12 and 15 yards, and added a 9 yard gain on the next drive to set up his first touchdown of the season.

Questionable return decisions 

Jayson Foster has been pegged by several media outlets as a Tusker to watch. If he keeps making less than desirable decisions on punt returns, that will change quickly. Foster muffed his first return, fumbling out of bounds. On his second attempt, Foster neglected to signal for a fair catch, attempting to return the punt amidst a sea of white shirts.  He was hit immediately and nearly lost the ball.  He managed to hold on, but his willingness to return the ball in dangerous situations has to be a concern.

Shaud Williams shines in mop-up duty

The Tuskers ran out the clock on their final drive, riding special teams captain Shaud Williams all the way.  Williams gained 45 yards on eight carries, averaging 5.63 yards per carry in mop-up duty.  Williams’ key play on the drive was a 2-yard gain on 4th and 1, allowing the Tuskers to keep the ball until the end of the game.

Post-game quick hits

Haslett attributed the Tuskers’ early struggles to nerves, and credited the goal-line stand as the turning point in the game.  Following LaBrandon Toefield’s fumble, the Tuskers outscored the Sentinels 35-3.

Haslett mentioned after the game that the team’s goal is to play every player every game, making sure everyone gets a chance to be seen.  Brooks Bollinger echoed Haslett’s comments, saying that he’s happy throwing to any of the Tuskers’ six receivers.

Three Tuskers picked up minor injuries during the game.  Dexter Jackson hurt his groin, Derrick Richardson tweaked an ankle, and Jermaine Wiggins pulled a hamstring.  None are expected to miss time.  Haslett joked after the game that Wiggins would be fine because he doesn’t run fast enough for it to matter.