Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: New Philadelphia Freedom head coach Jack Del Rio says that expects the Freedom to cross the hurdle and make a playoff run in 2019. His statement was made on the team radio show Friday afternoon.
" I see this team making the playoffs this year. I honestly do! I feel these guys are hungry not only to make the playoffs, but make some noise while there. I think the city of Philadelphia deserves another football championship. The Eagles were able to win the Super Bowl last season and seem poised to possibly make another run this season.
" We have the talent to bring a Pantheon Cup to the city of Philadelphia and prove spring football thrives in the city of Philadelphia. I not only believe it, I expect it!" said Del Rio.
The Freedom in their now four years of existence have been slow starters, only to finish strong. In 2018 the Freedom slogged through the first half of the season at 1-8, then caught fire winning seven straight to finish at 8-8 for the second consecutive year and missing the playoffs.
The Freedom are a talented bunch and with Del Rio's positive influence and direction. The Freedom could very well be considered a top playoff contender for 2019. It is expected to be a very competitive training camp as Del Rio has said every starting role is up for grabs.
" Come camp, everything is wide open. I want these guys to come to camp with a fire in their gut. A willingness to give a 110% every day. " stated Del Rio.
An intense competition at quarterback is expected as starter Alex Tanney is expected to be challenged hard by veteran Drew Willy.
The running game will likely be led by veterans Brandon Whitaker and John Crockett. The addition of Elijah McGuire should keep Whitaker and Crockett on their toes. Let's not forget the explosive Kory Sheets and Joe Williams who could easily slip into the starting role.
The recieving corps is extremely talented with D'Haquille "Duke" Williams, Fred Stamps and Ty Hilton. Add in Rod Streater and CFL veteran Weston Dressler and you have the potential to have a very dangerous passing game .
The tight end position is going to be contested by starter Khari Lee and rookie Scott Orndoff. Lee is expected to keep his starting role.
The offensive line led by Quinton Spain, Jeff Linkenbach and Qadar Spooner is a veteran group that will be tested by Joe Dahl, Ted Karras and rookies Tyrell Crosby and Colby Garrett. Veterans Chris Best, Cameron Fleming, Skylar Phillips and L'Adrian Waddle add much needed depth.
The linebackers are some of the best in the league. Led by veterans Danny Trevathan, John Simon and Kwon Alexander. The addition of rookies Shaquem Griffen and Avery Ellis will certainly add more depth to a already talented group.
Defensive line will be led by veterans Andrew Hudson, Phillip Hunt and Tristan Okpalaugo along with Stanley Maponga. Darius Philon, Damien Borel and Ja'Gared Davis add depth.
Bacarri Rambo will lead the secondary. Along with Terell Floyd, DJ White and All AFFA Xavier Woods. Dane Cruikshank, Ronald Martin and rookies Davonte Harris and Joshua Kalu will push to impress once camp starts.
Rookies Zane Gonzalez (kicker) and Kyle Loomis ( punter) will handle the kicking duties.
After all is said and done, it should be interesting to keep an eye on the Philadelphia Freedom training camp and the effect head coach Jack Del Rio will have on this sometime underachieving bunch.
No comments:
Post a Comment