This week, our subject is Ryan Jones of STEALTH...
CG: Your wide receivers are the most inconsistent unit in the league. Against the X-Men three passes went off of the hands of your receivers one was tipped for a touchdown, while the other two tip balls resulted into interceptions. Last week the drops were on full display against the Covington Cowboys as your wideouts dropped eight balls. You throw a good ball, how do explain the drops this season? RJ: This is the best receiving core (as a whole) I have played with. There are no weaknesses. You have speed, great routes, consistent play, and good hands. No excuses for all the dropped balls, just lack of concentration. I wouldn’t trade anyone of them.
CG: The best unit on the team has been the play of the hogs: Mark Abbinante, Stuart Delaney & Doug Earley. They haven't allowed many sacks this season. You're about as mobile as Carson Palmer...so that is saying something about their level of play. Why have they done so well? RJ: The "HOGS" have always been the strength of our Offense, and I wouldnt ever want to change that. They take pride in protecting me, so they play with some attitude. Without protection, you dont even have a chance to get the ball to your playmakers.
CG: Years ago Steve Clay won a National Championship with The Row. He is a big play wide receiver that you've had on your roster in the past. It would seem he could provide your offense the steady hands that it has lacked so far this season. What are the chances of Clay being on the roster the next time Stealth takes the field? RJ: Steve Clay is an exceptional athlete and he will remain a player for the STEALTH. He has been busy with family lately and unable to make it. The 1 thing I have always said is you cant win it all with just 1 player, and we have 5 or 6 great athletes that are carrying the load right now. Jason Naylor, Brandon Naylor, Slash Moore, Ty Blair, Doug Earley, and Chris Partin have all been in the Endzone this session.
CG: What four teams regardless of record do you feel should represent the top playoff bracket? RJ: STEALTH, 513, Dayton X-men, and #4 could be multiple teams.
CG: Three boys and a girl all named after NFL quarterbacks Matt (Haselback), Eli (Manning), Dan (Marino) & Peyton (Manning). Your wife told me she wanted your daughter to be named Joe (after Namath), but you persuaded her to go with Peyton. Are you telling me that Peyton Manning is better than Broadway Joe? RJ: When Peyton Manning retires he will be considered the greatest QB of all time. Broadway Joe is great, and highly under-rated, but still a ways from the top.
CG: You played semi-pro football the last two years. What team did you play with and how did that experience help your flag game? RJ: I played with the Mt Carmel Fire & Kings Comets. Both teams gave me a lot of experience (especially on Offense) that I use within our team. Plays, schemes, coaching, etc.
CG: There is a sense when you guys take the field you have a chip on your shoulder. Why is your team left out of the discussion of one of the top teams in the area? RJ: Not sure, my only thought is maybe lack of experience, We went 10-0 this past winter, beating DTW twice (including the championship) and we went 8-1 this past session beating DTW twice and Cov Cowboys twice. Our record against CC and DTW in the last 6 games is 5-1 and the only loss was to DTW in double overtime by 1 point.
CG: You are no Mike Vick. You don't have a big play wide out like a Steve Clay. There isn't a menacing defensive lineman that a quarterback keeps in the back of his mind. You have improved cornerbacks but no lock down throw away the key DBs. Could it be that because you just go out and win ball games without the attention getting playmakers that is the reason your team is not regarded as a top five team? RJ: Maybe, I think we have the atheletes/playmakers, we just need some more experience (ie. tourneys) We just need guys to keep getting better week in and week out.
CG: In the coming weeks, you will matchup with a 513 Franchise team that just placed second to Sudden Impact in Chicago last weekend? What makes 513 one of the best teams in the mid-west? RJ: They have a lot more commitement and consistency than any teams around. Clearly they are top dog and until someone knocks them off (consistently) they will remain there.
CG: Will it take beating 513 to get the respect you believe your team deserves? Could you get the respect if you played them close? RJ: Beating 513 isnt something we HAVE to do. We are looking to come out, like every week, and play our game. If we do that, we know at the end of the game we will be right there. If we make mistakes, dont finish plays, etc. they will beat us like they do everyone else. We know its a big game, but they are just another team. Winning state, nationals, and becoming a top team is what we are striving for.