Scrimmage: Cologne Vs Hamburg 3/8/05

[allvol]

March 8, 2005
NFL Europe

Hamburg's Larry Croom charges into Cologne. (waynepaulo.com)

TORNADO warnings and heavy rain delayed the first scrimmage day of NFL Europe League training camp in Tampa Bay, Florida, but the action was hectic and heated when the teams finally took the field.

In matchups that were previews of the first week of the regular season – which takes place on April 2 – the Cologne Centurions faced the Hamburg Sea Devils, before the Rhein Fire and Amsterdam Admirals squared off. The day’s action at the 31st Street Complex in St Petersburg was completed by the World Bowl champion Berlin Thunder taking the field against the Frankfurt Galaxy

Cologne Centurions vs Hamburg Sea Devils

Hamburg quarterback Tom Arth (Indianapolis Colts) completed 5 of 7 passes for 34 yards, while Casey Bramlet (Cincinnati Bengals) hit on 4 of 7 for 34 yards. In the running game, Zack Abron (Chicago Bears) gained 30 yards on 5 attempts, while Chris Douglas rushed 3 times for 21 yards. Receiver Ricky Bryant (New England Patriots) caught 2 passes for 38 yards, with Derek McCoy (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) gaining 30 yards on his team’s longest completion of the day.

Cologne passer Casey Clausen (Kansas City Chiefs) connected on 4 of 5 passes for 78 yards, with Chris Lewis (Arizona Cardinals) completing 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards. Running back Kory Chapman (New England Patriots) gained 26 yards on 4 carries, while Keylon Kincade (Dallas Cowboys) had 3 receptions for 20 yards out of the backfield. Romby Bryant (Atlanta Falcons) gained 56 yards on 2 catches.

From the quotebook

“You learn a lot about your team from a scrimmage, but I will know even more when I have reviewed the film. I like the way we approached today, but it is just the start.
Hamburg head coach Jack Bicknell

“In training camp, you get tired of just seeing your own guys. Today was a good experience for the players and I am sure that when I look at the tape I will see some good things, but I also guarantee that we will have plenty of reasons to go back to work in practice.
Cologne head coach Peter Vaas

 

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Swarming Centurions </span>



March 9, 2005
By Tiffani Walker
NFL Europe


<img src=\'http://images.nfl.com/photos/img8271523.jpg\' border=\'0\' alt=\'user posted image\' />
<span style=\'color:gray\'>Carl Morris was pleased with the team&#39;s performance while facing another defense. (waynepaulo.com)

On a day beginning with a tornado watch, the Cologne Centurions were able to step on the field against different jerseys Tuesday afternoon in the first scrimmage of training camp. The Centurions met the Hamburg Sea Devils at the 31st Street Complex in St. Petersburg, Florida.

For the Centurions it was a welcome change to the daily routine. They were able to use their week’s worth of practice against the Sea Devils and get a look at how their scheme matched up. For wide receiver Carl Morris the first scrimmage allowed him and his teammates to go out and let loose.

“It was a good first day. I think it’s good to get out there and get a new set of bodies and kind of see what people have got when we really get going. It was good to see everyone get out there and compete and I think we did pretty well for the first day. We have some things we need to clean up but overall it was a positive first day.”

Several players highlighted the first scrimmage including national cornerback Leonard Greene leading the defense with two interceptions. For the rest of the defense, defensive backs coach John Lyons says those plays were good among other things that need to be focused on.

“I think the good thing was that we came up with several interceptions. I think overall we tackled pretty well. We gave up a couple long passes so we just have to correct those.”

Overall the team maintained a high level against the Sea Devils. Some of the better moments during the windy afternoon included a 35-yard diving touchdown catch in one drill by Morris. The defensive backs also had several passes defensed. The running backs took advantage of the day by hitting and also getting more touches against a defensive line they were able to make contact with. Both the offensive and defensive line spent the afternoon sharpening their skills.

For the most part every player on the team was able to get a look at things they are doing well and also things they need to focus on and refine before the season. With no scoring to gage performance by, players and coaches are forced to use each drill as a way to measure how well previous work outs have paid off.

Offensive coordinator Bob Bicknell says he was pleased with how the team played. He says there are a lot of things that need to be corrected but he recognizes the team may have something special behind the quarterback.

“I think everything needs to be improved. I think our quarterbacks, all four of them, do a good job of leading the team. I think they play hard offensively, guys are trying hard. I think at running back we’ve got some really good running backs so that has helped us. We never tackle each other so now you get into this situation we see now that our running backs can break some tackles. It’s become a little bit of a different team.”

For the first go round the Centurion players and coaches were pleased with the play but are in no way becoming complacent with their progress. Next step for this second year team is to improve during the week and look towards Saturday’s scrimmage as another day to gage improvement.

 

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another scrimmage photo