What were the keys to the team’s victory this week?
In Week 1, the keys to our victory were all about making critical plays when it mattered most, both on offense and defense. Defensively, we were outstanding. The rookie linebackers really stepped up and played beyond their years. Blackshire was a force, recording three tackles for loss and being the main spy on Kyler Murray. His ability to contain Murray and disrupt the playbook was huge for us. Jahad Campbell also had an impressive performance, picking up a sack and nearly having two more. His pressure was felt all game, and he did a great job of staying in Murray’s face.
Antoine Winfield had an incredible day in the secondary. His two interceptions were key, and that pick-six he had was a game-changer. It stretched our lead to two scores and gave the team a huge boost. That play was a defining moment, and it showed just how crucial our defense can be in flipping the momentum. On offense, Kurtis Rourke played a clean game for the most part. He threw for four touchdowns and only had one pick, which came on a deep shot he probably shouldn’t have taken, but we’re okay with that kind of controlled aggression. He showed poise in his debut and made the plays we needed him to. All in all, it was a complete team effort, and everyone did their part to secure the win. Our defense set the tone, and Kurtis did a great job of executing when his number was called.
Can you talk about the development of Jahaad Campbell so far?
Jahad Campbell’s development so far has been everything we could have hoped for and more. From day one, he’s shown the kind of versatility and athleticism that makes him special. He’s a player who can do it all – he can play with his hand in the dirt as a pass rusher, or he can stand up and get after the quarterback. That flexibility is invaluable for us, especially in a defense that likes to mix things up. He’s also shown the ability to play off the ball, where his instincts and ability to read the game really shine. Whether it’s coming in on sub packages to blitz or dropping back into coverage, Jahad’s ability to contribute in multiple ways makes him a dynamic player for us.
What’s really exciting about Jahad is the raw talent he possesses. You can’t teach the kind of athleticism he has, and his nose for the ball is second to none. He’s always around the play, and he’s shown that he has the ability to turn a game in an instant. Whether it’s getting pressure on the quarterback, making a tackle for loss, or being in the right place at the right time to make a play, Jahad has the tools to be a game-changer. This is just the tip of the iceberg for him. If he continues to develop at this rate, he’s going to be a playmaker in the PML for years to come. We’re excited to have him on our defense and can’t wait to see how he continues to evolve.
How has Laken Tomlinson’s experience in the league helped the team so far?
Bringing in Laken Tomlinson has been huge for our offensive line, especially when it comes to mentoring Joe Fusile. Fusile, as a first-round draft pick, was brought in to be our starting guard, and we have supreme confidence in his abilities. But transitioning from college to the pros, especially as an offensive lineman, can take some time. The game is faster, the players are bigger and stronger, and it’s an adjustment period. That’s where Laken’s experience has been invaluable. He’s been a steady presence in a relatively young offensive line room, and his leadership and know-how have made a big impact on Fusile’s development.
Having a guy like Laken, who’s played at a high level for so many years, has helped smooth that transition for Joe. Laken’s ability to share his knowledge of the game, technique, and mentality is something that can’t be overstated. With him and Tristan Wirfs on Fusile’s side, we’re setting Joe up for success and allowing him to learn from two of the best in the business. It’s a great environment for growth, and we’ve seen that reflected in Fusile’s progress. Laken’s presence has been a key factor in helping our young linemen develop and get acclimated to the league. With Laken’s leadership and experience, we’re confident that Fusile’s growth will continue to be exponential as he settles into his role.
