The Chicago Bliss had a hard time stopping the Las Vegas Sin offense in their home opener, falling 32-20 in a shocking upset that left the near-capacity crowd stunned and the team and coaching staff searching for answers. The internal fears of the team being to small were forced into the spotlight in embarrassing fashion as the defense surrendered 197 total yards to the Sin.
With those dismal numbers, can the Bliss defense recover in time to make a difference in Friday night’s game against Green Bay?
Bliss Head Coach Keith Hac believes so. “ The defense is doing great, they’ve come a long way since [opening night],” said Hac.
Position assignments and the unit’s overall approach has changed since then said Hac. One of the improvements is in the addition of starting linebacker Yashi Rice. The former college track runner is psyched and more than ready for her first game with the Bliss.
‘’I feel like I know what it takes to win and know what it takes to be a football player,” said Rice.
Rice is helping to replace the loss former linebacker Tasha “Tank” Pryor, who was cut by the team and help offset the release of safety Stacey Jarrett . The team has faced many transitions this season, from coaches to players. Rice says those issues that could have proven too challenging to be overcome are being attacked with increased knowledge and improved athleticism.
“We have people in their right positions and [players] aredoing the right things. At the end of the day its about whose more athletic and who knows what their doing.”
To Rice, the entire defense must step up their respective games in order to stop Green Bay quarterback Anne Erler, newcomer Melissa De Jesus at running back and their talented wide receivers from gaining momentum and having a real impact on the football game.
“Football is a team sport, not like track, not like swimming and not like golf. We need everybody to [play well] make the defense [work].”
Can the Bliss overcome the horrific performance in the home opener?
Only time will tell.
Tags: Chicago Bliss, eileen sears, Keith Hac, yahshi rice
