The Georgia Firebirds face Monterrey Steel one last time, but now, in Monterrey. The Steel advance to 5-3, getting one step closer to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Georgia Firebirds fall to 2-6.
Georgia Firebirds Face Monterrey Steel One Last Time
The Firebirds are still fighting for a playoff spot, but it just got tougher after their loss to Monterrey last week. With this loss last week, the Firebirds are most likely out of the playoffs. The worst record he Steel can finish with is 5-6. The best record the Firebirds can finish with is 5-6. The only way Georgia can beat Monterrey overall is if they can beat the Steel by 43-points or more this week.
Don’t forget about the High Country Grizzlies. The best they can do is 6-5, stealing the final playoff spot.
The Firebirds will have to shut Bernard Morris down this week. It is tough to do this because he can run and pass the ball, allowing him to have multiple options in one play. The only thing that can stop Georgia from winning this week is injuries. They have issues and injuries that can throw them off a little bit. With last weeks performance, it hurt them a lot.
They also have to keep in mind that they must beat every opponent in the remaining weeks of this season. Last week, they should’ve had that “no mistakes” mindset, but it should start now with the Firebirds. If they lose, they’re likely out. If they win, they just have to move onto the next week and repeat their victory.
Monterrey, on the other hand, has some wiggle room. They can finish the season at 8-3 at best, or as said earlier, 5-6. So they shouldn’t have the thought that they’re automatically in the playoffs. They’re in that spot at the moment, but it could change anytime.
Monterrey made last weeks game look easy, so if they want to find success and win, all they have to do is just do the same thing as what they did last week.
Jacoby Jones could be out again this week like he was last week. Maybe this could help Georgia slow them down, but these are what need to change before they can think about an easy win.
What Needs to Change For The Georgia Firebirds From Last Week
1. Kickoff Coverage
The opening kickoff was horrifying for the Firebirds last week, allowing the Steel to travel almost the whole field. Teams can’t win if they allow huge gains on kickoffs. As small as a kickoff may seem, it is a big play if you treat it like it’s nothing. All the offense has to do after a kickoff return is travel a few yards and then they’re in the endzone for an easy touchdown.
2. Protect the Quarterback
On almost every play last week, Georgia allowed Monterrey to get pressure on the quarterback. This pressure resulted in hurried passes, overthrown and underthrown passes, sacks, and interceptions. It seemed like every drive was going to be a quick Three-and-out because the quarterback was rushed in all directions on most of the plays.
3. Better Passing
This one on the list picks up where the last one left off. The plays that the quarterback had some time were often wasted plays because the quarterback couldn’t make the correct decisions or just couldn’t get the ball on target. The quarterback needs to get a read before the play of who is going where.
4. Better Catching
When the quarterback of the Firebirds actually had time and made good throws, it would often end in a drop that should’ve been an easy catch. A lot of the passes were in and out of the receivers arms. The receivers need to work on getting a better grip of the ball. The catching last week was just beyond horrible. Teams also can’t win if the receivers can’t contribute to the game.
