Welcome to the Wild Things blog. We’re just getting started here, but I am working closely with Josh Wood, online sports producer (coolest title at the paper, that one), to add theme music to the site. So whenever my fans and readers visit, they’ll be greeted with a little Tone-Loc bumping in the background. The music might have to wait, given that Josh has been preoccupied trying to find a reliable mock draft that doesn’t have his Lions taking Stafford No. 1. Anyway, without further delay, Let’s do it.
QB troubles: The Wichita Wild’s Ken Matous, a coaching veteran of 27 years, has connections throughout football, from college to various levels of the indoor game. Those contacts were one of the primary reasons he was hired to take over the Wild, which had previously built its rosters on mostly local players.
So it was more than surprising when Matous decided to bring in Derek Rasmussen, rather than someone with more experience, as his starting quarterback. Rasmussen had thrown only 50 passes in the indoor game, all of them coming in a backup role with Tulsa of Arenafootball2.
It’s a gamble that Matous must regret now. He has benched Rasmussen in favor of Alex Melugin, an indoor rookie from Friends University, for tonight’s road game. If Rasmussen doesn’t improve, and Melugin isn’t the answer, a once-promising season could continue to be a huge disappointment.
It was a no-brainer to sit Rasmussen, who says he is battling a sore back. He has eight interceptions, including four in last week’s game, and Matous said Rasmussen’s throws on short to intermediate routes have been “horrible.” What shocked me, though, was Matous’ pointed criticism of Rasmussen’s leadership skills. Rasmussen has lacked fire and a take-charge attitude, the always-frank Matous said. Clearly, Matous and Rasmussen aren’t on the same page concerning what is expected.
The timing is right for Matous to try to inspire Rasmussen, and see what Melugin has to offer. Regardless who plays QB, the Wild should handle winless Sioux City tonight.
And Wild fans shouldn’t give up on those Matous connections yet. He says he is looking around for another quarterback.
Hasta la vista, baby.