Los Angeles Demons

[USN]

The Cardinals Are Done

The Arizona Cardinals had many pundits talking playoffs and a possible NFC West title. Those hopes were dashed when owner Bill Bidwill released and fired everyone below him.

"It's time for a drastic change. I bring in "proven commodities" from free agency and they don't work out. I'm just not happy, so I'm moving to Los Angeles," said Bidwell.

The new head coach was named today. Very well known in the deepest coaching circles, Sidney Avery, will be head coach. He was a coordinator under Tom Dungy in Indianapolis.

"I'm basically going to run the same offense as we did in Indy. The defense will be different, though, as I don't know what type of teasm we're going to have," commented Avery.

"Funny, you should mention that Sidney. The team consist of undrafted free agents. All rookies, some of whom played at big time programs and others played at smaller schools," said the owner.

The new name of the team will be the Los Angeles Demons. They will take the spot in the NFC West. Roger Goodell welcomed the change.

"I was considering talking with the city of LA about this very issue, Bidwell did it for me. I hope the rebuilding process goes well for the Demons franchise."

[USN]

One stroke of greatness followed by blowout

The newly formed Los Angeles Demons opened the 2007 preseason on the road in Oakland, and suprisingly came away with a victory, 20-7.

The next three games, against the Texans, Chargers, and Broncos would not prove to be as successful.

The Demons were in it early against Houston, but lost 51-21. The Chargers dismantled LA, 38-0. That performance would be followed by 51-0 to Denver.

"First off, it's only the preseason. However, we lack something that can't be coached. That is speed. I'm giong to talk to Mr. Bidwell and see if we can't bring in some guys with speed before we start the season," commented Coach Avery on his team's performace in the preseason.

"To be honest, I'm happy with 1-3. ESPN has going 0-16 this season. This team is young and has no experience in the NFL, collectively. Coach and I are going to get together and maybe put some speed on our defense. Our offense seems sufficient, with Watkins and quarterback and Jeffries in the backfield. I like our core of wide receivers. Our main issue is lack of speed on defense," Owner Bill Bidwell's comments on the preseason for his Demons.

[USN]

The Demons lose first game

The Demons had opportunities. They played well enough to win. However, execution, when it was needed most, was not there.

Watkins proved that he can sling the ball around, 281 yards passing and two scores, including one late that made it a six point game. 27-21 would be the final score.

"We had it inside the five twice and failed to score. Turnovers are what killed us. It wasn't the two fifty yard plays to Davis in the first half. We failed to score when we had the chance. Our run game was garbage, 47 yards total. That happens when you throw the ball 35 times," Coach Avery on the loss to the 49ers.

Ahmad Carroll was the new addition that had the fans buzzing. A speedy corner, who made his debut against San Francisco, by intercepting Alex Smith inside the redzone and taking it back for six. A play in the first half, that made the score 21-14. They 49ers would drive to score a field goal at the end of the half.

Back to back fumbles by Jeffries just outside the endzone are what fans will remember most from this game. The Demons' defense got beat on two big TD passes to Vernon Davis in the first quarter, and a third TD pass by Smith to Lelie in the second were the only touchdowns scored by the 49ers.

The defense played well in the second half only allowing 3 points. The defense allowed just 68 rushing yards.

49ers Stats
Alex Smith 19/30 3TD 2INT 303yds
Frank Gore 15car 70yds, 4rec 59yds
Vernon Davis 4rec 116yds 2TD
Patrick Willis 7tlks, FF

Demons Stats
Deion Watkins 16/35 281yds 2TD 2INT
LeMarcus Jeffries 10car 27yds 2Fumb, 3rec 22yds TD
TE Julian Valentine 4rec 92yds
SS Brian Coffee 8tkls

[wiskyfootball]

You are allergic to originality.

[Sportsbuck]

wiskyfootball said:

You are allergic to originality.

Thought you were gone for good.

[sep]

We are all allergic to ASM tho.

[wiskyfootball]

So sep, what are your favorite teams now? Kansas?

[sep]

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

[Sportsbuck]

Dude make up your f---ing mind and leave or stay. Stop deleting accounts then re-joining.

I'd hate to see you as a head coach somewhere.

"No I'm leaving."
"Wait, I'm staying."
"I thought I told you guys I'm leaving!"
"I guess I'll stay.."

[USN]

just wanted to inform you guys that I accidentally clicked No when it asked me if I wanted to import a draft after the preseason, so for this first year I won't have real college players for the draft

[USN]

Demons fall to Seahawks

Two early turnovers, a fumble on a punt return and a fumble on their first offensive play would put the Los Angeles Demons into a quick 14-0 hole. A 72 yard pass to Gooden would set up a 2 yard TD run by Jeffries.

The Seahawks would answer, as on the second play of the following possesion, Alexander would score on a 52 yard run. His third rushing touchdown of the first quarter. Carroll would later recover a fumble, that would set up a five play drive that ended with Jeffries second score of the day.

In the final seconds of the half, with the score 21-14, Marcus Trufant would get an interception and return it for a touchdown, making the score 28-14 at the half.

The Demons defense would force a punt ot open the second half, and on the second play of their drive, Los Angeles would a score on a 72 yard catch and run by Claiborne.

In the 4th quarter, Dickerson would fumble in the redzone, the sixth turnover for the Demons. LA however would force a punt and get the back, still trailing 28-21. Seattle would stop the Demons on fourth down and would kick in a field goal.

"That was a sloppy game, and that's probably why we were in it. Brian Coffee got two interceptions, we forced Hasselbeck into four. Our inability to turn those into points is what cost us though. They forced us into six turnovers, and got 21 points. We only got one touchdown off of the turnovers we forced," commented Coach Sidney Avery.

Demons Stats
Deion Watkins 15/34 TD 2INT
LeMarcus Jeffries 16car 42yds 2TD 3Fumb, 7rec 32yds
Alex Claiborne 2 rec 104yds TD
Brett Bruce 7tkls INT

Seahawks Stats
Matt Hasselbeck 12/22 76yds 4INT
Shaun Alexander 16car 114yds 3TD
DJ Hackett 3rec 16yds
Lofa Tatupu 8tkls FR

[USN]

Demons early struggles continue

Two interceptions would lead to Ravens' touchdowns. The first, Chris McAllister took to the house, the second lead a touchdown by Steve McNair. After a Balitmore field goal, the Demons would score off a Dickerson run, cutting the lead, 17-7. However, the ensuing kick off was returned for a touchdown by BJ Sams.

The Ravens would score twice in the third. McNair would find Mason for the first of his two touchdown receptions. Ed Reed would score of his first interception of the game. McNair would throw his third touchdown pass in the fourth, to Mason. Matt Stover would kick a field late in the quarter, making the score 48-10.

"We cannot run the ball. Two reasons why, first we are always behind, and second our runningbacks just aren't that good. Deion didn't have a good game. Defensively, we did ok, but there's not much you can do when you always have a short field. Our main problem, as a team, is that we lack NFL speed. We have one player who has NFL speed and that is Ahmad Carroll. I'm thinking if we can bring in Trung Candidate, he might be able to give us some explosion from our running game. We'll see though. The thing I'm most happy about is the fact that no one fumbled today," Coach Avery on the third loss of the season.

Ravens Stats
Steve McNair 7/13 93yds 3TD INT
Willis McGahee 23car 39yds
Desmond Mason 3rec 45yds 2TD
Dawan Landry 6tkls

Demons Stats
Deion Watkins 18/38 214yds 5INT
LeMarcus Jeffries 8car 25 6rec 58yds
Matt Peete 4rec 80yds
Jeff Watkins 7tkls INT

[USN]

The Demons' second half offense struggles continue

The Demons loss 21-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers is more accreditted to the fact that the Demons cannot score in the second half. In their four games, LA has managed fourteen points in the second half, zero in their last two games.

The Steelers led 14-10 at the half. They would score on a 55-yard run by Parker early in the third quarter, his second of the day. Trailing 21-10, the Demons defense would continue to get stops, but the offense for LA would turn it over, on two second half INTs for Watkins or punt.

"Jeffries was effective running the ball today, 65 yards on 11 carries, but his lack of breakaway speed is what forced us to pass the ball, not to mention the fact that we're down," said Coach Avery.

When asked about the Trung Candidate situation, Coach Avery said that discussions were still in the early stages and that if something does get done, it will probably be after week seven, but he could not confirm that.

Demons Stats
Deion Watkins 16/35 172yds TD 3INT
LeMarcus Jeffries 11car 65yds
Brandon Gooden 5rec 72yds
Erik Lindsay 5tkls FF

Steelers Stats
Ben Roethlisberger 12/19 115yds TD INT
Willie Parker 15car 174yds 2TD
Heath Miller 3rec 39yds
Deshea Townsend 6tkls

[USN]

The Demons Will Look Somewhere Else After Loss

The Demons had seven turnovers, the Rams scored 34 points off of them.

LA scored first after dominating the first quarter clock. The first of Watkins' six interceptions was returned by Corey Chavous 95 yards for a touchdown. After a turnover on downs, Marc Bulger would drive the Rams for a touchdown, a 12 yard pass to Bruce.

The Rams would score to open the second half and another interception in the redzone would lead to a one yard run by Marc Bulger. The fourth quarter would see Jeff Wilkins kick to field goals and the Rams return two interceptions for touchdowns.

However, the Demons outgained the Rams 432 to 323 in total yards and held the ball twice as long in the 48-7 loss.

"The only reason I decided to talk to the media was to tell you that Deion Watkins time as the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Demons has ended. We will try out rookie Jared Zebransky on Tuesday, Aaron Brooks is also in the mix. Also, Trung Candidate and the front office are very close to reaching a deal,' Coach Avery's comments to the media after losing 48-7 to St. Louis.

Rams Stats
Marc Bulger 10/17 152yds 2TD
Steven Jackson 11car 44yds
Isaac Bruce 3rec 72yds TD
Will Witherspoon 10tkls INT TD

Demons Stats
Deion Watkins 12/31 130yds 6INT
LeMarcus Jeffries 12car 46yds TD
Matt Peete 4rec 50yds
Ahmad Carroll 6tkls

[USN]

Demons Sign two NFL Veterans

"We have struggled with a lack of experience and a lack of NFL speed all season. Now I will announce two players who bring both of those characteristics with them. Introducing, quarterback Aaron Brooks and runningback Trung Canidate," said owner Bill Bidwell.

*Brooks holding a red jersey with number 8 showing his name, along side Canidate who is holding a red jersey number 30 showing his name.*

"We don't expect these two players to come and save our season. Personally, I expect them to help us tremendously and maybe win some, but don't expect to go on some long winning streak. We are a young and building team," commented Coach Avery.

"My last experience didn't go so well, but I have had some success in the NFL and I think I can help the Demons," said Aaron Brooks.

I haven't been in football since 2003, but I still know how to play this game. This will be my first real shot at a starting job, so I'm excited," Trung Canidate's comments on signing with the Demons.

Both players were signed to just two year contracts.

"I will keep the offense simple as I want both of them to begin as soon as possible. As time goes on I will add more to their playbooks," Coach Avery on how he plans to integrate his two newest offensive weapons.

[USN]

Brooks and Canidate Shine In Debut

Early fumbles gave the Panthers a 21-7 lead after the first quarter.

Brooks would take the field after a punt, trailing 24-7 in the second quarter. Brooks and Canidate would connect three times in the quarter from 60, 76, and 19 yards.

In the third quarter Brooks would throw his fourth touchdown pass of the game to Valentine, Carolina would answer with a field goal.

A field goal by Los Angeles early in the fourth quarter put the Demons up by eleven. Jake Delhomme would drive the Panthers back and score a touchdown and convert for two, cutting the lead two three.

The onside kick would go to LA and they would score a touchdown, a Canidate six yard run. 45-35 is your final.

"We forced more turnovers than we gave up. Aaron played brilliant, the best completion percentage we've had all season. Trung was brilliant, his rushing yards will be there later. We played a tough defensive team, but he found a way to get involved in the game. We aren't any good on defense, but when your offense can but up 45 points it's hard not to lose. When both teams are 0-5, all the stops gets pulled because you don't want to be the team that falls to 0-6," Avery on LA's first ever win.

Demons Stats
Aaron Brooks 18/27 314yds 4TD
Trung Canidate 20car 54yds TD 7rec 212yds 3TD
Matt Peete 3rec 38yds
Jeff Watkins 10tkls

Panthers Stats
Jake Delhomme 22/33 201yds 2TD 3INT
Deshaun Foster 13car 53yds 4 rec 17yds TD
Drew Carter 5rec 69yds
Dan Morgan 7tkls sack 2FF

[USN]

Demons Go to OT in Washington

The Los Angeles Demons played in their ever overtime in what turned out to be a shootout.

The Redskins led 14-7 after Carlos Rogers returned one of Brooks three interceptions for a touchdown.

In the second quarter twenty points was scorede total, all coming the final one minute and thirty nine. A trade of field goals, then a 79 pass by Campbell to Moss was followed by a 74 yard pass from Brooks to Canidate as the half ended.

The final play of the third quarter saw Cambell throw his third touchdown of the day, a 90 yard pass to Cooley, putting the Redskins up 31-17 entering the fourth quarter.

On their second possesion of the fourth quarter, Aaron Brooks would throw an 82 yard touchdown pass to Trung Canidate, their second connection of the day.

The Demons would force Washington to punt just inside the two minute mark and Aaron Brooks would guide his team on a seven play drive that would end with his third touchdown pass to Trung Canidate, tying the game at 31.

Los Angeles would win the coin toss in overtime. Facing a third and ten, Brooks would find his go-to man, Canidate, for his ninth reception of the game, and a first down. A completion to Gooden for nine yards was followed by an eleven yard run by Canidate. LeMarcus Jeffries would get a thirteen yard run, which was then followed up another thirteen yard this time by Canidate.

A nine yard complete to Claiborne would set up a nine yard run Canidate that would be touchdown, winning the game for Los Angeles. 37-31 final

"I'm happy to get the win. A few franchise records were set today, but our defense is terrible. Two touchdown pass for more than eighty yards? They scored thirty one points, granted one of them was an interception return, and only got five first downs. That said, our offense has come to life. Brooks and Canidate are just lighting it up right now," Coach Avery on his team's second straight victory.

Redskins Stats
Jason Campbell 7/13 212yds 3TD INT
Clinton Portis 22car 57yds
Santana Moss 4rec 128yds 2TD
LaRon Landry 7tkls

Demons Stats
Aaron Brooks 21/43 3TD 3INT, rush TD
Trung Canidate 10car 71yds TD, 9rec 276yds 3TD
Matt Peete 4rec 85yds
Brian Coffee 8tkls INT

[USN]

Demons suffer monumental collapse

The Demons enjoyed a 10-7 halftime lead after an interception returned for a touchdown by Ahmad Carroll and a field goal by Orlando.

In the third quarter, Canidate would score from 49 yards out, ending a three play drive after Chiang intercepted Garcia. The Demons would force the Bucs to punt, but would give it back on a fumble. Garcia would throw a 90 yard touchdown to Michael Clayton. This would be answered on the first play of the following Los Angeles possesion by an 83 yard run by Canidate.

The next Tampa Bay possession would go into the fourth quarter but ended on a punt, Trun Canidate would score again, this time from 51 yards, giving LA a commanding 31-14 lead. On the second play of the ensuing Buccaneer possesion, Garcia would throw a 67 yard touchdown to Joey Galloway. Tampa Bay would try an onside kick but failed. However they would force a punt. Garcia would throw another score, finding David Boston for 74 yards, cutting the score 31-28.

Tampa would force LA to punt again, gaining the ball down by just three, but Garcia's fourth interception of the day, to Carroll would turn into points, putting the Demons out in front by ten. Jeff Garcia would find Clayton again for a touchdown, scoring on a 71 yard reception.

This time the Bucs would recover the onside and a 63 yard pass to Galloway would put the Buccaneers in front, for the first time since Williams nine yard touchdown run in the second quarter, 42-38.

Brooks would get the ball and drive to Tampa's 48 yard line, where a pass would go off the hands of Matt Peete and into the hands of Brian Kelly for an interception, sealing the win for Tampa Bay.

"Canidate played brilliant today, and Caroll...Wow! What a game he had, two picks that he returned for scores. However, as a defensive unit, we let up. Our secondary looked great until that fourth quarter when they gave up four passing touchdown, none shorter than sixty three yards. We are a young team, and it showed today," Coach Avery on his team's collapse.

Bucs Stats
Jeff Garcia 12/24 429yds 5TD 4INT
Carnell Williams 20car 58yds TD
Joey Galloway 5rec 161yds 2TD
Ronde Barber 6tkls

Demons Stats
Aaron Brooks 13/19 165yds 2INT
Trung Canidate 22car 215yds 3TD 3rec 30yds
Matt Peete 3rec 60yds
Brett Bruce 5tkls sack INT

[USN]

An expected start, leads to a tumultuous off-season

The Los Angeles Demons did better than expected in 2007. The won two games, let alone back to back victories. One of which was against the NFC runner up Washington Redskins.

Their 2-14 record tied them for the worst record in the NFL with Buffalo. The Demons were given the second pick in the draft, the tiebreaker happened to be the Demons' victory against Washington, as the Bills lost to them.

The big news out of the Re-Signing Period was the Bill Bidwell (owner) and Sidney Avery (head coach) had only decided to resign twenty one players from the 2007 squad. Three players were retained from the defense, none of whom have their starting jobs. The nineteen retained on the offense was cut to seventeen when room was needed for rookies from the draft.

Of those three have their starting jobs from last year. Trung Canidate at halfback who rushed for 946 yards, five touchdowns and had 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The two starting offensive guards return as do their backups.

At the quarterback position, Aaron Brooks and Deion Watkins return, as the second and third quarterbacks. Charlie Warrick, out of Texas A&M, was the Demons' top pick and will be the starting quarterback.

The wide receiver corp brings in three new faces, Nate Burleson and Tab Perry, both free agent signings, and Matt Linton who was LA's fifth round draft pick out of Ole Miss. The tight ends all return, and bring Jerramy Stevens with them.

Defensively, the Demons are an entirely different team. The former Oakland Raider Tyler Brayton who was out of football in 2007 and former Minnesota Viking Darrion Scott will vie for the left end spot. Travis LaBoy, from the Titans, will be on the right side with Hank Millard, a holdover from 07, backing him up. In the middle Tank Johnson and Randy Starks will stuff the run, with third year man Darrell Reid as the back up.

The linebackers on the left side are Ben Leber, from Minnesota, and Hunter Hillenmeyer, from Chicago. Leber had 102 tackles in 07, while Hillenmeyer had 86. The middle linebacker spot features Keith Adams, who did not play last year. The back up is Chaun Thompson, who was not on an NFL roster last year. Matt Stewart will start on the right. Keyaron Fox, who last played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006, and Dan Dexter, rookie out of South Carolina State, are the back ups.

The secondary returns two players, Ahmad Carroll and Jeff Watkins, both sitting at third and fourth on the depth chart. Randall Gay, who played three games in 06, and Derrick Strait, who last played for the Jets in 2005, will be the starters. Jerametrius Butler is the third corner.

Ken Hamlin was the biggest free agent signing for the Demons. He will start at free safety. Leslie Costanza, second round pick from LSU, and Chad Williams, who last played for the 49ers in 2006, are the back ups. Terrence Kiel will start at the strong safety, with Glen Earl sitting number two.

Shaun Suisham is the new kicker for Los Angeles. He kicked 28/38 last year for Washington. Chris Kluwe is the new punter. He averaged 44.8 yards last year while playing for Minnesota.

Owner Bill Bidwell and Coach Sidney Avery are really happy with the acquisitions made this past off-season. Let’s see if it can translate on the field.