DALLAS, TX - There was a brief question and answer press conference today with GM Belanger of the Texas Sundevils. Here are some of the highlights:

[b8b41ad9]Reporter[/b8b41ad9]: You came into last season about half way through and were unable to turn the boat around. Your critics are saying you're passive and that the team needs more proactive leadership. How do you respond?

[b8b41ad9]GM Belanger[/b8b41ad9]: Week 10 is hardly mid-season. I would call mid-season around week 4, actually; much of the work on making a successful team happens before the first game of the year. We spent the latter half of the season giving guys who had spent a lot of time on the bench a shot at proving themselves. In our team meetings, it was clear there were a lot of players who felt like they hadn't had a chance to contribute, and when your team is losing a lot it can be especially hard to stomach. The coaching staff and I decided to allow some of those guys some opportunities, and while it didn't translate into wins, I think that strategy will help us move into next season in a positive direction. Everyone feels like they have a shot of making the field, and everyone has to prove themselves. As for me being passive, let my critics judge me after the upcoming off-season.

[b8b41ad9]Reporter[/b8b41ad9]: Give us three bright spots for you with the team, and tell us where you see the greatest need for improvement.

[b8b41ad9]GM Belanger[/b8b41ad9]: I was pleased to see [player]Alan Lucas[/player] make the all rookie team. I think there are a number of bright spots on defense that we can build around. Lastly, I would say [player]Phillip Terry[/player], while frustrated, really wants to see the team succeed and I think he will be a cohesive force for our offensive line as we rebuild. As for our area of greatest need, I would say turnovers have to be our greatest concern. We led in fumbles this year and came in second for interceptions. Pathetic and unacceptable.

[b8b41ad9]Reporter[/b8b41ad9]: What are your plans with the number one pick this year?

[b8b41ad9]GM Belanger[/b8b41ad9]: If we see a player who looks to be the future of this team, who we can see being a team-defining force for the next ten seasons, we may keep the pick. Otherwise, you can expect that we will consider offers to trade for a collection of picks so that we can fill some of the holes in our roster.

[b8b41ad9]Reporter[/b8b41ad9]: Can you tell us who you might be looking at in the upcoming draft class?

[b8b41ad9]GM Belanger[/b8b41ad9]: Until the combine, I can't comment on that.

[b8b41ad9]Reporter[/b8b41ad9]: Where do you see the team finishing next season? What is your goal?

[b8b41ad9]GM Belanger[/b8b41ad9]: I can't turn water into wine, and we have a very tough division. Our goal for this next season is to improve and help one of our division rivals find the bottom of the San Andreas. Outside of that... turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. We need to play consistent, disciplined football. If we can do that, we really will have something to build on. Everyone on this team wants to give our fans something to be proud of; they deserve more, and this next season they can expect it.

[b8b41ad9]Reporter[/b8b41ad9]: Is it true you can't spell?

[b8b41ad9]GM Belanger[/b8b41ad9]: Yes, that's true.

Well done.

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ROF Division Champions: 2039 - 2043, 2045, 2047, 2054, 2056 - 2060, 2063, 2066-2067
WFC Conference Champions: 2018, 2041, 2042, 2057-2058, 2060, 2062-2063
CFL Champions: 2018, 2041, 2057-2058, 2060, 2062

Good stuff, belanma. It's stuff like this that makes this league fun.

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Deep South Division Champions
2006, 2009-10, 2019, 2023-24, 2027, 2031-32, 2034-35, 2040, 2044, 2046-47, 2051-53, 2055-56, 2058-62
Eastern Conference Champions
2009, 2031, 2055
CFL Champions
2031, 2055
Hall of Fame
Joshua Mask, Douglas Hartman, Carl Bradford, Leland Wellins, Wally Wooden (#80), Brantley Gilmore (#9)