AP- When new Phantoms general manager RverDag took over Atlantic City with 5 games remaining in the 2021 season, you knew that the writing was on the wall for coach Br Gaylord. The Phantoms announced last week the firing of Gaylord after a terrible 3-13 season in which the Phantoms ranked dead last in run defense and was unable to field a coherent offensive unit that probably couldn't beat a Division III defense.

However AC's new management are hoping that the recent hiring of Denver's defensive coordinator Anthony Crenshaw as head coach will help reverse Atlantic City's woes. Crenshaw and Dag certainly have their work cut out for them; the roster has minimal talent and several high paid 1st round busts. Here's some excerpts from Crenshaw's introductory press conference:

[bfc5430a]Draft Strategy: [/bfc5430a] Crenshaw: Well, looking at the roster we do have some good young players that we can build around but little in terms of depth and overall talent. Luckily we have 4 picks in the top 60, and we want to draft guys that fit the system ...now that doesn't necessarily mean taking the best player available. And anytime we can acquire more picks, we'll jump on the opportunity.

[bfc5430a]Offensive Gameplan:[/bfc5430a] AC: As of right now, Marcus Lane is our starting QB. We want to implement a vertical, attacking offense and I think Lane can run that well. Raymond Rhodes future with the team is in question.

[bfc5430a]New Defensive Scheme:[/bfc5430a] AC: Atlantic City has run the 4-3 for a while; however me and Kerry (new DC) are going to be implementing the 3-4 defense for next season. We've got a pair of great linebackers in Schultz and Bauer and the 3-4 will really take advantage of their abilities.

This rebuilding project could take a couple of seasons, and we may be the Yankee's whipping boy for a bit...but once we got things going; we're going to be a fast and physical team...so look out Hartford, Boston, and Brooklyn.[/list]