By Jason Monson on 5/20/2007

I just want to leave a quick thought, the morning after the game against the Blaze. Even though we came out on the short end of this contest, the game itself was something else.  I hope the fans that attended came away with as sated a feeling as I had, purely from a fan perspective.  There was only one score, albeit a 52-yard jaunt from the far from fleet-of-foot Buckie Brawley on what we later found out was a broken play, but last night was not about offense.  It turned into one of the most fierce defensive duels I have ever witnessed in person, and would surely dispute anyone who claims it was boring or a showcase of sub-par offenses.  Despite what claims have been made about Justin Nixon and the Blaze rush game, both teams identities are securely rooted in the athleticism and cohesion of their defenses. Again, that is not a slam against either team's offense, but what I saw last night were two teams who wouldn't give an inch.  Not for themselves or the ... Read More »

By Jason Monson on 4/13/2007

This is the start of what we've been waiting for. We have our opponent, we have our venue, we have our focus. No more pacing the tempo and instructing. We have laid that foundation and are now on to setting the bricks; building upwards.

Part of the draw to this game, for me at least, is the ritual. Knowing what I can expect at particular time so that I can add to the momentum, without compromising the rhythm and syncronicity. It's a dynamic challenge, one I desire, though sometimes it can be particularly baffling when dealing with the limited amount of time we have with all the players. It just makes depth that much more crucial.

It is a long week, but it will be a short week. It never seems like it can be here when we need it. It's the right combination of patience and anticipation that will leave you ready to go at your highest level at the moment you need to.. It is simply, focus and discipline. Seeing the task, preparing for the task, anticipat ... Read More »

By Jason Monson on 2/4/2007

At 17^o you might imagine a multitute of things that lie outside living in this region.  Strangely enough I uttered one of the more common ones; "Huh. Not too bad."  It was so because this was the first day of practice.  Outdoors.  What a great day to be a football coach.  It became abundantly clear to me as I stepped out of my car at the practice field that it was a great day to be a football player too.  These guys were energized and chomping at the bit.  It reminded me of Denver, oddly enough I know, when I saw bright orange adorned players and someone was using the snow shovel to clear lines and an endzone on our practice field.   Not a one complained about the cold, no matter what else you here.  Unless it was on the offense. I'd believe that. 

I confess that even with the Phoenix gear I posse ... Read More »

By Jason Monson on 1/26/2007

There are so many places to identify change with this "team."  I use the term loosely, because I am referring to the group of individuals who have been a part of this common goal of football here in Missoula.  I mean it not as the "Raptors" or "Phoenix" or "Missoula..." anything, but the faces and names and actions of the people I have come to love and respect as my surrogate family.  We have learned a lot in the previous two years, myself more than most seeing as I've had the most to learn and the least amount of experience coming into this whole deal.  Last year I was a rookie ST Coordinator who learned on the go, so this year I'm a year more experienced while adding Asst. Linebacker coach to my title.  Another year, another unfamiliar territory.  I'm very excited to tackle this task though as the corps of linebackers we've accrewed this season brings a healthy dose of optimism.  To me, attitude i ... Read More »