Good morning ‘Rocks nation! Heading into the stream tonight I wanted to take some time to highlight some of my favorite storylines heading into Year 4. I hope you enjoy!
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Aer Raid Offense
Year 4 marks the beginning of a new era for Shamrocks football. The kid from Texas himself, Kliff Kingsbury, has taken over the reigns of the Dublin Shamrocks. Kliff was fired from the Cardinals two seasons ago and had the misfortune of watching the team he built go all the way to the Super Bowl the year after he left. This left the San Antonio native as somewhat of a “mixed bag” candidate for other coaching jobs. Some believed the Cardinals finally made it to the big dance because of what Kingsbury built while others believed Kingsbury had been standing in their way. It’s the Tony Dungy/Jon Gruden debate all over again.
When asked why he hired Kingsbury the usually talkative Owner Matt offered one word, “Offense.”
It is no secret that defense has carried the ‘Rocks more often than not and Owner Matt has long wanted the offense to start carrying their weight. K-Dubs took major strides forward last season but Pederson’s offense simply seemed too limited for our Shamrocks. Kingsbury is an Air Raid acolyte and the hope is that his college football style offense will open up the entire offense. If it doesn’t, Kingsbury could soon find himself on the first plane out of Dublin.
“You know the risks when you sign on for Owner Matt,” Kingsbury said when hired, “I’m here to exceed expectations though. If I can’t get a talented roster like this to the playoffs than I deserve to be fired. It’s as simple as that.”
At least he knows what he’s getting into.
The Largest Multitool in Sports
Turner “Tiny” O’Connell has developed into one of the most fascinating players in our game. While Turner has yet to put up gaudy numbers or a killer highlight reel, he is an undeniable asset to the team who will only see his role grow. Heading into his third year, and his second season as a TE, Tiny is now the No. 2 TE, the starting FB and the primary backup at all five spots on the Offensive Line. At 6’7 338 pounds Tiny is the largest Skill Position player in our game today and his jersey has quickly risen among the NFL’s top seller.
“It’s crazy man,” Turner told reporters during the ESPN segment Tiny Mania, “I really didn’t put up the numbers I even wanted to last season yet all of the sudden people are buying my jerseys all over. I never knew what it’d be like being a meme but here we are. Ultimately, I just want to do whatever it takes to get the ‘Rocks over the hump and to bring Dublin a title. The rest of it is just noise.”
Tiny’s humble words hide an undeniable confidence that has played no small role in his rise to fame. Tiny knows his role could change again at any moment, many experts expect he’ll end up back at RT full time. For now though he’s just enjoying the ride, and his fans are enjoying the spectacle.
Don’t Count Him Out
Xavier McKinney shares a story that many Shamrock’s players have, he’s had an odd journey in the NFL. McKinney was inexplicably cut by the Giants after only one season in the league. For most NFL players that would spell the end of their journey. McKinney had been injured that first season but experts still don’t understand why the Giants cut bait so quickly.
“Hey I’m just happy I got to rock the Green again man,” McKinney says when asked about the move today.
McKinney only received interest from one team during Free Agency, the Dublin Shamrocks. McKinney was expected to be the starter at Free Safety until UCF phenom Corey Brackett fell right into Dublin’s lap at the 14th pick. McKinney saw his fortunes change in the blink of an eye but he kept up the hard work.
McKinney ended up winning the Nickelback spot mid-season while also seeing time at Sub LB and on ST. McKinney played so well he ended up nabbing a Pro Bowl spot despite not starting. Things were looking up for the former Alabama Star until a very similar situation occurred. CJ Henderson, former UF Star, found himself in FA after only two season with Jacksonville and signed on to come to Dublin.
McKinney lost the Nickel spot to Henderson during OTA’s and once again found himself without a clear position. Hard work and perseverance saw him win the Sub LB job as well as increased time on ST. McKinney was rewarded for his hard work with two things, the Starting Job in the Pro Bowl and an extension from the Shamrocks.
McKinney may not be a “starter” on paper but he is one of the key pieces on a rising defensive unit. He demonstrates every day how perseverance and hard work can overcome even the longest of odds and Dublin is blessed to have him.
The Yogurt Man
When Doug Pederson was fired by the Shamrocks there were plenty of coaching opportunities out there, but none in Dublin. The man had fallen love with the country and simply couldn’t bring himself to leave. So Doug took the only avenue available to him, a job at his favorite local Yogurt shop. He was originally hired on as a manager but his poor management skills during the rush shift saw him demoted. While he turned down requests for interviews, reports are that Doug is much happier in his current role and has finally found true satisfaction. Good for you Doug.
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There’s always more I want to say but we’ll leave things off here for now. Let me know if you enjoy these little previews and I hope to see y’all at 7 PM EST tonight on Twitch :)