Outlaws take on Salaam, Maniax

Victoria Sun

Friday, Feb. 9, 2001 | 10:27 a.m.

Who: Outlaws at Memphis

When: 4 p.m., Sunday

Where: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium

TV: KTUD, Ch.(14)

Las Vegas Outlaws linebackers Joe Tuipala, Toran James and Marcel Willis may have the toughest assignment when the team tangles with the Memphis Maniax at 4 p.m. (PST) Sunday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

The trio will shoulder most of the responsibility for slowing down Memphis tailback Rashaan Salaam.

The former Heisman winner rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries in the Maniax season opener.

"I think Birmingham slanted players out of position so it kind of created holes for Rashaan," Outlaws defensive end Antonio Edwards said Thursday. "We're going to play him a little differently and hopefully do better."

The Outlaws (1-0) shut out the New York/New Jersey Hitmen in their season opener while the Maniax (1-0) squandered an early lead before holding on for a 22-20 victory over Birmingham.

Though Memphis relied heavily on Salaam, Las Vegas head coach Jim Criner warned his players that the team is very skilled at running the play-action pass. Maniax quarterback Marcus Crandell completed 11-of-19 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown.

"Defensively, we've got to be real disciplined because they have excellent speed in their backfield and skilled positions," Criner said. "Our defensive backs have got to be real disciplined at honoring their responsibilities and we've got to make them earn everything they get."

Criner said there will be two changes for the Outlaws. Jon Blackman will start at right tackle and Lamont Burns will start at right guard.

Las Vegas quarterback Chuck Clements will remain on injured reserve. Clements was expected to be cleared Thursday, but Criner said doctors determined he wasn't ready yet.

"He may end up rejoining the team as a practice squad quarterback to take pressure off his arm," Criner said. "Right now that's very much a possibility."

Quarterback Ryan Clement had an impressive start for the Outlaws and the team will need more of the same at Memphis. Clement completed 13-of-28 attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

Because the Outlaws sputtered offensively in the second half against the Hitmen, Criner has drilled the team on consistency.

"Offensively, we've got to do our part to not put our defense on the field often and in bad field position," Criner said. "Ryan has shown steady progress from the day that he got here right up until that ball game. He has worked extremely hard at it.

"I'm real pleased with the pass blocking of our running backs and the way they ran the football."