During Liberty's practices so far this offseason, coach Steve Valach has kept a vigilant eye on one stat that could go a long way in determining his team's season: turnover margin. <\/p>\n
That's right, Valach records every turnover created and every turnover lost during practice. Right now, he points out rather quickly, his group holds a plus four turnover margin, although it should be noted that Valach counts anytime his offense lets the ball hit the ground as a turnover. <\/p>\n
For Valach, it's become the calling card of this offseason and the thing that he reiterates daily to his players. <\/p>\n
\"Are we a powerhouse? Not by anybody means,\" he said. \"But if we take care of the football and play good defense, we're going to be in a lot of games.\" <\/p>\n
Valach cites turnovers as one of the biggest reasons why his team went 4-6 last year; the Patriots had a minus-15 ratio a year ago. So where does that turnover margin number need to be in order for the Patriots to have a chance this season? <\/p>\n
\"By the end of the season, if we're in double digits with that ratio, we'll be a playoff team,\" Valach said. <\/p>\n
Valach said his team's meat and potatoes are with the skill position players, who are led by wide receivers Tynan Gilmore (5-10, 165) and Scott Dean (5-10, 170). Those guys will team up with first-year quarterback Robbie Thomas (6-3, 185) to form the core of Liberty's offense. <\/p>\n
\"Decent team speed and skill position players are a strength,\" Valach said. <\/p>\n
On the flip side, Liberty isn't an exceptionally big team, although the Patriots do return Nick Short (6-1, 210) on the offensive and defensive lines. <\/p>\n
\"Not a lot of depth,\" Valach said, \"and we're not real big. But we're pretty disciplined and pretty tough so I think that gives us a shot. I think we make up for it with that.\" <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Continued here: <\/p>\n
Liberty: Patriots hunt for turnovers to stay competitive<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" During Liberty's practices so far this offseason, coach Steve Valach has kept a vigilant eye on one stat that could go a long way in determining his team's season: turnover margin. That's right, Valach records every turnover created and every turnover lost during practice. Right now, he points out rather quickly, his group holds a plus four turnover margin, although it should be noted that Valach counts anytime his offense lets the ball hit the ground as a turnover. Continue reading