Improved offensive line play proving key to Locomotives’ success

It took longer than Locomotives coach Jim Fassel would have liked, but his offensive line is starting to come together.

The protection of quarterback Tim Rattay improves with each game, and the holes for running backs DeDe Dorsey and Marcel Shipp to rush through get larger.

The line's improved play has helped Las Vegas (2-1) climb into first place in the United Football League heading into today's 8 p.m. game at Sacramento (1-2).

"It's the foundation for every good football team," Fassel said. "You have to win those battles up front, and our guys are starting to do that."

Tackles Jason Capizzi and Brandon Braxton, guards Frank Davis and Anthony Oakley and center Jesse Boone have settled into a groove, and their chemistry is making the Locos more efficient and balanced on offense.

"Sometimes it takes a little longer for a line to come together," Fassel said. "But these guys have been working really hard to be a unit, and they're starting to dominate up front."

Rattay was sacked three times and on the run on several other occasions in Week 1. He was sacked twice and able to hang in the pocket a little longer in Week 2. Last week, Omaha got to Rattay only once, and he completed 15 of 24 passes for 126 yards.

Las Vegas offensive line coach Don Eck said it was just a matter of time before his unit came around.

"We've got a good group of hard-working guys," Eck said. "They were just giving too much ground early. We've tightened up our pass protection, and having DeDe Dorsey back has changed everything. Defenses have to focus on him whenever he's on the field, and it takes some of the pressure off our quarterback."

On the other side of the ball, the Locos will look to stop former NFL quarterback Daunte Culpepper tonight.

Culpepper has passed for 760 yards and six touchdowns in three games.

The key for Las Vegas' defense, Fassel said, just like last week against Omaha's Jeff Garcia, will be trying to get Culpepper uncomfortable and out of rhythm.

"Our rush has been doing a good job of disrupting the opposing quarterback," Fassel said. "It was an area I said before the season we needed to improve, and we've clearly shown that so far.

"But when you're facing a veteran like Daunte Culpepper, you have to be able to stay with your assignments and not give him opportunities to find a way to beat you. We have to remain disciplined in what we do and play smart."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.