It appears the John Fitzgerald era in Kansas City is over -- at least for now

Kansas City Star

March 14, 2008

The Brigade demoted John Fitzgerald to backup quarterback Friday, hoping to shake up an offense that has been mistake-prone in its first two games, both losses.

Brigade coach Kevin Porter said Fitzgerald's replacement in the starting lineup will be Matt Kohn, who was recently signed from the practice squad.

'We feel very good about Matt being our starting quarterback,' Porter said in a statement. 'We have had the chance to assess him throughout training camp and in practices, and we're confident he will do an excellent job quarterbacking our offense.'

Kohn, 26, is in his second Arena Football League season. He completed 14 of 26 passes for 192 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions for Nashville last season. In 2006, Kohn was the United Indoor Football league offensive player of the year with the Ohio Valley Greyhounds.

Fitzgerald has accounted for 14 touchdowns -- nine passes, five rushing. But after throwing two interceptions in the season opener against Tampa Bay, Fitzgerald lost a fumble and threw two more interceptions in the Brigade's 50-47 loss to New York on Sunday.

Kohn said he understands his role is to manage the game.

'Based on what's happened in first two games and personnel we have here, the main thing I have to do is take care of the football,' he said. 'I think we'll be more than all right if I can do that.

'I don't see myself having to go out there and do anything spectacular.'

Another team might have sped up Fitzgerald's demotion. The Arizona Rattlers tried to sign Kohn off the Brigade's practice squad earlier in the week. To keep Kohn, the Brigade knew it would have to sign him to a new deal and add him to the active roster.

The Brigade has an open date this week and won't return to practice until Monday. The team's next game is March 24 against Grand Rapids.

Kohn knows the Brigade is looking to him to lead the team back from its 0-2 hole, but he is not worried.

'I really don't feel a lot of pressure at all,' Kohn said. 'It's really a simple game. It's Arena Football.'

Etc.

Linebacker/fullback Antonio Ficklin has been promoted from the practice squad and is expected to start at one of the linebacker positions against Grand Rapids. Starting linebackers Jerry Turner and Denario Smalls were both injured in Sunday's loss against New York.

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