In a commanding display of preseason form, the Las Vegas Bulls cruised to a 30-0 victory over the Liberty under the guidance of head coach Jason Burton. From the opening kickoff, the Bulls set the tone with a disciplined game plan that emphasized field position, balanced offensive sets, and a stifling defense.
Jason Burton’s approach capitalized on strong special teams execution early on. Joseph Rains and Willie Zabel consistently flipped the field with punts averaging close to 47 yards, pinning Liberty deep and forcing the visitors into conservative offensive packages. The Bulls showed an advanced understanding of situational football, blending a robust rushing scheme and well-timed play-action passes to keep the Liberty defense guessing.
On offense, the Bulls deployed a multi-faceted attack aimed at exploiting Liberty's defensive mismatches. The balanced ground and air game kept Liberty off balance all afternoon. Stephen Young led the rushing charge with a solid 91 yards on the ground, finding creases behind an offensive line that created clear lanes. The rushing attack wasn’t one-dimensional, as running backs and receivers alike contributed to mixing the tempo and formations — notably, William Gross and tight end David Marcus each scored rushing touchdowns, exemplifying the versatility in Burton’s play-calling.
Quarterback Garry Griggs managed the game effectively, completing 24 of 37 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Burton’s offensive scheme featured a mix of short, quick passes to negate pressure and intermediate shots that capitalized on man coverage in Liberty's secondary. His connection with receivers like Gross (62 receiving yards) and Mark Ponder (20 receiving yards) was critical in sustaining drives.
Liberty’s defense, led by head coach Lucas Burton, struggled to counter the Bulls’ dynamic sets and aggressive play-calling. They were unable to generate turnovers or apply significant pass rush pressure, managing only one sack throughout the game. Furthermore, the Bulls’ defense was resilient, maintaining a clean sheet and recovering a fumble, contributing to the shutout. Their disciplined execution limited Liberty’s rushing game to a mere 19 yards on 17 carries and forced multiple punts deep into their own territory.
Special teams and field goal execution proved to be another winning formula for the Bulls. Kicker Michael Thomas was flawless, converting all three field goal attempts including a long 50-yard kick early in the second quarter. His reliability added consistent points that pressured Liberty to keep pace, which they were unable to do.
Defensively, Las Vegas employed a scheme designed to contain Liberty’s passing game through varied coverage looks and solid gap discipline against the run. They effectively neutralized the Liberty offense, which concluded the night without scoring and limited to just 144 passing yards. Outside of defensive discipline, the Bulls adjusted well to Liberty’s punt-return formations and managed to prevent any significant return yardage.
Coach Jason Burton’s game plan and in-game adjustments, combined with high execution in all three phases, signaled that Las Vegas is well-positioned heading deeper into the preseason. The Bulls demonstrated a balanced and adaptable approach on offense, combined with a smothering defense that allowed no room for Liberty to generate momentum.
This lopsided victory, though a preseason contest, serves as a solid foundation for Jason Burton’s team to refine schemes and build chemistry as the season progresses. The Bulls stamped themselves as a disciplined squad with varied offensive looks and a defense capable of locking down opponents early and maintaining pressure throughout the game.
Bulls Dominate Liberty with Sharp Tactical Execution in Preseason Week 2
Jason Burton's squad controls all three phases en route to a 30-0 shutout, showcasing versatility and precise adjustments throughout the game.
Pedro Brewer
· Red Rock Herald
· 8/21/1999