The 2013 Arena Football Playoffs kick off on August 1st, with eight teams in the tournament and all just two wins away from Orlando. A whole season's work has come down to this, the drive for Orlando begins.......now!
First Round (Conference Semifinals)
National Conference:
2 Chicago Rush vs. 3 Spokane Shock - Thursday, August 1st at 10 p.m. EST
The central division champs travel to Deaf Valley to face off with the Shock in the opening game of this year's playoffs. These two met once during the regular season, when the Shock pulled off a 76-61 win in Chicago during week two. The Shock have been a dominant home team all year and have beaten mostly everyone by double digits. Despite the hefty task the Rush have going into the Valley, they should be confident as they are a much improved team since the week two defeat and carry seven road wins with them.
Keys to the Game:
Chicago - In order to win Carson Coffman is going to have to play mistake and worry free, Reggie Gray needs at least 15-17 touches, and the defense will need to find away to make one or two stops.
Spokane - Dominate at home like you have all year, Erik Meyer to prove why he is this year's MVP, and for the playmakers on defense: James Ruffin, Beau Bell, Paul Stephens, and Terrance Sanders to have a significant impact.
Prediction: Chicago's seven road wins are impressive, but I feel the Shock have too many playmakers and in the comfort of home will be too tough to beat. Whether its another classic Erik Meyer performance, a dominant night from Adron Tennell, or someone on defense I see Spokane winning by two or three scores. Spokane 67, Chicago 48
Tale of the Tape
Spokane Shock: 14-4 (4-2 in West)
- 5 straight wins and, winners of their last 9/10 games
- Notable wins: vs. Arizona (wk. 4), sweeps of: San Jose (wks. 5&11), San Antonio (wks. 10&18), and Jacksonville (wks. 12&17)
- Home record of 7-2; 6 straight wins. Score 71.6 ppg, and allow 50.7 ppg
Key Stats:- Erik Meyer 403-591, 4667 yds, 112 TD, 11 Int; 120 rush yds, 15 TD
- Adron Tennell 156 rec, 1792 yds, 49 TD; 77 rush yds, 7 TD
- Kamar Jorden 95 rec, 1087 yds, 26 TD- Terrence Sanders 96 kick-ret, 2265 yds, 6 TD; 101 tackles, 7 Int, 3 ret-TD
- Paul Stephens 77.5, 12 Int, 3 ret-TD
- Sack leaders: Beau Bell (8.5), James Ruffin (8), Terrence Taylor (7)
Chicago Rush: 10-8 (2-2 in Central)
- 5-3 record since June
- Notable wins: @ San Antonio (wk. 3), @ Arizona (wk. 18), sweep of Utah (wks. 5&12)
- Road record of 7-3, 4-1 in Conference road games. Score 54.7 ppg, and allow 53.0 ppg
Key Stats:- Carson Coffman 283-467, 3583 yds, 73 TD, 17 Int; 56 rush yds, TD
- Reggie Gray 140 rec, 1978 yds, 46 TD; 20 pass yds, 2 TD; 50 kick-ret, 1145 yds, 3 TD
- Jared Jenkins 81 rec, 936 yds, 22 TD
- Vic Hall 90.5 tackles, 8 Int
- Jorrick Calvin 94.5 tackles, 5 Int, 2 Fumb Rec, 2 ret-TD *out injured*
- Tyus Jackson leads team with 6.5 sacks
American Conference:
4 Tampa Bay Storm vs. 1 Jacksonville Sharks - Saturday, August 3rd at 7 p.m. EST
For the third time this year and the second week in a row these two south division rivals will meet in the Shark Tank with a spot in the American Conference championship on the line. The Sharks wrapped up a fourth straight south title with a 6-0 division record and are the heavy favorites to appear in a third straight conference title game. The Storm enter as the coldest team in the postseason, currently on a seven-game losing streak. Both teams have a question at quarterback. For Jacksonville its simply based on Bernard Morris' health, but regardless they should comfortable with Kyle Rowley based on his week nineteen performance. The Storm have to decide whether Shane Boyd or Randy Hippeard give them the best chance at pulling off an upset; Boyd got the start and played well in the week nineteen defeat. Jacksonville swept the season series, winning 64-55 in Tampa during week one, and 52-44 in week nineteen at the Tank. Both teams have had to overcome injuries, but the loss of Adrian McPherson is just one of many injuries that have derailed what looked to be a brighter season for Tampa Bay.
Keys to the Game:
Jacksonville: For the Sharks to win its mainly going to rely on the quarterback play. Whether its Morris or Rowley, the signal caller will need to be efficient and avoid any strings of bad plays. If the Shark pass rush can continue it AFL-leading dominance and reek havoc in the backfield for all 60 minutes then Jacksonville should be in good shape.
Tampa Bay: Need to grab an early lead, Jean Fanor must lead the defense and make plays, and the tandem of DeMarcus Tyler and Pernell Phillips will need to apply massive pressure all night to disrupt the Shark offense.
Prediction: Tampa Bay enters this matchup on a seven-game losing streak and because of injury have had to reequip both sides of the ball, which has decimated them at quarterback and receiver. The League's best pass rush and one of its top defensive backs in Terrance Smith and top receivers in Jeron Harvey will allow the Sharks to roll and protect the Shark Tank. Jacksonville 53, Tampa Bay 41
Tale of the Tape:
Jacksonville Sharks: 12-6 (6-0 in South)
- 2 straight wins; and won last 4/5 games
- Notable wins: @ Philadelphia (wk. 6), sweep of Orlando (wks. 10&16)
- Home record of 6-3; all three losses to the West division. Scored 51.9 ppg and allowed 47.7 ppg
Key Stats:- Bernard Morris 257-394, 2746 yds, 55 TD, 9 Int; 306 rush yds, 11 TD
- Kyle Rowley 94-149, 974 yds, 17 TD, 8 Int; 36 rush yds, 4 TD
- Jeron Harvey 146 rec, 1593 yds, 35 TD
- Markee White 105 rec, 1133 yds, 19 TD
- Jeff Hughley 82 rec, 889 yds, 29 TD; 32 rush yds, 5 TD *Injured*
- Terrance Smith 12 Int, ret-TD; 3 Fumb Rec, 74.5 tackles
- Micheaux Robinson 4 Int, 2 ret-TD, 78 tackles
- Tracy Belton 94.5 tackles, 3 Int, 2 Fumb Rec, 1 Def TD
- Sack Leaders: Jerry Turner (12), Aaron Robbins (9), Matt Marcorelle (8.5), Rashaad Duncan (6.5)
Tampa Bay Storm: 7-11 (2-4 in South)
- 7 straight losses, lost 8 of last 9; 0-5 without McPherson
- Notable wins: @Utah (wk. 3), @Orlando (wk. 5), @Spokane (wk. 6)
- Road record of 5-4, lost 3 straight road games. Scored 55.3 ppg, allowed 55.1 ppg
Key Stats:
- Adrian McPherson 238-385, 3151 yds, 59 TD, 5 Int; 428 rush yds, 31 TD *Injured*
- Joe Hills 133 rec, 1861 yds, 42 TD
- Michael Lindsey 73 rec, 820 yds, 12 TD; 90 kick-ret, 1537 yds, TD *Injured*
- Chris Smith 8 Int, 70.5 tackles
- De'Audra Dix 5 Int in 7 games *Injured*
- Jean Fanor 5 Int, 1 Def TD; 66.5 tackles
- DeMarcus Tyler and Pernell Phillips lead team with 5 sacks
American Conference: (CBS Sports Network)
3 Orlando Predators vs. 2 Philadelphia Soul - Saturday, August 3rd at 7:05 p.m. EST
Thanks to the Soul being victims of a week nineteen upset they will host the Predators in an American Conference first round matchup. These two foes met twice in the regular season, with Philadelphia winning both meetings: 61-33 in week three and 61-51 in week nine's CBS Sports Network's game of the week. Aaron Garcia and Dan Raudabaugh both have had fantastic years, both throwing for over 4000 yards and 80 touchdowns while looking to guide their respective clubs to the American Conference title game. Will Garcia be able to pull off his magic, or will the Soul respond from a disappointing performance in the Alamo to end the regular season?
Keys to the Game:
Philadelphia - The way Dan Raudabaugh responds after a dismal five-interception performance in week nineteen is the major factor for the Soul. They had won seven straight and Raudabaugh was spotless during that stretch, if we see him return to that form then Philadelphia should be in good shape.
Orlando - The Predators only trip to the city of brotherly love was a tough ten-point defeat, but is enough to give them hope entering this matchup. In order for the Preds to pull the upset Maurice Williams will need to once again fill the shoes of Jason Geathers, Aaron Garcia will need to avoid any interceptions and have an elite night. I feel Orlando's best chance is to turn this into a shootout and hope the defense can come away with just one stop.
Prediction: Orlando has never won in Philadelphia and I don't think that will change this week. The Predators have thrown together their starting eight on defense in the last month, Tanner Varner has been phenomenal, but in the end this unit still a sub-par bunch. I see the Soul's defense being the game-changers and finding away to make a stop or two that will propel Philadelphia to the next round. Philadelphia 57, Orlando 49
Tale of the Tape:
Philadelphia Soul: 12-6 (2-2 in East)
- 3-2 on CBS Sports Network this year
- 7-game win streak snapped in week 19, 7-2 record since June
- Notable wins: season sweep of Chicago (wks. 7&16), @ San Jose (wk. 18)
- Home record of 5-4, 4 straight wins. Score 58.0 ppg, Allow 48.7 ppg
Key Stats:- Dan Raudabaugh 390-573, 4699 yds, 96 TD, 14 Int
- Derrick Ross 153 rush, 506 yds, 35 TD; 13 rec, 669 yds, 4 TD- Tiger Jones 150 rec, 2121 yds, 37 TD
- Andrae Thurman 117 rec, 1197 yds, 16 TD
- Carlos Martinez 126-140 PAT; 6-7 FG, long 47
- Rayshaun Kizer 82 tackles, 9 Int, 1 ret- TD
- LaRico Stevenson 74 tackles, 7 Int, 2 Fumb-ret TD
- Bryan Robinson 11 sacks, 2 FF, 6 blocked kicks
- Joe Goosby 68.5 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 Int, 2 ret-TD
Orlando Predators: 7-11 (2-4 in South)
- 1-4 on CBS Sports Network this year
- 5-4 record since June, 7-6 with Aaron Garcia as the starting quarterback
- Notable wins: @Spokane (wk. 8), @Tampa Bay (wk. 12), New Orleans (wk. 19)
- Roade record of 3-6, 2-4 record in conference road games. Score 56.3 ppg, Allow 61.6 ppg.
Key Stats:- Aaron Garcia 316-484, 4008 yds, 84 TD, 15 Int
- T.T. Toliver 127 rec, 1659 yds, 29 TD
- Prechae Rodriguez 119 rec, 1614 yds, 41 TD
- Jason Geathers 94 rec, 1020 yds, 16 TD *injured* - Tanner Varner (3 games) 3 Int, 1 ret-TD
- Marcus Everett 4 Int, 3 Def TD; 41.5 tackles, sack *injured*- Dominic Jones 89 kick-ret, 1795 yds, 4 TD; 2 Int, 2 F Rec, 1 ret-TD; 91.5 tackles - only defender to play all 18 games
National Conference:
4 San Jose Sabercats vs. 1 Arizona Rattlers - Sunday, August 4th at 7 p.m. EST
Two of Arena Football's greatest rivals will meet in a conference semifinal for the second straight season. The Rattlers will host the Sabercats on Sunday night to complete our conference championship picture, with both teams coming in very confident. In two regular season meetings, the home team won each and did it in blowout fashion--Arizona won 73-47 in week three and San Jose won 72-42 in week fourteen. This has the makings of a conference semifinal for the ages as it will feature two of the game's best quarterbacks in Nick Davila and Russ Michna, two of the League's best receiving cores and defenses, and two of the best kickers in the AFL. This will definitely be a fun one to watch, as two great teams who do not like each other will fight for the right to play in a National Conference title game.
Keys to the Game:
Arizona - The one glaring similarity in their three loses was turnovers in bunches; avoid that and they are practically unstoppable. The Snake Pit is arguably the AFL's best home field advantage and should be used as a difference maker in this one.
San Jose - The Sabercats lead the all-time postseason series 3-2, and look to avenge 2012's loss. In order to do so Russ Michna will need to so no signs of the forgettable performance in week eighteen and will need James Roe to continue his resurgence.
Prediction: The Sabercats would love little more than to unseat their bitter rivals from the top, but I see the defending champs finding a way to pull this one out. Regardless how you look at this matchup, Arizona and San Jose are two great teams across the board and should put on a classic. I feel the home field advantage will play a small role and whoever has the ball last will win. Arizona 73, San Jose 69
Tale of the Tape:
Arizona Rattlers: 15-3 (4-2 in West)
- San Jose snapped a 9-game win streak in week 14, 6-2 record since June
- Notable wins: season sweep of Philadelphia (wks. 1&11), @Jacksonville (wk.7), @Chicago (wk 9), Spokane (wk. 13), and season sweep of Orlando (wks. 6&16)
- Home record of 8-1, lost last home game vs. Chicago in week 18. Score 68.8 ppg, Allow 44.8 ppg
Key Stats:- Nick Davila 353-541, 4847 yds, 110 TD, 15 Int; 6 rush TD
- Odie Armstrong 72 rush, 171 yds, 25 TD; 13 rec, 190 yds, 2 TD
- Rod Windsor 110 rec, 1590 yds, 42 TD
- Kerry Reed 70 rec, 961 yds, 24 TD
- Maurice Purify 51 rec, 740 yds, 9 TD
- Tysson Poots 45 rec, 533 yds, 18 TD
- Virgil Gray 15 Int, 4 ret-TD, 93 tackles
- Arkeith Brown 8 Int, 4 ret-TD, 79.5 tackles, sack
- Marquis Floyd 9 Int, 1 ret-TD, 81 tackles
- Marcus Pittman leads team with 6.5 sacks
- Garrett Lindholm 7-12 FG, Long (47); 158-168 PAT
San Jose Sabercats: 13-5 (3-3 in West)
- 6-3 record since June, 10-3 with Russ Michna at quarterback
- Notable wins: @Jacksonville (wk. 9), vs. Chicago (wk. 19), season sweep of San Antonio (wks.1,16)
- 5-3 road record, 2 straight road wins, 2-3 in conference road games. Score 57.0 ppg, Allow 50.8 ppg
Key Stats:
- Russ Michna 249-387, 3116 yds, 68 TD, 8 Int; 4 rush TD
- Jason Willis 123 rec, 1606 yds, 35 TD
- Huey Whittaker 89 rec, 998 yds, 27 TD; 6 Int, 5 Def TD;
- Fred Williams 96 rec, 1207 yds, 21 TD; 895 kick-ret yds, 2 TD *Injured*
- James Roe (2 games) 12 rec, 135 yds, 5 TD
- Clevan Thomas 15 Int, 6 Def TD; 74 tackles
- Ken Fontenette 3 Int, 2 Def TD; 107 tackles
- J.C. Neal 96.5 tackles, 4 FF, Int
- Sack Leaders: Francis Maka (11.5), Jason Stewart (11), Terrance Carter (6.5), Jabari Fletcher (6)
- Nich Pertuit 3-5 FG, Long (37); 122-137 PAT
The action starts Thursday at 10 p.m. EST in Spokane, ENJOY!
Arena Bowl Pick - Arizona over Philadelphia
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