courtesy: arenafootball.com
Head Coach: Mike Dailey 4th year, 2000 record: 5-2, Tied 1st in Eastern Division, Streak: Won 1, Overall: 32-17 (regular season).
Scoring Offense (rank): 58.0 (1st)
Scoring Defense: 46.0 (9th)
Overview: The Firebirds continue to roll without Eddie Brown, who rocked the franchise by announcing his retirement after an 8-TD performance in Week 1. Despite a few bumps, including a 24-point loss to Arizona in Week 6, Firebirds remain the team to beat with QB Mike Pawlawski and reliable receivers Greg Hopkins (14 TDs), Van Johnson, and Carl Sacco. On defense, DS Derek Stingley is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Each of the last three seasons, he has increased his numbers in every major defensive statistic. This year, he has 4 INTs, second in the AFL. You would be hard pressed to find a better player’s coach than Mike Dailey, who has the sometimes-unenviable task of making a strong team stronger.
Biggest Surprise: Rookie OS Quincy Jackson (3 TDs in 2 games) has stepped into Eddie Brown’s shoes and provided a much needed target for Pawlawski, who is struggling to keep pace with his 79-TD performance last year. In just 7 games remaining, Jackson could stake his claim for Rookie of the Year consideration. Also, DS Evan Hlavacek, who played in only four games in 1999, is third the in the league in tackles.
Biggest Disappointment: There are very few weak links, but perhaps the sudden loss of Eddie Brown is the biggest letdown for the defending champions. Nonetheless, expect the Firebirds to turn that into a positive.
Outlook: The Firebirds must guard against playing not to lose, following a 24-point loss against Arizona and a narrow 8-point win versus New Jersey. Expect the Firebirds to regroup in time for a pair of season-ending games at Iowa and against Orlando. Winning both of those could propel the ‘Birds into the top spot heading into the playoffs. Firebird Linemen are considered to be the cream of the crop, along with the giants in Iowa, Nashville and Arizona. If the Firebirds are to contend for one of the top playoff spots, Joe Jacobs and crew must continue to protect Pawlawski (only 4 sacks through Week 7) and terrorize opposing quarterbacks (10 sacks).
ARIZONA RATTLERS
Head Coach: Danny White 9th season, 2000 record: 6-1, 1st in Western Division, Streak: Won 3, Overall: 75-34 (regular season)
Scoring Offense (rank): 54.1 (4th)
Scoring Defense: 44.1 (6th)
Overview: The Rattlers have hit a very impressive groove, defeating Albany and Milwaukee in Week 6 and 7, following a loss to Nashville. The 24-point win in Albany was perhaps the biggest win for this team since 32-31 win in Orlando to kick start their 1997 championship run. The Rattlers defense is stinging with stellar performances from DS Cecil Doggette (9 INTs in last 2 seasons) and a line that has recorded 10 sacks. QB Sherdrick Bonner ranks just a notch below Albany’s Mike Pawlawski in passer rating and is 2nd in the league with 42 TDs. His primary target in the past has been Calvin Schexnayder, who is now with the NFL’s Chargers, but newcomer Maurice Bryant, along with veterans Randy Gatewood and Hunkie Cooper have helped spread the offense. Cooper, the reigning Ironman of the Year, keeps getting better with age, and has returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns.
Biggest Surprise: Rookie OS Maurice Bryant, a candidate for Rookie of the Year, has become the first rookie to lead the Rattlers in receiving and receiving touchdowns since Hunkie Cooper in 1993. He reminds some of former Firebirds star, Eddie Brown.
Biggest Disappointment: Like the Firebirds, there are few weak links on this team. Rushing has been a big part of the Rattlers offensive attack in the past, but this season Bob McMillen, one of the league’s most productive in years past, has only 70 yards as the Rattlers are averaging only 15.0 yards per game. Kicker Bjorn Nittmo has shown signs of wearing out, hitting only 4-of-10 field goals through Week 7, including 0-2 from 40-49 yards.
Outlook: Bonner continues to be on the roster of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, and could potentially leave for camp prior to the semifinals or ArenaBowl, leaving Lance Funderburke as the Rattlers’ only quarterback with playoff experience (he defeated the Kats in round one last season). Following a pivotal matchup in Week 8 against San Jose, Rattlers face Oklahoma twice in three weeks. The SaberCats may be the only team to stand in the way of Arizona claiming its fifth straight division title. Barring bad luck, Rattlers are destined to make a run at another championship appearance, something that has eluded them over the last two years.
BUFFALO DESTROYERS
Head Coach: Ray Bentley 1st season, 2000 record: 0-2 (replaced Dave Whinham in Week 6), 4th in Eastern Division, Streak: Lost 7, Overall: 0-2 (regular season)
Scoring Offense (rank): 35.9 (16th)
Scoring Defense: 58.7 (16th)
Overview: The Destroyers can only go up, at least that’s what new Head Coach Ray Bentley is hoping for. Playing much improved since a thrashing at the hands of the Albany Firebirds in Week 6, the Destroyers have an improving defense to build upon, but very little offensive cohesion. QB Browning Nagle was lost due a series of injuries – partly due to below average protection on the offensive line – and Kevin Mason stepped in against New England. The team has been hit by a terrible rash of injuries, including losing up to 8 starters in the beginning of the season, several of whom have not returned. The Destroyers had an opportunity to win the New New England game, up by double digits, but found a way to lose. Tough and determined to change things around, the Destroyers could be the St. Louis Rams of the 2001 season.
Biggest Surprise: Athletic new QB Kevin Mason has filled the shoes of Browning Nagle impressively, nearly leading the team to an upset win over New England in Week 7. He is expected to continue to lead under center, and could turn out to be one of the league’s more interesting developments.
Biggest Disappointment: Other than not winning a game since July 23 of 1999, the Destroyers have had little to cheer about. Ousted coach Dave Whinham didn’t leave the cupboard bare, but it certainly needs some cleaning, including adding new offensive linemen and depth at the defensive back positions. The Destroyers have allowed too many sacks.
Outlook: With Ray Bentley’s defensive prowess as a former All-Pro linebacker with the Bills, expect the Destroyers to improve overall. With a win under their belts, it could catapult the team out of the cellar, but injuries have dampened any hope of a playoff run this season. Bentley is expected to make his presence felt in terms of personnel during the off-season, when all-stars like Gary Compton, Hunkie Cooper, and Mike Pawlawski could become available through free agency.
CAROLINA COBRAS
Head Coach: Doug Kay, 2nd season, 2000 record: 1-5, 4th in Southern Division, Streak: Lost 4, Overall: 6-12 (regular season)
Scoring Offense (rank): 39.7 (14th)
Scoring Defense: 54.0 (13th)
Overview: After losing their premier rusher, Marrio Grier to an ACL injury in Week 5, Doug Kay’s Cobras made a bold move by trading OS Jack Jackson and QB Jim Arellanes to the Florida Bobcats in exchange for durable QB Fred McNair. As only the 13th passer in league history to throw for more than 10,000 yards and 150 touchdowns, he should give the Cobras a much-needed lift in order to compete in an uncharacteristically soft Southern Division (of course, the Predators are playing in a division by themselves of late).
Biggest Surprise: Before he went down with an injury, Grier was becoming a formidable weapon, regularly scoring touchdowns and separating himself from the pack. Without him, Carolina will work to find something that can get their offense clicking. Lineman Brad Keeney is among league leaders in sacks.
Biggest Disappointment: With crowds in excess of 13,000 for home games, more was expected of the Cobras in their inaugural season. The hype about Jim Arellanes’ arm was justified, but it takes more than six games to learn how to play Arena Football. Jack Jackson was often injured, but no one has been able to get open and score. Too many penalties and too few breaks keep this team down.
Outlook: Although Grier was quickly becoming a Rookie of the Year prospect, the Cobras have stable of young – and NFL experienced – defensive gems who should keep the Cobras close (Dexter Dawson, Dell McGee). McNair might just be what the doctor ordered. He is known throughout the league as a giant killer – witness impressive wins in 1998 at Arizona (61-54) and at Houston (83-36). Following a Week 8 game at Orlando, the schedule gets even murkier with games against Milwaukee, New England, Nashville, Houston, Arizona, New Jersey and Tampa Bay. Confidence will get this team over the hump and perhaps competing for a chance at the last playoff spot by the end of July.
FLORIDA BOBCATS
Head Coach: Dave Ewart, 3rd season 2000 record: 3-3 Overall: 15-15 (regular season) 2000 record: 3-3, 3rd in Southern Division Streak: Lost 1
Scoring Offense (rank): 40.2 (13th)
Scoring Defense: 43.0 (5th)
Overview: The Bobcats are off to their first 3-3 start since the 1994 season, when they were known as the Miami Hooters. Ewart and General Manager Rick Buffington made a questionable move by trading QB Fred McNair this week to Carolina for QB Jim Arellanes and OS Jack Jackson. Florida got off to a great start this season (2-0), including their first-ever win over the Tampa Bay Storm Week 2, but have since lost three of four to drop three games behind Orlando for the division lead. Florida’s three losses though have been to Orlando, which is the only remaining undefeated team (6-0), Nashville (5-2) and Grand Rapids (4-2), who’s leading the Central Division.
Biggest Surprise: The play of WR/DB Curtis Ceaser. Ceaser, who spent his first two seasons strictly as an offensive specialist, has made a smooth transition to the defensive side of the ball this season. He has 16 tackles, fourth on the team, and four interceptions, tying him for the third most in the AFL this season. Offensively, Ceaser may have slipped number-wise from his first two seasons as he has devoted more of his time to the defensive side of the ball, but he’s still have a very strong year, 37 catches for 396 yards and six touchdowns. Ceaser has positioned himself as a dark horse for the league’s Ironman of the Year award so far this season.
Biggest Disappointment: Kicking game. Even though K Joe O’Donnell is a rookie, he needs to do better than 3-for-18 in FGs. Granted, half of his misses so far have been from 51 yards or more, you still need a kicker that can make at least half his field goal attempts to win in this league.
Outlook: The Bobcats are going to have a tough road the rest of the season, especially without a leader at the quarterback position. Ewart will look to either QB Clemente Gordon or Arellanes to guide the team. Gordon is a veteran of the AFL, but hasn’t had much playing time the past few years. With games against Tampa Bay, Nashville, Orlando and Oklahoma, Florida might find themselves struggling to make the playoffs. They do have very winable games against Los Angeles, Buffalo and New Jersey left though. You must remember to not overlook the potential one-two punch of Ceaser and Jackson at the wide out positions though. If a team decides to double on one, the other could end up breaking your back. Jackson proved last year when playoff time comes around, he shows up, as evidenced by his three catches for 106 yards and three TDs for Orlando against Albany in ArenaBowl XIII. Must be the old Florida Gator mentality in him coming out.
GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE
Head Coach: Michael Trigg, 3rd season 2000 record: 4-2 Overall: 42-44 (regular season) 2000 record: 4-2, 1st in Central Division Streak: Lost 1
Scoring Offense (rank): 50.2 (8th)
Scoring Defense: 44.5 (7th)
Overview: Grand Rapids has tied their best start in team history (4-2), after first accomplishing the feat last season, when they started 5-2 and made their first playoff appearance. The Rampage are only five points from equaling Orlando’s 6-0 start, as they lost to Milwaukee by three in overtime, and Houston by one in extra sessions. WR/LB Michael Baker and OS Thomas Bailey are arguably one of the best receiving combos the league has ever seen as they both continue to rank in or near the top 10 in all receiving categories. Even though QB Craig Kusick is in his fourth season, he’s only been a starting QB the past two and has done a wonderful job avoiding the sophomore jinks.
Biggest Surprise: K Brian Gowins. When the Rampage left University of Michigan alum Remy Hamilton available in the expansion draft this past off season, some people wondered who Trigg had in mind to come in and take his place. Although Hamilton was inconsistent at times, he still ranked near the top in scoring. Trigg may have pulled off one of the biggest signings of the past year when he inked former Northwestern Wildcat Brian Gowins. Gowins, who spent part of the 1999 NFL season with the Chicago Bears, has turned in a superb season so far in his first AFL action. He ranks second amongst kickers in scoring (71) and has made a league-high 13 FGs. Gowins has adjusted rather quickly to the smaller goal posts and may find himself in an NFL training camp this August.
Biggest Disappointment: FB/LB Les Barley got off to a great start in his first season in Grand Rapids, but has tailed off considerably, especially on the offensive end. He may have lost his rushing job to FB/LB Chris Ryan after gaining only 20 yards his last four attempts, including a one rush for minus a one-yard performance against Florida Week 6.
Outlook: The Rampage seem to be on the right track towards their second consecutive playoff berth, but have a tough road the rest of the season. After New Jersey, the Rampage have to play the SaberCats twice, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Oklahoma, Iowa and Houston. The biggest test to determine if this team can go somewhere in the playoffs this season will be how well they fare on the road against Orlando, San Jose, Iowa and Houston. Kusick hasn’t made many mistakes this season, and don’t look for him to start now. Even if he does go through a rough stretch, at least he knows he can rely on Baker and Bailey to bail him out.
HOUSTON THUNDERBEARS
Head Coach: Steve Thonn, 3rd season 2000 record: 3-3 Overall: 15-19 (regular season) 2000 record: 3-3, 3rd in Central Division Streak: Won 2
Scoring Offense (rank): 46.8 (10th)
Scoring Defense: 54.5 (14th)
Overview: Houston got off to another slow start, losing two of its first three games, before going on this current two-game win streak to sneak back into the thick of the Central race. The ThunderBears have been flying with QB Robert Hall under center and may start making people say Clint who? by the time the season is over. Hall, who played QB in college and began his AFL career at that position before switching to offensive specialist, has looked cool, calm and collected guiding this offense. Of course having a guy by the name of OS Ben Bronson to throw to makes things a little easier as well.
Biggest Surprise: It has to be the play of Bronson and Hall. Bronson is on pace to shatter all of his receiving numbers this season and even has the potential of matching his two-year career marks by the time this season is over. Coming into 2000, Bronson has 114 catches for 1,428 yards and 21 TDs. Over six games this season, the former Baylor Bear has 52 catches for 800 yards and 15 TDs. Hall, who is the first AFL player in history to pass and catch for over 1,000 yards, now has over 2,000 in each category. In addition, he has led Houston to a 3-1 record as a starting QB this season, passing for an average of 387.5 yards per game over that stretch. He threw for a career-high 376 yards last week against Grand Rapids and has thrown six or more TD passes in three straight games. Clint who?
Biggest Disappointment: WR/DB Terence Davis has had an injury plagued season thus far and is set to return to action this week after spending the previous two weeks on injured reserve. Davis suffered an ankle injury during the preseason that plagued him the first few weeks before suffering a quadricep injury against Iowa. To date, Davis has caught only 11 passes for 88 yard and two scores in four games after catching 75 passes for 997 yards and 23 TDs in 1999.
Outlook: Houston is starting to put it all together, and just at the right time. They have back-to-back road games against Albany and Iowa before taking on Buffalo, Los Angeles and Carolina three straight weeks. If the ThunderBears can sneak one win in their next two games, they may have set themselves up for a run at the division crown. The only problem spot right now though seems to be defense. In five of Houston’s six games, they have given up 50 or more points, including 73 points against Iowa a few weeks back. Games against Buffalo and the two expansion teams may be a cure-all for that, as long as they aren’t shell-shocked after facing the two highest scoring teams the next two weeks.
IOWA BARNSTORMERS
Head Coach: John Gregory, 6th season 2000 record: 4-3 Overall: 50-25 (regular season) 2000 record: 4-3, 2nd in Central Division Streak: Won 3
Scoring Offense (rank): 56.1 (2nd)
Scoring Defense: 48.0 (12th)
Overview: The Barnstormers rode out a tough opening stretch where four of its first five games were on the road. They began the year 1-3, with the three losses by a combined 12 points, but have since won three straight by an average of 16 points per game. QB Aaron Garcia and WR/DB Mike Horacek have teamed up to form of the league’s most lethal pass-catch combos during this streak and are primed and ready to capture their fifth division title in six seasons.
Biggest Surprise: The play of Mike Horacek has to be the biggest and most pleasant surprise for coach Gregory this season. Horacek entered the season with 101 receptions for 1,172 yards and 15 TDs in three AFL seasons. Already this year, he has caught 54 passes for 779 yards and 22 TDs, including 35 receptions for 550 yards and 16 scores the past three weeks. After Iowa lost OS Kevin Swayne to the San Diego Chargers of the NFL and lost OS Eddie Brown, formerly of the CFL, to injury, Horacek jumped into the offensive specialist role and has played it to perfection. Even though Brown caught 24 passes for 369 yards and four TDs before suffering an injury, he may have a hard time seeing any consistent playing time once he returns.
Biggest Disappointment: This is being rather picky, but Iowa may have put themselves in a hole by starting the season 1-3. Even though they have jumped back over .500 and sit only a half game out of first place, they could have put themselves in a better position if they would have won one of the two-point games they lost, to either Grand Rapids or San Jose. With the new playoff format of letting 12 teams in and giving the four division winners a bye in the first round, Iowa may be in good shape of earning that bye, but if they don’t, they may want to look back at the opportunities they had the beginning of the season.
Outlook: This is one of the scariest teams to be playing at the moment. They have put up over 66 points per game the last three times they have taken the field and have four of their last seven games in the Barn, where they are 27-11 all-time during the regular season, 18-7 the past three seasons, including this year. Iowa, which fell one game short of reaching their third ArenaBowl in four seasons last year, may still be thinking about what got away from them. With that as motivation and the way the offense and defense have been clicking the past few weeks, Iowa will be a team to be reckoned with come playoff time.
LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
Head Coach: Stan Brock, 4th season 2000 record: 0-7 Overall: 12-31 (regular season) 2000 record: 0-7, last in Western Division, Streak: Lost 7
Scoring Offense (rank): 35.3 PPG (17th)
Scoring Defense: 59.6 (17th)
Overview: In their inaugural season, the Avengers are having a tough time nailing down a win. Only two of their seven opponents have had records of .500 or worse and carry a combined record of 25-15. Los Angeles has yet to hold an opponent under 50 points. Brock has been unable to get any consistent play from his quarterbacks as both Scott Semptimphelter and Todd Marinovich have completed only 51.7% and 50.8% of their passes, respectively.
Biggest Surprise: Rookie WR/DB Chris Jackson has shone in his first season in the AFL. He is the only rookie to be ranked in the top 10 in both receptions (42) and receiving yards (607). Jackson is also ranked No. 6 with 953 all-purpose yards. Jackson has posted four 100-yard receiving games already this season and has positioned himself as one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year honors.
Biggest Disappointment: Offense, offense, offense. Regardless of who is at QB for the Avengers, Marinovich or Semptimphelter, the team needs to develop more scoring weapons. Jackson is having a tremendous inaugural season, but WR/DB Shannon Culver or OS Travis Hannah must establish themselves as a strong secondary option for the Avenger’s QBs. In addition, out of the 420 minutes the Avengers have played this season, they have held the lead for only 23 minutes and 55 seconds, at no time have they led in the second half.
Outlook: With games against San Jose twice, New England and Arizona remaining this season, the Avengers definitely have their work cut out for them should they want to see post-season action. For them to do so, they will need to almost completely run the table, although six, and maybe even five wins, could catapult a team into the post season. More than likely though, Brock will try to find time for some younger players and begin to build for the 2001 season as no team in league history has ever made post season play starting out a year 0-7.
MILWAUKEE MUSTANGS
Head Coach: Rick Frazier, 3rd season 2000 record: 2-4 Overall: 16-18 (regular season) 2000 record: 2-4, last in Central Division, Streak: Lost 2
Scoring Offense: 54.0 PPG (6th)
Scoring Defense: 58.3 PPG (15th)
Overview: After losing their last two games both on the road and both by two TDs or better, Milwaukee sits at the bottom of their division and seventh in the conference. A tough QB, Kevin McDougal is No. 4 in pass rating (118.8) and No. 3 in passing yards per game (267.8 ypg), having completed 114-of-183 passes for 1,607 yards, 31 TDs and only five INTs. The Mustangs seem to have a trend going early in the season, lose two, win two, lose two…well you get the picture. Now more than ever would be a good time for them to follow suit as they welcome Iowa this weekend.
Biggest Surprise: Although it took him four games to rack up 14 tackles last season, DS Paul Guidry already leads this season’s circuit with 54 tackles, including 45 solo stops in just 6 games. He had all of 14 tackles his rookie season last year and has come to play in 2000. In addition to leading the team in stops by 24, he has batted down four passes but has yet to pick off a pass. Guidry has learned how to defend in this game rather quickly and is rising to the top of the league as one of the finest defensive players.
Biggest Disappointment: The loss of 7-year veteran OS Alvin Ashley to injury in the second week of the regular season has had a great impact on this squad. Milwaukee needed an explosive offensive specialist like Ashley, who began his career with Milwaukee back in 1994 and was hoping to bring some magic back to the team. You need to give Milwaukee credit as they have made due as WR/DB Sean Riley has stepped up his game and leads the team in all receiving categories. But the bottom line is they needed an impact player like Ashley to really make a run at going further into the playoffs this season.
Outlook: After an 0-5 start last season, Frazier’s Mustangs found a way to make the playoffs. Don’t count them out just yet as they have five of their final eight games at home, including contests against divisional rivals Iowa and Houston. If Milwaukee can win at least three of their five remaining home games, they may well be in a position to gain another playoff berth. They began the season 1-3, but have games at both expansion cities, LA and Carolina, as well as, a tough battle in Tampa against the Storm.
NASHVILLE KATS
Head Coach: Pat Sperduto, 2nd season 2000 record: 5-2 Overall: 13-8 (regular season) 2000 record: 5-2 , 2nd in Southern Division, Streak: Won 1
Scoring Offense: 54.0 PPG (5th)
Scoring Defense: 46.7 (11th)
Overview: Quarterbacks beware, because the Kats defense has recorded 13 sacks on the season (No. 2). Nashville leads league in rushing offense (46.3 ypg) with FB/LB Jason Bratton, who is already the team’s all-time leading ground gainer, at the No. 3 spot in the AFL with 111 yards. The Kats aerial attack is strong with QB Andy Kelly at captain. Kelly is the league’s No. 3 all-time leading passer (16,396 yards) and is the league’s No. 3 with 315 TD passes.
Biggest Surprise: League’s No. 1 & 2 in sack categories. No.1 in sacks against, Kats QB Andy Kelly has yet to be sacked this season. The team’s defense ranks No. 2 in sacks by a team with 13 sacks for 103 yards. OL/DL’s James Baron and rookie Aaron Hamilton lead a line that has been wreaking havoc on one side of the ball and protecting Kelly like the president on the other. Baron and Hamilton, who was playing semi-pro football last season, are both serious candidates for Lineman of the Year and Hamilton is also a leading contender for Rookie of the Year honors.
Biggest Disappointment: The Kats aren’t really rockin’ and rollin’ in Music City before their home crowd. Their only losses of the season have come at Gaylord Entertainment Center before their own fans. Entering the 2000 season, Nashville was 13-8 at home. The Kats will look to reverse this trend with 4 of their last seven games in the great state of Tennessee. The flip side of this coin is an unblemished road record, that they will need to maintain as they travel to Orlando and Tampa Bay in the second half.
Outlook: As one of seven teams with fewer than three losses, Nashville continues to dominate opponents, but has gone 2-2 in June each of last two seasons. The Kats will have to improve that record if they hope to get a first round bye. This June, their toughest competition looks to be Iowa at the end of the month. The following month Nashville makes the trip to Orlando, to face a Predator team that may very well be 11-0 at that point. Don’t underestimate the benefit of being one of the three teams with an open week the final week of the season. That combined with a possible first round bye, would give Nashville three weeks to breakdown film and rest any nagging injuries. Look for lots of “Ws” with Nashville the rest of the season, both on the road and at home.
NEW ENGLAND SEA*WOLVES
Head Coach: Mike Hohensee, 7th sea. 2000 record: 5-2 Overall: 41-40 (regular season) 2000 record: 5-2, tie for 1st in Eastern Division, Streak: Won 2
Scoring Offense: 45.1 PPG (11th)
Scoring Defense: 40.3 (3rd)
Overview: The Sea*Wolves have been playing tough ball until last week when they were nearly upset by Buffalo, 37-34. The team has been very inconsistent, beating defending ArenaBowl champ Albany (5-2) 52-49 in Week #4 and losing to Milwaukee (2-4) 59-45 the following week. So far New England has been an atypical Mike Hohensee team, being led by a stingy defense, rather than his usual high powered offense.
Biggest Surprise: Rookie QB Chad Salisbury. They knew he was good, but this good? As the only rookie in the top ten in passer rating, the University of Buffalo alumni carries a passer rating of 111.5 posting 1,657 yards and 31 TDs (236.7 ypg). Salisbury is enjoying a season nearly the equivalent of 1999’s sensation Grand Rapids’ Craig Kusick. The ultimate fate of the Sea*Wolves will be determined, to a large extent, by how long Salisbury is out of commission.
Biggest Disappointment: For the second season in a row, the Sea*Wolves have lost their leading receiver, OS Damien Harrell, for the rest of the year (broken arm). Harrell will be sorely missed as he ranks No. 1 in receiving yards (808), No. 2 in receptions (61) and No. 2 in scoring (126). The absence of Harrell leaves a monster-sized hole in their offense. He had more catches and yards than the team’s 2nd and 3rd receivers together. He also had more touchdown receptions than all the rest of New England’s receivers combined. Between Salisbury, though not for the rest of the season, and Harrell, New England has lost more firepower than any other team in the league.
Outlook: Salisbury has posted strong numbers to keep the Sea*Wolves in playoff position, but with his hip injury last week, look for back-up Tim Carey to keep New England in the win column. With the season’s loss of offensive specialist Damien Harrell to injury and a stellar rookie quarterback Chad Salisbury out of action temporarily to injury, several players will need to step up and fill in the holes. Veteran WR/DB Kerry Brown or rookie WR/DB Kenny Mitchell are the most likely members of the current roster to pick up the slack. The remaining schedule is no ally, with San Jose, Orlando and Arizona on their “to be played” list. Barring a collapse equal to 1999, when the Sea*Wolves opened 5-2 only to lose their last seven and miss the playoffs, New England should be spending the last week of July playing the first playoff game in team history.
NEW JERSEY RED DOGS
Head Coach: Frank Mattiace, 2nd season 2000 record: 1-5 Overall: 7-13 (regular season) 2000 record: 1-5, 3rd in Eastern Division Streak: Lost 3
Scoring Offense (rank): 41.5 ppg (12th)
Scoring Defense: 46.7 ppg (10th)
Overview: The Red Dogs are off to the worst start in the team’s history. Among their 6 opponents, only 2 have had losing records and 3 are currently atop their respective divisions. As in 1999 the defense has been solid if not great, but the offense has been New Jersey’s downfall. Of their top nine receivers from last year only WR/DB Dimitrious Stanley is on the roster and he has suffered a bit of a sophomore slump. QB Tommy Maddox has posted respectable numbers in his first season of Arena Football, but the team has not been getting into the endzone. DS Kevin Gaines has played exceptionally and is a candidate for AFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Biggest Surprise: After playing semi-pro football in 1999, OS Michael Lewis has burst on to the Arena Football League scene, with a combination of blazing speed and jaw dropping open field moves. The 5’9, 175 pound Lewis, with 4 receiving touchdowns and 2 return touchdowns in his last 2 games, looks to be the heir apparent to the AFL's long line of vertically challenged players that dominate in the passing game and on special teams (i.e. Reggie Smith, Herkie Walls, Tyrone Thurman, Hunkie Cooper and Steve Papin).
Biggest Disappointment: He holds AFL records, has more ArenaBowl championships than any player in history and will be inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame as soon as he decides to retire, but OS George LaFrance may be coming to the end of his playing career sooner than he would like. LaFrance has not stepped into the number one receiver role, as the team had hoped he would and at this point his value may lie more in leadership in the lockerroom and as a mentor for Lewis than between the lines.
Outlook: Only 1 remaining opponent has a losing record, so the second half of the season doesn’t get any easier. Maddox is among the league leaders in passing yardage, but if he is unable to lead the team to more points, Mattiace may have no choice but to replace him with Ricky Foggie. A quarterback change to this AFL veteran could be the spark this team needs, but in the powerful Eastern Division, New Jersey likely will have to run the table to qualify for the postseason and that may be the only way for Mattiace to save his job.
OKLAHOMA WRANGLERS
Head Coach: Bob Cortese, 1st season 2000 record: 4-3 Overall: 4-3 (regular season) 2000 record: 4-3, 3rd in Western Division Streak: Lost 3
Scoring Offense (rank): 50.6 ppg (7th)
Scoring Defense: 44.7 ppg (8th)
Overview: The Wranglers broke out of the gate with 4 straight victories, including 3 in their new home arena, The Myriad, but have stumbled back to the corral on a 3-game losing streak. Oklahoma fattened up on some of the weaker teams in the league. The current record of the opponents in their 4 victories is a combined 5-23. OS Carlos Johnson is having an outstanding campaign, leading the league in receptions (67) and ranking in the top ten in scoring (90 pts) and receiving yards (780). FB/LB Ron Perry is enjoying the best season of his 4-year career, having established career highs in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. QB Ron Lopez, in his first season as the unquestioned starter, is also on pace to achieve personal bests in every major passing category.
Biggest Surprise: Rookie DS Anthony Fogle came in and immediately became the team’s top cover man. In addition to his 21 tackles, Fogle has 2 interceptions and 16 pass breakups, tying him for the league lead with 18 passes defensed. Due to his inexperience, Fogle has been matching up with the opponents’ second or third receivers, but he has shown the blanket coverage skills to be a top defensive back in this league and may soon start been assigned to the opposition’s #1 guy.
Biggest Disappointment: WR/DB Bobby McGowens has posted numbers that dispute his inclusion in this category, but he has been the personification of the teams split personality. During the Wrangler’s 4-game win streak to start the season McGowens grabbed 9 passes for touchdowns, but in their 3 losses since he has been shut out of the endzone. McGowens has continued to be a strong defensive presence, but for Oklahoma to get out of their rut, McGowens must reestablish himself as a legitimate scoring threat opposite Johnson.
Outlook: The remaining schedule does not bode well for the Wranglers. Only 2 of remaining 7 games is against a team below .500, including 2 games vs Western Division leader Arizona. Though he wished it would be unnecessary, Cortese made an excellent move in acquiring veteran back-up QB Jeff Loots three weeks ago. Lopez has a bye week this week to recover from the knee injury he suffered vs Orlando, but if he isn’t fully recovered Loots is a smart, accurate QB that can pick up Oklahoma’s system quickly. Whichever QB is under center must rediscover McGowens and WR/DB Kusanti Abdul-Salaam as options. The Wrangler’s start has given them a large margin for error and they are in good position for a postseason berth, but need to regroup this week and finish the season strong if they hope to survive deep into the playoffs.
ORLANDO PREDATORS
Head Coach: Jay Gruden, 3rd season 2000 record: 6-0 Overall: 22-12 (regular season) 2000 record: 6-0, 1st in Southern Division Streak: Won 6
Scoring Offense (rank): 49.2 ppg (9th)
Scoring Defense: 35.3 ppg (1st)
Overview: Defense, Defense, Defense. Orlando is the sole remaining unbeaten team and the main reason is an absolutely dominant defense. This is the Predators’ best start since 1994, which many argue is the best AFL team ever, when they won their first 11 before dropping the season finale. 2 of their last three wins have been by 7 points or less. The Orlando defense has controlled every game, but the offense has certainly struggled at times. QB Connell Maynor has played relatively mistake free if unspectacularly. Led by the “Birds of Prey” defensive backs, the Predators are on pace to challenge the league record for most interceptions in a season (29, Orlando, 1992).
Biggest Surprise: Everyone knew that DS Kenny McEntyre was a strong defensive back, but the numbers that he has tallied this season are like nothing the AFL has seen. The current individual record for interceptions in a season is 12 (Tracey Perkins, Tampa Bay, 1997), McEntyre is on pace to shatter that mark by over 50%. At his current rate he would finish with more than 18. As the ultimate player, McEntyre would certainly pass some of the accolades to his teammates, DS Damon Mason, WR/LB Cliff Dell, WR/DB Bret Cooper. The four have combined for 12 interceptions, returning 4 for touchdowns.
Biggest Disappointment: It is difficult to find fault with any undefeated team, but Gruden would certainly prefer to be higher than 14th in total offense (244.0 ypg) and 16th in passing offense (207.5 ypg). Even in the high octane AFL, defenses stiffen come playoff time and converting possessions into points is even more important. The biggest question for this team is can they crank up their offense at will, especially if their defense has a down night. Rookie OS Joe Douglass has been a great discovery, but Maynor and the rest of the Predators are still learning to cope with the loss of 3 of their top 5 receivers from 1999.
Outlook: A lock for the postseason, but the path to a top 4 seed and a first round bye is not without peril. Trips to archrival Tampa Bay, who Orlando beat 44-43 at home, defending ArenaBowl champ Albany in Week #15 and a visit by Nashville Week #13 are just three roadblocks. Maynor will be working without the Predators’ 2 top FB/LB’s (Rick Hamilton and Tommy Dorsey) for at least 2 more weeks. Like Achilles, Orlando appears to be unbeatable, but their heel maybe a sometimes stagnant offense. Gruden and Maynor must find a way to get the QB back into the zone he was in during their runs to the ArenaBowl the last two seasons. If they are successful, it may be a one horse race for the championship in 2000.
SAN JOSE SABERCATS
Head Coach: Darren Arbet, 2nd season 2000 record: 5-2 Overall: 11-10 (regular season) 2000 record: 5-2, 2nd in Western Division Streak: Won 4
Scoring Offense (rank): 55.7 ppg (3rd)
Scoring Defense: 39.3 ppg (2nd)
Overview: Looks to be the SaberCats’ strongest team in their 6-year history. The only team in the league averaging more than 50 ppg on offense and allowing fewer than 40 ppg on defense. The defense has historically been San Jose’s strength, but with the addition of living AFL legend WR/DB Barry Wagner and rookie WR/LB James Roe, the offense has too many weapons to be contained. OS Steve Papin is having another one of the outstanding seasons that we have come to expect from him. He is currently 2nd in the league in all-purpose yards (206.7 ypg). All three QB’s, Mark Grieb, Scott Wood and John Dutton, all have passer ratings of at least 115. They have already broken the 60-point barrier 3 times this season.
Biggest Surprise: Like Connell Maynor in Orlando, QB Mark Grieb, does not have to be the center of the offense, just the conductor that makes sure everything runs on time. In the shadow of Wagner, Papin, WR/DB Jerry Reese and even his own linemen, Sam Hernadez and Howard Butler, Grieb has quietly already passed his career highs in passing yardage and touchdowns. Dutton looked to be making a bid for the starting job before he got injured and Grieb has made the most of his opportunity.
Biggest Disappointment: Once again this is a picky selection. WR/DB Barry Wagner has been spectacular on defense, leading the SaberCats with 31 tackles and 3 interceptions, but his offensive production is significantly below his normal stellar numbers. Wagner is a victim of his own statistical brilliance. If he is not in the top ten in receptions, receiving yards and scoring, than something must be wrong. He was not asked to be the go-to guy when he was signed this off-season, but he has brought playoff and championship experience to this young, talented team.
Outlook: Will be a playoff team. A top four seed is possible but not very likely. Much stronger than last season when they opened 4-2 and finished 2-6 to miss the playoffs. Wood may or may not be a playoff caliber QB, that is still in question, but all the other pieces are in place. Once Dutton returns from his injury, Arbet must name a starter. An unsettled QB situation can derail a playoff bound team. Wagner is the ace up the sleeve of whoever is leading the SaberCats. If he reestablishes himself as a premier offensive force, the SaberCats will win their first ever playoff and are a dark horse for an ArenaBowl appearance.
TAMPA BAY STORM
Head Coach: Tim Marcum, 12th season 2000 record: 2-5 Overall: 99-30 (regular season) 2000 record: 2-5, 4th in Southern Division Streak: Lost 1
Scoring Offense (rank): 36.7 ppg (15th)
Scoring Defense: 41.4 ppg (4th)
Overview: Worst start in the history of the team and in the coaching career of Marcum. After opening 1-3, the Storm have played much better of late, compiling a 1-2 record over the last three weeks, including playing undefeated Orlando to a virtual stalemate before succumbing by a one point, 44-43. The addition of veteran QB John Kaleo before Week #3 has led to a slight improvement in the offense, but the defense is still by far the strongest unit on the team. Tampa has been hit hard by injuries, losing DS Melvin Cunningham (in training camp), K Matt Huerkamp, OS Harvey Middleton, WR/LB Jason Dulick and FB/LB Nyle Wiren, among others. WR/DB Lawrence Samuels has quietly established himself as a dark horse for Ironman of the Year.
Biggest Surprise: Apparently the two teams that waived WR/LB James Bowden during the preseason have no need for a tremendous two-way player, who in just three games has become the team’s leader in all-purpose yards. Bowden broke the Storm’s record for all-purpose yards in a single game with 283, held by non other than George LaFrance, in just his second game in a Tampa Bay uniform. Bowden is already the team’s third leading receiver and is averaging almost 100 ypg.
Biggest Disappointment: QB Thad Busby had one very good preseason game, but once the regular season began he was not prepared for the differences in Arena Football. In 4 games Busby completed just 49.1% of his passes and threw 4 interceptions. His play necessitated the trade for Kaleo. Many of the top QB’s in the AFL today were less than spectacular in their first season and a season of practice, backing up an AFL vet maybe the best thing for Busby in the long run.
Outlook: It is a strange thing to say, but Tampa Bay will have a difficult time making the playoffs. They will be helped by the new 12-team format, but in the best case scenario, they will have to win 4 of the their last seven games to have the slimmest chance at the postseason. Kaleo, however is not a #1 QB, he has the experience and ability to be a first-rate backup, but with him under center, Tampa Bay doesn’t scare anyone. The Storm still must face Nashville twice, Orlando again and Grand Rapids. Marcum has an impressive track record, but without a serious uptick in offensive performance, the Storm will be hard pressed to still be playing after July 21.