My analysis - Storm 31 Raiders 18

[exit322]

First off, an excellent broadcast by the Raiders organization, as good as I've seen on the free internet video.

Second...though Kohn is probably a bit more talented than a guy like Mikolaichik (and I don't know why he's not there), I think a guy who really showed and acted like he wanted to be a Raider and wanted to play for Rochester...would have worked out a bit better. Kohn didn't look terrible, but I don't feel as if he had any sort of feeling for the game. Mikolaichik always struck me as a leader, and I do think Rochester's offense would've been better than 18 points with him at the helm.

Third - and maybe this is because Mikolaichik was more comfortable, but I'm not sure I saw Rochester go for a big play once. If you play scared against the Storm, you will not win. And Rochester, to me, looked scared on offense. When the run game wouldn't come untracked - which happens against the Storm, Leif Murphy is just a beast - the passing game playcalling looked like a bunch of "snap and get rid of it before we get pasted" even though the Raiders O-Line did a pretty good job of pass blocking.

Great game by the Raiders defense - the Sioux Falls offense didn't have near the success it had against Bloomington. But the offense...for the first time since regular season 2007 against Port Huron...just wasn't there. Wouldn't shock me to see these two teams meet again in the playoffs. If Rochester's offense improves - and again, I'd like to see the guys who wanted to be Raiders back there if it's possible - they're still going to be a pretty good team in the UIF.

[Caballo Diablo]

I sure expected more than I got.

The Raiders were riding a 40 game win streak, Souix falls had won 47 of their last 48 games.

Final score:
Souix Falls 31
Rochester 18

YIKES!

Very small crowd, Rochester had the hash marks painted in the wrong place
Rochester was one mental error after another.

As they hit the 2 minute mark down 2 scores Rochester can't even come out of a kick off with a play ready and had to take a timeout because the play clock was winding down.
Then 2 errant snaps the QB has to chase, the first results in a sack and the 3nd a safety, game over as Souix falls takes a knee to run out the game clock.

My God they looked worse than an expansion team put together in 2 weeks.

[Apex]

WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST SEE ???

This is not the same team I have been watching for the last 3 years. Who are all these new guys anyway? The team is definitely not as good as teams past.

There were some obvious things missing.

1. The explosive offense
2. Mikolaichik (where is he by the way? Knee still not fixed? CFL? New job out of town?) He can run the offense much better than Kohn.
3. Noah
4. Mo Jackson
5. THE 8th MAN Fan club !!! Where were they. NO Bulldog on the drum. The place lacked life.

I don't like this :(

[gonzo13]

So not only did Rochester lose, but they lost at home, and only managed to score18 points?

Say it ain't so!

What happened? Was it all the new roster additions? Was the eighth man on the field too much to overcome?

Or

Was Sioux Falls just a better team?

[Ducej11]

I did not have the time this year to volunteer my time with the Raiders so some of the guys on the team were new to me. I thought the loss of JJ Gibson was going to really hurt the raiders, but their defense played very very well.

Mo being injured for the game really hurts as he stretches the field with his speed but the thing that hurt the most as exit said was the loss of Mike Mikolicheck or how ever the hell you spell it. He is still recovering from the knee injury and is not sure he will ever play again. Poor kid, fantastic QB, very efficient. Kohn looked ok at times, but did not throw more than a 15 yard pass all night. I dont know if this was because the blocking up front was terrible and they just wanted to get rid of the ball or not, but no threat to throw it deep at all. And Kohn had some wide open receivers he just did not see numerous times. All he seemed to do was key in on Mager every play. Chris Carter is a very good receiver and was invisible.

I was really pleseantly surprised by the play of the secondary for the Raiders. I didn't really see any open receivers for Souix Falls anywhere and there were some new faces in the defensive backfield.

All in all, with Mike, Raiders win. The team that played last night was just not the same cohesiveness that we have seen out of the team in the past. It might be because of the influx of so many new faces, I dont know. But I think that once Kohn becomes more familiar with the other receivers on the team the offense will be ok.

[exit322]

I didn't think the line was that bad - indoors, if you get three seconds to sit back there, your line is doing well. Kohn looked scared - and you won't play well indoors if you're scared.

Hell, I'd rather have Omar Baker back there - at least he's willing to take some risk.

[gonzo13]

Yes kids you're right, the mighty Raiders would have won this game if they hadn't lost it. New QB didn't play well, O-line didn't block, the planets didn't line up and the tides didn't rise.... Or we could just call a spade a spade and say that Sioux Falls was the better team.

[exit322]

I don't personally agree on the O-Line - I think they were fine. I do think Rochester would've won with better QB play, and I think Mikolaichik would've provided it. Sioux Falls is now the definitive favorite in the UIF, but Rochester is closer than the score indicated.

[Ducej11]

Well, when comparing the 2 lines. The Raiders offensive line was holding ALOT. There were only called for it once, but I think the refs missed a lot of calls.

And then I look at the SF oline, and their QB had some time to sit there and go through his reads.

[exit322]

It's not holding if they don't flag it. Smart by the Raiders O-Line to take advantage of what wasn't going to be called.

There's little doubt SF was the better team, but Rochester isn't as far away as it may have seemed. On the field. Off the field, the place was a morgue.

[mathetyes]

As a Raiders' fan, I'm pleased to see Sioux Falls play well and to bring in competition (which we haven't seen much of), and I'm pleased that the Raiders didn't embarrass themselves.

Aside from the comments made about Kohn (which I believe are appropriate - he did surely seem to lack any confidence), I wonder largely about the coaching of yesterday's game. In general about so many draw plays, and so few down-field passes. While I agree that Porter's running was the only aspect that was consistently successful, I wonder why there's such a change from the way the Raiders have played in the past (wide open structure, quick crisp passes down the field). It occurs to me that perhaps this is the difference with the extra man - I find it notable that both this game and the Saginaw-Muskegon game were atypically low in scoring. Perhaps the former CIFL teams are finding 8-man defense to be easier [more people to get in the way], but 8-man offense to be cluttered.

In particular, I was disappointed in the end-around 4th and 1 call at the end of the half. I think that was probably the single biggest missed opportunity of the game.

I also wonder if Baker would have done a better job - he seemed to be quite comfortable at the end of last year, and was the year before as well. In any case, I hope they get the offense figured out by next week in a big game in Saginaw. Otherwise returning home at 0-2 may not be a pretty sight.

Looking forward to the rest of the season and pleased to be a part of the new IFL.

[RaiderNation]

I have seen every Raider home game in history as well as the first year championship game in Port Huron. This was the best team the Raiders have played since Port Huron. The Storm was the real deal, and if this is the level of competition this new league will offer the Raiders I am all for it. Although I was disappointed with the Offense, I would rather see the Raiders lose than win 60-14 every week. The Defense exceeded my expectations. Without Gibson this year, along with Darius Smith out with an injury, and the team playing without a true nose tackle, I thought Sioux Falls would pile up points. However, they stood tall, and played a very physical game. Coley was Coley, the heart and soul of this Defense since day one. New additions Wilson and Jackson in the secondary played very well, and even though they don't have the big guy in the middle, Walton, Baker, and Buck played well up front. Offensively, a different story. Exit, maybe it didn't show up on the broadcast, but the Raider OLine was beaten all night. I love Kallfelz, but he's not a Center, and Corey Johnson of the Storm is the most athletic 300lb.+ guy this side of Albert Haynesworth and Pat Williams. Those are the only other big fat guys I can think of that can move like that. Brian McIntire is a tough LB as well. This was the worst QB play I have seen in the four year history of the Raiders. This guy played AFL? He doesn't get through his progressions quickly enough, and locked on to Mager far too often. Exit had an excellent point, the Raiders never once took a shot downfield. Carter was visibly frustrated in the 2nd half. He was open constantly, but Kohn kept looking for his old college buddy, Mager. They make a nice combination, but you can't work to the same guy over and over. If the Raiders can find a NT, C, and QB, they will be fine. I was very surprised Omar wasn't given a few snaps at some point. Coach Long also looked out of his element and will need to find his groove in the 8-8 game. He is a very good coach and I don't think he will have problems adjusting. All in all I am excited about this league, but the Raiders have to make improvements, especially at the QB spot if they want to win in this league.

[preeths]

I have to say, great display of class by Raiders fans in the losing cause. You guys are a credit to the team.

[Apex]

Coach Long also looked out of his element and will need to find his groove in the 8-8 game.

I did notice this also. The 2 free WR's that take off in motion way before the snap is a common thing in the AFL but was not in the 7-on-7 CIFL (Was it even allowed? I can't remember). But in the AFL usually the QB is able to hit on of those receivers within a second after the snap. Watch old Kurt Warner Barnstormer footage. Kohn couldn't do this. After the snap I kept yelling to my buddies ..."Why does he still have the ball ??!!!"
This isn't outdoor. YOU DO NOT HAVE ALL DAY. Receivers don't have all day either. They are open for a split second and the ball has to be there.
By the way, what was that INT he threw in the 1st half. He had no receivers so he floats it to the middle of the field !!! WTF ??? This isn't Pop-warner. HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER. Throw it away, don't throw it up for grabs !!

Oh well, what do I know. All I know is that coach Long better stock up on AFL footage and spend the next week watching them over and over again or it's going to get ugly. Remember, other teams have stocked up on AFL players too.

[RaiderNation]

APEX,

According to Kohn's bio he played in the AFL, so you would think 8-8 and indoor would be second nature to the guy. In the past the Raiders personnel guys have done a great job finding talent. Time to start beating the bushes for a QB, preferably staying local. There are plenty of guys to come out of Section V in the past 5-7 years who could play better than what I saw last night. Omar has played well in the past when needed as well. Guy is one of the original Raiders, loyal to the team, and the players respect him, as he has pinch hit as a RB/WR and special teams guy in the past when needed.

[exit322]

AFL gives one, as does the CIFL. The UIF has always given 2 in motion, while the NIFL gave 3.

[Ducej11]

You could tell that Souix Falls was more used to the 2 men in motion because they utilized it in different ways instead of just having the WR's just run straight at the line. The Raider coaches need to think outside the box a little more when it comes to their offensive plays and utilizing the double motion.

[Caballo Diablo]

APEX,
According to Kohn's bio he played in the AFL, so you would think 8-8 and indoor would be second nature to the guy.

Well, he was on 3 AFL rosters in 2 years but I wouldn't call him an AFL QB - lol
2007 he played for the Nashville kats, 2008 he started the season with the Kansas City Brigade and finished with the Orlando Predators. Backup, never a starter.

2007 - 14 of 26 attempts - Nashville
2008 - 19 of 36 attempts - KC
Orlando - no stats
total - 33 of 62 for 53% - 9TD & 4 INT

http://www.arenafan.com/players/Matt_Kohn-10187/

[cRUSHer]

I sure expected more than I got.

The Raiders were riding a 40 game win streak, Souix falls had won 47 of their last 48 games.

Final score:
Souix Falls 31
Rochester 18

YIKES!



Yikes indeed.
The Raiders win streak was 26.

40 consecutive wins = Sioux Falls Storm.

[Ducej11]

Yikes indeed.
The Raiders win streak was 26.

40 consecutive wins = Sioux Falls Storm.

Actually its only like 24. You should not count 2 exhibition games.

[RaiderNation]

Duce,

Were you still with the team during the talent acquisition stage for this year? If so, how many QB's did you guys look at? Is this just a one bad game deal, or is Kohn as over his head as he looked last night? Thanks.

[Caballo Diablo]

Yikes indeed.
The Raiders win streak was 26.

40 consecutive wins = Sioux Falls Storm.
Dang, I'm going to have to stop listening to the Indoor people - lol

It was the Raiders announcer that said SF had won 47 of their last 48 and I'm trying to remember where I heard that 40 thingy. Maybe it was a post with someone trying to tell me how great they both were?

Mac Daddy wouldn't stretch the truth now would he? - haha

Or maybe somebody was just yanking the newbies chain?

[RaiderNation]

The Raiders streak was officially 24 going into last night. They had not lost a game since week 2 of the 2007 season vs. Port Huron. Sioux Falls had won 40 in a row then lost a game last season, then won out to win their title. Not sure if it is up to 47 of 48, but that sounds about right.

[IndoorFan]

Matt Kohn was a backup in the AFL, but he was also rookie of the year or offensive player of the year the 1 season he played at Ohio Valley in the UIF. Kohn is a good, tough QB who is very good with his feet. It was the first game of the season with a new team against a very tough and experienced D. Kohn will be fine, just give him a game or 2. Ask the Storm fans about their thoughts on Terrance Bryant's abilities when he started what has now become an incredible run with the storm. If I can remember back that far, I remember quite a few comments on the boards about Bryant not being very accurate, and unable to throw the deep ball. We all know how that worked out for the storm. Kohn will be fine.

[RaiderNation]

Thanks for the input, I hope you're right.

[Apex]

APEX,
Time to start beating the bushes for a QB,

Hamilton Tigercats just released Casey Printers. We should go grab him. :p
He can use the IFL to stay in shape and sharp for upcoming NFL and CFL training camps. Heh heh heh

[blanketman]

First off, an excellent broadcast by the Raiders organization, as good as I've seen on the free internet video.

Second...though Kohn is probably a bit more talented than a guy like Mikolaichik (and I don't know why he's not there), I think a guy who really showed and acted like he wanted to be a Raider and wanted to play for Rochester...would have worked out a bit better. Kohn didn't look terrible, but I don't feel as if he had any sort of feeling for the game. Mikolaichik always struck me as a leader, and I do think Rochester's offense would've been better than 18 points with him at the helm.

Third - and maybe this is because Mikolaichik was more comfortable, but I'm not sure I saw Rochester go for a big play once. If you play scared against the Storm, you will not win. And Rochester, to me, looked scared on offense. When the run game wouldn't come untracked - which happens against the Storm, Leif Murphy is just a beast - the passing game playcalling looked like a bunch of "snap and get rid of it before we get pasted" even though the Raiders O-Line did a pretty good job of pass blocking.

Great game by the Raiders defense - the Sioux Falls offense didn't have near the success it had against Bloomington. But the offense...for the first time since regular season 2007 against Port Huron...just wasn't there. Wouldn't shock me to see these two teams meet again in the playoffs. If Rochester's offense improves - and again, I'd like to see the guys who wanted to be Raiders back there if it's possible - they're still going to be a pretty good team in the UIF.

Mike is still in pain from last years surgery. Right Off the presses, Matt Kohn has left the team. I agree with your analysis of the game exit. They were the better team that night. We will see how the year shakes out.

[Apex]

Mike is still in pain from last years surgery. Right Off the presses, Matt Kohn has left the team. .

Tell Mike that Raider fans are rooting for him. Hopefully he recovers.

As for Kohn, what happened? Did he come here and read our posts? :D

[banannaman]

Looks like the Raiders are 0-2 now after Saginaw beat them today.

[blanketman]

We are not a good football team right now.Offense had 16 points;wow. Carter scored twice on special teams. Omar was the starter today.

[Ducej11]

We are not a good football team right now.Offense had 16 points;wow. Carter scored twice on special teams. Omar was the starter today.

I am sorry, I have to disagree with that. They are a very good team that were in the game with Souix Falls right up until the end with a QB that played terrible and scared. The defense is as good as ever with the addition of Cordera Jackson, someone that should have been in Rochester last year as I passed along his cell phone number but no called him back. He was an all american at Youngstown State from Rochester, but played with Rock River last year.

Throw in that defense with Chris Carter's return ability, which Souix Falls clearly knew about beause they kept kicking it right to Porter. I know Porter was a return man at Temple, but he doesn't have the same vision returning kicks as Carter.

Fix the qb play and this team is dangerious as hell. How is it that the QB from Brockport is not in camp? He was a senior and had a better senior season than Mikolicheck when he played at Buff St. Obviously still new to the indoor game, but sometimes you need someone not set in their way. Someone that Eddie can teach the indoor game too.

[blanketman]

I am sorry, I have to disagree with that. They are a very good team that were in the game with Souix Falls right up until the end with a QB that played terrible and scared. The defense is as good as ever with the addition of Cordera Jackson, someone that should have been in Rochester last year as I passed along his cell phone number but no called him back. He was an all american at Youngstown State from Rochester, but played with Rock River last year.

Throw in that defense with Chris Carter's return ability, which Souix Falls clearly knew about beause they kept kicking it right to Porter. I know Porter was a return man at Temple, but he doesn't have the same vision returning kicks as Carter.

Fix the qb play and this team is dangerious as hell. How is it that the QB from Brockport is not in camp? He was a senior and had a better senior season than Mikolicheck when he played at Buff St. Obviously still new to the indoor game, but sometimes you need someone not set in their way. Someone that Eddie can teach the indoor game too.Love ya big guy. Thanks for the encoragement. We will get this fixed;however, work needs to be done everywhere.

[Apex]

Is Shane Franzer available for the QB spot?

[Ducej11]

last i knew, he was done playing. Probably not in the kind of shape to come in and play right away.

[Apex]

So who is Omar's back up right now?

Is Cotti still in town?

[blanketman]

WE are BRINGING BACCCK The one The only QQQQBBBB ~!!!! number 350 himself!!!! David MAC10 !!!!!lolol

[Apex]

WE are BRINGING BACCCK The one The only QQQQBBBB ~!!!! number 350 himself!!!! David MAC10 !!!!!lolol

LOL

You guys better bring back somebody. Quick !