Top Playoff Seed on the Line as Soul Travel to Alamodome
July 26, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
CHICAGO - The Philadelphia Soul (12-5) can clinch the No. 1 seed in the American Conference and home-field advantage through the first two rounds of the 2013 Arena Football League playoffs with a win over the San Antonio Talons (9-8) in "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" action on CBS Sports Network this weekend. Kickoff from the Alamodome is set for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.
After a 5-5 start to the season, the Soul have rolled off seven in a row, en route to their second consecutive East Division championship. A key reason for the second half turnaround has been the play of Philadelphia quarterback Dan Raudabaugh.
The fourth-year pro has not thrown an interception during the team's winning streak and has solidified himself in the conversation for both Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Year and AFL MVP honors. Raudabaugh's favorite target for the third straight year has been Anthony Jones, better known to AFL fans as "Tiger". Last week, Jones became the first player in AFL history to record three consecutive 2,000-yard receiving seasons. As if that were not enough firepower, the Soul offense also boasts the AFL's all-time leading rusher, Derrick Ross, who leads the League with 506 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground this season.
The San Antonio offense has not been nearly as prolific this season. The team has been ravaged by injuries at the quarterback position this season, as seven different signal-callers have stood behind center over 17 games. The number could grow to nine by the end of Week 19, as rookies Robert Kent and Marcus Jackson were added to replace leading passer Rohan Davey, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury in last week's lopsided loss at Spokane. In Davey's absence, the team will need to rely heavily on leading receiver Jomo Wilson and J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Year candidate D.J. Stephens to bring their game-breaking ability to the forefront on Saturday night.
Philadelphia has a host of defensive playmakers who will look to make life difficult for the San Antonio offense, the most notable among them being defensive end Bryan Robinson. The All-Arena candidate leads the League with 17.5 tackles for loss on the season and holds the AFL career record for blocked kicks with 14. In the secondary, defensive back Rayshaun Kizer has 25 passes defended and nine interceptions to lead the team. He also ranks fourth in AFL history with 48 career picks in just four seasons of play.
The strength of the Talons squad has been their defense. With a pair of top All-Arena candidates along the defensive line in end Joe Sykes and nose guard Tim McGill, as well as in the secondary with Jack linebacker Jamar Ransom and defensive back Fred Shaw, the San Antonio defense is one of the toughest in the League. Shaw leads the team with nine interceptions, while Ransom has taken three picks of his own back for touchdowns. However, the most intriguing matchup may be in the trenches. Sykes, who leads the League with 13.5 sacks, and McGill will be facing a Philadelphia offensive line which has allowed just six quarterback takedowns all season. The Talons will need to find a way to pressure Raudabaugh, who has been relatively untouchable over the last two months, into making a mistake.
A win by the Soul or a loss by the Jacksonville Sharks (11-6) in Week 19 would solidify Philadelphia as the top seed in the American Conference. The Talons would be officially eliminated from playoff contention with a loss or a win by the Chicago Rush (10-7). "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" action on CBS Sports Network is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.
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