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KC Command vs. SaberCats Game Preview

June 15, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Kansas City Command News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Command were doomed in Week 14 by a second half let down that saw the Spokane Shock (7-5) run away with a 70-46 victory. The Command (2-10) and Shock were tied at 28 going into the half but Kansas City could only muster 18 points in the second half. The Shock, meanwhile, scored 28 in the third quarter alone.

Brian Jones, starting his second game for the Command, tossed six touchdowns and ran for another in the loss. He also threw two interceptions, both to Patrick Stoudamire.

Wide receiver Bret Smith was Mr. Reliable for Jones all night, catching nine passes for 109 yards and reeling in five touchdowns. Smith has collected 13 touchdowns in seven games and is averaging nearly 85 yards per game. He has caught a TD pass in four consecutive games played, and tied the single-game franchise record for TD receptions against the Shock. On the defensive side, DB J.C. Neal led the Command with nine tackles in Week 14, and has 75.5 total tackles on the season.

The Command will now return home looking to bounce back against the San Jose SaberCats (9-4) who come in following a win against the Orlando Predators. The Father's Day game is slated for a 2 p.m. start at Sprint Center.

The SaberCats currently sit in second place in the West Division of the National Conference, one game behind the Arizona Rattlers. With the Rattlers on a bye, the SaberCats have the opportunity to tie for first place in the division with a win.

On paper, the Command look to be heavy underdogs. However, the SaberCats struggle on the road as they currently have a 3-4 record away from home. The SaberCats defeated the Command in their first matchup this season back in April. The SaberCats walked away with a 49-35 victory in a game that went down to the wire.

The Command enter the game with the sixth-ranked scoring defense in the league, allowing only 52.5 points per game and boast the league's top-ranked rushing defense, holding opponents to just 11.2 yards per game on the ground. The SaberCats enter the game with the second-ranked scoring offense in the league at 65.5 points per game.

Stopping SaberCats quarterback Mark Grieb will be of paramount importance for the Command defense on Sunday. Grieb enters the game with an average of 321.5 yards per game. The Kansas City defense only gives up 263.5 yards per game through the air.

The Command offense must also take the pressure off of their defense by taking advantage of a SaberCats defense that ranks 12th in the league in scoring defense. Bret Smith will be a player to watch for the Command as he comes in having caught eight touchdowns in his last two games. Smith had three touchdowns in the game against the SaberCats earlier this season.

Next Home Game

The Command remain in Kansas City for a second straight home game against the Chicago Rush (7-5). That game will be on Saturday, June 23 at 7 p.m. (CT).



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