AFL Playoff Preview
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on July 24, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
#10 seed Buffalo Destroyers (6-8) vs. # 7 seed Orlando Predators (7-7)
After defeating the Dallas Desperados this past week 44-41, the Predators clinched the Southern Division title. They are led by quarterback Jay Gruden who came out of retirement this season. The veteran has thrown for 3,621 yards and 68 touchdowns and showed little rust after not playing for three years.
To some, the Buffalo Destroyers don't really deserve to be in the playoffs after losing four straight games. The question this week is who will be the starting quarterback for the Destroyers - Steve McNair who has a sore knee or backup Jeff Loots who passed for five touchdowns in last week's loss against the Los Angeles Avengers. Regardless of who is behind center, the Predators defense will have to contain offensive specialist Lamont Cooper who topped the Destroyers with 80 receptions.
Orlando should have no problem winning this game. Playing at home is a big advantage for them, as the TD Waterhouse (AKA the Jungle) is one of the most hostile arenas in arena football.
Buffalo has struggled lately and with Fred McNair questionable for the game, the Destroyers chances are hurt.
Jay Gruden has plenty of playoff experience winning ArenaBowls as a player and a coach, and he should be very effective against the Destroyers defense.
Final Score: Orlando 64 Buffalo 48
# 9 seed Indiana Firebirds (7-7) vs. # 8 seed Dallas Desperados (7-7)
The Firebirds come into this game after a big 51-41 victory over the Chicago Rush. They are led by offensive specialist Eddie Brown who tops the team with 69 reception for 881 yards and 21 touchdowns. Brown can score anytime he touches the ball.
The Desperados, an expansion team, are spearheaded by quarterback Andy Kelly who has passed for 3,253 yards and 73 touchdowns. In his last two seasons, Kelly led the Nashville Kats to the ArenaBowl.
I like the Desperados to win this game. Dallas already defeated Indiana 79-65 earlier this season. A big addition for the Desperados is the likely return of offensive specialist Dialleo Burks who was out with a wrist injury. He was Kelly's go-to guy prior to his injury.
Look for the Desperados fans to pack the Reunion Arena. They finished third in the AFL in attendance, averaging 13,602 fans per game.
Final Score: Dallas 60 Indiana 52.
# 12 seed Tampa Bay Storm (6-8) vs. # 5 seed Los Angeles Avengers (8-6)
The Tampa Bay Storm started the season 1-5 but finished the year winning five of their final eight games to sneak into the playoffs for the 12th consecutive year. They overcame a 12-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Georgia Force 67-61 in overtime last week.
Quarterback Shane Stafford, who has passed for 2,164 yards and 39 touchdowns, leads the Storm charge.
The Avengers made the postseason for the first time in franchise history. QB Tony Graziani is their leader after throwing for 3,568 yards and 67 touchdowns. Fifty-seven of those touchdown passes were caught by offensive specialist Chris Jackson (28) and WR/LB Greg Hopkins (29). On the ground, FB/LB Chad Dukes topped the AFL in rushing with 230 yards and 12 touchdowns.
This will be a very close game. Storm coach Tim Marcum is the best coach in the AFL, leading the league in wins with 120 and six ArenaBowl titles. Marcum will have his Storm team well prepared as they look to avenge a 38-24 loss earlier this season.
The Avengers are newcomers to the playoffs and may struggle early but look for their offense to be too much for the Storm defense.
Final Score: Los Angeles 46 Tampa Bay 40
# 11 seed Carolina Cobras vs. (6-8). # 6 seed Grand Rapids Rampage (8-6)
The Cobras are led by quarterback John Fitzgerald who took over as the starter during the middle of the season. He passed for 1,670 yards and 24 touchdowns. WR/LB Corey Fleming and OS Aaron Bailey have combined for 36 touchdown receptions.
The defending ArenaBowl champion Rampage are captained by quarterback Clint Dolezel who has passed for 3,878 yards and 79 touchdowns. Dolezel has done a fine job spreading the ball all over the field. WR/DB Willis Marshall, WR/LB Gary Compton and OS Steve Smith have combined for 58 touchdown receptions.
The Rampage will win this game. They already defeated the Cobras 64-45 in an earlier match up this season, and at this point in their careers, Dolezel is a much better quarterback than John Fitzgerald. The Rampage thrower has played in playoff games before while this is Fitzgerald's first postseason experience. The Rampage has a lot of talent on offense, which will cause problems for the Cobras defense.
Final Score: Grand Rapids 65 Carolina 51
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 24, 2002
- AFL Playoff Preview - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- This week in the AFL - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
- SaberCats' Kenney Looks for Another Playoff Run - San Jose SaberCats
- Wild Card Previews - AFL I
- Six NL Players Sold in Five Days - Portland Forest Dragons
- Desperados Plan Tribute to Emmitt - Dallas Desperados
- Walker, Moyer to Stay in Rush Blue - Chicago Rush
- Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
