Cobras vs Predators: Pre-Game Notes
July 12, 2019 - National Arena League (NAL)
Carolina Cobras News Release
Familiar Territory: It was just two weeks ago that Carolina travelled to Orlando and posted just the second shutout in NAL History, beating the Predators 60-0.
Playoffs: Going into Week 14 the Cobras have already clinched a playoff spot, but Saturday night with a win and a Pirates loss versus Jacksonville the Cobras will lock up the #2 seed and host a playoff game in Greensboro.
How They Rank: This is a battle between the #2 Scoring Offense of the Cobras (51.6/game) vs #6 Scoring Defense of the Predators (57.4). On the other side of the ball it is the #6 Scoring Offense of the Predators (29.3) vs the #2 Scoring Defense of the Cobras (35.5).
League Leaders: The Cobras lead the league in the following categories. Total Offense Yards Per Play (6.4), Passing Yards Per Completion (12.5), Passing Yards Per Attempt (7.2), Field Goal Attempts (16), Interception Return Yards (171), Interception TDs (3), Fumble Returns (3), Fumble Return TDs (2), Opponent Penalties Yards Per Game (63.1), Red Zone Offense (84.8%), Red Zone Defense (65.1%). Individually Charles McCullum is #1 in Total Offense (251.4), Total Offense Avg/Play (7.4), Total Offensive Yards (2,514), Yards Per Rush (4.2), Passing Yards Per Game (241.7), Passing Yards/Attempt (7.7), Passing Yards (2,417). Jordan Jolly is #1 in Receiving Yards Per Game (94.6), Reception Yards (1,041). K Brandon Rutherford is #1 in PAT Kicking Percentage (88.5%). Cedric Poole is #1 in Kick Return TDs. Mike Green leads Passes Defended (37).
Last Stand At Home: This is the final regular season home game for the Carolina Cobras, who currently have a 4-2 record at home this season. They finish the last two games on the road, first against New York and then the final road trip to Columbus to wrap up the regular season.
Back in the groove: After a loss to Jacksonville four weeks ago, and a bye week, the Cobras have won their last two games by a combined 130-28 score. The combined records of the last three opponents of the regular season is (8-25 .242), but as Orlando proved a couple months ago on their last visit to Greensboro, you can't take it easy on any team in the NAL, or you can face the consequences.
Turnover Battle: Carolina comes into this game with a +12 turnover ratio. The Predators on the other hand come in with a -21 turnover ratio. In the last meeting the Cobras were +7 against the Predators, and they need a similar number this time as well.
Matchup to Watch: Cobras WRs vs Orlando Secondary The Predators have given up 136 points in the last two weeks, the Cobras have scored 130 in the last two weeks. The Cobras scored on one play drives on five of nine drives last week vs the Lions, so will the Strike Fast, Strike Hard, No Mercy offense continue?
Last Meeting: June 30 it was Carolina 60-0 over Orlando in Orlando, just the second shutout in NAL History.
Series History: The series is tied 1-1.
Cobra Leaders:
QB 1 Charles McCullum 118-315-14 2,417 yards and 49 TDs passing
WR 4 Jordan Jolly 80 Receptions 1,041 yards 23 TDs receiving
WR 11 LaVon Pearson 34 Receptions, 468 yards and 12 TDs receiving
DB 17 Michael Green 54.0 Tackles 8 INTs, 37 Pass Break Ups and 1 TD
JLB 27 Pasquale Vacchio 28 Tackles 5 INTs 2 Fumble Recoveries 2 TDs
Predators Leaders:
QB 10 Matt Parsons 10-29-7 83 yards and 3 TD.
WR 13 Michael Lyons 48 Receptions 556 yards 10 TDs Receiving
WR 9 Darrin Peterson Jr 9 Receptions 60 yards 4 TDs Receiving
DB 1 Dallas Jackson 28.0 Tackles 3 INTs, 2 Fumble Recoveries
DL 99 Justin Marcus 17.5 Tackles, 6 TFL, 4.5 Sacks
Article by: DJ Wagner
• Discuss this story on the National Arena League message board...
National Arena League Stories from July 12, 2019
- Cobras vs Predators: Pre-Game Notes - Carolina Cobras
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
