Game Preview: Meyer Returns as Shock Host Talons
June 18, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (June 18, 2014) - The Spokane Shock (6-7) return home to Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena to host the San Antonio Talons (1-12) this Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m. PDT.
While both teams play in the National Conference, the two teams have yet to meet this season. Most recently the two clubs matched up in July of 2013, with Spokane coming away with a dominant 77-30 victory at home. Spokane is 3-0 all-time against San Antonio while holding the scoring edge 201-138.
Erik Meyer returns under center for Spokane after making his first appearance since May 4 last weekend against the San Jose SaberCats. In his limited time last week Meyer completed 9 of 14 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. During the Shock's last meeting with the Talons, Meyer finished 8-15 for 153 yards and four touchdowns while adding one touchdown rushing.
The Shock come into the game after dropping a road game against the SaberCats 47-37. Terrance Sanders returned the opening kickoff 57 yards for a touchdown and rookie wide receiver Nick Truesdell recorded 10 receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown in the loss.
San Antonio enters the game riding a seven-game losing streak in which they've been outscored by an average of nearly 21 points. Four quarterbacks have seen time under center for the Talons in 2014; current starter Shane Boyd leads the group with a 55 percent completion rate, 2027 yards, and 35 touchdowns with 19 interceptions.
Spokane's defense continues to shine, allowing only 46.8 points and 253.3 yards per game, good for fourth and third best in the league respectively. Terence Moore remains at the core of the unit's success, recording 72.5 tackles, five interceptions, and four fumble recoveries through 13 games. In the secondary are ball hawks Sanders and Paul Stephens, who have combined for nine interceptions and 33 passes defensed.
The 31 sacks recorded this season by the Shock are tied with San Jose for the best mark in the league. Defensive end James Ruffin has contributed 10.5 of those sacks while continuing to rewrite the Shock record books. Just behind Ruffin is linebacker Derrick Summers, who has racked up 9.0 sacks.
Meyer returns to a different looking, but still productive offense. Mike Washington leads his receiver corps with 75 receptions for 960 yards and 17 touchdowns. Rookies Rashaad Carter and Truesdell have combined for 64 catches with 673 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Talons find themselves without the services of leading receiver DJ Stephens, who recorded 66 receptions for 938 yards and 17 touchdowns before being placed on injured reserve in late May. In his place is PJ Perry, who has managed to bring in 42 receptions for 511 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games.
Fullback Mykel Benson has been one consistent piece of the Talons offense, carrying the ball 65 times for 224 yards and 13 touchdowns.
San Antonio has averaged 43.1 points per game on offense while their defense has allowed a league-worst 59.2 points per game. As a team the Talons have only recorded 11 sacks but have managed to reel in 20 interceptions, five of which have been returned for touchdowns.
The game can be found on TV in the Inland Northwest on SWX or online through the Watch SWX Right Now app, ESPN3.com, and the WatchESPN app. Radio coverage of the game can be found on 700 ESPN Radio.
2015 Season Tickets are now for sale and can be purchased by visiting SpokaneShock.com or by calling (509) 242-7462.
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