Jacobs overcomes injury with SaberCats
June 25, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (June 25, 2004) - Consistency is all coach Bill Tripp has ever asked of his men in the trenches. When it comes to playing both ways, on offense and defense, the San Jose SaberCats' linemen, especially veterans like Joe Jacobs, have drawn from their experience to play long and steady minutes.
"There are some games where he's played a lot of minutes," said Tripp of the 9-year AFL veteran who has overcome a near career-ending injury. That was more than a year ago and it occurred at Phoenix' America West Arena, where the SaberCats will meet the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Jacobs, in his fourth SaberCat season, sustained a torn bicep of the right arm, which required major surgery. It happened two plays into the game at Arizona on Feb. 2, 2003. "It's the longest layoff from the game I've had," the 33-year-old Jacobs said, after surgery and extensive rehabilitation. "At the beginning of this year, I was still hurting. It's better now, but I don't think it will ever be 100 percent."
When you think about a 6-foot-3, 274-pound lineman taking more than 18 months off, it would seem his chances of a comeback would have been impossible. "He's heeled from the injury and has been the most consistent," said Tripp. "He and Dan Loney have played in every game."
In 16 regular-season games, Jacobs has nearly 30 tackles, four sacks and two pass breakups. "Joe is an excellent pass rusher and is great against the run," Tripp said. "He's played a lot of minutes and I would say he's capable of a whole quarter if need be."
With the proper rotations of linemen, Tripp wants him fresh in certain parts of the game. "Having good pass protection is the key and we have to pay attention to detail," Jacobs said of giving quarterback Mark Grieb enough time. Obviously, Grieb has had plenty of time, considering his record 73% completion rate this season.
Despite the arm bearing the scar of surgery on the inside part of where the forearm and bicep come together, Jacobs has worked hard. "I'm still enjoying the game. We've had some injuries this year and it's been a combination of mistakes that cost us some games."
This isn't the best year in Jacobs career, but it has been better than 2001 and 2002 where he missed some games and had nearly the same totals in two seasons as he has had this year. Playing alongside veteran lineman Sam Hernandez and 6-foot-8 Devin Wyman has been productive too for the SaberCats.
Jacobs has always been a leader, both on and off the field. This year he's forgotten about the injury; doesn't really like to talk about it and would rather play hard and win another championship.
"We've tried to get it off his mind," said strength coach Fred Stephens. "Keeping it out of his head has helped. He's progressed nicely and played well."
Jacobs was a four-year starter at Utah State where he earned All-Big West Conference honors following his junior and senior seasons. In his final year, he led the Aggies with six sacks and appeared in the East-West Shrine Game. He went on to sign with the NFL Detroit Lions in 1992 and 1993.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 25, 2004
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- Jacobs overcomes injury with SaberCats - San Jose SaberCats
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