LA KISS vs. AZ Rattlers: 4 Things to Watch

Published on June 24, 2016 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Los Angeles KISS News Release


The LA KISS will play host to the National Conference leading Arizona Rattlers this Sunday at the Honda Center. Here are four things to look for as the LA KISS seek to get the franchises first win against their rival from the desert and get back to .500 mark.

1) WILL THE LA KISS DEFENSE BE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE RATTLERS OFFENSE?

This game will feature the AFL's best scoring offense and defense, as the LA KISS come into the matchup allowing just 46.2 points per game while the Rattlers offense puts up 67.1 per game. The LA KISS defense also leads the league in red zone defense, giving up touchdowns to their opponents on only 71.4 percent of the time. For reference, the Portland Steel give up red zone touchdowns at a rate of 91.7 percent. Both the LA KISS and the Rattlers come into Sunday's game with momentum after having one of their best outings of the season. The LA KISS allowed just six first-half points to Tampa Bay and the Rattlers put up 80 points against the Soul. Something will have to give this week and it certainly will be exciting to watch!

touchdowns at a rate of 91.7 percent. Both the LA KIS and the Rattlers come into Sunday's game with momentum after having one of their best outings of the season. The LA KISS allowed just six first-half points to Tampa Bay and the Rattlers put up 80 points against the Soul. Something will have to give this week and it certainly will be exciting to watch!

2) WILL PETE THOMAS CONTINUE TO LIMIT HIS MISTAKES?

Turnovers in the AFL, where teams are expected to find the end zone on every possession, often are the deciding factor in the game. So far this season, LA KISS quarterback Pete Thomas has done an excellent job limiting his turnovers. He has thrown 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions, which is the highest touchdown to interception ration in the league. Although this will be his first start against the Rattlers, he threw for 214 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in Arizona when filling in for Nathan Stanley, who suffered an injury late in the first half. Look for Thomas to continue to limit his turnovers and find Donovan "Captain" Morgan in the end zone.

3) WILL THE DEFENSIVE LINE IMPACT THE GAME?

Over the past three weeks, the LA KISS defensive front has tallied three sacks. This is a significant improvement over the previous four games, where the LA KISS only recorded one sack.

Last week, Mike Lewis' strip-sack and fumble recovery in the first quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. Mike Lewis is now just two and a half sacks away from becoming the AFL's all-time sack leader.

Over the past few weeks, the LA KISS have also added Caesar Rayford and Dontay Moch to the defensive line. These two players have combined for five years of NFL experience. Keep an eye on the D-line as they attempt to slow down Arizona quarterback Nick Davila.

4) WILL THE LA KISS CONVERT FOURTH DOWNS?

Since there is no punting in the AFL, being able to convert on fourth down is key. If a team is unable to convert when backed up into their own territory, not only will they lose their chance to score, their opponents will also inherit great field position.

The LA KISS currently are third in the league with a fourth down conversion rate of 55.6 percent. They will be put to the test this week as they face off against the Arizona Rattlers, whose defense leads the league in opponents fourth down conversion. They only allow their opponents to get first downs 28.9 percent of the time.

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