Orlando Predators Playoff Game Notes

May 27, 2003 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release


New York Dragons (9-8) at Orlando Predators (12-4)
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2003
Toe-to-Leather Time: 3 p.m. (EDT)
Site: TD Waterhouse Centre (16, 613)
Officials: Referee: Bill LeMonnier; Umpire: Rick Nelson; Head Linesman: Alan Baynes; Line Judge: David Meslow; Back Judge: Billy Beckett; Supervisor: Ed Manning
Radio: WQTM 740 The Team (Marc Daniels and Tom Morgan)
TV: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson)
Streaks: Orlando has won six games in a row, New York has won four games in a row
Series Record: Orlando leads all-time series 6-3
Coaches: Orlando: Fran Papasedero (2nd Season, 21-12-0, .636); New York: Todd Shell (5th Season, 38-32)

THE STAKES: The stakes could not be higher for either team as the Arena Football League enters Week 2 of the playoffs. The Predators, who secured a first round bye in the playoffs thanks to a 12-4 regular season record, will put a six-game winning streak on the line against 9-8 New York. On paper, it would appear that the Predators would have the advantage, having already defeated New York on the road this season. Still, the Predators know that this game could very well come down to the final play of the game. "No one is playing better than New York right now," Predators Head Coach Fran Papasedero said. "They fire their coach after an 0-4 start, lose their best receiver, lose their starting quarterback for two weeks and still win eight of their last 10 to make the playoffs and then overcome a 14-point, 4th quarter deficit in the opening round. Right now, they are playing with a lot of confidence. It's going to be important for our players to understand this is not the same team we faced in week five of the regular season." The winner of Sunday's game earns a spot in next week's semifinals. The Predators could play that game at home with an Orlando win over New York and a loss by either Tampa Bay (vs. Detroit) or San Jose (Georgia) in the other quarterfinal games.

VOICES:

"What Todd Shell has been doing in New York is absolutely phenomenal. When you think that they started out 0-6, changed head coaches, lost their best wide receiver for the rest of the season, lost their starting quarterback for two weeks and still managed to win 9 of their last 11 and win a playoff game, it's absolutely remarkable. He got my vote for Coach of the Year."

--Predators Head Coach Fran Papasedero on the amazing turnaround of the New York Dragons.

"The veteran leadership knows what's at stake. One of the good things we have going for us is that fact that several of our key rookies have NFL experience and know what playoff games are about. Obviously you never know what's going to happen on the field, but I know we will be ready to play."

-Predators DS Kenny McEntyre

"Come this time of the year, our theme has always been the same. Whatever it takes. You need to take every series and every down as if the entire game depends on it. You need to have that attitude because the game's outcome does depend in it. Every series...every play...whatever it takes."

--Quarterback Jay Gruden

SERIES NOTES: After a six-year run in Des Moines, Iowa, as the Iowa Barnstormers, the New York Dragons relocated to the Nassau Coliseum under new ownership in 2001...the Predators lead the all-time series, 6-4, including a 3-4 record against the Barnstormers and a 3-0 mark against the Dragons...the Preds are 2-1 against Iowa/New York in playoff games and 4-3 in regular season games...Orlando took a 72-56 win in the last meeting between the two clubs, a Week 5 game during the recently completed regular season...the game marked Todd Shell's first contest as the Dragon's Head Coach after replacing John Gregory, who was dismissed after an 0-4 start... three of the games have been decided by eight points or less...the Predators came within one play of recording just the second shutout in Arena Football League history with a 28-6 win over Iowa back on May 15, 1998...the Iowa/New York franchise was founded by Jim Foster, who invented the game of Arena Football...Sunday's game with New York marks just the third time in the 11-game series that the Predators will get to be the home team ...Orlando actually played in New York twice this season...the Predators played Tampa Bay in the second game of a pre-season doubleheader as part of an effort to assist the NBC Broadcast Crews back on January 22 (New York hosted Buffalo in the first game)...three of the games in the series came in the semifinals of the Arena Football League playoffs...Orlando was the visiting team and the underdog in all three games and came away with two victories.

LAST MEETING:

UNIONDALE, NY -- Back-up quarterback Connell Maynor tied a franchise record with eight touchdown passes and Travis McGriff scored four times as the Orlando Predators routed the winless New York Dragons, 72-56.

Cory Fleming and Thabiti Davis caught two touchdown passes in the first half and Brian Schmitz booted a 36-yard field goal as time expired as the Predators led 37-21 at halftime.

The Predators built the lead to 52-28 at the end of three quarters on Travis McGriff's 52-yard kickoff return and 10-yard touchdown reception. That lead was more than enough to withstand New York's 28-point fourth quarter.

IF's

If the Orlando Predators defeat the New York Dragons on Sunday, it would:

*Give the Preds a 13-4 record and drop New York to 9-9.
*Give Orlando a seventh straight victory
*Give Orlando a 7-4 series lead over the Dragons
*Give the Preds a two-game series sweep over NY in 2003
*Give Orlando a 17-8 record in the post-season
*Give the Preds an 11-3 record in last 14 post-season games
*Give Jay Gruden a 15-3 record in post-season as a player
*Give Orlando a 12-4 record in home playoff games
*Give Orlando a 7-2 record at home this season
*Give Orlando an all-time home record of 72-29-0 (.713)
*Give the Preds an all-time record of 132-64-0 (.673)

ROSTER WAS BUILT:

Retained Orlando Free Agents (3): Connell Maynor, Fred Ray, and Reggie Lee.

Veteran Free Agents (5): Rob Davis, Ricky Wood, Chris Wallace, CJ McLain, and Rich McKenzie

Rookie Free Agents (7): Travis McGriff, Thabiti Davis, Jerry Johnson, EJ Burt, Matt Sweeney, Kevin McLeod, and Glenn Davis

Re-signed Veterans Not Eligible for Free Agency (10): Antonio Stanley, Jay Gruden (1st year, 2-year deal), Lamont Moore, Rashad Floyd, Reggie Doster, Kenny McEntyre (2nd year 2-year deal), Doug Miller, Ernest Allen (2nd year-2-year deal), Colin Greczek, and Duke Pettijohn

Obtained by Trade (3): Brian Schmitz, Cory Fleming, and Justin Cleveland.

Released/Traded Players No Longer on Roster: Junior Lord (Traded)*, Carl Bradley (released), Bill Duff (released), Albert Connell (released), Herman Bell (released), Karl Bates (released), Adrian Burnett (released), Terrell Harris (released), Na Brown (released), Cameron Chance (released)*, Ronney Daniels (released), Andre Purvis (Released), Brian Goolsby (Waived)*, Carlos McLaurin (Waived), Bernard Brown (Waived), Ratcliff Thomas (Waived), Chris Coleman (Waived), Carl Bond (Waived), Rick Hamilton (waived), Vic Penn (Waived from Practice squad).

*Indicates on 2002 Preds Roster

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, TRENDS

PREDS 4-2 FOLLOWING BYE WEEK: How does having a week off effect the Predators? Orlando takes a 4-2 all-time record into this week's game following a "bye" week.

THINGS WOULD LOOK GOOD FOR NEXT WEEK: But if the Predators defeat New York, things would look good for next week as the Predators are a perfect 6-0 in the second game following a bye week.

PREDATORS PLAYOFF HISTORY: The 2003 season marks Orlando's 12th consecutive trip to the Arena Football League playoffs. That total is just one short of Tampa Bay's record 13 consecutive trips to the playoffs (Tampa's streak is active).

PREDS PLAYOFF GAME SUMMARIES:

1992 Orlando 50, Cleveland 12 (Aug. 7) -- Ben Bennett threw for 203 yards and three touchdown passes and Jerry Odom ran for two more as the Predators won the first playoff game in franchise history, 50-12, over the Cleveland Thunderbolts. Leading 20-12 at halftime, the Predators shutout Cleveland in the second half.

Orlando 24, Tampa Bay 21-OT (Aug. 12) – Jorge Cimadevilla booted a 17-yard field goal in overtime, as the Orlando Predators beat Tampa Bay, 24-21. Both teams had a shot to win the game in regulation, but Cimadevilla missed from 20 yards with less than two seconds remaining and Donald Igwebuike missed from 58 yards on the final play of the game.

Detroit 56, Orlando 38 (ArenaBowl, Aug. 22) – The Predators first trip to the ArenaBowl was forgettable, as the Detroit Drive dominated from the second quarter on and rolled to an easy 56-38 win over Orlando. Both teams had four touchdown passes and the turnovers were tied at two each, but the Drive had two rushing touchdowns, a net recovery for touchdown and a kickoff return for touchdown and Orlando could only counter with four Cimadevilla field goals.

1993 Orlando 41, Miami 13 (Aug. 6) -- Ben Bennett threw for three touchdowns and Eric Drakes had a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown as the Predators dominated the Miami Hooters in a quarterfinal game. Barry Wagner (2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) earned Game "Ironman" honors for his play.

Tampa Bay 55, Orlando 52 (Aug. 14): After defeating Tampa Bay twice in the regular season the Storm and Jay Gruden got revenge by nipping the Orlando Predators, 55-52, in an AFL semifinal game. In a game that featured five lead changes and three ties, Orlando appeared to get the upper hand when they recorded a defensive stop and limited Tampa Bay to a 19-yard Arden Czyzewski field goal. But on the ensuing kickoff, Jeff Mayes caught Czyzewski's kickoff on one bounce at the six and ran it in for a touchdown to give Tampa Bay a 48-38 lead. Mayes would add a 7-yard touchdown between scores by Herkie Walls and Billy Owens and Tampa Bay held on for the three-point win.

1994 Orlando 34, Ft. Worth 13 (Aug. 19) – Orlando built a 13-7 lead by running the ball on the first 10 plays and an injured Ben Bennett came off the bench to throw three touchdown passes as the Orlando Predators coasted to a 34-13 quarterfinal win over the Ft. Worth Calvary.

Orlando 51, Massachusetts 42 (Aug. 26) -- Orlando jumped out to a 27-7 lead and then had to hold on to defeat the Massachusetts Marauders, 51-42. The Predators, who were already short-handed when starting WR/DB Billy Owens quit the team before the game, suffered another huge when starting FB/LB Paul McGowan blew out a knee on kick coverage. Mass was able to rally to within five at 34-29 late in the third quarter, but the Predators went on a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach.

Arizona 36, Orlando 31 (Sept. 2) -- The proud Orlando Predators franchise lost is most disappointing game ever – dropping a 36-31 decision to Arizona in ArenaBowl VII. Despite playing without starters Billy Owens (quit team) and Paul McGowan (Knee), the Predators came into the game with a 13-1 record and were highly favored after easily handling the Rattlers twice in the regular season. Orlando rallied from a 27-17 deficit to take the lead at 31-30 on a Barry Wagner touchdown run in the 4th period. On Arizona's next possession, Durwood Roquemore intercepted Sherdrick Bonner to give the Predators a first down with 5:44 remaining. Needing just two first downs to run out the clock, the Predators went three and out. Bonner would give Arizona a 36-31 lead by hitting Calvin Schexnayder on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Ben Bennett threw two passes into the end zone, but both fell incomplete as Arizona completed the biggest upset in Arena Football League history.

1995 Orlando 55, San Jose 37 (Aug. 13): In a game that was almost a mirror image of a regular season game between the two teams, the Orlando Predators jumped out to a 14-0 lead and won its first road playoff game in franchise history with a 55-37 victory over San Jose. Earlier in the season, San Jose had crushed the Predators in nearly identical fashion, 54-37. Rookie Pat O'Hara had a huge game, completing 16 of 27 passes for 248 yards and six touchdowns.

Orlando 56, Iowa 49 (Aug. 21) – Linebacker Paul McGowan stuffed fullback Andy Chilcote at the goal line as time expired to give the Orlando Predators a 56-49 win over Iowa and a trip to ArenaBowl VIII. The Predators trailed for most of the game, but got a Marshall Roberts interception to spur a 14-0 run to take a 42-34 lead into the fourth quarter. The teams traded touchdowns, with Barry Wagner's 5-yard pass from Pat O'Hara putting the Predators up by seven at 56-49 with 2:43 remaining. Kurt Warner hit Ryan Murray on the Orlando one with 20 seconds to go. Believing Murray was out of bounds, Iowa did not notice when officials started the game clock after the chains moved. As time ticked away, Warner barely got off the last play – a draw to Chilcote who was hit and dropped by McGowan.

Tampa Bay 48, Orlando 35 (Sept. 1) – Jay Gruden accounted for five touchdowns as second seeded Tampa Bay used a 14-0 second quarter to beat Orlando 48-35 in ArenaBowl VIII. The teams battled evenly for three quarters, but it was the second stanza that killed any hope of a Predators upset. In three possessions in the quarter, the Predators were intercepted, missed a long field goal and saw time expire on the third drive; while Tampa Bay took advantage of two Gruden to George LaFrance touchdown passes to coast to their third ArenaBowl Championship in five seasons.

1996 Arizona 65, Orlando 48 (Aug. 10) – In a game much closer than the final score indicated, the Orlando Predators lost in the first round of the playoffs for the first time ever, dropping a 65-48 decision to Arizona. The Predators actually led at 48-46 on a 4th quarter touchdown pass from Pat O'Hara to Barry Wagner and trailed by just one at 49-48 on a Trey Weir field goal with 3:21 left. Weir would then cross up the Predators by kicking an on-sides kick that Randy Gatewood would recover at the AZ 11-yard line. The Predators defense would hold, however, and Weir upped the lead to just four at 52-48 with 50 seconds remaining. Faced with a chance to win the game in the last minute, the Predators would encounter disaster instead. Jeff Parker muffed Weir's kickoff, forcing the Predators to start on the one-yard line. On the first play, Herb Duncan stepped in front of a Pat O'Hara pass and returned it five yards for a touchdown.

1997 Orlando 45, New Jersey 37 (Aug. 8): A stingy Predators defense limited New Jersey to just a pair of field goals in the 4th quarter and Barry Wagner scored a pair of second half touchdowns as the Orlando Predators knocked off the New Jersey Gladiators, 45-37, in an AFL quarterfinal game. Wagner scored four touchdowns in the game (2 run, 2 pass). and Mac Cody ran 56-yards for a touchdown on a kickoff return.

Iowa 52, Orlando 34 (Aug. 16) – Kurt Warner threw for 261 yards and six touchdowns – four to Willis Jacox – as the Iowa Barnstormers ripped the Predators, 52-34, to earn their first trip to the ArenaBowl. The Predators fell behind 24-7 early in the game and could never get any closer than 11 points. Jacox had 11 receptions for 118 yards in the game.

1998 Orlando 58, Nashville 43 (Aug. 7) -- Jay Gruden won his first playoff game as a Head Coach, leading Orlando to a 58-43 win over Nashville. With the exception a squirrelly six-minute period in the third quarter, the Predators dominated the Kats. Leading 23-7 in the third quarter, the Preds gave up a 45-yard touchdown bomb to Tyronne Jones. On the ensuing kickoff, Orlando's Robert Gordon fumbled and Corey Johnson returned it 17 yards for another touchdown to cut the lead to 23-21. Barry Wagner would then fumble after a reception one play later and Nashville had a chance to take the lead. But Wagner would restore order, intercepting Andy Kelly and returning it 49-yards for a touchdown to make it 30-21. After a 44-yard Kelly to Cory Fleming bomb make it 30-28, the Predators finally put the Kats away as Wagner hauled in a touchdown pass and Bill Hall recovered a Kelly fumble in the end zone for another score and the Predators led 44-28.

Orlando 38, Arizona 33 (Aug. 15) -- Pat O'Hara hit Barry Wagner on an 18-yard touchdown with just eight seconds left as the Predators pulled out a 38-33 win over Arizona. The game featured five lead changes and three ties. Trailing 33-26 midway through the fourth period, the Predators turned the game around as Rookie Head Coach Jay Gruden decided to go for it on a 4th and 10 from his own one. Orlando would take the ball down and score to make it 33-32. With time running down, DS Chris Barber made a sensational play in the end zone, batting the ball away from Calvin Schexnayder to set up a fourth down play. After a missed field goal gave the Predators possession with 2:46 remaining, Gruden would once again eschew the field goal and go for it on a 4th and six with 19 seconds remaining. One play later, O'Hara hit Wagner with the game-winner.

Orlando 62, Tampa Bay 31 (Aug. 23): Seven seasons of Orlando playoff frustrating came to a screaching halt as the Predators shocked top-seeded Tampa Bay, 62-31, in ArenaBowl XII. Rick Hamilton ran for an ArenaBowl record 82 yards and three scores, but it was a quirky six-minute stretch in the third period when the Predators went on a 23-0 run to put the game away. Holding a narrow 24-17 lead at the half, the Preds used an interception by Barry Wagner and a 5-yard TD run by Hamilton to build a 31-17 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Wagner knocked the ball out of George LaFrance's hands at the goal line and Webbie Burnett tackled Stevie Thomas in the end zone for a safety. Barry Wagner's long kickoff return, capped by a Hamilton 10-yard run made it 41-17. In all, the Predators outscored Tampa Bay in the second half by a 38-14 margin – without the benefit of completing a single pass.

1999 Orlando 41, Tampa Bay 19 (Aug. 7) – Trailing 10-0 at the half, the Orlando Predators shocked Tampa Bay for a second year in a row – knocking the top-seeded Storm out of the playoffs by a 41-19 count. Tampa Bay dominated in the first half, but led just 10-0. Things would turn dramatically for the Predators in the second half. Barry Wagner's touchdown receptions of 20, 33 and 35 yards put the Predators up 28-13 at the 10:24 mark of the fourth period. After a Les Barley 2-yard run for touchdown cut the lead to 28-19, Jack Jackson would put the game away for the Predators with a 12-yard touchdown reception at the 1:34 mark. Kenny McEntyre would then add insult to injury with a 35-yard interception return for touchdown on the final play of the game, as 11-3 Tampa Bay would suffer a second straight playoff loss to the Predators.

Orlando 48, Iowa 41 (Aug. 13) – The Orlando Predators became the first number eight seed in Arena Football League history to advance the ArenaBowl with a 48-41 upset of second seeded Iowa. The game was never in doubt as the Predators jumped out to a 31-7 lead later in the second quarter and never looked back. The game was not as close as the final score indicated, as Iowa scored on the last play of the game to make it a respectable seven-point margin.

Albany 59, Orlando 48 (Aug. 21) – The Jay Gruden playoff magic finally ran out, as the third-seeded Albany Firebirds jumped out to a 38-21 lead and held on to defeat the Predators, 59-48, to claim their first AFL title. Orlando used a 14-0 run in the third quarter to get back in the game, but Jon Krick ended any hopes of a miracle finish when he caught a Mike Pawlawski screen pass and scored on a third and goal play from six-yards out in the final seconds of the game. Pawlawski was 27 for 61 for 347 yards and 7 touchdowns. "Touchdown" Eddie Brown caught 12 passes for 185 yards and four scores in the victory.

2000 Orlando 34, Tampa Bay 24 (Aug. 3): For a third season in a row, the Orlando Predators sent arch-rival Tampa Bay out of the playoffs – this time recording a 34-24 win at home. The Predators, 11-3 and the #2 seed for the playoffs, never trailed in the game and led 20-7 at one point. Tampa Bay went on a 10-0 run to cut the lead to three at 20-17, but Joe Douglass caught a 33-yard touchdown pass and Connell Maynor added a 9-yard touchdown run after a defensive stop to extend the lead to 34-17 with just four minutes remaining.

Orlando 56, Arizona 44 (Aug. 13): Connell Maynor accounted for seven touchdowns to help the Orlando Predators overcome a 22-17 deficit at halftime and roll to a 56-44 win. The victory gave Orlando its sixth ArenaBowl playoff berth in nine seasons. Maynor rushed for a game-high 43 yards and two scores and threw for 269 yards and five more touchdowns in running his record as a starting quarterback to 15-4.

Orlando 41, Nashville 38 (Aug. 20): David Cool booted a 19-yard field goal on the final play of the game as the Orlando Predators capped a 14-3 season with a 41-38 win over Nashville in ArenaBowl XIV. Nashville, which trailed for most of the game, took a 30-29 lead a James Baron 29-yard screen pass to the tight end at the 9:43 mark of the third period. Orlando reclaimed the lead on Cool's 38-yard field goal and then took a 38-30 lead on Bret Cooper's 15-yard touchdown reception from Connell Maynor. Nashville pulled to within two on a 45-yard touchdown pass from James Brown to Darryl Hammond at the 6:26 mark and Cory Fleming's 2-point conversion tied it. Getting control of the ball at the 5:28 mark, Maynor directed a 10-play drive that ate up all but three seconds of the game clock. Cool then calmly booted the game-winner as the Predators won a second AFL championship in three years under head coach Jay Gruden.

2001 Chicago 41, Orlando 24 (July 27): Orlando jumped out to a 17-7 lead in the game, but managed just nine points the rest of the way as the Chicago Rush dropped the Predators, 41-24, in a first round playoff game. Billy Dicken was a workmanlike 15 of 20 for 158 yards and two touchdowns and Chicago added three rushing touchdowns to outclass the Predators. Orlando lost starting quarterback Craig Whelihan to a severe knee injury in the game and Predators quarterbacks were picked off three times. Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden would announce his resignation two weeks later to resume his playing career.

2002 Orlando 32, Buffalo 27 (July 26): Jay Gruden threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns as the Orlando Predators dropped the Buffalo Destroyers in a first round playoff game. Orlando could chalk this victory up to its defense, however, as the Predators recorded six quarterback sacks and forced three turnovers in the game. After Jay Gruden put the Predators ahead 32-37 on a 14-yard TD pass to Lamont Moore in the third quarter, the defense kicked in – allowing Buffalo just 34 net yards on their final five possessions.

Orlando 49, New Jersey 46 (Aug. 3) -- Junior Lord scored three touchdowns and made the key play of the game with a fourth quarter strip of Sedrick Robinson on a kickoff return, as the Predators held on to defeat New Jersey, 49-46, in a quarterfinal playoff game. "An excellent game between two evenly matched teams," Head Coach Fran Papasedero said. "The difference was that they made one more mistake than we did." Lord's 9-yard touchdown reception with 1:34 to go put the game away for the Predators at 49-40.

San Jose 52, Orlando 40 (Aug. 10): Jay Gruden's bid to return to the ArenaBowl as a player fell short as top-seeded San Jose used a 10-0 run in the second quarter to defeat the Predators 52-40. The game was essentially even, other than the second period when Sabercats scored a touchdown off a Gruden interception and used a Daron Alcorn's 35-yard field goal at the buzzer to build a 24-13 lead at the half. From there, both teams managed four second half touchdowns as Orlando could get no closer than five points as 45-40 with 14:30 remaining in the game.

PLAYOFF NOTES: Orlando takes an all-time playoff record of 18-9 into the 2003 playoffs...Orlando's 18 playoff wins are the most of any Arena Football League team...of AFL teams with three or more playoff appearances, Orlando's .667 winning percentage ranks third on the all-time list behind Detroit (12-2, .847) and Tampa Bay (17-8, .680)...Orlando is 1-1 in Wild Card Games, 9-1 in Quarterfinal games, 6-3 in Semifinal Games and 2-4 in ArenaBowl Championship games...Head Coach Fran Papasedero owns a 2-1 record in the post-season.

DEFENSIVE FINISH BODES WELL FOR PREDS: For the sixth time in the last 11 years, the Orlando Predators have given up fewer points than any team in the Arena Football League. The Predators allowed 670 points this year (41.8), edging Tampa Bay for the league crown (43.0). Orlando and Tampa were the only two teams to give up less than 700 points on the season; while nine teams gave up more than 800 points and one team (Colorado) allowed more than 900 points. In the high-scoring world of Arena Football, what does a good defense mean? Plenty if you look at the chart below. The league defensive scoring champion has gone on to win six ArenaBowl championships and appear in 14 of the 17 title games. In addition, the league defensive scoring champion has played in the last three ArenaBowl games. The last time the Predators finished as league scoring champion, Orlando went on to win the ArenaBowl by defeating Nashville in ArenaBowl XIV.

GRUDEN IN THE PLAYOFFS: Orlando Predators quarterback Jay Gruden will attempt to collect his eighth professional football championship ring this year when he guides the Predators into the playoffs. Gruden's AFL playoff record as a player and a coach is unsurpassed. He led Tampa Bay to four titles in six seasons as a player from 1991-96. After becoming Head Coach of the Orlando Predators in 1998, he led the team to three ArenaBowl games and two championships – including Orlando's first title in 1998 – in four seasons at the helm. Last season, Gruden returned to the playing field and nearly took Orlando back to the ArenaBowl – bowing out in the semifinals. Gruden, who was the first AFL player to win an ArenaBowl as both a player and a head coach, can become the first man to win an NFL Super Bowl ring and an ArenaBowl ring in the same year if Orlando can sweep through the playoffs. Here's a look at Gruden's resume in the playoffs as both a player and coach.

FRAN'S ROAD WARRIORS: Since starting his career with a 0-2 Road Record in 2003, Fran Papasedero's team has won an incredible 12 of their last 15 road games (.800 winning percentage). "I can't really explain it and yes, I think you always like to be at home, but for some reason we play well on the road. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that there are fewer distractions on the road," Papasedero says. "You don't have hundreds of people bothering you on game day looking for tickets."

GRUDEN MYSTIFIED BY INTERCEPTION COUNT: With five touchdowns and no interceptions in the season finale last week, Jay Gruden upped his season totals to 49 touchdowns with just two interceptions, the best touchdown to interception ratio in his eight-year AFL career. This year's totals come on the heels of a season where Gruden threw a league-leading 20 interceptions last year. If you want a reason for Gruden's improvement this season you may not find it from the quarterback.

"I can't explain it. When I was winning titles with Tampa Bay, I was always throwing 10, 12 or 14 interceptions every season and I threw 20 last year. The main reason is that I always tried to make things happen and always felt I could throw the ball through a small crack when I had to. If I had to come up with a reason, I'd probably say my group of receivers are bigger and stronger...Cory Fleming and Thabiti Davis will not let a defensive back go through them to make an interception and I guess that's one of the reasons why the pick total is down this year. Of course, luck does have a little to do with it. I've had some balls that could have been intercepted that have been dropped this season too."

This season, Gruden is throwing touchdowns at a 24.5 to 1 ratio compared to interceptions. Predators officials believe that this is the best ratio in Arena Football League history (300 or more attempts) and also believe it is one of the top percentages in pro football history. Prior to this season, Jay's best year for this category was a 5:1 ratio in 1996.

ORLANDO EXTENDS AFL MARK: With a 12-4 record in the 2003 season the Predators will finish with a winning season for an AFL record 12th consecutive year. With last week's win over Detroit, the Predators have set a new club record for most regular season wins in franchise history. Of course, the team was aided by two extra regular season games this season. Still, Orlando's .750 winning percentage this season was the fifth best in club history.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Without question, this is the best time of the year. Nothing is as high as a playoff win and nothing is lower than a loss. This is what you work hard for all year. This is a chance to perform your best against the best in the league. It feels the same whether you are a player or a coach. "

--Head Coach and Former AFL lineman Fran Papasedero on the playoffs

K-MAC IS IRONMAN : Counting playoffs, DS Kenny McEntyre has now started an Orlando Predators' record 86 consecutive games without missing a start to injury.

GRUDEN MAKES A DIFFERENCE: Although he continues to modestly deflect all the credit to his teammates, there is definitely something to be said about what Jay Gruden means to the Orlando Predators. Here is a comparison of the Predators with and without Jay Gruden as the starting quarterback this season:

Orlando With Jay Without Jay
Games 9 6
Record 10-0 2-4
Win Pct. 1.000 .333
Total Points 479 285
Average 47.9 47.5

ONE MORE ON GRUDEN...WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN: Now that the regular season is complete, it might be interesting to ponder what Jay Gruden's numbers might have been, had he not missed 6 ½ games to an ankle injury. All we can do is take the averages and project them over a 16-game season, but the numbers are startling.

140 AND COUNTING: With no interceptions thrown against Detroit last week, Predators quarterback Jay Gruden has now thrown 140 passes without an interception. Between Gruden, Connell Maynor and Chris Wallace, Predators quarterbacks have thrown just 7 interceptions all season – the fewest in the Arena Football League.

Fewest Interceptions Thrown in AFL
1. Orlando 7
2. Arizona 13
3. Tampa Bay 14
Indiana 14
New York 14
6. Los Angeles 15
Grand Rapids 15 McGRIFF FINISHES FOURTH: With 2,247 all-purpose yards, Rookie Travis McGriff became just the third player in Orlando Predators history to gain more than 2,000 all-purpose yards in a single season. McGriff joined Barry Wagner (3 times) and Siaha Burley (once) on the list as 2,000-yard players.

McENTYRE WILL HAVE TO WAIT ONE MORE SEASON: Although he had an outstanding year with 10 interceptions, Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre will have to wait another season to catch Durwood Roquemore for the most interceptions in Arena Football League history. McEntyre finished the 2003 campaign with 46 interceptions and now trails Roquemore by just four. Although Roquemore played the majority of his career with the Predators, McEntyre already owns the club record with 46. Roquemore only had 30 of his career 50 interceptions with the Predators. Interestingly. four of the top five players on the all-time list for career interceptions spent at least part of their career on an Orlando Predators roster.

McEntyre First Team – 4th Consecutive Season PREDS PLACE TWO ON ALL-ARENA TEAM The Orlando Predators placed two players on the 2003 edition of the "All-Arena" team. Defensive Specialist Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre was named to the first unit for a fourth consecutive year; while lineman Ernest Allen was named to the second unit for a fourth time in his career. McEntyre, who won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2000 and 2001, finished the regular season ranked in the top five in the league in interceptions (10), pass defenses (19), tackles (89.5) and touchdowns scored by a defensive player (5). Allen started every game for the Predators. A guard on offense, Allen played both nose tackle and end on the defensive side of the ball. He finished the season with 11.5 tackles, 4.5 quarterback sacks, and 4.5 additional tackles-for-loss.

"This is a nice honor for both Kenny and Ernest," Orlando Predators Head Coach Fran Papasedero said. "Kenny has made huge play after huge play for us since arriving in 1998. Ernest does things that don't always show up on the stat sheet, but I am convinced he remains one of the three best linemen in the Arena Football League." Papasedero went on to say that several other Predators were deserving of consideration. "I believe you could make a strong case for several other of our players, especially Cory Fleming, Jay Gruden and EJ Burt, but a lot of other coaches could say the same thing about their players. We're not going to worry about that too much and just focus on the upcoming playoffs."

EJ BURT SETS TEAM SACK /FF RECORD: Last season, EJ Burt set a professional football record with 27.5 quarterback sacks with Cape Fear of the "arenafootball2" league. For good measure, he also forced nine fumbles. So the average Arena fan would probably be surprised to learn that not one of the 16 Head Coaches in Arena Football decided to give EJ a change to play at the next level. "The book on him was that he was too small and not very good on offense," Indiana Head Coach Mike Dailey said. "Fran and Orlando look like geniuses for giving him a chance." Not so fast, Preds Head Coach Fran Papasedero says. "We were just like the other 15 teams, I never gave EJ a thought in the off-season as a player who could help us." After several prized signees did not pan out in training camp, Papasedero brought in Burt for a look. "He was so quick off the ball, I knew he could play defense," Papasedero said. "On offense, he was raw, but I noticed he had decent footwork. I felt if we could bring him along slow and he could eventually help us." Papasedero got more than a solid season out of Burt. The AFL rookie out of West Liberty College not only broke Jerry Odom's 11-year-old Orlando Predators single season mark for quarterback sacks in the regular season (9.5), but also topped Barry Wagner's record for forced fumbles in a single season.

McGRIFF, BURT AND DAVIS ALL NAMED TO ALL ROOKIE TEAM: The Orlando Predators and Dallas Desperados dominated to the 2003 Arena Football League "All-Rookie" team with three selections each. Heading the way for the Predators was former Florida Gator star Travis McGriff, who finished the regular season with 81 receptions for 1,216 yards and 25 touchdowns. McGriff, who added 1,031 yards in kick returns, became just the third player in Predators history to record 2,000 all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,247 all-purpose yards. McGriff, who played three seasons in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, finished second on the team with 158 points.

Joining McGriff on the All-Rookie team were teammates Burt and Davis. Burt, an undersized lineman, was overlooked by every Arena Football League team last year despite setting a pro football record with 27.5 quarterback sacks for Cape Fear of the "arenafootball2" league.

Predators Head Coach Fran Papasedero signed Burt three days into training camp after releasing two prized recruits. "The book on him was that he was too small to play at the next level and was horrible as an offensive lineman. I can't be smug about signing him, because like every other coach in this league, I didn't think he could play at this level and didn't give him a thought during the off-season. I remember joking with him after we signed him that I only need him to get a quarter of the 27 sacks he did in af2 and I would be happy. We ended up getting more than that out of him." What the Predators did get out of him was 9.5 quarterback sacks, which broke Jerry Odom's 11-year-old record for the most sacks in a single season by an Orlando player. His quarterback sack total of 9.5 ranked second in the Arena Football League behind Tom Brigg's 10.5. He also forced a league-high eight fumbles. Burt also had 30 tackles, the most of any Predators lineman.

Davis, like McGriff, was a rookie in AFL terms only. The Predators originally signed him in 1999, but he opted for NFL Europe instead. He parlayed that experience into a three-year NFL career with the New York Giants. After being waived following the 2002 season, Davis resigned with the Predators. He started at wide receiver and backed up Cory Fleming at "jack" linebacker. Davis finished the season with 63 receptions for 759 yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, he had 22.5 tackles with an interception and a fumble recovery.

McGRIFF/FLEMING TOP DUO: The duo of Travis McGriff and Cory Fleming were the most productive in Orlando Predators franchise history. When the two combined for 212 receiving yards against Detroit in the season finale, they brought their combined season total to 2,442 yards. That total topped Barry Wagner and Bret Cooper, who combined for 2,258 receiving yards in 1999, for the most ever by a Predators pair.

WIN STREAK IMPRESSIVE: Orlando's current six-game winning is currently tied for the fifth longest winning streak in club history. Interestingly, the current streak ties the current Predators team that ran off six straight earlier this season. Orlando also won six straight in the 2001 season. Should the Predators win their quarterfinal game next week, they would tie the 2000 edition of the Orlando Predators and the 1993 team for the third longest winning streak in club history. The 2000 team started 7-0 and finished 14-3, capturing the AFL title.

PAPASEDERO'S WINNING PERCENTAGE CLIMBS: After starting his AFL coaching career with a 1-4 record, Orlando Predators Head Coach Fran Papasedero has guided his team to 20 wins in his last 28 games – a winning percentage of .714. Overall, the Predators are 19-11 in regular season games under Papasedero and his .633 winning percentage ranks 9th on the all-time list.

SCORING FIRST TRANSLATES TO VICTORY: How important is for the Orlando Predators to score first in a game? Well if you just look at the stats, you would say extremely important. Orlando is a perfect 12-0 this season when they score first in a game. When they don't score first, they are 0-4.

ALLEN CLIMBS UP CAREER SACK LIST: Lost on the heels of EJ Burt's sensational rookie season that included an Orlando Predators' single season record of 9.5 quarterback sacks is the fact that Burt's teammate, Ernest Allen, recorded 4.5 quarterback sacks this season and continues to climb up the Orlando Predators all-time list in that category. Allen, who had 11 career sacks while playing for Florida, Albany and Milwaukee, now has 16.5 career sacks with the Predators. That total puts Allen second on Orlando's all-time list behind Paul McGowan. 9.5

McGRIFF AND FLEMING SLIDE INTO TOP 10: With both players going over the 1,200-yard mark and each catching 25 or more touchdown passes, both Cory Fleming and Travis McGriff easily moved into the Predators Top 10 for single season receiving touchdowns and single season receiving yards.

MAYNOR REACHES MILESTONE IN 2003: With 119 yards rushing this season, Connell Maynor became the first man in Arena Football League history to rush for 500 yards, pass for 500 yards, and have more than 500 yards in receptions. It probably won't happen, but if Maynor could return a few kickoffs for 62 yards, he could add 500 yards in kickoff returns to the above accomplishment. Maynor, a unique player who served one season as a WR/KR for New York, has also played cornerback, safety and "Jack" linebacker in his career. He is one of only two players in Arena Football League history (Arizona's Hunkie Cooper has also done it) to run for a touchdown, throw for a touchdown, return a kick for a touchdown, catch a touchdown pass, record an interception and record a quarterback sack in his career. The numbers on Maynor:

Seasons in AFL 10
AFL Championships 4
Passing Yards 8, 564
Rushing Yards 555
Receiving Yards 748
Return Yards 428

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PREDS QB JAY GRUDEN: Although he was limping noticeably when he returned from a severe ankle injury seven weeks ago, Gruden's ankle has been getting better and better with each passing week. Despite missing six and a half weeks, Gruden was nothing short of sensational during the regular season, compiling a 10-0 record and throwing 49 touchdowns and just two interceptions. But it has always been during the post-season where Gruden has really excelled. As a player, Gruden has compiled a 14-3 record as a player. Toss in an 8-2 mark as a head coach, and Gruden is 22-5 in the AFL post season and has six championship rings. Could a seventh ring be in the cards for #7 in 2003?

DRAGONS QB AARON GARCIA: One of the most accurate and prolific passers in Arena Football League history, all Garcia did this season was throw for more than 4,200 yards, 100 touchdown passes and just 10 interceptions while completing 68.7% of his passes. Oh, by the way, he missed two regular season games as a result of an automobile accident. Garcia was even better in the post-seaso game against Chicago. He completed 73.5% (25 of 34) for 291 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. Garcia is tough and doesn't make mistakes. The key to victory for Orlando will be to get some sacks on Garcia and try to make him throw before he's ready.

PREDS WR/LB CORY FLEMING: Without question, Fleming is one of the five best WR/LB in Arena Football League history. When Carolina decided to clean house last year in a salary reduction move, they asked Fleming where he wanted to be traded. Fleming wanted to come to Orlando in hopes of finally winning a championship ring. In his first season with the Preds, Fleming has become Jay Gruden's "go to" receiver and finished the year leading the team in receptions (96) and yards (1,226), and receiving touchdown (28). Fleming has caught 11 touchdown passes in his last four games.

DRAGONS WR CHRIS ANTHONY: When superstar Mike Furrey left the team for the NFL, Chris Anderson stepped up to become Aaron Garcia's primary target. Anderson picked Chicago apart last week, grabbing 12 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. During the regular season, Anthony was the second leading receiver on the Dragons with 70 receptions for 880 yards and 18 touchdowns.

PREDS DS GLENN DAVIS AND RASHAD FLOYD: When veteran Rob Davis was hurt and Floyd was struggling a little, rookie Glenn Davis stepped in and eventually took the starting job. Both Davis and Floyd play equally on the corner and both players are young. Davis is in his first AFL season and Floyd is in his second. The play of Orlando's young corners against an experienced quarterback like Garcia could go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.

DRAGONS DS DONVETIS FRANKLIN: Like Orlando's Kenny McEntyre, New York's Donvetis Franklin is the Dragon's leader in the secondary and their "big play" guy. Last Sunday against Chicago, Franklin made several big plays, including 7.5 tackles and pass defense and a key interception in the first half that prevented a Chicago touchdown. Franklin led the Arena Football League in tackles this year with 93.5. The second-year standout also led the Dragons in both interceptions (4) and pass break-ups (21).

PREDS OL/DL ERNEST ALLEN: With the departure of veterans Curtis Eason and BJ Cohen via free agency, Ernest Allen is the remains as Orlando's most-experienced lineman. Allen, a four-time All-Arena selection, had another solid season this year with 4.5 quarterback sacks. Although he plays both end and nose tackle on defense, Allen is most effective at the nose, where he has had the ability to manhandle most centers in the league. Now in his eighth season, Allen would like to add a second championship ring to his playing resume and knows that 2003 may be his best opportunity to do so as his career begins to wind down.

DRAGONS WR/DB WILLIAM HOLDER: The rookie from Monmouth College (NJ) was also asked to step up his game after the departure of Furrey. He responded with a nine-catch, 129-yard, 4-touchdown performance against Carolina in the season finale and added three touchdowns and more than 100 yards against Chicago in the opening of the playoffs. Holder has clearly established himself as Garcia's second favorite target behind Anthony and will need to be dealt with by Predators defenders.

PREDS DS KENNY "THE GLOVE" McENTYRE: When the lights are the brightest, Kenny McEntyre always seems to play his best. In 13 post-season games, McEntyre has 64.5 tackles, 12 pass defenses and nine interceptions. He is coming off another "all-pro" season with 10 interceptions and 21 pass defenses.

DRAGONS WR/LB ANTHONY HUTCH: Although his receiving numbers do not compare to Furrey, Anthony or Holder's, Hutch is a very important cog in New York's machine. He quietly makes plays on the defensive side of the ball, where he forced a key fumble last week against Chicago and recorded 3.5 quarterback sacks this season. Offensively, Hutch is still a solid receiver with 51 receptions for 593 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season.

PREDATORS' AFL AWARD WINNERS: The Arena Football League has honored the following Predators to date:

All-Arena
Kenny McEntyre (1st Team)
Ernest Allen (2nd Team)



Arena Football League Stories from May 27, 2003


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