Philadelphia Expects to Bounce Back against Chicago
Published on May 1, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (May 2, 2013) - The Philadelphia Soul look to end their two-game losing streak and get back to .500 against the Chicago Rush this weekend. Philadelphia will face a red-hot Chicago team that is on a four-game winning streak. These two teams haven't faced each other since the 2011 season, when Chicago defeated the Soul 62-28.
The Soul (2-3) enter this week after falling short of upsetting the undefeated Jacksonville Sharks. The Soul scored a touchdown to pull within two points with 18 seconds left on the game clock. However, on the two point conversion, QB Dan Raudaubaugh's pass was knocked down, giving the Sharks the win.
"Turnovers are the main issue coming into this week," explained Dolezel. "We have to protect the ball. We've constantly been losing the turnover battle week in and week out. We need to be better than that. Not only do we need to protect the ball more, but we need to force the turnovers to happen. When that starts happening, everything else on the field will take care of itself."
Philadelphia's defense is tied for No. 5 in the league in total yards allowed (263.0), but allowed more than 50 points in all three losses. The Soul rank No. 2 in fewest rushing yards allowed (17.6) and have allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns in the league (3).
After posting a season-low 263 yards of total offense against Iowa in Week 4, Philadelphia has averaged 341 yards of total offense in the previous two games. The Soul lead the league in total offense (319.0), but rank No. 6 in scoring offense (55.4) because of their 14 turnovers (No. 4).
The Rush (4-2) capitalize on their ability to win close games. After going 4-4 last season in games decided by seven points or less, the team is 3-0 during this season. Chicago's offense is in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories (No. 6 in rushing, No. 7 in scoring, No. 9 in passing and No. 11 in total offense). However, Chicago has the second most first downs in the league (124).
Despite Chicago's offensive struggles, Reggie Gray ranks No. 4 in all-purpose yards per game (177.8). He ranks No. 2 in the league in receiving yards (733) and No. 2 in receptions (52). Gray also ranks No. 6 in kick return average (20.3).
Chicago's defense ranks No. 9 in total defense (284.2), but has two members that rank in the top five in tackles per game (Jorrick Calvin and Joe Phinisee). Calvin averages 8.1 tackles and 2.3 passes defended per game (No. 2 in the league).
Discipline will the deciding factor in this battle. Philadelphia and their No. 1 ranked offense should be able to move the ball against Chicago, but the Soul's -7 turnover ratio hampered their ability to score. The Rush have are on a four-game winning streak, but still rank No. 3 in the league in penalties (51). In a tight matchup with two evenly-matched teams, whichever team makes the fewest mistakes will come out with the victory.
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