Philadelphia Looks to Win First Home Game
Published on May 8, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (May 8, 2013) - The Philadelphia Soul look to get back over the .500 mark on the season in this week's matchup against the Pittsburgh Power. The Soul (3-3) defeated the Power (1-5) in both matchups last season, and hope to win their first home game on the season by extending the win streak to three.
The Soul ended a two-game losing streak last week in Chicago, defeating the Rush 72-41. Pittsburgh is currently on a two-game losing streak after losing to the Orlando Predators 52-38 last Saturday. It's been a struggle for the Power this season as four of their five losses have been by at least 14 points.
"This week is the same game plan as last week," explains Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. "Last week we were able to come up with a lot of turnovers on defense. We were able to take care of the ball on offense and doing so led to us winning to the game. This week we need to do the same thing. We need to do the little things and get everyone on the same page. If we do that, I think we'll come out on top."
The Soul's offense put together a strong performance against Chicago last week, scoring a season-high 72 points. This season, the offense has no problem moving the ball, ranking No. 2 in total yards per game (318.5), No. 3 in pass offense (284.5) and No. 4 in rushing offense (34.0). The issue for Dolezel's team has been turnovers. Philadelphia has turned the ball over 14 times so far this season, having a -4 turnover margin (Tied No. 9).
After allowing more than 50 points in Weeks 5 and 6, Philadelphia's defense clamped down, giving up only 41 points and 226 total yards against Chicago. The Soul's strength on defense is stopping the run, ranking No. 1 in fewest rushing yards allowed (14.8) and fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (3). Philadelphia's defense gives up 242.0 yards through the air and is tied for No. 3 in total defense (256.8) in the league.
The Power's defense ranks No. 1 in fewest yards allowed (228.7) with the next closest team allowing almost 20 yards more per game (San Antonio Talons). Derek Stingley's defense is led by a strong secondary that has allowed the fewest passing yards in the league (201.8), despite not having a single member ranked in the league's top ten in passes defended.
The Power's offense has struggled this season, ranking last in scoring (33.8). Jordan Jefferson poses as a duel threat, averaging 226.8 total yards per game and ranks No. 2 among quarterbacks in rushing yards (172). Perhaps Pittsburgh's best offensive weapon is P.J Berry, who ranks No. 6 in all-purpose yards (158.2). Berry is also No. 3 in the league in kick return yards (580) to go along with his 329 yards receiving.
A few factors will be the outliers for this matchup. With the Power's strong running game (No. 3), they will look to keep Philadelphia and their No. 2 ranked offense off the field. For the Soul, they will look to get pressure on the quarterback against an offensive line that has allowed a league-high 25 sacks.
If Philadelphia doesn't turn the ball over against the stout Pittsburgh defense, it could lead to the Soul winning this battle for Pennsylvania.
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