Philadelphia Soul: Playoff Game 1 Game Preview
July 23, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
The Philadelphia Soul (7-5) begin their quest for a fourth ArenaBowl title this Sunday at 3:30 pm against the defending champion Washington Valor (7-5) at Capital One Arena. Having fallen to the three seed after a loss to the Empire in the regular season finale, the Soul will host the second leg of the home-and-home series at the Wells Fargo Center on August 4th at 4 pm. Fans can watch both games live on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, ESPN3 or the ESPN app, or listen to the action on 97.5 The Fanatic.
While the Soul lead the all-time series 6-3, the Valor have won both previous meetings this season behind dual-threat quarterback Arvell Nelson. The QB was responsible for 14 touchdowns against the Soul (11 passing, 3 rushing). In fact, Nelson has been involved in 73 of Washington's 74 offensive touchdowns this season, by far the most of any player this season. The Valor's only other score was a rushing touchdown by WR Reggie Gray in Week 3 against Atlantic City. Washington's last 57 touchdowns have all come on either a pass or run by Nelson.
Despite that production, Nelson leads the league in interceptions and ranks last in completion percentage among qualified quarterbacks. The QB was intercepted on the Valor's opening possession of each half in the teams' Week 7 meeting, with James Romain and Dwayne Hollis both coming up with a pick. In addition to the Soul's strong secondary, Nelson will face a defensive line that's ramped up the pressure in recent weeks. Philadelphia has 12 sacks this season, eight of which have come in the last five games.
Offensively, Soul wide receiver Darius Prince has found success against Washington, going over 100 yards in both previous meetings this season. In six career games against the Valor, Prince has 596 yards (99.3 yards per game) and 14 touchdowns. The receiver has scored in every game this season and 15 straight dating back to 2018.
Philadelphia is 4-1 all-time at Capital One Arena, with the only loss coming earlier this year. The Soul have not lost three straight games to a single opponent since dropping four in a row to the Jacksonville Sharks from 2015-16.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WR Darius Prince
Prince has four 100-yard receiving games this season, two of which have come against the Valor. The Soul's top target has scored in 15 straight games dating back to 2018.
QB Arvell Nelson
All but 16 of Washington's offensive plays this season have been either a run or pass by Nelson. The dual-threat quarterback leads the league in total offense and touchdowns but has thrown a league-high 15 interceptions.
BY THE NUMBERS
57 Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson has been responsible for the team's last 57 touchdowns. Nelson has been involved in 98.6% of Washington's offensive touchdowns this season (73 of 74). The next closest player is Tommy Grady, who's been involved in 81% of the Empire's offensive scores.
Highest Pct of Offensive TDs Involved In - This Season
TDs
Arvell Nelson 98.6% 73-of-74
Tommy Grady 81.0% 68-of-84
Shane Boyd 76.2% 48-of-63
Grant Russell 75.5% 40-of-53
Dan Raudabaugh 75.0% 54-of-72
8 Eight of Philadelphia's 12 sacks this season have come in the last five games.
4 Four of Darius Prince's 11 career 100-yard receiving games have come against the Valor, including two this season. The receiver has averaged 99.3 yards per game vs Washington compared to 78.4 yards per game vs all other opponents in his career.
Arena Football League Stories from July 23, 2019
- Valor Today - Washington Valor
- Philadelphia Soul: Playoff Game 1 Game Preview - Philadelphia Soul
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