Philadelphia Soul Prepare for Rival Mustangs
Published on May 4, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (May 4, 2012) - The Philadelphia Soul (6-1) return home from their, 69-53, victory over Orlando to face off against the Milwaukee Mustangs (2-4). The game marks the third time the teams meet and Philadelphia's third game against a division rival so far this season. The series was split 1-1 in its inaugural season as both home teams came away with last-second victories.
The Soul are currently atop the Arena Football League, now ahead of the Arizona Rattlers, Chicago Rush, San Jose SaberCats and Utah Blaze who each own a 5-2 record through Week 8 of 2012. Philadelphia endured a scare last week as they trailed the Orlando Predators into the fourth quarter, but put on a show in the final frame as they outscored Orlando 34-12 to win the game, 69-53.
Now, the Soul turn their attention to the Milwaukee Mustangs as they return home with kickoff set for 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at the Wells Fargo Center. A live stream of the game will be available to fans through www.ustream.tv/philadelphiasoul
The return to the Wells Fargo Center for Week 9 features a battle between division rivals that match up well on paper. The Soul have the No. 1 rushing offense while the Mustangs possess the No. 2 rushing defense, the teams rank No. 3 and 4 respectively in sacks by, and both teams stand in the top five in the AFL for sacks allowed.
The mismatch appears in the turnover battle and the passing game. Philadelphia has earned a turnover ratio of +10 while the Mustangs sit at +4. Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh is among the League's finest and is on pace to set franchise records in 2012. Milwaukee sits at No. 17, last, in the League for pass defense.
"It will be tough for our ground game this week. Milwaukee's defense has done a great job stopping the run, so we won't be able to rely on that as much this week" said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "Anytime you play within your division you have to come away with a win. If you can't win your division, you aren't going to get to where you want to be at the end of the season."
Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh has been consistent and impressive in 2012. Raudabaugh has completed 138-of-208 attempts (66.3%) for a passing efficiency rating of 124.06 that ranks No. 2 in the League. Through seven games, he has thrown for 1,853 yards and his 46 touchdowns rank No. 3 in the AFL, as do his 13.4 yards per completion. Thanks to Raudabaugh's contributions, the Soul offense is ranked No. 1 in terms of scoring and No. 5 in total offense.
Last week, Raudabaugh carried the ball for two touchdowns in the absence of league-leading rusher FB Derrick Ross. Raudabaugh may be leaned on more heavily again this week with Milwaukee's rushing defense ranked No. 2 in the League. Last week's comeback victory showed that Raudabaugh has the composure to lead this team regardless of the circumstances.
"We know they are a well-coached team coming in. They know how to get after the quarterback and we know we'll have to perform well to come away with a win," said Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh. "I'm looking forward to a good game. I think it'll be a tough and competitive one and I'm excited for it. I'm also excited to get back home and play in front of our fans again."
Helping Raudabaugh has been the performance of WR Tiger Jones. 2011's Cutters Receiver of the Year has exploded onto the AFL scene once more after fellow wide out Donovan Morgan was sidelined with a wrist injury. Jones ranks No. 1 for yards per catch (15.9), No. 2 for receiving yards (876), No. 3 in receiving yards per game (125.1), No. 4 for receiving touchdowns (20), and No. 6 in scoring (120).
Tiger's effort has been unquestionable this season, giving his all every week. Jones has sacrificed his body to make leaping touchdown receptions over the end zone walls on numerous occasions. His efforts have earned him multiple Cutters' Catch of the Game and Week awards.
Over the past few weeks, Soul DL Bryan Robinson has emerged as a force on the line of scrimmage and created a presence in the opponent's backfield. Robinson now ranks No. 1 in the AFL for forced fumbles (4), No. 2 for tackles for loss (9.0), and No. 4 for sacks (6.0).
Both teams know how to get after the quarterback and protect their own on the field. The Soul rank No. 1 in the League for sacks allowed, only giving up two sacks on Raudabaugh. Philadelphia has sacked opposing quarterbacks 14 times and sit at No. 3 in the League for sacks by. Milwaukee ranks No. 4 in sacks by (13) and in sacks allowed (5).
The biggest match-up is set between the Soul's FB Derrick Ross and the Milwaukee defense. Milwaukee has the No. 2 rushing defense in the League, allowing only 66 yards through the 2012 season's first eight weeks. Ross not only leads the Soul rushing attack, but the entire AFL in rushing yards (181), rushing attempts (50), and rushing touchdowns (12).
The Soul are two games ahead of the second-place Cleveland Gladiators (4-3) for the lead of the Eastern Division and have earned the best record in the AFL through their first seven games.
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