AFL Philadelphia Soul

Philadelphia Visits the 'Lone Star State' in Hopes of Winning Conference

Published on July 24, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release


PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul (12-5) will head into the final game of their regular season as they face the San Antonio Talons (9-8) on Saturday, July 27 at 9 p.m. ET and will be aired on CBS Sports Network. With a win, the Soul will win the American Conference and finish the season on an eight-game win streak.

"We need to play this game the same way we've been playing the entire second half of the season," explains Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. "We're going to have to win the turnover battle and capitalize on opportunities. They have a strong defensive line, especially with Sykes, so we will need to protect our quarterback and allow him to make the play."

With the 65-43 win over San Jose, it was the seventh straight road victory for the playoff-tested back-to-back East Division Champions. Andrae Thurman continued his standout play, catching 10 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Tiger Jones became the first player in AFL history to have three straight seasons of 2,000 yards receiving or more, while also setting franchise records in a single season for receptions (141) and receiving yards (2,028).

Dan Raudabaugh continued his stellar performance, throwing for six touchdowns and no interceptions. While he is off his career pace of last season, he has been efficient, setting a career-high in completion percentage and has not thrown an interception in seven games.

Last week, Philadelphia's defense held an opponent under 200 yards of offense for the second time this season. For the SaberCats who came into the game with the third-highest scoring offense, they finished with their lowest offensive output of the season (198). It was the first time the Soul allowed over 40 points in three weeks.

Philadelphia ranks No. 1 in the League in scoring defense (46.9) and fewest rushing yards allowed (14.9). For the season, Bryan Robinson leads the League in tackles per loss (17.5) and ranks No. 4 in sacks (11.0). In the secondary, Rayshaun Kizer leads the team in passes defended (25), tackles (79.0), and interceptions (9).

The San Antonio Talons won nine games, despite an offense that ranks near the bottom in offensive yards (No. 11) and scoring (No. 13). They have the worst passing offense in the League (236.5), while starting four quarterbacks this season.

Despite the quarterback play, Jomo Wilson has 93 receptions and 1,180 receiving yards while Chad Cook ranks in the League's top ten in rushing yards (16.1/game), yards per rush (3.2) and rushing touchdowns (11). D.J Stephens is No. 10 in all-purpose yards per game (126.3) with 738 receiving and 650 kick return yards.

San Antonio's secondary has two outstanding playmakers in Jamar Ransom and Fred Shaw. Ransom ranks in the league's top 15 in tackles per game (5.2) and has three interceptions returns for touchdowns. Shaw ranks No. 5 in interceptions (9) with 126 interception return yards and two defensive touchdowns. The Talons' defensive line features Joe Sykes who leads the AFL in sacks (13.5) and is No. 3 in tackles per loss (15.0).

Unless Joe Sykes can get pressure on an offensive line that has only allowed six sacks all season, the Talons will struggle to keep up with Philadelphia. Their offense has been too inconsistent at the quarterback position to go touchdown-for-touchdown with the Soul's No. 3 ranked scoring offense. If Raudabaugh keeps up his stellar play and finds his playmakers, the Soul could finish the season on an eight-game winning streak and win the American Conference.

Check out the Philadelphia Soul Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League Stories from July 24, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central