Sabercats Aim To Put Blemish On Soul's Perfect Record
April 11, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats (3-3) will host one of the premier teams from the National Conference as the Philadelphia Soul (6-0) invade HP Pavilion on Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. (PT).
Historically a slow starting team, the SaberCats are treading water at the .500 mark but hold the second-best record in the American Conference behind Chicago (4-2) and currently lead the Western Division. San Jose is coming off a dismantling 43-72 loss at the hands of the New Orleans VooDoo during Week 6.
Many pundits are making the coincidental comparison that the SaberCats held the same 3-3 record last season after getting blown out in New Orleans but then rattled off 13 straight en route to claiming their third league title in six years, but San Jose offensive coordinator Terry Malley is quick to point out that there is no similarity.
"People want to say, âAh, you were 3-3 at one time a year ago' but this isn't last year's team," insisted Malley. "We've always talked about that you want to be playing your best football at the end of the season but we're not good enough to turn it on and off either. And that just doesn't happen, you make things happen and you have to force them."
With James Roe and Rodney Wright expected to be back in the starting lineup, the âCats could be alleviated from some of the offensive shortcomings apparent in last week's game. Quarterback Mark Grieb threw a trio of interceptions with all three leading to VooDoo touchdowns.
Coach Malley is fully aware of the importance of this game but isn't ready to label the contest a do or die situation. "I think it's a pivotal game if you win because it gives you momentum and it would be something to build off of. If you lose, you have to deal with it and just get better the following week. With the Dallas game you are upset because you lost but played quality football so you deal with that, but in New Orleans we didn't play quality football."
The 14-year offensive mastermind also implemented a new teaching method to his squad in preparation for the game against Philadelphia. Each wide receiver and quarterback on the team was required to submit written statements to Coach Malley after Thursday's practice.
"We had to write down five things we were going to expect to see this week against Philadelphia's defensive unit," confirmed Grieb. "It's a nice opportunity to take some time to think on your own about what you are going to see. It's so easy to sit there in a meeting and listen to what the coach is saying and not really process it and not really internalize what's being said."
In an attempt to slow down the best pass rushing team in the league (12.0 sacks) with the Soul, the SaberCats signed offensive lineman Jason Thomas this week. Thomas started 13 games with the Rush in 2007 and spent seven years in the NFL.
"This is a great organization that I really got a close look at last year when we lost to them in the conference championship," stated Thomas. "The coaching staff, players and preparation is all top flight and the expectation here is to win championships. I am happy to be here and hope to contribute in many ways."
Thomas (6-3, 305, Hampton) will most likely start on the offensive line alongside Dan Loney and William Obeng. San Jose has only given up 4.0 sacks this season but will have their hands full with Soul defensive lineman Gabe Nyenhuis and Bryan Save who've combined for 9.0 sacks through six games.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (PT) at HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose. SaberCats' radio partner KNBR-1050 AM will air the game live with Rich Cellini and Keena Turner calling the action. Dan Dibley and Ray Woodson will co-host a two-hour pregame show starting at 5:00 p.m. Comcast SportsNet will show the game tape-delayed on Tuesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. (PT).
A premiere franchise in the Arena Football League, San Jose has won three ArenaBowl championships and captured seven Western Division titles, eight consecutive playoff appearances and owns the league's best regular season record this decade.
Season and group tickets for the 2008 season are now on sale. Contact a SaberCats account executive at (408) 573-5577 to reserve your seats today. Individual game tickets can be purchased at the HP Pavilion ticket office, all Northern California Ticketmaster locations and online at ticketmaster.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 11, 2008
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