Sharks Host Mustangs
June 16, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release
The top-ranked Jacksonville Sharks (11-1) prepare to take on the Milwaukee Mustangs (4-8) Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena. The game will be broadcast on CW17, featuring T.J Streit doing play-by-play and Jerry Odom accompanying with color commentary. The game will also be broadcast on 1010XL, hosted by Terry Norvelle.
This will be the first game the two teams have ever played. This season the Milwaukee Mustangs changed their name from the Milwaukee Iron that they played under last season.
The Milwaukee Mustangs got their first win in two weeks in a convincing manner over the Kansas City Command last week 54-34. The Mustangs have the one of the most dominant defense in the AFL. The team ranks number one in both total defense and pass defense, allowing on 254.1 and 236.2 yards per game respectively. Additionally, the Mustangs rank in the top five in every defensive statistic except sacks. The Mustangs are on an unparalleled run in the league this season where they have allowed 40 points or less in 3 consecutive games. Mustangs' defensive back Antnio Malone had two interceptions for 77 yards last week versus Kansas City.
While the Mustangs are a defensive force, offensively they are not nearly as strong. The Mustangs rank 17 out of 18 teams in the AFL in Scoring Offense, scoring just 43 points per game. The Mustangs are led by Quarterback R.J Archer. Archer has 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on the season. Archer's receiving weapons include Dwayne Eley Jr. had 4 touchdowns last week vs Kansas City and Damian Harrell who has 824 yards receiving yards on the season. Another weapon for the Mustangs is Full Back Mykel Benson who has 11 rushing touchdowns on the season. Their kicker Garrett Lindholm, who is leading the AFL in Field goals made with 16, leads the Mustangs in Scoring.
The Sharks last minute win against the Orlando Predators came with a heavy toll. Starting wide receivers Jeron Harvey and Sale' Key were placed on Injured Reserve following the game. Combined, their statistics accounted for 1773 receiving yards and an astounding 43 receiving touchdowns on the season. The Sharks will have to look for new playmakers against the Mustangs. Look for wide receivers Jeff Hughely and Jamarko Simmons to make a sustainable impact in the place of Harvey and Key. Defensive lineman Jason Holman looks to start in the place of fullback Kirby Griffin again this week and again share time with linebacker Aaron Robbins in the backfield.
Look for this game to feature two of the best defenses in the AFL. The Sharks are fourth in the AFL in scoring defense allowing just 46.5 points per game. The Mustangs allow just 46.6 points per game. Sharks' defensive back Micheaux Robinson had a huge interception in Orlando last week and has three interceptions in the last two weeks. He also leads the league in pass breakups. Look for him to have another big week. Also, the Mustangs have given up 15 sacks on the season. Defensive lineman Derrick Summers will look to give himself a double-digit sack total with ten on the season against the Mustangs.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR :
Can Wide Receivers Jeff Hughley and Jamarko Simmons step in for the injured Jeron Harvey and Sale' Key' The Mustangs have the best pass defense in the league and getting yards against the stingy Mustang defense may be difficult.
Which team will get the most interceptions' The Mustangs defensive back Antonio Malone had two interceptions vs Kansas City last week. Sharks defensive back Micheaux Robinson has three interceptions in the last two weeks
Will this be the Sharks first game where they don't top fifty points this season' The Mustangs have the best defense in the AFL and the Sharks will be missing 3 of their top 4 offensive weapons.
Arena Football League Stories from June 16, 2011
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- AFL to Announce 2011 AFL HOF Finalists During NFL Network Broadcast - AFL
- Longtime OL/DL Dan Loney Returns to SaberCats; DL Gabe Nyenhuis Activated - San Jose SaberCats
- Soul Look to Claw Back into Playoff Race Vs. Talons - Philadelphia Soul
- Tulsa's Neal Voted Week 14 National Guard MVP - AFL
- Sharks Host Mustangs - Jacksonville Sharks
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