Something's Got to Give
February 13, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
Ali-Frasier. Bird-Magic. Nicklaus-Palmer.
This Sunday in Orlando may well become the next episode in a long list of great sports rivalries because it features two of the League's premiere quarterbacks going head-to-head. Third-year quarterback JIM KUBIAK and his Dallas Desperados (2-0) will take on JAY GRUDEN and the Orlando Predators (2-0) at the TD Waterhouse Center at 3 p.m. on NBC.
Kubiak, who saw limited time last season as Dallas' backup quarterback, is starting in âBig D' and is an integral part of the Desperados 2-0 start. Meanwhile, in Orlando, Gruden is back in full force after missing the entire preseason serving as an assistant coach with his older brother JON GRUDEN and the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fresh off a record-setting season (3,621 yards passing, 68 touchdowns) and his voyage to Super Bowl XXXVII, Gruden's game is already in midseason form. In two contests, he has 42 completions on 67 attempts for 530 yards, 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions in victories over the Chicago Rush and Tampa Bay Storm.
Kubiak has been equally impressive in Dallas. In two games as the Desperados starter, he has completed 42 of his 67 attempts for 564 yards with 10 touchdowns and only one interception. In his first outing this season, he passed for a team record 326 yards.
He credits his stellar play to spending the entire 2002 season observing one of the League's all-time greats - ANDY KELLY.
"I wanted to make the most of it and learn as much as I could from Andy and how he handled situations ... how he went about business," said Kubiak, who served as Kelly's backup. "Andy really concentrated on the little things. Just watching him over time, you could see how those little things would add up to success on the football field.
"Backing up Kelly certainly helped him as far as learning the game," said Gruden about Kubiak. "There's other things beside hammering the ball and making a great throw. He's making the smart throws now also.
A key element to Gruden's early-season success is CORY FLEMING, a veteran wide receiver/linebacker the Predators acquired in an off-season trade with the Carolina Cobras.
"He's a big receiver that we haven't had here since the BARRY WAGNER days," said Gruden. "We have a guy now that can get off his man and make plays with his body. He's just a great all-around player.
Mix in the speed of offensive specialist TRAVIS MCGRIFF and wide receiver/linebacker THABITI DAVIS to complement Fleming and âBig D' will have to bring their A game.
Dallas counters with offensive specialist DIALLEO BURKS as their go-to receiver. Burks leads the Desperados with 15 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
Although the weapons will play a significant role, the game will likely come down to Gruden vs. Kubiak and could possibly be an AFL rivalry for the ages.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 13, 2003
- L.A.'s Jackson Continues Trend - AFL I
- Colorado Crush Approaches 11000 Reserved Season Tickets - Colorado Crush
- Dallas Desperados Introduce 'Impact Player' Program - Dallas Desperados
- Rampage's Home Opener and Third Home Game Officially Sold Out - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Buffalo Looks To Rattle Arizona - Buffalo Destroyers
- Battle of Unbeatens Sunday on NBC - AFL I
- Something's Got to Give - AFL I
- Cobras Add Eddie Khayat To Football Staff - Carolina Cobras
- Rampage Sign Former Firebird, Release Riley - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Firebirds Sign Former NFL Lineman, Waive Alfonzo - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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