Soul Look To Continue Win Streak Against Storm
May 22, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul look to win their fourth consecutive road game of the season as they take on the Tampa Bay Storm. Philadelphia leads the series, 5-3, after sweeping Tampa Bay twice last season, 83-48 and 83-79. Kickoff, between the American Conference rivals, is set at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 on CBS Sports Network.
"This is one of those games that comes down to the turnover battle," explained Soul head coach Clint Dolezel about the upcoming game against Tampa Bay. "We need to win the battle against this team. The Storm are +17 and we're -4. The turnovers are the reason why they're 6-3 and we're 4-4. If we win the turnover battle, we should come out of this week with a win."
The defense is led by DL Bryan Robinson who is No. 2 in the league in tackles-for-loss (10.5) and No. 7 in sacks (5.5). Philadelphia's rush defense is one of their strengths, as it ranks No. 1 in fewest rushing yards per game (14.4) and fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (6). After forcing three turnovers last week, the team pushed their turnover margin to -4.
Clint Dolezel's offense has no issues moving the ball this season, as they rank No. 2 in total offense (312.0). Their passing attack ranks No. 4 (280.8) while they've scored the second most rushing touchdowns in the league (20). Tiger Jones is Philadelphia's main weapon, ranking No. 2 in the league in receiving yards (1,013), No. 3 in receptions (71) and No. 6 in receiving touchdowns (17).
Tampa Bay is led by duel-threat quarterback Adrian McPherson. The veteran quarterback out of Florida State alum leads the league in rushing (297 yards) and rushing touchdowns (24) while also ranking No. 5 among quarterbacks in total offense (292.0). He has 64 total touchdowns and just seven turnovers. The Storm has scored the third most touchdowns in the league (75) and average 57.7 points per game. Despite McPherson's numbers, Dave Ewart's team ranks in the middle of the pack in offense yards per game (285.3).
Tampa Bay's defense ranks No. 10 in the league in total defense (281.8) and has given up the second most rushing yards in the league (274). Despite the defense's struggles, they have created a league-high 29 turnovers. The Storm's lockdown defense and ability to not make mistakes has the team's turnover margin at +17.
The major thing to watch in this matchup is the Soul's ability to shut down the Storms QB McPherson. If they No. 5 sacking defense in Philadelphia can push around the No. 13 Storm offensive line, they should be able to put pressure on the quarterback. The Soul's league-leading rushing defense should be able to stop McPherson on the run as well, and force him to make plays through the air. A key to this game will be for the defense to lock down McPherson and capitalize on the turnover opportunities.
A matchup to watch will be Philadelphia WR Tiger Jones against the Tampa Bay secondary. Jones is one of only two wide receivers in the league to have over 1,000 receiving yards and has seven consecutive games of over 100 yards.
The Storm rank near the bottom of the league against the pass, but have two members of their secondary that rank in the top ten in interceptions in Chris Smith and De'Audra Dix. Three members of their defense rank in the top 20 in tackles-per-game in Smith, DB Rashad Barksdale and DB Vance Cuff. If the Storm secondary can't create turnovers or stop Jones, Philadelphia could see their winning streak extend to two games.
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