AFL Philadelphia Soul

Soul Set to Face off against Unbeaten Sharks

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


PHILADELPHIA (April 25, 2013) - Philadelphia looks to get back over .500 in this week's rematch of the 2012 American Conference Championship against the Jacksonville Sharks. The Soul face off against one of the two undefeated teams left in the league, after their home opening overtime loss to the Cleveland Gladiators.

Philadelphia head coach Clint Dolezel has a career record of 13-9 (13-10 overall) in his first season with Philadelphia, and second season of his coaching career. Les Moss is in his fourth season as head coach, all four with the Jacksonville Sharks. In his time with Jacksonville, he has compiled a record of 41-16 (45-18 overall). Philadelphia won all three match-ups against the Sharks last season including an 89-34 victory in the American Conference Championship.

"We need to play a complete game in all the phases of football to win," explained Dolezel. "Our defense has been playing well all season, but they went away last week. Jacksonville is playing well, and they're coming into this week with a lot of confidence. We will need to play well and execute plays in every aspect of the game. Our players prepared well this week, they're in the right mindset and I feel confident heading into this match-up."

The Soul enter the game 2-2 after giving up a two-touchdown lead in the second half against Cleveland. The team's defense has been the catalyst to their season, as they rank No.4 in the league in total defense (262.8). Perhaps the team's biggest strength is their rush defense, as the Soul are ranked No.1 in rushing yards per game (10.8) and tied for No.1 in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (3). The 2-2 Soul rank No.3 in total offense (310.0), posting a passing attack that averages 284.2 yards (No.5) and a running game that averages 25.8 yards per game (No.4).

The Sharks are 5-0 based on their strong secondary that ranks No. 3 (224.2) in fewest passing yards allowed per game. While Jacksonville is very good defending the pass, they have struggled to stop the run, giving up 11 rushing touchdowns (tied for No. 1) and 29.4 rushing yards per game (No. 12). Even with a defense that struggles against the run, the Sharks are No. 1 in scoring defense (40.6), giving up 50 or more points just one time this season. On offense, Jacksonville is the best rushing team in the league (55.0 yards per game) and have scored the second most rushing touchdowns (14). Despite a strong running game, the Sharks rank No. 7 in total offense (293.8) because of their passing offense that averages 238.8 yards per game (No.11).

One match-up to watch out for is Philadelphia WR Tiger Jones against Jacksonville's secondary. Jones is No. 2 in the AFL in receiving yard per game (123.0), tied for No. 3 in touchdowns (12), No. 4 in receiving yards (492), and tied for No. 5 in receptions (36). The Sharks have two members of their secondary that rank in the top ten in interceptions (Terrance Smith and Micheaux Robinson) and passes defended (Robinson and Tracy Belton).

There are a few factors that will be an advantageous to win in this match-up. Jacksonville has the second best red zone offense (92.0) in the league while the Soul's red zone defense ranks No. 12 (86.7). Turnovers have plagued Philadelphia this year as they rank No. 12 in turnover margin (-6) while Jacksonville ranks No. 4 (+6). If Philadelphia turns the ball over and can't get the passing game going, the Sharks could see their undefeated season continue.

Check out the Philadelphia Soul Statistics

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



Arena Football League Stories from April 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