Soul Set to Take On Rattlers in ArenaBowl XXV Rematch
Published on May 29, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul (5-4) look to win their third in-a-row as they host the Arizona Rattlers (9-1) in a rematch of ArenaBowl XXV. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and will be televised on the Comcast Network. Following the game, the Soul will host the "RoShon Fegan and Caroline Sunshine Concert Jam," which will be free to ticketholders and in conjunction with their "Daddy-Daughter Night."
Last week, Philadelphia defeated the Tampa Bay Storm in dominating fashion last week, 73-55, led by QB Dan Raudabaugh and the Soul defense. The Rattlers come into this matchup with the league's best record and are currently riding a six-game win streak after beating up Iowa, 70-26.
"We need to find a way to put pressure on Davila," explained Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. "We know they're a team that likes to throw deep, so we need to make sure our guys play good coverage and we need to put pressure on him. They have a solid line, so our guys need to come with a strong pass rush. Arizona scores a lot, so we need to stay hot offensively. We've been scoring a lot these past couple weeks. There's a good chance this game could turn out to be a shoot-out."
The defense is led by DL Bryan Robinson who is No. 1 in the league in tackles for loss (12.5) and No. 2 in sacks (7.5). Robinson has led the Soul defense with six sacks in his past four games. Philadelphia's rush defense is one of their strengths as it ranks No. 3 in fewest rushing yards per game (18.1) and a league-leading fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (8).
Clint Dolezel's offense has been clicking this year, as Raudabaugh leads the league-leading total offense (311.4) and No. 3 scoring offense (59.0). Their passing attack ranks No. 4 (282.0) while they've scored the second most rushing touchdowns in the league (23). Tiger Jones is Philadelphia's main weapon, ranking No. 3 in the league in receiving yards (1,135), No. 2 in receiving yards per game (126.1) and No.6 in receiving touchdowns (20).
Arizona is led by QB Nick Davila. He is No. 1 in pass efficiency (131.9), No. 2 in passing yards (2,642), and No. 2 in passing touchdowns (66). The Rattlers have the best scoring offense in the league (67.9) and a strong defense with the No. 3 scoring defense (46.8). Although their pass defense hasn't been strong this season, (No. 13), they've been able to force the turnovers with a league-leading 20 interceptions. The Rattlers have also been shutting down the opponent's run (14.1) ranking No. 2, which is four yards better than the Soul's No. 3 run defense (18.1).
There are several factors to watch in this matchup. One factor to watch is Raudabaugh's performance. He has a rating of 131.88 over the past three weeks and is about to face the No. 13 pass defense in the league. The Soul are also facing the second-best run defense in the league, therefore FB Derrick Ross may be ineffective in this game. If Raudabaugh can connect with his receivers, they should be able to get a jump on the Rattlers.
Another factor to watch is the turnovers. Arizona is the best in the league at forcing turnovers, leading the league with a +24 turnover margin and 20 interceptions. Furthermore, turnovers have been the Soul's Achilles' heel all season long. Although Raudabaugh has thrown just one interception in his past 162 pass attempts, if Arizona can force the mistakes, they may come out of this matchup as the winner.
Lastly, Davila will have to be the Soul's target on defense. He leads the Rattlers' offense in his ability to be efficient and making the right plays. Facing one of the best pass rushing defenses in the league in Philadelphia, the Soul will need to put pressure on Davila in hopes of taking him off his game.
The Soul game will be themed, "Manayunk and Roxborough Night at the Soul," because of the Town Takeover on Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Northern Children's Services. The night is also themed "Daddy Daughter Night," which will feature the "RoShon Fegan and Caroline Sunshine Concert Jam" following the Soul game. The concert will be free to ticketholders and additional VIP packages are available for purchase.
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