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Tampa Bay Storm head to Cleveland to Play Gladiators

May 15, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm (5-4, 3-2) heads to Ohio to take on the Cleveland Gladiators (5-3, 3-0) for the second time this season. The two teams met earlier this season, April 13, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tampa Bay defeated Cleveland 69-48.

This is the 12th meeting between the two teams, and the first game in Cleveland. Tampa Bay holds a 7-4 advantage in the all-time series. However, Tampa Bay has lost its past seven road games dating back to last season. Meanwhile, the Gladiators are 19-9 at The Q since moving to Cleveland from Las Vegas prior to the 2008 season.

The Gladiators ebb and flow with the play of quarterback John Dutton. He has only thrown 11 interceptions this season, but seven of those came in two of the team's three losses. Dutton, who has completed 65.4% of his passes and has 2,226 yards and 47 touchdowns. He is sixth all-time in the AFL with 716 career touchdown passes. His primary weapon is Dominick Goodman, second in the AFL with 88 receptions and ninth with 901 yards. He has 51 receptions in his last four games, including 14 against the Storm. Robert Redd compliments Goodman at wide out with 66 receptions for 700 yards making them the most prolific duo of receivers in the AFL.

Tampa Bay's defense will face a stiff task trying to rattle Dutton this week, as the Gladiators offensive line, led by Nyere Aumaitre, has allowed a league low three sacks. Yet, one of those three sacks was registered by Storm lineman Eugene Kinlaw in the previous matchup. Tampa Bay's Pernell Phillips, ninth in the AFL in sacks has registered 3.5 sacks in the past three games will need to pace the front four. If he can, it will make the job of the Storm defensive backfield, which had previous success against Dutton with three interceptions, easier. Tampa Bay needs to get turnovers to change the face of the game and give the offense opportunities. That is easier said than done as Cleveland has lost only three fumbles this season to the opposition.

Offensively, the Storm needs to overcome first half miscues that have plagued the team on the road. Like the Gladiators, Tampa Bay has a dynamic duo at wide receiver that has put up similar numbers, as Prechae Rodriguez and Chandler Williams have combined for six fewer receptions than its Gladiators counterparts and 81 more yards receiving. In addition, wide receiver Amarri Jackson, who missed four games early this season, has 33 receptions for 422 yards and eight touchdowns; including four is the past two games. They face yet another tough test going up against the top scoring defense in the AFL.

Cleveland's defense also has the best pass efficiency rating and has allowed the second fewest yards in the League. The unit is led by playmaker Mack linebacker Tim Cheatwood with three fumble recoveries and three sacks. Joe Phinisee and Levy Brown compliment the play of Cheatwood in the defensive backfield of the Gladiators. Each has four interceptions, including two by Brown in the two teams' previous matchup. The Cleveland defense has had a total of eight different players recover a fumble and eight record an interception. There are very few weak links in this defense which will make for a strong t test for the Storm offense on the road.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm celebrates its 25th season in the AFL. Bright House Family Four packs starting at $59 and single-game tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the McDonalds Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Group tickets and season ticket packages are still available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com .

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