The Avengers and the Arena
by Tim Peterson
April 25, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
The Defense Rests
As good as the Avengers defense was the first two weeks of the season; it's been equally as bad over the last five games. During that time the Avengers have given up an average of 73.4 points per game increasing their season average to 62.5. Saturday night it cost them again as Cleveland rang up 83 points at Staples Center. 69 points is enough to win most ball games - even in the Arena League. But the Avengers were still two touchdowns short after scoring that many against the Gladiators. It seems like years ago but the Avengers gave up just 42 points on opening night and 33 in week two.
Amazing Amey
Otis Amey was a one man wrecking crew against the Avengers. He posted numbers in one game that some receivers would be happy about for the entire year. He caught 15 passes for 208 yards and six touchdowns. Every time LA got back into the game or got even Raymond Philyaw would connect with Amey again. Four of Amey's six touchdown receptions came immediately after the Avengers tied the score. You see a lot of big numbers in the Arena League, but Philyaw's 411 yards passing is huge in any league.
Offense is Okay
Tim Hicks threw for 378 yards and eight touchdowns while completing 31 passes. J.R. Tolver had 11 catches for 120 yards and four touchdowns and Timon Marshall caught nine passes for 115 yards and a score. Numbers like that usually equal a victory but when you give up 83 points...
Fumbling, Bumbling...
When Hicks fumbled late in the fourth quarter, Fox Sports Net announcers Bill MacDonald and John Jackson repeatedly questioned the call stating that it appeared that Hicks' arm was moving forward in an attempt to pass the ball. But television replays clearly showed that Hicks had pulled the ball in before he fumbled and the call was correct. Also Hicks never said a word to the officials and also mentioned in an interview after the game how costly the fumble was but never said that the call was controversial.
The Real Arena Bowl?
The much anticipated battle of the unbeatens is finally here. In what is being billed as the "Broad Street Brawl" Dallas (7-0) travels to Philadelphia (8-0) Monday night. The game can be seen on ESPN 2 at 8:00 PM Eastern time. Dallas had a bye last week while the Soul blitzed Columbus 76-55. The game is the first match up of teams with records of 7-0 or better in Arena League history. The Desperados have won 15 consecutive regular season contests and can set the Arena Football League record for most consecutive wins with a victory. The Soul has won 10 straight regular season games. Statistically the Soul has a better offense while Dallas is stronger defensively. Dallas leads the all time series 5-3. With home field advantage and a weapon like Chris Jackson the edge belongs to the Soul. Either Tony Graziani or Matt D'Orazio can pick apart a defense. Look for a high scoring affair with Philly coming out on top.
Must Win?
Well it might not be a must win. If the Avengers lose to San Jose this week, it's not like they're mathematically eliminated. Despite a 3-5 record LA is still only one game back of the 4-4 Sabercats. But a loss would knock them two games back with seven to play. The Avengers get San Jose one more time - May 31 at Staples Center. Arizona is in second place in the Western Division with a record of 3-4. Utah, 61-40 losers to San Jose last Friday, is on life support at 0-8.
More Motivation
San Jose can tie an Arena league record and become the third team in history to win 14 consecutive games against division opponents. The Iowa Barnstormers won 14 straight in 1996-97 and the Tampa Bay Storm did it in 1995-'96.
Who was Great in Week Eight?
Amey, of course, took home offensive player of the week honors and Jason Geathers was named defensive player of the week. Norman LeJeune of New Orleans, who has returned three interceptions for touchdowns, was awarded the defensive player of the week.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 25, 2008
- Blaze defeat Voodoo on the road - Utah Blaze
- Opportunistic Rush defeats Colorado, 65-52 - Chicago Rush
- Brigade fall to Rampage 72-38 - Kansas City Brigade
- Rampage Defense Smothers Brigade in 72-38 Victory - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Philadelphia's Jackson Goes For 300 During The Broad Street Brawl - AFL I
- He's Back! Soul Sign Sean Scott - Philadelphia Soul
- Cinco de Mayo Game Presented by Dos Equis - Tampa Bay Storm
- Dragons Sign Three - New York Dragons
- Soul Look to Remain Undefeated While Hosting Unbeaten Desperados in Clash of League's Best - Philadelphia Soul
- The Avengers and the Arena - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
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