This Week in the AFL - Playoff Edition

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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

This Week in the AFL - Playoff Edition

by Mark Sargent
August 1, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)


If week two of the Arena Football League playoffs is even half as exciting as the first weekend of action, we are in for another terrific weekend of football action. On Saturday two games are on the slate, as the Tampa Bay Storm visit the San Jose Sabercats and the Orlando Predators travel to the Meadowlands to take on the New Jersey Gladiators.

The Storm had a slow start to the regular season due to several injuries. They bounced back and finished strong, however, winning three of their last four games, and capturing the last remaining playoff spot with a 6-8 record.

San Jose, on the other hand, had an almost perfect season winning 13 of 14 games. Their only loss came in week 13 as they were narrowly defeated, 59-52, by their division rivals, the Arizona Rattlers.

Quarterback Mark Grieb had an incredible season and led the entire league with a QB rating of 126. He threw for over 3,300 yards and tossed 70 touchdown passes. Unfortunately, Grieb was injured in the loss to Arizona and will not return for the playoffs. Three-year AFL veteran John Dutton takes over the quarterback duties in San Jose. He is more than capable of running the offense and could be a starter on many other AFL teams. Helping him out, the Sabercats have an excellent group of receivers led by James Hundon and Barry Wagner, as well as a solid defense.

Given San Jose's record this year, it would appear to some fans that this might be a one-sided affair, however, do not count out any Tim Marcum coached team. Tampa Bay has a history of being one of the best AFL franchises and they know how to play in big games. This could be a high scoring affair and should be very entertaining no matter what team you are cheering for.

The New Jersey Gladiators were probably the biggest surprise of the 2002 regular season. The Gladiators were a dismal 2-12 during 2001, but they bounced back and finished up this season at 9-5 capturing the Eastern Division title in the process.

Just like Tampa Bay, Orlando got off to a slow start this season, but Jay Gruden and company turned things around and finished up strong at 7-7 to capture the Southern Division title. Orlando has a solid defense, and last weekend they held the Buffalo Destroyers' attack to a mere 27 points.

This should also be a great game, though it may be a lower scoring affair and a defensive battle. These teams are fairly evenly matched and the game could go either way.

On Sunday afternoon the Carolina Cobras visit the Arizona Rattlers. Carolina finished the regular season at 6-8 while Arizona was 11-3. Both teams had success late in the season and Carolina surprised a lot of fans last weekend by knocking off the defending Arena Bowl champion Grand Rapids Rampage, 72-64.

Both squads have a good offenses, and this should be another high-scoring battle. I will give the edge to Arizona because they are playing at home.

In a rare Monday night contest, the Dallas Desperados visit the Chicago Rush. Just like the other three games, this should be a close contest. Both teams have strong quarterbacks who are capable of putting up big numbers. These teams can score very quickly and often, and this could turn out to be the most exciting game of the weekend.

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 1, 2002


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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