This Week in the AFL

by Mark Sargent
June 13, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

With a little over half the season gone, the Chicago Rush have built an impressive 5-3 record. They are currently tied for first place in the Central Division with the 2001 Arena Bowl Champion Grand Rapids Rampage and are on a two-game winning streak in which they have outscored their opponents by an overall total of 97-31. Not only is the Chicago offense running on all cylinders, but the defense is playing outstanding football. This weekend could be their biggest test of the year, however, as they travel to San Jose to battle the 8-0 Sabercats.

Led by quarterback Mark Grieb, the Cats have had an easy time with most opponents thus far in the campaign. Grieb is the leading quarterback in the Arena Football League with a QB rating of 127. He has thrown for over 2,100 yards and 44 touchdowns, while being intercepted on just three occasions. With a receiving corps made up of extremely talented players such as James Hundon, Barry Wagner, Jerry Reece and Shalon Baker, San Jose is leading the league in scoring with an average of 64 points per game.

As mentioned previously, the Rush have been very impressive as of late and are starting to gel together as a team. Quarterback Billy Dicken had a solid game last week completing 10 of 14 passes for 147 yards and four touchdowns. Playing in just his second year in the AFL, Dicken is sitting in fifth spot overall this season with a QB rating of 113.5. Chicago also recently acquired one of the top kickers in the AFL for the past five years in David Cool. Let go by the Orlando Predators, Cool appears to have found a new home in Chicago and he will be a great addition to the team.

On the defensive side of the ball, Cedric Walker and Dameon Porter lead the Rush. Walker, a seven-year veteran, is having a solid season with 46 tackles, 18 assists and two interceptions. Porter, the 2001 Ironman of the Year, is also having a great season, leading the league with six interceptions. Only one other team in the league, the Toronto Phantoms, have given up fewer points on the season (coming into Thursday) than the stingy Rush defense.

This Saturday's Chicago at San Jose game should be an exciting contest with the number one Sabercats offense pitted against the solid Rush defense. Although most experts will pick the Sabercats, I am going against them this weekend and giving the nod to Chicago by a field goal.

In other AFL action, the Tampa Bay Storm will also attempt to extend their two-game winning streak as they host the 5-3 New Jersey Gladiators. The Storm got out to a very slow start this season but knocked off their division rival Orlando Predators last Sunday, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

In a key Western Division match-up, the 4-4 Dallas Desperados are visiting Arizona to take on the 6-2 Rattlers. Both teams are battling for second place behind the San Jose Sabercats, and there is no doubt the Rattlers still have their sights set on first place.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 13, 2002

• This Week in the AFL - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
• Phantoms Destroyed 55-27 - Toronto Phantoms
• Cobras to Challenge Georgia Force - Carolina Cobras
• Dallas Enters Snake Pit - AFL I
• Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I

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.