This week in the AFL

by Mark Sargent
Published on July 24, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

It's wild card weekend in the AFL, as eight teams battle for a chance to advance to round two. On Friday evening, the 2002 post season kicks off in Orlando where the Predators host the Buffalo Destroyers. Orlando completed the regular season at 7-7 while Buffalo was a game back at 6-8. Although both teams struggled at times throughout the campaign, Orlando finished the season on a high note winning three of its last four games, while Buffalo dropped four in a row.

Orlando has looked very strong offensively of late as quarterback Jay Gruden has been very consistent. During his last three games Gruden has thrown for a total of 865 yards and 15 touchdowns. With receivers like Siaha Burley and Cliff Dell, Orlando can strike quickly and often. The Predators also have a solid defense, led by the number one defensive specialist in the league, Kenny McEntyre.

Buffalo, on the other hand, has had a difficult time lately on both offense and defense. During their last four regular season games, they were outscored by a total of 221-147. Last week was in fact the best game that they played in a month, before falling to LA Avengers 46-41. The bright spot in the contest was quarterback Jeff Loots, who got the start over Fred McNair. Loots completed 19 of 32 passes for 253 yards and five touchdowns. Buffalo has a solid lineup with receivers like Lamont Cooper, Eddie Brown, Bret Cooper, Thomas Bailey and Carlos James. However, the offense has never landed on track this year and is long overdue to have a break out game.

This should be a good contest and although all signs point to an Orlando victory, I know that Coach Ray Bentley will not let his troops just roll over and play dead. So I look for this to be a close game, decided by seven points or less and am going out on a limb to pick the visiting Destroyers.

Two games are on tap Saturday as the 7-7 Indiana Firebirds visit the 7-7 Dallas Desperados, and the 6-8 Tampa Bay Storm travel to play the 8-6 LA Avengers. Playing in only their first AFL season, Dallas has had a terrific year. Led by quarterback Andy Kelly, the Desperados won an incredible four of five conference games knocking off Arizona, LA, Detroit and Indiana. Back on June 8th, Kelly completed 28 of 37 passes for 219 yards and 10 touchdowns enroute to a 79-65 shootout over the Firebirds. In just a few months Coach Avezzano has put together a solid group of players that have a legitimate shot at the Arena Bowl Championship.

Indiana struggled during the first half of the season but has come on strong winning their last two games to qualify for the playoffs. Quarterback Raymond Philyaw has struggled this season but came through last weekend completing 22 of 35 passes against the strong Chicago defense. Indiana has a good offense led by veterans like Eddie Brown and Leroy Thompson. They have been in big games before and will step it up in the playoffs. This should be another close contest, but unlike the last time these two teams met, the game should be somewhat lower scoring and is too close to call.

Just because the Tampa Bay Storm had to wait until week 14 to qualify for the playoffs is no reason to think that they will be pushovers this weekend in LA. Coach Tim Marcum will have his team up for this game and will pull out all the stops in an effort to advance. Tampa Bay is coming into the contest on a two-game winning streak and is just starting to gel. The Avengers have had a great season and they will also be up for this game. Quarterback Tony Graziani has recorded a terrific year for the Avengers by throwing for over 3,500 yards and 67 touchdown passes. He finished the season as the number three pivot in the league with a quarterback rating of 118. Just like the other two games this will also be a close contest and one that may be decided by seven points or less.

Sunday's contest features 6-8 Carolina at 8-6 Grand Rapids. Like several of their wildcard counterparts, the Rampage also started out the season slowly but have come on strong down the stretch to win their last two games. As the defending champions, the Rampage will be very tough to beat at home. This game could be a one-sided affair, and I am looking for the Rampage to win by ten points or more.

AFL fans will certainly enjoy all the action this weekend as the 2002 post season kicks off.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 24, 2002

• AFL Playoff Preview - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
• This week in the AFL - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
• SaberCats' Kenney Looks for Another Playoff Run - San Jose SaberCats
• Wild Card Previews - AFL I
• Six NL Players Sold in Five Days - Portland Forest Dragons
• Desperados Plan Tribute to Emmitt - Dallas Desperados
• Walker, Moyer to Stay in Rush Blue - Chicago Rush
• 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.