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Thunder Take on VooDoo in Thursday's Tilt

June 26, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


PORTLAND, OR - Advanced numbers say the Thunder shouldn't be a 3-10 team.

Of teams with a similar record, they have a much better point differential on the season. They have a much better turnover differential as well, averaging a full turnover per game better than Los Angeles, New Orleans, and San Antonio.

Every week, they're putting two receivers who would be in the top four in the league in yards per game on the field in Eric Rogers (103.6, second-best) and Jeffrey Solomon (100.9, fourth) on the field.

The defense is second in the league at creating turnovers, having produced 36 in 13 games.

Unfortunately for the Thunder, those numbers don't help the team as they attempt to re-seize control of the final playoff spot in the National Conference. Their record says they are a 3-10 team, and so they face a must-win game against the visiting New Orleans Voodoo on Thursday night at the Moda Center.

What will help them?

First of all, starting quarterback Kyle Rowley returned to the team last week and set a franchise record for passing yardage with 362 yards against the Los Angeles KISS. He now has 685 yards with 15 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last two games in a Thunder uniform.

Donte Paige-Moss, the team's sack leader and an undeniable force off the edge, is back. Jake McDonough, who left the team earlier in the season when he was signed by the New York Jets, has returned for the stretch run. In five games with McDonough anchoring the middle to start the season, the Thunder racked up 10 sacks. In eight games since, they've produced just eight.

Rogers continues to be one of the best wide receivers in the league. In his last three games, he's averaged 10 receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns.

Solomon is an incredibly overqualified second wideout - last week was the only time this season he hasn't scored a touchdown. All he did was catch six passes for 104 yards, a crazy 17.3 yard average.

The Thunder have the weaponry in place. Will they fire on all cylinders against the Voodoo?

For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/PDXThunder), Twitter and Instagram (@PDXThunder).



Arena Football League Stories from June 26, 2014


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