VooDoo Returns to Action against Undefeated Jacksonville

Published on April 10, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release


NEW ORLEANS (April 10, 2013) - The New Orleans VooDoo (1-1) come off of their bye week as the team travels to Jacksonville, Fla. this Saturday to take on the American Conference's lone undefeated team, the 3-0 Sharks.

These two South Division rivals last met June 30, 2012 in the New Orleans Arena, when the VooDoo defeated the Sharks in a 65-55 shootout. Both teams are looking to build on success from a year ago. The Sharks enter 2013 as defending South Division champions, and the VooDoo is hoping to get back to the playoffs for the second straight year.

The VooDoo offensive line will have to keep a watchful eye on the Sharks' league-leading pass rush. Jacksonville defensive linemen Jerry Turner and Rashaad Duncan are Nos. 1 and 2 in the league in sacks. Turner has four, and Duncan has three. The Sharks have a total of 11 sacks on the season, while the VooDoo has three.

Jacksonville quarterback Bernard Morris has been outstanding this season. Morris has completed 70.9 percent of his passes, thrown 18 touchdowns, and has a 133.05 passer rating. Morris is also yet to throw an interception, but he will face veteran defensive back Eddie Moten who has two interceptions this season. New Orleans has three total, and one returned for a touchdown (DB Efe Osawemwenze, week 1). Morris tossed seven touchdowns in Jacksonville's 66-49 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators last week. Morris has also been part of a potent rushing attack for the Sharks. Morris is second in the league with 73 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Right behind him is Jacksonville fullback Rendric Taylor, who has 72 yards on the ground. The VooDoo will also have to deal with prolific Jacksonville receiver Jeff Hughley, who has 28 catches for 323 yards, just under half of Morris' total yards passing this season. Hughley also has six touchdowns.

New Orleans quarterback Kurt Rocco improved steadily from game 1 to game 2. The young signal caller has struggled at times connecting with his receivers leading to a completion percentage just under 50 percent, but he has counted on receivers Derek Lee and Courtney Smith who combine for 21 catches, 252 yards, and six touchdowns. Donovan Morgan returned to the lineup in week 2 and contributed a game high seven catches (tied with Lee) in the loss to Iowa. Rocco has managed to spread the ball around a bit more than Morris, which could be a key to the game. Rocco has thrown to six different receivers to Morris' five.

Another key to this game will be how much New Orleans can continue to play well defensively. The VooDoo has only allowed 46.5 points per game, while Jacksonville has scored 63.7 points per game. The VooDoo defense will need to continue to play well if they are going to shut down the potent Sharks. New Orleans also needs to take advantage of opportunities. In the loss to Iowa, the Barnstormers were penalized five times defensively on one drive, but the VooDoo was unable to turn that drive into points. The VooDoo was also unable to capitalize on Moten's interception, which led to a turnover on downs.

The game is set for 8:00 p.m. eastern at the Veterans Memorial Arena, where New Orleans is looking for its first road win in team history against Jacksonville.

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