Week 17 Preview: Talons Host Tampa Bay
July 10, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Antonio Talons News Release
The San Antonio Talons (8-7) will look to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Storm (7-8) after being overwhelmed by San Jose last week. The Week 17 matchup will take place Saturday, July 13, 2013 at the Alamodome with a 7:30 PM kickoff.
The Storm have been struggling lately after suffering a loss in Week 16 at the hands of the Spokane Shock 63-49, which earned them their fourth loss in four games. With Tampa's division already clinched, they don't have much to play for except pride and "spoiler" effect. The Talons on the other hand, must find a way to win this game if they hope to make the playoffs. With Chicago right on their tail, the Talons can ill afford to have any slip-ups this week.
The teams last faced each other in Tampa Bay in Week 4 of the AFL season. Former Talons quarterback Nick Hill threw for 187 yards and four touchdowns in the game helping the Talons to a 52-36 victory. The Talons also had a strong defensive effort in that game, holding Tampa to just 15 points in the first half. The Talons could certainly use another boost from the defense this week.
Against the SaberCats last Saturday, San Antonio's defense struggled to contain quarterback Russ Michna who threw for five touchdowns, four of which came in the first half. Joe Sykes (2nd in the AFL in sacks) was a non-factor last week, and it showed as the Talons could not find a way to break through San Jose's offensive line. Look for Talons Coach Lee Johnson to make some adjustments on defense to help create opportunities for Sykes.
San Antonio's defense will certainly have to be on their toes against a tough offensive-minded football team like the Storm. Storm quarterback Ray Hippeard threw for 249 yards and six touchdowns in a loss last week against Spokane. Wide Receiver Joe Hills (4th in AFL in receiving) will also look to challenge the Talons defense after having one of his best games of the season last week. Against the Shock, Hills hauled in 10 catches for 141 yards and four touchdowns giving him 36 receiving touchdowns for the season thus far.
The Talons will certainly need better play from Rohan Davey and the offense on Saturday against the Storm. Davey threw a season-high three interceptions against San Jose, and could not seem to find any type of rhythm the whole night. The loss was Davey's first since taking over at quarterback for the Talons midway through the-- season. Look for Rohan Davey to come back with a purpose in Week 17 as the Talons have much to play for.
Will San Antonio be able to contain the dynamic duo of Hills and Hippeard? Will Tampa's offensive line be able to contain two of the best defensive players in the league, Tim McGill and Joe Sykes? Whichever team can slow-down the opposing team's dynamic duo, should leave this game with a victory.
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