Same Team, Different Quarterback

Daniel Frias
Saturday July 20, 2002

For those of you that saw the game against archrival Arizona last week, you saw a wild one that went down to the wire. SaberCats’ WR/DB James Hundon almost made the catch of the year as time expired to tie the game and possibly send it into overtime. For those of you who didn’t, you missed what Jim Ross of the WWE would call “a match for the ages.”

During that wild wild west showdown however, the San Jose SaberCats lost their starting quarterback and the league’s top rated passer, Mark Grieb. But the Rattlers and the rest of the teams in the league shouldn’t get too cocky. The ’Cats still have back-up QB John Dutton. And just like coach Darren Arbet says, he’s big, he’s strong and he can throw the football. Not only that, but the guy is also a human quote machine. I hadn’t even turned on my tape recorder when Dutton starting answering my question. Heck I hadn’t even asked a question yet and he was already answering them. How’d he do that anyway?

John Dutton at the helm in 2001 Image courtesy of San Jose Sabercats

The ‘Cats lament the loss of Grieb, and who wouldn’t? But they are confident in the abilities of Dutton. “It’s tough,” said Omarr Smith about losing Grieb so late in the season. “But we got a great back-up quarter back and he’s been a starter before.”

“We’re very fortunate to have John around,” said Coach Arbet. “I have a lot of confidence in him. He knows the reads. He knows the offense. He’s big. He’s strong. He can throw the football and he’s been around here for three years.”

While most teams would fold after losing a star caliber player like Grieb, don’t expect that of the SaberCats. The team practices their back-up quarterback more than many and they believe that Dutton can take them to the big dance.

“John is a great football player and we expect to win games with John,” said Offensive Coordinator Terry Malley.

Dutton started eight games for the SaberCats last year and is in his third season in the AFL. This is the first time Dutton gets to play in the playoffs and he’s ready to show what he can do. “Yeah I’m excited,” said Dutton. “This is what you play this game for. Pressure situations. Playoffs. It’s going to be a new situation for me, but I’m confident. I believe the team is confident in me and we just have to go out there and play our game like we have been and things will take care of themselves.”

The playoffs are right around the corner and the ’Cats have their work cut out for them. But just like the coach and the rest of his teammates, I’m confident the SaberCats with John Dutton at the helm will be playing in the ArenaBowl this year.

 

The opinions expressed in the article above are only those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, opinions, or official stance of ArenaFan Online or its staff, or the Arena Football League, or any AFL or af2 teams.

Daniel Frias Articles
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Same Team, Different Quarterback 7/20/2002
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Papin Heads for the Big Apple 1/28/2002
Defense Key to SaberCats Victory 8/5/2001
SaberCats Ready for Playoffs 8/4/2001
San Jose’s winning streak continues 7/3/2001
Predators Take Down SaberCats 5/28/2001
Viva San Jose (SaberCats) 5/7/2001
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