Week 18 Preview: Pittsburgh Power at Tampa Bay Storm

Tuesday July 16, 2013

 Saturday, July 20 – 7:30 pm EDT
Tampa Bay Times Forum – Tampa Bay, FL
Radio: TribLIVE Radio SportsTalk
Live Stream: AFL Access
All-Time Series: Tampa Bay leads 3-0

THE GAME

The Pittsburgh Power (3-13) visit the Tampa Bay Storm (7-9) of the American Conference South Division. Kickoff at the Tampa Bay Times Forum is scheduled for 7:30 pm EDT.

Last week, the Power finished their 2013 regular season at home falling to the San Jose SaberCats 78-20, their seventh straight loss. The Storm suffered their fifth consecutive defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Talons, 68-42, on the road.

Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay met previously in Week 9 with the Storm winning, 62-34, at CONSOL Energy Center.

POWER TO WATCH | OFFENSE

Passing: Stepping in for the injured Steven Sheffield, quarterback Shane Austin led the Power Offense in Week 17 – his first start in the AFL. In nine games, Austin has completed 56.6% of his passes for 651 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Receiving: Three-year Power veteran wide receiver Mike Washington leads the team in receiving wi”th 121 receptions for 1,400 yards and 32 touchdowns. Mike has won the AFL’s Cutters Catch of the Week honors in two of the past three weeks. Washington has also rushed 3 touchdowns this season for a team high 210 points. Receiver Julian Talley has caught 70 passes for 800 yards and 16 touchdowns in 8 games.

STORM TO WATCH | OFFENSE

Passing: Three-year AFL veteran quarterback Andrian McPherson led the Storm’s offense through the first 16 weeks of the season, including his standout 7-touchdown performance over the Power in Week 9. McPherson was placed on IR last week. Last week against San Antonio, Rookie quarterback Randy Hippeard completed 17 passes for 246 yards and 4 touchdowns in a losing cause.

Receiving: Wide receiver Joe Hills has tallied a team high 1,668 yards on 115 catches with 39 touchdowns. Receiver Michael Lindsey has contributed 69 catches for 790 yards and 12 touchdowns.

POWER TO WATCH | DEFENSE

Defense: Leading Pittsburgh’s defense is 3-year AFL veteran defensive back Sergio Gilliam with 83.5 tackles, 19 pass breakups, and 6 interceptions (including 3 returned for touchdowns). Jack linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson (65.5 tackles and 2 interceptions) and defensive back Chris LeFlore (64.5 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions) also both contribute to Pittsburgh’s defense.

STORM TO WATCH | DEFENSE

Defense: Defensive back Chris Smith leads Tampa Bay’s with a team high 63.5 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups. Defensive back Rashad Barksdale (60.5 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 9 pass breakups) and jack linebacker Jean Fanor (60 tackles and 4 interceptions) also contribute.

POWER TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS

Kick Returns: Defensive back Chris LeFlore has 67 kick returns for 1,097 yards and 2 touchdowns.

STORM TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS

Kick Returns: Ranked No. 3 in the Arena Football League in kick returns, Michael Lindsey has returned 84 kicks for 1,421 yards and 1 touchdown.

UP NEXT

The Power travel to Spokane, WA next Friday, July 26 for the final game of the 2013 season. Kickoff against the Shock at Veterans Memorial Arena is at 10:30 p.m EDT.

For continuous updates of players, games, and Power news follow the team on social media @AFLPittsburgh. For live in-game updates follow @PowerGameday.