AFL, ESPN to Flex Week 13 Matchup

Wednesday May 28, 2014

 CHICAGO – c ESPNEWS was originally set to air the Philadelphia Soul at Tampa Bay Storm contest, which will now air on ESPN3 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

The four-time American Conference South Division champion Jacksonville Sharks (3-7) find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the moment, in third place in the division and fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Spokane Shock (5-5) are also jockeying for position, having lost three straight games heading into Week 12.

R.J. Archer continues to show flashes of brilliance behind center for the Sharks. However, the fourth-year pro has struggled to put it all together on a weekly basis. Despite throwing 27 touchdowns to just one interception in the last month, Archer’s efficiency has not consistently translated into wins so far this season. If Archer can prove himself to be the leader Jacksonville head coach Les Moss believes him to be, the Sharks could end up being a team to watch out for down the stretch. The squad will need veteran receivers Jeron Harvey and Jomo Wilson to help Archer, while the defense tries to return to the form that led them to set an AFL record with 45 sacks a season ago.

Spokane has been decimated by key injuries offensively, as quarterback Erik Meyer – the reigning Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Year and AFL MVP – and wide receiver Adron Tennell – who was named Cutters Wide Receiver of the Year last season – have been on the shelf as of late, throwing the team’s usually high-powered offense into disarray. Meyer, who suffered a collarbone injury in his last national television appearance on ESPN2 four weeks ago, is anticipated to return soon. The recent addition of veteran quarterback Brian Zbydniewski should help bring some stability back to the Shock until Meyer is cleared for action. Experienced wideouts Mike Washington and Brandon Thompkins will also be relied upon to step up in Tennell’s absence. The Shock will need a victory to stay within striking distance of the Pacific Division championship.

About the AFL
Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The ESPN family of networks and CBS Sports Network will nationally broadcast AFL games each week for the entire 2014 season. The AFL schedule culminates with ArenaBowl XXVII Saturday, August 23, 2014 on ESPN.