Fury Kick Off Season Against SaberCats
Neal Ruhl
Tuesday February 3, 2004
The Fury upset San Jose last year 45-42, at HP Pavilion. The difference was a 36-yard field goal, and that is something not lost on Fury coach Tom Luginbill.
“We like our match ups, and this is the kind of game that will come down to turnovers, and the kicking game,” said Luginbill. “With this team (San Jose), you just can’t turn the ball over. They are the kind of team that waits for you to make a mistake, then they capitalize. As long as our kicking game is solid, and we hold on the ball, I really like our chances.”
Coach Luginbill also put to bed any questions as to who the starting quarterback would be on Thursday.
“Andy will be taking all of the reps in practice starting Monday,” said Luginbill. “It is nice having a solid backup in Billy Dicken. He’s a guy who has started in this league and had success, so it is nice luxury to have.”
Kelly is coming off of one of his best seasons numbers-wise in his illustrious Arena League career after throwing for almost 4,000 yards and 93 scoring strikes in 2003. Kelly’s main target will be David Hill at the offensive specialist position. Junior Lord and Mike Bush will start at the receiver spots. Mark Lewis got the nod at kicker by edging out Jose Cortez in training camp.
San Jose features a potent offense that often puts big numbers on the board. Quarterback Mark Grieb is always among the league leaders in passing, and is very dangerous. Barry Wagner and James Roe are some of his primary targets.
One surprising aspect of the SaberCats is the rushing attack. While the running game is not often talked about in the Arena Football League, San Jose features two of the top three rushers in the league in Keala Keanaaina and Matt Kinsinger. Either way, the Fury defense will have their hands full.
Unleash the Fury
The Fury have a tough road to start the season, after Thursday’s game against San Jose, Detroit travels to Arizona to take on the Rattlers… The Fury’s first division game is Feb. 23rd against Indiana… The Fury have their bye in week four
On the Air
Catch ArenaFan’s own Neal Ruhl on the Detroit Fury pregame show on AM 1130, WDFN.
Neal Ruhl lives in the Metro Detroit Area where he has covered the Detroit Lions as well as the Motor City Bowl.
