Avengers Offense Lethal, Again
Mike Chanpong
Friday February 6, 2004
Of course, if the Avengers are to improve upon last year’s 57.8 points per game average, they’re going to need another spectacular season from quarterback Tony Graziani. Last year, all Graziani did was set a franchise record with 96 touchdown passes and set club marks for yardage and completions. His additional four rushing touchdowns made him only the third quarterback in AFL history to account for 100 touchdowns in a season. Amazingly, since taking over the helm full-time in 2002, Graziani has thrown 163 touchdown passes against only 24 interceptions. Obviously, Graziani is the key to the offense, so keeping him healthy all season is a must.
That shouldn’t be a problem as the return of veterans Carlos Fowler, Sean McNamara, Chris Butterfield, Mike Ulufale, and Silas Demary ensure continuity to the offensive line. At the all-important fullback position will be second-year man Lonnie Ford, returnee Kevin Clemens and newcomer Josh Jeffries. Also protecting Graziani will be new additions Jeremy Staat, a former second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Al Lucas, a former Carolina Panther and 2003 All-Rookie Tampa Bay Storm lineman, and Arnold Miller, who played two seasons for the Cleveland Browns. Each brings major league talent to the Avengers.
And speaking of major talent, the Avengers have quite a few playmakers that have a nose for the end zone. 2003 AFL Offensive Player of the Year Chris Jackson, who tied an AFL record with 46 touchdowns, returns, as does Greg Hopkins, who amassed 1,192 yards receiving and 27 scores. Kevin Ingram and Russell Shaw, who together accounted for 16 touchdowns, will also contribute.
The Avengers lost Siaha Burley to the Arizona Rattlers, but they definitely reloaded. Last week, the Avengers traded for Joe Douglass, who caught 79 passes for 1,031 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Colorado Crush last year. His presence simply means more firepower for the Avengers.
Throw in the fifth highest scoring kicker in AFL history in Remy Hamilton, and the Avengers have an offense that has the potential to be even better than last year’s.
Mike Chanpong is a freelance writer living in Hollywood, CA. In addition to
sportswriting, he also works in television production. This is his second
year covering the Los Angeles Avengers for ArenaFan.
