Early 2004 Surprise in Orlando
Jason Lucas
Friday February 20, 2004
Most of the concern heading into the season for the Preds was at the quarterback position. Nothing wrong there as Joe Hamilton has filled in very well. Hamilton has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes and has connected on eight touchdown passes with no interceptions. His shaky start on opening day set the tone for a Tampa victory over the Preds. Last week, Hamilton appeared to score the deciding two-point conversion against Austin when it was ruled that he was down by contact, costing the Preds a victory in the Jungle.
The last time the Orlando Predators started a season 0-2 Jay Gruden made a few changes including the quarterback position. The Preds finished that regular season 8-6 and exited in the first round of the playoffs. This time the Preds have started 0-2 and Gruden is surprisingly changing up the defensive side of the ball, which has never been a problem in Orlando.
The Preds head into week three, their bye week, with many questions to be answered before they take a trip to Carolina in week four. The Cobras are off to a strong start and are another surprise at 2-0. When the Preds take a trip to Carolina, will the Cobras be ready to strike? Or will the Predators get back on track?
Jason Lucas is a part-time freelance writer based in the Orlando, Florida area. A former director of media relations with the Orlando Predators, Jason is making his return to Arenafan.com after a short stint as a public relations assistant with the UFL‘s Florida Tuskers in 2010. Lucas has followed the AFL since 1992 and began covering the Predators for Arenafan during the 2004 season. He held that position until being picked up by the Preds front office after the 2007 season. Jason‘s knowledge of arena football and love of the game is what drives him to continue covering the sport.
