VooDoo Turn Back Fury, Remain Perfect at the Graveyard
Robert Carver
Saturday March 13, 2004
Fury quarterback Andy Kelly came into the game with a hot hand as he threw for a career high of 375 yards and 9 touchdowns in last week’s close loss to Colorado. He was able to throw for just over 300 yards, but the VooDoo secondary held him to just three touchdowns and kept Detroit from scoring on four of nine possessions. The VooDoo offense showed improvement by scoring on 7 of 10 possessions, six of those touchdowns.
This week, New Orleans jumped out to an early lead again as the VooDoo were able to score touchdowns on all four possessions of the first half. The only negative for the VooDoo in the first half came when wide receiver Luke Leverson went out with an injured right shoulder, taking a hard hit after a catch.
Trailing by three after Fury kicker Mark Lewis kicked a 30-yard field goal, VooDoo FB Dan Curran took the ball on a sweep left and hit the corner of the end zone for the VooDoo’s first touchdown of the night, giving New Orleans the lead for good at 7-3 with 6:41 still remaining in the first quarter.
Detroit QB Kelly struggled on offense as Fury drives bogged down a number of times, forcing Detroit to turn the ball over on downs. Fitzgerald wasted little time capitalizing on VooDoo opportunities during the first half. In the second quarter, the song remained the same for the VooDoo. Fitzgerald picked up where he left off and led the VooDoo down the field on another near perfect drive. While the Fitzgerald to Bailey connection is now expected, defenders tend to leave Curran uncovered out of the backfield. Fitzgerald took advantage of this during a second quarter drive that allowed New Orleans to grab a 21-3 lead.
However, Kelly is an experienced QB and that experience showed as he revitalized his team with a scoring drives that allowed Detroit to remain within striking distance, but the VooDoo found ways to pull away as they scored on all four offensive possessions in the first half resulting in the 18-point lead.
In the third quarter, after a missed Detroit field goal attempt, it looked like the VooDoo were going to take the ball the length of the field again to put the game out of reach but Fitzgerald made his only miscue of the evening, throwing an interception. With the ensuing score the interception allowed Detroit to slow the VooDoo momentum, but it was to be a short-lived respite.
With the Fury keeping in the game, New Orleans showed its mettle and did not relent as they maintained their defensive pressure while putting more scores on the board. After the game, VooDoo Coach Mike Neu praised his defense in their effort to contain Andy Kelly.
“I couldn’t have asked to play a better first half of football in all three phases,” said Neu. “The second half, we battled through some adversity but we responded when it counted most at the end of the game.”
Neu felt this was the most complete game overall for the VooDoo this season and highlighted the play of Calvin Spears, calling Spears “a warrior.” He also commented on how his team played after the loss of Luke Leverson. With 19 eligible players left, several VooDoo players put in a lot of playing time.
“The first half of play was the difference once we were able to get that lead on them and have the ball coming out in the second half,” said Neu. “That’s difficult to overcome and fortunately we were productive. I wouldn’t say great, in the second half, we were productive, but that first half is what set the tempo. And we had the crowd support behind us which was great because the fans have been such an instrumental part of our success so far.”
Kelly finished 24 of 40 for 312 yards and three touchdowns, while Fitzgerald ended 22 of 31 for 251 and threw for five touchdowns.
New Orleans swept the game honors. Offensive specialist Aaron Bailey was named Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game as he had five receptions for 59 yards, three of those for touchdowns and 48 yards in kickoff returns. ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors went to defensive specialist Monty Montgomery, while fullback/linebacker Dan Curran captured the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game award for his performance on both sides of the ball.
Next Thursday night, New Orleans travels to America West Arena to play the Arizona Rattlers, who play their fifth home game in the first seven weeks.
Robert Carver is a historian residing in New Orleans. He is married and has recently returned to the Big Easy. He loves the NFL and is a die-hard Saints fan. Robert also follows the SEC closely, cheering on his home state Tennessee Volunteers. He has also had the opportunity to attend the af2's Tennessee Valley Vipers games while living in Huntsville. Robert feels that New Orleans will embrace the wide-open energy of the AFL experience.
