Intriguing Matchup in Windy City
Jason Moyer
Saturday February 5, 2005
Philadelphia stacked the deck in the off season, signing QB Tony Graziani and OS Steve Smith. Graziani tossed eight touchdown passes against the Austin Wrangles last week, five of them going to Smith. Chicago returns a solid team and looks to improve on their playoff run from last season.
Here is a position by position breakdown for today’s game:
QB
Philadelphia – Graziani threw eight touchdown passes, but suffered three interceptions in Week 1. The timing with his receivers can only improve.
Chicago – Raymond Philyaw showed early signs of rust from his late season injury in 2004. Philyaw endured an early interception and two fumbled exchanges from center, before rallying his team to overtime against Dallas.
Advantage Philadelphia: eight touchdowns and room to improve.
OS & WR
Philadelphia – Reuniting Steve Smith and Terrill Shaw has upgraded the receiving unit. Returning team MVP Sean Scott provides a height mismatch against most defensive backs.
Chicago – Etu Molden and DeJuan Alfonzo return from solid rookie seasons. Henry Douglas played under the shadow of Chris Jackson in Los Angeles and could have a breakout year.
Advantage Chicago: familiarity with Philyaw provides slight edge.
FB/LB
Philadelphia – Marlion Jackson displayed signs of becoming a very good AFL player. With Chris Ryan and Dwayne Saab sidelined with hand injuries, the Soul used lineman Donovan Arp as a backup against Austin.
Chicago – Bob McMillen rushed for 22 touchdowns in 2004 and crashed in once against Dallas. Backup Jamie McGourty would start for most AFL teams.
Advantage Chicago: experience and talent.
OL/DL
Philadelphia – Averaging 6’4", 299 pounds, the Philly linemen are big for AFL standards. Job number one is protecting Graziani.
Chicago – The loss of James Baron to Nashville will be hard to replace. However, 2004 Lineman of the Year, John Moyer, provides the opportunity for impact plays on defense.
Advantage Chicago: quickness counts more than size in this league.
Defense
Philadelphia – The defense supplied seven stops, including an Arkee Thompson interception return for a touchdown last week. Special teams also contributed with an early safety.
Chicago – The Rush surrendered 66 points to Dallas, who took advantage of their taller receivers deep down field. Chicago could only generate two stops against a rookie QB last week.
Advantage Philadelphia: stops and takeaways.
Final Analysis
Soul win if…
Offensive line can limit impact plays by John Moyer and Graziani lowers interceptions from last week.
Rush win if…
Philyaw avoids careless turnovers and take advantage of Philadelphia’s FB/LB inexperience.
Prediction:
Philadelphia is the early season glamour pick, but Chicago plays tough at Allstate Arena.
Soul gets a learning experience.
Chicago rebounds 46-41.
Jason Moyer is an elementary school teacher in the western New Jersey area. He is an avid follower of the Arena Football League and has been covering the Philadelphia Soul with ArenaFan.com since 2005. Jason resides in Whitehall, PA with his wife and daughter.
