Storm Roughed Up In Loss To Predators
Adam J Locascio
Monday February 14, 2005
Well, the Storm lost 61-46.
Guess who was more physical?
The Storm used Marcum’s mantra to harass and hurry Predator quarterback into overthrows and an interception. For a half, the Storm linemen swatted and swam their way around the Predator linemen to pressure quarterback Joe Hamilton.
But the Storm didn’t so much as lose a game, as much as they lost a half, and boy, did they. Just when it looked like the Storm were going to walk to the locker room at halftime with a 24-20 lead, they gave up an uncharacteristic 39-yard touchdown pass and ended up going to the break down 27-24.
"We were right where we needed to be. We were at their place, we’re down three with the possession. I don’t think any of us felt panic," said Storm quarterback Shane Stafford. "They set the tone in the first series of the second half and we just didn’t respond as a team."
That was the point where the Storm went calm.
Coming out of the break, the Storm were forced into a three-and-out and the Predators took advantage scoring on a four-yard touchdown run by Idris Price.
Again, the Storm line was still not able to protect Stafford as he was forced to hurry his throws. To add insult to injury, Stafford was hit and his fumble was returned for a touchdown. The Storm spent the rest of the evening trailing the Predators and could never close the gap.
"The team that physically dominates the line of scrimmage is the team that wins this game," said Marcum, "and that’s the way it’s always been. That’s what they did."
The game was largely devoid of any huge plays on either side of the ball. Even the Predators, with their convincing victory, did not have to do much to win the game. Hamilton had little need to exhibit huge playmaking ability, largely because he didn’t have to. The Storm gave the Predators every opportunity to take over the game and Orlando did just that.
The Storm thought they would have some fireworks in Orlando as offensive specialist Freddie Solomon suited up to play despite his sprained ankle. Unfortunately, Solomon re-aggravated the injury as he ran a route during the first quarter.
"It was foolish on my part, but I’ve always had the rule that says if a starter says he can go, and he wants to go, I’ll let him go," said Marcum. "It was foolish on my part. But you can second-guess yourself all day long in this game."
The Storm can take some comfort knowing that this was a tough game to win from the onset. They were on the road, in a rivalry game, on a short week, and missing both Solomon and WR/DB TT Toliver. But the Storm are already looking forward to their April 9 rematch at home in Part II of the War on I-4.
"Mark it on your calendars boys," said WR/LB Lawrence Samuels to a rather quiet locker room after the game. "We’re gonna get this one back."
Adam J. Locascio is a financial advisor in the Tampa Bay area and a Board Member of the Tampa Bay Storm Surge Fan Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix and is a six-year season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Storm.
