Soul Survive Storm
Jason Moyer
Monday March 21, 2005
After the Soul failed to gain a first down and run out the game clock, Philadelphia’s newly signed kicker Tim Seder had his field goal attempt blocked by Tampa Bay’s Mike Sutton to set up the dramatic final play.
Asked about the decision to attempt the field goal, Coach James Fuller stated "We were stuck in a situation where we would normally drop back and throw the ball up, but with the time left we had to kick it."
Philadelphia’s defense made plays throughout the game collecting two sacks, two interceptions, and applying constant pressure on quarterback Shane Stafford. The Soul were minus-seven in turnover ratio heading into the game, but improved that statistic today.
"Turnovers were key. When they turned the ball over, we got that jump. We had to make Stafford uncomfortable and get him to throw some up to us and he did that. Our line has been working very hard. We just didn’t have that middle push. I thought we got a little bit better on that," remarked Fuller about his defense.
After setting a franchise low 26 points last week against San Jose, the Soul responded by setting a franchise high for points with 69 against the Storm.
Offensive Player of the Game Tony Graziani explained the difference between the two weeks. "Anytime you get blown out guys can go in the tank, but we didn’t. It shows what kind of character we have. We’re a young football team that’s getting better every week."
Steve Smith also commented about the teams turn around. "Everyone looked themselves in the mirror and searched deep down inside and came out today and played hard on the same page."
The win was Coach Fuller’s first as a head coach in the Arena Football League. His counterpart, Tim Marcum, holds the record for most wins with 171 in his career. When asked about gaining his initial victory against an AFL legend Fuller replied, "It’s very satisfying when you can beat a premier team. A team that’s been to the championship, I have a lot of respect for Marcum and what he’s done in this league."
The Soul played their best game of the season, but have little time to celebrate as Michael Bishop brings the Grand Rapids Rampage to town next Saturday. Philadelphia needs to bring the same energy and passion as they will attempt to post back to back wins for the first time this season.
Inside the game:
Tony Graziani was named Offensive Player of the Game for the first time this season. He completed 18 of 33 passes for 320 yards and tied his season high of eight touchdowns.
Keita Crespina was the US Army Ironman of the Game. Crespina made 4.5 tackles on defense, while contributing three catches for 66 yards and one touchdown on offense. This was Crespina’s first Ironman award of the year.
Eddie Moten collected his first career interception and was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game.
Steve Smith added to his league leading all purpose yards with 246, including his second kickoff return of the season.
Winfield Garnett and Dwayne Missouri collected a sack each to bring the teams total to four on the year.
Sean Scott was held without a reception for the first time in his career.
The Soul are 3-0 when leading at halftime and 0-5 when trailing.
Looking ahead:
The Soul will be back in action next Saturday against the Grand Rapids Rampage. The game will kickoff at 7:00 pm and can be seen live on Comcast Sportsnet.
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.
