Mid-Season Report Card for Soul
Jason Moyer
Friday March 25, 2005
The season began with a bang as the Soul jumped out to a 26-0 lead over the Austin Wranglers in the opener and went on to post a 66-35 victory. New acquisitions Tony Graziani and Steve Smith enjoyed big games for the team, combining for five touchdowns. Graziani finished with eight touchdown passes on the day and all was happy in Soulville.
However, a closer look could have foreshadowed the trouble that lay ahead for the team. In the third quarter of that game, Graziani threw three interceptions, as he and the team appeared to lose focus. Graziani is currently tied for the most interceptions thrown in the league with nine. Of course working with new receivers has played a part in some of those miscues, but an excuse like that doesn’t sit very well with Philadelphia football fans who expect more from their stars.
The lack of focus and intensity was a constant theme throughout the first half of the season. The low point occurred on February 27th when the Soul were embarrassed at home, 72-43, by the hated Dallas Desperados and ultimately led to the firing of Head Coach Michael Trigg. James Fuller was named interim head coach to "give the team a shot in the arm", according to Team President Ron Jaworski. The team appears to be responding under Coach Fuller as they have played with more passion in their games against the New York Dragons and Tampa Bay Storm.
On the whole, the team has underachieved. An inconsistent offense and the lack of any presence on defense have put the team in a difficult situation entering the second half of the season. The Soul currently sit in third place in their division and seventh overall in the National Conference. With each division winner and the next two best records making the playoffs, the only road to the second season may be a perfect second half.
The surprising win against Tampa Bay last weekend prevented the first half from being classified a total disaster and boosted their report card grade. It also provided the team with some confidence as they head into a stretch of winnable games against Grand Rapids and Columbus in the next two weeks.
First half grade: C-
Individual Grades:
Tony Graziani’s quarterback rating ranks him 15th in the league. He is currently behind the likes of Todd Hammel (Chicago), Joe Germaine (Arizona), and Matt D’Orazio (Columbus). However, his 48 touchdowns and 2,122 passing yards rank second and third in the league respectively. Grade C+
Steve Smith is the league’s all-purpose yardage leader through the first half. He has had some brilliant games, but has struggled in others. Smith’s 19 touchdowns rank 6th in the league and his kickoff returns often grant the Soul a short field to work. Grade B+
Sean Scott has become one of the best WR/LB in the league. However, he too has been inconsistent. Last week against Tampa Bay, he was held without a reception. Earlier in the year against the Chicago Rush, he garnered only one catch for 10 yards. Grade B
Marcus Knight was promoted to a starting role when Coach Fuller took over in week six. He has become one of Graziani’s favorite targets and has registered five touchdowns in his three games. Grade B
Offensive Unit: The offense has been both spectacular, 69 points versus Tampa, and pathetic, 26 points versus San Jose. Turnovers, inconsistency, and lack of a rushing game have hindered the group. Grade C
Defensive Unit: To say it simply, the defense has been non-existent in many of the games. The league is of course geared toward the offenses, but these statistics are woeful.
Team defense ranks: 14th against the pass, 17th (last) against the run, 13th in sacks (4), 15th interceptions (6). There are three players in the league with more sacks than the entire Soul defense, Frank Carter-LV (9), B.J. Cohen-NOV (5), and Nikkia Anderson-AZ (4.5). Grade D
Even in the AFL, defense is what will win championships. This unit will have to exert more authority in the second half of the season for the Soul to improve. Look for the team to progress due to an easier schedule and young players learning how to win. Playoffs, however, will have to wait until next year.
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.
