San Jose faces another challenge against Colorado
Tim Ball
Friday April 22, 2005
The SaberCats face another step through the gauntlet against the Crush. This time they face the top team in the league instead of wearing that all too familiar label. But no matter the serious implications for both teams, there is value to this game in just the match-up of the two squads.
The Crush at eight wins and three losses not only own the leagues best record but also will want to prove their worth against the single team that brings out the best in an opponent. Witnessed by Chicago players showering head coach Mike Hohensee with Gatorade mid-season in their win over San Jose, the SaberCats are the test that seems to deliver a passing grade to teams looking to rise to the head of the class.
San Jose will once again have to play against a team that has had the date of their match-up highlighted on the schedule. "We realize teams get up to play us," said wide receiver/linebacker James Roe "It’s to be expected when you’re the defending champions. But once the game gets started it all breaks down to who makes plays."
So far this season the players making those plays for the SaberCats have been on a revolving schedule. Injuries to key players like OS James Hundon, DS Omarr Smith and WR/LB Barry Wagner and vets and rookies on offense and defense alike, have had San Jose’s coaching staff waiting literally moments before the coin toss to see who will be able to suit up. "It’s part of the game that players are going to go down," said defensive coordinator Michael Church. "This is the time when the team pulls together and where practice makes all the difference. There is only so much you can coach into a player. We’ve been fortunate to have the kind of guys that take it upon themselves to be ready to go."
Familiar faces
If there is one thing that proves John Elway is a smart boss, it was his willingness to have brought in Arena Football talent from coaches to players. No single selection has proved better than quarterback John Dutton.
Though heralded as the MVP of ArenaBowl XVI in 2002, it was as the backup at San Jose behind Mark Grieb that Dutton made his mark for excellence in what Colorado fans know well. Dutton is patient and knows the game is about the long haul and instant success comes to those who wait for it.
This game between the Crush and SaberCats showcases the two quarterbacks that proved that backup is not a word denoting second best but a word that stands for equality. Grieb earned league honors as the top offensive player in the league in 2002 while Dutton was rewarded for his talent and abilities throughout the playoffs.
As San Jose is creating more and more league stars with yet another SaberCats rookie Rodney Wright earning weekly awards, Grieb stands as the single most important aspect to the team. While injured players have been replaced by new members trying to learn the game, Grieb faces the incredible task of trying to grind it out all season long on a quest to repeat as ArenaBowl champions with different personalities and styles to depend on.
Though the roster has been different every week, Grieb once again has the highest passer rating in the League (125.0). Luckily Grieb has had two players to rely on for the most part of the season. Roe, arguably the best receiver in the league and seven-year veteran Shalon Baker keep offenses off balance. The shakeup with positions has seen Rashied Davis become an offensive threat and rookie standout Rodney Wright has produced big dividends. "This is like no other team I’ve ever been on," said Wright. "The way the guys prepare and pull for each other makes you want to be at your best."
Working parts
Colorado and San Jose faced the same fate against Chicago but there’s a long way to go in the season and a stumble does not make for a fall. The Crush also has players and coaches to make for championship celebrations.
One player in particular is known for his infectious attitude. WR/LB Kevin McKenzie was a crowd favorite in San Jose, and there obviously isn’t going to be trade rumors anytime soon in Colorado.
Head coach Mike Dailey is a seasoned leader who proved his value to Colorado’s serious fans by taking a Crush team that was 2-14 the previous season and going 11-5 with a dramatic semi-final appearance against the rattlers last season falling just shy of a trip to ArenaBowl XVIII.
When the SaberCats were one and three and the league was questioning the slide, head coach Darren Arbet wasn’t shaken. "We looked at the mistakes and made adjustments," said Arbet. "I have total confidence in our coaching staff and players." San Jose won the next five straight games in dominating fashion.
This game is a feast for fans of the AFL and should be enjoyed for the moment no matter the serious nature of the records and playoff implications.
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
