Hope In Arizona?
Brian Knapp
Wednesday May 4, 2005
At 4-9, the Rattlers are guaranteed their worst record since 1992 and will miss the playoffs just one season after making three straight Arena Bowl appearances.
But there is a silver lining to the season, albeit a very small one.
The dynasty of veterans is coming to an end and there is a slew of young talent salivating at the chance to lead one of the greatest franchises in AFL history.
But the picture is not pretty in Arizona right now. How can anyone defend an organization that fires its coaching staff only to drop nine games with their replacements?
Well, here’s my attempt.
Sherdrick Bonner is without a doubt one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the AFL and no one should blame him for trying to make one more push for a title.
But when Bonner went down with a knee injury early in the season, Joe Germaine stepped up and turned doubters into believers that he could be the QB of the future.
Before Bonner’s return two weeks ago against Austin, Germaine threw for 1987 yards and 40 touchdowns against just six interceptions in 10 starts. His 116.6 passer rating ranks fifth in the league.
If Germaine can get a full season next year minus Bonner and mid-season retiree Hunkie Cooper, Arizona has a legitimate shot at getting back on track.
Young receivers like OS Siaha Burley and WR/DB Orshawonte Bryant have had plenty of experience under the tutelage of Cooper and WR/DB Randy Gatewood to lead the team in the future.
Burley leads the AFL with 38 receiving touchdowns this season and is eight shy of tying the all-time record for receiving touchdowns in a single season.
Bryant has been bitten by the injury bug this season but is quickly picking up where he left off a year ago. He made a smooth change to DB in 2004, recording 29 tackles and three interceptions.
There is plenty of talent on the Arizona roster it’s just a matter of putting the right pieces together at the right time. Cynics see this season as a travesty. Optimists see a chance to rebuild and move forward.
The ball bounced Arizona’s way for three consecutive seasons and despite franchise-changing moves in the off-season, the Rattlers are close to getting right back in the win column. Ask Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Colorado, and Tampa Bay; the Rattlers are five plays from being 9-4 this season.
The Rattlers aren’t getting worse. The AFL is simply getting better.
And for those of you worried about this slump; save your boo’s of coaches and players because next year you’ll likely regret them.
Brian Knapp was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2003 to 2005.
