ArenaFan Chat: Matt Sauk
Fran Stuchbury
Wednesday April 19, 2006
Sauk is now starting for the Soul due to Tony Graziani having a hamstring injury. Sauk played most of his football career in the af2 with the Tenessee Valley Vipers and the Louisville Firehe played one season with the Los Angeles Avengers backing up Graziani.
Below is the transcript of the chat session. It has not been edited for spelling or content, other than to remove chat room "noise". Matt Sauk posted to the chat as "Fire_7".
[arenazone] 8:50 pm: Hey Matt thanks for taking time to chat with Soul and AFL fans
[Fire_7] 8:50 pm: Thanks Fran
[arenazone] 8:50 pm: fire away guys
[NatePreds05] 8:50 pm: hey Matt have you met Maynor?
[NatePreds05] 8:50 pm: I read you signed him
[Fire_7] 8:50 pm: I better have since he was on the sideline last week
[NatePreds05] 8:51 pm: ah ok, I didn't know how recent the transaction was
[Fire_7] 8:51 pm: Yep he dressed for us last week and will again this week. Good guy
[scott w] 8:51 pm: Hey Matt. I'm from Louisville, and I saw you play last year vs. GB here in town (won't discuss the final score!). What's the biggest difference from AF2 to the AFL?
[Fire_7] 8:52 pm: The biggest difference will always be lineman. I think the skill position in the af2 and afl is getting closer, but lineman will always be far apart
[augmental] 8:52 pm: Since Scott is playing so well is C. White just D for now?
[Fire_7] 8:53 pm: Augmental: I think C.White can play as well and He got some reps on offense and will again against Columbus
[franman] 8:52 pm: Matt: You are averaging about 9 yards/completion while Graz was at about 13 yards/completion. While you are over 60% and hitting alot of shorter passes, was the game plan changed when you came took over, and/or do you see more longer routes/passes upcoming?
[Fire_7] 8:54 pm: Franman: fran if you look at my career you will see that I am always around that 9 to 11 range. The offense is not different, I think I just check down more often.
[NatePreds05] 8:54 pm: Have you settled down behind center now for the Soul? I know that was a problem earlier in the season with the exchange.
[Fire_7] 8:55 pm: NatePred: I hope so, every one of those were my fault and it is embarrasing to have it happen. But it does and I am not the only one to have it happen to, but at the end of the day it needs to be fixed and it will be
[dagodfather] 8:54 pm: Hi Matt. First I want to apologize for ripping you all season for the 4 fumble game. I just found out you got hurt in that game. Now my question, what do you think of all the mid season changes in personal? do you think it's helping or hurting us? And how about that play of Mike Brown this year? Where would we be if he were not on our team?
[Fire_7] 8:56 pm: Dagodfather: No need to apologize your a fan and you have an opinion. I never really worry about who we get or who we trade as that is a coaches job. As a team we know that this is a business and things are going to happen every single year. In the end I think it did help our team, and going 3-1 in the last 4 games helps show that
[Fire_7] 8:58 pm: dagodfather: to expand more on your question, mike has played great. He brings a ton of fun to the game.
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 8:56 pm: Hi Matt, Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man here. My question is simple. Are we going to win this week against Columbus?
[Fire_7] 8:58 pm: DHAM: If we play like we did in nashville, yes
[NatePreds05] 8:58 pm: How serious is the injury to Graziani? Will he be ready to return once his time on the Injured Reserve list is up?
[Fire_7] 8:59 pm: NatePreds: I am not sure on that, but I think you can expect him to at least try to be back.
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 8:58 pm: Can you explain what happens to the team in the third quarter? what is halftime like? how is the team addressing it?
[Fire_7] 8:59 pm: DHAM: For whatever reason we as a team do not have good 3rd quarters. It has nothing to do with coaching, it has to do with us as players not coming out and playing.
[dagodfather] 9:01 pm: Now the real questions to see if you gotten acclimated to our city. 1 - Where is your favortite place to get a cheesesteak? 2 - Are you going to live here year round? If so, will you be taking in a Mummer's Parade? 3 - Have you had a chance to visit our new baseball palace? 4 - And last but certainly not least, how do you feel about Dallas?
[Fire_7] 9:02 pm: dagodfather: I still have not had a chance to head into Philly to get to those famous places, but the shell station here in Wilmington makes a killer cheese steak! No to living here year round. oh and dallas sucks (sorry dallas fans, I have to)
[augmental] 9:02 pm: Matt > two words. Aaron Boone. Did they know the guy was good but felt like he was just as good but not better than the other receivers?
[rushfan4ever] 9:03 pm: Matt,How about coming to Chi-Town to help the Rush win an Arena Bowl Title?
[Fire_7] 9:03 pm: augmental: I knew aaron was solid, but at the end of the day he was just not going to see playing time behind Scott, and JJ.
[dagodfather] 9:03 pm: Dude, I only cared about the last question and you passed.
[Fire_7] 9:04 pm: rushfan4ever: I think right now I will stay in philly to hopefully help us win it all first
[philly soulfan04] 9:04 pm: Hey matt, whats your favorite thing to do during an off day, and if u were commish of the AFL for a day what would u change and why?
[Fire_7] 9:06 pm: phillysoulfan04: Work on websites, if I were commish for a day I would change the box rules and add a box official
[Ryno23] 9:05 pm: Think about the Rampage gig Matt.....NO COMPETITION!!
[franman] 9:05 pm: Matt: With Graz signing a 3 year deal and next year possibly being his last, do you have any comment on coming back next season and/or setting yourself up as a starter in the future?
[Fire_7] 9:07 pm: franman: I hope one day to be a starter in this league, I just hope that a team wants me next season at this point in my career. Would I like to come back to Philly, heck yeah.
[NatePreds05] 9:06 pm: do you think that af2 is a good place to go for players that want to play in the AFL?
[Fire_7] 9:07 pm: NatePreds: without a doubt! There are a lot of af2 players that should be in the afl that were never given a look.
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:06 pm: Matt: You are so right, DALLAS does suck! This is the first year we have a chance to make the playoffs. It would be great to get there..finally. I am a big Tony G fan but I am also a big Matt S fan (dpending on who is playing). I dont care which one of you is playing, you both are great QB's and feel confident either way. I hope between the two of you we can go far this year. I just want to say we have faith and believe its "Time To Win"!
[Fire_7] 9:08 pm: DHACM: Thanks! I hope that all fans feel that way and understand the bigger picture. It is not who is playing that is important it is that there is a bigger thing happening and that is trying to win it all.
[rushfan4ever] 9:06 pm: Matt,what do you think of Bobby Sippio as a player? Can he become another Damian Harrell someday?
[Fire_7] 9:09 pm: rushfan4ever: Without a doubt Sip has all the potential in the world. I hope that one day he gets it together and shines
[NatePreds05] 9:09 pm: Do you think you could play in the NFL or is it AFL for life for you?
[Fire_7] 9:10 pm: NatePreds: I think at one point in my career I should have at least gotten a shot, but in the end I love the afl and wouldlove to coach it one day
[calsparky] 9:09 pm: matt: if you could pick any receiver in the AFL, other than those on the Soul, who would it be
[Fire_7] 9:11 pm: calsparky: Chris Jackson
[augmental] 9:10 pm: eh got logged off...Matt do you think the AFL combine will usher in a new talent level or is it even going to matter?
[Fire_7] 9:11 pm: augmental: I think anything that helps people get noticed is a good thing for the afl and players
[philly soulfan04] 9:10 pm: Matt due to your sucess the past couple weeks does anyone recongnize you in public
[Fire_7] 9:12 pm: phillysoulfan: my wife barely recognizes me let alone some fans
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:11 pm: How big of a factor is the crowd?
[Fire_7] 9:12 pm: DHACM: A loud crowd can be a factor without a doubt. It canhelp turn the tide in a heart beat.
[arenazone] 9:12 pm: Matt how do you like the neutral site ArenaCup expereince at Bossier City
[Fire_7] 9:13 pm: arenazone: Without a doubt, yes love the neutral site! It makes you feel special and like you really accomplished something. Sorta like a bowl game
[dagodfather] 9:13 pm: What is a more satisfying win for you when you start or when you come off the bench?
[Fire_7] 9:14 pm: dagodfather: start because it shows you can play the entire game and accomplish a win
[calsparky] 9:14 pm: matt: why has there been such a wide swing in the intensity of the team game to game
[Fire_7] 9:15 pm: Calsparky: That I do not know. We are a team that I still cannot read. It really just comes down to guys either preparing to win or not
[franman] 9:15 pm: Matt: With the Souls' 4 remaining opponents all in the playoff hunt and with a combined record of 29-19, is the inensity of the team picking up for the final stretch run which will require probably at least 2 wins to secure a playoff berth?
[Fire_7] 9:16 pm: franman: I would hope so because it is going to take a serious stretch to ensure th playoffs. As many know it is not how you start, but how you finish.
[philly soulfan04] 9:15 pm: As everyone knows, philly fans are usually ones who harass other players the most, when the fans boo the team or player after a bad play/call/preformance what is the thought in the locker room?
[Fire_7] 9:17 pm: phillysoulfan04: You understand that people will boo and cheer you. It comes with the territory
[JStorm] 9:16 pm: Matt, why u hit the player from memphis at the arena cup. He did nothing to u. after the replay at the arena cup your the one that should gotten ejected.
[Fire_7] 9:18 pm: JStorm: There is no excuse for what I did as it embarrased myself, my team and my family. Yes I should have gotten thrown out
[Soulnoid] 9:17 pm: can you expain or go into detail about 'just comes down to guys either preparing to win or not' ? Don't you guys practice all week?
[Fire_7] 9:19 pm: SoulNoid: Sure you practice all week, but if you do not prepare yourself mentally then you lost the battle already
[derekhagen] 9:17 pm: Matt, speaking of playoffs, how do most of the players feel about the expanded playoffs? Are they glad for the extra opportunity of getting in or do they feel like having more teams cheapens it somehow?
[Fire_7] 9:19 pm: derekhagen: I think we feel it cheapens it, but any time you have a chance to win it all you feel good
[philly soulfan04] 9:19 pm: matt, the soul are down 6 late in the 4th and coach munsey is giving the play call decision to you. What play are you calling and who is it going to
[Fire_7] 9:20 pm: phillysoulfan04: qb sneak
[arenazone] 9:21 pm: Matt what's the most hositle arena you have played in as an AFL player
[Fire_7] 9:22 pm: arenazone: orlando!
[dagodfather] 9:21 pm: What was your opinion of the Philadelphia sports fan before you got here and how has it changed since you came to the Soul?
[Fire_7] 9:22 pm: dagodfather: it is the same. I knew they were amazing. Hell they booed Santa! they gotta be good right
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:22 pm: As a fan, it is great to see fakes and play action and hand off/pass plays. As a player, do you like them? They seem to work. Why don't we see more?
[Fire_7] 9:23 pm: DHACM: They happen, but you have to do them at the right time. I think you dont see them that mutch because if you over use them they will not work. So you try to save them for the right time
[calsparky] 9:22 pm: Matt: of the teams the Soul have played, who is the best in your opinion overall?
[Fire_7] 9:24 pm: calsparky: Crush
[Brooklyn 316] 9:23 pm: Matt: Over the seasons who has been your favorite receivers.You know...the guys that make you look real good when you are having just an average game?
[Fire_7] 9:24 pm: Brooklyn: Chris Jackson
[franman] 9:23 pm: Matt: I'm a big AFL fan, but can't answer people when they ask what you guys do in the offseason. Do you (or many players) have other jobs in the offseason?
[Fire_7] 9:24 pm: Franman: I would think that most work in the offseason. There is life after football so you need to prepar for that
[scott w] 9:24 pm: The Columbus D has been one of the best all year, but NY really pounded them in the 2H last week. How much did you guys study that film?
[Fire_7] 9:25 pm: scott: I think a lot of what new york did was luck. Columbus without a doubt has an outstanding defense.
[NatePreds05] 9:24 pm: What area would you really like to see an AFL team in?
[dagodfather] 9:27 pm: Matt, excluding our Soulmates, who are the best looking cheerleasers in the league? And can you get me any of their numbers?
[Fire_7] 9:29 pm: dagodfather: Dallas (I know you hate me now)
[NatePreds05] 9:29 pm: oh Cmon Orlando has the best cheerleaders
[Fire_7] 9:30 pm: NatePreds: They dress the sleeziest lol
[Brooklyn 316] 9:28 pm: Matt: Jackson best receiver... How bout Coach?
[calsparky] 9:30 pm: everyone says the soul seem to run the same plays....how many plays/variations are there
[Fire_7] 9:31 pm: calsparky: It is arena football, you are always limited to what is called. We have a lot of plays without that many formations. But in the end they willl always look the same
[philly soulfan04] 9:31 pm: matt if u could be pro in another sport what would it be
[Fire_7] 9:31 pm: phillysoulfan: Golf
[NatePreds05] 9:31 pm: Im sure they have more plays than the AFL video game, I really wish I had more plays to choose from
[dagodfather] 9:32 pm: Speaking of the Predators, what's the deal with all the Ex-Preds on the Roster? By my calculations, it's about 28% ex-Orlando and how much of a factor were their pole dan..I mean chearleaders in the loss to them?
[Fire_7] 9:33 pm: dagodfather: He brought in people he was comfortable with, they just happen to be ex preds. Lets be honest, the preds win so it's not like he brought in chumps. These guys can play and they are proving it now
[dagodfather] 9:33 pm: I know that but 28%?
[Fire_7] 9:34 pm: dagodfather: To me if it were 99% I dont care, we are winning and have already surpassed last season record. So he is doing somethng right
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:33 pm: After a game, is there a big difference from when you win vs lose in how you feel and what you do. Some fans are devastated after a loss? Thrilled after a win? What is like as a player?
[Brooklyn 316] 9:34 pm: Matt: Our chat usually has alot to say about officiating in the AFL...Its really poor and just fair at best. Do you think that replay would slow the game too much or will the benefits overcome the negatives?
[Fire_7] 9:35 pm: DHACM: Of course you feel like crap, but to me once I see my family I know that in the end it is only a game and that I need to be there for my family
[Fire_7] 9:34 pm: Brooklyn: Coming from the af2 I am loving the officiating in the AFL! I have no complaints with them so far. Replay, no I hate replay.
[philly soulfan04] 9:36 pm: matt your seen on message boards, you have your own site, and you do chats with the fans like this. do u wish more players would do this, and are they any other players in the league that talk to the fans like you?
[Fire_7] 9:37 pm: phillyfan: yes I would like to see more guys do this stuff, but at the end of the day it is people that only bring negativity that keep people away from donig things like this.
[scott w] 9:36 pm: Did you feel last week that the Nashville D got frustrated with their own offense and it affected their play (not to take anything away from you!)? As the Nashville offense continued to stink it up, you guys began to move it easier each possession.
[Fire_7] 9:38 pm: scott w: I think of defensive line is what frustraited their team. You could tell by the 2nd quarter they were tired. Up front we got it done and by the 2nd half we took control because of it.
[scott w] 9:39 pm: I think also that Stoerner getting involved in that bruhaha after their first score showed a lack of focus, and you kept yours.
[Fire_7] 9:40 pm: scott w: Yeah not sure what Stoerner did, but in the end i think our defensive line and the pressure we got was the deciding factor
[arenazone] 9:39 pm: Matt are other AFL players as computer savy as you and handle a chat like this.
[Fire_7] 9:40 pm: arenazone: there are some other computer nerds, I think if you asked more guys they would do it , sure
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:40 pm: Matt, thanks for doing this. The best part of being an AFL (and SOUL) fan is getting to know the players on the team. I go to the games with my kids (5 and 3) and they love it as well. I appreciate you taking the time to do this. Hope to run into you at C&P's. The first beer is on me.
[Fire_7] 9:41 pm: DHACM: I do not drink, but as you can tell I do eat So maybe a chicken wing
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:41 pm: Crab Fries it is!
[Fire_7] 9:42 pm: DHACM: I have never heard of those till I ate them at C&P and they are good! love them
[Brooklyn 316] 9:42 pm: Matt: Have the rule changes ( eg: Jack ) made much of a difference in offensive strategies and do you think it has lowered the scoring totals?
[Fire_7] 9:43 pm: Brooklyn: I actually believe we are still right around the same scoring total as last season. I like the rule changes but no no change in offensive strat
[NatePreds05] 9:42 pm: Do you think the AFL will adopt a defensive line specialist and an offensive line specialist? How would that affect the AFL game?
[Fire_7] 9:43 pm: NatePreds: as we already know the af2 is the testing ground for the afl. I can see that happening next season in the AFL for sure. If I were a coach, I would OS two of my lineman for pass pro
[philly soulfan04] 9:43 pm: have u ever met commissioner baker in person, and if so what do u think of him? [Fire_7] 9:44 pm: phillysoulfan: I have met him, and the guy is very nice and BIG!
[Fire_7] 9:45 pm: Baker has done an excellent job of promoting the AFL. He has taken it to another level so I like the guy
[dagodfather] 9:44 pm: Matt, what is your website? www.mattsauk.com?
[Fire_7] 9:44 pm: dagodfather: www.thesauk.com
[calsparky] 9:46 pm: is it in the plan to keep the score low offensively to control the game, in other words not many bombs in the game
[Fire_7] 9:47 pm: calsparky: I think with what we have, being efficient is the best way to go in order for us to win games
[philly soulfan04] 9:47 pm: baker says he wants to see 100 af2 teams and expand arena football into europe..do u think either of these have a realistic possibility and how long do u think it would take to make it happen
[Fire_7] 9:47 pm: phillysoulfan: no, I think 32 af2 teams is enough if not to much.
[scott w] 9:47 pm: If it's down to one play to win the game, and you are on the 15 yard line, who is the ONE DS you absolutely DON'T want to see on the other side of the ball?
[Fire_7] 9:48 pm: scott: Clevan Thomas
[dagodfather] 9:48 pm: Matt, you impressed me tonight and I am not one who impresses easily. Now don't blow that by losing Friday. GO SOUL!!!!
[franman] 9:48 pm: Matt: What rule change/modification would you like to see implemented in the AFL?
[Fire_7] 9:48 pm: franman: I would like to get an actual offiical that watches the box and that is his only job.
[philly soulfan04] 9:48 pm: Besides New Orleans coming back into the league next year, whats another city you would like to see come into the AFL?
[Fire_7] 9:49 pm: phillysoul: Boston, Washington.
[Fire_7] 9:49 pm: the more NFL owners, the better for the league as a whole
[philly soulfan04] 9:50 pm: matt thanks for taking time out to do this..GO SOUL!
[franman] 9:50 pm: That's interesting. What's going on in the box now that warrants that... too much stunting, holding, out of the box, etc..?
[Fire_7] 9:51 pm: franman: I just think that a lot of the stuff is never called and if you have an official that is just watching that stuff it will be better for the game
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:50 pm: I have to ask this...what is JBJ like? Is he hands on or hands off?
[derekhagen] 9:50 pm: Matt, is there any talk among the players about what might happen if NBC is not back on board next season? Are most of the guys comfortable with the direction the league seems to be headed?
[Fire_7] 9:52 pm: derekhagen: We know as players that the league will go forward. We feel that a great product is out there on TV right now, if it isn't NBC someone else will step up to the plate. But having NBC say to us that we want you and we will do what it takes to get you on more would be nice. The coverage this year has been lacking
[Brooklyn 316] 9:53 pm: Matt: I gotta bounce..Thanks for doing what you do. I know I and am sure the fans here tonight appreciate you taking the time out for us. Even though The Dragons are my team I wish you " Good Luck " the rest of the season and career
[Fire_7] 9:53 pm: thanks very much
[Fire_7] 9:54 pm: any more questions ?
[calsparky] 9:54 pm: yes, make it 3 in a row.......
[NatePreds05] 9:54 pm: will you lead the Soul to their first ever playoffs?
[dagodfather] 9:54 pm: Are you going to win Fiday?
[Fire_7] 9:55 pm: either myself or graz, yes to dagodfarther
[Dont-Have-A-Cow-Man] 9:54 pm: Thanks Matt! See everyone Friday night! GO SOUL! Thanks Fran for hosting and setting this up!
[franman] 9:55 pm: Thanks for answering questions Matt... you fielded a bunch of them. Gotta run, won't make the game on friday, but I'll see you play vs. Dallas.
[rushfan4ever] 9:55 pm: Thanks Matt and good luck the rest of the season. Matt,do you think the league should get instant replay?
[Fire_7] 9:56 pm: no
[Fire_7] 9:55 pm: cool, thanks to everyone for being here and asking questions. Till next time, take care all
[arenazone] 9:55 pm: thanks matt
Fran Stuchbury has been the host of ArenaZone since 2003. In 2002 he was the co-host of ArenaFan Radio with Tim Capper. While in school, Fran was the host of the original ArenaZone radio show on his college radio station, where he interviewed many league names such as Kurt Warner, league founder Jim Foster, and Commissioner David Baker. Fran lives in Southampton, Pennsylvania and works for the website SportsNetwork. Fran will be attending all the Philadelphia Soul home games this season and will be covering arena football for ArenaFan Radio and OurSportsCentral. He has followed the AFL since its first game back in 1987 and has been part of the media since 1998.
