Disciplined Force Throttle Chicago, 55-20
Matt Eichenblatt
Monday May 1, 2006
The Force offense took control early, establishing a deep passing attack spearheaded by QB Matt Nagy who went on to throw 7 touchdown passes on the night. OS Chris Jackson tallied two touchdown grabs, both outstanding efforts including a one handed grab in the corner of the end zone.
Though the Force offense had great success, it was the defense that was the most impressive on Saturday night. Having their second best points allowed effort of the season since limiting Kansas City to 19 in week 5, the Force accounted for 2 interceptions and a season high 4 sacks. After giving up 62 points to Dallas a week ago, it was almost a mystery as to how the defense improved so quickly, but according to Coach Plank the key was being healthy, and the return of defensive leader, DS Nate Coggins.
"Nate Coggins re-introduction into our lineup was a huge asset," Coach Plank explained. "Most secondary and coverage mistakes are made from communication. Having Nate Coggins back significantly improved our communication between me and the players as far as getting the right calls out, both verbally and through hand signals."
Despite the huge win over Chicago, Coach Plank as well as the rest of the players had a resigned happiness about the game, knowing that there is still more work to do.
"I’m happy, but I am a controlled happy," remarked Plank. "I understand what we have in front of us these next three weeks. Everyone in that locker room was pleased with the results, but they also understand that this is just the first step in the process if we are going to try to get into the playoffs.
In the Record Books
With his 45 yard interception return late in the 4th quarter, Derek Lee helped the Force tie the AFL record for interceptions returned for a touchdown in a single season with seven. It will be interesting to see if the Force can break the record with two games to go.
Being Smart
After last week’s second half meltdown against Dallas, I along with other AFL analysts was critical of Georgia’s lack of discipline and overall lack of common sense. When asked if focus and discipline were keys to practice this week, the answer from Coach Plank was a resounding yes.
"It was total focus," Plank said. "What was frustrating was we were playing a lot of zone last week and us as defensive backs were making errors. Something as simple as running a two-deep or three-deep zone still resulted in Dallas throwing touchdowns against us. We mentally made errors in the second half of that game, and an opportunistic Dallas team took advantage, and we never regained that momentum."
I will be the first to congratulate a team when they do well, but I will also recognize the faults and mistakes of a team when they commit them. Against Chicago, the Force played hard on both sides of the ball, and completely dominated a Chicago team who like the Force, are also fighting for a playoff spot. The one turnoff about this team that I have isn’t the talent or the coaching, but the intangibles that they lack that championship teams possess: limiting mental errors, consistency, and playing hard.
The Force showed on Saturday night what they are capable of when they are hitting on all cylinders, and playing disciplined football. But the only remaining obstacle this team faces is whether or not they can come out every game from here on out and play with that same level of focus and fire. Just when everyone thought the Force had overcome their mental lapses and horrid inconsistency for good after three straight wins over Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Austin, they turn around and lose two in a row in games they were leading at the half. Granted the Force were missing key components to their team due to injury and suspension like Nate Coggins, but I nor Coach Plank I’m sure, will use that as an excuse.
For the Force, they must win the remaining two games at New York and versus Philadelphia at home to secure a home playoff game. Judging by the Force’s impeccable 14-3 record at Phillips Arena since Plank’s arrival, it’s clearly an advantage to play for. With a win over New York this coming Friday, the Force can clinch a playoff spot in the National conference. If they play like they did against the Rush on May the 5th, a playoff spot is almost assured, but a loss puts them in a critical ‘must-win’ situation against Philadelphia to make the playoffs.
Regardless of scenarios and number crunching, it is imperative for the Force to win their final two games, and to consistently hard with fewer mental lapses. In a perfect world, Georgia wins its final two games and Orlando losses it’s final two and the Force repeat as division champions. But even if that doesn’t happen, the Force still remain Arena Bowl contenders. Every Force fan across the state of Georgia wants a home playoff game in Phillips Arena, and it’s Georgia’s job to seize the opportunity.
I hate to say it, but every game from now until the Arena Bowl is a ‘must win.’ Good luck boys.
Matt Eichenblatt is a free-lance writer from the Atlanta area. He has followed Arena Football since 1999 and has been attending Georgia Force games since they moved from Nashville five years ago. As well as being a football enthusiast, he is also looking forward to graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Finance and Communications.
