Dragons vs. Force Preview
Matt Eichenblatt
Saturday May 20, 2006
Quarterback: Nagy vs. Browder
This particular department will be the key to the game for both teams, simply because it’s the most even category. Browder has played red hot the past few weeks, while Nagy has had an overall good season, and has that very valuable playoff experience. It really depends on a preference on who is better in this situation but in the AFL, experience in the playoffs is invaluable, just as John Dutton. Nagy has struggled the past few weeks but has the playoff experience which makes this the toughest decision of all.
ADVANTAGE: NONE
Offensive/Defensive Line
The key for the Force this week will be to keep QB Matt Nagy upright, something they weren’t able to do late in the season. The defensive side of the ball for Georgia has been getting after the quarterback, but New York has a good line and a quarterback that is elusive in the pocket. This department seems to be dead even, but if All-Arena selection Jermaine Smith can have a good game with few penalties, he could very well make the big play that turns around the fortunes for the Georgia Force.
ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA
Defensive Backs
It’s amazing what the loss of Kevin Gaines has meant to the Georgia Force in terms of defensive back play. While the Force have perennial hard-hitter Nate Coggins and All-Rookie selection Chris Brown covering the receivers for New York, the absence of a true 3rd back has plagued this team all season, and that was all to obvious when these teams met two weeks ago in week 15. Mark Ricks and Will Holder aren’t outstanding, but they do the job with minimal mistakes. The Force defensive backs are big risk takers, and more often than not this season, they have gotten burned.
ADVANTAGE: NEW YORK
Receiving Corps
This is going to be the most dynamic match up of Wild Card weekend, and perhaps the playoffs. The Force boast two of the best receivers in the league led by former MVP Chris Jackson and recent All-Ironman team selection, Derek Lee. New York’s receivers aren’t to shabby either boasting their own tag team of Kevin Swayne and Mike Horacek. If Derek Lee can’t play, this is a clear advantage for the Dragons. It’s playoff time though so expect Lee to play, and also have a very big game.
ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA
Coaching
This is a no-brainer. While Weylan Harding has done an excellent job coaching the Dragons this season, Doug Plank has appeared in four consecutive Arena Bowls- that’s impressive. The Dragons last year choked in their playoff opener at home to the Orlando Predators and with an inexperienced quarterback at the helm that might happen again.
ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA
History
Historically, this is a big advantage for New York. In fact, the Georgia Force have NEVER beaten New York. Granted they have only met four times, but the games have rarely been good contests. But if you also look at history, New York has been pitiful in the playoffs, especially at home. Take each fact with a grain of salt, because the only thing that matters is who shows up on Sunday.
ADVANTAGE: NEW YORK
Prediction: Georgia 48, New York 44
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.
