"War on I-4"... Not so Much
Jason Lucas
Sunday March 4, 2007
Let me pose this question to you Storm fans, was anything I just said not exactly what you were thinking when you walked out of that game last night, most of you halfway through the fourth quarter? Do you still want to tell me that you think QB John Kaleo is the best answer to replace Shane Stafford? Two weeks ago after the scrimmage I was answering questions about Orlando’s line not being able to hold off the “dominant line of the Storm”. I answered those questions with, well the guys playing for the Preds in the scrimmage were the extreme back-ups on their way out of camp and the quarterback playing was back-up Jake Eaton. The Preds did allow a couple of coverage sacks last night as well as some coverage pressure, but overall they completely dominated and demolished the Tampa Bay Storm on both sides of the ball.
Asked about his offensive line play coach Marcum said, “Do you remember what John McKay said about his offense”? Referring to comments the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach made regarding his team’s offensive play being just that, “offensive”.
Preds defensive ends Chaz Murphy and Greg White with help from linebacker Lance Mitchell forced Kaleo into mistakes and sacked him three times (one each) and pressured him countless times. White even got a sack where the officials inexplicably called him for a personal foul. The penalty was so inexplicable the official did not even give an explanation which usually officials do when they call such a serious foul. White sure made his point that this season he wants to be known for defense and not flashy back flips although I have to tell you I would not mind seeing one after a sack.
The offensive star of the game by far was Preds wide receiver DeAndrew Rubin. He had 8 receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns, torching the Storm defense for long runs on all three of his scores. WR Jimmy Fryzel was his usual steady self with 10 catches for 107 yards including a second quarter touchdown after the defense had forced a fumble and returned it to the Storm 19. QB Shane Stafford spread the wealth also connecting with Javarus Dudley six times for 81 yards and a touchdown.
One of my concerns coming into the season was Stafford’s ability to learn the offense and the terminology. He answered my concern by going 24 for 34 for 329 passing yards with 5 touchdown passes and a three yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter which sent his former team’s fans to the exits early.
“What can I say, it seemed like everyone on this team came up big tonight,” Gruden said. “Shane Stafford did a great job in his first game with us, DeAndrew Rubin was big, Javarus Dudley was big, Greg White was big. It goes on and on.”
The saddest story of the game had to be Storm kicker Bill Gramatica who had the most nightmarish evening I have ever seen a kicker have. Gramatica was 0 for five on extra points and just one for three in field goals costing the Storm a total of eight points (one of his field goal tries was out of range). According to Marcum, Gramatica could be looking for a new address very soon. Marcum, who is known for his quick trigger with kickers had this to say about his kicking situation after the game.
“A decision has been made, I have come to a conclusion, I am not announcing anything to you officially right now, but a decision has been made”.
He went on to suggest to the media to make our own conclusions on his comments. Okay here is my conclusion, Bill Gramatica was not seen after the game so I am guessing he hopped on the trolley and went to go forget about his awful night with his brothers who I heard were seen flipping off Storm fans. Apparently they are no longer the “Kicking Gramatica’s” but the “Flipping Gramatica’s”. Classy!
On the flip side, the Preds kicker could not have had a much better game. K Jay Taylor made all of his extra points and his field goals that were in range. It was nice to see Taylor bounce back after his worst performance in history at ArenaBowl XX.
Week Two
Next week the Orlando Predators welcome Sonny Cumbie and the Los Angeles Avengers to the Jungle for the first game played on ESPN2’s new series of Monday night football at 7pm. Last year Cumbie’s trip to Orlando was un-kind as he threw two interceptions in a 59-34 loss to the Predators. Monday night promises to be a good crowd in the Jungle as the Predators have already sold over 10,700 season tickets.
Jason Lucas is a part-time freelance writer based in the Orlando, Florida area. A former director of media relations with the Orlando Predators, Jason is making his return to Arenafan.com after a short stint as a public relations assistant with the UFL‘s Florida Tuskers in 2010. Lucas has followed the AFL since 1992 and began covering the Predators for Arenafan during the 2004 season. He held that position until being picked up by the Preds front office after the 2007 season. Jason‘s knowledge of arena football and love of the game is what drives him to continue covering the sport.
