Predators run to victory
Jason Lucas
Sunday March 18, 2007
What a difference three days made in the Predators play calling. Monday night all the Preds were doing was passing on every play with no attempt whatsoever to get a running game going. Friday night in sharp contrast the Predators ran the ball 18 times for 33 yards and two touchdowns. The Preds offense simply took the air out of the ball in the second half and used the running game to set up the passing game.
Quarterback Shane Stafford was an efficient 18 for 25 passing last evening. Which begs the question, when was the last time you saw a nearly balanced offense in the Arena Football League? If you quickly do the math the Predators ran just seven more passing plays than running plays and to top off the point; they were successful in doing so.
Wide receiver Jimmy Fryzel sat out Friday’s game with a pulled hamstring and will be on injured reserve atleast until April 20. Consequently the Predators brought back Jerrian James to take Fryzel’s place. James would earn Ironman of the game awards making seven catches for 79 yards and would add one tackle defensively. Yes folks, this is what the Ironman has come to in the new AFL. Obviously I am not trying to take away from James’ solid performance, but those are not your traditional Ironman numbers of the past.
After having no catches in the first half wide receiver DeAndrew Rubin had a solid second half with five receptions for 32 yards and two touchdowns that helped the Predators pull away in the end. After a very shaky game Monday night Javarus Dudley rebounded well with six receptions for 84 yards and two scores, including a diving catch in the end zone which ended all Wranglers hopes with 53 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
The offense made their plays in this game, but the defensive side of the ball is clearly where the Predators won this game. What began the season as a big question mark for the Predators has turned into a strength in the defensive backfield. Newcomer Ryan Bowers recorded two interceptions on the night including the game sealer off the net with just three seconds remaining. Lin-J Shell also had a strong performance in the defensive backfield making a spectacular one handed interception in the first quarter as well as a fumble recovery which was forced by fellow DB Rayshun Reed.
The defensive line for the Predators was finally able to get some pressure on the quarterback Friday night. Defensive end Greg White was able to get to Wranglers QB Adrian McPherson for his usual one sack per game. He also forced McPherson out of the pocket on several occasions late in the game including a play where he tweaked his elbow and was deemed to be okay after the game.
The Predators pretty much controlled this game throughout, but if there was one moment of doubt it came just before halftime. McPherson was able to find WR Otis Amey for a 31 yard touchdown pass that cut the Preds lead to 21-14 with just 10 seconds remaining. Then came the one moment of doubt when Austin kicker Mark Lewis placed his kickoff perfectly and Rubin mishandled the ball long enough for Nate Coggins to recover for the Austin touchdown. Lewis would miss the extra point that would have tied the game going into halftime.
Overall I would say this had to be the most balanced Predators offense I have ever seen. The adjustments the Predators had to make for this game were blatantly obvious to the point where nobody had to tell Jay Gruden that he did not call enough running plays Monday night against the Avengers. Maybe he did not need to call 18 running plays against Austin, but it definitely served as a statement to the rest of the league that the Predators are not afraid to slow things down and pick their spots in the passing game.
Next Monday
Once again ESPN2’s Monday Night Football visits the Jungle on March 26 at 7:00pm. The Predators will have their first true measuring stick game of the year against the undefeated Dallas Desperados who are coming off a 66-54 win in Kansas City last night. This rematch of the National Conference Championship game from last season will really let the Predators know where they are at this season. The offensive line will have to contend with the constant pressure of Dallas defensive end Colston Weatherington.
Defensively the Predators will have their hands full with the Desperados QB/Offensive Coordinator Clint Dolezel who was embarrassed in the last meeting when he was so rattled by the Preds defense he forgot what down it was just before halftime providing the turning point. Orlando must look to their running game again next week and grind things down and pick their spots against a tough Dallas defense that nearly posted a shutout in week one against New York.
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.
