Philly Fumbles Prove Costly

Jason Moyer
Tuesday April 10, 2007

The Philadelphia Soul watched two fumbles and their undefeated season slip through their hands as they were beaten 59-47 by the Georgia Force Monday night in the Wachovia Center.

“When you play big games, the turnovers are what it’s all about,” stated Head Coach Bret Munsey.  “And we turned the ball over too many times tonight to get a win against a great football team.”

Sean Scott and Wes Ours both fumbled while Tony Graziani tossed an interception as the Soul turned the ball over three times in the loss.  Ours fumble was particularly costly as he was headed into the end zone for a game tying score.

“We just can’t fumble the ball on the 1-yard line.  It was a lot of things that happened and we could never get back in close,” commented Munsey.

However, both sides of the football experienced difficulties for the Soul contributing to their first loss.

A lack of a pass rush by the Soul’s defense allowed Georgia quarterback Chris Greisen to add seven more touchdown passes to his league leading total.  He now has 44 for the season.

“I knew that if we couldn’t get heat it was going to be tough,” admitted Coach Munsey.  “They got three of the best receivers, but I felt like we were around the quarterback a lot and just didn’t get the sack.”

Offensively, the Soul looked out of synch and was unable to make the big plays while being regulated to short passes to move the ball down the field.

“They played deep and we had to go short and stay patient,” commented Graziani.  “Once we started getting behind they could play deeper and keep everything in front.”  

Coach Munsey summed up his feelings about tonight’s game by stating, “We knew we had to play well and come out and fight.  I’m not sure the better team won, but they were the better team tonight and they got the win.”

Now Philadelphia will look to take a page out of Georgia’s book as they will try to knock the Dallas Desperados from the unbeaten ranks next week.

Inside the game

Tony Graziani (PHI) completed 22 of 36 passes for 266 yards.  He had three touchdown passes and suffered one interception.

Idris Price (PHI) carried the ball three times plowing into the end zone on each one to earn Ironman of the Game Honors.

Chris Greisen (GA) connected on 22 of 29 passes for 344 yards and seven touchdowns.

Troy Bergeron (GA) led all receivers with eight catches for 182 yards and four touchdowns.

Attendance: 14,583

Munsey on crucial fumble call

“I think with the square end zones that the ruling on the field is that they can fumble into the end zone and recover.  I’m not sure he had possession, that was my concern and I think we’ll have to watch they tape.  They can fumble the ball into the end zone and recover it, so it was the right call.”

Munsey on Dallas

“Dallas is a great football team.  Offensively they’re as good as you’re going to find and they’ve improved defensively from a year ago, so it’s going to be a battle.”

Graziani on Dallas

“They’re going to be tough.  It’s Dallas, but we’ll be ready.”

Bon Jovi Fingers Officials

We have all seen fans, players, or coaches point fingers and blame a referee when a critical penalty or judgment call goes against their team.  However, that is not the type of finger pointing we are talking about here.

Jon Bon Jovi, Majority Owner and Co-Chairman of the  Philadelphia Soul, was caught on camera extending “the” finger after a call by officials went against his football team during a nationally televised game on Monday night.

A remorseful Bon Jovi addressed media members following the game.

“I apologize for the middle finger thing.  I didn’t understand the rule.  It’s as simple as that,” he stated.

It might be “as simple as that”, but is it really?  As one of the faces for the Arena Football League, more should be expected from such a figure.  

The first article in the AFL’s Fans Bill of Rights states:

We believe that every fan is entitled to a wholesome environment for guests and family members, free of violence, profane gestures, and language or rude and invasive behavior that would in any way interfere with a first-class entertainment experience.

Some people will condemn this action, some may make excuses, and Philadelphia fans might even glorify it because their owner cares so much about his football team. 

With all the good things that he has done for the league and the city of Philadelphia we can do all of these things; condemn the action, forgive the person, and glorify the charitable works he performs.

But please Mr. Bon Jovi understand that with your celebrity status there will always be a camera aimed in your direction and actions always speak louder than words.