Random thoughts after a Storm win (finally)
Adam J Locascio
Wednesday April 11, 2007
- It was apparent that Storm Head Coach Tim Marcum played with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder as the season outlook grew bleaker with each loss. At his post-game news conference outside the locker room, he made a point to call out his detractors. While the Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times both acknowledged at various points in the past month that the season seemed to be slipping away, Marcum’s comments were directed solely at ArenaFan.com. In sort of a backhanded compliment, it became obvious where Marcum gets his Arena football news from.
- Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Karl “the Truth” Williams is returning kicks full-time for the Storm. Williams returned five kicks for 48 yards against New Orleans. Williams also moonlights as a receiver. How come no one in Tampa remembers the “Truuuuuuuuuuuuuuuth” chant that was so popular in his days as a Buc?
- How bad was the officiating during the game? Storm quarterback Stoney Case was so incensed by an official’s call that he emphatically threw his hands downward toward the turf, momentarily popping his shoulder out of socket. The Storm trainer was able to pop it back it and reports say Case wanted to return to the game, but was held out as a precaution. When a player can almost pull off his own limbs in anger, it’s pretty safe to say that the call was blown.
- Speaking of horrible officiating, former head referee and Storm fan pariah Wes Fritz has been seen working as an umpire and not as a head referee during AFL games since 2006. Fritz has long drawn the ire of fans for his inconsistent calls and frustrating interpretation of the rules. Seeing how Fritz is no longer wearing the white cap, apparently, someone in the League office feels the same way.
- The Storm were the AFL’s most penalized team going into the game against New Orleans. It’s been said that during their 0-5 start to the season, the calls and bounces have not gone their way. At one point in the game, Case threw a pass that was intercepted but there were flags all over the line of scrimmage. Fans originally thought that (possibly) a defender was lined up in the neutral zone. No, illegal shift on the Storm – the one penalty that would not wipe the interception off the board and give the ball back to the Storm.
- Coach Marcum was asked after the game, “Which is tougher to find: a good ref or a good kicker?” He had no comment.
- Fullback Rodney Filer was having a career year until his gruesome ankle injury against the New York Dragons. Assuming all the Storm’s rushing touchdowns were handed to Filer through Week 6, he would have a total of 16. The AFL record is 30 in a season. Nashville Kats’ FB Dan Alexander currently has 16. What a race for the record that might have made.
- Former Oakland Raider Lincoln Kennedy made his AFL debut against the VooDoo and largely held his own as he anchored the right side of the offensive line. Unlike the NFL, Kennedy is mainly asked to pass block. His form, footwork, and technique are flawless. The unofficial stats said he gave up one quarterback pressure and no sacks. Some may knock Kennedy’s age, but this is the same Kennedy who was part of the number one passing offense in the NFL in 2002.
- On several occasions, Kennedy reported as an eligible receiver before dropping to his three-point stance. Kennedy is listed as 6-feet-7-inches tall and 370 pounds. Anyone want to tackle him?
- After one touchdown, Storm WR TT Toliver jumped on Kennedy’s back as they walked back to the bench. The difference in size was incredible as Toliver widely resembled Yoda on Luke Skywalker’s back during his Jedi training in the swamp in The Empire Strikes Back.
- The Storm seem to have a knack for dropping at least one snap during a game and it doesn’t seem to matter who is at quarterback.
- Why does the St. Pete Times go to the lengths that it does to hurt Arena football? The real irony is, the Times’ name graces the outside of the Storm’s arena (St. Pete Times Forum). Let’s not forget, it was a Times beat writer who ratted out Coach Marcum for being at a practice from which he was suspended from, resulting in a one-game suspension. Then, on April 6, Times writer Rick Gershman wrote an article that blasted the sport, saying that “arena football is just a goof,” and “with few exceptions, no one except the freakishly obsessed cares about the results,” and “the team does boast five ArenaBowl Championships, a term so silly I had to resist putting it in quotes.” Yet, the Times runs promotions in the arena during Storm games and genuinely tries to use the exposure to their advantage. What’s unfortunate is the Times has a very dedicated and talented writer covering the Storm (David Murphy) this season, and his work is getting submarined by one his own co-workers. Hey Dave, find Gershman and swap the M and N keys on his keyboard.
- Marcum said after the game that he had lineman Tom Briggs playing both offensive and defensive line. Marcum said of the experiment, “We had to play ol’ time Arena football. He had to play both ways.” Why is that depressing to hear?
- Looking ahead to next week, the Storm take on Orlando (2-3). There is no reason the War on I-4 should be done after Week 7.
Adam J. Locascio is a financial advisor in the Tampa Bay area and a Board Member of the Tampa Bay Storm Surge Fan Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix and is a six-year season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Storm.
