Philadelphia Soul: The Ride
Jason Moyer
Tuesday June 19, 2007
School’s out and the summer season is about to begin. For many a trip to the amusement park awaits. But for fans of the Philadelphia Soul, their pulse pounding roller coaster ride of a season is about to pull into the station with a playoff berth waiting.
Philadelphia’s season began with a four game winning streak followed by a six game losing streak. The latest twist on the ride saw the Soul complete their first comeback victory of the season as they beat the Columbus Destroyers 56-53 in Week 16 of the Arena Football League.
The comeback was completed despite the Destroyers offense holding the ball for nearly ten minutes in the final quarter.
“We went through so many different ups and downs in that football game and still hung in there and found a way to win and get to the playoffs,” commented Philadelphia Soul Head Coach Bret Munsey. “You can’t say enough about this football team.”
The Soul apparently had the defensive stop they needed in the final quarter when Eddie Moten intercepted Columbus quarterback Matt Nagy, but Moten was hit hard and fumbled the ball back to the Destroyers.
“Everything that we’ve gone through [this season] the injuries, the lack of plays the last two weeks, the bad calls or bad breaks,” commented Soul quarterback Tony Graziani. “I mean Eddie gets a pick and he fumbles, everybody’s like ‘oh my gosh here we go again.’
The fumble contributed to the nine minutes and twenty-six seconds of consecutive game time that the Soul’s defense was on the field in the final quarter. But there ultimately comes a time where the difference between victory and defeat comes down to desire. And when Mike Brown intercepted a second Nagy throw it was apparent which team would be triumphant.
“You got to give the defense a lot of credit,” added Graziani. “Mike Brown came up with a big play and that’s a season turning play right there.”
The Soul offense took advantage of their opportunity with the combination of Graziani and Larry Brackins. Brackins was a target for Graziani all night because of his height advantage over the Columbus defensive backs.
“It’s a mismatch all the way around. If you throw it up, I’m going to get it,” stated Brackins. “I’m not really worried about who’s covering me. I’m just trying to make a play on the ball.”
“Anytime you put a 5’8” DB on a 6’5” guy who can jump we’re going to try to exploit that,” confirmed Graziani. “We’ve been looking for that from him all year and he’s finally coming around.”
With one week left in the season, the ride for the Soul may yet take another unexpected turn as a win against Orlando on Thursday night could result in the franchises first home playoff game.
Buckle up baby; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
Inside the numbers
Tony Graziani (PHI) completed 24 of 36 passes for 280 yards and seven touchdowns.
Larry Brackins (PHI) caught eight passes for 113 yards and four touchdowns to be named Offensive Player of the Game.
Mike Brown (PHI) made six tackles to go along with his interception to be named Defensive Player of the Game.
Matt Nagy (CLB) finished 21 for 41 and 204 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
B.J. Barre (CLB) hauled in six tosses for 86 yards with three touchdowns. He also rushed three times for 15 yards and one touchdown to be named Ironman of the Game.
A – 17,284
Munsey on Brackins
“Larry Brackins was a draft pick by the Buccaneers two years ago. He’s got all the ability in the world. We keep him focused, keep learning, keep teaching and he could be as good as they get in Arena Football. If he keeps playing like he is, he’ll be back in the National Football League.”
Graziani on the playoffs
“We’re in the playoffs now and we want to go out and beat Orlando to get a home playoff game. That’s our goal now to play in front of this raucous crowd and get this place jumping.”
Brackins on adjusting to the AFL
“The game is a lot faster in here in the AFL. I just had to adjust to the smaller field and it took a while, but once I got it, I got it. Now it’s on, you’re going to see this from me every week.”
Next week
The Soul will return to action this Thursday against the Orlando Predators with a possible home playoff game on the line. Kickoff is set for 7:00 and will be televised on ComcastSportsnet.
