Philadelphia Overcomes Slow Start

Jason Moyer
Friday June 22, 2007

For the second week in a row, the Philadelphia Soul earned a comeback victory.  The Soul erased a 14 point second quarter deficit to upend the Orlando Predators 63-49 in Week 17 action of the Arena Football League.  

The Soul offense started slowly in their first three possessions, which included two interceptions and a turnover on downs, to allow the Predators to build a 14-0 lead.  But a 56 yard kickoff return by Mike Brown pulled the Soul back to 21-14 and put Philadelphia back on course.

“I don’t know, we came out flat,” stated Soul quarterback Tony Graziani.  “Mike Brown came off the net then we got some stops and the defense picked us up and we picked up the defense.  It was kind of one of those games.”

Philadelphia still trailed by 14 at the one-minute warning, but a Graziani touchdown run followed by some questionable play calling by Orlando helped the Soul tie the score heading into the locker room.

“It would have been a lot worse if we’d have been down,” acknowledged Graziani.  “But guys were kind of relieved a little bit.  I don’t think we could have played any worse in that first half and to be tied up it was good.”

The Soul came out of the locker room riding the momentum and controlled the second half outscoring the Predators 28-14 to complete the victory.

“Well there’s two ways to look at it,” stated Head Coach Bret Munsey.  “The character of it; we did it against Columbus last week and that’s always a great sign when people don’t give up and people don’t quit.  But at the same time, in the playoffs we can’t afford to get behind like that.”

Despite a record of 8-8, the Soul could have a first round playoff game if the Tampa Bay Storm defeat the Austin Wranglers on Saturday night and would have a rematch with the Predators.  

“There’s a great chance we’ll play them again and with a short week I don’t know how much they prepared,” said Coach Munsey.  “As far as what they might change I know Jay will have a great game plan next week.”

After a bizarre regular season, the Soul would be a tough out for any opponent in the AFL playoffs where anybody has a chance.  

“I told the guys we got a great football team, but we were 8-8 don’t lose sight of that,” declared Munsey.  “We’ve got a long way to go, but making the playoffs is what we come together for.  At that first meeting it’s all about giving yourself a chance and we’ve done that.”

Inside the numbers

Tony Graziani (PHI) completed 25 of 42 passes for 262 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.

J.J. McKelvey (PHI) hauled in seven passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns to be named Offensive Player of the Game.

Gabe Nyenhuis (PHI) recorded two sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup to earn Defensive Player of the Game honors.

Shane Stafford (ORL) finished 29 for 46 for 301 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.

T.T. Tolliver (ORL) led all receivers with 12 catches for 114 yards and three touchdowns.  He also returned five kickoffs for 111 yards including a 56 yard touchdown.

Munsey on a home playoff game

“I think it will feel great.  We got to root for Tampa and I think the whole city of Philadelphia will root for us so we can get our first playoff game.  The organization, the ownership, everybody deserves it and that’s what we work for as coaches.”

Graziani on two rushing touchdowns

“Speed kills.  No, we saw them crashing and it’s actually designed to go to Bibla in the corner.  A little lineman corner pattern, but I saw him fall down so I had to turn the jets on.  I’m not going to be confused for McNabb so don’t worry about that.”

Nyenhuis on his two sacks

“I just tried to basically rely on my speed and knock down their hands and get around them once in a while and try to inside-out them.  I basically just stuck to what I had in the outdoor game and tried to run around them.”

Scott on his two fumble recoveries

“They did most of the work.  I was just there to reap the benefits.  That’s football, you just got to react.  That’s what you’re coached to do be around the ball no matter where it’s at.”

Next Week

The Soul are in the playoffs, but their opponent is yet to be determined.  However, if the Soul get a home playoff game, tickets would go on sale Sunday.