Brutality is Beautiful
Jason Moyer
Saturday June 30, 2007
The Predators scored their second touchdown of the game on the first play of the second quarter, but then never returned to the ‘Promise Land’.
“We can lock up people, play a lot of man and get heat on the quarterback,” stated Philadelphia Soul Head Coach Bret Munsey. “We got a chance when we do that and we did that a lot tonight.”
The Soul’s defensive line pressured Orlando quarterback, Shane Stafford, all game long. After every play, it seemed as if a Philadelphia player was at the feet of the Predators signal caller not allowing him to step into his throws.
Because of the pressure, the Soul defensive backs were able to make quick breaks on pass routes allowing big hits and pass breakups all night.
“Our defense had a good pass rush,” confirmed Soul defensive back Brian Mance. “The guys in the secondary just flew around, and basically we just had fun tonight.”
It’s no coincidence that the Soul defense improved once Mance was inserted into the lineup during a Week 16 game against the Columbus Destroyers.
“Brian’s a guy that continues to get better in practice. He’s one of those that you scratch your head and go ‘Wow, we might have to give him more time’,” observed Coach Munsey. “Every time I put him on the field he makes plays. If you watched before he played defensive back he scored two or three times on kickoffs alone where the ball came off the net. We call him ‘magnet head’. It seems like everything comes his way.”
In a game that is predicated on offensive charisma, it may be the Soul defense that shows brutality can be beautiful too.
Inside the numbers
Tony Graziani (PHI) completed 20 of 35 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns to be named Offensive Player of the Game.
Charles Pauley (PHI) caught six passes for 60 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed twice for 15 yards and a score.
Shane Stafford (ORL) finished 16-38 for 227 yards and two touchdowns and one interception.
Jimmy Fryzel (ORL) snared eight tosses for 103 yards.
Some love for the kickers
Todd France (PHI) and Jay Taylor (ORL) combined on a perfect night converting six field goals and seven PAT’s without a miss. They did however; send two kickoffs wide of the net and into the stands (oops!)
Munsey on playing Orlando (again)
“It’s very difficult especially against what I think is the best arena football coach in the league, Jay Gruden, a guy whose won more championships than anybody. I’m not going to lie to you; I was a little nervous going into that one.”
Does Munsey care who the Soul play next?
“No, we’re just going to continue to work hard. Both teams are very good, so pick your poison. We just got to go out and play.”
Next week
The Soul will play either Dallas or Georgia depending on the outcome of the game between Tampa Bay and Columbus.
Jason Moyer is an elementary school teacher in the western New Jersey area. He is an avid follower of the Arena Football League and has been covering the Philadelphia Soul with ArenaFan.com since 2005. Jason resides in Whitehall, PA with his wife and daughter.
