Spokane Shock 2013 preview
Jeffrey Giuliani
Sunday March 24, 2013
The 2012 Shock season began with heartbreak and ended with sheer disappointment. After losing promising signal caller Erik Meyer to a season ending injury in week one, the Spokane Shock battled their way to a 10-8 record. But playing in the best conference would end up being their downfall, as a respectable 10-8 record left Spokane on the outside looking in as the AFL playoffs rolled around. Andy Olson’s squad held tough, but it wasn’t enough.
Things aren’t looking any easier for the Shock in 2013. The National Conference, and in particular the West Divison, is stacked with talent. Division rival Arizona Rattlers are fresh off an Arena Bowl victory in 2012, and their quarterback Nick Davilla looks to only be getting started. In San Jose, AFL legend Aaron Garcia takes over for fellow great Mark Grieb. Garcia is coming off the best statistical season of his storied career and figures to continue his great play, even into his 40s. And who can forget about the Utah Blaze and their record setting quarterback, Tommy Grady. Grady dominated the league, setting AFL single season records in pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns.
This raises the question: Does Spokane have a quarterback that can stand toe to toe in the talented West? Fans are pinning their hopes on former Eastern Washington Eagle and Walter Payton award winner Erik Meyer to do just that. Meyer has shown flashes of immense potential, but a devastating injury caused by a late hit in week one cut his 2012 season short. But there are no worries in Spokane as to whether or not he will be healthy for the beginning of 2013. Through a grueling off season workout regimen, Meyer looks to be back and better than ever. Though talented in many facets of the game, Meyer’s best attribute is a lightning quick release. Having a quick release can pay huge dividends in the indoor game.
Erik Meyer will have some help on the offensive side of the football. Shock WR Adron Tennell looks to improve upon his impressive 2012 campaign, where he reeled in 158 passes for 1825 yards and 40 TDs. With more stability at quarterback, Tennell has an excellent opportunity to build upon last season’s numbers. A fierce and loyal front line will be keeping Meyer clean in the pocket, led my Palauni Ma Sun
On defense, the Shock will have to improve upon their 14th ranked scoring defense, one of the worst in the AFL. First Team All-Arena and All Ironman DB Terrance Sanders was the lone bright spot on an otherwise lackluster defense. He led the Shock in tackles, defended passes and interceptions in 2012. He will require more help from the other seven defensive starters for the Shock defense to improve in 2013. A former 4th round NFL draft pick, Terrance Taylor, was assigned to Spokane to shore up the defensive line. Spokane is also hoping that Beau Bell can rebound from his 2012 season being cut short by injury and BC Lions training camp. Bell brings a wealth of professional experience to the Shock, having spent time in both the CFL and UFL.
2012 was a tumultuous season in Spokane. First year head coach Andy Olson, had to deal with multiple injuries to his starting quarterbacks. Kyle Rowley returned to the Shock and filled in admirably after being fired by the Pittsburgh Power in a bizarre player strike that occurred hours before their first game, but it never felt like Spokane ever gained any traction. 2013 has bigger and better things on the horizon. Erik Meyer is poised to have a break out year. While the division certainly hasn’t gotten any easier, nothing short of an Arena Bowl victory will satisfy a hungry Spokane Shock in 2013.
