Soul ready for game number four against Cleveland

Harrison Brown
Friday August 14, 2015

It’s funny the difference a year can make. Last year, the Philadelphia Soul had already lost twice on buzzer beater plays against the Cleveland Gladiators before they played game three in Cleveland.

In the 2014 playoffs, the Soul were 9-9 and came into Cleveland banged up and with no momentum. Dan Raudabaugh was a week removed from an 11-of-35 for 102 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions effort against the Pittsburgh Power. He was benched midway through the third quarter and hadn’t been playing the way he had played in past seasons. Raudabaugh completed 363 of his 562 passes, 4,328 yards,  85 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions in 2014, his worst statistical season.

But how about this year? The Soul have won all three matchups against the Gladiators and have won all three convincingly. The Soul enter this years game at 15-3 and have most of it’s players healthy and active. The Soul defeated Cleveland last week, 48-33 in Cleveland and seem to have this Cleveland’s teams number. Raudabaugh has flipped it around in 2015 and has had his best statistical season: 411 completions on 620 attempts, 4,995 yards, 119 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Raudabaugh is the leader for the league's MVP award, and should have the first team All-Arena quarterback spot locked up. 

The Soul revamped the roster like we’ve never seen before, moving on from superstar players who were the key to the 2012 and 2013 American Conference Champion rosters. The Soul traded fullback Derrick Ross to LA, and he eventually was traded to Las Vegas, and then Jacksonville for three players. The Soul allowed wide receiver Tiger Jones, offensive guard Wayne Tribue, and ironman Jason Holman to sign with Jacksonville. Defensive back Rayshaun Kizer and Center Brennan Carvalho signed with Arizona. 

The Soul added a good new group of guys in the offseason, who have stepped up and played great football this year. They signed Marco Thomas from the Iowa Barnstormers midway through training camp, and Thomas has continued to be one of the AFL’s best receivers. Shaun Kauleinamoku, Tommy Taggart, Justin Lawrence, Brandon Freeman, and Keith Newell signed with the Soul after their 2014 home in Pittsburgh closed up shop last offseason. 

While not the flashiest, maybe the most important signing was center Shannon Breen, taking him away from the Gladiators. Breen should have first team All-Arena center on lock, and an Offensive Lineman of the Year award on the way. Breen has completely dominated every nose guard he has faced this year and has been a key component to Raudabaugh’s season. Breen’s season has caught the attention of multiple NFL teams. Breen is as talented as many players in the NFL, and I would be shocked if he wasn’t there soon. 

And what a year it has been for the Gladiators. The entire team has fallen back down to earth after their 17-1 run last season, the best in franchise history, and maybe AFL history. The offensive line is the biggest difference from last year for Cleveland, losing Breen, and versatile veteran Jason Jones, and now Kitt O’Brien to the Indianapolis Colts. They still have CJ Cobb at guard, and Chad Schofield at fullback or center, but the offensive line just doesn't have the experience that last years did. Marrio Norman was out of the league for most of the year, spending time with the Baltimore Ravens around this time last year, and spending time in the CFL this year. 

Cleveland is currently 8-10, and is 1-5 in its last six games. Shane Austin has thrown too many interceptions this season, with 18. Austin still has had a very solid season and is continuing to make his mark as an elite quarterback in the AFL. Austin is a mobile quarterback, rushing for 233 yards, and 12 touchdowns. 

Cleveland needs to win the trenches on Saturday. It’s that simple for the Gladiators. The offensive line needs to give Austin time to get the ball to his playmakers on offense. If the Gladiators can get Dominick Goodman, Colin Taylor, Thyron Lewis and Amarri Jackson involved the way they need to be, the Soul defensive backs will be put up to a big test versus that explosive of a receiver core. Taylor has had a great season with 41 touchdowns but the defensive backs on the Soul could have a big night because of Austin’s interceptions. It wouldn’t be the first time in the playoffs the Soul defensive backs destroyed Austin, with Rayshaun Kizer getting four interceptions last season.  

The Soul need to keep doing exactly what they’ve done this season versus Cleveland. The key will be the defensive backs this week, and if Kent Richardson, James Romain, Larico Stevenson, and Joe Goosby do their job, the Soul will win the game.