Sabercats View Team Unity as Key to Success in 2002
Tim Ball
Sunday March 31, 2002
The San Jose SaberCats, were hampered by injuries in 2001 and disrupted by a constantly changing cast of players. Starters and top producers played on and off in only a few games. OS Steve Papin (Don’t Blink Player of the Year 98, 99), whose kick returns are legendary, missed virtually the entire season with a knee injury. The SaberCats had 12 key players suffer injuries in 2001, plus three kicker changes and a quarterback change mid-season.
Despite the number of walking wounded, the SaberCats managed to post a 10-4 regular season record, win the Western Division (7-1) and still make the playoffs with a first-round bye. Nature took its course in the playoffs as the Nashville Kats simply overpowered San Jose. To make it past the semi-finals, the main goal for the coaching staff is clear: Unity and consistency.
According to SaberCats head coach Darren Arbet, “The West is going to be very difficult. Arizona, led by [head coach] Danny White, is going to try and set the tone. The Rattlers have experience in all departments for success. Los Angeles beat us last year so their confidence is going to be high. The Avengers are fielding a team with a lot of speed so our preparation is going to be the key against them. The Dallas Desperados (owned by the Cowboys Jerry Jones), will want to make a statement to the League and are fielding a team with excellent lineman at the core. Our matchups at every position are going to be more important than ever”.
Coach Arbet is stressing continuity. The SaberCats in 2002 have only one new coach. Mike Church will replace Fullbacks/Linebackers Coach Barry Sacks. “The league is tightening up,” said Arbet. “Every team is fielding a lineup of outstanding players at each position. We’ll be selecting players that fit together as well as the skills mandatory to play in the Arena League”.
The 2001 Western Division champion San Jose SaberCats go into camp with a set agenda, yet have hurdles to overcome after losing veterans and top prospects to free agency signings. With preseason games and roster selections to be decided, the task at hand is clear. Keep what works and fix what doesn’t.
The battle for the playoffs may well depend on who is standing at the end of regular season. Bringing together the components to make it to Arena Bowl XVI and keeping players healthy are clear goals for the SaberCats in 2002. Having made it to two semi-finals back to back in 2000 and 2001, San Jose knows a championship is within reach with team unity the key to success.
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
