What? Defense in San Jose? Couldn`t be.
Tim Ball
Sunday April 7, 2002
Defense
Last weekend, Carolina`s field goal as time expired in the first half turned out to be good…for the SaberCats. At a time when fans were scrambling to go get nachos and sodas, this defensive hold, starting with 00:35 left on the clock, secured the 3 points that ended up winning the game for San Jose 66-64 in the 2002 preseason opener against the Cobras…
Winning while snatching three interceptions for touchdowns and a kickoff return for a score is a good sign and indicates that San Jose is serious about improving on defense from last season. It was both turnovers and defense that made the difference against Carolina with the determined Cobras fighting to the very end.
Fifth year veteran WR/LB Jerry Reese intercepted a pass for a touchdown on Carolina`s second possession. Rookie defensive specialist Clevan Thomas (5-10, 191, FSU) scored on two interceptions of 37 and 49 yards (a team record). Rookie WR/DB Travis Seaton (5-11, 190, San Jose State) took a kickoff for 54 yards to give the SaberCats a 53-36 lead in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter.
Defensive coordinator Michael Church may have something to do with this surprising show of production. Church returns to the SaberCats from a year off where he was defensive coordinator for the XFL San Francisco Demons in 2001. In 2000 with Church, San Jose went 12-2, tying an AFL record for wins in regular season with the SaberCats leading the league in turnover margin (+19) and sacks (31).
Defensive play is going to be mandatory in a league that is fielding very fast players and returning more and more top caliber AFL experience to each position. It is clear that the SaberCats feel this is important and are making the adjustments in the preseason.
"Defense and special teams are the key element to most victories," said head coach Darren Arbet. "When you can stop your opponents by scoring a defensive touchdown, that`s huge. We did not get turnovers consistently last season. Our team will need overall productivity to be successful this season and turnovers are crucial. We will be looking for this improvement in camp and in the first few games.”
Offensive Specialist
Offensive specialist may be the most exciting position in Arena Football, but San Jose knows that relying too much on one player can hurt both the athlete and the team when injuries are sustained. In 2001, injuries to Steve Papin and James Roe left the SaberCats vulnerable at offensive specialist and at kick returns.
 James Roe hopes he stays healthy in 2002 Image courtesy of Jeff Marshall |
"We`ve come into camp with a clear direction," said Arbet. "We`ve drafted and selected a team that we feel has the right combination of experience and talent. Our players are focused to get their job done. It`s up to the coaching staff to do the rest."
The 2002 season is already shaping up to be the most exciting of all. Each division in the Arena League is fielding impressive teams. The Western Division Champion San Jose SaberCats are determined to improve on past accomplishments while focusing on areas of improvement. Recognizing the talent they will face and finding the necessary balance to compete throughout the entire season is the first step towards 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.
