SaberCats Roster Stresses Excellence at Every Position
Tim Ball
Thursday April 18, 2002
Having been denied a trip to the ArenaBowl the last two years in semi-final games, the SaberCats endeavor to set the record straight. Though San Jose boasts a very impressive resume over the last two seasons, they have bowed out with the best records in most offensive categories and a win/loss record. With the league’s best offense and highest rated quarterback (Mark Grieb133.9 passer rating in 2001), San Jose has made the moves to present a better overall package in 2002.
Quarterback Challenge?
San Jose is going into the season with only two quarterbacks. Not a big problem as “back up,” John Dutton tore up the field in the action he saw in preseason, actually putting up better numbers than starter Mark Grieb. Dutton passed for 344 yards (22 of 28) with seven touchdowns to Grieb’s 259 yards on 17 of 27 passes with 5 TDs. Both quarterbacks led the team to a combined 134 points scored in the two preseason games. That’s productivity.
With Grieb being one of the very best quarterbacks in the AFL the last two years, his position as starter may be set this season but Dutton has shown he is not second string by any means.
Defense... Defense... Defense
In preseason game one against the Cobras, the SaberCats defense simply won the game. In game two, the defense sent an NFL quarterback packing his bags, as Georgia Force QB Eric Zeier is history…So much for preseason not being meaningful.
San Jose knows all too well the importance of stopping opponents from scoring. The touchdowns denied statistic is the difference in the AFL, as was the case against Carolina in week one. This was the SaberCats Achilles heel last season.
San Jose has brought back defensive coach Michael Church, who in 2000 was a key component of the SaberCats going 12-2 in regular season. Since the defense shined in both preseason games, it is going to be key to continue this production for success this year. Head coach Darren Arbet is determined to be anything but satisfied with the previous accomplishments of San Jose.
AFL/NFL Veterans and Key Rookies
With the late signing on April 9th of NFL veteran of nine seasons, James Williams to FB/LB position, San Jose starts the season with 9 of 24 players with NFL experience. Williams joins Beede (5), Hundon (4), Roe (4), W. Davis (3), Williams (3), Keneley (1), Reese (1) and Ulufale (1), for a combined 31 years of NFL experience.
Barry Wagner, six-time Ironman of the Year recipient and two-time league MVP, enters his 11th year in Arena Football, the last three being with San Jose. An AFL superstar and ArenaBowl Champion with Orlando in 1998, he leads a team saturated with Arena League veterans.
Wagner’s 10 years of experience is teamed with Hernandez (9), Kenney (8), McMillen (7), Jacobs (6), Alcorn (5), Reese (5), Grieb (4), Dutton (2), Roe (2), Smith (2), Keneley (2), Battle (2), Lytle (2), Ulufale (2), Hundon (1), Cobbs (1), and Kinsinger (1). This level of experience will give reality to the expectations of making an ArenaBowl trip. Head coach Arbet set his sights on just such a combination of players from the start.
Rookie WR/DB Travis Seaton (5-11, 191, San Jose State) did what no rookie in San Jose SaberCats history has ever done by scoring two touchdowns on two interceptions (preseason or not) in the game with Carolina. He, along with former NCAA National Champion (with Florida State in 2000), DS Clevan Thomas (5-10 197) and WR/DB Rasheed Davis (5-10 175 San Jose State) who is on injured reserve with an ankle sprain, are coach Arbet’s addition of speed and intensity to a defensive backfield that simply has to produce for the SaberCats to make it.
Summary
The combination of excellent veterans and super prospects in the rookies, San Jose reflects the Arena Football League’s evolution to be a showcase for talented, fast, high caliber football the likes of which has never been scene in professional football’s exalted history. Those who staff their teams with less than the best will have no chance for success in an environment that has no room for error.
The SaberCats clarion call to each player is simple yet unmistakable... On every play hinges the outcome of the game... In Arena Football this is an absolute fact.
Let the Games Begin
Opening night April 20th at Compaq Center San Jose set for 7:30 pm verses the Arizona Rattlers.
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.
