Gladiators Head North for Division Battle
Marc Viquez
Thursday May 23, 2002
Special teams ignited, or should I say Sedrick Robinson, who galloped for 328 yards and added three touchdowns. Robinson credits his coaching staff and the ability to strike down the middle of the defense. McDonagh is coming off a quiet six-touchdown, four-interception game, but he shined when it counted with the game-tying TD with zero time remaining in regulation before tossing the game winner in OT. He currently leads the league with a 90.97 passing rating.
It was not all about special teams, however. The defense was menacing against New York throughout the game and especially toward the final period. It was only fitting that Otis Smith recovered a fumble from Dragon`s QB Matt Nagy to seal the win. New York had to earn their final points and opted for a FG try on their last play of regulation.
The Phantoms like to run and are currently fourth in the league in rushing, led by Jermaine Younger and Phil Glover who have six scores on the ground. Buffalo was able to limit Toronto to just 16 rushing yards last week and that could be a key for a New Jersey victory. Toronto has lost both games when they were out-rushed. The Gladiators rank 12th in the league with around 10 yards rushing per game.
"We do worry about the rushing game in this league, especially near the goal line," said Haege. "Toronto has one of the better rushing games in the league when they get within the five yard line"
Toronto`s Dell Lee has three interceptions in four games and may be emerging as a defensive star in the league. McDonagh has thrown eight interceptions on the season -- half of them last week. However, New Jersey ranks first in the league in total offense and offensive scoring.
Special teams could mean the difference again if S. Robinson puts up similar numbers. The Phantoms counter with Anthony Derricks who tallied up 148-yards and a touchdown last weekend in Buffalo. Haege looked for improvements on special teams and looks for continued productivity in the weeks ahead.
"They have an excellent kickoff return," said Haege, who will hope to contain Derrick`s 648-yards that rank second in the league.
When all the stats, comparisons, data analysis is all said it done, expect a close battle. Limited penalties, strong defense and a strong performance from McDonagh -- who was a bit shaky in the 2nd half against New York -- will propel the Gladiators to what is needed for victory. Haege also would like to slow the passing game of QB Chad Salisbury. The Gladiators will travel to Chicago next weekend to take on the Rush.
Change of Date
When Stanley Cup playoffs and Arena Football League collide there is usually a change in schedule for the AFL team. The Gladiators had to move their season opener a day late to accommodate the New Jersey Devils first round series (a lot of good that did for the Devils) and so have the Phantoms who switched for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Instead of Thursday night, kickoff will be set for Friday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Injured Gladiators
For the third time in just over a week there is a Gladiator placed on the injured reserve. OL/DL Dwayne Sabb joins George Williams and James Bowden on the list. Williams was on crutches for the Dragon`s game, after sustaining the injury the week before against Carolina.
New Additions
With Williams out for the year the team signed WR/DB Kevin Cobb and rookie WR/DB Aundrae (Dre) Harris to the active roster. Cobb enters his third season in the league and has recently played for the defunct Oklahoma Wranglers in 2001. Cobb set a game-high record with 17-tackles during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Avengers in 2000.
Harris’s rights were awarded to the Gladiators after starting the season with the Arizona Rattlers. The University of California-Berkeley product has played in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts.
Nagy and McDonagh
After the Gladiators and Dragons game on Saturday there was a lot of talk about whether Danny Kanell would start this week against the Detroit Fury. Matt Nagy looks to be settling in at the QB position for New York, tossing eight touchdowns last weekend and could have been game MVP if his team pulled off the victory.
I know Kanell`s name carries more pull after playing for the New York Giants in the NFL, but the man has just suited up. Gregory seemed a little bit miffed that there were not enough questions concerning Nagy, who looks like might be the heir-apparent to the throne left vacant by the departure of Aaron Garcia.
There might be similar concerns with Foley getting some playing time for New Jersey, and there were a few chants for his name at the Meadowlands during the second period. However, McDonagh has led the team to more wins in five games then Connell Maynor and Todd Bankhead did all of last season.
If circumstances change this season then there may be the possibility of the former NFL quarterbacks to get some playing time. However, McDonagh and Nagy are putting up impressive numbers. Perhaps we should get used to saying their names.
A fan of the sport since 1990 Marc has covered both the New Jersey Gladiators and Cincinnati Swarm (Af2) for Arenafan Online. Marc now resides in Indianapolis after graduating with a Masters in Sports Management from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. When not at a Firebirds game Marc can be found traveling the Midwest covering sports for various Internet and print publications.
