Riptide Midseason Report Card
Keith Antigiovanni
Friday May 31, 2002
Quarterbacks: A-
Kane Claunch has been outstanding so far, ranking 9th in passing yards(215.5/g), 6th in total offense(224.6/g) and 4th in pass rating(109.3). He’s thrown 35 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions although at times he mishandles the ball and turns it over.
Running backs: B+
The three B’s, Brian Berg, Melvin Blue and Jason Burk have combined to give the Riptide one of the top rushing attacks in the league.
Receivers: A
The receivers have been either great or just good depending on whether or not OS Marty Graham plays. Graham has emerged as one of the most dangerous players in the league but has missed two games due to injury. Even when Graham is out, Claunch has a variety of other weapons like Ryan Smith, Rico Curtis and Scottie Nicholson to help carry the load.
Offensive line: C
Pass protection has been adequate so far this season but too many injuries and changes at the center position have caused breakdowns. Not to mention numerous fumbles on the exchange from center to Claunch. The line has also given up 16 sacks.
Defensive line :B
The pass rush has been inconsistent but when they’re good, they’re really good. The Riptide have had a trio of talented pass rushers emerge including Trevor Misipeka, Ryan Cuthbert and Brad Greetis. The pass rush needs to get more pressure on the quick outside passes to stop opponents on third-down. Currently the Riptide are 32nd in allowing first-downs.
Linebackers: A
Graham has been a standout on offense while Curtis has been the MVP of the defense, recording 61.5 tackles and leading the af2 in that category. He’s also had 4 fumble recoveries. Brian Berg has also been strong getting 2 sacks.
Secondary: C-
This area has been shaky for the Riptide since DS Kevin Burton went down in week one. The secondary is the main reason for San Diego’s defensive ranking but A) has been improving the past four weeks and B) does not give up the big play. The Riptide’s weakness is their inability to cover the underneath or short outside routes which either convert on third-down or set up third-and-short yardage, making it difficult to stop the pass. In other words, opposing offenses are simply dinking and dunking their way down the field to score. The long drives take time, which tires the defense. The result is a fatigued squad in the fourth-quarter.
Kicking Game: C-
This has been the biggest weakness on the team so far. Credit the Riptide for recognizing this and making the necessary changes so early in the year. Brad Bohn’s missed extra points cost the Riptide a victory in week one against Bakersfield. In week five Ryan Geisler was brought in. He made 7 of 10 PAT’s in his first game and won the game against Hawaii on a last-second 41 yard field goal. Geisler will miss an occasional extra point but is a dependable field goal kicker.
Kickoff Returns: A+
Fantastic, Exciting and Superb are three words to describe the Riptide’s kick return game featuring Marty Graham and Ryan Smith. When Graham gets the ball he’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He’s ranked 4th in kickoff returns averaging 26 yards a return while Ryan Smith is ranked 10th in the league with 23.8 per return.
Overall Grade: B-
Even though the team is under .500 the disappointment comes from realizing how talented they are. If the Riptide can fix the pass defense they should have a much better second half of the season and challenge for a playoff spot.
Keith Antigiovanni is a free-lance writer in San Diego, California. He has worked for several local newspapers covering sports, government and business. Keith started writing in 1995 after graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Mass Media Communications from the University of San Diego. Aside from working as a sportswriter he has a side business of providing marketing assistance/research for small businesses and also directs,produces and hosts a regular public access television show on Time-Warner Cable named "San Diego Yesterday". Antigiovanni is also a member of the San Diego Sportswriter Association.
