Reserves and Character Keep Soul Perfect
Jason Moyer
Saturday March 29, 2008
The Soul got contributions this week from backup quarterback Matt D’Orazio, who is replacing the injured Tony Graziani for the second straight week and wide receiver Darius Watts, who made the first AFL start of his career.
Watts is the fourth receiver to play with Philadelphia’s “big two” of Chris Jackson and Larry Brackins this season. Kenny Henderson started the year before breaking his collar bone, then Steve Broussard was in for a game, Cliff Dell played the next two, and now it’s Watts’s turn.
“We think Darius has got a great future in this league. It was nice to see him come in there and contribute,” stated Head Coach Bret Munsey. “We didn’t want to make a living with throwing the ball to Darius Watts in his first game; we still have Brackins and Chris Jackson. But it was nice for him to get his feet wet and hopefully he’ll be ready next week against Utah.”
Watts finished the game with six receptions for 66 yards and an important fourth quarter touchdown.
D’Orazio was signed by the Soul in the off-season as insurance at the quarterback position. The Soul were 0-6 last season when their starter Graziani was injured. In the two games that he has played, the quarterback has completed 53 of 77 passes for 634 yards with 15 touchdowns and more importantly no interceptions.
“Matt brings a different element than Tony does and it just might be a good thing that he was in there this time,” commented Munsey. “He created some opportunities by moving his feet. He runs a little bit back there and keeps the pocket moving. He hung tight and made the throws when he had to, it was a great effort.”
The Soul also proved that they can win a tight contest. In Philadelphia’s first four victories, they outscored their opponents 271-181 an average of 22.5 points per game.
“It’s a sign of a great team, but at the same time we got to realize that when you’re undefeated and playing well everybody’s going to come and give it their best shot,” remarked Munsey. “At the end of the day, our guys stood in there and showed great character, great fight and made the plays they had to, to win the game.”
“We took their best shot and things didn’t go great for us,” added D’Orazio. “Things started kind of slow and there was a couple of penalties and I missed a couple of throws, but I think the teams not panicking and they’re showing confidence and keep fighting the whole game, there’s a chance to win.”
Philadelphia’s defense also continues to play well as they recorded three sacks and two fumble recoveries. The Soul have created 13 turnovers, while committing only three of their own.
“One way or another we’re getting turnovers,” pronounced Munsey. “We didn’t get a pick this week but created a couple of other ways. If we can continue to do that and win the turnover battle we give ourselves a shot to win.”
The Soul set a franchise record by winning their fifth straight game to start the season and will look to add another victory next week when they take on the Utah Blaze.
Inside the numbers
Matt D’Orazio (PHI) completed 25 of 35 passes for 296 yards and seven touchdowns. The quarterback also added a four yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Larry Brackins (PHI) caught 10 passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns.
Anthony Dunn (PHI) recorded two sacks, forced a fumble, and deflected a pass, while making five tackles.
Brett Dietz (TB) finished 31 of 46 for 400 yards and six touchdowns.
Lawrence Samuels (TB) caught 10 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
Attendance-16,179
Milestone
Chris Jackson (PHI) became the fourth player in AFL history to reach 12,000 yards receiving when he caught an eight yard touchdown late in the second quarter. Damien Harrell of the Chicago Rush is the only other active player to achieve that accomplishment.
Next Week
The Soul will play their second straight home game next week when the Utah Blaze visit the Wachovia Spectrum. Kickoff is set for 7:00.
Jason Moyer is an elementary school teacher in the western New Jersey area. He is an avid follower of the Arena Football League and has been covering the Philadelphia Soul with ArenaFan.com since 2005. Jason resides in Whitehall, PA with his wife and daughter.
