Rattlers Need a Turn in Right Direction
Patrick Daly
Saturday February 11, 2006
OK, there is a silver lining in the gray cloud. It’s only the second week of the season and 12 of the league’s 18 teams make the playoffs this season, which leaves plenty of time to put this season back on the right path. Arizona also hosts four of their next five games, starting with a San Jose SaberCats team that is struggling itself, also sitting a 0-2.
However, first and foremost is the potential return of quarterback Sherdrick Bonner. Friday night’s 53-34 loss to the Austin Wranglers saw the debut of quarterbacks Travis Cole and Dennis Gile, but neither produced a performance that had anyone forgetting about Bonner. In fact, knowing that Bonner was out made life easier for the Wranglers and defensive specialist Damon Mason, whose three interceptions helped him earner defensive player of the week honors.
"I can’t lie; it was a big relief," said Mason. "He’s very important to this team. He’s a proven player and will be a Hall of Famer one day. It was very big knowing that he wasn’t going to play.
"When you’re playing a guy like Bonner you know about him because he’s been around so long, but when you’ve got guys in there that are new to what’s going on you go back to the basics. You play one-on-one Arena Football and get a feel for what they’re trying to do and pick your opportunities to gamble and get a pick."
Bonner sat out Friday’s game to rest his sprained left shoulder that he suffered in the opening weekend loss to the Los Angeles Avengers. The main cause for concern is that the injured shoulder is connected to the throwing arm that the Rattlers need to drive the offense. With Bonner in the lineup, protection up front is crucial. At some point the Rattlers will have to make an investment in the quarterback of the future, whether it is developing home grown talent or making a free agent, but for now the future of this season will hinge on the arm of Bonner.
Another piece of the puzzle
Another big piece in the offensive potential of the Rattlers lies in the hands of offensive specialist Damien Groce, who was released prior to the start of the season due to salary cap issues but gave up money to sign with the team after week one. Despite grabbing six balls for 99 yards, Groce was disappointed with his debut.
"It was very disappointing," said Groce. "I came to this organization because I’m used to them winning. It’s frustrating, but I know it’s going to be all right. It’s like I’ve told them before, they started 0-2 one year and went to the championship. The only thing is that we keep on working hard, stay healthy and get on the same page we’ll be alright."
Another positive sign from the entire team on Friday was that no threw in the towel.
"I play four quarters, which we all do, but that’s my game," said Groce. "I love to play and I’m going to keep on going until the end no matter what."
Patrick Daly has been an Arena Football League enthusiast since he first stumbled across the late-night ESPN broadcasts and has followed the Arizona Rattlers since their inaugural season in 1992. He graduated from Arizona State University with an engineering degree and is currently a member of a web development team for Direct Alliance in Tempe. Patrick currently resides in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler, Arizona with his beautiful wife, son and a very large football helmet collection.
