Dragons secure spot in playoffs
Dwayne Smith
Thursday May 4, 2006
The fact that New York took a major step toward a home playoff game this week serves as a sub-plot to the continuing saga of Browder. The sixth year journeyman signal caller from Valparaiso continued his improbable run by beating the team that cast him off during their inaugural season in 2004. Thrown into the starting QB role due to season ending injuries to Garcia and backup Juston Wood, Browder has been able to keep the Dragons in contention by making the right plays at the right time. Sometimes overcoming his own mistakes.
An indication of this occurred in the second quarter as the Soul quickly overcame an early 14-0 deficit to bring themselves back to 20-17 on a touchdown pass from QB Matthew Sauk. After being sacked on the previous play, Browder would step back to pass, delivering an interception to DS Eddie Moten that was returned 28 yards for a touchdown and the lead. The play would begin an interesting crowd dynamic as a sizable section of fans from Philadelphia in attendance erupted in approval. Despite being largely outnumbered among the sold out crowd, the Soul faithful that made the trip up I-95 and over the Long Island Expressway made their presence felt.
The Dragons would respond strongly with a combination of strong play by Browder, dominant play making by OS Kevin Swayne and opportunistic defensive and special teams play. After one of many excellent kick returns by WR/LB Maurice Brown, who opened the game with a touchdown, Browder connected with Swayne, the Offensive Player of the Game, for one of his five touchdowns on the evening. While Browder would connect on another touchdown before halftime, the Soul would make key mistakes that turned a close game into a big deficit. Two fumbles by Sauk and a botched kickoff return gave the Dragons a 43-24 halftime lead and quieted the faithful Philly fans that made the trip.
When Browder connected with Swayne on a five yard score one minute into the second half after another Philadelphia fumble on the first play from scrimmage, New York took what appeared to be a commanding 50-24 lead. This was the fourth fumble of the day by a Soul QB and the only one for Connell Maynor who was brought into the game due to Sauk’s first half problems. From this point forward, Maynor would lead a furious come back as the Dragons would show what has been a problem in recent games. New York’s inability to close out games in which they have big leads has been an unfortunate trend…
By turning the ball over twice and being stopped on downs another time in the second half, New York opened the door for the Soul and Maynor to stage a dramatic comeback. Maynor’s second half output of 13 for 21 with four passing touchdowns would eventually give the Philadelphia a 58-57 lead with 9:00 left in the game.
At this point Browder, who would have to overcome a spotty second half in which he lost a fumble and threw an interception, calmly engineered what would turn out to be the game winning drive. The 4:18 drive culminated with the fifth scoring pass of the night to Swayne. Browder’s ensuing pass to WR/DB Mike Horacek gave New York a 65-58 lead that would be critical with the ease that Philadelphia showed in moving against New York’s second half defense.
The Coliseum’s tension built to its apex when Maynor moved the Soul to the Dragons one-yard line with 7 seconds left and a third and goal. On that play, Philadelphia called their quarterback’s number on a running play, which was stuffed by OL/DL Andrew Tippins, earning a hard fought New York victory. The dramatic victory by New York, while providing excitement for the fans in attendance left their coach wondering why it is they have so much trouble closing teams out.
New York finds themselves at 9-5 and in the drivers seat for a playoff appearance and at least one home playoff game. While that may be the easy part, the hard part is they will have to get through the Dallas Desperados (12-2) on the road and the Georgia Force (8-6) this Saturday at the Dragons final home of the regular season. The Force will be highly motivated themselves being a game away from overtaking New York for a critical home game in the second season. A win by the Dragons will not only secure a playoff birth, but also a home playoff game. Despite this fact, Harding had no interest in discussing these potential possibilities, choosing as always on the next game and letting that determine the team’s fate.
Milestone Reached: On his reception of a touchdown pass in the first quarter, WR/DB Mike Horacek became only the sixth player in Arena Football League history to reach 200 touchdowns in his career. Horacek’s achievement underscored his own determination and perseverance in a long and storied Arena league career. This included being the 2000 Arena Football League Offensive Player of the Year when he caught 46 touchdowns.
Dwayne Smith covers Arena Football and the NFL for different web outlets along with providing a fantasy column to FantasyGMs.com. Dwayne has also been a contributor to other online and print outlets, including the Dallas Morning News. In 2003, he covered the NFL Draft from the Headquarters of the New York Jets.
