Week 5 Preview: Sharks Host Outlaws Friday
Friday April 24, 2015
Jacksonville takes on Las Vegas on Sea Best Field
JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Sharks return to action on Friday, April 24, hosting the Las Vegas Outlaws in an inter-conference showdown. Kickoff on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena is set for 8:00 p.m.
Though Jacksonville (0-4) has not yet reached the quarter-pole of its 18-game schedule, the team finds itself in an early hole. Yet to notch a mark in the win column, the Sharks sit two games behind the second-place Tampa Bay Storm and three games behind the 3-1 Orlando Predators.
This week, the Sharks will play their first-ever matchup against the Arena Football League’s newest franchise, as Las Vegas (2-1) began play this season. The Outlaws may be new, but Las Vegas’ head coach is no stranger to Jacksonville, as former Shark quarterback Aaron Garcia has made the transition to a coaching career after finishing last season with the Los Angeles KISS.
Many Sharks are certainly familiar with the style of offense that Garcia will call, something that may help the Jacksonville defense get back on track. Through four weeks, the Sharks sit at the bottom of the AFL rankings in allowing 59.2 points per game, and the team has allowed each of its last two opponents to break 60.
Fourth down has been the trouble spot for Jacksonville’s defense to this point in the season, as the team has yet to force an opponent to turn the ball over on downs. While the Shark offense has converted 50% of its fourth-down opportunities – tied for third-best in the league – the Jacksonville defense has been unable to get off the field and give the offense an extra possession.
One factor that may help Jacksonville’s overall defense is an increasingly effective pass rush. Defensive lineman Joe Sykes has now recorded a sack in three straight games, and is tied for the AFL lead with 5.0 tackles for loss this season. In addition, Mac linebacker Jimmy Gordon – who has recovered a fumble in back-to-back weeks – will look to generate more pressure as he enters the third game of his nascent AFL career.
On offense, Jacksonville is looking to avoid the early pitfalls that have cost the team in recent weeks. Against the SaberCats last Friday night, the Sharks were stopped on two first-half possessions, allowing San Jose to take a 21-7 lead partway through the second quarter. While a turnover helped Jacksonville tie the score at 21, those empty offensive possessions prevented the Sharks from maintaining a lead and changing the complexion of the game.
When the Sharks have the ball, one area in which Jacksonville may have a decided advantage is on the ground. Fullback Derrick Ross needs no introduction, as he has scored eight rushing touchdowns through four weeks and is comfortably on top of the league leaderboard with 148 rushing yards. The Las Vegas defense has struggled against the run to this point, allowing a league-high 43.7 yards per game on the ground. If Ross is able to gash the Vegas front with a couple of big running plays, the Sharks could gain an early advantage.
On the other side, the Outlaw offense features several players who are familiar with the Sharks’ approach. Wide receiver Jomo Wilson, offensive lineman Nyere Aumaitre and offensive lineman Kevin Myers all began training camp with the Sharks, heading to Las Vegas as part of two separate trades. Wilson enters this week as the Outlaws’ leading receiver, while Aumaitre and Myers have consistently started along the Las Vegas offensive line.
Las Vegas quarterback J.J. Raterink has protected the ball well this season, throwing 17 touchdown passes against one interception. Raterink has surely benefited from a familiarity with Garcia, as the two were teammates with Los Angeles during the second half of the 2014 season.
Finally, the Sharks will need to keep an eye on dangerous return man Gerald Young. Earlier this season, Young became the first player to return two missed field goals for touchdowns in a single game, as his pair of runbacks were pivotal in Las Vegas’ Week 2 victory over the Arizona Rattlers. Young also ran back a missed field goal for a touchdown against the Sharks in 2014, when he was a member of the Orlando Predators.
Friday’s game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for this “Elvis Night” contest are still available, and may be purchased by calling the Sharks Ticket Office at 904-621-0700.
About the Jacksonville Sharks
The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and four-time South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2015 season are now available, two tickets as low as $99. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.