"Wait a minute, Weidman," I can hear some of you say, "Last time, it was only our third game, playing with our backup quarterback and a team that was still struggling to find its identity!"
Well, you're right, but give my review of the last meeting another read, because a lot of it is still relevant. Morris was out on IR last time, and we had to rely on McCabe, who only had half a game under his belt at the time. This time around, we don't know who is going to be playing. IF we're extremely lucky, it'll be Morris, in which case, things will be a lot easier. He is the undisputed stud at QB for us, but it's not automatic - if he plays, he's going to be playing hurt. I wouldn't be surprised to see him benched to save him up for the Predators next week.
Okay, so assume that Morris is benched - next in line is McCabe. If so, best case, we can expect an extremely close game that we'll be clinging to whatever we can get. Worst case, he plays like last week, and they run over us. Worst case #2 is Siegfried doesn't take the risk and puts Wallace in again. If that happens, we're doomed.
On the other side, the Mustangs started Ward, who is no longer with the team and then brought in Archer. Archer has a lot more experience now, and is still the mobile threat that he was then - that means things will be even tougher for us. He'll still be likely to hook up with Holmes, along with Damian Harrell (if he's playing - he hasn't been seen in a few weeks.) Both of these players have come a long way and can't be discounted.
Where will the ball be going on our side? Tough to say. Again, it comes back to not knowing who is behind center. If Morris is playing, it's going to Washington. If McCabe is playing, expect to see Willis get the hookup. If Wallace is playing, the gods alone know where it's going, because he sure as hell doesn't.
Rue was another key in the last game in the short yardage, but we haven't seen much of him in recent weeks. The running game is no longer our focus - probably a sign that the Power has developed into more of a traditional AFL team. In the long run, this is a good sign - but it's still taking a tool out of our kit that we used last time.
Another of our weaknesses was that we couldn't contain the mobile quarterbacks last time, and I can't say that this is much improved. Also, Archer was able to bomb a lot of them down field to uncovered receivers - we all know that this is something the Power has struggled with this season.
Finally, the game against them last time - much like our lucky win over Cleveland - was the result of missed PATs. Can we rely on that again? Maybe. But this also means that we have to rely on Edinger not Edingering the place up. I'd call it a draw.
Those of you uppity class clowns from earlier are probably now saying, "Oh, Weidman - quit your bitching! The Mustangs are still at the bottom of the division with only 4 wins, and the Power is sitting pretty at the top! They're a bad team!"
Again, you would be right. And a little obnoxious. Sit down and let me explain.
Yes, we're at the top - but it's not by much. Also, we're banged up something fierce. Making a prediction on this game relies too much on who's playing quarterback and where the holes in our defense are going to be. We just don't know at this point, and that scares me. The right combo, and we're going to walk away with this. The wrong one, and we're in trouble.
The Mustangs are also not looking at the post season at all. They're just trying to get out of the season with something to show - and a road win against the division leader could be that something.
It's really time for that intangible - the crowd. The Power management is pushing this game hard. They're bringing the concept of the White Out to the Arena this week. It's also a "family night" with special ticket packages available for cheap. They want to see that place packed and loud. If you're local and reading this, do your part: Show up and cheer them on. They will need it!
Do I think we're going to win? Yes. We should and we need it. Do I think it will be easy? Not in the least.
Go Power!
Elsewhere in the league
- Tune in Friday night to the NFL network and root on the Command to bloody the (now) hated Blaze
- The Soul is playing the Rattlers. so write in an early "L" for them.
- The Sunday afternoon game is the Rush hosting the Barnstormers. I'm excited for this, because I haven't gotten to watch my Rush in a while.
- Cleveland is playing the Sabercats Saturday. The Cats have been having a rough time of it this season, but they're perfectly capable of beating the Gladiators - so here's hoping!
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