A while back, I had mentioned that out of three games, we had two that we should win – even though we lost one of them – this is the third game. Despite their 5-7 record and stupid name, the Blaze is not going to be an easy game.
First off, QB Tommy Grady is actually one of the best in the league. He has a shot at breaking several single-season records this year, he's just had a bad string of luck so far. He throws fast, deep and accurately – not a trait that the Power has been historically good at dealing with.
On the flip-side, he has thrown a number of interceptions recently. Obviously, this means that DeWalt and Campbell need to be on their toes. With the way they put points up quickly, this is a must. Additionally, defense is critical against their special teams as Chris Bocage is very good at returning kickoffs for points.
On our side of the ball, as long as Morris keeps his cool, he should be able to get the job done. The Blaze is another one of those teams that relies on putting up lots of point to cope with the number they let up. Currently, they are averaging more than 60 points allowed per game, and they let up a staggering eighty-one points in Tulsa last week.
Obviously, while we're looking to pick them off, the Power needs to keep that from happening to themselves. Multiple turn-overs last week in Dallas were what put the game out of reach for them, and is not something that can be shaken off in Utah. As soon as the Blaze gets any kind of lead, I fear the game will be out of reach for us.
Both teams have a lot riding on this game. Since Cleveland won last week and we lost, we have to win this week to keep them at bay. I know I've said that, but it bares repeating. At this point, the only reprieve we get is them losing – and they have a soft schedule. I realize that we're not going to win out, but we need to play every game as if we need to.
Utah is in a worse position. Currently, they need to win this week to have even a shred of hope of securing the last wild-card slot in that conference. After losing three in a row, and getting thwumped by Tulsa last week, they are going to be in do-or-die mode. We had hoped last week that Tampa would be rolling over, but they proved that's not something we can count on. We need to play as if we're expecting Utah to come out shooting and not let up until the final whistle blows.
Elsewhere in the league
- Don't expect the Mustangs to gain any ground in the division, unless they have the biggest upset since David clocked Goliath when they meet up with the Sharks in Jacksonville.
- The Soul have a good chance against Tulsa Friday night, continuing to be a threat.
- Sunday afternoon, Cleveland will be facing off against the Command, a game they will most likely win.
- Friday night, the game of the week on the NFL Network is the Predators vs the Storm. This is the Steelers/Ravens of the AFL. As much as I'd like the Storm to lose, I'm going to have to root for them this week. If they can gain ground on Orlando, they have a shot at the playoffs – and I'd much rather face them than the Preds in the first round.
No comments:
Post a Comment