Arena Bowl XXII Pregame Report

Philadelphia Soul

The Soul are making their first apperance in the ArenaBowl and are only in its fifth year of existence. After finishing with the best regular season record, they have won consecutive playoff games to reach this point. After the team arrived in New Orleans on Wednesday, Philadelphia head coach Bret Munsey immediately left to attend to his pregnant wife. His return date is unknown and although he will be back in time for the game, the Soul players will be without him for practices and meetings. Quarterback Matt D'Orazio is the only Soul starter to play appear in an receive significant playing time in an ArenaBowl, leading Chicago to a championship in 2006. Although Philadelphia has won consistently all year, they are a very inexperienced unit when it comes to the postseason. Besides taking part in a neutral site game for the first time, the Soul also have to deal with the added media coverage and off-field obligations, such as press conferences, autograph sessions and public apperances that disrupt their normal practice schedule. The two-week layoff between games is another factor because even though it allows injured and beaten teammates to receover, it increases the chances of a rusty and slow performance due to the adjustments that need to be made. Philadelphia has been a model of consistentcy all year long and have proven ability to win in big games. They should give it their all and put up an extraordinary effort.

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San Jose SaberCats

For the Sabercats it is the exact opposite scenario. They have participated in and won three ArenaBowls, in 2002, 2004, and 2007. Quarternack Mark Grieb will be starting his third championship game and has been excellent in past performances. With the majority of offensive and defensive starters returning from last year's team, the Sabercats will not be intimidated by the situation. Head Coach Darren Arbet has been involved in the league since its inception and is a proven winner as a player and on the sidelines. Despite the past success of the franchise, San Jose still has one obstacle to overcome. Star receiver James Roe is not expected to play in the game and has not been practicing at full speed. Cleannord saintil has been receiving a lot of throws in practice and will be a huge factor in this matchup. His speed and ability to run routes will likely lead to many long gains. Jason Geathers is a two-way player as a receiver and linebacker. He has helped to carry the offense and is scoring with regularity in the playoffs. Having to step up in two different positions, fatigue could be a factor late in the game. Samora Goodson, a rookie and second-string receiver will get some playing time to allow Geathers to rest for certain plays, and with his inexperience, will not be thrown to often. The defense has gone through its normal practices and everything seems to be okay. This is all just a routine for San Jose and they have to be expected to emerge victorious in this matchup.

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By Chad Fukoka
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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