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Written by TalonFan77
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04/11/2007 |
Let's continue on with a new edition of "Keys to the Game" as we prepare for this weekends matchup with the visiting Amarillo Dusters.
OPPONENT AT A GLANCE:
Amarillo Dusters, Amarillo, Texas. 3rd year in af2, 14-21 lifetime record, 1-0 after defeating the expansion Lubbock Renegades 65-26
THE STEVE AND STEVE SHOW
The Amarillo Dusters proudly present this production starring QB Steve Panella and WR Steve Bergeski. Panella has been with Amarillo since 2005, but has only got game in about 50% of the Dusters contests. This seems to be his chance to come out and be "The Man" in Amarillo. Panella threw 4 TD's, no INT's and added a rushing score against Lubbock. Three of those scoring tosses went to his co-star WR Steve Bergeski who ended with 8 catches for 117 yards to lead the Dusters. Even though this performance was against the lowly Renegades, the Talons need to be aware of this blossoming duo. Panella has experience in the arena game and the Talons cannot let him find his favorite target at will or they may put some unexpected points on the board.
WIN THE TURNOVER BATTLE
Nothing new here guys,causing turnovers will lead to more possessions, which in turn will lead to more points. The Talons and Dusters each have a +3 turnover margin after one contest. The Talons need to take advantage of the miscues between Panella and others to win the turnover war. The crowd can have a big impact on this part of the contest.Ask Ben Bowling after his first pass as an Everett Hawk was picked off and he heard the roar from the crowd before during and after. I believe that pass may have came out differently if the contest was in Everett. The Talons are the superior team here, but all it takes is a few INT's or a couple fumbles and this game could be too close for comfort.
S P I D E R M A N
I cannot comfirm, but Donovan Morgan said on opening night that he will be ready for this contest. We all know how big of an impact Spiderman can have on a game. Blankenship will no doubt cast him a few looks if he makes his debut. This is going back to last week's keys, but Josh should know that he has other viable targets and in cases Morgan could be better as a decoy than a target. In our opening game, no receiver had over 50 yards receiving and Andre Ford and Jeff Hughley did great, combining for 5 TD grabs. If Morgan comes out amazing then it will be a treat for all, but there is no reason to force passes his direction.
PHILLIPS VS. FELTON
The kickers in this game are two of the better ones playing in the af2. Luke Phillips came out great in week 1 going 7-7 on PAT's and nailing 2 FG's. The kickoffs against Everett were awesome,reaching the net and often stalling the Hawks returners. The Dusters kicker,Jacob Felton, missed a couple PAT's against Lubbock finishing 7-9 on PAT's.Last season Felton converted 66 out of 73 PAT's which had him ranked among the top in many kicking catagories. The kickers in arenball can have all the difference in a close contest. Luke has been amazing so far and if he can come out perfect again it will be nothing but a plus for the boys in blue.
HARD HITTING, IN YOUR FACE DE-#####
The Talons had amazing defensive support against the Hawks. Delenell Reid and Zach Jones were standouts all night. Jones compiled 9 tackles and recorded a sack.Reid finished with 8 tackles, 1 INT, and 3 pass breakups. Our DB's were quick all night and thwarted Everett's efforts in the passing game.Their DB's took shots and the QB's were hurried around all night. Dusters FB Rich Bellina had 6 attempts and tallied 2 touchdowns against Lubbock and seems to be their favorite option in goal line screnarios. Don't be surprised if Amarillo feeds him often on plays that originate inside the Bud Zone.Our D-line can also help out our secondary by forcing Panella out of the pocket and making him worry about surviving instead of completing.
Dusters Players to Watch:
DB Terrell Mingo,6.5 tackles 1 INT and 3 pass breakups. DB/KR Jahmal Fenner, 1 INT and 1 kickoff return for a TD. WR/DB Jonah Russell, solid 6 catches for 69 yards and a TD.(all stats from the Lubbock vs. Amarillo contest)
There you have it,this weeks "Keys to the Game". Please continue to leave comments,suggestions,additions,disses and anything else relating to my keys to the game.The af2 provides their own previews to the matchups later in the week which may be somewhat near what you read above about the Talons and Dusters. If you see some of the same things listed (as I did in week 1) just remember who's came out first! |
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