The Pittsburgh Power (0-2) were hoping Friday night’s game against the Jacksonville Sharks (2-0) would be an opportunity to show what they had learned after dropping the season opener to Utah 64-33. It seems all they’ve learned is that this offensive line is not adequate enough as the same problems from week 1 showed up again in a 61-35 loss to the Sharks.
After getting sacked four times by a strong Utah front, Power starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson once again found himself under heavy fire on nearly every play and it showed in the final results. Jefferson finished 12 of 22 for 171 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, five sacks and a lost fumble. It might have been worse but he left the game for a while with a rib injury. Backup Shane Austin came in and did a decent job, going 7 for 11 for 85 yards, but he also added an interception and was sacked twice.
Former Power quarterback Bernard Morris played almost mistake free in this one, with his only miscue being an intentional grounding penalty in his own end zone which netter the Power defense a safety. Overall he was 26 for 37 for 248 yards, four passing touchdowns and 3 yards rushing with two ground scores.
P.J. Berry scored his first touchdowns of the season and led the Power tonight with 7 receptions for 101 yards, two touchdowns, and a third on the ground. He also added 164 yards in the return game. Mike Washington had 64 yards receiving but no touchdowns. Jefferson and Kirby Griffin both scored rushing touchdowns in the losing effort.
Jeff Hughley showed why he is the reigning JLS Ironman of the Year as he finished the game with 8 catches for 83 yards, two touchdowns, and 91 return yards. Jeron Harvey had 12 catches for 93 yards and a score.
Micheaux Robinson had two of the three Shark interceptions, including a touchdown return on the final play. Jerry Turner had 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Former Power defensive lineman Justin Parrish had 1.5 sacks in a bit of a homecoming.
As is becoming customary for the Power, they seem to make crucial mistakes at crucial points of the game. Despite all the problems the team was facing, they still had the game within six points (34-28) before Jacksonville scored four of the last five touchdowns in the game.
Looking at the final score of both games so far you might be inclined to think the Power defense isn’t playing well, but tonight’s defense played with a purpose. They forced a safety with Jacksonville leading 20-6 and the Power scored on the ensuing drive. They had a goal line stand, only to see offense turn it right back over. Chris LeFlore in particular blanketed the Sharks receivers and forced them to rely on short precision routes. He finished with nine tackles and a pass breakup. Sergio Gilliam had 10 tackles and two pass breakups and Christian Wise also played a solid game for the Power secondary.
After the game, Pittsburgh head coach Derek Stingley mentioned things need to change and seemed to hint that roster changes were imminent. I have to say I agree. When you’re 0-2 and getting beat by 30 points a game, no one is safe. Pittsburgh will take the bye week off to mull it over then will begin preparing to travel to Chicago to take on the Rush on Sunday April 14th.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Power Facebook Page
