The scenario is simple for the Pittsburgh Power’s playoff hopes. Win this week and pull even with the Orlando Predators for the fourth playoff spot. Lose and fall two games plus a tiebreaker behind with five games to go.
In other words, they better find a way to win this game which is easier said than done.
Power starting quarterback Steven Sheffield is expected to return to the lineup this week which should be a welcome addition to an offense which had four interceptions, three lost fumbles, and turned the ball over on downs four times last week in a 59-21 pasting at the hands of the Philadelphia Soul. Sheffield’s ability to read defenses should help improve that situation drastically. The Power will need to attack the Predators from various points on the field if they want to have success.
Garcia’s lifetime stats and experience speak for themselves. You don’t play 18 seasons in the AFL if you stink. He’s got a 3-0 lifetime record against the Power including the Predators first win of the year, a 52-38 victory in Pittsburgh earlier in the season. Garcia utilizes the short passing game very effectively. He’s able to lead his receivers well and let them gain yards after the catch. He’ll take his shots downfield when they are open, but he’s a quarterback that likes to rely on precision passing.
The Power’s wide receivers have been a tough group to judge this year because of poor quarterback play in many of the games, but I expect them to look better this time around against Orlando. Julian Talley has averaged 96.5 yards and two touchdowns per game since joining the Power a month ago. Outside of his two fumbles against Jacksonville he has been a very strong performer for the Power when called upon. Mike Washington’s stats have been hurt as he has drawn a lot of attention from opposing defenses without P.J. Berry in the lineup. He’s still finding a way to produce which is a testament to his talent and passion. Look for him to break a few plays open deep in this one.
The Predators have a strong experienced wide receiving corps which has come alive since Garcia joined the lineup. T.T. Toliver leads the team with 91 receptions, 1159 yards and is second with 18 touchdowns. Prechae Rodriguez is the main scoring threat in this offense with 82 catches for 1077 yards and a team-high 28 touchdowns. The Predators also have Jason Geathers who has added 11 touchdowns this year.
Pittsburgh’s Alvin Ray Jackson hauled in his second interception of the year last week and will look to add to that total. His play at the jack linebacker position is a key part of the Power’s ability to stop Aaron Garcia this week. The Power secondary did well in man coverage against the Jacksonville Sharks and will need to duplicate that to keep Garcia from carving up huge chunks of yardage. The biggest weakness all season for the Power defense has been the pass rush. Garcia’s quick decision making isn’t going to help matters this week.
Orlando’s defense has only recorded 7 interceptions this year but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of ball hawking ability on this team. Marcus Everett at the jack linebacker will make you pay for any poorly thrown balls over the middle. Simeon Castille, Travis Coleman and Dominic Jones are all capable of strong coverage and forcing Sheffield to make accurate throws where only the wide receiver can make a catch. Keep an eye on Tim Cheatwood who has terrorized the Power in the past with Cleveland.
If you look back at the earlier game between the two teams the key stat was the Power going 3 for 7 on fourth down and turning it over four times on downs. If they can shore that up and avoid turnovers again this should be a close game. Orlando’s home crowd should be a difference maker in this game and I think the overall experience of Garcia will be the difference in what should be an exciting contest.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Power Facebook Page
