Post by marinersmedia on Mar 21, 2010 6:53:19 GMT -5
TWO PLAYOFF TEAMS FROM THE 2009 SEASON SQUARE OFF IN BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE, MD (MARCH 21st , 2009) – The Mariners are off to a great start going 2-0 with a hard fought victory in Harrisburg and a dominating performance at home against the New Jersey Revolution. The task gets harder for Baltimore this week, as they welcome the Fayetteville Guard to the 1st Mariner Arena this Sunday. Fayetteville went 8-6 last season on their way to the first round of the AIFA playoffs, where they fell to the Columbus Lions 45-36. The Guard ranked in the in the top 10 in both offense and defense last season, so we know they have weapons on both sides of the ball. In order for the Mariners to continue their winning streak on Sunday, here are my keys to victory:
A TRUE TEST: The Fayetteville offense ranked 6th in the AIFA last season. They had a strong rushing attack and a very solid passing offense. The Guard ranked 2nd in the AIFA last year with 634 total rushing yards, averaging 45.3 yards per game. The passing game also was top notch, ranking 5th in the AIFA during the 2009 season. Fayetteville averaged 192.3 yards per game and 63 total passing touchdowns. It seems as if the Mariners secondary got their act together last week, totaling six interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. They will be tested once again this week.
ARIEAL ASSAULT: Despite their name, Fayetteville will have a hard time guarding against the Mariners number one passing offense. E.J. Nemeth had a career game last week, throwing five touchdown passes and spreading all 162 of his passing yards generously around the field. Nemeth and the Mariners offense will have to contend with the 9th ranked pass defense during the 2009 season, which forced 19 interceptions and allowed 179.8 passing yards.
THEIR WEAKNESS, OUR STRENGTH: One facet of the game that we can overtake the Guard would be the running game. Last season, the Guard ranked 11th against the run giving up 501 yards and 19 touchdowns. The Mariners running game has been rejuvenated, thanks to a great performance by Isaiah Grier, with his two rushing touchdowns and 32 yards on the ground. Not to mention, the bulldozing running style on many goal line situations with E.J. Nemeth, the Mariners 3rd ranked running attack will come at the Guard will full force.
Fayetteville is a very proven football team, and will look to use Baltimore as a stepping stone for their quest to make it to the AIFA Championship. However, the Mariners are on that very same quest and, unlike their opponent, they have experience and are battle tested on the road and at home.
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
BALTIMORE, MD (MARCH 21st , 2009) – The Mariners are off to a great start going 2-0 with a hard fought victory in Harrisburg and a dominating performance at home against the New Jersey Revolution. The task gets harder for Baltimore this week, as they welcome the Fayetteville Guard to the 1st Mariner Arena this Sunday. Fayetteville went 8-6 last season on their way to the first round of the AIFA playoffs, where they fell to the Columbus Lions 45-36. The Guard ranked in the in the top 10 in both offense and defense last season, so we know they have weapons on both sides of the ball. In order for the Mariners to continue their winning streak on Sunday, here are my keys to victory:
A TRUE TEST: The Fayetteville offense ranked 6th in the AIFA last season. They had a strong rushing attack and a very solid passing offense. The Guard ranked 2nd in the AIFA last year with 634 total rushing yards, averaging 45.3 yards per game. The passing game also was top notch, ranking 5th in the AIFA during the 2009 season. Fayetteville averaged 192.3 yards per game and 63 total passing touchdowns. It seems as if the Mariners secondary got their act together last week, totaling six interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. They will be tested once again this week.
ARIEAL ASSAULT: Despite their name, Fayetteville will have a hard time guarding against the Mariners number one passing offense. E.J. Nemeth had a career game last week, throwing five touchdown passes and spreading all 162 of his passing yards generously around the field. Nemeth and the Mariners offense will have to contend with the 9th ranked pass defense during the 2009 season, which forced 19 interceptions and allowed 179.8 passing yards.
THEIR WEAKNESS, OUR STRENGTH: One facet of the game that we can overtake the Guard would be the running game. Last season, the Guard ranked 11th against the run giving up 501 yards and 19 touchdowns. The Mariners running game has been rejuvenated, thanks to a great performance by Isaiah Grier, with his two rushing touchdowns and 32 yards on the ground. Not to mention, the bulldozing running style on many goal line situations with E.J. Nemeth, the Mariners 3rd ranked running attack will come at the Guard will full force.
Fayetteville is a very proven football team, and will look to use Baltimore as a stepping stone for their quest to make it to the AIFA Championship. However, the Mariners are on that very same quest and, unlike their opponent, they have experience and are battle tested on the road and at home.
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
