Game of the Week:
San Jose at Tampa Bay
San Jose is the defending champion-and winners of two of the last three ArenaBowl. This week one battle features two of the more successful Arena football franchises. San Jose has won two of the last three ArenaBowls. Tampa Bay has won five, including the one two years between the San Jose championships. This game could be a classic.
Other Games:
Nashville at Columbus
Nashville returns to the AFL fold with the return of the Kats. The original Kats left for Georgia in 2002 and became the Force. Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was granted the rights to a new Nashville franchise and the new Kats begin play this year. Adams was able to employ the old Kats logo (with an update using the new Arena ball) and the old Kats coach, Pat Sperduto, who led the old Kats to two ArenaBowl appearances. Columbus unveils a new logo-interlocking "C" and "D" surrounding a football. That might be the excitement in Columbus this year.
Arizona at Grand Rapids
Arizona will sting from its loss in last year's ArenaBowl-the third straight appearance and third straight ArenaBowl loss. Arizona was the top-rated team entering the playoffs and hosted every playoff game. But Danny White stepped down as coach. Todd Shell is the new coach and the Rattlers have new owners-but there is no guarantee from the owners on the Rattlers' status past this season. Grand Rapids is coming off a horrible 1-15 season. Arizona should win this game.
New Orleans at Georgia
New Orleans surprised many by winning the Southern Division and tied for the league's best record last year-their first season in the league. Sophomore jinx, or will the VooDoo continue its hex over the league? It would seem New Orleans has the edge over the Force. The Georgia Force have a new home at Atlanta's Phillips Arena, a new coach in Doug Plank, and a new owner Arthur Blank, who also owns the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Time will tell if the "Blank and Plank" tandem will succeed in Atlanta.
Philadelphia at Austin
QB Graziani brings soul into Philly, looking to have equal or better success than their outdoor counterparts in the City of Brotherly Love. Austin had off-season issues that may leave a cloud hanging over the team.
Colorado at Orlando
Tim Marcum wasn't happy that his Storm had to host the defending champion SaberCats in week one. I'm sure John Elway and Pat Bowlen aren't happy having to start the season on the road at the Jungle in Orlando. Fans can be loud in the Jungle.
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