1st off, lets start with what I expect to see this season. I expect most of the top franchises to remain powerful, this would include the returning Champion Albany Firebirds. With Mike Pawlawski and most of his key receiving corps returning, they will be the team to beat this year.
Also included would be their Arenabowl 13 opponent, the Orlando Predators. Even without the great Barry Wagner (six-time Ironman Of The Year, and two time MVP), the Predators will adjust and be a major force as usual under Head Coach Jay Gruden. Look for the Preds to be powerful defensively.
Any discussion about contenders must include the Arizona Rattlers. Head Coach Danny White (yes, the same guy who was QB for the Cowboys) has his star QB Sherdrick Bonner returning and he will be throwing to the almost unstoppable OS Calvin Schexnayder. Look for lots of points to be scored from this team.
Even though the Tampa Bay Storm (winners of 6 Arena Football titles) may be rebuilding after the loss of most of their stars, Head Coach Tim Marcum will have them ready in the clutch. Don't ever count them out.
As for possible contenders and probable playoff teams at least, I would say look for the Nashville Kats, the New Jersey Red Dogs, and the Grand Rapids Rampage to be there in the post-season.
Secondly, this year should become a breakout year for the league in general. National TV exposure and increased name recognition should bring higher attendance throughout the league, and increased player salaries should attract higher quality players. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the effect Rams QB Kurt Warner had with his success in the outdoor game. The AFL, already the fastest growing sport should experience a huge upswing in popularity.
Speaking of Warner, make no mistake about it, it wasn't the World League that spawned him, it was Arena Football. He played 3 years for the Iowa Barnstormers and learned quickness, accuracy, and cool-headedness under pressure. Skills that served him well in the NFL last year.
So, be a part of this exciting sport. Go to the Arena game nearest you. If there isn't one nearby, watch the games on TNN. You will see that this IS football. Smaller field certainly, rebound nets at each end, walls all around, but as the legendary Jack Youngblood said while watching an AFL game: "This is football! Smaller field, guys playing both ways, but the essentials elements are still there. You still have to block, tackle, catch, throw and run!" Why isn't this guy in Canton?
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