Even from last place, Storm can see playoffs

By Keith Niebuhr, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, May 16, 2008

Story Tools E-mail this story Contact the editor Print this story Comment on this story Social Bookmarking Digg Facebook Stumbleupon Reddit Del.icio.us Newsvine

ADVERTISEMENT [DANIEL WALLACE | Times (2007)] Lawrence Samuels, getting tackled by Arizona’s Keyuo Craver, is a veteran Storm player who is used to success. Related Links Storm at Grand Rapids

The Storm's 4-6 record isn't pretty, its play has been inconsistent at best and, for good measure, the squad hasn't gotten many breaks. But despite all of this — and the fact Tampa Bay occupies the cellar in the Southern Division — a playoff berth is still within reach entering tonight's game at Grand Rapids, Mich.

"We," Storm coach Tim Marcum said, "have a shot."

Then again, so does just about everybody else.

That's because entrance into the AFL playoffs isn't as difficult as it is in some professional sports. Of the league's 17 teams, 12 will reach the postseason.

That explains Marcum's optimism.

By no means, however, does this mean the Storm will waltz into the playoffs. While every win moves it closer to a berth, every defeat sends the team closer to an early offseason.

How will things shake out? Will the Storm make it? Or will it founder down the stretch?

"I don't know what the future holds," Marcum said.

Here's why Tampa Bay will qualify

1. History. The franchise has reached the playoffs 20 of 21 seasons. Since moving to Tampa Bay, it is 16-for-17. Talk about consistency.

2. Leadership. The Storm is loaded with veterans, many of whom (see receiver/linebacker Lawrence Samuels) aren't accustomed to not making the playoffs. "We've got a lot of guys that have been there, done that," Marcum said.

3. Coaching: Marcum isn't the winningest coach in AFL history for nothing. He has led his teams to seven ArenaBowl championships. Hard to top that.

4. Defensive stops. During its five-game losing streak earlier this season, you could count the Storm's defensive stops on one hand. But in the team's win last week over New Orleans, Tampa Bay kept the VooDoo out of the end zone in the final seconds thanks to Traco Rachal's last-play interception. A sign of things to come?

5. Brett Dietz's continued growth. Still only in his second season in the league, the Storm's starting quarterback has 47 touchdowns to seven interceptions. But, Marcum thinks, he can play better. If he does, the offense will be difficult to stop.

Here's why Tampa Bay won't qualify

1. Turnovers. Remarkably, the Storm failed to recover a turnover during its losing streak. Think there might have been a correlation? The question is, was it a fluke or something more? "That's the big factor," Marcum said.

2. Injuries. This season hasn't been kind to the Storm in this department. Several key players, including kick returner Sedrick Robinson and standout receiver Terrill Shaw, have been sidelined at one time or another.

3. The pass rush. At times, it has been non-existent from the edge. One thing is certain: In the AFL, you can't give opposing quarterbacks time to throw.

4. The schedule. Grand Rapids is only 3-7, but three of the Storm's five opponents after that have winning records. Two are in first place in their respective divisions.

5. Secondary play. No area has been more of a problem this season. The group showed tremendous grit against New Orleans, but can it keep it up? One has to wonder.