| |
When
the Cobras have the ball... |
|
| |
Rushing - As capable
as Bo Kelly may be filling in for Marrio
Grier, the Kats have one of the stingiest run defenses in the league,
allowing only 12.8 yards per game. Much of that has to do with last
year's Defensive Player of the Year, James Baron. Advantage: Nashville |
 |
| |
Passing - The Cobras'
air attack is the worst in the league, which is hardly a good sign in the
pass-happy AFL. The Kats' secondary isn't much better, however.
Still, the Cobras lack a starter; thus... Advantage: Nashville |
|
| |
When
the Kats have the ball... |
|
| |
Rushing - The Kats
have the only ground game in the league better than Carolina's, with the
tandem of Jason Bratton and Rupert Grant averaging 46.7 yards per game.
Carolina has been successful at stopping the run, however. Advantage:
Even |
|
| |
Passing - Andy Kelly
keys an explosive passing game, but he was pulled in Nashville's loss to
Orlando last week. The Cobras have added talent on defense for the
second straight game: first Dave McLeod and now Reggie Carthon. Still,
it's unlikely that the new secondary has gelled yet, and the Cobras are
last in the league in pass defense. Advantage: Nashville |
|
| |
Also... |
|
| |
Special Teams - The
special teams aren't likely to be very special for either team. Nashville
is without kicker Steve McLaughlin (ankle) and will start Brad Palazzo.
The Cobras' own Remy Hamilton is
last in the league in FG and PAT percentage. The Kats have dangerous
kick returner Tyronne Jones, who has three TD returns this season.
Advantage: Nashville |
|
| |
Coaching - Pat Sperduto
is the only coach that the Kats have ever had. Like Coach Kay, he stresses
the run. Like Coach Kay, his club is plagued by penalties.
Advantage: Even |
|
 |
Intangibles - The
Cobras are finally returning home, and have had a week to mull the game
that got away from them in Florida. The Kats, meanwhile, come off
of an embarrassing 71-54 loss to division-leading Orlando. Both teams
are desperate for wins, though Nashville needs it to battle for first place,
while the Cobras need a 'W' to maintain realistic playoff hopes.
The home field advantage tips the scales. Advantage: Carolina |
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| |
Prediction:
Nashville 55 - Carolina 38 |
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(1-4) 
(4-2)