No Repeat for Storm
(June 7, 2004)

After winning six straight games to make the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Storm lost in the first round at San Jose. Just like the Buccaneers, the Storm could not repeat as league champions.

Considering the way the Storm had played over the last two months, and this was a playoff match up between the last two Arena Bowl winners, it is hard to believe how flat Tampa Bay came out against the SabreCats. How flat? How about only six points in the first half and a 35-6 deficit at the intermission. A deficit that grew to 31 points and 56-25 after three quarters. To the team's credit, the Storm did make a furious comeback and out-scored San Jose 27-0 in the final quarter. But the end result was a 56-52 defeat.

So, the 2004 season began with a dismal 3-7 record, followed by six straight wins to make the postseason, then a first round loss and the end of the dream of repeating for the five time Arena Football League champions.