Storm Struggling
(May 6, 2008)

Last night's loss was typical for the 2008 Tampa Bay Storm. Key turnovers and penalties lead to a tight 51-46 loss to Chicago. The Storm started fast winning its first two, looked terrible in five consecutive losses, defeated rival Orlando, then lost last night. The team has lost six of its last seven games. To see the postseason, as head coach Tim Marcum said, "Something's got to happen. We've got to catch fire."

The Marshall Plan

Torrance Marshall has made huge plays and posted some impressive numbers in Tampa Bay's first nine games. The running back/linebacker has 41 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, 110 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, 2 QB sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.

Six teams will make the playoffs in the AFL's National Conference and Tampa Bay is currently eighth of the nine teams. Philadelphia (9-1), Dallas (8-1), New Orleans (7-3) and Orlando (7-3) would appear to be locks for the postseason. Cleveland (5-4) and New York (5-4) are next with Georgia (4-5) and Tampa Bay (3-6) currently looking in from the outside. The Storm are two games behind the number six seed and have lost to New York, but do have a game with Cleveland remaining.

While the Storm are 1-3 at the St. Pete Times Forum, the toughest remaining games are at home. New Orleans, Cleveland, Orlando and Los Angeles (4-6) come to town. Road games left are Grand Rapids (3-6), Georgia and San Jose (5-5). A division title and first round playoff bye are a long shot, however, the playoffs are not out of the question.

Return specialist Sedrick Robinson and receiver Terrill Shaw are back from early season injuries, so that should help in the stretch run. Hank Edwards filled in admirably and has been a pleasant surprise this season. Running back/linebacker Torrance Marshall had excelled and lineman Tim McGill has been the highlight of a struggling defense.

Last season, the Storm won eight of its last nine to make the playoffs. They will have to get hot down the stretch, or the playoffs will be missed for the second time in three years. Tampa Bay has not won a playoff game since the 2003 Arena Bowl.

Something's got to happen.