Samuels earned Ironman Award

Lawrence Samuels has always been a great two-way player so this latest announcement will come as no surprise to anyone who follows the game. After a solid performance in Saturday's win at Orlando, Samuels, who plays receiver and linebacker, was named the AFL's Ironman of the Week.

What did he do to deserve it?

Well, here's what it says in the AFL's official press release: "Samuels (6-3, 220, Livingston) recorded a team-high five receptions for 45 yards and accounted for touchdowns on both offense and defense as the Tampa Bay Storm (3-5) defeated the Orlando Predators (6-3), 48-41, on Saturday at Amway Arena. Samuels registered the Storm’s first offensive score on a six-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter to tie the game at seven. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Samuels intercepted Orlando QB Shane Stafford and returned the interception eight yards for the game’s second defensive touchdown, giving Tampa Bay a 17-point lead it would not relinquish."

The league forgot to mention this: Samuels recorded his 950th career catch in the game.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Marcum saddened by ex-player's death

Storm coach Tim Marcum said Tuesday he was both shocked and saddened by the news that Ivan Caesar, a former Storm player, was the victim of a deadly shooting Monday in Central Florida. He added that the incident in which Caesar attacked him in 1997 (see below post) has long since been forgotten -- and forgiven. "He apologized many, many times," Marcum said. "I talked to him as late as a couple years ago. He got on the phone and apologized one more time. It was one of those things. We let bygones by bygones."

The 1997 altercation started because Caesar, traded during the offseason after the 1996 season,  was upset because he had not received his ArenaBowl championship ring from the team. Marcum said Tuesday that Caesar never did get a ring and that it was an organizational decision not to issue him one.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Former Storm player Ivan Caesar murdered

Ivan Caesar, a former Storm player best known for getting into a scuffle with Tampa Bay coach Tim Marcum in 1997, was the victim of a deadly shooting Monday, the Orlando Sentinel reported. According to the Sentinel, Caesar "was found dead inside his home at the Tuscany Village Apartments in the 4800 block of South Orange Blossom Trail at about 12:40 a.m." (To see video from the crime scene, go here.)   

He was 41.

When reached by the Sentinel, Caesar's former wife, Robyn Caesar, said, "I know he had a lot of demons. I know most people do. And he's taking them to his grave."

The Storm became aware of Caesar's death Monday, when investigators from Orlando called the team in an effort to locate his next of kin, said team public relations coordinator Jim Robinson. Marcum could not immediately be reached for comment.

Caesar was a member of the Storm during the 1995 and '96 seasons, playing fullback and linebacker during his stint with the team. Both teams he played for here won AFL championships.

Caesar was traded during the offseason after the 1996 season, but returned to Tampa in April 1997 because he had not received his ArenaBowl championship ring. In a bizarre incident that occurred at the team's first preseason practice, Caesar wrestled Marcum to the ground and the two were broken up by coaches and players. Marcum's glasses were damaged and he sustained slight bruises to his mouth and nose. "He came up behind me and tried to grab my ring," Marcum told the Times after the incident. "No punches were thrown. It wasn't as physical as it looked."

Caesar gave his side the following day, telling reporters, "Marcum has my ring, and he just doesn't want to give it to me. I've seen coaches with their rings, I've seen administrators with their rings and I don't have my ring? The jeweler is here in Tampa. How long does it take to make one more ring?" Following the altercation, Marcum said Caesar would get his ring.

Caesar was arrested two days after the incident and was charged with attempted strong-arm robbery with injury. According to a Times story dated Jul 23, 1998, he was given a one-year suspension by the league. Robinson said Monday that Caesar called Marcum some time later and apologized.

Caesar had 11 rushing touchdowns for the Storm on 56 carries. According to Arenafan.com, Caesar last played in the AFL with Milwaukee in 1999. The Sentinel reported that Caesar, who attended Boston College, also played for the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Two OLs okay to play

The news appears to be good regarding the groin injuries sustained by OLs Kenyatta Jones and Emmanuel Akah. Both were questionable for tonight's game against Orlando, but Storm media representatives report today that each should be ready to go against Orlando. Since both players are starters, you can understand why that news is so important to the team.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

More on Mr. McGill

In today's Times, I profiled Storm noseguard Tim McGill. Here are some leftover quotes ...

-Storm coach Tim Marcum called McGill, whom he got in a trade last year with Nashville, the shining light of a struggling defense. "What a trade," Marcum said.

-According to McGill, he was playing just as well in 2007. "I'm doing the same thing I was doing last year," he said. "I just think people are recognizing it now."

-McGill says he left the NFL "on my own." The reason? He wasn't having fun. "I just felt like they weren't going to play me," said McGill. "I'm having fun now. I love Arena Football. I'll play this forever."

-McGill is double teamed nearly every play. Here's how he deals with that: "First, I figure out which two are blocking me," McGill said. Then he picks one. "I'm going to attack one guy. If I can attack that guy and drive him back before the other comes down on me, then I can win."

-As good as McGill has been, Storm assistant Pete Kuharchek says he can still play better. "He's trying to work on his technique," Kuharchek said. "And how to react to different types of blocks."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm v. Predators: Game-By-Game '08

ORLANDO (6-2)
Mar. 01 @ Philadelphia        L 56-77

Mar. 09 @ New Orleans       L 53-54

Mar. 14  Utah                      W 69-61

Mar. 22  Georgia                  W 50-45

Mar. 29  @ Columbus          W 47-44

Apr. 06   Chicago                 W 57-56

Apr. 13 @ Grand Rapids     W 75-56

Apr. 19  @ Georgia              W 65-62

TAMPA BAY (2-5)

Mar. 01 @ Kansas City        W 51-49

Mar. 07 Georgia                   W 69-48

Mar. 16  @New Orleans       L 55-76

Mar. 29  @ Philadelphia       L 51-59

Apr. 05  @ Columbus          L 49-51

Apr. 13 Arizona                  L 62-63

Apr. 18  New York              L 47-66

Storm v. Predators: the series

ALL-TIME SCORES

DATE:   ORL-TB

6/01/91    27-54

7/27/91    16-26

5/29/92    32-39

7/02/92    48-33

8/15/92    24-21

5/21/93    46-34

6/19/93    46-45

8/14/93    52-55

7/01/94    61-40

8/13/94    39-40

7/14/95    34-51

7/29/95    20-44

8/14/95    35-48

5/18/96    42-63

7/19/96    40-39

5/17/97    43-17

6/27/97    54-30

6/12/98    34-42

6/27/98    30-56

8/23/98    62-31

6/12/99    37-63

7/11/99    28-47

8/07/99    41-19

5/12/00    44-43

7/01/00    36-50

8/08/00    34-24

6/10/01    57-45

7/01/01    46-38

6/09/02    45-48

7/07/02    55-48

2/09/03    54-51

3/16/03    32-52

6/07/03    50-60

2/08/04    41-52

5/02/04    58-63

2/11/05    61-46

4/09/05    42-54

2/19/06    67-64

4/22/06    52-13

3/02/07    52-27

4/14/07    61-37

TOTAL: Orlando leads 22-19

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm v. Predators: Game Cap

Storm at Orlando
When/where: 7:30 Saturday night, Amway Arena
TV/radio: Catch 47; 970-AM
Records: Orlando 6-2, Storm 2-5
Series: Orlando leads 22-19
Fast Facts: The Storm is on a five-game losing streak. During that stretch, Tampa Bay has not created a turnover. No AFL team had ever gone five straight games without getting one. … The Predators are on a six-game winning streak. … Orlando has won four straight in the series, the last three by an average margin of 29.3 points.

AFL to tackle cancer

The AFL, ESPN and The V Foundation for Cancer Research have created AFL V Week, a weeklong initiative to help raise awareness and donations for cancer research. It started Tuesday and continues through Monday. The V Foundation is named in honor of famed basketball coach Jim Valvano, who died of cancer. Donations can be made by calling 800-4jimmyv (454-6698) or by going online to www.jimmyv.org.

AFL V Week content will be incorporated into AFL and team communications, from press releases to website entries. A Public Service Announcement has been created and will be played on jumbotrons at all AFL games this week. All 17 AFL teams will participate in AFL V Week through a variety of outreach programs, including visits to local cancer-research hospitals. Week-9 game balls will feature The V Foundation logo. Players will wear a "V" decal on their helmets.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

This week in the AFL

Notes from around the league ...

-Dallas has won 15 straight regular-season games. That's tied for the all-time AFL lead with San Jose (2001-02). To gain solo possession of the record, it will have to beat unbeaten Philly on Monday night (live on ESPN2).

-By the way, the Storm once won 14 straight (1995-96).

-WR Damian Harrell of Chicago and WR Lawrence Samuels of the Storm need four and five catches, respectively, to pass Eddie Brown for second place on the all-time AFL receptions list. Samuels has 946 catches. Barry Wagner is first with 991.

-Philly WR Chris Jackson needs only 75 receiving yards to become the fourth player to record 12,500 for his career.

-New Orleans DB Norman LeJeune already has three INT returns for touchdowns. That ties the single-season AFL record.

-San Jose has won 13 straight games against division opponents. The AFL record, shared by two teams (one being Tampa Bay), is 14.

-Tampa Bay has four INTs this season. By comparison, New Orleans has 21.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

New Storm assistant has familiar name, doesn’t he?

Pardon me for not mentioning this when it happened ... but last week, the Storm hired veteran Pete Kuharchek to coach the defensive line. It's a move head coach Tim Marcum thinks is a great one. "We needed some help at defensive line," Marcum said. "He's an experienced coach and has been lots and lots of places."

No kidding.

Kuharchek played at the University of Tampa, and began his coaching career there as a graduate assistant in 1969. He once coached at Tampa Catholic. He had stints at Holy Cross, East Tennessee State, Louisiana Tech and Memphis. He coached in the USFL here in Tampa under Steve Spurrier. He worked in the CFL. He was head coach of the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. And in 2006, he was the Storm's quality control coach.

"I enjoy coaching with Tim," Kuharchek said. "I've known him for quite awhile. I'm glad to be here. I've got some good guys to coach."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

The deal with Montgomery

More on DB Delmonico Montgomery ...

As I've stated a few times on the blog, Montgomery was brought in Tuesday in hopes of signing him and getting him on the field Saturday. In fact, that day, Storm coach Tim Marcum said he could start at strongside cornerback against Orlando. A day later, though, I was told Montgomery would not be signing with the Storm after all.

So, what happened?

Actually, it's pretty simple.

"He left," Marcum said. "He got a better offer from New York. He signed with them."

Mystery solved.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Give them five ... a low five, that is

The fact Tampa Bay has gone five straight games without forcing a turnover isn't just bad, it's historic. According to the Storm media relations department, the Storm is the first team in AFL history to go five consecutive games without creating a turnover. How bad has it gotten? Last week, the Storm twice had its hands on New York fumbles, but both times the ball slipped away. For the season, the team has come up with only six turnovers in seven games -- four INTs and two fumbles. When you lose the turnover battle, you usually lose the game (how profound of me). That's especially true in the AFL, where every possession means something because most games are tight. And if they aren't close, they can be in a matter of moments.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Brutley back on the roster

On Tuesday, it looked like the Storm would sign Delmonico Montgomery to play cornerback (see previous posts). When that didn't happen, the team needed an extra DB -- and fast. Coach Tim Marcum and Co. have decided to go with Daryon Brutley, who was signed off the practice squad and should see significant playing time against Orlando on Saturday. Like all of the team's DBs, Brutley has had his ups and downs this season. He has 6.5 total tackles, but no INTs. (I'll have more on the Storm's lack of caused turnovers in a bit).

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Meet Lawrence Samuels ... at the movies

Want to hang with Lawrence Samuels? Here's your chance. The five-time All-Ironman performer will sign autographs before the premier of the movie Iron Man at the Centro Ybor Muvico on May 2. Samuels, a standout WR/LB for the Storm and one of the true legends of the AFL, will arrive at 6 p.m. The movie starts at 7. An "Ironman package" is available. It works like this: You get a ticket to the movie and a ticket to the Storm's Cinco de Mayo (that's May 5 in case you didn't know) game against Chicago. These packages start at $25.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Moves and shakes

Folks, sorry for the lack of updates ... I've been out of town working on another assignment. Anyway, enough excuses, here are a few moves the Storm made yesterday - and one it didn't.

Gone: The Storm released fullback Kevin Clemens. A week ago, Storm coach Tim Marcum sung Clemens' praises, so it's not like the team doesn't like him. The guess here is that the solid play of Torrance Marshall at the position made him somewhat expendable.

Back: The team needed some good news and got it. Return man Sedrick Robinson officially is back from the dead --- err., IR. Robinson is one of the AFL's top return men (see Storm games Nos. 1 and 2 for proof). He injured his knee in Week 3 against New Orleans and hasn't played since. Robinson's absence has affected the team a great deal. The Storm's return game has been mediocre and that has resulted in lousy starting field position more often than not. And you all know how it goes -- the longer a team has to go to find the endzone, the more likely something is to go wrong. Basically, what I'm saying is this: Robinson's return is huge.

Never was: On Tuesday, the team brought in DB Delmonico Montgomery, and I was told by Marcum he could start at strongside cornerback Saturday against Orlando. Well, turns out he won't be starting. Oh, and he won't be playing either. For whatever reason, the Storm opted not to sign Montgomery. I'm not sure why but I'll try to find out when I get back to town. Montgomery (6-0, 200) is a big, physical presence, and that's exactly what Marcum said he wanted in his secondary. He played five games with Kansas City and had 32 tackles and seven pass breakups before being cut.

That's it for now. When I return to Tampa, I'll have some more to report --- and you'll also see the return of Memories with Marcum. Until then ....

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

AFLWA mid-season team, awards

The Arena Football League Writers Association has named its mid-season team (not surprisingly, none of the local guys made it). Not only that, but the group also handed out a few other awards. Without further ado ...

MID-SEASON HONORS
Most Valuable Player-Chris Jackson, Philadelphia Soul
Best Offensive Player-T.T. Toliver, Orlando Predators
Best Defensive Player-Henry Taylor, New York Dragons
Best Ironman-Will Pettis, Dallas Desperados
Best Lineman-Henry Taylor, New York Dragons
Best Rookie-Levy Brown, New York Dragons
Best Coach-Mike Neu, New Orleans VooDoo
Most Surprising Team-New Orleans VooDoo
Most Surprising Player-Danny Wimprine, New Orleans VooDoo
Most Disappointing Team-Utah Blaze
Most Disappointing Player-Siaha Burley, Arizona Rattlers
Top Story-Dallas Desperados and Philadelphia Soul undefeated at mid-season
Team that will surge-San Jose SaberCats
Team that will fade-Cleveland Gladiators

MID-SEASON ALL-AFL TEAM
OFFENSE
QB-Danny Wimprine, New Orleans VooDoo
FB-Marlion Jackson, Cleveland Gladiators
WR-Chris Jackson, Philadelphia Soul
WR-T.T. Toliver, Orlando Predators
WR-Huey Whittaker, Utah Blaze
OL-Bobby Harris, Orlando Predators
OL-Shane Grice, Georgia Force
OL-Phil Bogle, Philadelphia Soul 

DEFENSE
DL-Colston Weatherington, Dallas Desperados
DL- Henry Taylor, New York Dragons
DL-Gabe Nyenhuis, Philadelphia Soul
LB-DeJuan Alfonzo, Chicago Rush
LB-Marlon Moye-Moore, Orlando Predators
DB-Calvin Spears, New Orleans VooDoo
DB-Rashad Floyd, Colorado Crush
DB-Dennis Robinson, Chicago Rush 

SPECIAL TEAMS
K-A.J. Haglund, San Jose SaberCats
KR-Chris Martin, Grand Rapids Rampage

One new guy arrives; another on the way

Yep, there were several more changes today ... Here's the latest:

--The team brought in DB Delmonico Montgomery, and he could (COULD) start at strongside cornerback Saturday against Orlando. Montgomery (6-0, 200) is a big, physical presence, and that's exactly what Storm coach Tim Marcum wants in his secondary. He played five games with Kansas City and had 32 tackles and seven pass breakups before being cut. Interestingly, he was the Defensive Player of the Game in a loss to Tampa Bay in Week 1. Montgomery was at practice Tuesday, but didn't participate. Instead, he watched from the sideline near Marcum. Marcum said Montgomery would watch a bunch of film with the coaches Tuesday afternoon to get into the flow. He should be in pads Wednesday, if all goes as planned "He's played well against us," Marcum said.

--To make room for kick returner Sedrick Robinson, who returns this week from a stint on the IR, the Storm has released WR/LB David Saunders. Saunders has been a solid player, but Robinson's return -- and the addition of LB Phil Glover of San Jose via trade -- made him expendable. Saunders is now a free agent, so don't be surprised if he ends up somewhere soon.

--OLs Kenyatta Jones and Emmanuel Akah have strained groins, making both questionable this week.

--Glover will arrive in town Wednesday. Look for him to start this weekend. "He's a kid through the push of the playoffs last year that really played at a high level," Marcum said. "He'll give us an infusion of pass rush at that position. And he can also play both ways."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

The changes continue

Yesterday, Storm coach Tim Marcum said the team would make "several roster moves" in an effort to cure a group that is ailing right now after having lost five straight games. He wasn't kidding.

Here's what has happened thus far:

-DB Khalid Naziruddin has been waived.

-DB Bryant Tisdale has been waived (from the practice squad).

-The Storm has traded OL Jonathan Dunn, a member of the team's "other league exempt list," for LB Phil Glover of San Jose.

More moves are expected today. Marcum hinted Monday the Storm might be signing a new DB, likely one who can matchup a little better against the league's taller receivers. Also, at long last dynamic kick returner Sedrick Robinson will be back this week from injury, the coach said. When Robinson was healthy early in the season, the Storm's return game was sharp. Without him, it has been shaky at best.

what will the arrival of Glover mean for the Storm's current LBs? And will anybody else be waived? We'll know the answer in about two hours.

"Right now, defense is where we need help," Marcum said. "We're not making plays. It's pretty simple."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Spreading the blame

Because the Storm's defensive backs have not had a good stretch lately, coach Tim Marcum ripped into the group following Sunday's 63-62 loss to Arizona. But Wednesday, he admitted the team's defensive line has to receive at least some of the blame for the Storm's recent defensive woes.

"I wasn't happy," Marcum said, "with the pass rush last weekend. We got nothing out of our ends. There was a lot of three-step stuff and they got the ball out early, but the times he held the ball we didn't get to him."

Marcum has challenged his starting ends, Tom Briggs and Kelvin Kinney, to play better.

"We've got to," Marcum said. "I just said to them, I need a pass rush out of you Tom. I need a pass rush out of you, Kelvin."

A rush will be crucial this week. New York quarterback Aaron Garcia has completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 24 TDs. Last week, Garcia threw for eight scores.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Thursday's post-practice report

Defensive lineman Clifford Dukes had a hamstring injury. The Storm had salary cap issues.

By putting Dukes, a rookie from Michigan State who started two weeks ago against Columbus, on Injured Reserve, Storm coach Tim Marcum hopes to aid two situations with one move.

Marcum said Thursday that because of receiver Terrill Shaw's return from a four-week stint on IR, the team was approximately $22,000 over its limit (a player's salary only counts against a team's cap when he's active). Sending Dukes to the IR helps, but doesn't completely set things right.

"We're going to go in (after practice) and find out what we can do," Marcum said.

Elsewhere ...

-Torrance Marshall, who played well in last week's loss to Arizona, will again start at fullback.

-Kevin Clemens likely will start at linebacker ahead of former USF and Wharton High standout Terrence Royal.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Yes, kickers get tired too

Because the Storm has had so many problems returning kicks in recent weeks, the team has been working overtime in that department after practice. And because of that, placekicker Seth Marler has been a busy man. "Right now, we're in find-a-guy-to-catch-the-ball-off-the-net mode," Marler said.

The result of the extra work? Marler's right leg was getting a little tired.

Because the Storm, which hosts New York on Friday night, didn't want to wear him out, it brought in two kickers Thursday strictly for practice purposes.

Marler, who played at Tulane, is four of six on field-goal attempts and 43 of 47 on PATs.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Fastest QB to 4,000 yards? Hint ... he plays for the Storm

This just hit my desk, courtesy of the Storm PR department ... Storm QB Brett Dietz is the fastest AFL player ever to throw for 4,000 yards. He did it last Sunday in his 15th game. Here's a list of the fastest:

Name-Games
1. Brett Dietz, 15
2. Sonny Cumbie, 16
3. Adrian McPherson, 17
3. Clint Stoerner, 17
3. Mike Perez, 17
6. Ryan Vena, 18
6. Jeff Smoker, 18
6. Jay McDonagh, 18
6. Kevin McDougal, 18
6. Kurt Warner, 18
6. Leon Murray, 18
6. Billy Dicken, 18
6. Tony Graziani, 18

Dietz can tie for the fastest to 80 touchdown passes this week against New York. In 15 games, he has 79 touchdowns
Name-Games
1. Mike Perez, 16
2. Clint Stoerner, 17
3. Sonny Cumbie, 18
3. Billy Dicken 18         
3. Matt Nagy, 18   
3. Tony Graziani, 18
7. Adrian McPherson, 19
7. Kevin McDougal, 19
9. Joe Hamilton, 20               
9. Jay Gruden, 20

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Time for a little hair metal

Recording artist Randy Jackson from the band Zebra will perform a solo acoustical at the Chrysler/Jeep Plaza immediately following Friday's game against New York. He'll sing the National Anthem prior to the game. The lead singer of Zebra, Jackson founded the rock group with Felix Hanemann and Guy Gelso in 1975. His solo acoustic show features music from Zebra, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles and the Doors. In addition to working with Zebra, Jackson performs lead vocals for the Music of Led Zeppelin, the Music of Pink Floyd and the Music of the Doors -- tributes to the bands as backed by an orchestra. He also frequently plays live acoustic shows across the country.

Tuesday practice notes

-With hockey done and there being little action at the St. Pete Times Forum right now, the Storm will be able to practice inside all week -- something it hadn't previously had the luxury of doing. Will it make a difference? Storm coach Tim Marcum thinks so.

"When we won eight of nine games last season, we were inside," he said. "We just got better and better." At 2-4, Tampa Bay needs another run like that one.

-Defensive lineman Kelvin Kinney, a starter, had his left shoulder wrapped Tuesday. Marcum, though, said it wasn't a big deal. "It's probably old age," he joked. Kinney is 35. He's probable for Friday's game at the Forum against New York.

-After practice, Marcum stayed late with a handful of players to work on returns off the net. That was something the Storm struggled with in Sunday's loss to Arizona. One ball that the team failed to grab was recovered in the endzone for a Rattlers touchdown.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Quotes, notes & anecdotes ... Part Deux

From the mouth of Storm coach Tim Marcum following Monday night's practice ...

-Marcum says he slept maybe two or three hours after the Storm's 63-62 loss to Arizona on Sunday afternoon, a game in which it had several chances to put the Rattlers away. "It just makes you sick"

-The Storm's TD pass from Brett Dietz to Hank Edwards with 29 seconds left gave the team a 62-55 lead. But Marcum said the Storm scored too soon and actually was trying to set up for a field goal. "We scored with too much time on the clock."

-The Storm's return game has been pretty average. With returner Sedrick Robinson still out with a bum ankle (he was hurt in late March), the team will "return by committee," Marcum said. Receiver Brent Holmes, who had been getting time as a returner, was waived Monday.

-Offensive lineman Emmanual Akah, who made his first start of the season Sunday, looked good. He's a rookie from Winston-Salem State who once played in NFL Europe. "He was solid."

-Torrance Marshall will continue to play fullback, but he likely will see more time at linebacker this week, where there arguably is a greater need for his services. There's a chance the Storm will start Kevin Clemens at fullback.

-More lineup changes are possible. "I've got a couple calls in to some people."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Holmes out, Shaw in

When Storm coach Tim Marcum waived receiver Brent Holmes on Monday, one thing became abundantly clear: The team expects to have standout receiver Terrill Shaw back for Friday's game at home against New York.

Holmes, a second-year player from Texas A&M-Kingsville whom the team picked up in Week 3, didn't play poorly (he was third in receiving). But Shaw is considered the Storm's top offensive playmaker and almost certainly will be activated from Injured Reserve this week, Marcum said Monday night.

Shaw sprained his knee in a Week-2 win over Georgia and hasn't played since. He returned to practice last week but it was determined he wasn't quite ready to play. Now, he seems to be okay. It's worth noting the Storm is 0-4 without his services.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Quotes, notes & anecdotes

A few leftovers from Sunday's 63-62 loss to Arizona, which dropped the Storm to 2-4 ...

-To say that Storm coach Tim Marcum was a little upset afterward is like saying Mount St. Helens was an itsy-bitsy eruption. He was, well, ticked. And that means more changes in the lineup are coming. "We have to continue to make changes because we're not worth a cr-- right now," the coach said.

-The Storm has lost four straight. But remember, last year it started 0-5 but rallied to make the playoffs.

-What's the biggest problem right now? Poor play in the secondary. The Rattlers passed for eight scores and converted far too many plays on third and fourth downs. "We're not making plays in the secondary," Marcum said. "I'm going to be looking (for players).

-Incredible stat of the week (and maybe the year): The Storm has gone FOUR games without forcing a turnover. Marcum said last week he'd never gone three straight before.

-Defensive lineman Tom Briggs says nobody is giving up. "We have high expectations in here," Briggs said. "We've just got to find a way to get it done."

-With 3.7 seconds left, the Rattlers converted a fake PAT for the go-ahead points. Briggs said the Storm wasn't caught off guard. "We knew going in they had a fake," he said. He couldn't explain what went wrong. "We were calling out, 'Fake, Fake.'" After the play started, "I looked over and there was a huge gap," he added.

-USF football coach Jim Leavitt was the honorary coin tosser. The Storm won but deferred to the second half.

-Kudos to the USF pep band, which performed during the game and did a great job. The group was a welcome alternative to the hair band crud that usually gets played over and over. Please, please, bring these kids back again.

-Backup QB Stoney Case, who few would compare to THIS GUY, ran two option keepers near the Arizona goal line in the first half. He gained a combined two yards.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm players with NFL connections

In today’s Times, I mentioned in the Storm advance feature that 15 Storm players who suited up Sunday had either played in the NFL, been on a practice squad or had been invited to an NFL tryout (story HERE) … Here’s a detailed list of those players ...

Brett Dietz QB Hanover: Workouts only

David Saunders WR West Virginia: Cleveland Browns 1999 PS

Seth Marler K Tulane: Jacksonville Jaguars 2003-2005, 2006 training camp with Atlanta

Clifford Dukes DL Michigan State: Spent time with the Rams, Saints and Lions

Tim McGill DL Illinois: Practice Squads and training camp with Jets, Dolphins and Packers

Torrance Marshall FB/LB Oklahoma: 4 seasons with Packers

Terrance Royal LB South Florida: 2006 training camp with Buccaneers

Stoney Case QB New Mexico: Six seasons in the NFL – Cardinals, Colts, Ravens and Lions

Rayshun Reed DB Troy: Spent two seasons with 49ers

Kevin Clemens FB Grand Valley State: Jags, Seahawks, Eagles

Kenyatta Jones OL South Florida: Redskins and Patriots

Kelvin Kinney DL Virginia State: Redskins

Tom Kaleita OL Eastern Michigan: Lions

Emmanual Akah OL Winston Salem State: Training camp with Dolphins, Broncos and Chiefs

Tom Briggs DL West Virginia: Falcons training camp - '93

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Nucci to speak at Jefferson Awards luncheon

Storm majority owner Dr. Bob Nucci will speak at the Jefferson Awards, which were established in 1972 to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service. The awards are presented on two levels: national and local. On the local level, Jefferson Awards recipients are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward, according to a Storm press release. The event is noon-2 p.m. Monday at Icons Restaurant inside the St. Pete Times Forum.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Official roster moves

Here are the moves made this week ...

The Storm has activated defensive lineman Nyle Wiren, offensive lineman Emmanual Akah and linebacker Terrance Royal from injured reserve. On the back end, it placed lineman Ernest Certain on injured reserve and waived defensive back Daryon Brutely (who will probably rejoin the team on the practice roster).

Courtesy of the Storm PR department, here's a little bit on the above players:

Wiren (6-foot-2, 260-pounds) is in his 11th season with the Storm, but will make his 2008 debut this Sunday against Arizona after recovering from an injured shoulder. Wiren, third in franchise history with 16 sacks, could add veteran leadership to the defense.

Akah (6-3, 330 pounds) will make his Arena Football debut. The London native began his professional career with the London Olympians in the British American Football League. He spent the past two seasons (2006-07) in NFL Europa and won a World Bowl Championship with the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2006.

Royal (6-3, 270) also will make his AFL debut. The Tampa native played at Wharton and later at USF. With the Bulls, he once owned the school single-season (10) and career sack records (19.5).

Certain (6-4, 285) played in each of Tampa Bay’s first five games. He will spend a minimum of four games on injured reserve as he recovers from a back injury. Certain has 1.5 tackles and one pass break up this season.

Brutley (5-11, 187) has been in and out of the lineup at cornerback. He'll be replaced by Rayshun Reed.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Shaw still not ready?

Storm coach Tim Marcum was hopeful standout receiver Terrill Shaw would play Sunday against Arizona. But he wasn't overly optimistic.

Turns out, the coach's gut was right.

After practicing with the team Wednesday and Thursday for the first time since straining a knee against Georgia in Week 2, Shaw was limited Friday and likely won't be ready this weekend, Marcum said.

"I don't think he's going to play," Marcum told the Times on Friday.

The goal now, Marcum said, is to have Shaw, arguably the team's top offensive playmaker, ready for next week's game against New York.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Could Shaw return this week?

How much has the loss to injury of receiver Terrill Shaw hurt the Storm?

Well ...

"Have we won a game yet (without him)?" Tampa Bay coach Tim Marcum said Thursday.

Nope.

Since Shaw went down with a strained knee against Georgia in Week 2, the Storm (2-3) is winless. On Wednesday, Shaw practiced in pads for the first time since being injured. On Thursday, he was out there again and, according to Marcum, "looks fine to me."

Marcum said his gut tells him Shaw won't play Sunday against Arizona when the Storm return home after a three-game road trip. But a final decision won't be made until later in the week.

Shaw arguably is the Storm's top offensive playmaker. Through two games, he had nine catches for 109 yards and two scores.

"It's his decision," Marcum said. "We never force anyone. The doctor doesn't know (if he can play). The trainer doesn't know. The only one that knows is No. 17."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Changes, changes and, you guessed it, more changes

The Storm's starting lineup will have several newcomers this week as coach Tim Marcus continues to tinker with things in an effort to end a three-game losing streak. Here are the changes, as of Thursday afternoon ...

-The team released fullback Marvin Brown on Wednesday. A day later, Marcum announced that Torrance Marshall would start. "We just didn't feel like Marvin was getting it done in there," Marcum said. Marshall, who also plays linebacker, will spend most of his time on offense Sunday at home against Arizona. Kevin Clemens, the team's other fullback, will not suit up this week.

-Veteran Nyle Wiren will start at the Jack linebacker position. Wiren, who has been on injured reserve the entire season with a hurt right shoulder, will replace Traco Rachal in the lineup. Marcum said the team has not yet decided if Rachal will play this week. There is a chance Wiren also could spell Marshall here and there at fullback.

-Rayshun Reed once again will start at corner. Last week, he was replaced by Daryon Brutley. This week, he'll replace Brutley.

-Defensive lineman Clifford Dukes, a rookie from Michigan State who started for the first time last week, won't this week. Instead, Kelvin Kinney will be back in the lineup.

"We've got to change some things," Marcum said.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

AFL rules-of-the-game reminder

AFL RULES, which is designed to help newcomers to the AFL understand the rules, will air Monday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Ray Bentley will take questions during the Chicago-KC game live on the air in an effort to teach viewers about the game.

If you'd like to submit a question for the segment, click HERE.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Hair-rising tackle

With all the hoopla surrounding the NFL's consideration of a rule that prohibits tackling by the hair (the proposal was tabled), the good folks at the AFL offices sent me THIS .

OUCH!!!

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Fullback released

Storm coach Tim Marcum said last week that, even if his team is unbeaten, he's "always looking for a better hand." In other words, no player on the roster has ownership of a position -- no matter how good things are going. Marcum continuously tinkers with things in an attempt to put the best team he can on the field each week. That's why one or two players seem to come or go each week.

This week's casualty is fullback Marvin Brown, whom the Storm released Wednesday. After five games, Brown leads the team with 21 rushing yards (on four carries).

With Brown out of the picture (for now), what does that mean?

Stay tuned. I'll have an update a little later.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm tailgating? You betcha

If you're one of those people who like to arrive at a game early, lounge around, stuff you face, chat people up and basically just chill out with friends, you'll probably like the following announcement: The Storm and Shane’s Rib Shack have teamed up to host a tailgate for Storm fans at the Chrysler/Jeep Plaza before each remaining home game. Basically, it works like this -- you pay $15 to eat all the bar-b-que you want (you'll literally be pigging out. get it?). The cost also includes drinks. All tailgates will begin two hours before kickoff.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Game Notes: Tampa Bay vs. Columbus

A few notes relating to Saturday's game ...

-The Storm leads the series 5-2. Its average margin of victory is 22.4 and average margin of defeat is 2.0.
-Storm coach Tim Marcum has a career record of 192-87.
-The Storm is 78-53 all time away from home. It is 2-1 in Columbus.
-Storm DL Kelvin Kinney and WR David Saunders played for Columbus from 2006-07; Kinney spent one week with the team this season before being released.
-Columbus coach Doug Kay began his AFL career with the Storm in 1993.
-Storm QB Brett Dietz made his AFL debut against Columbus last year in a 34-32 win.
-Storm WR Lawrence Samuels has 28 career 100-yard receiving games.
-Columbus QB Matt Nagy is 11th in the AFL in pass efficiency this season. Dietz is ninth. Nagy has 21 TD passes and only two interceptions.
-Nagy has pledged to donate $50 to the Children’s Hunger Alliance for every TD pass he throws in the 2008 season.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Chat with former Storm QB

Orlando Predators quarterback Shane Stafford, who once played for the Storm (and was my neighbor in Tampa) will participate in an ESPN.com chat 2:30 p.m. Friday to talk about this weekend's game against  ChicaGO. If you'd like to ask Shane a question, click HERE. At 5:10 p.m., Stafford will be joined by teammate Chas Gessner (a one-time Buc) on ESPNews' The Hotlist.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

American Forces Network to broadcast AFL games

The Arena Football League and American Forces Network have agreed to a partnership that allows the AFN to broadcast live and tape-delayed AFL games as telecast on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2. This means the AFL’s remaining TV schedule this season will now be broadcast to AFN’s audience outside the United States in 176 countries, U.S. territories and aboard U.S. Navy ships at sea.   

“It’s an honor to once again work with the American Forces Network,” AFL Network President Marc Lowitz said in a release. “The troops give so much to us on a daily basis and this is just one of the ways of showing our support and appreciation for everything they do.”

The bonus for the AFL?

The agreement means an increased audience for the league.

"Professional football is among our most-watched programming,” AFN Executive Director Jeffrey White said in a release. “We're grateful for the Arena Football League's generosity in allowing us to offer their games to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that are guarding freedom's frontiers."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Marcum announces two lineup changes

Storm coach Tim Marcum said Thursday the team will have two new defensive starters Saturday against Columbus -- defensive back Daryon Brutley and defensive lineman Clifford Dukes. Here's the skinny on each ...

-Brutley will replace Rayshun Reed at one cornerback spot. Now in his second season, Brutley played against New Orleans three weeks ago, was waived after that game, re-signed this week and added back to the active roster.

-Dukes will replace either Ernest Certain or Kelvin Kinney (Marcum has yet to decide). He's a 6-foot-5 rookie from Michigan State who was activated this week from Injured Reserve. Dukes has not played this season. "We're going to see what he's got," Marcum said. "He's a young kid, but he's got a motor."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Radio switch for Saturday’s game

Today's FYI ...

Saturday's game against Columbus, which starts at 7 p.m., will not be heard live on AM 1250 as originally planned. Instead, it will be carried on AM 970.

Storm: Kenyatta Jones will start Saturday

The Storm has confirmed that offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones, who was arrested Monday and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction and trespassing (story HERE), will start Saturday against Columbus. Jones, a former USF standout who is in his first season with the team, has started every game at guard, and performed well. Jones told the Times Monday the incident was a "misunderstanding." A Gainesville native, Jones once played for the New England Patriots.

"It was an easy decision for me," Storm coach Tim Marcum said Thursday. "I believe in jurisprudence."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Who’s watching the AFL on TV? We are

I just got this note from the good folks at the AFL ...

"The Tampa-St. Petersburg market generated a 1.1 rating for the March 29 Tampa Bay-Philadelphia game on ESPN2. The 1.1 ties for the highest local rating of 2008 ( Chicago in Week 1) and ties for the second-highest regular-season local rating among all AFL markets since the AFL’s recent ESPN agreement began in 2007. Orlando generated a 1.9 rating for a Predators game in March of 2007. The game also generated a 0.4 national rating in the coveted Male 18-34 demographic, which is the highest in that demo since the recent AFL-ESPN agreement began last year. Tampa-St. Petersburg is averaging a 0.7 rating for ESPN2 broadcasts this year compared with a 0.2 final regular-season rating on ESPN2 a year ago."

Also, there's this ...

Chris McCloskey, AFL Executive Vice President for Communications, told the Times today that viewership of the AFL's ESPN2 games is up approximately 40 percent this year.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Watch and Learn from ESPN

Having a hard time following the sport? Well, ESPN feels your pain. AFL RULES, which is designed to help newcomers to the AFL understand the rules, will air April 14 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Ray Bentley will take questions during the Chicago-KC game live on the air in an effort to teach viewers about the game.

If you'd like to submit a question for the segment, click HERE.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Columbus hires former Storm head coach

There was interesting news Wednesday out of Ohio, where the Columbus Destroyers hired former Storm head coach Lary Kuharich to be the team's offensive coordinator.

The added twist?

In his first game with Columbus, Kuharich will face ... Tampa Bay.

Kuharich was a two-time ArenaBowl champion with the Storm. He was Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator during its 1991 championship season and was head coach when the franchise won another title two years later. Kuharich went 29-11 with three playoff appearances in three seasons with the Storm.

You can read more about Kuharich HERE.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm plunge in power poll

After back-to-back losses, the Storm dropped from No. 4 to No. 8 in this week's Schutt Sports Top 12 Poll, which is voted on weekly by members of the Arena Football League Writers Association. Here's a look at the rankings ...

No.-Team-record-points-1st place votes
1.  Philadelphia Soul (5-0) 208 10
2.  Dallas Desperados (5-0) 206 8
3.  Chicago Rush (4-1) 174 0
4.  New Orleans (4-1) 166 0
5.  San Jose SaberCats (3-2) 132 0
6.  Cleveland Gladiators (3-1) 121 0
7.  Orlando Predators (3-2)112 0
8.  Tampa Bay (2-2) 91 0
9.  Grand Rapids Rampage (2-2) 69 0
10.  Georgia Force (2-3) 52 0

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Tuesday Trivia

Each week, I ask five trivia questions. Then I give you the answers the following week. To many of you, these are easy. But to others, it will be a good way to learn a little bit about the AFL, and particularly the Storm. Sorry, no prizes. This is about pride.

Week 5 Questions
1. Has the Storm ever had a 10-loss season?
2. What is the Storm's longest recorded win streak?
3. Where did Storm defensive lineman Kelvin Kinney play in college?
4. How many overtime games has the Storm played?
5. Who holds the AFL single-season record for passing efficiency?

Week 4 Answers
1. What is the most points ever scored by a road team in the AFL? 92 (Grand Rapids, 2008)
2. Which team is known as the Crush? Colorado
3. Where did Storm kicker Seth Marler play in college? Tulane
4. What is the least amount of points the Storm has ever scored in a game? 13 (vs. Orlando, 2006)
5. Do the Storm have a sub-.500 record in the playoffs? No, it's 20-11 all time

Week 3 Answers
1. In what year did the Storm post its worst record? 2002 (6-8)
2. Where is the AFL's Blaze located? Utah
3. Where did Storm QB Brett Dietz play in college? Hanover
4. Which team holds the AFL single-game scoring record?  The New York Dragons (99 points in 2001 game)
5. Has an AFL team ever been shut out? Yes. It happened in 1992; Orlando beat San Antonio 50-0

Week 2 Answers
1. Is the AFL's football the same size and weight as those used by the NFL? Yes
2. In which city do the VooDoo play? New Orleans
3. Where did Storm standout Nyle Wiren play in college? Kansas State
4. What is the nickname of the USFL team Storm coach Tim Marcum was once defensive coordinator for? San Antonio Gunslingers
5. How many 10-win regular seasons do the Storm have? 7

Week 1 Answers
1. In which city was ArenaBowl I played? Pittsburgh, PA
2. What is Cleveland's nickname? Gladiators
3. In what year did the Storm win its most recent championship? 2003
4. Where did Lawrence Samuels play college football? Livingston
5. How long are the AFL's overtime periods? 15 minutes

Each week, I ask five trivia questions. Then I give you the answers the following week. To many of you, these are easy. But to others, it will be a good way to learn a little bit about the AFL, and particularly the Storm. Sorry, no prizes. This is about pride.

Week 5 Questions
1. Has the Storm ever had a 10-loss season?
2. What is the Storm's longest recorded win streak?
3. Where did Storm defensive lineman Kelvin Kinney play in college?
4. How many overtime games has the Storm played?
5. Who holds the AFL single-season record for passing efficiency?

Week 4 Answers
1. What is the most points ever scored by a road team in the AFL? 92 (Grand Rapids, 2008)
2. Which team is known as the Crush? Colorado
3. Where did Storm kicker Seth Marler play in college? Tulane
4. What is the least amount of points the Storm has ever scored in a game? 13 (vs. Orlando, 2006)
5. Do the Storm have a sub-.500 record in the playoffs? No, it's 20-11 all time

Week 3 Answers
1. In what year did the Storm post its worst record? 2002 (6-8)
2. Where is the AFL's Blaze located? Utah
3. Where did Storm QB Brett Dietz play in college? Hanover
4. Which team holds the AFL single-game scoring record?  The New York Dragons (99 points in 2001 game)
5. Has an AFL team ever been shut out? Yes. It happened in 1992; Orlando beat San Antonio 50-0

Week 2 Answers
1. Is the AFL's football the same size and weight as those used by the NFL? Yes
2. In which city do the VooDoo play? New Orleans
3. Where did Storm standout Nyle Wiren play in college? Kansas State
4. What is the nickname of the USFL team Storm coach Tim Marcum was once defensive coordinator for? San Antonio Gunslingers
5. How many 10-win regular seasons do the Storm have? 7

Week 1 Answers
1. In which city was ArenaBowl I played? Pittsburgh, PA
2. What is Cleveland's nickname? Gladiators
3. In what year did the Storm win its most recent championship? 2003
4. Where did Lawrence Samuels play college football? Livingston
5. How long are the AFL's overtime periods? 15 minutes

Thursday practice location changed

Just an FYI: The Storm's Thursday practice, orginally scheduled for Skyway Park, will instead be held at the University of Tampa's intramural field. The session goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Did Dietz's numbers deceive?

In last week's 59-51 loss to Philadelphia, Storm QB Brett Dietz set career highs in passing yardage (400), completions (31) and attempts (46). He also threw for six scores.

But if you ask Tampa Bay coach Tim Marcum, he'll say Dietz really didn't play that well.

"I'll be honest, I'll sing Brett's praises, I'll sing them a lot ... but he had a bad game," Marcum said. "He just didn't hit, just didn't see it. A lot of things, he's just not seeing right now."

The question is, why?

"I think a lot of that is new receivers," Marcum said. "He's trying to figure out where they're going to be and what's going to happen. He's off the page."

Because of this, Marcum is concerned. But he doesn't seem worried. Yet.

"I hope it's something that's not here to stay," Marcum said. "He had some decent stats, but he didn't play well. When he looks at the tape, he's going to be very disappointed in the way he played. It's up to us to get him on the right page."

Dietz currently ranks ninth in the AFL in passing effici