TV ratings tidbit

Interesting note from AFL headquarters ...

New Orleans ’ registered a 1.4 local rating for Monday night’s VooDoo game against Georgia on ESPN2.   

The 1.4 Nielsen rating is its highest AFL-ESPN2 of the year. 
The 1.4 Nielsen rating ranks 1 st among 2008 AFL-ESPN2 local ratings (2nd was Tampa Bay: 1.1)
The 1.4 Nielsen rating ranks 2 nd among AFL-ESPN2 regular-season ratings since most recent ESPN agreement began last year. In 2007 (Week 2), the Tampa Bay market received a 1.9.

Bad news, good news on injury front

The bad: OL Kenyatta Jones (right calf) and WR Hank Edwards (heel) are both out again this week. That's four straight missed games for Jones, who was a starter. For Edwards, it's two straight.

The good: The Storm isn't worried. In Jones' place, Tom Kaleita has played rather well and the team hasn't lost. At WR, Tampa Bay Tech grad Tyrone Timmons did a great job in Edwards' place last week, catching seven passes for 69 yards and three touchdowns.

Storm dancer junior clinic June 21

The Storm dancers will host the 2008 Junior Dance Clinic on June 21 from noon to 4 p.m. on Bill Currie Ford Field at the St. Pete Times Forum. Junior Storm Dancers will learn different dance moves and techniques from the Storm dancers, then have the opportunity to perform during the pre-game show prior to the Storm-Los Angeles game.

The cost per participant is $55; each participant receives dance instruction, a t-shirt, autographed Storm dancer card and two tickets to the game. To register, go online to www.tampabaystorm.com and either fill out the registration form or download the registration form and mail it to: Hope C. Reep, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. Registration forms can be faxed to (813) 301-1487 or dropped off at the Premium Services Lounge at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Participants must be between the ages of 6-15. The deadline to register is June 16. After registration is received, parents will be contacted with further details. Make checks payable to Tampa Bay Arena.

For more information, contact Hope Reep at (813) 301-6877 or hreep@sptimesforum.com.

Players to appear at Shriners Hospital for Children

This is the kind of stuff we like to read ...

Storm players Cliff Dukes, Terrance Royal, Tyrone Timmons and Nyle Wiren will stop by the Shriners Hospital for Children on Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and go room-to-room to visit the children. If you want to learn more about the Shriners, go HERE.

Who's still alive? Well, everybody

ALL 17 REMAINING TEAMS STILL IN PLAYOFF CONTENTION 

That was the headline of an AFL press release I just received. And it's not a joke.

Sure it's week 14. Sure, there are teams with losing records still alive. But hey, when 12 of your 17 teams makes the playoffs (that's even more generous than the NHL), this is what you get.

I suppose it's not entirely a bad thing -- especially if you work for the AFL.

Once a team has been eliminated, you can bet it's attendance dips. Since that hasn't happened yet, the league should have an easier time putting fannies in the seats down the stretch. What this format also does is create a schedule whereby every game this week will have meaning. Not many leagues can pull that off this late in the season.

Admittedly, I'm a traditionalist. I like it when it's difficult for a team to reach the postseason, so getting there actually means something. But then again, not much about the AFL is traditional.

Three AFL teams can clinch playoff berths this week

From the desk of the AFL's media relations department ...

NEW YORK – The playoff-guaranteed Arizona Rattlers (6-6), Dallas Desperados (10-2) and Philadelphia Soul (10-3) can join the Chicago Rush (9-3) and San Jose SaberCats (8-5) by clinching playoff berths this week as the Mitsubishi Motors Drive to ArenaBowl XXII New Orleans enters the final four weeks of the regular season.

Arizona and Dallas can clinch playoff berths with wins on the road, while Philadelphia can clinch its third consecutive playoff berth while on its bye week if one of five National Conference teams lose. Chicago can clinch home-field advantage throughout the American Conference playoffs with a win combined with a San Jose loss.

Following is each team’s postseason-clinching scenario for Week 14:
The ARIZONA RATTLERS clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:
1)     Arizona Ratters win
2)     Colorado Crush loss + Kansas City Brigade loss + Utah Blaze loss
3)     Colorado Crush loss + Kansas City Brigade loss + Grand Rapids Rampage loss + Los Angeles Avengers loss

The CHICAGO RUSH clinches home-field advantage in the American Conference with the following scenario:
1)   Chicago Rush win + San Jose SaberCats loss

The SAN JOSE SABERCATS clinch the Mitsubishi Motors Western Division and a first-round bye with the following scenario:
1)     San Jose SaberCats win + Arizona Rattlers loss

The DALLAS DESPERADOS clinch a National Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:
1)     Dallas Desperados win
2)     Tampa Bay Storm loss
3)     New York Dragons loss
4)     Orlando Predators loss

The PHILADELPHIA SOUL clinch a National Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:
1)     Cleveland Gladiators loss
2)     New York Dragons loss
3)     Orlando Predators loss
4)     Tampa Bay Storm loss + New Orleans VooDoo loss

Summer food drive at the Forum

The St. Pete Times Forum is hosting a summer-long food drive to help stock the shelves of Tampa’s Metropolitan Ministries. After hearing about the Ministries’ shortfall in both monetary and food donations, the venue has offered to help those less fortunate in the community. The drive comes at a critical time of year.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the St. Pete Times Forum," Morris Hintzman, President of Metropolitan Ministries, said in a release. "The growing need for the Ministries’ programs and services is taxing on our resources. The Ministries remains committed to those we serve. By extending this opportunity to the patrons of the Forum, we will be able to express our mission to a broad audience and ensure no family goes hungry this summer,” Using the exciting summer lineup of shows at the St. Pete Times Forum to support the food drive, the following discount offers will be available:

-Tampa Bay Storm v. Cleveland – May 23 – free upper level ticket with a donation of 5 cans of food
-Alicia Keys - May 24 - $10 off lower-level tickets with a donation of 5 cans of food
-Tampa Bay Storm v. Orlando – June 7 – free upper level ticket with a donation of 5 cans of food
-Tampa Bay Storm v. Los Angeles – June 21 – free upper level ticket with a donation of 5 cans of food
-Xtreme Fighting Championship - June 28 - Free ticket with donation of 5 cans of food
-Cinderella, Warrant and Lynch Mob - July 25 - Free upper level ticket with a donation of 5 cans of food.

This offer is valid at the McDonald’s Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum only. Donations can be brought to the box office Monday-Friday. Box office hours are 9am – 6pm on non-event weekdays; 9am – 2pm on non-event Saturdays, and 9am – approximately 8pm on event days. All offers are subject to availability.

Storm presents Kid’s Night Out

The Storm, Children’s Miracle Network and SeenStamkos.com will host Kid’s Night Out on June 21 at the St. Pete Times Forum when Tampa Bay faces Los Angeles. Proceeds benefit All Children's Hospital, the Tampa Bay area’s Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

Kid’s Night Out is a special opportunity for local businesses to host children and special charities at a Storm game. There are five sponsorship levels, which range in price, that Bay Area companies can participate in to help children attend Kid’s Night Out. All five levels provide tickets to the game for underprivileged children, a Storm gift for the child and a donation to The Children’s Miracle Network. Sponsors receive Jumbotron recognition, Cannon Business Solutions Center Club tickets and/or lower level tickets to the game.

Last season, Kid’s Night Out brought in more than 4,000 Bay Area children. For more information on Kids Night Out, contact Kelvin Woodson at (813) 301-6832. Order must be received by the end of the business day June 13.

AFL playoffs ... who's in

The following teams have clinched playoff berths ...

American Conference
-Chicago (9-3)
-San Jose (8-5)

National Conference
-None

Here's a look at the complete AFL standings.

Marshall breaks team record ... his own

It has to be a nice feeling when you can enter the team record book by passing yourself. That's precisely what Storm FB/LB Torrance Marshall did Friday night. With two rushing TDs, Marshall now has 18 this season, an all-time franchise mark.

He set the old record (17) in 2007.

Marshall currently is second in the AFL in rushing TDs. He trails only Marlion Jackson of Cleveland, who has 19 on 22 more carries than Marshall. Here's a link to a page that lists the AFL's rushing leaders.

Giving props to Mr. Dietz

It has been an interesting season for the Storm, to say the least. First, it looked sharp. Then, it stunk up the joint. Now, the team is winning again. The coverage this spring by yours truly has focused on the defensive backs, defensive line, offensive line and receivers. Somehow, I've managed to overlook the play of second-year quarterback Brett Dietz.

My mistake.

Through 12 games, Dietz has 58 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. After a few hiccups early in the season (something everyone on the team suffered through during a five-game losing streak), he has picked up where he left off in 2007, when he was the AFL's co-Rookie of the year. In Friday night's crucial win over Cleveland, which the team desperately needed in its quest to earn a playoff berth, Dietz was 28 of 43 for 297 yards and six touchdowns.

Dietz's QB rating (112.4) is down from last year (119.3) largely because his completion percentage is a bit lower. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Dietz is averaging less picks per attempt, which might mean he's playing smarter/safer and throwing balls away instead of throwing them into coverage.

Just as was the case in 2007, Dietz seems to be playing his best in crunch time. If that trend continues, the Storm (6-6) just might find itself back in the playoffs.

TBT grad dazzles in first Storm start

An injury to another player got Tyrone Timmons into the Tampa Bay Storm lineup for the first time Friday night. But now, it looks like it will be hard to take him out of it.

Making his Arena Football League debut, Timmons electrified the crowd with seven catches for 69 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Cleveland. His final score, which came on an 8-yard pass from quarterback Brett Dietz, gave the Storm what proved to be an insurmountable 14-point lead with 4:21 to play.

When asked what he was most pleased with following the game, Storm coach Tim Marcum mentioned Timmons' name first. "How about No. 3?" he said. "Let's start there. He is a force." Later, Marcum said, "We've got to find a place for him."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Kenyatta Jones to return?

Storm offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones, a former USF standout and one-time member of the NFL's New England Patriots, has missed three straight games with a calf injury. But following Friday night's win over Cleveland, which improved the team to 6-6 and kept its playoff hopes alive, Jones said in the hallway outside the team's dressing room that he planned to play this Saturday at Georgia. Tom Kaleita has gotten the nod with Jones out. To his credit, he has played well and the team has won three straight.

AFL Playoff-clinching scenarios

The following is each team’s postseason-clinching scenario for Week 13:

-The CHICAGO RUSH clinches home-field advantage in the American Conference with the following scenario:

1)   Chicago Rush win + San Jose SaberCats loss

-The SAN JOSE SABERCATS clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:

1)      San Jose SaberCats win, or

2)      Kansas City Brigade loss, or

3)      Arizona Rattlers loss

The DALLAS DESPERADOS clinch a National Conference playoff spot with the following scenario:

1)      Dallas Desperados win + New York Dragons loss + Tampa Bay Storm loss

The PHILADELPHIA SOUL clinch a National Conference playoff spot with the following scenario:

1)    Philadelphia Soul win

AFL News & Notes

Tidbits from around the league ...

-The Storm franchise has reached the playoffs in 19 of its 20 seasons.

-New Orleans, Georgia, Cleveland (Tampa Bay's opponent Friday) and New York are separated by only a game in the National Conference standings.

-Only two teams are undefeated at home this season -- New Orleans (5-0) and Philadelphia (6-0).

-Dallas has won 37 of its past 43 regular-season games. A victory this week will give the franchise its fourth 10-win season in seven years of existence.

-If Dallas wins and both New York and Tampa Bay lose, the Desperados clinch a playoff berth.

-If Cleveland beats Tampa Bay, it will give the team more wins this season (eight) than it had combined in 2006 and '07 (seven).

-Chicago can clinch home-field advantage throughout the American Conference playoffs with a win this week coupled with a San Jose loss. The Rush plays 2-10 Utah.

Storm WR out this week

Second-year WR Hank Edwards, who is having a fantastic season (and continues to improve every week), won't play Friday night at home against Cleveland. Edwards is second on the team in receptions (65), but leads in receiving yardage (979) and touchdown receptions (19).

He sustained a heel injury in last week's win at Grand Rapids.

This might be a crucial injury. One could argue that Edwards has been the offense's MVP.

With Edwards out, look for kick returner Sedrick Robinson to be the team's third starter at WR. He has 22 catches for 233 yards this season.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Want to be a Storm dancer?

If you've got some moves and like the idea of performing before thousands of fans, you might have what it takes to be a Storm dancer. Even though we're still in the middle of the 2008 season, the organization has started allowing those interested in dancing for the team next year to sign up for an audition mailing list. You can find that HERE. According to the Storm, auditions are typically held in the fall.

Marshall gets ESPN love ... a little anyway

In an ESPN piece highlighting the Top 10 BCS bowl performances of all time, the Oklahoma defense's throttling of FSU in a 13-2 win at the 2001 Orange Bowl ranked No. 2. Writer Ted Miller mentioned Storm FB/LB Torrance Marshall, a Sooner standout that night, in the article but said "this was really about a brilliant scheme enacted flawlessly by an entire unit." Marshall earned game MVP honors after recording six tackles and an interception.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Military night out

The Storm and the Special Operations Warriors Foundation are teaming up to host Military Night Out when Tampa Bay faces Orlando on June 7 at the St. Pete Times Forum in “The War on I-4.” “The armed forces do a heck of a job of keeping us safe,” Storm coach Tim Marcum said in a release. “They put their lives on the line day in and day out. I think it is great that we can partner up with Special Operations Warrior Foundation to help give back to those who gave of themselves to keep us safe.”

Military Night Out is an opportunity for local businesses to sponsor military personnel to attend the game. There are five sponsorship levels one can participate in, ranging from $150 to $2,000. At each level, a minimum of 25 percent of the sponsorship will be donated to the Special Operations Warriors Foundation.

“The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is proud to team up with The Tampa Bay Storm,” John T. Carney, Jr., SOWF President said in a release. “Not only is Military Night Out a wonderful way to show our men and women serving in the military that the Tampa Bay community supports them and their families, but it also raises funds that will provide a college education for some very deserving children.”

--KEITH NIEBUHR

AFL approves instant replay

This just in from the AFL ...

In New York today, the league unanimously approved the use of instant replay for the 2008 playoffs. In the AFL's 22-year history, it has never been in place.

“The coach's ability to challenge a call on the field that could ultimately decide the outcome of a game is not only great for the game, but is also great for the fans,” Dallas Desperados Chief Operating Officer Shy Anderson, who also serves as Chairman of the AFL Rules and Competition Committee, said in a release. “We are able to make this happen because of the great partnership that we have with the leader in sports broadcasting – ESPN. We are extremely proud that the AFL continues to improve its game for the fans where possible.”

Here's how it will work per the AFL's official release:

-Each coach will have a total of two (2) challenges per game that can be used at anytime during regulation. An additional challenge will be granted if the game requires overtime. Challenges remaining from regulation will not “roll over” into overtime.

-Coaches will be equipped with a red “challenge” flag to be thrown on the field to alert officials that they wish to challenge a play. No play may be challenged after the ensuing play has begun.

-Reviewable plays include: scoring, change of possession, fan interference and, at the referee’s discretion, game administration.

-Once a review begins, the referee will have 90 seconds to determine whether the call on the field will be upheld or if there is “indisputable visual evidence” to overturn it.

The playoffs begin June 27. ArenaBowl XXII is July 27.

"I'm excited about instant replay," Storm coach Tim Marcum said. "This will aide the referees to ensure they make the right calls on the field."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

AFL to make major announcement today

Word just came that the AFL is expected to make a major announcement sometime this afternoon. The question is, what will it involve? Here are a few possibilities ....

-New TV deal: Right now, the league has one in place with ESPN. Might it be extended?

-Replay: The league doesn't have it. It should have it. Could this be added? And if so, when would it start -- immediately? In the playoffs? Next season?

-The league is folding: Not likely. I just talked to a Storm PR rep as he literally was stepping onto the plane for the team's trip to Grand Rapids.

-Expansion: Always a possibility. Right now, the AFL has 17 teams. If it's adding, where would a team go? How about a place like Virginia Beach that has a mid-sized population and rabid fan base?

-Contraction: Bye bye Utah! Hey, you never know, right? Franchises seem to come and go in this league.

Just as soon as I know something, I'll post it ... stay tuned!

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Playoff-clinching scenarios

Thanks to the Storm's PR department, we have the current playoff-clinching scenarios for this week's games ...

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
CLINCHED:   Chicago Rush - playoff berth
ELIMINATED: None

THIS WEEK:
CHICAGO RUSH
   Chicago clinches division title:
    1) CHI win + COL loss

SAN JOSE SABERCATS
   San Jose clinches playoff berth:
    1) SJ win + ARI loss + COL loss + KC loss

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
CLINCHED:   None
ELIMINATED: None

Here's a link to the AFL's current standings.

Brutley okay to play

Storm coach Tim Marcum said today that DB Daryon Brutley has been cleared by doctors to play Friday at Grand Rapids. He sustained a concussion last Monday against Chicago and did not play in the Storm's win four days later over New Orleans. Brutley is likely to start at cornerback. He has nine tackles this season.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Rachal named AFL defender of the week

How big was Traco Rachal's final-play interception in last week's win over New Orleans? Well, on Tuesday the Storm DB was named AFL Defensive Player of the Week.

Actually, Rachal made more than one big play in the game. The Texas A&M-Commerce alum registered a week 11-high 12.5 tackles and had a pass breakup, too.

But it was his pick that undoubtedly led to him receiving this award. On fourth-and-goal from the Storm 9, Rachal jumped high into the air in the corner of the endzone to make the crucial pick of a Danny Wimprine pass. The play just might have saved the Storm's season (we'll know for sure in a few weeks).

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

More on Mr. Storm (AKA Lawrence Samuels)

In last week's win over New Orleans, Storm legend Lawrence Samuels set an AFL record by catching a pass in his 129th straight game, surpassing Cory Fleming. His streak began April 15, 2000 at home against the New England Sea Wolves (who could forget that team, right?) with three receptions for 26 yards.

Now for the neat part ...

Samuels, with 971 receptions, is just 20 shy of Barry Wagner’s AFL leading 991. And perhaps more impressive, he needed only 29 more to become the sixth player in professional football history to accumulate 1,000 career receptions.

Here are the all-time leaders ...

Player                          League               Receptions
Jerry Rice                     NFL                     1,549
Chris Carter                  NFL                     1,101
Tim Brown                    NFL                     1,094
Marvin Harrison             NFL                     1,042*
Terry Vaughn               CFL                     1,006
Barry Wagner                 AFL                    991
Darren Flutie                 CFL                     972
Lawrence Samuels        AFL                      971*
Allen Pitts                      CFL                     966
Damien Harrell              AFL                      958*
Andre Reed                  NFL                      951
* active

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

AFL news & notes

A few tidbits from around the league ...

-Desperados QB Clint Dolezel made history Saturday night, becoming the first player in professional football history to surpass 900 career passing touchdowns as Dallas beat Grand Rapids 65-54.

-Georgia rallied to score the game's final 22 points to defeat Philadelphia 63-62 Monday. The Force trailed by 21 with less than three minutes to play when QB Chris Greisen’s 1-yard TD run sparked the remarkable comeback. The bad news for the Storm: It dropped Tampa Bay (4-6) a full game behind Georgia (5-5) in the race for 3rd in the Southern Division.

-The Chicago Rush (8-2) became the first team to clinch a playoff berth with San Jose’s (6-5) 63-42 defeat of the Arizona Rattlers (4-6) on Friday. Chicago, which beat the Storm last week, leads the Central Division.

-The Philadelphia Soul announced its next two home games, originally scheduled to be played at the Spectrum, have been moved to the Wachovia Center. The latter is the newer -- and nicer -- of the two.

-After getting a 35-point victory over Grand Rapids a week ago, Colorado fell by the same spread to Utah, 71-36 on Saturday. The Crush (4-6) is now 0-3 all-time against the Blaze (2-9), which is the only team in the AFL it hasn't beaten.

McGill signs contract extension

Two weeks ago, Storm coach Tim Marcum said if the team had a midseason MVP it would be noseguard Tim McGill. Apparently, that wasn't coach speak.

On Monday, the team announced it has re-signed McGill through 2010.

“Tim has been a big bright spot this season on the defensive line," Marcum said in a release. “He gives us a big push in the middle and anchors our defensive line.”

McGill (6-foot-3, 310-pounds) is a second-year Storm player. He previously spent time in the NFL. McGill leads the Storm with four sacks after tying for the team lead in 2007 with five.

“I really like Tampa and the coaching staff,” McGill said. “It feels good to sign this deal. It gives me some stability.”

Related content:
Storm nose guard McGill toils amid porous defense

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Jones still out for Grand Rapids

The calf injury that kept starting offensive guard Kenyatta Jones out of Friday's win against New Orleans is likely to keep him from playing for at least another week, Storm coach Tim Marcum said Monday. For now, though, the team has no plans of placing Jones on Injured Reserve. By doing so, he would have to miss a minimum of four weeks.

"We're hoping it's not a four-week injury," Marcum said.

Elsewhere ...

DB Daryon Brutley is still in limbo. Brutley sustained a concussion last Monday against Chicago and did not play against New Orleans. "He says he's okay, but we certainly don't want to mess with that," Marcum said.

Brutley's replacement in the lineup, Byron Jones, hurt his hamstring against the VooDoo and probably is out this week. Because of the injuries to Brutley and Jones, the Storm might have to sign a player off the practice squad this week.

Tampa Bay plays at Grand Rapids on Friday night.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm players to visit children’s hospital

When you're covering a team as a member of the media, it's easy to get wrapped up in the on-field action and off-field legal woes. Because of that, the good deeds often get overlooked. With that in mind, I thought I'd point out that on Wednesday Storm players Cliff Dukes, Jeroid Johnson, Traco Rachal, Sedrick Robinson and Terrill Shaw will tour All Children’s Hospital and go room-to-room to visit the children. It should be a fun trip, both for the players and for the kids.

Bucs' Brooks to speak at Faith and Family Night

The Storm will host Faith and Family Night May 23 when the team plays Cleveland at the St. Pete Times Forum. Bucs' legend Derrick Brooks will speak to those in attendance during halftime. The team is offering a Meet-and-Greet package with Brooks for $55. It includes a pre-game get-together with the All-Pro linebacker, Jeep Club-level ticket, signed mini-football and complimentary snacks and beverages. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Derrick Brooks Charities.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Mr. Storm enters the record books

Less than two minutes into tonight's game against New Orleans, Storm legend Lawrence Samuels etched his name into the AFL record books. A first-quarter TD reception gave the AFL veteran a catch in his 129th straight game, which sets a league record. He passed Cory Fleming. Samuels' brother, Washington Redskins OL Chris Samuels, was among those in the stands to witness history. So was AFL commissioner David Baker.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

AFL "Live Wired" Monday Night on ESPN2

ESPN2, which seems to routinely be on the cutting edge with its AFL productions, will present a special “Live Wired” telecast of Arena Football Monday night at 8. The network boasts the telecast will "bring viewers out of their living room and into the arena through additional microphones, locker-room access, wall-to-wall action and sound of the AFL matchup between the Philadelphia Soul and Georgia Force." Analyst Ray Bentley will narrate the game, but the majority of the night's storytelling will come straight from the on-field action and commentary from players, coaches and referees. Both quarterbacks, both head coaches, two defensive players and one referee will be on the mic. If you check it out, get back to me and tell me what you think.

A step slow? Not so fast my friend

Storm coach Tim Marcum is the first to admit there were times during Tampa Bay's first few games when he thought Storm WR/LB legend Lawrence Samuels, who is 38, might have lost a step. "I thought earlier in the year he was kind of showing that (age)," Marcum said.

Well, he doesn't feel that way now.

Two weeks ago, Samuels was named the AFL's Ironman of the Week after a strong showing in a win over Orlando. Monday night, he was solid again in defeat -- on both sides of the ball. In fact, without his second-half interception, which gave the Storm a legit shot at it, the game wouldn't have been as close as it ended up being.

"The last couple of games he's really looked good," Marcum said. "He's looked like he's in shape. He's running faster than he did the first half of the season."

To get current with Samuels' statistics, go HERE.

Jones & Brutley out

Storm coach Tim Marcum said today that offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones and defensive back Daryon Brutley will not play Friday against New Orleans. Jones has a calf injury and did not dress Thursday for practice; Brutley sustained a concussion Monday against Chicago.

Jones, a guard, will be replaced in the starting lineup by Tom Kaleita. Brutley, the team's fourth DB, could be replaced by Byron Jones -- or the Storm might opt to add another defensive lineman. If the latter happens, the team likely would activate Storm veteran Ernest Certain from the Injured Reserve.

Go Green with the Storm

Want to help the environment? And see the Storm for free?

Here's your chance.

Fans attending Friday's game are encouraged to Go Green, and those who do so will receive free tickets to the game. Yes, FREE.

-Pro Shred will give a ticket to every fan that brings in an old phone book for shredding.

-Meantime, any fan that brings in electronics equipment for recycling will receive four tickets to the game.

All recycling efforts will take place on the Chrysler/Jeep Plaza starting two hours before the game's 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Okay, there's more ...

Any fan that takes public transportation (bus, trolley, etc.) will receive a voucher to get into the game simply by asking the driver for one. Additionally, anyone who rides a bike to the game will receive a free ticket (secure bike parking is available on site).

Finally ... Waste Services of Florida will sponsor the "Recycling Minute" during the game. For one minute in the fourth quarter, ushers and staff will work the aisles to collect cans and bottles.

Two players doubtful this week

The last thing a team going through a rough patch needs is to get bad news on the injury front. But right now, the situation with two key Storm players isn't great. Starting offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones, a first-year player who has had a nice season to date, is doubtful for Friday's game against New Orleans with a strained calf. In the secondary, cornerback Daryon Brutley also is doubtful. He sustained a concussion in Monday's loss to Chicago. I'll have more to report on these two later in the day.

Think Pink ... for cancer research

With the Storm hosting New Orleans Friday night -- the start of Mother's Day weekend -- the team will offer special Pink Out ticket packages starting as low as $15. Proceeds from each ticket will be donated to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute to support cancer research. All fans are encouraged to wear something pink to support the cause. The Storm will play with pink-striped footballs on the first and second half kickoffs. Each ball will be autographed by the team and donated to local charities to support the fight against cancer. Tickets can be purchased through Kim Brescher at (813) 301-6521 or via email at kbrescher@sptimesforum.com.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Rush to appear in ESPN commercials

Seven Chicago Rush players and head coach Mike Hohensee flew to Bristol, Conn., on their day off last week to film the latest installment in the “This is SportsCenter ” commercial series. The players -- DeJuan Alfonzo, Dan Alexander, James Baron, Sherdrick Bonner, Damian Harrell, John Moyer and Jeremy Unertl -- shot two different commercials with ESPN anchor John Anderson, one of which is expected to debut in late May.

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had as a professional athlete,” Alfonzo said in a release.  “I think everybody is going to love the spots. I think they will be really funny.”

ESPN’s “This is SportsCenter ” promotional campaign began in 1994 and has included more than 300 commercials. The unique series was selected by TV Guide as one of the greatest television campaigns of all-time and has featured the likes of Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jon Bon Jovi, Peyton Manning and, of course, a ton of college mascots.

Chicago vs. Tampa Bay: A few notes

Here are some tidbits relating to tonight's game ...

-This week’s trip concludes a stretch in which the Rush will have played four out of five games on the road.
-The Chicago-Tampa Bay series is tied 1-1; each team won at home.
-Rush QB Russ Michna is 4-0 as the starter.
-Michna and Tampa Bay QB Brett Dietz both attended Chicago's training camp as rookies in 2007. Michna beat out Dietz for the backup job. Dietz then went to Kansas City, and was later signed off the practice squad by the Storm. Michna is the AFL’s top-rated passer, with a QB rating of 128.3.
-Storm defensive back Jeroid Johnson was Chicago’s leading tackler in 2005.
-Rush DB Jonathan Ordway was born in Tampa and still lives here during the offseason. He spent the first four years of his AFL career (2003-2006) with the Storm.
-Storm WR/LB Lawrence Samuels has a catch in 127 straight games. That's second all time in the AFL.
-The Rush offense has scored 537 points this season – an average of 59.7 points per game.
-The Rush offensive line has allowed four sacks – third fewest in the AFL.
-Storm coach Tim Marcum has a career record of 193-89. Rush coach Mike Hohensee is 126-101.
Hohensee was the first quarterback for the Storm franchise (then known as the Pittsburgh Gladiators) and led the team to the AFL’s first title game.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

And the Storm's MVP thus far is ...

Who's your team MVP at the season's midpoint?

If you ask me, the players in the conversation are: QB Brett Dietz, WR Hank Edwards and NG Tim McGill. Now, the case for each ...

Dietz: Has he been perfect? Not at all. Has he made a few mistakes here and there? Yep. But look at these numbers and tell me you're not impressed -- 190 of 292 (65.1%), 2,273 yards, 40 TDs, 6 INTs, 114.4 QB rating. And that's with a patchwork group at WR.

Edwards: A season after catching 21 passes, the second-year player already has 51 receptions (second on the team) for 802 yards (first) and 16 TDs  (first). This guys continues to make play after play -- and because of the Storm's various WR injuries, the team has needed every bit of it.

McGill: A bulldog on the interior, nobody goes harder every down than this guy. It's hard to quantify his importance going on stats alone (11.5 tackles; 5 sacks) because of the nature of his position. But watch him in action for five or six straight plays and you'll quickly see how much of an impact he makes.

My pick for midseason MVP .... McGill.

Your take?

A new attitude for the boys in blue and gold

Will winning beget winning for the Storm? Only time will give us that answer, but one thing was evident in the aftermath of the team's dramatic victory last week against Orlando, which ended an ugly five-game losing streak: The guys are a lot more loose. In fact, Storm coach Tim Marcum said Saturday that Tampa Bay had more fun at practice leading up to its game tonight against Chicago than it has in a long time. "When you've lost five straight, everybody is a little edgy," Marcum said. "Everybody's a little looser now. They're having fun. That's what it's supposed to be like."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Chicago vs. Tampa Bay

TONIGHT
Chicago at Storm
When/where: 8, St. Pete Times Forum
TV/radio: ESPN2; 620-AM
Records: Storm 3-5, Chicago 7-2
Series: Tied 1-1
Fast Facts: The Storm ended a five-game losing streak last week at Orlando. Tampa Bay coach Tim Marcum, who is 193-90 in the AFL, has never dropped six straight. … Storm FB/LB Torrance Marshall was named AFL Ironman of the Month in April; WR/LB Lawrence Samuels was Ironman of the Week for his effort against Orlando. … The Rush is playing its fifth road game of the season; it’s 3-1 away from home. The only loss: 57-56 (OT) to Orlando. ... To learn more about Chicago, go HERE.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

More on Torrance Marshall

In today's Times, we profiled Storm fullback/linebacker Torrance Marshall. You can learn even more about Marshall HERE. As you'll discover, the Miami native has quite a football resume.

Chat with Torrance Marshall

Storm FB/LB Torrance Marshall, recently named the AFL's Ironman of the Month, will participate in a live chat today at 4:30 p.m. to talk about the season and the Storm's game on Monday against Chicago, which airs on ESPN2. If you want to participate in the chat, go HERE. By the way, I'll be writing about Marshall in Monday's paper.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Another day, another award

A day after Lawrence Samuels was named AFL Ironman of the Week, teammate Torrance Marshall was honored as the AFL's Ironman of the Month. Here's what the presser said about Marshall, who plays fullback and linebacker:

"Marshall (6-3, 260, Oklahoma) recorded three touchdowns on offense along with nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss on defense in four games as the Tampa Bay Storm (3-5) posted a 1-4 record during the month of April. His best performance came during the Storm’s 48-41 victory in the “War on I-4” over Mitsubishi Motors Southern Division rival -- the Orlando Predators (6-3). Marshall registered 24 rushing yards along with 26 receiving yards and two touchdowns ... along with two-and-a-half tackles on defense as the Storm held the Predators to a season-low 41 points."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR