AFL Playoffs Week 2 Guide

What an opening round of the playoffs. Both Philadelphia and Albany came out and played flawless across the board to put both of them up big heading into the second leg of the playoff series. Baltimore looked overmatched the whole game as the Brigade’s top ranked defense had no answer for receiver Quentin Sims and the offense didn’t even score in the first half.  Washington was competitive up until midway through the third quarter, but a key onside kick recovery by the Soul and three interceptions by defensive back James Romain in the fourth quarter enabled a rout. Now, both Washington and Baltimore must win its games this weekend at least 37 and 36 points respectively to go to the Arena Bowl. All one can say is good luck.

Note: The AFL playoffs consist of a home-and-away series between the semi-finalists. Each team will play the other twice with the combined score across all eight quarters deciding the winner. The winners of the semifinal contests will face off in Arenabowl 32 on August 11.

Albany Empire vs Baltimore Brigade

Current aggregate score: Albany 61, Baltimore 26

When: Sunday, August 3, 7pm (ET)

Where: Royal Farms Arena, Baltimore, MD

How to watch: ESPN 3, MY4 and NBCSP+

Last game: In their opening matchup of top ranked offense versus top ranked defense, offense won… badly. The Empire were determined to prove that they had learned from last year’s disappointing playoff run and wanted to make a statement. The story of this first matchup was defense, but Albany’s defense rather than the top ranked Brigade’s defense. The Empire defense played hungry and made Brigade quarterback Shane Boyd uncomfortable all night. The Empire defense didn’t give up a single first half point and allowed their team to take a commanding 28-6 lead early in the third quarter. No matter how one looks at it, the Empire dominated this game from start to finish.

What the Empire need to do to get to the Arena Bowl 32: Continue playing outstanding defense

The Albany defense was on fire last game. On the Brigade’s three first half offensive possessions, this defense stopped them with an interception, a turnover-on-downs on a sack and a goal line stand. Include a second half interception touchdown return by defensive back Tevin Homer and this may have been one of the most dominant defensive performances all year. Although they are up big, the defense will have to keep this intensity to ensure things do not get too close for comfort. If the defense comes ready to play again, the outcome should be similar, with a celebration ensuing afterwards. 

What the Brigade need to do to get to Arena Bowl 32: Start Shane Morris and find a way to cover Quentin Sims. 

Baltimore has a tough mountain to climb. The first thing they need to do is start backup Shane Morris. Morris went 8 for 12 with two touchdowns as he was able to spark the Brigade offense after replacing Boyd in the second half. Morris has the hot hand and if the Brigade want any chance to win, he should have the ball in his hand. Also, Quentin Sims scored five touchdowns by himself. The Brigade defense must find a way to stop him or it won’t matter what the Brigade offense does. 

X-factor: Brigade onside kicks

If Baltimore can steal some possessions through onside kicks, it can potentially make this a competitive game. However, recovering the kicks are only one part of the puzzle. The Brigade will still have to stop the high-powered Albany offense and find a way to not only score but score quickly to try to make up the huge deficit. 

Washington Valor vs Philadelphia Soul

Current aggregate Score: Philadelphia 69, Washington 33

When: Sunday, August 4, 4:00pm (ET)

Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Where to view: ESPN3, NBCSW and NBCSP+

Last Game: The Philadelphia Soul came ready to play in all phases of the game. The team scored its highest point total all season, with the offense scoring on every drive but one and Torez Jones adding in an onside kick recovery touchdown for good measure. Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh and receiver Darius Reynolds came to play, and the Valor defense had no answer for them. Add in the Soul defense making Arvell Nelson look average and this game slowly got out of hand. The Valor opened the second half with a touchdown to make it a manageable seven point game, but the Soul never panicked and stuck to their game plan. A key onside kick recovery combined with unstoppable offense and timely defensive turnovers blew this game open for the Soul in the second half. 

What the Soul need to do to get to Arena Bowl 32: Keep Darius Reynolds at receiver

Darius Reynolds made his way back to the offense side of the ball this game and he made an immediate impact. He led the game in touchdown receptions (3) and had the second most yards (115), behind teammate Darius Prince (125). While Reynolds played jack linebacker for the Soul during the regular season, putting him at receiver is a game changer for the Soul’s offense. Reynolds is no stranger to the position with over 1200 receiving yards in three seasons and a two-time All-Arena recipient at the position. Having him at receiver gives the Soul a solid one-two receiver tandem of Reynolds and Prince that is only rivaled by Albany’s Malachi Jones and Quentin Sims.  

What the Valor need to do to get to Arena Bowl 32: Have Arvell Nelson play the game of his life

The Valor go as Nelson goes. During the regular season he contributed to about 99 percent of their scoring, and they will need him to have a phenomenal game if they want to make this a competitive affair. Nelson is a gunslinger so scoring quickly is possible, but the real challenge will be limiting mistakes. No interceptions, spot on reads and timely runs can possibly give Washington a chance. 

X-factor: Valor onside kicks

Like the Brigade, the Washington Valor will most likely be onside kicking every kicking opportunity to try and gain extra possessions. If they can get some recoveries, score quickly and play phenomenal defense, they may have somewhat of a shot. However, that’s easier said than done.