2002 Tampa Bay Storm

The Storm made some personnel changes, including trading away a couple of key players. Offensive specialist James Bowden was sent to New Jersey for lineman Rondel Marsh and defensive specialist Tommy Henry was traded to Toronto for wide receiver/linebacker Carlos Johnson. Andre Bowden, the team's all-time leading rusher, left the team via free agency. Lineman Robert "Pig" Goff was released. Also gone were Bernard Edwards, Gunner Twyner and Harvey Middleton.

Players added included the return of Lawrence Samuels, who had spent a year with New Jersey. The Storm signed Scott Milanovich, who played one game at quarterback while with the Buccaneers from 1996 to 1999. Since leaving the Bucs, Milanovich had played in NFL Europe and the XFL. Lineman Carl Simpson went to Florida State, was a second round draft pick of the Chicago Bears and spent six seasons in the NFL. Eight year AFL veteran FB/LB Deryl Lane, six year vet FB/LB Basil Proctor and OS Jahine Arnold, who played in the NFL and XFL, were signed. The final roster featured thirteen players that were not with the team the previous season, including five rookies.

The newcomers made an impact in the season opener against Toronto at the Ice Palace. Basil Proctor ran for two touchdowns, however, he had two key fumbles at the goal line. John Kaleo (22 of 31 for 292 yards with an INT) threw for three scores, while Toronto's Chad Salisbury (24 of 33 for 279 yards) tossed four touchdown passes. The teams scored on the first seven possessions, before the Phantoms stretched the lead to 41-27 early in the third quarter. The Storm came back and had a chance to tie the game in the final minute. The game's only sack caused a Kaleo fumble in the end zone and Toronto pounced on the ball for the final score with 23 seconds left. On the game's second to last play, Kaleo suffered a season ending knee injury. Scott Milanovich saw his first AFL action, fumbling on the final play. The difference was the five Tampa Bay turnovers, losing four of five fumbles and an interception, while Toronto coughed the ball up twice. Head coach Tim Marcum said of the 51-37 defeat, "I was very disappointed."

Shane Stafford got the start at quarterback against San Jose. Deryl Lane ran for two touchdowns and the Storm held a 30-28 half time advantage in Tampa. Lawrence Samuels had a big night with eleven catches for 102 yards, two TDs and he scored on a two point conversion. SaberCats QB Mark Grieb (17 of 24 for 334 yards) threw for seven scores in a game which featured eleven lead changes. James Hundon (6 receptions for 132 yards with 2 TDs) and Barry Wagner (3 touchdowns) lead the way for the visitors. The game was tied in the final minute and the Storm were driving, before Bob McMillen picked off Stafford (24 of 41 for 270 yards with 3 TDs) and returned the ball 46 yards for a score with 34 seconds left. The Storm had a touchdown called back in final seconds of a 61-54 defeat. Head coach Tim Marcum was not pleased with the franchise's first loss to SaberCats. "Right now we're not very good."

An interception, a fumble, a blocked kick, two Marrio Greer 1 yard touchdown runs and the Storm trailed 17-0 after the first quarter at Carolina. The Storm came back to tie up the season's first road game by half time 17-17. The Cobras broke the tie in the third quarter and Shane Stafford (18 of 27 for 191 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT) was replaced by Scott Milanovich. Andre Bowden stung his old team by sacking Milanovich in the end zone for a safety, then running for a score to stretch the home team lead to 33-17. Milanovich hit Melvin Cunningham on a pair of scoring passes and the Storm were with 33-30. Carolina scored, then Milanovich tossed his third touchdown pass of the final quarter, and Lawrence Samuels caught his second of the game, and Tampa Bay was again within three. Connell Maynor (15 of 27 for 191 yards with 3 TDs and 1 INT) fumbled the snap and the Storm had a shot in the final seconds. A Milanovich (5 of 13 for 90 yards) interception put the game away and a late Cobras touchdown made the final score 46-36. The Storm were flagged eleven times for 49 yards in Carolina's first victory over Tampa Bay. This loss equaled the worst start in team history.

The Storm returned home and played the Chicago Rush for the first time. Chicago quarterback Billy Dicken (20 of 25 for 311 yards with an INT) threw seven touchdown passes and hooked up with Anthony Ladd four times. The Rush lead 21-14 after the first quarter, before Lawrence Samuels made the difference. Samuels caught the first of his three Shane Stafford (26 of 35 for 243 yards) scoring passes to tie game. Samuels then recovered a fumble, scored the go ahead touchdown and the Storm never trailed after that. Stafford threw for six touchdowns and ran for another score. The Storm had no turnovers, while Chicago coughed it up twice, in a 66-53 victory. Samuels talked about the season's first win. "We knew we needed a win and everybody came out and played hard from the start of the ball game. That's the team effort we need every week."

The Storm's first game against the Los Angeles Avengers took place at the Staples Center in L.A. Tampa Bay took a 3-0 lead after one quarter, before Greg Hobkins returned a Shane Stafford (23 of 40 for 253 yards) interception to put the home team in front. The game was tied 17-17 going into the fourth quarter, but Avengers quarterback Tony Graziani threw three scoring passes in the final quarter. While Graziani (21 of 37 for 227 yards) finished with five touchdown passes, Hopkins was the star of the game. In addition to the interception return for a score, the Los Angeles receiver/linebacker caught eleven passes for 127 yards and four touchdowns. Carlos Johnson did catch nine passes for 111 yards with a pair of touchdowns, however, the Storm succumbed to the fourth quarter rally. Tim Marcum said of the 38-24 defeat, "We came out here on a leisure trip and weren't ready to play."

At 1-4, the Storm made some changes. Carlos Johnson was released and the team resigned Gunnard Twyer. Corey Sawyer was signed as a defensive specialist. Sawyer went to Florida State, spent six seasons in the NFL with Cincinnati and the Jets, and last played in the XFL. Receiver Jahine Arnold was another player signed after the season began. Arnold played four seasons in the NFL with Pittsburgh and Green Bay, and most recently played in the XFL. A week later, the Storm signed eight year AFL veteran Calvin Schexnayder.

Carolina came to town and John Fitzgerald, who was cut by the Storm in training camp, would get the start against his former teammates. Fitzgerald (24 of 40) passed for 311 yards with five touchdowns and Shane Stafford (19 of 31 for 288 yards with 1 INT) threw for six TDs that night. A 46 yard Mike Black field goal, as the first half expired, gave the Storm a 25-22 lead and they were up 32-28 after three quarters. Jahine Arnold caught five passes for 125 yards and three Storm touchdowns, while Aaron Bailey lead the Cobras with twelve receptions for 176 yards and a TD. A penalty, a missed field goal and the Storm fell apart at the end of the game. After a 49-45 defeat, Tampa Bay was 1-5. It was the worst start in team history. Tim Marcum talked about the possibility of the Storm missing the playoffs for the first time. "We're digging a hole. We've got to have some major things happen."

Scott Milanovich made his first AFL start at Indiana. Tampa Bay got off to a rocky start, as the Firebirds returned a Milanovich interception for a score and a quick 14-0 lead. The Storm came back and two scores in final ten seconds of the first half gave them a 30-27 advantage at the break. Calvin Schexayder had big night in his first game for the Storm. He caught eight passes for 100 yards with two touchdowns and also ran for two scores. Milanovich (31 of 47 for 321 yards) would recover from the early pick and toss five TD passes and set a team record with 31 completions. Indiana quarterback Raymond Philyaw (15 of 25 for 244 yards with an INT) threw for six scores with Terence Davis (10 catches for 179 yards) on the receiving end four times. The Firebirds did make mistakes with two turnovers and a dozen penalties for 56 yards. The home team held a 52-44 fourth quarter advantage, before the Storm rallied. A 21 yard Mike Black field goal, as time expired, gave the Storm a 53-52 victory.

When Tampa Bay traveled to Orlando, Jay Gruden played quarterback against his old team. Gruden (24 of 32 for 286 yards) threw for four scores and Duke Pettijohn ran for two touchdowns, but Melvin Cunningham turned the tide in the second quarter. Orlando was up 6-0 after the first quarter, before Cunningham returned two kickoffs 55 yards for touchdowns and the Storm lead 24-22 at the intermission. The teams alternated scores and the game featured nine lead changes. The decisive score came on a Scott Milanovich to David Saunders touchdown pass in the final seconds. Milanovich (19 of 32 for 241 yards) finished with four TD passes and Saunders, a three year AFL veteran signed in May, caught two of them. While the Storm did not turn the ball over, they rushed for a -1 yard in a 48-45 victory. Gruden commented, "I think we did a pretty good job of scoring on them, but special teams was the big difference." Cunningham remarked, "It's Orlando, we turned it up."

Scott Milanovich (19 of 37 for 255 yards) threw four touchdown passes and David Saunders scored three TDs against New Jersey. Overall, Milanovich had a rough outing at the Ice Palace. He was picked off twice, had one interception returned 46 yards for a touchdown, fumbled in the end zone for another score and was sacked three times. The Storm were also penalized eleven times for 55 yards. Jay McDonagh (21 of 32 for 169 yards) threw for three Gladiators TDs and Frank Carter posted two scoring runs for the visitors. The game was tied 20-20 at the half, before New Jersey went on a 21 point run and out scored the Storm 35-13 in the second half. Melvin Cunningham and Corey Sawyer were injuried in the 55-33 defeat, so during week Storm signed nine year AFL veteran receiver/defensive back Alvin Ashley.

Next, the Storm traveled to Dallas for the team's first matchup with the expansion Desperados. Scott Milanovich (27 of 52 for 316 yards) threw six touchown passes with Lawrence Samuels on the receiving end three times. Dallas jumped to a 21-7 lead after one quarter, then the Storm took a 31-24 advantage at the break. Late in the final quarter, the home team held a 50-41 lead. Calvin Schexnayder caught his second touchdown pass of the night and the Storm were within 50-48 with 1:54 left. Jason Wells kicked a 18 yard field goal to stretch the Dallas lead with 43 seconds on the clock. David Saunders (8 receptions for 101 yards) hauled in a 49 yard TD pass, and also caught a Milanovich pass for the two point conversion, and Tampa Bay was up 56-53 with 32 seconds remaining. As time expired, Wells kicked a 24 yard field goal and the game headed to overtime. Mike Black was wide on 30 yard kick that would have won it in OT for the Storm and Wells missed a potential game winner from 27 yards out. The play following a Milanovich fumble, Andy Kelly hooked up with Shannon Culver on a TD pass with 3:06 left in OT. Kelly (26 of 41 for 251 yards with 1 INT) threw for six touchdowns and Andy McCullough caught three TD passes in the overtime victory for Dallas. While the Storm forced four turnovers, they were pentalized a dozen times for 47 yards. The 62-56 defeat marked the first time the franchise had seven regular season losses.

A trip to Atlanta to play the Georgia Force, last year's Nashville Kats, was next on the schedule. Scott Milanovich had injured his shoulder the previous week, so Shane Stafford was back in the starting quarterback role for Tampa Bay. Stafford (26 of 41 for 227 yards with 1 INT) threw for six scores, while Alvin Ashley caught two touchdown passes and ran for a two-point conversion. Behind Donnie Davis (21 of 28 for 286 yards), who threw five TD passes and also ran for a touchdown, Georgia lead 33-28 after three quarters. The Storm then went on a 22 point run to take a 50-33 advantage. The Force were flagged ten times for 56 yards and the Storm converted six of eight third downs, along with one of two fourth down plays. Stafford, who started slowly in the 50-40 victory, said afterwards, "I really don't think I played as well as I could have. I was pretty up and down." Head coach Tim Marcum felt otherwise. "He did a heck of a job. Shane was the difference in the game."

Jay Gruden threw for six touchdowns in his return to Tampa Bay, but it was turnovers that doomed the home team. Four Storm turnovers, three fumbles and an interceptions, lead to 21 Orlando points. Antonio Stanley, Siaha Burley and Junior Lord each caught two Gruden (18 of 32 for 215 yards with 1 INT) touchdown passes. Cliff Dell caught a game sealing TD pass from Connell Maynor and also had a 46 yard fumble return for another score. While Shane Stafford (21 of 39 for 221 yards with 1 INT) threw for five touchdowns, twice hitting Calvin Schexnayder, the Storm rushed for a -2 yards that Sunday afternoon. It was a typical War on I-4 with the Predators penalized seventeen times for 100 yards and the Storm flagged eleven times for 71 yards. The 55-48 defeat was the first time the Storm lost eight games in a season. Lawrence Samuels talked about the game. "It's tough when you lose to anybody, especially Orlando. We have to keep fighting going into the next two weeks." Tim Marcum added, "I still believe that we're in it. I still believe we have a chance, while it may be small. We can get there."

The Storm got off to a slow start against Mouse Davis and his Detroit Fury. Tampa Bay did not score on its first four possessions, including turning the ball over three times, and the home team took a 21-0 lead. With under two minutes remaining in the first half, a Basil Proctor touchdown run put the Storm on the board. They recovered an onsides kick, and scored another TD with five seconds left, to pull within 21-13 at the break. The Storm tied it up on the first possession of the second half and it was back-and-forth from there. Shawndel Tucker was the star for Detroit. He had eight receptions for 119 yards and grabbed all three of the touchdown passes thrown by Scott Semptimphelter (14 of 22 for 178 yards with 1 INT). Tucker also returned a kickoff 56 yards for a score, one of two kickoffs returned for TDs by Detroit that evening. Shane Stafford (25 of 40 for 253 yards with 1 INT) threw five touchdown passes and his favorite target was David Saunders. Stafford and Saunders hooked up in the third quarter to give the Storm its first lead, then Saunders caught a second TD pass to put the Storm out front again with 2:50 left. After Detroit scored, Saunders caught a key fourth down pass and hauled in the game winner with 13 seconds on the clock. The Storm lost three fumbles, and were penalized eleven times for 109 yards, but had a 49-47 victory. Tim Marcum said of the team still having a shot at the playoffs, "The whole thing is staying alive."

The regular season concluded with Georgia coming to Tampa Bay and special teams made an impact in the first half. Antoine Toliver, an AFL rookie out of Bethune Cookman who the Storm signed in June, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and finished with a Storm record 274 kickoff return yards. Markeith Cooper, who also caught nine passes for 106 yards, returned a kickoff for a score. Mike Black injured his knee trying to make a tackle on that play and the season was over for the Storm kicker. Scott Milanovich would handle the kicking duties from that point and made one of three extra points with some decent kickoffs. When Donnie Davis (27 of 49 for 288 yards with 5 TDs) and Tyrone Jones hooked up for the third time, the Force had a 61-49 fourth quarter lead. Shane Stafford (21 of 28 for 233 yards) threw his fifth touchdown pass, and David Saunders caught his second, as the Storm narrowed the gap. David White, a Nebraska product who joined the team in June and had started the season with Georgia, ran for a touchdown to tie the game with 47 seconds left. Unfortunately, Milanovich failed on the PAT. Former Storm kicker Matt Huerkamp could have won it for Georgia, but he missed a 39 yard field goal as regulation time expired. White's third rushing touchdown provided the winning margin, and the Storm scored the final eighteen points, in a 67-61 overtime victory. When the other weekend results came in, the Storm ended up in the league's final playoff spot. Tim Marcum talked about making the postseason. "It's like a second chance at life. Everybody's got the same record."

The Storm finished 6-8, which set team records for fewest victories, most losses and it was the first time the team had a losing record. They averaged 12,462 in home attendance, fourth best in the league, but had a losing record at home for the first time with a dismal 2-5 mark. The Storm also allowed the most points in team history (715). Tim Marcum talked about the season. "Certainly, it hasn't been a very pleasant season, needless to say. We found a way, throughout this entire year, to lose games. It's not what we're used to around here. We're used to finding ways to win games."

Shane Stafford finished as the eighth highest rated passer in the league with a 104.00 quarterback rating. Mike Black tied the team record with fifteen field goals and was fifth in the AFL in that category. Black was also eighth in the league in scoring by kickers with 107 points. Lawrence Samuels lead the Storm in receiving yards (769) for first time in his career.

The Storm went to Los Angeles for the first round of the playoffs. David Saunders caught a pair of second quarter touchdown passes and Storm lead 38-27 at the break. They out-scored the Avengers 14-0 in the third quarter and had a comfortable 52-27 advantage. Calvin Schexnayder caught two second half TD passes and Tampa Bay cruised. Shane Stafford (22 of 28 for 298 yards with 1 INT) tied the team record for touchdown passes thrown in a playoff game with seven and also ran for a score. Place kicker Pete Elezovic, a four year AFL veteran signed to fill in for the injured Mike Black, made all nine of his PAT attempts and added a field goal for a dozen points. The defense intercepted Los Angeles quarterback Tony Graziani (16 of 29 for 245 yards with 6 TDs) three times and the Storm never trailed in the game. With the 66-41 victory, Tampa Bay was the first number twelve seed, and first team with losing record, to win an AFL playoff game.

The Storm would make another cross country flight to play top seeded San Jose in the playoff quarterfinals. David Saunders (5 receptions for 103 yards) hauled in two long touchdown passes and the underdogs lead 30-27 at the half. Starting with a safety registered by Darion Conner, the Storm scored the first fifteen points after the break. When Lawrence Samuels returned an interception for a touchdown, he also caught a pair of TD passes, the Storm were on a 35-7 scoring run and lead 45-27 midway through the third quarter. Shane Stafford (14 of 39 for 268 yards with 1 INT) had thrown four touchdown passes and an upset was in the making. With John Dutton (24 of 38 for 327 yards with 2 INTs) throwing for six touchdowns, and John Hundon catching eight balls for 106 yards and a score, San Jose scored the next 21 points. Storm kicker Pete Elezovic broke that run with a 39 yard field goal to tie the game with 2:45 left. There was plenty of action left and San Jose scored a TD at the one minute warning. The Storm had the ball on the SabreCats 2 yard line, it was fourth down and two seconds were on the clock. Stafford was flushed from the pocket and his pass was broken up by Barry Wagner. With three TD catches, two TD runs and a pass interception, Wagner was the Storm's nemesises all afternoon. Tim Marcum said after the 55-48 defeat, "We went eighteen up and I thought there was no way that we could lose that. I think we just ran out of gas." Stafford added, "It's frustrating to have a team down like that and let them come back in it."

Related Links

2002 Tampa Bay Storm Results

2002 AFL Southern Division Standings

2002 Tampa Bay Storm Statistics

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