Storm Limping into Playoffs
(July 23, 2001)

After going through the first half of the season 7-0, how did the Tampa Bay Storm lose four of their last seven games to finish 10-4? Not that it is a dismal record, only Grand Rapids did better at 11-3, but how did so much promise become so much doubt?

Some might say the first half of the schedule was weaker. There may be a little truth to the theory, however, the Storm did defeat Nashville and won at Grand Rapids on the way to the 7-0 start. Maybe they got some breaks over the first half of the season? There is always some of that. The Storm never lost by more than eight points, so a break here would have made a difference. The easy excuse, and I know excuses are for losers, is the injury bug which afflicted the team as the season progressed. History does show that championship teams remain relatively injury free.

In an overtime loss to Arizona, offensive superstar James Bowden hurt his ribs and was lost for several weeks. Lineman Pig Goff has been out for weeks with a concussion and may not return this season. Starting quarterback John Kaleo separated his shoulder and has been out of action for three weeks. Until he returns, which may happen in time for the playoffs, rookie Shane Stafford has taken the reins. Team ironman Bernard Edwards was lost for the rest of the year in the season finale. The list goes on.

No matter what happens the rest of the way, team management has to be pleased with the way fans came out to watch the Storm play this year. With the help of a pregame concert, the team has its first sellout and 19,867 in the stands for the New Jersey came. Orlando drew 17,634 and 14,228 saw the Arizona game. The smallest crowd of the year was 10,123 for the season opener against Florida. An league leading average of 13,957 came to the Ice Palace to watch Arena football. This is the best the team had drawn since leaving the glory days at the Thunderdome. Lets hope the trend continues and fans support the team during the postseason.

Injuries, bad breaks and without a doubt poor play, has the Storm limping into the playoffs. But hey, its a new season Storm fans. Three wins and a fifth championship banner will be hanging from the Ice Palace rafters.