Storm Fans Not Used to This
(June 3, 2002)

Storm fans are not used to this. The Tampa Bay team has been a consistent winner and has won four Arena Football League championships. The Storm has had the worst start in team history and is 2-5 at the mid point of the 2002 season.

Tampa Bay has never before been 2-5 after the first seven games of the season. The team average is 5-2. Last year, and in 1996, they went 7-0. Before this season, the worst record was 3-4 (1997 and 2000). Only twice, in 1997 and 2000, has the team lost a total of six regular season games. The Storm has made the playoffs every year of its existence. What has gone wrong?

It seems like the last few seasons key players and familiar faces have been lost. James Bowden and Andre Bowden where the biggest names lost this off season. Is this just a result of free agency? Some claim head coach Tim Marcum is blame and personally conflicts have caused the departure of top players. Marcum is the winningest coach in league history and an architect of the indoor game itself, but some think his time has past. One thing you cannot blame on the coach are injuries.

The injury bug seems to have afflicted this team the last couple of seasons. This year starting quarterback John Kaleo suffered a season ending knee injury in the first game. Last year's backup, Shane Stafford, came in and lost four of five starts. Scott Milanovich got the start Friday and the Storm won, so he should get the nod this Sunday in a nationally televised game against Orlando.

This year's Storm team has no excuses. Mistakes, mistakes and more mistakes have lead to the disastrous start. Fumbles, interceptions and penalties lead to losses to Toronto, San Jose, Carolina and a 0-3 start. They did not turn the ball over and defeated Chicago. That was followed by a terrible effort at Los Angeles and a mistake filled outing against Carolina. The most recent game featured plenty of mistakes, but Indiana had their share and the Storm pulled it out.

Scott Milanovich never really got his chance while with the Buccaneers. He may get his opportunity to shine with the Storm. A key addition may turn out to Calvin Schexnayder. He had a big night in his first game with Tampa Bay on Friday and could be the spark this team needs. While Lawrence Samuels has been injured, Melvin Cunningham has been consistent. The Storm has had trouble running the ball and Basil Procter has had trouble with fumbles. The defense has actually played pretty well, so the offense needs to step up.

Fans are fans and we haven't give up yet. But we certainly are not used to this.


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