Gladiators Want to Rebound in 2016, Make Another Title Run

(photo credit: clevelandgladiators.com)

For all the highs the Cleveland Gladiators enjoyed in 2014, they faced almost as many lows in 2015. Dropping from 17-1 and an ArenaBowl appearance to 8-10 and a quick playoff exit, the Gladiators look to show that 2014 was the real norm and that Cleveland won't be easily forgotten.

Knowing they'll be in the playoffs for the third straight year, the Gladiators have to get back to the defensive form that allowed the third fewest points just two years ago, and not the second most from last year.

Where they have to take a step forward on defense, they need to take at least three steps forward on offense. Yes, Dominic Jones, the team's leading tackler (82.5) is gone. Yes, Joe Phinisee, who led the team with four interceptions is also gone. However, the biggest missing piece of last year's puzzle is Shane Austin. The quarterback who garnered serious All-Arena considerations after throwing for 4,651 yards and 101 TDs against only 18 picks with a 107.36 rating is now suiting up for Portland.

In his place: backup Chris Dieker, who threw a total of 13 passes in 2015; and Dennis Havrilla, who saw action in five games with the Las Vegas Outlaws last year (58.5% completions, 722 yards, 14 TD, six INT, 85.5 QBR). To say this will be a wide open battle is an understatement.

As an additional blow, Amarri Jackson, the Gladiators' third leading receiver, left for greener pastures, forcing even more weight on Collin Taylor's shoulders. Yes, Dominick Goodman is back and activated from the PUP list, and Taylor he's shown he can be the #1 or #2 (144 rec, 1,597 yds, 43 TD), but such a big loss means there will be some patchwork going on to figure out who the eventual starting pivot will throw to.

Continuing the bad blows, the schedule dealt yet another bad hand. Due to the Republican National Convention arriving to Quicken Loans Arena, the entire home schedule is front loaded. In fact, by Week 10, the Gladiators will complete their home regular season, starting with a three-game homestand, followed by another three-game stint, then back-to-back. In the final eight weeks of the regular season, Cleveland will have two three-game road trips followed by two byes, the second of which being Week 18, meaning they'll have to sweat out that final week watching and waiting to see who and where they'll play in the quarterfinals.

If there was any advantage to take for Cleveland, it's that first half of the season. For the Gladiators to have a chance to replicate that magical 2014 run, they need the hottest of hot starts. That team went 9-0 at home and started 9-0 before losing to Pittsburgh in Week 12.

They'll need to essentially replicate both here in 2016. Philadelphia, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Arizona, the pundits' picks for the top four, all visit the Q before Week 10, and the Soul will come by twice. Cleveland needs to win at least three of these five games, preferably all five, to build a cushion towards a surprise home game in the first round.

As much as home games are crucial, a stretch run will really test the team. Cleveland needs momentum from their last six games to give themselves a chance to avoid being one-and-done. If they earn, for example, the #5 seed, they could easily go against one of those four teams. If it's Philadelphia, they'll be fresh off a Week 15 visit. Jacksonville? Week 16. Arizona? Week 17. Orlando? Week 11.

Players to Watch:

Can Chris Dieker take the starting quarterback job? Can he have even a fraction of Shane Austin's success from the past two years? If he can get to at least 80 TD passes, there could be something there.

Who will be the #2 receiver? There were only three other receivers outside of the Gladiators' top 3 that played at least 15 games. There were also five receivers who suited up for five games or less throughout the course of the 2015 season. Josiah Holt? Devin Wilson? Larry Beavers? Who will it be?

On defense, Laroche "Action" Jackson went back to Jacksonville, almost the entire defense (save for Joe Powell and Randy Colling) are gone. Who can account for Willie McGinnis' 13 tackles for loss? Who can account for losing more than 15 sacks? How can this overhauled D step up and help out what could be an anemic offense?

If Cleveland can go at least 6-2, or even with a chance, 8-0 at home, and win at least two of those four highlighted road games, then the Gladiators could once again have a say as to who lifts the trophy at the end of the season. They may not capture home field like two years ago, they may not even get a home game this year, but don't expect this team to take yet another step back.

Fans may not be happy with 8-10, but there could be some cheers for 10-8, which could be good enough for the fifth seed, if not better. At worst, the city of Cleveland can relish in the fact that they won't have another last place team. Leave that for Portland and L.A. to figure out.