2016 Week 5 Preview: Storm vs Sharks

(photo credit: tampabaystorm.com)

The Jacksonville Sharks and Tampa Bay Storm have had some interesting, tense, and crazy meetings over the years, so leave it to the two of them to provide a Sunday afternoon matchup in Week 5 of the 2016 Arena Football League season.

Ignoring the quirk that Jacksonville has lost five of the last six games at what is now known as Amelie Arena, and the other quirk that the teams are a combined 1-6, this has the potential for getting ugly, and fast. Tampa Bay hasn't cracked the 30-point barrier in their first three contests this year, and they've already given up 60 twice, giving them the worst point differential in the league (-32 ppg).

What to Watch For:

Normally I provide some key players on offense and defense who will be factors in the game, but for this one, it's fairly straightforward: who plays?

For Jacksonville, they've been wheeling and dealing all week, signing OL Ryan Cave, losing DB Keon Lyn to the NFL, and their latest move brings back arguably one of the more dangerous wide receivers in the league: Prechae Rodriguez. A four-year vet with more than 4500 yards and 108 TDs to his credit, his signing will not only add depth at an already talented position, but potentially a boost to the return game that nearly caused havoc last week against Arizona. Will he see the field to take attention from former Storm player Joe Hills, or Roger Jackson, or Tiger Jones?

For Tampa Bay, who will be under center? Three different players have suited up to play the pivot, and none of them have had any real success. Adam Kennedy started the first two games, and left to make way for Jonathan Bane. Before their last game, the Storm signed Jason Boltus, only for him to get beaten up and have Bane come back again. With two weeks to heal and re-learn the offense, will he come back and be effective, or will Tampa Bay be forced to make even more changes?

This is, on paper, an easy game for Jacksonville, and they've been capable to lay a smackdown (hence last year's 63-16 victory late in the season). But, also think back to the 63-56 loss that had a 56-42 halftime score. The Storm weren't supposed to be in either of those games, but they stole one. Also, remember 2013, where a 7-11 Tampa Bay team came to Jacksonville in the playoffs and held a lead before losing 69-62 to a Jacksonville team that had the second-best record in the league...

Again, this could get ugly, very quickly. However, given these two teams, this could also be one of the best games of the weekend. It all depends on who plays...