The latest installment of the War on I-4 starts again tonight as the Tampa Bay Storm (2-5) head east to take on the Orlando Predators (4-3) at the new Amway Center. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM tonight and will be shown nationally on the NFL Network.
Both teams are coming in riding two game losing streaks, and a win tonight over their biggest rival would be a big boost to their playoff chances. The Storm have been turnover prone the last two games, and quarterbacks Grant Gregory and Brian Zybdniewski each need to do a good job against a ball-hawking Predator's defense who leads the AFL with 16 interceptions. Rayshawn Kizer is the man you'll have to keep an eye on, as he is the leader of the Preds secondary.
The Storm have to be licking their chops on defense as the AFL's top sack unit goes up against a porous Orlando offensive line. Quarterback Nick Hill has been sacked 19 times already this year, and the Storm defensive line will be ready to go after being held without a sack against Milwaukee. Hill has had a solid season when not on his back, averaging 305 yards a game through the air with 38 touchdowns. Hill is also a threat on the ground, running for 164 yards this year and 6 touchdowns.
Orlando has a solid WR corps led by Bobby Sippio. Sippio came back from an injury last week against Jacksonville and was effective, catching 7 balls for 77 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Sharks. T.T. Tolliver is another top target, but he is questionable after missing last week's game. Josh Bush has stepped up in Tolliver's place and has done nicely, catching a team high 9 catches for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Predators are taking the War on I-4 thing to heart this week, breaking out new camouflage alternate uniforms tonight. I don't think Uni Watch will be picking up one of these anytime soon.