The Juice of the Lime
by Simon McGrother
March 14, 2007
Closer Look: New Orleans VooDoo
The VooDoo are back and as I mentioned in a previous article - I am very glad about this. My happiness was somewhat tainted by the thought that they were likely to have a fairly miserable season - it being so difficult to build a franchise from an expansion draft, but I should have looked at history a little more closely. When the VooDoo were an expansion team back in 2004, Mike Neu led them to an amazing 11-5 record, the Southern conference title and the playoffs. Lightning appears to be taking aim at the same spot once more.
I was particularly concerned that Neu was falling into the same trap that ensnares fantasy owners from time to time: "he was great for me last year, I'll pick him again." Bringing back Dan Curran looks a fairly safe bet, but Andy Kelly looked decidedly on the wane in 2006 with the Brigade.
Just 2 weeks into the season I am beginning to look like the worst kind of faithless, paper-bag wearer. Kelly has a QB rating of 130.6, has already thrown 12 TDs and no interceptions. I'd give a kidney to have him in my fantasy team about now.
Curran already has 2 TDs on the ground, giving the offense the kind of balance that keeps defenses honest and thus facilitates the passing game.
The receivers have started like a wild-fire: Kenny Henderson (159 yds, 6 TDs), Darnell McDonald (223 yds, 3 TDs) and Tyronne Jones (161 yds, 3TDs) have all been snagged by savvy fantasy owners after being overlooked in the draft. As a trio this group may only be bettered by Georgia's Lee/Jackson/Bergeron, although Orlando, Utah and San Jose fans may beg to differ.
On the defensive side, Chris Brown and Alex Wallace, boasting only a year of experience between them, have combined for 25 tackles to lead the team. Either of this dynamic duo would be very useful for fantasy owners - but of more value to the VooDoo would be some sacks and interceptions. Unfortunately, the VooDoo have not been able to put much pressure on opposing QBs (1 sack in 2 games) and have yet to make an interception. Without pressure at either end of the pass, New Orleans are going to continue to concede far too many points.
Great news for the VooDoo is that they are 5th in the league in TDs, but more ominous is that they are 6th worst in conceding. While the offense is playing its A-game, New Orleans will be competitive, but should opposing defenses start to get the measure of the receivers, or find a way to remind Kelly of his age - then some heavy losses may ensue.
I still think that because of the strength of schedule in the ultra-tough southern conference the VooDoo will not make the play-offs, but they should finish above the Storm, run the other 3 close and create a solid platform for next year.
Simon McGrother is a founding member of ArenaFootballOnline.com, the #1 source for Arena Fantasy Football information, and has been following the Arena Football League for 4 years. Contact Simon at smcgrother@arenafootballonline.com
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