[bears9]

1. What did we learn about the new Jack rule in Week 1? For those of you that watched Chicago beat San Jose on Monday night, there was one play that really demonstrated the new rule. In the 4th quarter, Mark Grieb moved a little to his left and then threw the ball to the other sideline. Guess who was there? Yes, Mr. Playmaker and Ironman of the Week DeJuan Alfonzo. He was able to get to the sideline and get the pick. That play never happens last year. We will keep an eye on it.

2. West Coast Action. Los Angeles at Arizona. Big early season game. Avengers Head Coach, Ed Hodgkiss has improved his team’s offense with the addition of Timon Marshall, who had a very productive game vs. New Orleans. Arizona is coming off an impressive win at Utah. WR Kevin Nickerson had over 300 all-purpose yards. Can the Snake Pit rock again like the old days? Don’t miss this one on Monday night on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET.

3. Two QBs Needed. We were reminded once again how quickly things can change with an injury. One missed assignment has Dallas QB Clint Dolezel on the bench for 4-6 weeks - can back-up QB Chris Sanders come in and keep Dallas winning? For New York, Rohan Davey has some experience, but he will be taking on a hungry Kansas City team that is coming off a heart-breaking loss at home. In my opinion, the QB position in Arena Football is more important than any position in any team sport played anywhere in the world. The hard part is keeping them healthy.

4. Everybody Loves Raymond. Cleveland QB Raymond Philyaw has a unique style. He has had success with 4 different teams. He is very efficient, taking what the defense gives him and putting up great numbers. First week: QB rating of 131.6, which ranks #2 in the AFL. Smart move by Head Coach Mike Wilpolt and offensive coordinator Brian Partlow to bring Raymond to Cleveland. They all worked together in Indiana, so this might be a team to keep your eye on.

5. Southern Division Clash. Georgia at Tampa Bay. One thought Georgia found a new star at WR in Brent Holmes (156 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns), but waived him yesterday in favor of WR Willis Marshall. Tampa Bay has one of the best young QBs in the AFL with Brett Dietz. Dietz has taken a remarkable path to being a starter in the AFL. He played in a pro league in Finland. Yes, Finland. He is a great example of doing whatever it takes to follow your dreams. Georgia has a terrific defense and they will be desperate to avoid going 0-2.

6. First Look at Grand Rapids. New Head Coach Steve Thonn has consistently been one of the best offensive coordinators in the AFL. He was awesome in Dallas and Georgia. He was long overdue to get another chance as a head coach. QB questions will define this team. And opening up against San Jose is not going to be easy. I wish Coach Thonn and his staff, which includes one of the best people I have ever known in the AFL, Darrin Kenny, a lot of success. Back in 2001, Grand Rapids was one of the most difficult places to play. I hope to see Van Andel Arena packed again.

7. Ironman Football. With the free substitution rule coming in a year ago, true Ironman football in the AFL was going to be a thing of the past. Not so quick. Due to an injury in the first half of Philadelphia’s win over Orlando, Soul WR/DB/KR Mike Brown, played almost every play in the second half, including a kickoff return for a touchdown. Well done, Mike. It was a reminder of why many people fell in love with the AFL.

8. Game of the Week. National Conference vs. American Conference. Philadelphia at Chicago. I could write a whole column about this game. Let’s start with the QBs. Tony Graziani vs. Sherdrick Bonner. These two guys are great friends. Bonner and Graziani were with the Atlanta Falcons together and Bonner told Graz how much he loved playing Arena Football. So, when Graz was looking for a job, Bonner put Graz in touch with the Avengers. Pretty cool, eh? Two lefties, both eventually bound for the AFL Hall of Fame. Who was better in Week 1? By the numbers, Graz wins that argument with a team record 9 TDs, but Bonner has the overall trump card with two championship rings.

9. Now to the Wide Receivers. Chris Jackson vs. Damian Harrell. Wow. Talk about star power. You could easily make a case for either guy as the best WR in the AFL. Seeing them on the field together should bring fireworks to Allstate Arena. Larry Brackins may be a part of that conversation in the years to come.

10. Now to the Coaches. Bret Munsey vs. Mike Hohensee. Hohensee has the experience and he has the ring. Munsey is one of the best young coaches in the AFL. He has taken the Soul to the playoffs two consecutive years. Their players both play hard, physical football. Philadelphia has never won in Chicago. Both teams looked awesome in Week 1. Looking for a prediction? Not from me. May the best team win.

10 Things to Look For in Week 2 - ArenaFootball.com — The Official Web site of the Arena Football League AFL