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1. Philadelphia Soul (2-0) | Previous: 2 | Week 2: Beat Chicago 60-49 | Next: vs. New York
The Soul scored 137 points in two weeks and are the most complete team in the AFL right now. The Tony Graziani-to-Chris Jackson duo continues to be explosive, the defense is solid and the special teams are top-notch.
2. Dallas Desperados (2-0) | Previous: 3 | Week 2: Beat Columbus 46-36 | Next: vs. Colorado
The Desperados used a solid defensive effort, especially early in the game, and got solid production from backup quarterback Chris Sanders and receiver Marcus Nash. The defense held Columbus to just 1-of-7 on third down.
3. Los Angeles Avengers (2-0) | Previous: 5 | Week 2: Beat Arizona 65-33 | Next: at Georgia
QB Sonny Cumbie and the Avengers' offense played a solid game, but their defense was the real difference. They made four consecutive stops in the second half to not only stymie Arizona's offense but also give their offense a short field.
4. Tampa Bay Storm (2-0) | Previous: 4 | Week 2: Beat Georgia 69-48 | Next: at New Orleans
QB Brett Dietz played almost a mistake-free game with seven touchdown passes versus a sloppy Force team that could not pressure him. But the real difference was the defense, which produced two interceptions, three tackles for loss and one sack.
5. Chicago Rush (1-1) | Previous: 1 | Week 2: Lost to Philadelphia 69-49 | Next: at Grand Rapids
The usually powerful Rush defense struggled to slow down the hot Soul offense and QB Tony Graziani. QB Sherdrick Bonner played a decent but not great game, and the Rush were exploited in the kicking game.
6. San Jose SaberCats (1-1) | Previous: 6 | Week 2: Beat Grand Rapids 66-58 | Next: vs. Arizona
The SaberCats survived a scare at Grand Rapids after falling behind by two touchdowns early; they came back in the second half behind QB Mark Grieb and a strong defensive pass rush that frustrated the Rampage.
7. Cleveland Gladiators (2-0) | Previous: 8 | Week 2: Beat Utah 66-63 | Next: at Columbus
The surprising Gladiators continue to play exciting offensive football and are getting excellent production from QB Raymond Philyaw. They have some work to do on their pass defense, but this is a fun team to watch.
8. Colorado Crush (1-0) | Previous: 9 | Week 2: Bye | Next: at Dallas
The Crush had an early week off but now face one of the two best teams in the AFL. Dallas is playing smart offense and opportunistic defense, and Colorado must play nearly a mistake-free game on both sides of the ball if it hopes to win.
9. Georgia Force (0-2) | Previous: 7 | Week 2: Lost to Tampa Bay 69-48 | Next: vs. Los Angeles
The Force were sloppy, with 14 penalties, two interceptions and two lost fumbles. They could not control the Tampa Bay defense, which forced three turnovers and had a key defensive stop. The much-publicized Force pass rush did not produce a sack; this team is not in sync yet.
10. Orlando Predators (0-2) | Previous Rank: 11 | Week 2: Lost to New Orleans 54-53 | Next: vs. Utah
This is a game the Predators should have won, but they let it get away. The New Orleans defense made plays late in the game and Orlando did not. Plus, 11 penalties, two interceptions and two fumbles didn't help. Finally, where is the defensive pressure?
11. Arizona Rattlers (1-1) | Previous: 10 | Week 2: Lost to Los Angeles 65-33 | Next: at San Jose
The Rattlers' offense could not convert in the second half as the Los Angeles defense controlled the tempo with a pass rush that produced five sacks, five tackles for loss and two interceptions. And it's hard to win when you commit 11 penalties.
12. New Orleans VooDoo (1-1) | Previous: 15 | Week 2: Beat Orlando 54-53 | Next: vs. Tampa Bay
The VooDoo shocked division rival Orlando with an excellent defensive fourth quarter, led by two interceptions and a key pass breakup. They also got a solid game out of backup quarterback Danny Wimprine and stopped an Orlando two-point conversion to seal the win at the end.
13. New York Dragons (1-1) | Previous: 16 | Week 2: Beat Kansas City 50-47 | Next: at Philadelphia
The Dragons surprised Kansas City and did it with a solid passing game led by QB Rohan Davey. Also, a good defensive effort, led by DB Billy Parker, produced six defensive stops. It was a solid character win for New York.
14. Columbus Destroyers (0-2) | Previous: 12 | Week 2: Lost to Dallas 46-36 | Next: vs. Cleveland
Columbus really struggled early and never could dig out of the hole as the Dallas defense dominated with key stops all game long. The Destroyers were only 1-of-7 on third-down conversions, but at least they played better in the second half.
15. Grand Rapids Rampage (0-1) | Previous: 17 | Week 2: Lost to San Jose 66-58 | Next: vs. Chicago
The Rampage made it interesting by really pushing the AFL champs to the edge, but they just couldn't stop QB Mark Grieb and San Jose's versatile pass offense. QB Adrian McPherson was really bothered by the SaberCats' pass-rush pressure.
16. Kansas City Brigade (0-2) | Previous: 13 | Week 2: Lost to New York 50-47 | Next: Bye
QB John Fitzgerald threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns and continues to show his mobility (he scrambled for another three scores). But six defensive stops by the New York defense hurt. Another crushing stat: The Brigade were only 4-of-12 on third- and fourth-down conversions.
17. Utah Blaze (0-2) | Previous: 14 | Week 2: Lost to Cleveland 66-63 | Next: vs. Tampa Bay
The promise of an improved Blaze defense continues to be a mirage as the Gladiators and Raymond Philyaw picked them apart. QB Joe Germaine put up great numbers, but this is the same old story. Utah must win games with offensive shootouts, and that won't work every week in this league.
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