The Tampa Bay Storm (5-4, 3-2) travel to Cleveland (5-3, 3-0) to square off against the Gladiators at Quicken Loans Arena. Kickoff will start at 7:30 PM ET.
Key 1: Bring pressure
The Gladiators have allowed a league low three sacks this season. Eugene Kinlaw recorded a sack in a 69-48 win over Cleveland at the Tampa Times Forum earlier this season. Pernell Phillips has recorded 3.5 sacks over the past three games and currently ranks ninth in sacks on the year. More pressure will likely lead to mistakes by the Gladiators. Although Cleveland has only tossed 11 interceptions and lost three fumbles this season. The Storm needs to bring the pressure to get Cleveland out of their comfort zone.
Key 2: Build off win against Cleveland in Week 6
The 69-48 win over Cleveland back in Week 6 seems like a long time ago, but the Storm can build off the victory. The road has been a tough place to play for the Storm this season. They've lost seven road games in a row dating back to last season. The Storm needs to forget their out of the Tampa Bay Times Forum and just settle in. They need to get the crowd out of the game and need to play up to par. It's just a matter of time before coach Ewart and company get that big win on the road.
Key 3: Get going early
Like mentioned above, the crowd will certainly play a factor in this matchup. The Storm needs to get their offense going early and often to keep the crowd noise down. Playing on the road in Cleveland won't be easy, but the Storm has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to keep up with the Gladiators. Stephen Wasil and the trio of Prechae Rodriguez, Chandler Williams and Amarri Jackson could be too much for the Gladiators defense.