The Storm (6-5, 3-2) head to Jacksonville to take on the defending ArenaBowl Champion Jacksonville Sharks (5-5, 2-2) in a South Division showdown. The kickoff starts at 7:00 PM.
Key 1: Put up plenty of points
The Sharks have lost two of its highest scoring games this season. The Storm were able to edge out Jacksonville in a Week Three matchup in Tampa Bay. The Sharks are third in the AFL in points allowed per game (49.7). Bernard Morris took over for injured quarterback Omar Jacobs a couple weeks ago for the Sharks and has done a solid job. Morris hasn't thrown an interception in the past two games. With that being said, the Storm need to come out early and score points. It could be very hard for the Sharks to keep up with them if they put up a lot of points in this one.
Key 2: Protect Wasil
When Storm's quarterback Stephen Wasil gets proper protection from his offensive line he can make things happen. The offensive line for the Storm has allowed 17 sacks, which is tied for eighth in the AFL. It's especially important for the Storm to protect Wasil this week because the Sharks front four has been impressive thus far this season. Aaron Robbins and Scooter Berry lead the Sharks defensive front with a combined 12.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. The unit ranks fourth in the AFL with 20.0 sacks. In order to put up points against this stingy Sharks defense the Storm must give Wasil the proper protection up front.
Key 3: Force turnovers
The Storm have forced 25 turnovers this season, but only three of those have come on the road. Frisner Nelson led the Storm defensive line last week which recorded a season-high five sacks last week against Milwaukee. In order to get that first win on the road, the Storm have to force turnovers. It could be tough against Sharks QB Bernard Morris, who is second in the AFL in rushing yards despite only appearing in six games this season. Three times in the series between these two teams the Storm have knocked out the Sharks starting QB. Unfortunately the backup came in and led ths Sharks to victory in two of those games. However, this time if the Storm can knock out Morris they could come away with its seventh victory of the season.