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Loss Doesn't Deter Storm

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By ADAM ADKINS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 22, 2008

TAMPA - There were some things that happened Thursday night in the Tampa Bay Storm's scrimmage with rival Orlando that didn't make Storm coach Tim Marcum very happy.

But most most of what transpired during Tampa Bay's 42-35 loss to the Predators at the St. Pete Times Forum gave Marcum reason to smile.

At the top of the list was the fact Tampa Bay got through the scrimmage unscathed, with no significant injuries taking place. And right behind that was the play of the offense, which was down three of its primary weapons and still managed to score touchdowns on five of eight possessions, and the starting defensive line, which put some pressure on Predators starting quarterback Shane Stafford.

"We've got receivers Terrill Shaw, Sedrick Robinson and Hank Edwards sitting on the sideline. Those are three of the four guys we'll keep. That hurts your offense. But I thought we worked the ball down the field and did some things," Marcum said. "Defensively we had a pretty good pass rush. Our No. 1's put the pressure on Stafford.

"The score, it is what it is. You can't really keep score in one of these things. ... But overall the hitting was good, the hustle was good and I was pleased with the outing."

Storm quarterback Brett Dietz had a much better performance than in last week's intra-squad scrimmage in which he completed just 53 percent of his passes (16 of 30) and threw three interceptions.

Dietz completed nine of 14 passing for 72 yards and led the first-team offense on touchdown drives on each of his possessions against Orlando's first-team defense. Dietz threw one interception, but Orlando fumbled the ball on the return and the Storm recovered. He then made good on his second chance, throwing his lone score on fourth down to former Tampa Bay Tech standout Tyrone Timmons on his final play.

"Our offensive line play was great tonight," Dietz said. "They gave me plenty of time, especially with B.J Cohen, one of the top defensive linemen in the league, on the other side of the ball."
Timmons had arguably the biggest night among Storm receivers, hauling in five passes for 64 yards and two scores, the second one a 23-yarder from third-string quarterback Mitch Tanney on the scrimmage's final play. It was Tampa Bay's longest play of the night.

Reporter Adam Adkins can be reached at (813) 657-4533 or aadkins@tampatrib.com. Keyword: Storm Report for the latest news from training camp as Tampa Bay continues preparing for the 2008 season.

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