by Ryan Asleson

The Minnesota Myth defeated the Philadelphia Soul 47-12 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN, on Sunday, May 5.  It was the Myth’s home opener after losing on the road to the Nashville Kats last week, and the Myth’s first win of the season.  Strangely enough, the score of this week’s Myth victory is the same as the score of the Myth’s loss last week.

These are some of my observations from the game:

• The final score somewhat obscures the fact that both quarterbacks had uneven nights.  Both quarterbacks missed multiple open throws, though perhaps there were communications problems with the receivers.  The Soul quarterback threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns; the first one occurred deep in Myth territory on the last play of the half, when the Soul quarterback was crushed by a charging Myth defensive line.  Quarterback Demry Croft of the Myth lost a fumble on a quarterback option run, and threw an interception on the first play of the second half.
  
• The Myth defense, led by defensive coordinator Jeff Loots, rebounded nicely after giving up 47 points to the Nashville Kats last week.  The Myth defensive line, led by Earl Volz,  was in the Soul backfield all night, hurrying the Soul quarterback’s throws and notching sacks and quarterback knockdowns.  Onte Burns, who appeared to be playing the Jack linebacker position, had two pass deflections.
  
• Early in the game, with the Soul quarterback lined up in the shotgun, the running back was often lined up as a sidecar next to the quarterback, which showed at least a threat that the quarterback could hand off to the running back.  As the game unfolded, the running back was moved to just behind the center/tackle gap to help slow the Myth pass rush.  
  
• Neither quarterback called out a pre-snap cadence, and only started the play by shouting “Go!” to start the play.  Because of that, we know that the quarterbacks are not audibling and changing plays at the line of scrimmage.
  
• On every offensive play, one of the tackles must declare as a tight end by raising his arm as he lines up before the play; this makes him an eligible receiver.  Only one pass was attempted to the tight end by either team, that being the Soul on their two point conversion attempt after their second touchdown near the end of the game.
  
• The Myth had problems long snapping on extra points all night.  Two were completely botched, although backup quarterback Zach Reader, serving as the holder, was able to run one in for a two point conversion.  The other snaps were inconsistent at best.
  
• Zach Reader, the Myth backup quarterback, entered the game with 6:55 left to play, when the game was well out of reach, and promptly led a touchdown drive.