As the UFL Louisville Kings prepare to take on the 2-0 Orlando Storm for the second week in a row, head coach Chris Redman welcomes the chance to “even the score a little bit.”
The Kings Face The Storm In A Rematch
Looking ahead to this week and preparing for a rematch against Anthony Becht’s team, Redman emphasized in the post-game media session, “I have all the confidence in the world in these guys.”
“You learn from your mistakes, and you get better.” He predicted,” I definitely think this team has got the potential to make a big turnaround… and it’s just a matter of us going out and executing, and that’s what we’re going to work on.”
What The Team Will Focus On This Week
Figuring out what worked well and what elements of the game need to change will be crucial to the team’s turnaround.
Establishing a Running Game in The Kings' Offense
One of the keys to a different outcome and winning the rematch will be to find a consistent, strong ground game. Unfortunately, for the second week in a row, the Louisville ground game was missing in action. In Week 2, the Kings put up a total of 26 yards, only 12 of which were attributed to the team’s three running backs, Benny Snell, Jaden Shirden, and Ian Wheeler. It’s hard to grasp why Snell, the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Wheeler, the New Orleans Saints RB, and Shirden, a talented UFL veteran, have only combined for 21 carries for 31 yards in two games.
By comparison, the Storm posted 51 yards on 19 carries last week from All -UFL Team running back Jashaun Corbin. After posting a two-game total of 34 carries for 119 yards and two touchdowns, he continues to be an offensive weapon for Orlando.
Offensive coordinator Steve Logan will be tasked with getting the Kings' running game going. Establishing an effective ground game increases the time of possession and takes the pressure off the passing game. A better-rested defense is more likely to withstand a late-game Storm surge.
The Two-Quarterback System
Following Jason Bean's strong Week 1 performance with 226 passing yards, one touchdown, and one turnover, he earned the starting role. However, in implementing a two-quarterback system approach, the offensive scheme called for Bean to alternate series with Chandler Rogers. The results were a mixed bag.
During the week, Rogers was told he would be going in early and to be ready. During the post-game media session, when asked about his preparation, Chandler responded that he focused on “the concepts, the run game, and taking full advantage of the opportunity.”
A week ago, Bean confidently launched multiple long-range throws and delivered precision passes to his receivers. However, on Saturday night, he struggled offensively, completing only 4/15 passes for 49 yards.
Taking over at quarterback in the third series, Rogers had a solid debut, completing 13/20 passes for 161 yards and one interception. He was the team’s lead rusher with a heads-up scramble that gained 12 yards. Connecting with Kaden Prather, TE Tre’ McKitty, and UFL veteran JaVonta Payton, Rogers demonstrated that he could command the offense with a consistent rhythm.
Asked about Rogers' performance, Redman was full of praise. “Chandler had a great night tonight. For the first time out there, I thought it was a great job. Obviously, we fell a little short, but man, a lot to build on.”
Limiting Costly Penalties
Looking ahead to this week’s rematch, Rogers was asked where he wanted to see improvement.
“For one, operationally, we had too many penalties, especially in the red zone. We had opportunities to score. So, just operationally getting that better…improving communication and getting that cleaned up.”
The Kings had nine penalties for 50 yards. It was an increase from Week 1, when the team had three penalties for 30 yards.
Limiting The Orlando Storm Offense
The Louisville defense played two of the UFL’s top teams, doing an admirable job controlling the offense with key takeaways and impressive stops. Although the Storm took a 9-3 lead at halftime, Jamie Sharper’s defense shut down Orlando in the third. But the Louisville offense was unable to score in the second half, leaving the defense on the field too long, and fatigue set in.
The defense faces an equally tough challenge again this week. Orlando's offense boasts some of the league’s top talent in running back Jashaun Corbin, wide receiver Chris Rowland, and emerging stars Elijhah Badger and K.J. Hamler.
Rowland had eight catches for 54 yards. Badger had four catches for 59 yards and scored a touchdown for the second week in a row. Hamler produced an impressive 41-yard touchdown reception for Orlando.
Riding a two-game winning streak, Storm quarterback Jack Plummer is one of the UFL's hottest signal-callers. In his UFL debut against the Columbus Aviators, Plummer completed 17/22 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He gained 11 yards on the ground. Last week, the Kings' defense held Plummer to 18/23 passes for 182 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and four rushing yards on four carries. One of the game's highlights was Louisville rookie Deantre Prince snagging a stunning endzone interception and running it back 47 yards.
Orlando Storm Defense
All-UFL Team LB Tavante Beckett, who has been on the Orlando injury report the last two weeks, has been practicing in full and appears ready to take the field for the Storm.
In Beckett’s absence, Nate Meadors has been a standout with 12 tackles (six solo) and a pass breakup. Josh Minkens led the team last week with six tackles (four solo). Orlando safety Mishael Powell nabbed a late-game interception off Rogers.
Injury Report and Recent Transactions
Unfortunately, holding off the Orlando defense last week took a toll on the Kings' offensive line. Tackles Leroy Watson and James Tunstill did not practice earlier this week. Guard J.D. DiRenzo had a limited practice on Tuesday.
The Kings may gain some help from the recently acquired Michigan Panthers' offensive lineman, Chim Okorafor. The 6'6", 345 lb. tackle was signed to the Kings earlier this week.
In a late-breaking transaction, the Kings waived safety Kory Chapman and signed spring football veteran quarterback Sam Castranova, who previously played for the USFL Houston Gamblers.
In other transactions, the Kings re-signed former Chicago Bears safety Quindell Johnson after DB Teldrick Ross was placed on IR. Offensive tackle Nathan Gilliam was waived while the team signed DT La Ron Stokes and waived DE Jerome Robinson.
Game Date and Time
The action kicks off Friday night, April 10th, at Lynn Family Stadium. The game will be televised on "FOX UFL Friday" at 8:00 pm ET
Orlando is favored by 3.5 points, with the over/under set at 38.0 to 39.5 points.