The Orlando Predators have big expectations this season after last year’s division title. The first-round playoff exit certainly left a bitter taste in their mouth too.
Something to stew on for the entire offseason.
Even with the league contracting down to eight teams and the talent within the league reshuffling, the Predators should feel they are in a good place. But there is always pressure and the Predators are not taking anything for granted. Even the most important position on the field.
The Predators announced their 24-man roster as they enter game week this week and it includes three quarterbacks. Incumbent starter Randy Hippeard, six-year pro Bernard Morris and recent signee off the raining camp roster and rookie Chase Cartwright. Knowing how much passing is done in Arena Football the quarterback question is always the biggest one for a team to answer.
As of two weeks ago, Hippeard was taking the starter’s snaps. It is looking like Hippeard will get the starting nod but there is certainly talent behind him.
Hippeard passed for 2,997 yards last year, completing 74.4 percent of his passes with 61 touchdowns against six interceptions. His completion percentage was the best among the league leaders last year, and his touchdown numbers were low because he missed eight weeks after taking a nasty hit against the Spokane Shock.
In the Playoff loss to Jacksonville, Hippeard threw for 287 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions. In that game, those two interceptions proved to be the difference. Jacksonville pulled ahead and the Predators could never get things back.
That is jus one game. And Hippeard proved himself throughout the season to be plenty good on his own.
Still there is plenty of talent behind him should something not work out.
Bernard Morris is an Orlando native, having attended Jones High School, and backed up Hippeard last year. He has a little more mobility in rushing for 272 yards and 15 touchdowns on 55 carries. He has been in the Arena Football League since 2010. He completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 1,687 yards and 32 touchdowns largely stepping in while Hippeard missed eight weeks last year.
Hippeard took all the snaps when he was healthy and should be very comfortable for the Predators. So too should Morris. He has been a dutiful backup for several years.
Then there is that wildcard in Cartwright.
Cartwright is a rookie from Northern Arizona who worked out with the Chicago Bears for the 2015 rookie minicamp. He threw for 2,809 yards and 23 touchdowns, starting five games in his senior year.
Hippeard is the clear favorite to remain the quarterback for the Predators this season. He has a record of success already and will be the linchpin for a team that is looking to win the championship.
The Predators, of course, are awash in talent with the league contracting to eight teams and everyone making the Playoffs. The Predators will be relying heavily on Hippeard and all their quarterbacks to push through that road block from last year.
[…] in the Arena league ultimately comes down to the quarterback though. Hippeard will be the key to the Predators unlocking success and cashing in on the […]