Talons out officiated, lose to Dallas 55-48

Well that was just about the worst officiated game I have ever seen. Yet, the Talons were still in it at the end.

The officials allowed Dallas to have their way with Talons receivers all night and allowed multiple late hits on Allgood. As such, the Talons offense was out of rhythm most of the game. Allgood went just 25-52 but threw 5 TDs and no interceptions. Troy McBroom was held beneath 100 yards for the first time, in like, forever.

However, down 21 at one point, the defense held their ground. Forcing a couple of turnover on downs and J.C. Neal added another 12 yards to his INT return yardage. Down 48-55, with less than half a minute left, the Talons defense was able to force a fumble and give the Talons offense one last chance to tie the game up. Will 11 seconds left Allgood threw to Trent Shelton at about the 10 yard line. Trent was jarred before the ball got there, and appeared to be facemasked. But there was no laundry on the field. The Talons took one more shot at the endzone that was batted away from Troy McBroom. At the end of it the Talons lost.

Both Utah and Spokane won this week, leaving the Talons one game out of the playoffs. The Talons also slid 3 games behind Dallas. Next week the Talons travel to Iowa.

Dallas Vigilantes at Tulsa Talons: Pregame Primer

vs.

Dallas Vigilantes (8-5, 3-4 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (6-7, 3-3 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 230.2 (16th), Vigilantes – 266.6 (11th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 47.5 (1st), Vigilantes – 46.2 (2nd)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 281.5 (8th), Vigilantes – 319.0 (18th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a strong road win over the Philadelphia Soul last Friday. Justin Allgood over the last couple of weeks has just been outstanding.

Dallas coming in: The Vigilantes had a strong victory over the Iowa Barnstormers last Saturday.

THE MATCHUP

Dallas is a team that has struggled on the road this season. Dallas QB Dan Raudabaugh has been on and off throughout the season. On top of that, the Vigilantes give up more yards than any other team in the league.

QB Justin Allgood has not thrown a pick in two games now. His timing with the receiving corps is improving as well. Troy McBroom is looking to be even better than Donovan Morgan last year. If the Talons continue to click, it will be hard for Dallas to stop them.

On Defense, J.C. Neal has become a force to be reckoned with. Neal is currently 10th all time in INT return yards in a season. If the Talons can get some pressure, Raudabaugh is a QB that will make mistakes. The front line will need to stay on their heels however as Vigilantes FB Derrick Ross is probably the best FB in the league.

With a win, the Talons would move one game behind the Vigilantes for the 3 seed in the Playoffs.

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

YouTube Tuesday - June 21, 2011

Way back in Week 2 the Talons lost to the Dallas Vigilantes, but that was when Bobby Reid was QB and before the Talons picked up Troy McBroom. See what Vigilantes coach Clint Dolezel said after the win:

Offensive Miscues trip Talons, fall to Dallas 64-40

While competitive through the half, the Talons fall apart offensively in the second half to the Dallas Vigilantes. The Vigilantes had jumped up 14 on the Talons quickly as the the Talons turned the ball over on downs on their opening drive. This began the hole that the Talons nearly crawled out of.

After taking a 21-6 lead the Vigilantes attempted an onside kick to catch the Talons off guard. Fred Shaw recognized this quickly grabbing the kick and running it in to bring the Talons within 8. This started a momentum swing to Tulsa. On the ensuing drive, the Talon DB Jeremy Gray picked off Dallas QB Dan Raudabaugh. Bobby Reid then found Brian Copeland diving in the endzone for touchdown. A great run by Jamar Ransom would give the Talons the two point conversion and tie the game at 21. The teams would trade touchdowns until the half, leaving the Talons behind 35-33.

Coming out after halftime the Talons offense looked lost. On the first two drives the Talons turned the ball over on downs. The Talons only break came on a missed field goal attempt by the Vigilantes, which even then left WR Trent Shelton injured for most of the game. The Talons would bring the game within two at 42-40 after an outstanding rushing TD by Bobby Reid before the Vigilantes just pulled away to win 64-40.

The one thing that can be said about this game is that the offensive line needs work. The line committed several false start penalties and gave up several sacks, including a safety. Without time to throw, Reid looked panicked and shaken. However, in addition to line problems, the offense seemed to lack diversity. Everything was underneath throws or runs by Bobby Reid. Mitch Allner rarely let the team air it out and stretch the field.

The defense looked, at times, improved from last week. The DBs closed quickly on receivers and the front men put decent pressure on Raudabaugh. However, the defense still allowed Dallas to air the ball out by being slightly behind the receiver and out of position.

The Talons have a real test next week as the Arizona Rattlers come to town. The game kicks off on Monday, March 28th at 6:00 PM CST at the BOK Center.

Mid-Season AFL Expansion Rumors

With the season half-over there are lots of rumors circulating about possible teams expanding and/or leaving the AFL. It looks like there will be 5-6 teams joining the league next year and I want to take a look at the possibilities.

Possible Expansion Cities (by likelihood):

1. Philadelphia, PA

The most likely of all the expansion talks is Philadelphia. This has been mentioned since day one. The only thing that was scary was the Tampa Bay Storm Radio reported on Twitter that there were some hangups with bringing the Soul back. However, there are rumors that the hangups have been solved. Possibility 95%

2. San Jose, CA

San Jose has been a historic franchise in the AFL. However, when the league reformed this year, workers compensation law scared the league away from California. As the league and San Jose (along with some changes to California WC law) have come to terms, this is looking more and more likely. Possibility 90%

3. Kansas City, KS

When the league was forming this year Kansas City was one of the 20 cities looking to join. However, certain things kept KC out. In addition to certain rumors I will talk about below, the league seems to want to have KC in the league. Not only were they a good fan base in the old AFL, it also makes sense geographically. KC sits perfectly between Tulsa and Des Moines, making regional travel very easy. This will help keep costs down for the league. Possibility 85%

4. Pittsburg, PA

The workers town of the USA. Rumors have been floating about this city for awhile now. It would make sense too. It's perfect for the region and the type of city where the AFL should flourish. Possibility 75%

5. Los Angeles, CA

LA was talked about in conjunction with San Jose. However, the biggest roadblock to the return of professional football to the City of Angels is finding a venue. The best thing they could do is put the team in Anaheim. Possibility 60%

6. Denver, CO

The Crush were a solid long-term franchise of the AFL, mainly due to involvement from John Elway. However, in the current league they are in a somewhat remote market. They could make a good addition to the West who are already spread out. Possibility 35%

7. San Antonio, TX

It has been rumored that San Antonio is hungry for a team. However, their first stint with a team in 1992 ended in the same year. The San Antonio Force was the first team shut out in the AFL. If the city is really wanting to join the AFL I can see it happening, but not next year. Possibility 20%

Possible Franchise Closing/Moving/Changing

1. Dallas Vigilantes

This rumor surprised me when I first heard about it, but it seems to make sense, but in a round about way. Rumors are that Jerry Jones wants to return to the AFL and bring the Desperados back with him. To do so, his "Franchise Fee" would be used to move the Vigilantes to Kansas City and be rebranded as the Brigade. Jerry Jones can fill seats in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, so if he really does want to come back it will happen.

2. Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz

The Yard Dawgz have been struggling with attendance (and wins). This is most likely due to the Thunder and NBA owning that city right now. If they don't think they can improve this would be a very likely closure.

3. Utah Blaze

The Blaze have been struggling all season with attendance. If they can't get a deal to get into an arena in downtown this team could fold just because their current arena doesn't pull in a crowd.

4. Bossier-Shreveport

This is something that has been rumbled but no specifics at all. The ownership seems to support the team, even as they fail to make money. But with the increased costs in the AFL who knows how long that will last.

How I see the league looking next year:

South Division:

Alabama Vipers

Jacksonville Sharks

Tampa Bay Storm

Orlando Predators

Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings

Southwest Division (maybe renamed to Central):

Tulsa Talons

Dallas Desperados

Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz

Kansas City Brigade

Iowa Barnstormers

Midwest Division

Milwaukee Iron

Chicago Rush

Cleveland Gladiators

Philadelphia Soul

Pittsburg

Western Division

Spokane Shock

Arizona Rattlers

Utah Blaze

San Jose Sabercats

Anaheim (Avengers)

Talons v. Vigilantes NFL Network game bumped

Today it was announced that the NFL Network would be exercising their Flex Scheduling to switch games on June 11, 2010. The original game was suppose to be the Tulsa Talons at the Dallas Vigilantes; a great matchup from week 2. In it's place the Tampa Bay Storm at Alabama Vipers game will be moved from Saturday to Friday night. This will be Alabama's only scheduled appearance on the NFL Network this season.

While congratulations are in order for the Vipers getting an NFL Network game, the decision sheds doubt on future games, including the only other Talons NFL Network appearance, week 18 at the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. With OKC struggling, the NFL Network may look for a more competitive game to fill that date.

However, it does open up the possibility of the NFL Network Flexing to the Tulsa Talons v. Spokane Shock game in early July. There is a large amount of rivalry between the Shock and Talons. In addition, it would be a matchup of (most likely) two division leaders.

What do you think of the NFL Flexing the Dallas game and future possibilities? Let us know by leaving a comment!

YouTube Tuesday - May 25th, 2010

In honor of the firing of Rich Ingold as Dallas's coach yesterday we have some highlights from the Jackonsville Sharks/Dallas Vigilantes game this past weekend:

Vigilantes QB Shane Stafford placed on IR

After a forced fumble on a sack Saturday night, Dallas QB Shane Stafford was slow to get up and had to hobble off the field. Stafford continued to play for the remained of the game but was sacked two more times. That was seemingly too much for the QB.

Reportedly, Stafford broke his ankle. Yesterday he underwent surgery and will be out for an estimated three months, essentially ending his season. Today Dallas placed Stafford on Injured Reserve. Dallas has signed QB B.J. Hall, who went to Tampa's training camp, to back up Collin Drafts.

Collin Drafts played for Charleston Southern where he averaged about 2,500 yards a season. Collin has played in the af2 (the former AFL's developmental league) for the last couple of seasons with Green Bay and Amarillo.

This is a huge blow to Dallas as they prepare to face a very strong Tampa Bay team this week.

Live Coverage of Vigilantes-Talons Game 4/10/2010

For today's game I will be having live updates via my twitter feed (as shown below). If you aren't doing anything tonight be sure to get to the BOK Center for some great Talons football!

• Dallas players and Tulsa players still gettin into it in the parking lot. This is gonna be a serious rivalry...about 10 hours ago
• BALLGAME! Tulsa Talons defeat Dallas Vigilantes 63-59!!!!! about 11 hours ago
• Talons TD! Extra is good! Talons LEAD with 29 seconds left! about 11 hours ago
• Another Stafford fumble! Talons ball on Dallas 1! about 11 hours ago
• TD run by Allgood. 2pt successful to Spiderman! Talons trail by 3, 56-59 with 2:45 to go. about 11 hours ago
• Another roughing the passer. Dallas Vigilantes are nothing but Thugs. @BigDVigilantes@Vigilantesfc about 11 hours ago
• TD Dallas. Extra is good. Vigilantes lead 48-59 with 6:39 to go. about 11 hours ago
• Talons TD! Extra good! Cuts lead to 4! Talons trail 48-52 with 10:22 left in the game! about 11 hours ago
• Dallas TD. Vigilantes lead 52-41 with 11:33 left in the game. about 11 hours ago
• End of 3rd. Talons trail 45-41. about 11 hours ago
• Sack! Stafford limping! Fumble! Talons recover and return for TD! Extra is good! Vigilantes lead 45-41! Back within 4! about 12 hours ago
• Insane catch by Spiderman! TD Talons, extra no good. Dallas leads 45-34 with 6:17 left in the 3rd.about 12 hours ago
• Touchdown Dallas. Extra is good. Vigilantes lead 45-28 with 8:49 left in 3rd. about 12 hours ago
• Touchdown! Allgood to Spiderman! Extra good. Talons trail 38-28 with 10 min left in 3rd Q. Allgood now franchise leader in career TDs! about 12 hours ago
• Dallas TD. Extra is good. Vigilantes lead 38-21 with 11:47 left in the 3rd quarter. about 12 hours ago
• Halfcap: Tulsa looks shakey, Dallas looks like thugs. about 12 hours ago
• Dallas FG at the half, they lead 21-31. about 12 hours ago
• Tough interception by Dallas. about 12 hours ago
• Sack and missed fieldgoal! Talons ball with 25 second left in half. Dallas leads 28-21 about 12 hours ago
• Onside! Recovery by Talons but did not go 10 yards. Dallas ball. about 12 hours ago
• Touchdown Talons! Extra is good! Dallas leads 28-21 with 54 second left in the half. about 12 hours ago
• 4th down TD by Dallas. Extra good. Dallas leads 28-14. about 12 hours ago
• Touchdown on Hughley rush. Extra is good. Dallas leads 21-14 with 7:09 left in half. about 13 hours ago
• Touchdown Dallas. Extra good. Dallas leads 21-7 with 9:35 to go in half. about 13 hours ago
• Talons go 3 and out to start 2nd Quarter. about 13 hours ago
• To end first quarter Dallas TD, false start on the extra. Extra is good. Dallas leads 14-7. about 13 hours ago
• On kickoff big return by Dallas followed by another near brawl. about 13 hours ago
• Touchdown throw to Ransom. On celebration Dallas almost starts a brawl. Extra is good! All tied up at 7-7 with 2:41 left in the 1st. about 13 hours ago
• Big kickoff return by Jeff Hughley to Dallas 21! about 13 hours ago
• Touchdown on a Dallas rush. Extra is good, Talons trail 0-7 with 5:30 left in the 1st. about 13 hours ago
• Talons get first sack of the season! about 13 hours ago
• Talons turnover on downs at the Dallas 3. about 13 hours ago
• Dallas kicksoff to start the game out of bounds, Tulsa starts at 20. about 13 hours ago
• Just got to Baxters to park, waiting on a couplr of people then walking to the BOK. about 15 hours ago

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Preseason Game for Charity March 21st

Last Week the Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings announced they will be having a preseason game on March 21st against the Dallas Vigilantes. All tickets for the game will be $10.00 with $5.00 of that going to help with Haiti relief. At the moment there is no word whether the game will be broadcast on NiftyTV or by any other outlet. I encourage anyone in the Shreveport area to check out the game for a great kickoff to the new AFL and for the great charity the event is going towards.

Check out the entire press release here.

YouTube Tuesday - March 2, 2010

This week we have the promotional video for Talons division rivals, the Dallas Vigilantes. In the AFL the old Dallas franchise was named the Desperados. Due to some legal issues the owners decided to change the name and recently uploaded this video to promote the new team name:




To find out more about the Dallas Vigilantes visit dallasvigilantes.com